JAMAICA TO SIGN CARICOM AGREEMENT ON SHARING OF RECOVERED ASSETS
Chief Technical Director (CTD) in the ministry, Rohan Richards said the agreement will also facilitate the provision of assistance to victims of money laundering and increased financing for regional security institutions.
He was speaking during the recent Asset Recovery Inter-Agency Network of the Caribbean (ARIN-CARIB) annual general meeting at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort in St James.
“Jamaica’s signing of the regional agreement is expected to complement legislation the ministry is pursuing to implement; an asset recovery incentivisation scheme,” Richards said. “This scheme will allow those agencies that work to combat money laundering to be able to utilise a portion of the funds recovered in order to improve their capacity and operational effectiveness,” he explained.
The CTD said this is expected to enable agencies, such as the Financial Investigations Division (FID), “to successfully pursue more criminals under the proceeds of crime Act.” https://www.caribbeannewsglobal.com/jamaica-to-sign-caricom-agreement-on-sharing-of-recovered-assets/
CAYMAN ISLANDS REPRESENTED AT UK’S LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (CNS) – André Ebanks, the Cayman Islands London representative, and Cayman finance chief executive (CEO) Jude Scott attended the UK Labour Party Conference in Brighton this week to promote the idea of tax neutrality among a rather hostile group, while their ministry and private sector colleagues were rubbing shoulders with royalty and wealth in Monaco. This is the first time the Cayman Islands government has organised an event at the Labour conference, it provided an opportunity to speak with those still skeptical about the offshore sector here.
A fringe event to discuss methods of taxation, including Cayman’s tax-neutral regime, was hosted by the Cayman delegation and moderated by Prospect Magazine. The event involved a chaired discussion between Catherine West, MP for Hornsey; Wood Green in Greater London, and Scott.
Officials stated in a release that Scott outlined the facts about tax neutrality for the audience of Labour supporters and clarified Cayman’s process for verifying and sharing ownership information versus self-reporting public registers.
“I was very pleased that the Cayman Islands government office in the UK presented the opportunity to engage with such a well-respected MP in this forum; a lot of good even-handed dialogue and discussion took place,” Scott said. “We were able to reinforce the great track record and the benefits of our tax neutral regime globally to a traditionally doubtful audience. The conversation today was balanced and informed, and I was pleased to be able to neutralise some of the historic scepticism.” https://www.caribbeannewsglobal.com/cayman-islands-represented-at-uks-labour-party-conference/
“REMARKABLE” IS HOW FORMER IMF CHIEF DESCRIBED JAMAICA
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, has praised Jamaica for the “remarkable” accomplishments under its financial arrangements with the Fund, which have now concluded.
“Through two programmes, two different administrations with very strong commitment, you have managed to actually create jobs, to reduce the unemployment level to the lowest ever, you’ve reduced debt by 50 percentage points of gross domestic product (GDP), you’ve managed to stabilize inflation and you’ve managed to accumulate reserves,” she said in a recorded message.
The message was played during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister earlier this week as the IMF completes its sixth and final review mission under the Precautionary Stand-By Arrangement (SBA).
Lagarde said the achievements were not only due to good macroeconomic policies but due largely “to your own creativity, the way you have managed to embark everybody on that journey”. http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/regional/remarkable-is-how-former-imf-chief-described-jamaica/
INTER-AMERICAN MEETING OF CULTURE TO TAKE PLACE IN BARBADOS
WASHINGTON, September 16, 2019 — The VIII Inter-American Meeting of Ministers of Culture and Highest Appropriate Authorities will be held this Thursday, September 19 and Friday, September 20 in Bridgetown, Barbados, under the slogan: “Strengthening the Creative Economy and Culture Sector: Repositioning the Culture Sector to Secure Sustainable Development,” the Organization of American States (OAS) announced on its website
The meeting, which will be held at the Hilton Barbados Hotel, will provide a forum on strengthening the creative economy and the culture sector, and the importance of cultural data collection and measurement as critical elements to support evidence-based policy design and to advocate for the allocation of public and private resources to the sector.
“In addition, the meeting will address issues related to the contribution of women to culture, enhancing the capacity of businesses and enterprises in the creative economy, opportunities to strengthen the links between tourism of cultural heritage and other sectors, among other topics,” the OAS website noted. “Moreover, the meeting will provide an opportunity to exchange information on initiatives undertaken by regional and international organizations regarding the establishment of indicators highlighting culture’s contribution to sustainable development.”
The event will be opened by the OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro; the Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports of Barbados, MP John King; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports of Barbados, Jehu Wiltshire on Thursday, September 19 at 9:00 EDT (13:00 GMT).
(SOUCE: OAS website)
JAMAICAN-AMERICAN CONGRESSWOMAN WANTS BAHAMIAN REFUGEES PROTECTED
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Caribbean American Democratic Congresswoman, Yvette D. Clarke, has introduced legislation aimed at providing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Bahamian nationals, recovering from the effects of Hurricane Dorian that swept through the archipelago a week ago killing at least 50 people and causing widespread damage in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, along with fellow Caribbean Caucus Co-Chair Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, as well as Congresswoman Barbara Lee introduced the measure late Tuesday.
Plaskett is the delegate to the United States House of Representatives from the US Virgin Islands’s at-large congressional district, while Lee represents California’s 13th Congressional District in Congress.
“My legislation – the TPS for Victims of Hurricane Dorian Act – will help provide some respite in America for people whose lives have been drastically impacted by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas,” Clarke told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
“When life throws a massive curveball, Americans stand up to help those who have fallen on bad luck,” added Clarke, chair of Immigration Task Force for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).
“As a Caribbean-American myself, my heart hurts for those whose lives have changed as they know it back home in the Caribbean. My legislation will assist in easing these folks’ new reality as a result of the devastation they’ve experienced from Hurricane Dorian,” she said. http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/regional-intl-news/jamaican-american-congresswoman-wants-bahamian-refugees-protected/
BAHAMAS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
NASSAU, The Bahamas — With guests queuing up on the dock at Sandals Royal Bahamian here, before boarding a boat for a trip out yesterday, it was business as usual at the resort that was untouched by the tentacles of Hurricane Dorian.
In fact, a similar scene of hotel guests enjoying their vacation could be expected at Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, as that resort, too, was not affected by the category five storm that lashed two islands in the archipelago last week.
Except for Grand Bahama and Great Abaco, which are located in northern Bahamas, the rest of The Bahamas was spared the wrath of the monster hurricane that left at least 50 dead — a number that is expected to increase as search and recovery operations continue.
After taking the guests on their boat ride, Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resorts and Offshore Islands General Manager Surinder Kahlon sat down with the Jamaica Observer and made an impassioned plea.
“[For] the economy of The Bahamas, tourism is the biggest thing, so we sincerely appreciate the good wishes, the prayers and donations that have been made — and I mean it has been tremendous, not only the responses from our guests but everyone — but the most important thing now is for the tourism to continue, for the guests to come, because that is the driving agent.
“We need them to come, so we want them to know that neither the central nor the southern Bahamas was affected in any which way [by Hurricane Dorian]. Things are operating as normal, so please do come,” Kahlon said. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/bahamas-open-for-business_174519?profile=1606
DORIAN: PM SAYS SAINT LUCIA EXPECTING THE WORST, ANNOUNCES 6PM SHUTDOWN
SAINT LUCIA — Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has announced a Monday 6.00 pm shutdown of the country as Dorian approaches.
“We are expecting the worst,” Chastanet told reporters following a pre-strike meeting of the National Emergency Management Advisory Committee (NEMAC).
He reminded citizens that Saint Lucia is now on a hurricane watch.
“Recent times have taught us that we should not attempt to model or predict the behaviour of any of these hurricanes because it remains very unpredictable,” he told the news conference following the NEMAC meeting.
The PM recalled that storms have suddenly changed course and others have strengthened considerably.
“In 2017 we saw that in just a matter of 7 hours a category 1 hurricane went to a category 5 hurricane before it hit the Island of Dominica,” he stated.
“We are predicting at this point that the hurricane is going to pass South of Saint Lucia – a very narrow channel. That means it could move either North of that position or South of that position,” Chastanet disclosed. https://stluciatimes.com/dorian-pm-says-saint-lucia-expecting-the-worst-announces-6-00-pm-shutdown/
CARIBBEAN STUDENTS ON TWO-WEEK INTERNSHIP AT HUAWEI
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Ten students will be embarking on a two-week internship at technology company, Huawei, in China, through the Huawei ‘Seeds for the Future 2019’ internship programme.
The programme seeks to develop local ICT talent, enhance knowledge transfer, promote greater understanding of, and interest in the ICT sector as well as improve and encourage regional building and participation in the digital community.
The departure ceremony for the students was held on Thursday (August 22), at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, in Kingston.
Students selected are from The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus and the University of Technology (UTech) computer science programmes, and are the third cohort to participate in the internship programme, which will last from September 4 to 21.
The third and fourth-year students will study cutting-edge information and telecommunication technologies at the Huawei headquarters in Shenzhen.
In her remarks at the ceremony, Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams, lauded Huawei for the initiative, noting that it is a testament to the enduring friendship between Jamaica and China. https://jis.gov.jm/students-on-two-week-internship-at-huawei/
U.S. VICE PRESIDENT PENCE PRAISES JAMAICA’S PRIME MINISTER HOLNESS FOR HIS “OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP”
WASHINGTON, D.C — United States Vice-President Mike Pence has lauded Prime Minister Andrew Holness for his outstanding leadership of Jamaica and, by extension, the Caribbean region, the Jamaica Gleaner reported August 23.
“I want to thank the prime minister of Jamaica for his strong leadership of his country and in the Caribbean Community,” Pence said at the swearing-in ceremony of the seventeenth US ambassador to Jamaica, Donald Tapia, at the White House on Tuesday.
“I also want to thank Jamaica for its strong leadership at the Organization of American states (OAS), as both countries (US and Jamaica) work towards advancing key priorities from improving security, law and enforcement, public health and energy development. These corporations have benefited both countries,” he added.
Pence said that the US and Jamaica are natural partners, noting that both countries share cultural and economic ties as well as the core beliefs in free government and the rule of law. He offered that given the strong alliance, both nations will continue to work towards strengthening the bond. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20190823/us-vice-president-salutes-holness-pence-tapia-look-towards-stronger
RUSSIA DEEPENS VENEZUELA TIES WITH NAVAL VISITS
MOSCOW — Defense chiefs of Russia and Venezuela have signed an agreement overseeing visits by warships of both nations to each other’s ports amid persistent US efforts to undermine the government in Caracas.
The military agreement was signed in Moscow on Thursday between Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his visiting Venezuelan counterpart Vladimir Padrino Lopez, the Interfax news agency reported, according to the Saint Kitts and Nevis Observer.
The development came nearly a week after President Nicolas Maduro vowed during a rally in Caracas that Venezuela ready to resist and “defeat” Washington’s “imperialist blockade” against the South American nation.
His remarks followed repeated rounds of US sanctions, deteriorating Venezuela’s economic problems but still failing to dislodge him from power or prompt the nation’s military authorities to turn against him.
Washington has repeatedly demanded that Moscow withdraw its support for Maduro. Russia has rejected the request, insisting that the US is attempting to instigate a coup against the Venezuelan president in defiance of international law. http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/regional-intl-news/russia-deepens-venezuela-ties-with-naval-visits/
JAMAICA EXTENDS STATE OF EMERGENCY AMIDST RECORD TOURISM
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS — The Jamaican government has extended a state of emergency for popular tourist destinations on the Caribbean island to October 28, as officials warned of a significant increase in violent crime since the start of the year. What makes this particularly interesting is the claim by Jamaica tourist officials 2019 has been a record year for tourism, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Observer reported Augut 14.
The Canadian government updated the emergency status, which was set to expire on Tuesday, on its website for travellers.
Under the warning, which applied to the St James, Hanover, and Westmoreland parishes, security forces have greater leeway to conduct searches, seizures, and detain persons of interest, and impose curfews without notice, the government said.
Popular tourist destination of Montego Bay is also included in the travel warning.
A separate state of emergency that was issued for St Andrew parish, which includes areas of the capital, Kingston, remained in effect until October 5.
While violent crimes against tourists are relatively low, travellers were nonetheless advised to always cooperate with authorities, always carry valid ID and expect potential checkpoints. Tourists were also advised to avoid leaving the resort after dark, avoid public transportation and unmarked taxis, be vigilant and do not go out alone even during the day, and monitor local news. http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/regional/jamaica-extends-emergency-amidst-record-tourism/
SAINT LUCIA PM ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR CARICOM, AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT
SAINT LUCIA — Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has announced plans for a summit of heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union.
“Efforts will be made to stage a CARICOM/ AFRICAN UNION Heads of Government Summit over the next 12 months,” Chastanet wrote on his official Facebook page Saturday.
The Saint Lucia PM was in Barbados Friday in his capacity as Chairman of CARICOM to meet with His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is the President of Kenya. The Kenyan leader paid a three-day official visit to Barbados this week.
Prime Minister Chastanet said it was a very fruitful visit, inclusive of discussions involving himself, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, Ministers representing Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Vincent & the Grenadines, and Suriname, and CARICOM Secretary General Irwin La Rocque.
The Saint Lucia leader, who returned home Friday night, said in addition to the planned summit, CARICOM and the African Union will shortly sign a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a framework for engagement and cooperation.
He announced that Barbados and Suriname will partner in establishing an Embassy in Ghana, while Barbados and Saint Lucia will partner in establishing an Embassy in Kenya. https://stluciatimes.com/saint-lucia-pm-announces-plans-for-caricom-african-union-summit/
U.S. VENEZUELA SANCTIONS HAVE SPILLED INTO THE CARIBBEAN
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS — While Trinidad and Tobago boasts the most robust economy in the Caribbean, it has also, in the past year, become one of the premier destinations for Venezuelans trying to escape an escalating crisis, the Saint Kitts and Nevis Observer reported August 9.
According to one estimate, U.S. sanctions since 2017 have caused the deaths of at least 40,000 by restricting access to funds needed for food, medicine, and other essential imports.
Maduro remains in power. And Washington’s aggressive posture has exacerbated the refugee problem in the Caribbean, putting nations traditionally close to the U.S. in a difficult position that has brought issues of American paternalism to the fore and encouraged some to seek greater partnership with China—viewed as a less demanding and interventionist ally.
For decades, as economic forces have ebbed and flowed, people have emigrated freely between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, separated by only seven nautical miles. As Venezuela’s economic crisis worsens, the island of 1.3 million has been overwhelmed by a surge of people attempting to avoid the fallout.
In June, a crowd of protestors gathered at a sports stadium in downtown Port of Spain. “Rowley must go. Close our borders. Rowley must go,” they chanted.
The chant echoed a rising tide of frustration among many Trinbagonian citizens, vexed by Prime Minister Keith Rowley’s weak response to what Refugees International has called the worst humanitarian crisis in the Americas in modern history.
The United Nations estimates there are currently 4 million Venezuelans living abroad due to the crisis at home. Since 2017, some 40,000 to 60,000 have arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, according to UN figures—the highest influx in the Southern Caribbean. http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/regional/us-venezuela-sanctions-have-spilled-into-the-caribbean/
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS PRIME MINISTER CONGRATULATES JAMAICA ON ANNIVERSARY OF ITS INDEPENDENCE
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS — Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, extended congratulations on his behalf and that of the people and government of St. Kitts and Nevis to the government and people of Jamaica as that country observes its 57th anniversary of independence.
“The Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis salute you on this landmark achievement, as you continue to blaze the trail in pursuit of true sustainable development, and punch above your weight in our region and further afield,” Prime Minister Harris said in a congratulatory letter to his CARICOM Colleague, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honourable Andrew Holness. http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/regional/prime-minister-congratulates-jamaica-on-anniversary-of-its-independence/
PRIME MINISTER HOLNESS SAYS JAMAICANS HAVE MUCH FOR WHICH TO BE THANKFUL
KINGSTON — Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says Jamaicans have much to be thankful for as the country marks 57 years of Independence on Tuesday, August 6.
In a message delivered by Attorney General, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte, at the Independence church service held at Bethtephil Baptist Church in Chatham, St. James, on Sunday, August 4, the Prime Minister cited positive achievements across various sectors, for which he said, the country can be proud.
“The annual inflation rate is at a low of 4.2 per cent and the consumer price index is trending downwards. Our credit ratings are positive and our foreign exchange reserves are historically high,” he said.
“We have had record-breaking tourist arrivals for the last two years, exceeding 4.3 million visitors with an 8.6 per cent increase in earnings in the industry. Our stock market continues to perform well and the consumer and business confidence indices remain high. These are always good indicators of economic health,” he added. https://jis.gov.jm/jamaicans-have-much-for-which-to-be-thankful-pm/
JOINT SPECIAL MISSION TO DOMINICA
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 5, 2019 — Following a request made by the Government of Dominica jointly to the CARICOM Secretariat (CARICOM), the Commonwealth Secretariat and the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (GS/OAS), to assist in the country’s efforts with various aspects of electoral reform, the three organisations have agreed to partner in a Joint Special Mission to Dominica, the OAS announced in a press release.
The Mission will meet with the principal stakeholders in Dominica’s electoral process, including the major political parties, electoral authorities, government authorities and members of civil society. It will seek to develop a deeper appreciation of and gather views on the suggested areas of reform, including, but not limited to, the introduction of identification cards for the purpose of voting, and the revision and updating of the electoral register. Following its meetings in Dominica, the Mission will present its recommendations in alignment with international electoral good practice for the consideration of the appropriate authorities.
The Joint Special Mission will arrive in Roseau on 6 August 2019 and depart on 9 August 2019.
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS DECRIMINALISES CANNABIS
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS — In what the government has described as “a landmark” move, the National Assembly has voted to decriminalize the use of small amounts of cannabis for private and religious use in St. Kitts and Nevis, replacing some criminal penalties with fines and community service.
The new law passed by the National Assembly on July 31 changes the penalties for possession of up to 15g of cannabis, the use of cannabis in private residences and in houses of worship for the Rastafarian community. It also allows for persons to apply to the Drugs Council for permission to cultivate cannabis for these uses.
In an interview with The Observer, Byron said the bill was expected to be published in the Government Gazette by the end of this week, making the decriminalization of cannabis the law of the land. He emphasised that this was not the same as the legalisation of the use of cannabis.
“We still will not open up the market to an unregulated, unlicensed free-for-all. This bill will not legalise marijuana,” said Byron. “What we say we’ll do is that we won’t make it a criminal offense for small amounts.”
The new law comes just ahead of a deadline instituted by High Court Judge Eddy Ventose, who struck down portions of the Drugs Act in early May, declaring in a case brought by Ras Sankofa Maccabee that the blanket prohibition on cannabis was unconstitutional as it violated freedom of religion and conscience as well as the right to privacy. http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/local-news/st-kitts-and-nevis-decriminalises-cannabis/
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES GETS FIRST FEMALE GOVERNOR GENERAL ON AUGUST 1
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES — Retired educator Susan Dougan will become SVG’s first female governor general on Aug. 1, 2019. (Photo: Lance Neverson/Facebook)
St. Vincent and the Grenadines will get its first female governor general on Aug. 1, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves has announced.
Susan Dougan, a retired educator who has served as Cabinet Secretary, Chief Education officer, and principal of the Girls High School, will take up the post.
Gonsalves told Saturday’s launch of “Renewal @40” that Sir Frederick Ballantyne, who turned 83 this month, has asked to demit office because of health reasons.
Sir Frederick, a retired physician, has been Governor General of SVG since Sept. 2, 2002. https://www.iwnsvg.com/2019/07/21/svg-gets-first-female-governor-general-on-aug-1/?fbclid=IwAR1rIRNMbmKPDjY8xz00wOqE78JgZt2tMDGDzI5uITAmRtC2g0XV_YmqDNI
PRESIDENT GRANGER SAYS OPPOSITION TRYING TO CREATE ATMOSPHERE OF CRISIS, CHAOS
GUYANA — Amid attempts to sabotage his government, and to create an atmosphere of chaos, President David Granger said his government continues to act within the confines of the Constitution, and remains committed to having elections held within the shortest time possible in adherence to the rulings and declarations of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, President Granger said “unfortunately,” since the passage of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, there have been a lot of misrepresentations of the facts, suggesting that his government is illegal. “There are some cases where some public officers do not comply with the instructions of the ministers, particularly in the Ministry of Communities, and these have led to, I would not say demoralisation, but they have led to, I would say sabotage of some governmental functions; and this I suppose could be seen as creating confusion in the minds of normal public servants, normal members of the public going about their day-to-day business,” the Head of State told this newspaper. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/07/21/theres-no-crisis-president-granger-assures-govt-acting-within-confines-of-constitution
PRESIDENT OF KENYA TO PAY STATE VISIT TO JAMAICA
KINGSTON, Jamaica — President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta is to pay a State Visit to Jamaica next month. The Kenyan leader will serve as special guest for Jamaica’s 57th anniversary of Independence celebrations, Jamaica House revealed on Saturday, July 20.
The celebrations will be held under the theme: One Nation, One People.
According to the Jamaica Gleaner, Kenyatta will be accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and an official delegation for the three-day visit between August 5 and 7.
A statement from Jamaica House says Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the Kenyan President will hold bilateral talks during the visit.
“The visit also provides an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between Jamaica and Kenya, focused on the development of an economically strategic partnership through the fostering of trade and investment ties and the promotion of increased technical cooperation in areas such as tourism, education, sport and culture”, the statement said. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190720/president-kenya-pay-state-visit-jamaica
MURDER CAPITAL – SENATE BACKS ST. ANDREW SOUTH SOE EXTENSION TO COUNTER RISING CRIME IN POLICE DIVISION
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A total of 402 murders and 441 shooting incidents were recorded in the last 30 months across the communities that fall within the St Andrew South Police Division, government Senator Kamina Johnson Smith has revealed.
Johnson Smith, the leader of government business in the Senate, said the figures meant that the division had the second highest aggregate count of murders and shootings in Jamaica between January 1, 2017, and July 2 this year, the Jamaica Gleaner reported July 20.
Turning to 2019, the data reveal that the St Andrew South Police Division recorded 94 murders and 98 shootings, the highest for both categories across the 19 police divisions islandwide.
“The division accounted for 14 per cent of all murders and 15 per cent of all shooting incidents across all police divisions in Jamaica,” Johnson Smith said yesterday before the Senate voted to extend the state of emergency (SOE) that was imposed in St Andrew South on July 7.
The House of Representatives voted on Tuesday to extend the enhanced security measure. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20190720/murder-capital-senate-backs-st-andrew-south-soe-extension-counter
TAIWAN PRESIDENT HAILS TIES WITH SAINT LUCIA
SAINT LUCIA (CNA) — President Tsai Ing-wen expressed confidence Thursday that Taiwan’s relations with Saint Lucia will withstand the test of time and set a model for global sustainability partnership.
At a dinner banquet hosted for Saint Lucia officials, Tsai promised that Taiwan will continue to cooperate with Saint Lucia and help it achieve its development goals while praising the efforts of Taiwan’s diplomatic and agricultural personnel in the country, the Saint Lucia Times reported July 19.
Citing a famous quote by Derek Alton Walcott, a Nobel Prize literature laureate from Saint Lucia, she said, “I read; I travel; I become” while expressing her gratitude for the warm welcome she has received in the Caribbean nation.
Tsai said she has seen the vigor and beauty of Saint Lucia and gained a deeper understanding of the country. https://stluciatimes.com/taiwan-president-hails-ties-with-saint-lucia/
PAHO URGES CARIBBEAN TO BRACE FOR HEATWAVES
SAINT LUCIA — In view of the current heatwaves in Europe and predictions that this phenomenon will hit various parts of the Americas, the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is urging countries in the Region to be prepared, due to the impact that this could have on peoples’ health, including the risk of death, according to a press release published in the Saint Lucia Times.
During the southern hemisphere’s summer of 2018-2019, seven countries in the Americas (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay) were affected by heatwaves, a phenomenon never seen before in the Region.
The heatwaves that have had the greatest impact since 2000 were the one in Brazil in 2010 that caused the death of 737 people, and the one in Argentina in the summer of 2013-2014 that caused 1,877 deaths and left 800,000 people with no power, which increased heat stress in that population.
According to health authorities in the United States, heatwaves are the natural phenomenon that cause the highest number of deaths in that country. https://stluciatimes.com/paho-urges-caribbean-to-brace-for-heatwaves/
PM SHARES SAINT LUCIA’S SPORTS PLANS WITH USAIN BOLT
SAINT LUCIA — Prime Minister Allen Chastanet says he shared some of this country’s plans for sports during a meeting with visiting sprint legend, Usain Bolt, the Saint Lucia Times reported July 11.
Writing on his official Facebook page, Chastanet said the plans included the upgrading of several sports facilities which are currently underway, the establishment of the School of Sports Excellence from this September and the overall strategy to use sports as a medium to deter youth from involvement in crime.
The PM disclosed that Bolt came to participate in and experience a few of the events for Saint Lucia carnival.
The sprint legend was accompanied by his management team as well as Saint Lucia’s cricketing hero, Daren Sammy.
“I was happy that Usain endorsed our plans and was even happier to know that he took some time to host a number of Saint Lucia’s young sportsmen and women at a special function this morning at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucia Resort,” Chastanet stated. https://stluciatimes.com/pm-shares-saint-lucias-sports-plans-with-usain-bolt/
SAINT LUCIA, GRENADA BENEFIT FROM FISHERIES SECTOR INSURANCE
SAINT LUCIA — St. Lucia and Grenada have become the first two regional countries to be issued with Caribbean Oceans and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility (COAST) fisheries parametric insurance policy, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility Segregated Portfolio Company (CCRIF SPC) has announced, the St. Lucia Times reported July 9.
COAST has been developed with the support of the United States State Department, and has been led by the World Bank and CCRIF.
In addition, the Belize-based Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) has played an essential role, as benefitting countries must be implementing the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy.
CCRIF said that the COAST insurance policies provide coverage for fisherfolk and other stakeholders in the fisheries industry to enable them to recover quickly after weather-related events.
Initial funding for COAST has been provided by the State Department and the Caribbean is the first region globally to develop and implement parametric climate risk insurance for the fisheries sector. https://stluciatimes.com/saint-lucia-grenada-benefit-from-fisheries-sector-insurance/
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS PM CALLS FOR END TO HAITI VIOLENCE THROUGH TALK
CASTRIES, St Lucia – Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Timothy Harris has called for dialogue to begin as soon as possible to arrive at a solution to the continuing violence in Haiti.
“Colleagues, the deteriorating situation in our member state, Haiti, is of great concern,” Prime Minister Harris said Wednesday during his remarks as outgoing chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) at the opening ceremony of the 40th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government here in St Lucia.
“The continuing violence causing loss of life and property must cease, and dialogue must begin in order to arrive at a solution to this cycle of instability,” Dr Harris said.
Thee Haitian people, he said, deserve to go about their daily lives in a calm and peaceful environment.
“I reiterate the community’s call for all parties to act responsibly and in the interest of the country. We stand ready to offer the good offices of the community to bring a resolution to this crisis,” the outgoing Caricom chair added.
His comments came after the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in the United States is called on the Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to assist in settling the political situation in Haiti, where opposition parties are making efforts to remove President Jovenel Moise from office. http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/regional/pm-harris-calls-for-end-of-haiti-violence-through-talk/
REGIONAL PRIVATE SECTOR AND LABOUR MOVEMENT HOLD TALKS WITH CARICOM LEADERS
CASTRIES, St Lucia (CMC) – Representatives of the regional private sector and labour movement Thursday (July 4) held “positive” discussions with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders on efforts to push forward the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
The CSME allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour, and services across the 15-member grouping.
The meeting is as a result of an initiative that is being pushed by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who has lead responsibility within the CARICOM quasi-cabinet for the CSME, to get more of the region’s stakeholders involved in the initiative amid concerns about the implementation defect regarding the various measures.
“There was a discussion of them organising the regional private sector organisation which will be constituted in the coming months and once that is constituted the conference will be willing to consider making an associate institution of the Community to allow for greater collaboration and participation in the CSME,”LaRocque said. “So we had a very good discussion.” http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/caribbean/20190704/regional-private-sector-and-labour-movement-hold-talks-caricom-leaders
RIHANNA MOVED TO TEARS IN TRIBUTE TO ONE OF HER MENTORS
CMC NEW — Barbadian mega star Rihanna was brought to tears as she paid personal tribute to one of the mentors in her life, West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick.
The renowned pop singer and business mogul was on hand at the Riverside today to cheer on West Indies as they went down to Sri Lanka by 23 runs in their ICC World Cup contest.
She took time out to meet Estwick, a former teacher and longstanding cricket coach at Combermere School in Barbados which Rihanna attended.
“I love this man. I came here to see the match and was cheering West Indies to a victory,” the irrepressible 31-year-old said. “They played great but we just didn’t make it. But I also wanted to see Mr Estwick. He made a lasting impact on my life and he really offered great advice to me and many others when we were at school at Combermere. I just wanted to let everyone know what he meant to me in my development and what he did for us back at school in Barbados.” https://stluciatimes.com/rihanna-moved-to-tears-in-tribute-to-one-of-her-mentors/
PIOJ DIRECTOR GENERAL SAYS PARTNERSHIPS WITH DIASPORA ARE CRITICAL FOR GROWTH
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Director General of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), Dr Wayne Henry, is offering the view that strengthening of existing partnerships and forging new ties between Jamaica and its diaspora are vital inputs needed to achieve sustainable growth and development, the Jamaica Observer reported June 26.
Dr Henry made the comment while addressing a recent session of the eighth Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.
“For us to achieve the stated objective in Vision 2030 to make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business… partnerships are critical.
“Partnerships among Jamaicans at home and those abroad, in the planning, decision-making and implementation process, can only serve to advance the well-being of the nation.”
The director general told members of the diaspora that they play an important role in fostering economic growth, strengthening social protection and building environmental resilience.
He noted that the national policy on International Migration and Development acknowledges that immigrants are potential agents of development, who are well-positioned to strengthen cooperation between countries of origin and destination, and contribute to national development through various avenues. These, he pointed out, include investments and knowledge sharing. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business-observer/partnerships-with-the-diaspora-are-critical-for-growth-pioj-director-general_168354?profile=1056
“COME BACK HOME” – PRESIDENT OF GHANA INVITES JAMAICANS TO AFRICA
KINGSTON, Jamaica — With Ghana commemorating 400 years since the first African slave was shipped from its shores, the president of the West African country, Nana Akufo-Addo, has offered an invitation to Jamaicans to come share in activities taking place in that country to mark the occasion.
Speaking during a tour of Seville Great House and Heritage Park in St Ann on Saturday, as he paid homage to three African ancestors whose remains were buried on the property, Akufo-Addo said 2019 is being celebrated in Ghana as ‘The Year of Return’ and that all Jamaicans are invited, the Jamaica Gleaner reported.
“We have taken the decision that this year, which is the 400th anniversary of the (slave) trade, that we will commemorate it by (making) this the year of returning to Ghana,” the president said.
Acknowledging that thousands of the slaves who had been taken to Jamaica came from Ghana, Akufo-Addo said the move was symbolic and would permit Africans on both sides of the Atlantic to say in one voice, “Never again!” as it relates to the slave trade.
He said the year is also being used as a platform to reunite the African family and strengthening the bonds between Africans on the continent and descendants in the Caribbean and the Americas. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20190617/come-back-home-president-ghana-invites-jamaicans-africa?fbclid=IwAR2W362r8wjK7ZUTAI_Ayrk8zjvHUUqQfSxJHcNt_UK8S-4iQwIWWY764bY
GUYANA AND GHANA ABOLISH VISA REQUIREMENT
GUYANA and Ghana have signed an agreement to abolish the visa requirement for citizens desirous of travelling between the two countries, the Guyana Chronicle reported June 12.
The agreement, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding, was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings and her Ghanaian counterpart, Shirley Botchwey, on Tuesday, in the presence of President David Granger and Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, during a bilateral meeting at State House. The MoU will also pave the way for increased cooperation, collaboration and trade.
Addressing journalists shortly after the signing of the MoU, Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, explained that the agreement to abolish the visa requirement will pave the way for increased travel between the two nations.
“What it means is that persons who are holders of diplomatic, official and regular Guyanese passports can travel to Ghana and likewise, Ghanaians can come to Guyana without the requirement of a visa. In the initial stages, they will be entitled to at least 90 days [three months] without having to renew but after 90 days, then there will be a requirement for renewal based on the laws of the respective countries,” the Director General explained. He emphasized that this agreement intends to facilitate hassle-free travel between the two countries. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/06/12/no-visa-to-ghana
CUBA’S SUPPORT FOR MADURO “NOT NEGOTIABLE” DESPITE U.S. SANCTIONS
HAVANA, Cuba (AFP) — Cuba on Thursday rejected the latest US restrictions on travel to the island and stressed that its support for Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro is “not negotiable”.
The official statement was published by the Cuban press two days after the US Treasury Department banned group educational travel as well as cruise ship and private yacht visits by Americans to Cuba, linking the action to Havana’s backing of Maduro.
“Cuba’s solidarity with the constitutional President Nicolas Maduro Moros, the Bolivarian and Chavista Revolution and the civil-military union of its people, is not negotiable,” it said.
The last US cruise ship sailed out of Havana’s harbour on Wednesday as the US ban went into effect, targeting a burgeoning tourism market that had seen visits by more than 250,000 Americans in the first quarter of 2019.
“We will continue to take actions to restrict the Cuban regime’s access to US dollars,” US National Security Advisor John Bolton said. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Cubas_support_for_Maduro_not_negotiable_despite_US_sanctions?profile=1228
TRINIDAD: BRIDE AND GROOM GIVE TO THE HOMELESS AFTER THEIR WEDDING
TRINIDAD EXPRESS– A bride and groom in Central Trinidad pledged love and commitment to each other in their wedding on Saturday, then distributed meals to the homeless after the wedding reception.
Crystal Paltoo was still dressed in wedding gown and Michael Thong-Kiaw in his three-piece suit and tie when they took to the streets of Chaguanas and handed out the meals around midnight.
The couple are volunteers with Love All Serve All, a soup kitchen that serves food packages to the street dwellers. Paltoo and Thong-Kiaw are the owners of food outlet Cutters Express in Endeavour in Chaguanas. And after they met the soup-kitchen’s manager Srishti Ramdass about a year ago, they joined in the venture.
Ramdass said that Love All Serve All soup kitchen originated in Port of Spain in 2017, beginning with 300 meals per night.
Another branch later opened in Longdenville, and Paltoo and Thong-Kiaw have become core members of the soup-kitchen.
Thong-Kiaw said he did not know that the photographs were taken and posted on Love All Serve All’s Facebook page until he and his new bride got home that night. https://www.stabroeknews.com/2019/news/regional/trinidad/06/03/trinidad-bride-and-groom-give-to-the-homeless-after-wedding-day-reception/
JAMAICA’S DARIAN DOUGLAS ADVANCES TO SCRIPPS SPELLING BEE FINALS THURSDAY
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Gleaner’s Children’s Own Spelling Bee champion Darian Douglas has advanced to Thursday’s final of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., United States.
He is among 50 spellers to have advanced from a field of 565 competitors from around the world after preliminary tests and on stage spelling.
Three other Jamaican spellers did not advance past round three.
They are: Titchfield High’s Rhonoya Anderson, Honey Advani of Heinz Simonitsch School and Ashleigh Jarrett of Immaculate Conception High.
Spellers eliminated after round three are tied for the same place.
The finals begin Thursday at 10 a.m. Eastern time and will be aired on ESPN. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190529/jamaicas-darian-douglas-advances-scripps-spelling-bee-finals-thursday?fbclid=IwAR3mmhzMUr1uQZEelzWhwcdiGKp_-UK550x8yK4KnuHQGnaOWJX94cbpzZA
ILO HEAD SAYS CARIBBEAN MUST ADAPT TO CHANGING LABOUR MARKET
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Director General of the International Labour Organisation, Guy Ryder, says Caribbean countries need to move quickly to adapt to the changing labour market.
Ryder was speaking on the heels of the 11th Caribbean Labour Ministers meeting which ended here on Wednesday.
He told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that technology, demographics and climate change are quickening the pace of change in the labour market, and the Caribbean needs to keep up.
“I think above all, in this era of digitalisation we have to look at the question of skills and capacities. One of the issues which is being discussed, I think more probably than any other in our meeting here in the last two days, has been the issue of skills development and the notion of lifelong learning.
“The fact [is] that the pace of change is accelerating in the world of work. I believe it is no longer logical or possible to think in a sequential way that at the beginning of our lives we learn and are educated for 20 or 25 years and then we work. That won’t last any longer because whatever you learn at the beginning of your life it won’t last you your full working life.” http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/ILO_head_says_Cbean_must_adapt_to_changing_labour_market?profile=1228
FIVE CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES ADOPT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA DECLARATION ON SCHOOL SAFETY
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, May 1, 2019 (CDEMA) – Five countries: Curacao, Grenada, Jamaica, Sint Marteen and Suriname adhered to the Caribbean Safe School Initiative and adopted the Antigua and Barbuda Declaration on School Safety during the 2nd Caribbean Safe School Ministerial Forum. The forum was held from 29-30 April 2019 in Kingstown and hosted by the Ministry of Education, National Reconciliation, Ecclesiastical Affairs and Information.
In 2017, 12 countries adhered to the initiative and signed the Antigua and Barbuda Declaration on School Safety in the Caribbean. At the second Ministerial Forum, ten Ministers of Education, officials in the education sector as well as disaster management stakeholders, regional and international partners participated in technical discussions on school safety and updated the Regional RoadMap for School Safety.
The Minister of Education, National Reconciliation and Information of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Minister St. Clair Prince, commented in regard to the Caribbean Safe School Initiative that “The 2nd Ministerial Forum has served to renew the commitment to build the resilience of the education sector in the Caribbean region”.
He also added, “I am also committed as the incoming chair for this forum to ensure that School Safety in the Caribbean remains a priority nationally, regionally and internationally.”
CARICOM LEADERS TO MEET IN TRINIDAD NEXT WEEK
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders will meet in Trinidad and Tobago early next month to discuss security issues within the 15-member regional integration movement.
Antigua, Haiti, Jamaica and Suriname will be not be represented by their leaders.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, who is the chairman of Security Council for CARICOM and Law Enforcement (CONSLE), will chair the 19th Special Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community on Security on May 3.
A government statement said that the one-day meeting will focus on recommitted efforts of the various stakeholders for implementing the Regional Security Framework.
“The overall purpose of the Nineteenth Special Meeting on Security is to foster mutual knowledge, analysis, debate and exchange of ideas and experiences on security related matters in attempts to better contribute to the safety and security of member states at the regional level.
“These issues include but are not limited to trans-national crime, terrorism, cybercrime, narco – and gun trafficking, trafficking in persons, intelligence cooperation between member states and the Region’s capability to analyse, predict and respond proactively to organized criminal networks.”
The meeting here comes amidst concerns at the rising criminal activities in the region including gun violence and high murder rates. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/CARICOM_leaders_to_meet_in_Trinidad_next_week?profile=1228
T&T GOVERNMENT IN DAMAGE CONTROL MODE AFTER POLICE RAID BUJU’S HOTEL ROOM
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Trinidad and Tobago government is in damage control mode after yesterday’s embarrassing incident in which the hotel room of Jamaica’s reggae star Buju Banton was raided by police in the twin-island republic, the Jamaica Gleaner reported April 21.
In a statement issued today, Trinidad’s National Security Minister Stuart Young said: “I have noted that the (police) commissioner gave assurances that the police service will do all that it can to ensure that the remainder of Buju’s visit is peaceful and incident free. I welcome this assurance by the commissioner and the men and women of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.”
The statement by the Trinidadian minister followed an apology from Police Commissioner Gary Griffith, who reportedly said he had no knowledge of the planned raid by the police, even though they claimed to have got a warrant to conduct the search. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190421/tt-govt-damage-control-mode-after-police-raid-bujus-hotel-room
2019 HURRICANE SEASON FORECAST
SAINT LUCIA — After an active Atlantic hurricane season in 2018, AccuWeather forecasters are predicting 2019 to result in a near- to slightly above-normal season with 12 to 14 storms, the Saint Lucia Times reported April 22.
Of those storms, five to seven are forecast to become hurricanes and two to four are forecast to become major hurricanes.
“This year, we think that there will be a few less tropical storms and lower numbers in hurricanes, but again, the old saying is ‘it only takes one’,” AccuWeather Atlantic Hurricane Expert Dan Kottlowski said.
After the U.S. took a battering in 2018, thanks largely to Michael and Florence, meteorologists are once again forecasting impacts for the United States. https://stluciatimes.com/2019-hurricane-season-forecast/
MINISTER ISSUES STATEMENT ON PLASTIC, STYROFOAM BAN
SAINT LUCIA – The Government of Saint Lucia is committed to improving the health and environment of the nation, Doctor Gale Rigobert, Minister for Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development announced in a press release.
The release added: “As I indicated in my announcement in August 2018, and as studies have shown, food service containers made from Polystyrene and Expanded Polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam®, along with Plastics have continued to negatively affect the health of citizens and the cleanliness of our environment.
In this regard, the Department of Sustainable Development in partnership with other key agencies such as the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority, the Department of Economic Development, Ministry of Commerce, the Department of Finance and the Customs and Excise Department have over the last months worked towards the development of a suitable strategy to eliminate single use plastics, polystyrene and expanded polystyrene from our market and environment. https://stluciatimes.com/minister-issues-statement-on-plastic-styrofoam-ban/
HUNDREDS ENLIST IN JAMAICA NATIONAL SERVICE CORPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As of December 2018, more than 1,500 Jamaicans have enlisted in the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC), according to Jamaica Information Services (JIS).
This was disclosed by Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, when he opened the 2019/20 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on April 16.
He informed that the initiative will be expanded this year, and that at the end of the programme, youth can be recruited to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and other uniformed groups in the government service as well as the private sector.
The JNSC was established in 2017 as part of Government’s Housing, Opportunity, Production and Employment (HOPE) Programme, which aims to provide educational and job opportunities for young people. The programme is being implemented by the JDF.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chang emphasised that border security must be a priority in any mission to secure Jamaica.
“Since no guns are made here, they must cross our borders to get here. The protection of our maritime domain, as we keep out unwanted weapons, is crucial, as well as protect our blue economy as a small island developing state (SIDS),” he said. https://jis.gov.jm/hundreds-enlist-in-jamaica-national-service-corps/
NEW PARLIAMENT BUILDING TO REFLECT “OUT OF MANY, ONE PEOPLE”
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Described as the most significant structure to be built in the history of Jamaica, the new Houses of Parliament building will occupy a place of prominence at National Heroes Park in Kingston, the Jamaica Observer reported April 15.
The facility, on which construction will commence in 2021, will provide a fitting edifice for the legislature to work together to benefit the entire country, in keeping with the national motto, ‘Out of Many, One People,’ which is the title of the winning design for the structure.
The Design Collective Team concept features an interconnected building with space to accommodate a football field and an area for outdoor movie viewing.
It was chosen after a competitive process, undertaken over 10 months, to identify the most fitting design representing the significance of the structure.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness launched the Houses of Parliament Design Competition in May 2018, which was open to all registered Jamaican architects or teams based locally or abroad. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/New_Parliament_building_to_reflect_Out_of_Many,_One_People?profile=1228&fbclid=IwAR1Maipjs8VPv5TMHaobww7g2Ifd0gDSEFsH2OgVdNHsMjA-nE4aX_FvgrA
MORE DIVISION WITHIN CARICOM ON VENEZUELA
WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) — The division among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries on the Venezuelan issue within the Organisation of American States (OAS) continued Tuesday as the Permanent Council of the hemispheric body voted to “accept’ the nomination of a candidate supported by Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is seeking to replace President Nicolas Maduro as head of state in the South American country.
St Lucia, Jamaica, Haiti and the Bahamas voted in favour of accepting Gustavo Tarre “as the National Assembly’s designated permanent representative, pending new elections and the appointment of a democratically elected government,” in Venezuela.
But Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, joined Venezuela in voting against the measure, while Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts- Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago abstained. Belize was the only CARICOM country absent when the vote was taken on Tuesday.
The OAS Permanent Council is chaired by the United States, which is at the forefront of efforts to remove Maduro, who was sworn into office for a second consecutive term earlier this year, from power. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/More_division_within_CARICOM_on_Venezuela?profile=1228
GUYANA GOVERNMENT DUAL CITIZENSHIP MPs RESIGN
GUYANA GOVERNMENT DUAL CITIZENSHIP MPs RESIGN
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President David Granger has received and accepted the resignation of all coalition Members of Parliament (MPs) who are holders of dual citizenship, the government announced this morning, the Stabroek News reported April 2.
“These members will not be returning to Parliament therefore, when it reconvenes on April 11, 2019,” the government said in a brief statement, in which it also reiterated its commitment to upholding the constitution and the ruling of the Court of Appeal on the motion of no-confidence that was brought against it. The statement by the government did not name the MPs.
The announcement comes days after Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who himself holds US citizenship, announced that all government MPs would be present when the House reconvenes as Cabinet had not taken a decision on those members with dual citizenship.
The other government MPs with dual citizenship are Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, Minister of Public Service Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, who all hold British citizenship. https://www.stabroeknews.com/2019/news/guyana/04/02/govt-dual-citizenship-mps-resign/
EXTRADITION CASE AGAINST BAHAMIANS CRASHES IN BELIZE’S APPEAL COURT
BELIZE CITY, Fri. Mar. 15, 2019– In September 2014, Bahamian nationals Kelvin Leach and Rohn Knowles were the subject of national headlines when their business place, Titan International Securities, located in the Matalon Building on Coney Drive, was raided by Belize law enforcement agents at the behest of agents of the United States Government.
Leach and Knowles were carted off to prison on the strength of a United States extradition request to the Belize Government when the US named them, along with several others, in an unsealed indictment alleging that they had committed securities fraud, money laundering and tax fraud in a scheme which stripped the US of $500 million in taxes.
The extradition request, however, was laden with procedural errors from its inception and today, the Belize Court of Appeal ended the extradition case against Leach and Knowles when it ruled that the United States had violated Belize’s Telecommunication Interception Laws by its interception of the communications of Leach and Knowles, which is also in violation of their constitutional rights to be free from arbitrary search and seizures.
The evidence that the US was relying on to secure their extradition was obtained unlawfully, the Appeal Court found.
On September 29, 2014, after they were held at the Belize Central Prison for a short time, Leach and Knowles appeared in the Supreme Court and were freed on $50,000 bail each when Justice Denis Hanomansingh ruled that the arrest warrants used to imprison the men were flawed. http://amandala.com.bz/news/extradition-case-bahamians-crashes-belizes-appeal-court/
SAINT LUCIA PM DEFENDS MEETING WITH TRUMP
SAINT LUCIA — Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Allen Castanet, has defended his decision to meet with United States President Donald Trump on Friday in Florida, the Saint Lucia Times reported March 26.
Trump met with leaders from The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Saint Lucia at his private residence in Palm Beach, Florida, drawing criticism from, among others, Antigua & Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Doctor Ralph Gonsalves said the meeting was ‘troubling.’
Asked how he would respond, Chastanet told reporters Tuesday: “I don’t.”
“At the end of the day I was elected by Saint Lucians to represent Saint Lucia,” the Saint Lucia PM explained.
He said the topics that were discussed were of national and regional importance. https://stluciatimes.com/saint-lucia-pm-defends-meeting-with-trump/
SAINT LUCIA PM ISSUES STATEMENT ON MEETING WITH U.S. PRESIDENT
SAINT LUCIA — Prime Minister Allen Chastanet issued a statement to parliament Tuesday regarding his meeting on Friday with United States President, Donald Trump, THE Saint Lucia Times reported March 26.
Chastanet was among five leaders from the region invited by Trump to the meeting in Florida.
The statement PM’s is reproduced below:
“As many will know, I recently returned from a trip to Miami where I had the opportunity to meet with the President of the United States of America along with four other CARICOM colleagues.
“As you know, we did not attend the meeting on behalf of CARICOM, but rather, we responded to an individual invitation.
“Saint Lucia is always looking to strengthen our relationships with long standing allies such as the United States. The President and his team were very much in listening mode as to how they may strengthen the relationship with the region. Ultimately we had a very promising meeting, and I am excited about the discussions we had in the areas of energy, investment and trade and security. https://stluciatimes.com/saint-lucia-pm-issues-statement-on-meeting-with-u-s-president/
COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME WILL HELP SOME STUDENTS ATTEND CAMBRIDGE
ST. KITTS & NEVIS — Prime Minister Timothy Harris has welcomed the announcement by Prince Charles to launch a project that will make twenty (20) scholarship opportunities available to students from across the Commonwealth to pursue studies at Cambridge University, in the United Kingdom.
The Prince of Wales Commonwealth Scholarships will be offered to students under the umbrella of the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust, of which Prince Charles is the founding patron. The Cambridge Commonwealth Trust was founded in 1982 by the University of Cambridge, as a charity to support international students from member countries of the Commonwealth who wish to study at the University of Cambridge.
“It’s always been to me vitally important to give young people the skills and self-confidence and the self-esteem to achieve their potential, whether by equipping them through employment or by empowering them to start their own businesses,” Prince Charles, who was accompanied by his wife, The Duchess of Cornwall, on a tour of St. Kitts and Nevis on Thursday, March 21, said. http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/local-news/commonwealth-scholarship-programme-will-help-some-students-attend-cambridge/
HOLNESS PLEASED WITH TWO-HOUR TALKS WITH TRUMP
MIAMI, USA (CMC) — Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the message coming out of the discussions the United States President Donald Trump had with a select group of Caribbean leaders is that Washington “wants to encourage and promote a stronger relationship with the region”.
Trump met with the leaders of St Lucia, Haiti, The Bahamas and Jamaica at his private residence on Friday for two hour to discuss, among other issues, the ongoing political and economic situation in Venezuela, where Washington is at the forefront of efforts to remove President Nicolas Maduro from office.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Holness said “it’s absolutely important that it’s not just talk, that there will be real investments”, adding “we’re very happy with that message.
“We feel that that is a message that is long in coming but we’re also satisfied that it’s not just a message. We’re satisfied that there will be instrumental action.”
Holness had earlier posted on his Twitter page that he believed the talks were “promising”. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/holness-pleased-with-two-hour-talks-with-trump_160299?profile=1373
SAINT LUCIA PM ACCUSED OF UNDERMINING CARICOM
SAINT LUCIA — Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has been accused of undermining the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), after joining other Caribbean leaders in a meeting Friday with President Donald Trump.
The accusation comes from former Lucian Peoples Movement (LPM) leader, Therold Prudent, who declares that Chastanet represents a danger to Caribbean unity.
“I guess I was right after all. The meeting was all about Venezuela and promises of economic help if Allen Chastanet continues to support Trump’s position,” Prudent told St Lucia Times.
He described as ‘nauseating’, hearing the Saint Lucia PM praise Donald Trump for his ‘leadership’ in the Caribbean.
Prudent observed that this comes at a time when the US President’s economic and immigration policies are hurting thousands of undocumented nationals in the US, including scores who are targetted for deportation.
“After the invasion of Grenada, the US promised us lots of goodies which never materialised once calm had returned to Grenada,” Prudent recalled.
He said this will not be the first and the last time when carrots are dangled to help justify military intervention in another country. https://stluciatimes.com/saint-lucia-pm-accused-of-undermining-caricom/
JAMAICA NOT ABANDONING VENEZUELA – JOHNSON SMITH
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has responded to what she called the “ill-informed and irresponsible” comments made by her opposition counterpart Lisa Hanna regarding the Ministry’s announcement to temporarily close the Jamaican Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, the Jamaica Gleaner reported March 22.
The embassy will be closed on April 1.
Hanna had expressed shock at the decision and argued that move appears to halt diplomatic relations with a longstanding ally.
“Not only are we eroding our longstanding traditions of remaining objective interlocutors, able to assist with a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Venezuela, but we are setting a dangerous precedent by doing what appears to be the bidding of other powers,” She argued.
But, Johnson Smith has refused the claims.
“In trying to score political points, Hanna has done a great disservice to her country and our foreign service,” she said, adding that Jamaica will always remain friends of the people of Venezuela and wish for them peace and prosperity.
She retorted with a five-point explanation to counter Hanna’s assertion. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190322/jamaica-not-abandoning-venezuela-johnson-smith
SAINT LUCIA PM THANKS TRUMP FOR HIS SUPPORT AND LEADERSHIP IN REGION
SAINT LUCIA — Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has thanked United States President, Donald Trump, for the support and leadership he has been providing in the Caribbean, the Saint Lucia Times reposted March 22.
Trump on Friday hosted the leaders of Jamaica, Bahamas, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Saint Lucia.
“The United States is our biggest trading partner,” Chastanet told the US media covering the meeting.
He observed that the US had also benefitted from trade with the region.
Chastanet said he and the other Caribbean leaders looked forward to the discussions with the US leader to see how they could enhance their relationship to their mutual benefit. https://stluciatimes.com/saint-lucia-pm-thanks-trump-for-his-support-leadership-in-region/
IN ST. LUCIA, PRINCE CHARLES TOUTS “BLUE ECONOMY”
(Reuters) – On the first leg of his Caribbean tour, Britain’s Prince Charles touted a “vital blue economy,” built on sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, as part of the solution to climate change, noting that rising sea levels represent an especially severe threat to nearby island nations.
Charles began his 12-day tour of the region on St. Lucia and is due to visit several other islands that are also former British colonies and retain Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, as head of state.
The prince, an outspoken environmentalist, in a speech shortly after arriving called attention to efforts to create sustainable agriculture and hailed local entrepreneurs taking risks to protect the environment.
“Climate change… poses nothing short of an existential threat to this island as it does to every part of this region,” he said at Vieux Fort at the southern tip of the island. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-royals-caribbean/in-st-lucia-britains-prince-charles-touts-blue-economy-idUKKCN1QZ04I?feedType=RSS&feedName=domesticNews&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reuters%2FUKDomesticNews+%28News+%2F+UK+%2F+Domestic+News%29&utm_content=Yahoo+Search+Results
PRINCE CHARLES ARRIVES IN SAINT LUCIA TO BEGIN HISTORIC CARIBBEAN TOUR
SAINT LUCIA, March 17, 2019 — The Prince of Wales has arrived in St Lucia for the start of a 12-day tour of the Caribbean featuring an historic visit to Cuba.
Charles was warmly greeted by St Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet when he arrived and also waiting at the steps of RAF Voyager, the British minister jet, was British High Commissioner Steve McCready.
The trip to the island paradise is a brief stop of a few hours for the heir to the throne before he flies on to Barbados where the Duchess of Cornwall is waiting, having flown out ahead of the tour’s start.
Charles and Camilla will also visit St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada and the Cayman Islands, with the highlight the four-day tour of Cuba beginning on March 24 – the first by members of the monarchy.
The prince’s flying visit has given the St Lucians an excuse to extend celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the country’s independence, and an official ceremonial welcome and parade will be staged in the open air later for Charles. https://guernseypress.com/news/uk-news/2019/03/17/charles-arrives-in-st-lucia-to-begin-historic-caribbean-tour/
TRINIDAD LAUDS EDUCATIONAL ACIEVEMENTS OF NATIVE SON WHO MIGRATED TO U.S. AS A CHILD
(In this excerpt from its March 16, 2019, edition, the Trinidad Guardian lauds the educational achievements of one of Trinidad’s “native sons” despite many challenges.)
TRINIDAD — He migrated from this country at a young age and has been dominating headlines in the United States after he was accepted into not one, not two…not even three but 17 universities. At just seven years old Dylan Chidick, along with his mother and younger twin brothers, left their home in Point Fortin in hopes of a brighter future in the United States.
However, not long after settling in New Jersey the family began falling on hard times. During a Skype interview with (Trinidad) Guardian Media Limited Dylan explained how challenging life had become. “My family went through a lot. Many would look at me and say that I won’t achieve my goals”. The family’s situation would then take a sharp turn for the worse when Dylan’s younger brothers were diagnosed with serious heart conditions.
Mounting medical bills subsequently forced the family into periods of homelessness. Dylan described the family’s new struggle as scary. “We lived among disabled people and others suffering from various illnesses. We had to adapt and were forced to comply with certain conditions. It was difficult for us all but I tried not to show how it affected me.”
(A full story on Dylan Chidick was published in the Washington Informer and has been posted on my Facebook page.)
PRESIDENT SAYS COLLABORATION NEEEDED TO RESOLVE POLITICAL CHALLENGES
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President David Granger on Friday assured that his government was not unconstitutional and that there is no legal impediment that restrains it from exercising its functions or requires it to assume only ‘caretaker’ functions, the Guyana Chronicle reported March 16.
In an address to the nation, the Guyanese leader said notwithstanding the passage of the motion of no confidence in the National Assembly on December 21, last year, the current political situation “should not be a cause for alarm and anxiety. To this end he said he is prepared to do his part to ensure credible elections are held as he underscored the importance of political cooperation at this critical junction of the country’s history.
“I am prepared to do my part to ensure credible elections within…the shortest time possible this year. The decisions which have to be made and the actions which need to be taken, however, are not mine alone,” President Granger said. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/03/15/ill-do-my-part
US VISA RENEWALS JUST GOT EASIER WITH NEW INTERVIEW WAIVER INITIATIVE
TRINIDAD — The United States Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago has announced that people seeking to renew their Visas may no longer be required to submit to an interview.
US Ambassador Joe Mondello, in a video statement, said that Trinidadians and Tobagonians will now be able to benefit from a new Renewal Interview Waiver initiative.
“If your tourist visa is expiring or has been expired less than a year, you no longer have to come to the embassy for an interview. All you need to do now is fill out your application online before your Visa expired more than a year. The application process will let you know if you qualify for Interview Waiver,” he said.
He said once the Visa processing fee is paid at Scotiabank, you can just send the application package instead of setting up an appointment for an interview. http://www.looptt.com/content/us-visa-renewals-just-got-easier-new-interview-waiver-initiative
VINCENTIAN PM CRITICAL OF COMMENTS THAT “HURT LIAT’S REPUTATION”
SAINT LUCIA — Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says public comments about LIAT’s latest financial crisis made by participants at last month’s Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Inter-sessional summit in St. Kitts-Nevis have not helped the Antigua-based regional carrier, regional media reports say, the Saint Lucia Times reported March 14.
It has been reported that the carrier needs US$5.4 million to continue serving regional destinations.
According to CMC News, Gonsalves told Parliament earlier this week that the principal shareholder governments of LIAT provided information to the CARICOM meeting about the current financial condition and the immediate prospects for the survival or the development of LIAT in its existing framework.
Gonsalves, who is chair of LIAT’s shareholder governments, was quoted as saying that some persons attending the CARICOM gathering did not heed his request, settled and agreed upon, not to address this matter publicly until the shareholders and other prospective governments had an opportunity to resolve further some thorny issues touching and concerning LIAT. https://stluciatimes.com/vincentian-pm-critical-of-comments-that-hurt-liats-reputation/
U.S. URGES “GENUINELY FREE, FAIR ELECTIONS”
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, on Wednesday said Washington will continue to encourage “genuinely free and fair elections” here, the Guyana Chronicle reported March 14.
Her comments come at a time when there are concerns about the integrity of the voters’ list here and strong calls for a fresh round of house-to-house registration. Ambassador Lynch made the comments at her accreditation ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency.
Ambassador Lynch was sworn in at the State Department in Washington DC on March 1, 2019 and presented her Letters of Credence to President David Granger on Wednesday.
“During our long relationship with Guyana we have witnessed significant progress. We have seen a strengthening of [the] democratic process and political institutions, along with broader political participation and citizen representation,” Lynch stated.
“Moving forward, we will continue to encourage genuinely free and fair elections; freedom of speech and assembly; multi-party representation and a constitutional judiciary process.”
Government supporters, in calling for a new round of house-to-house registration, have said it would ensure that youths who have attained the age of 18 being eligible to vote and will be added to the list and granted their democratic right to vote. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/03/14/u-s-urges-genuinely-free-fair-elections
HOLNESS OUTSHINES PHILLIPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The majority of voters polled in Portland Eastern have a favourable opinion of Prime Minister Andrew Holness. They also believe that he should be returned to office at the next general election.
At the same time, Holness scores much higher than Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips as the man more of those voters think will do a better job as prime minister.
The findings are contained in the latest Jamaica Observer/Bill Johnson Poll conducted in Portland Eastern March 1-2, among 480 constituents. The survey has a sampling error of plus or minus 4.5 per cent, said the veteran pollster Johnson.
Although the poll was conducted to acquire data in the run-up to the April 4 parliamentary election for the constituency, Johnson and his team of researchers included questions about the leaders of both the governing Jamaica Labour Party, and Opposition People’s National Party as the popularity of the party leaders tends to influence how some people vote. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/front-page/holness-outshines-phillips-51-in-portland-eastern-have-favourable-opinion-of-prime-minister-say-he-should-be-re-elected_159203?profile=1606
“STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT”
BARBADOS — Think carefully. That’s what CARICOM Member States and the Caribbean region as a whole are being urged to do, in relation to the situation in Venezuela, which is worsening by the day, the Barbados Advocate reported March 10.
Julie Chung, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, United States Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, US Department of State, insisting that the unrest in Venezuela is not one that the world can sit aside and be blind to, maintained that “it is not a Venezuela problem, it is a problem for all of us”. In an exclusive interview with The Barbados Advocate, Chung, who made a visit to Barbados last week as part of a three-island Caribbean tour, said the US is looking to its CARICOM partners to be part of the international community that recognises Interim President Juan Guaido.
“It is not about taking sides, it is about being aware and being attentive to a crisis in Venezuela. You are not taking the side of any country or any political party, it is the side of humanity. So if that’s the choice, I urge CARICOM and all our Caribbean partners to think carefully,” she stated. https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/%E2%80%98stand-what-right%E2%80%99
PRIME MINISTER SAYS STATE WILL ACT DECISIVELY WITHIN THE LAW TO PROTECT CITIZENS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is assuring the country that the State will act decisively within the law to ensure the protection of its citizens against crime and violence, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) release.
Addressing the 125th anniversary fundraising banquet of the North Street Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, on March 5, Mr. Holness described as an “emergency” the crime situation, and asserted that a person’s right to life “supersedes any other right” and must be upheld.
The Prime Minister called on the Church “in times like these,” to “pray for the nation and petition for wisdom, so that reason and right-thinking can find its way into the hearts and minds of the people who hold power in this country.”
“Pray for wisdom of our leaders to put aside political self-interest and look about the interest of the people,” he emphasised.
Mr. Holness also called for prayers to cleanse hearts from the evil that predisposes one to violence, so “that as Jamaicans, we can learn to live with each other in peace and in love.” https://jis.gov.jm/prime-minister-says-state-will-act-decisively-within-the-law-to-protect-citizens/
PRESIDENT, OPPOSITION LEADAER SET TO MEET ON ELECTION MATTERS TODAY
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The meeting between President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is on schedule for today at the Ministry of the Presidency, where the two will discuss matters relating to the holding of new General and Regional Elections, the Guyana Chronicle reported March 6.
In a letter dated February 25, 2019, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, made the correspondence on behalf of the President which stated: “His Excellency the President extends his best wishes and invites you to meet him at 11:00hrs on Wednesday 2019.03.06 at the Ministry of the Presidency, Vlissingen Road.
“The President wishes to consult with you on the following matters: (1) The National Assembly’s constitutional role in the present situation; and (2) the Guyana Elections Commission’s readiness and requirement for funding to enable it to conduct general and regional elections.”
The President also advised the opposition leader that he had also written the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, retired Justice James Patterson, urging him to initiate arrangements for the conduct of elections and committed to supporting his request for financing the elections. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/03/06/meeting-to-go-ahead
PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS CRITICISE RUSH TO SCRAP CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
SAINT LUCIA — The National Principals’ Association (NPA) and the Saint Lucia Teachers Union (SLTU) have both criticized the Ministry of Education’s rush to scrap corporal punishment in schools, the Saint Lucia Times reported March 6.
At a joint news conference Tuesday, the Presidents of both organisations flatly denied assertions by the ministry that there had been consultation on the move.
They indicated that principals and teachers were invited to meetings after the fact.
SLTU President, Julian Monrose, told reporters that corporal punishment has been part of the school system since its inception.
He acknowledged the right of the ministry to scrap the practice.
“However, if you are going to withdraw it, you would want to put systems in place and give the teachers skills training in alternative forms of punishment, because bad behavior a problem in our schools,” Monrose told reporters. https://stluciatimes.com/principals-teachers-criticise-rush-to-scrap-corporal-punishment/
IACHR CONCERNED AT WORSENING VIOLENCE IN HAITI
WASHINGTON, CMC – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is expressing profound concern about the worsening violence and scarcity in Haiti, the Jamaica Gleaner reported March 4.
The human right organisation is urging the government to begin talks with all stakeholders in a bid to bring about a peaceful solution to the “political and economic crisis” in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
In a statement, the IACHR said that in response to the “serious events” unfolding in Haiti, it has decided to deploy a Rapid and Integrated Response Coordination Unit (RIRCU), to monitor the human rights situation there.
“The Commission has been monitoring events and the use of force since February 7 in Haiti. Protests against corruption and the economic situation have coexisted with street and road blockades; violence against demonstrators; occasional shots; arrests; problems for the supply of goods and services essential to provide food, drinking water and healthcare to the population,” the IACHR statement said.
It said that there have also been petrol, gas and power shortages; a partial or total halt in economic activity; school shutdowns; closed customs in ports and airports; and a serious impact on public services. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/caribbean/20190304/iachr-concerned-worsening-violence-haiti
JAMAICA, U.S. CONVENE FIRST MEETING TO DISCUSS INVESTMENTS IN LOCAL ENERGY SECTOR, LNG SUPPLIES
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Representatives of the Jamaican and the United States governments met for the first time on Wednesday as part of the U.S.-Jamaica Energy Investment Framework that was signed by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin and Prime Minister Andrew Holness on November 28, the Jamaica Gleaner reported March 1.
“The U.S. and Jamaican governments discussed a broad range of issues, including the potential for investment in liquefied natural gas receiving infrastructure and the possibility of greater natural gas utilisation in Jamaica, including in the power, industrial, and transportation sectors,” a media release from the US Embassy in Kingston today stated.
“The sides also discussed the potential for developing utility-scale renewable energy generation, implementing mini- and micro-grid technology to bolster electricity reliability and resilience against extreme weather events, the need to improve energy efficiency in buildings and industrial operations, and the desire to phase out legacy heavy fuel oil and diesel power plants for cleaner natural gas and renewable energy generation,” the embassy stated further.
The US embassy said the working group also convened a networking event with the private sector to orient them on the initiative with the goal of incorporating them in future discussions. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190301/jamaica-us-convene-first-meeting-discuss-investments-local-energy-sector-lng
HAITI LAUNCHES MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR HUMANITARIAN PLAN
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti (CMC) — Haiti has launched a multi-million dollar humanitarian plan aimed at meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
Prime Minister Jean Henry Céant, the Minister of Planning Jean-Claudy Pierre and representatives of the international donor community, attended the launch of the US$126.2 million initiative.
“It is a priority to introduce mechanisms of adaptation to deal with possible hazards. It is crucial to find bridges between emergency and development activities and I would like to invite donors to renew their trust and support for humanitarian partners operating in Haiti so that they can continue to support efforts of State institutions,” Céant, said.
The 2019-2020 Humanitarian Response Plan, is intended to meet the humanitarian needs of 1.3 million Haitians and aims to assist the most vulnerable people identified during the humanitarian needs assessment exercise conducted in late 2018. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/Haiti_launches_multi-million_dollar_humanitarian_plan?profile=1228
CARICOM INTEGRATION ADVANCES: ALL CSME PARTICIPATING MEMBER STATES NOW SIGNATORIES TO CONTINGENT RIGHTS PROTOCOL
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, February 28, 2019 – Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, highlighted the gains made towards the regional integration movement, particularly through the signing of the Protocol of Contingent Rights by all CARICOM Member States, as one of the success stories coming out of the 30th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, Frigate Bay, from February 26-27, according to a report in CARICOM Today.
The Protocol of Contingent Rights is viewed as a key aspect of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). It refers to the rights granted to a CARICOM national and his or her spouse and immediate dependent family members if he or she moves to another country under the free movement of skills regime. These rights include access to social services.
The official communiqué issued at the conclusion of this week’s Inter-Sessional Meeting stated that, “Eight countries have decided to apply the measures that would allow their nationals to benefit in those countries from the provisions of that agreement on contingent rights which allow for spouses and dependents of skilled workers who move to another country to access services such as education and health on the same basis as nationals. The countries involved are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.”
Furthermore, the CARICOM Heads reached an agreement on a protocol to deal with public procurement that would open the regional market for goods and services procured by public entities.
“All in all, we have had a very successful two days which would redound to the benefit of the citizens and to our international image,” Prime Minister Harris stated.
CARICOM DISCUSSIONS HIGHLIGHT CONCERNS ABOUT SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Efforts to strengthen the advancement of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME) will continue following recent developments that promote the free movement of people, goods, services and capital, and robust discussions slated for the (CARICOM) 30th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The CSME is designed to deepen economic integration among member states of the Caribbean Community by creating a single economic space for the production of competitive goods and services among participating members.
In December 2018, CARICOM Heads of Government expanded the category of skilled workers who can move freely to include agricultural workers, security guards, beauticians, and barbers.
CARICOM outgoing Chair and Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness said, “these are significant elements that will help to debunk the myths that the free movement of skilled personnel caters only for a few.” http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/featured/caricom-discussions-highlight-single-market-and-economy/
DR. HARRIS WELCOMES CARICOM HEADS OF GOVERNMENT, SUMMARISES CHALLENGES
BASSETTERE, St. Kitts — Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government were welcomed by the group’s Chairman and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the beautiful Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Dr. Harris. “I trust that while here you will find the time to enjoy not only the warm hospitality of our people, but also the amazing beauty of our country. Our Country has become the home for many persons from our region and beyond.
“At the outset, I would like to acknowledge the exemplary leadership of the Community by the immediate Past Chairman, Prime Minister Holness of Jamaica. Let us give the Prime Minister a round of applause.
“Colleagues, although it has been only two months since I became Chair of our Community, the level of engagement has made it appear to be of a longer duration. In that time, we have had two Special Meetings of the Conference, I along with the Prime Ministers of Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago and the Secretary-General travelled to New York on behalf of the Community to meet with the United Nations Secretary-General and other UN officials, and to Montevideo, Uruguay. http://www.thestkittsnevisobserver.com/featured/dr-harris-welcomes-caricom-officials-summarises-challenges/
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION, CSME AMONG MATTERS FOR CARICOM HEADS’ ATTENTION
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Enhancing regional air and maritime transportation and further advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) are among matters for deliberation when CARICOM Heads of Government hold their 30th Inter-Sessional Meeting in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, 26-27 February, according to CARICOM Today.
Heads of Government will examine recommendations from a Special Meeting of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Transportation, held in St Vincent and the Grenadines on 18 February, which dealt with, among other things the Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA), proposals for a regional ferry service and easier security check-in for in-transit passengers. MASA, when implemented, will serve as a mechanism to maximize the economic and social benefits arising from aviation activities for CARICOM air carriers.
The Meeting will seek to further advance measurable steps for action on the CSME which were identified at a Special Meeting of Heads in Trinidad and Tobago in December. https://today.caricom.org/2019/02/22/regional-transportation-csme-among-matters-for-caricom-heads-attention/
THE SPELLING BEE’S POPULARITY “EXPLODED” IN JAMAICA AFTER JODY-ANNE MAXWELL’S VICTORY IN 1998
NOTE: Here are some more excerpts from the Sports Illustrated article published shortly before the 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. that provides convincing evidence of just how seriously Jamaica goes about selecting its spelling champions, including the appointment of a National Coach.
EXCERPTS:
“In 1998, Scripps crowned its only non-U.S. winner: Jody-Anne Maxwell, who attended Ardenne and studied with Glen Archer. The bee’s popularity exploded on the island. Years before Usain Bolt sprinted into the Jamaican firmament, Ebony magazine wrote that the 12-year-old Maxwell, upon her return home, “received the kind of welcome reserved for soccer stars and reggae singers.” She hosted a TV show, spoke to U.S. and Canadian students, and appeared on “Figure It Out,” Nickelodeon’s iconic green-slime show.”
“Jamaicans, who see spelling bee success as a public manifestation of the opportunities education provides, are eager for the next homegrown speller to shock the world. “I just think Jamaicans take education very seriously,” Nadine Molloy, the Ardenne High principal, says. “They want their children to succeed. It is education that gave you the opportunity to be more than the ordinary.”
“When Jamaica’s national champion flies off to Scripps, the outsize hopes of a nation that is three-quarters the size of Connecticut, with a population slightly greater than Chicago’s, rest on the shoulders of a youth not older than 14.”
CAPTION: Jody-Anne Maxwell and Glen Archer clutch Maxwell’s trophy as she became the only non-U.S. winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 1998.
GUYANA OFF EU BLACKLIST
GEORGETOWN – Guyana has been officially removed from the European Commission’s Money-Laundering Blacklist, while countries like Saudi Arabia, Panama and Nigeria have been added.
Since May, 2017, the European Commission had proposed that Guyana be removed from the money-laundering blacklist but for a second time that year, the European Parliament rejected the list. Guyana had openly objected.
On Wednesday, the European Commission adopted a new list of 23 countries with strategic deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks, and Guyana was not included. Other countries like Bosnia, Loa, Uganda and Vanuatu have also been removed.
Guyana’s Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, said this new development augurs well for the people of Guyana, particularly at a time when it prepares for first oil in 2020. He said it is also testimony of President David Granger’s determination to fight corruption in whatever form. “From the onset, President Granger had given a high-level commitment to the Financial Action Task Force regarding Guyana’s position on combating money laundering and he has followed-up with ensuring that his government works towards that,” Williams said. He added: “As a government policy, we have been pursuing the combating of money laundering and financing of terrorism and also combatting weapons of mass destruction. So our policies are bearing fruit,” Minister Williams told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/02/15/guyana-off-eu-blacklist
NEW ENERGY MINISTER TO FOCUS ON STRENGTHENING GOVERNANCE
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Newly appointed Minister to the Science, Energy and Technology portfolio, Hon. Fayval Williams, says the first order of business will be promoting good governance across the Ministry, according to the Jamaica Information Services (JIS)
Mrs. Williams said she will be guided in this regard by the new procedures approved by Cabinet in the selection of Boards and in the procurement process.
The guidelines are in keeping with the Administration’s undertaking to further strengthen the corporate governance framework of statutory bodies in order to improve accountability and the transparency of operations.
“Right now, what the Jamaican people want is for their hope and trust to be restored in this organisation (the Ministry and its agencies), so that is first,” she said in a JIS News interview following the ceremonial opening of Parliament on February 14.
“We (including the new Permanent Secretary) will go in and begin the process of restoring their trust and confidence in these institutions,” she continued. https://jis.gov.jm/new-energy-minister-to-focus-on-strengthening-governance/
LOCAL HEALTH SECTOR TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM INDIA
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is being finalised between Jamaica and India to upgrade the quality and scope of resources in healthcare, medical education and training, and research in both countries, according to Jamaica Information Services.
Specifically, the agreement will result in the exchange and training of medical doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.
It will also facilitate the setting up of healthcare facilities and initiatives for the prevention and control of common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular conditions and stroke.
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, said the MOU arose following talks between herself and India’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Hon. Jagat Prakash Nadda, in 2017. https://jis.gov.jm/local-health-sector-to-receive-support-from-india/
CDB LAUDS GUYANA NATURAL RESOURCES FUND
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has lauded the Government’s Natural Resource Fund as a positive step in the right direction towards protecting Guyana from the ‘resource curse’, the Guyana Chronicle reported February 8.
CDB Director of Economics, Dr. Justin Ram, spoke extensively on the fund being set up to manage the country’s large expected flow of oil revenue.
“I think that the proposals from the government are sound with respect to the Natural Resource Fund, whereby, the revenues go into the fund first and then there are applications by the government to spend those resources. That, I think, is critical and can help with mitigation so that the ‘Dutch Disease’ or ‘Resource Curse’ does not happen in Guyana,” he told this newspaper.
The Natural Resources Fund Bill 2018 was passed on January 3, 2019, in the National Assembly with no objection. The bill, which will cater for funds from oil production in 2020, was passed with minor amendments. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, in moving the second and third readings of the bill, stressed that a Public Accountability Oversight Committee, as catered for in the bill, will be appointed. Jordan said that the Public Accountability Oversight Committee will not feature any representatives from the government or any ministry or the Opposition side of the House. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/02/08/cdb-lauds-guyana-natural-resources-fund
MOTTLEY SAYS REGION IN URGENT OF URGENT REFORM
BARBADOS — Prime Minister Mia Mottley says gross under population is one of many major obstacles to the economic development of Barbados and the wider region which was in urgent need of reform, Barbados Today reported January 31.
In her assessment of the region’s economy in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during Wednesday’s Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) on the Caribbean Economy on Post-Disaster Recovery, Prime Minister Mottley charged that outdated development models, which need urgent reform, were stifling regional economies.
“We need to reverse the investment by industrialization model of the 50s. The development model must change,” said Mottley, who highlighted a number of key areas where the region continues to fall behind.
“The hidden secret of the Caribbean is that we are under-populated. When you look at Barbados, we are 430 squared kilometers. Singapore is about 670 and is 15 times our population. Guyana is the size of England, Scotland and Wales combined. They have 65 million people, Guyana has 780,000. Suriname is larger than the Netherlands, which has 17 million people, but Suriname has 580,000. I can go on and on and on. We have not changed the discussion; we have not changed the development model,” she charged.
In addition to the need for a significant increase in the population, Prime Minister Mottley argued that Barbados and many of its regional neighbors still lacked a population armed with the skills necessary for development. https://barbadostoday.bb/2019/01/31/reform-needed-4/?fbclid=IwAR1swZ3djQeIutS6_p8jILsQlAP_Je3lnHbiYZt0JV4TrnKCKTYI-RkXSkI
CHIEF JUSTICE RULES NO CONFIDENCE MOTION WAS VALID
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Chief Justice (ag)Roxanne George-Wiltshire on Thursday afternoon ruled that the no confidence motion, which was voted in the National Assembly last December, was carried, the Guyana Chronicle reported January 31.
The Chief Justice in her ruling, said that 33 persons are the majority of the elected Members of Parliament (MPs).
On the issue of dual citizenship, the Chief Justice also ruled that the vote of former APNU+AFC MP , Charrandass Persaud was valid even though he was occupying a seat in the National Assembly illegally or against constitutional provisions of the state.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs,Basil Williams subsequently applied for a stay of the judgement passed by the Chief Justice as well as a conservatory order for the government to remain in office until the appeals are heard.
The Attorney General told reporters that government “is going all the way ” as he noted that the case will be appealed all the way to the CCJ .”There is nothing to panic about or nothing to worry about,” he said.”We haven’t lost an election , we will go through the court system,” he said.
Williams reminded that in the Presidential Third term case , the Opposition received favourable judgement in the High Court and the Court of Appeal but later lost its case at the CCJ. https://guyanachronicle.com/2019/01/31/chief-justice-rules-no-confidence-motion-was-valid
GOVERNMENT MPs PLEDGE CONFIDENCE IN PRIME MINISTER CHASTANET
SAINT LUCIA — The House of Assembly spoke loud and clear from Tuesday through the wee hours of Wednesday January 30th 2018 when Government MPs strongly reiterated their unequivocal support for, and confidence in, Prime Minister Honourable Allen Michael Chastanet. The failure of the Opposition’s Motion comes just two years after the St. Lucia Labour Party was voted out of office in favour of the United Workers Party on June 06th 2016, the Saint Lucia Times reported January 30.
Eleven MPs, out of 17, voted a resounding “no” following a day-long debate on a No-Confidence Motion in the Prime Minister presented by the Leader of the Opposition Honourable Philip J. Pierre and which called for the resignation of the Prime Minister. The Motion was unambiguously shut down as each Member was called on to register his and her vote.
Several MPs also rose spoke in support of Prime Minister Chastanet, stating that Saint Lucia was finally beginning to show true signs of recovery after years of significantly low growth. MPs spoke to the road rehabilitation programme, the upsurge in the tourism industry, the rehabilitation of schools, the decrease in unemployment, the support to the police force, projects for the south of the island and the renewed investor confidence in Saint Lucia as a whole. https://stluciatimes.com/government-mps-pledge-confidence-in-prime-minister-allen-chastanet/
TURKS AND CAICOS PREMIER ASSURES GOV’T WILL SETTLE DISPUTE WITH BEACHES
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) Premier and Finance Minister Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson has assured that her Government will settle a current dispute with Beaches Resorts, the Jamaica Observer reported January 29.
“My ministry has been addressing a long outstanding issue with Beaches and my Government and I are confident that with the facts in full view, we can bring an end to a critical outstanding matter that has seen its basis in an arrangement in place since the resort’s operation started in the 90s and existed throughout every Government in the TCI since then,” Cartwright-Robinson said in a statement today.
The head of government was responding to a confirmation by Beaches that its Turks & Caicos Resort Villages & Spa will be closed from September 3 to October 15 in 2019 and from September 7 to October 22, 2020, and then for an indefinite period from January 2021.
A report published by Magnetic Media last Friday stated that Government taxes were reportedly calculated in a way that is not sitting well with Sandals Resorts International, which operates the Beaches family resorts. The calculations by the Ministry of Finance and backed by the Attorney General’s Chambers, have reportedly been in dispute for years. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/latestnews/_TCI_premier_assures_Govt_will_settle_dispute_with_Beaches?profile=1373
RELIGIOUS LEADER SAYS GAMBLING ON THE INCREASE, EXPRESSES CONCERN
SAINT LUCIA — Asserting that the the prevalence of gambling has increased here, a religious leader has stated that the matter is a cause of great concern.
“It indicates that people are not trusting in the goodness of God who has promised to supply our every need,” Superintendent Minister of the Methodist Church, Seth Ampadu said in a statement.
In the statement, he cited biblical passages that warned of the consequences of the love of money, greed, covetousness and exhorted persons to provide for their family.
The religious leader observed that the basic dictionary definition of gambling is “to play a game for money or property; to bet on an uncertain outcome.”
“Gambling, then, is recognized as any activity in which wealth or valuables change hands, mainly on the basis of chance and with risk to the gambler,” Ampadu declared.
“As followers of Jesus Christ, as proud citizens of this beautiful land, as people who yearn for peace, justice and uprightness, we must all resolve to combat all activities that will lure us away from godly living,” the religious leader asserted. https://stluciatimes.com/religious-leader-says-gambling-on-the-increase-expresses-concern/
CARICOM OPTIMISTIC OF PEACEFUL SOLUTION TO VENEZUELAN CRISIS
NEW YORK, January 28, 2019 (CMC) – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have ended a meeting here with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, expressing optimism that the UN will assist in establishing the roadmap towards peace and security for Venezuela.
CARICOM Chairman and St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris led a delegation that included his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Dr. Keith Rowley, and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley to the talks on the possibility of the UN intervening in the ongoing political situation in the South American country.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Rowley expressed hope that in the not too distant future there will be significant improvement and a diminishing of tensions in Venezuela.
“We believe in the coming days there will be work towards dialogue so that the internal difficulties in Venezuela can be approached without intervention and interference from those who may have a different approach,” Rowley said in the statement.
The statement noted that “coming out of the meeting the CARICOM delegation is satisfied that if the conditions for such can be met the UN will assist in establishing the roadmap towards peace and security for Venezuela and the region”.
The meeting with the UN Secretary General followed an emergency meeting of CARICOM leaders last Thursday where it was decided that the regional body should engage the global organisation.
Following the discussions here, the CARICOM delegation held a meeting with the Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, Marc-Andre Blanchard, and is also expected to meet with officials from Russia, China and Venezuela.
Last Wednesday, Venezuela’s Opposition Leader, Juan Guaidó, declared himself the interim leader of the South American country and was promptly recognised by several countries including the United States, Canada and some Latin American states.
But Russia, China and Cuba are among countries that are supporting President Nicolas Maduro, who was sworn into office earlier this month for a second consecutive term as president.
Washington and its allies have accused Maduro of suppressing democratic rights in the country and have called for his removal.
The 15-member CARICOM grouping has remained divided on the issue and earlier this month, Jamaica, Haiti, The Bahamas, Guyana and St Lucia supported a resolution at the Organisation of American States (OAS) in not recognising the second five-year term of Maduro, while Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname voted against the measure.
St Kitts-Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and Belize abstained during the vote while Grenada was not present.
In the statement that followed Thursday’s conference, the regional leaders nonetheless “reaffirmed their guiding principles of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of states, respect for sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights and democracy.
“Heads of Government reiterated that the long-standing political crisis, which has been exacerbated by recent events, can only be resolved peacefully through meaningful dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement said, noting that they have “offered their good offices to facilitate dialogue among all parties to resolve the deepening crisis”.
They said that in reaffirming their commitment to the tenets of Article 2 (4) of the United Nations Charter which calls for member states “to refrain from the threat or the use of force” and Article 21 of the Charter of the Organization of American States which refers to territorial inviolability, the regional leaders emphasized the importance of the Caribbean remaining a zone of peace”.
Last weekend, a senior UN official told the UN Security Council that all actors must exercise maximum restraint and avoid any further escalation.
“The protracted conflict in [Venezuela] has had a grave impact on the population, with high levels of political polarization, growing humanitarian needs and serious human rights concerns,” said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peace Building Affairs.
She urged all parties to respect human rights and the rule of law, warning that the situation could spiral out of control.
Diplomats from St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda also addressed the UN Security Council meeting.
T&T’S ROWLEY TO JOIN CARICOM DELEGATION MEETING WITH UN CHIEF ON VENEZUELZA
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley will be joining a delegation from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in New York today ahead of a meeting tomorrow with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres.
This comes on the heels of last week’s emergency meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government during which it was agreed that chairman of the Conference, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Dr Timothy Harris, would seek an urgent meeting with the United Nations secretary-general to request the United Nations’ assistance with the ongoing situation in Venezuela.
Rowley is expected to return on Wednesday.
During his absence, Minister of Finance Colm Imbert will act as prime minister.
Last Wednesday, Venezuela’s Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó, declared himself the interim leader of the South American country and was promptly recognised by several countries including the United States, Canada and some Latin American countries.
But Russia, China and Cuba are among countries that are supporting Maduro, who was sworn into office earlier this month for a second consecutive term as president. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/caribbean/20190127/tts-rowley-join-caricom-delegation-meeting-un-chief-venezuela
PJ SAYS GIVE BUJU A CHANCE; RETIRED PRIME MINISTER CITES NO REASON TO CONDEMN SINGER NOW FOR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Freed reggae artiste Buju Banton has been given a resounding vote of confidence by retired Jamaica Prime Minister PJ Patterson.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Jamaica Observer last week, Patterson, who launched the book My Political Journey, which chronicles his life up to when he retired as Jamaica’s sixth prime minister in 2006 following a 13-year unbroken stretch as Jamaica’s number one policymaker, said that Buju Banton had committed the crime, served the time, and should now be encouraged to prepare for life afterwards.
Buju (registered name Mark Anthony Myrie) returned to Jamaica last December 7 after serving almost seven years and five months of a 10-year and one-month sentence in a Georgia, USA prison for cocaine trafficking. The 45-year-old will be hosting his first major concert on March 16, controversially dubbed Long Walk To Freedom — a direct relation to the title of South African great Nelson Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk to Freedom published in December 1994, which highlighted, among other things, Mandela’s early life and his 27 years spent in prison on treason charges.
Put to Patterson that there existed a school of thought that Buju, as a convict, was being glorified by vast sections of the Jamaican landscape, the former president of the People’s National Party, chanted dissimilar sentiments.
“It’s not a question of glorification. He was convicted of a crime, he served his time. He wants to pursue his career in music. People found his message both compelling and alluring. As he himself said It’s not An Easy Road, so he is gone through a difficult part of the road,” Patterson stated. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/front-page/pj-give-buju-a-retired-prime-minister-cites-no-reason-to-condemn-singer-now-for-future-endeavours_155510?profile=1606
CARICOM LEADERS ISSUE STATEMENT ON VENEZUELA CRISIS
GEORGETOWN, Guyana, January 24, 2019 — The following Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago; Foreign Ministers of Grenada and Suriname — meeting by video-conference on 24 January 2019, issued the following statement:
“Heads of Government are following closely the current unsatisfactory situation in Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a neighbouring Caribbean country. They expressed grave concern about the plight of the people of Venezuela and the increasing volatility of the situation brought about by recent developments which could lead to further violence, confrontation, breakdown of law and order and greater suffering for the people of the country.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their guiding principles of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of states, respect for sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights and democracy. https://today.caricom.org/2019/01/24/statement-by-the-conference-of-heads-of-government-of-caricom-on-the-latest-developments-in-the-situation-in-the-bolivarian-republic-of-venezuela/
ROMANIA SYMPATHETIC TO CARICOM’S BLACKLISTING CONCERNS
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Government of Romania is sympathetic to the concerns of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with respect to the blacklisting of some of its Member States by the European Union (EU), CARICOM TODAY reported January 24.
The sentiment was conveyed by His Excellency Stefan Mera as he presented his credentials on Thursday to CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque as his country’s first Ambassador to CARICOM.
Some CARICOM Member States have been blacklisted by EU despite having fulfilled the criteria set out by the relevant global regulatory authorities for financial services. Secretary-General LaRocque in a statement during the ceremony at the CARICOM Secretariat’s headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana, said the depth of the friendly relationship between the Region and the EU “should have allowed for dialogue prior to the institution of such harmful measures which negatively affect our Community.”
He called on Romania in its capacity as the current President of the Council of the European Union, to influence the initiation of a dialogue on this issue. He pointed out that blacklisted jurisdictions faced major reputational damage and disruptive controls on their financial transactions. https://today.caricom.org/2019/01/24/romania-sympathetic-to-caricoms-blacklisting-concerns/
NEW GRENADA PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE OAS PRESENTS CREDENTIALS
WASHINGTON, D.C., January 24, 2019 — The new Permanent Representative of Grenada to the Organization of American States (OAS), Yolande Yvonne Smith, today presented her credentials to the OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro.
During the ceremony that took place at the Organization’s headquarters in Washington, DC, Ambassador Smith highlighted that “the OAS has been an integral part of Grenada and has been supportive of our institutional processes benefiting from several electoral observation missions and development projects.”
She further noted that the OAS was the first international organization her country became part of and recalled the long commitment of her country to the Organization’s work and mission.
For his part, Secretary General Almagro highlighted Ambassador’s Smith broad service in the public sector and knowledge of multilateral diplomacy. He further noted that “having Ambassador Smith among us underscores Grenada’s commitment to gender parity in its representation; with her arrival four of Grenada’s eight representatives have been women.”
Grenada was the first Eastern Caribbean country to join the OAS shortly after independence in 1974.
(SOURCE: OAS website)
NO CONFIDENCE MOTION IN PM TO BE DEBATED NEXT WEEK
SAINT LUCIA — Opposition leader, Philip J. Pierre has announced that a motion of no confidence in Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet, will be debated next week in parliament, the Saint Lucia Times reported June 23.
“I am pleased to announce that last time I spoke to the Speaker, he told me that the Motion of No Confidence in the Prime Minister will be debated on 29th January, 2019,” Pierre told a news conference Wednesday.
“However, one should not be surprised if there are continuous efforts to frustrate the process by the Prime Minister,” the Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) leader declared.
He called on all Saint Lucians to listen attentively to the arguments and urge their Parliamentary Representatives to vote in favour of the motion.
In his opening statement dubbed ‘Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide‘ the Castries East MP told reporters that since the no confidence motion was submitted to the Clerk of Parliament in November last year, the Prime Minister and his public relations people have been thrown into a ‘tail spin’. https://stluciatimes.com/no-confidence-motion-in-pm-to-be-debated-next-week/
SOLID BACKING FOR GRANGER
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The APNU+AFC coalition has signaled their full confidence in seeing incumbent President David Granger continuing and have all endorsed him as the presidential candidate heading into the next elections, which are constitutionally due next year, the Guyana Chronicle reported January 22.
“He’s a very upright person, very principled. No one can point a finger at him in relations to personal corruption, he’s really a model citizen, and we’ll be in support,” affirmed Working People’s Alliance (WPA) executive member, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who says he sees no reason that his party would be swayed from President Granger as the candidate.
“I have heard nothing other than that and I am certain that there’s no plan in the party to switch from President Granger. I’ve had the advantage of knowing President Granger probably longer than anyone else in the party, since we were in school in the same house, and I feel confident that he will lead APNU+AFC Coalition to victory, when it comes to that.”
The WPA is one of several parties constituting the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition section of the government other parties include the People’s National Congress (PNC), National Front Alliance (NFA), Guyana Action Party (GAP), the Justice For All Party (JFAP). APNU was formed in 2011, the party joined forces with the Alliance For Change (AFC) in 2015 to contest elections that year. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/01/22/solid-backing-for-granger
CARIBBEAN WARNED TO BRACE FOR DENGUE OUTBREAK
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is warning countries in the region to brace for a severe outbreak of the dengue virus, the Jamaica Observer reported January 18.
According to the agency, the current outbreak of dengue in Jamaica has raised the level of concern in other Caribbean islands. Local health authorities say up to January 3 there were 830 cases classified as suspected, presumed, or confirmed.
The Ministry of Health has reported that December was the first month in which the reported cases of dengue surpassed the outbreak threshold with 123 cases.
Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, who has been heavily criticised by his Opposition counterpart for the pace of the ministry’s response, recently announced that the ministry has launched a coordinated education and prevention campaign among several agencies to help fight the dengue virus.
On Wednesday, CARPHA head, James Hospedales, advised Caribbean countries to implement enhanced measures to reduce mosquito breeding and prevent the spread of the disease. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/caribbean-warned-to-brace-for-dengue-outbreak_154896?profile=1032
CARIBBEAN MINISTERS COMMIT TO TACKLING YOUTH VIOLENCE
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, Shamfa Cudjoe, has affirmed the support of Caribbean ministers in tackling youth violence and crime in the Region at the conclusion of the Caribbean Youth Violence Prevention Summit.
“Youth violence and youth crime has been a problem for some time in the Caribbean,” Cudjoe said. “Every young person we’ve lost represents a missed opportunity. Somebody who could have been a lawyer, a doctor, an innovator, an inventor, a businessperson, a scientist… you name it.”
The two-day summit was held at the Marriott Hotel and focused on charting the way forward on tackling youth violence and crime, due to the awareness that youth are most affected by crime and violence in the Region. Joining scores of youth and stakeholders in the field were several ministers of government and dignitaries.
The main aim of the summit is to facilitate engagement on the Caribbean Youth Action and Advocacy Agenda on Violence Prevention (AAA) document, which seeks to provide guidelines on curbing youth violence in the Region. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/01/17/caribbean-ministers-commit-to-tackling-youth-violence-and-crime
REGIONAL SOLUTION URGED FOR YOUTH CRIME, VIOLENCE
SAINT LUCIA — A regional solution has been urged for youth crime and violence in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The solution was proposed at a two-day conference aimed at examining and redefining violence prevention solutions as they relate to youth violence and prevention in the Caribbean.
Addressing the conference that began Tuesday in the Guyana capital, Georgetown, CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque, was quoted by CMC News as saying that it is a regional problem that demands a regional solution.
LaRocque told the conference that has brought together leaders from youth movements, governments, civil society, development organisations and academia that crime and security is an issue that is having an impact on all the 15-members of the regional integration grouping, CMC reported.
“It is a regional problem that demands a regional solution. It not only requires the full co-operation of all our countries but also all the stakeholders within the member states. The multi-state, multi-sectoral response to this challenge is vital for us to succeed in defeating it,” LaRocque told the opening ceremony. https://stluciatimes.com/regional-solution-urged-for-youth-crime-violence/
CARICOM COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETS IN GUYANA
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council of Ministers – the Community’s second-highest decision-making organ – met in Guyana today (Monday, January 14) with preparations for the upcoming Thirtieth Inter-Sessional Meeting of Heads of Government among matters discussed..
The 30th Inter-Sessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads takes place in St. Kitts and Nevis on 26-27 February 2019 and the Council, consisting of Ministers responsible for Community Affairs or other Ministers designated by Member States, has responsibility for approving matters for the agenda of the Meeting.
Monday’s meeting of the Council also address other matters of importance to the Region, including the Community Results-Based Management System to address implementation concerns. The meeting received updates on several matters, including CARIFESTA XIV to be held in Trinidad and Tobago, 16-25 August 2019, Guyana and Venezuela relations, and post-Brexit negotiations.
The meeting was being held under the Chairmanship of Hon Vance Amory, Senior Minister and Minister of Labour of St. Kitts and Nevis.
GUYANA, CHINA WORKING ON JOINT ACTION PLAN
GUYANA, CHINA WORKING ON JOINT ACTION PLAN
GEORGETOWN – Guyana and the People’s Republic of China are working on a joint action plan to stimulate growth, development and cooperation between the two countries.
China has supported Guyana in many sectors but, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Cui Jianchun believes that a lot more can be achieved.
“We are working hard to make a joint action plan because we want to be good partners and brothers forever,” said Ambassador Cui during his remarks at the celebration of the 166th Anniversary of the arrival of Chinese Indentured Immigrants to Guyana at the Windsor Forest Primary School on Saturday.
The Chinese, who form part of the six ethnic groups of Guyana, have contributed to the development of the country in many ways and still continue to contribute with the assistance of their native land.
In 1972 Guyana took the regional lead to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
“We support each other in the Guyanese arena…we have achieved a lot, but there are lot of things to do and some of the main areas that we could look at are sugar, rice and fish…we have to do something to work with Guyanese,” said Ambassador Cui, adding that a diversified economy is important, especially with the advent of the local oil and gas sector.
China hopes to share its expertise with Guyanese enterprises, he said, adding that every country should explore the idea of an “open policy” which would allow for easier and better trade between countries. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/01/13/guyana-china-working-on-joint-action-plan
CANADIAN DIPLOMAT FACES RECALL
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The government is seeking the recall of Canadian diplomat Richard Beliveau who allegedly facilitated the spiriting away of former Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud with the help of Peter Ramsaroop, who is adviser to the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, the Guyana Chronicle reported January 12.
“This would be improper in any jurisdiction,” a senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs official told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday.
The men –Beliveau and Ramsaroop– breached security and diplomatic protocols on the morning of December 22, 2018 and uplifted passes at the Eugene F Correia International Airport which allowed them access to the restricted area of the airport to see off Persaud, who voted with the opposition in an attempt to topple the government.
Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge has made it clear that the airport does not have the authority to issue such passes without the authorisation of the ministry and that no request for the pass was made by the diplomat or the High Commission. It is not clear whether government is also seeking the recall of the High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee, who reportedly was out of the jurisdiction at the time of the incident. She was summoned to a meeting with Greenidge on Wednesday to explain the action of the official. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/01/12/canadian-diplomat-faces-recall
ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD WHEN GECOM IS FULLY PREPARED
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — General and regional elections will be held when the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has the administrative capability to do so.
This is according to President David Granger who noted that it was one of two outcomes which came to the fore following a meeting with the Opposition on Thursday. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo led an opposition delegation to the meeting with the President at the Ministry of the Presidency.
Led by the President and several government ministers, the President said that the two sides discussed the functioning of the Legislative and the Executive arms of governance.
He said neither of the two branches of government “could be allowed to fail” as he noted that public services must be delivered and public order must be maintained. He said the two sides reached “broad agreement” on how the two branches function. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/01/09/elections-will-be-held-when-gecom-is-fully-prepared
ENTREPRENEUR UPBEAT ABOUT GAY CLUB IN BARBADOS
SAINT LUCIA — Barbados entrepreneur, Charles ‘Charlie Spice’ Lewis has reported an overwhelmingly positive response to a club for members of the LGBT community that has been advertised on social media, the Saint Lucia Times reported January 9.
Lewis asserted that the response is reflective of a paradigm shift in how Barbadians are seeing that segment of society, according to Barbados Today.
The newspaper quoted the entrepreneur as saying that that ever since he started advertising his new club, G Lounge Barbados, on social media over the last 48 hours, word has spread quickly, and has been mostly very positive.
“We have had 75 applications for membership and another 60 inquiries (about membership). I have also spoken to visitors from the LGBT community who are over the moon about it and are even willing to extend their vacations here so they can patronize it when it opens later this month. I have also had a positive response from some prominent Barbadians who say they have been longing for a place like this,” Lewis told Barbados Today. https://stluciatimes.com/entrepreneur-upbeat-about-gay-club-in-barbados/
GUYANA OPPOSITION SAYS GOVERNMENT WANTS TO HOLD ON TO POWER DESPITE NO CONFIDENCE VOTE
SAINT LUCIA — Guyana’s opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP)), has accused the government of attempting to hold on to power despite a December 21, 2018 no confidence vote that went against the coalition administration of President David Granger, the Saint Lucia Times reported January 7.
The PPP is challenging what it says is a move by the Government to use the issue of dual citizenship in a bid to overturn the motion of no-confidence.
According to reports, On Friday, Senior Counsel Rex McKay and a team of high-powered lawyers filed an application in the Supreme Court against the results of the no-confidence motion.
The matter was filed on behalf of New Amsterdam farmer Compton Herbert Reid, and lists the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland, Persaud and the Attorney General Basil Williams as the respondents. https://stluciatimes.com/guyana-opposition-says-government-wants-to-hold-on-to-power-despite-no-confidence-vote/
WARM WELCOME FOR ROSS UNIVERSITY
BARBADOS — The operation of Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) on the island is expected to give a boost of between $55 to $60 million to the Barbados economy annually. To date, the medical university has provided work for over 1 000 Barbadians on the construction projects on the academic and living facilities, the Barbados Advocate reported January 6.
However, there are other benefits which were highlighted yesterday during the official opening ceremony of the University at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, which would be welcomed news for local and regional nurses.
It was revealed that Chamberlain University which, like Ross University is also a subsidiary of Adtalem Global Education, now has a presence in Barbados. It is comprised of a College of Nursing.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, while stressing the importance of the partnership between Barbados and Ross University, which began one week after the Barbados Labour Party took Office back in June, highlighted the opportunities that can arise for nurses given the global shortage. https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/warm-welcome-ross-university
JAGDEO IDENTIFIES AREAS FOR DISCUSSION WITH PRESIDENT
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Compliance with Guyana’s constitution in relation to the no-confidence motion and preparation for free and fair elections are the main issues that will be placed on the table by the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo when he meets with President David Granger on Wednesday, the Guyana Chronicle reported January 6.
A no-confidence motion against the Granger administration was passed in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. A citizen has since challenged the validity of the ‘passed motion’ on the basis that then government Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud breached the constitution by having dual citizenship, and as such, his vote in favour of the motion is null and void.
The President and the opposition leader have agreed to meet, nonetheless. Ahead of Wednesday’s meeting, the opposition leader in a statement noted that immediately after passage of the motion, he had urged that the country’s leaders see it as an opportunity to discuss preparations for elections in compliance with the constitution; but also given that all the parties have constituencies, to start exploring post-elections possibilities of working together in the interest of Guyana. http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/01/06/jagdeo-identifies-areas-for-discussion-with-president
LPM SAYS “GRAVY TRAIN” RULING PARTY MPs WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT PM
SAINT LUCIA — The leader of the Lucian Peoples Movement (LPM) has declared that ruling party parliamentarians who continue to benefit from being in government will maintain their support Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet.
Therold Prudent made the remarks against the backdrop of the move by the opposition Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) to have a motion of no confidence against Chastanet debated in parliament.
No date has been announced for the debate.
But Prudent disclosed that he supports the opposition motion. The ruling party currently has 11 seats in parliament to the SLP’s 6.
Prudent told St Lucia Times he does not see any of the government MPs as wanting to support a no confidence vote in the prime minister. https://stluciatimes.com/lpm-says-gravy-train-ruling-party-mps-will-continue-to-support-pm/
THOUSANDS OF JAMAICANS PLACED IN OVERSEAS JOBS IN 2018
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A total of 16,681 Jamaicans were placed in employment opportunities in Canada and the United States under the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s overseas employment programme during the 2018 season, the Jamaica Gleaner reported January 4.
This was disclosed by Portfolio Minister Shahine Robinson during a send-off ceremony for 300 Jamaicans who will take up employment opportunities in Canada for this year under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP).
The function was held at the Ministry’s Overseas Employment Services Centre in downtown Kingston on Thursday.
The SAWP, which is part of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Overseas Employment Programme, involves contractual agricultural workers who are recruited to meet the short-term demand of manual labour during planting and harvesting seasons. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190104/thousands-jamaicans-placed-overseas-jobs-2018
“GUYANA WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED”
GEORGETOWN — Guyana will not be intimidated by Venezuela’s December 22 incursion into Guyana’s maritime space and interception of a research vessel, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who yesterday rejected false claims by Caracas that ships carrying out oil-related surveys were in that country’s territory, the Stabroek News reported January 4.
“Let me be clear: under well-established principles of international law, that maritime space belongs to Guyana…The claims by Venezuela as to the extent of their land and maritime territory are false. They are simply a pretext for seizing territory that they have no hope of gaining under international law,” Greenidge declared in a strongly-worded address in the National Assembly yesterday.
“Guyana has informed Venezuela that it will not be intimidated by the heightened hostility by that country as we continue to pursue our economic development agenda…we have reminded Venezuela that the Stabroek Block is an area over which Guyana maintains sovereign rights, located in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Guyana. Companies with concessions licenced by the Government of Guyana in this area will continue to implement their scheduled programmes of activity,” Greenidge said as he updated the House on events since the incursion. https://www.stabroeknews.com/2019/news/guyana/01/04/guyana-will-not-be-intimidated/
FORMER US AMBASSADOR HOLLOWAY NOW WORKING WITH GUYANA GOLDFIELDS
GEORGETOWN — Guyana Goldfields Inc. has announced the appointment of former US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway as the Company’s Senior Vice President, Strategy & Corporate Affairs, effective as of January 1, 2019, the Stabroek News reported.
The appointment comes just days after Holloway completed his tour of duty in Guyana.
A release from the Canadian mining company noted that Holloway is a career diplomat with more than 30 years of international experience in Latin America and the Caribbean focusing on government relations, business advocacy, programme management, development, and security.
“We are very pleased that Perry will be joining our team,” stated Scott Caldwell, President & CEO. “He brings to the table an intimate working knowledge of Guyana, the government and its people from his time as the U.S. Ambassador. This experience will complement the excellent platform the Company has already established in the areas of government relations, corporate social responsibility and program management.” https://www.stabroeknews.com/2019/news/guyana/01/03/former-us-ambassador-holloway-now-working-with-guyana-goldfields/
INCOMING CARICOM CHAIRMAN CITES NEED FOR HEALTHY WORK FORCE
SAINT LUCIA — The incoming Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has asserted that a well-educated and healthy workforce is at the core of the region’s thrust for growth and development, the Saint Lucia Times reported December 30.
Dr. Timothy Harris made the comments in a New Year’s day message.
The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis declared that CARICOM’s commitment to battle against the ravages caused by chronic non-communicable diseases is unrelenting.
He observed that regional health ministers have agreed on a programme called Caribbean Moves.
According to Harris, the programme seeks to create a culture of regular physical activity and healthy eating through exciting, fun and supportive programs where people live, work, study and play. https://stluciatimes.com/incoming-caricom-chairman-cites-need-for-healthy-work-force/
ANOTHER US UNIVERSITY COULD SET UP IN BARBADOS
SAINT LUCIA — Barbados may soon be welcoming another American university to its shores, local reports say, the Saint Lucia Times reported December 28.
According to Barbados Today, Prime Minister Mia Mottley revealed that talks with Chamberlain University have already begun and she was hoping those discussions can soon be “wrapped up”.
She made the disclosure during a tour of the Villages at Coverley, where 1,500 students and staff at the Ross University School of Medicine will reside, the newspaper reported.
Chamberlain University is a for-profit healthcare and nursing school that offers bachelor, master and doctoral degree programmes in nursing, and a public health master’s degree.
According to Barbados Today, while not disclosing details, the PM said that her administration is using Ross University as a test run. https://stluciatimes.com/another-us-university-could-set-up-in-barbados/
MAN WHO TOPPLED GUYANA GOVERNMENT SYS HE WAS A “YES MAN”
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Former MP Charrandas Persaud has defended his decision to vote against the coalition government in Guyana of which he was part, causing the APNU+AFC administration to collapse.
In a video on Facebook uploaded on Christmas Day, Persaud said he was very unstable mentally in the administration.
“I took so much from the government that it almost drove me crazy,” the former PM, who is now in Canada, asserted.
He described himself as having been a ‘yes man’ and part of the ‘yes man team’ of the AFC, the minor party in the coalition.
Persaud said he had worked very hard to put the government in place by campaigning for the AFC (Alliance for Change), resulting in the coalition achieving a one seat majority in the national assembly. https://stluciatimes.com/man-who-toppled-guyana-government-says-he-was-a-yes-man/
PIERRE CITES LESSONS FROM GUYANA GOVERNMENT COLLAPSE
SAINT LUCIA — Saint Lucia’s opposition leader, Philip J. Pierre, has pointed to recent developments in Guyana where the government lost a no confidence vote in the national assembly, saying it is a lesson for prime ministers.
“What it shows is that governments – Prime Ministers must understand that winning elections does not mean they have the support of the majority of the people,” Pierre told St Lucia Times.
The Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) leader said he started the trend here when in September, he announced to the world that he would file a no confidence motion in the governance of Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet.
He recalled that many people thought the move was superfluous. However the Castries East MP said he was doing his duty as leader of the parliamentary opposition. He explained that there was nothing personal in his no confidence motion bid. https://stluciatimes.com/pierre-cites-lessons-from-guyana-government-collapse/
GUYANA GOVERNMENT FALLS IN NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — A lawmaker from the ruling coalition in Guyana voted late Friday with the opposition for a no-confidence motion, bringing down the administration of President David Granger and forcing fresh elections by March.
Government legislator Charrandass Persaud said: “I voted with my conscience.”
The main opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it was emboldened by the coalition’s poor showing in November’s midterm elections. The PPP picked up several seats in places that had recently been a stronghold for parties that form part of the political alliance known as A Partnership for Unity.
The vote now means that elections will have to be held even though Granger still has nearly two years left in his constitutional term.
The country is also about a year away from becoming an oil producer. https://www.msn.com/en-xl/latinamerica/latinamerica-top-stories/guyana-government-falls-in-no-confidence-vote/ar-BBRiA0w?ocid=sf&fbclid=IwAR2APTGdJc7FW4Rx1ecTF6TFLYDaf0hQ0TZvlh_AK1G5Pv4BFUt3EEGpKlw
TOURISM AUTHORITY “EXCITED” ABOUT AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT
SAINT LUCIA — The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has welcomed plans for the redevelopment of Hewanorra International Airport, THE Saint Lucia Times reported December 21.
Construction of the new airport is slated to begin early in 2019 with the goal of having the facility fully operational by the end of 2020, the SLTA revealed in a news release.
“The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is excited about this development as it will provide an added incentive for airlines to open up new routes to the destination,” the release said.
The airport redevelopment will include the construction of a new terminal building equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, restaurants, shops and executive lounges, and the conversion of the old terminal to accommodate fixed-based operators (FBOs). https://stluciatimes.com/tourism-authority-excited-about-airport-redevelopment/
GUYANA ECONOMY TO GROW BY 4.6% IN 2019
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Guyana economy is projected to grow by some 4.6 per cent next year, according to a new report released on Thursday by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
During his recent budget speech, Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced that the economy is projected to grow by 3.4 per cent this year, a significant improvement on the 2.1 percent it recorded last year. He told the House that the target for real growth in the economy for 2018 was 3.8 percent, but at the end of the first quarter, the outlook for the year was revised to 3.4 percent, given the lower-than-expected performance in gold and sugar.
However, by the end of the first half of the year, economic activity had picked up in several other sectors, resulting in robust half-year growth of 4.5 per cent, and an upward revision of the projected annual growth rate of 3.7 per cent, for 2018. “I wish to report that the latest projection for real growth in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), for 2018, is 3.4 per cent, a significant improvement on the 2.1 per cent recorded in 2017,” Jordan told the House to loud thumping of the desks by government MPs. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/12/21/guyana-economy-to-grow-by-4-6-in-2019
NOT TRUE: SANDALS SAYS ALLEGATIONS OF COVER-UP FALSE AND GROSS MISREPRESENTATION OF FACTS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Sandals Resorts has strongly denied allegations that it was covering up allegations of sexual assault on two American female guests and said it stands ready to “vigorously defend itself in court” against the case that is now a subject of litigation, the Jamaica Observer reported December 18.
“Recent allegations of cover-ups by our organisation are false and are gross misrepresentations of not only the facts but who we are and what we stand for as a leader in the industry,” Sandals said in a statement yesterday.
“One of the core values of our company is exceeding guest expectations, and with that comes operating in full transparency. We are a family-operated enterprise that cares deeply about each and every guest we welcome into our resort home,” added Sandals, one of the companies in the ATL Group which includes this newspaper.
The resort company was responding to a report aired on ABC’s Good Morning America yesterday on claims made by professional make-up artist Melissa Blayton, and couple Jeff and Ashley Pascarella.
Blayton, who was a guest at a Sandals property in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, in 2017 said that one of the hotel’s employees, who offered her a solo sailing lesson, had sexually assaulted her.
She told ABC that after she was taken back to shore, on her demand, she spent the next few days holed up in her room crying. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/front-page/not-true-sandals-says-allegations-of-cover-up-false-and-gross-misrepresentation-of-the-facts_152479?profile=1606
HANDMADE SAINT LUCIA ENDS ON SUCCESSFUL NOTE
SAINT LUCIA — Organisers are reporting “a tremendous response” this weekend to Handmade Saint Lucia, an event put on by the Sandals Golf and Country Club to allow local artisans to display and sell their goods.
In only its second year, the event was hailed as a great success by the forty-three local artisans who took part, a news release from Sandals said.
According to the release, although relatively new to Saint Lucia, Handmade Saint Lucia is already beginning to hold its own as a vibrant popular Christmas hangout spot and a one stop shop for original Christmas gift items in Saint Lucia.
The event is designed specifically to provide a forum where shoppers can meet local artisans to mingle and exchange ideas.
“It was an explosion of creativity, to the delight of all the shoppers who turned out, as a variety of hand made goods were on display; from sandals to elegant casual wear, to craft items, body massage treatments and other unique gift items. The Sandals Saint Lucia Golf & Country Club was transformed into a veritable marketplace once the booths were fully decorated,” it was reported. https://stluciatimes.com/handmade-saint-lucia-ends-on-successful-note/
SAINT LUCIAN COMMUNITY IN UK CELEBRATES NATIONAL DAY
SAINT LUCIA — The Saint Lucian community in the UK marked the start of their country’s National Day celebrations with a special flag-raising ceremony held in Newham, London.
According to a news release on the event, more than 100 people from all over London gathered at the Newham Town Hall in the East of the British capital before midday to celebrate and mark the “nationhood of the nation.”
This public holiday in Saint Lucia is always celebrated on 13 December. It is Saint Lucia’s National Day and marks the Feast Day of Saint Lucia, the patron saint of the island.
Prominent community activist and local magistrate Justin Moore, who organised the annual event, was quoted as saying that he is happy to host what has now become a “must attend” ceremony of the year.
” I am happy to present this important event to the community here in London,” said Moore, who migrated to England in the 1960s from Soufriere. “It’s an important day for our community here in this country and I am grateful for the support we have received today as plenty of people have come to support this event. This event is proving to be successful and the audience has always been looking forward to this special day.”
Others in attendance at what was described as “the memorable flag-raising ceremony” included Saint Lucia’s deputy High Commissioner to London, HE Leonne Theodore -John, Saint Lucian educator Dr. Ben Charles, and the Mayoress of Newham and her deputy. https://stluciatimes.com/saint-lucian-community-in-uk-celebrates-national-day/
6,000 ADDITIONAL HOTEL ROOMS TO BE BUILT
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says ground is slated to be broken in January to commence the construction of 6,000 additional hotel rooms.
He said expansion of Jamaica’s hotel room stock will serve to further boost the economy by providing opportunities for local stakeholders, such as manufacturers, whom he encouraged to prepare to supply the anticipated heightened demand for furniture, among other key inputs.
“The industry is growing. The demand is expanding. At 4.3 million visitors, our market has increased by nearly 300,000 per month,” Mr. Bartlett further stated
He was speaking during MoneyMasters Limited’s Breakfast Meeting at Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa in St. Andrew, on Thursday (December 13).
Meanwhile, Mr. Bartlett said the potential for further growth in Jamaica’s tourism is limitless, relative to how the industry is projected to grow globally, noting that “the scope for us to act and get more from it has no bounds”. https://jis.gov.jm/6000-additional-hotel-rooms-to-be-built/
CUBAN AMBASSADOR AWARDED SAINT LUCIA’S MEDAL OF HONOUR GOLD
SAINT LUCIA — Saint Lucia has awarded outgoing Cuban Ambassador, Jorge Francisco Soberon Luis, the Saint Lucia Medal of Honour (Gold) of the Order of Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Times reported December 12.
Governor General, Sir Emmanuel Neville Cenac, bestowed the honour on the Cuban diplomat on the advice of Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet, for the ambassador’s significant contribution to this country’s development.
According to a release from the Office of the Prime Minister, the special investiture ceremony was held on December 6, 2018.
Prime Minister Chastanet, President of the Senate Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre, Speaker of the House Andy Daniel, Leader of the Opposition Philip J Pierre, government ministers and members of the diplomatic corps were in attendance.
Minister with responsibility for External Affairs, Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, was among those who addressed the event. https://stluciatimes.com/cuban-ambassador-awarded-saint-lucias-medal-of-honour-gold/
JAMAICA NOT SLATED TO BECOME A CASINO DESTINATION – MINISTER BARTLETT
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says that while Jamaica will open its first regulated casino in 2020, the island is not slated to become a casino destination.
“The fact is that casinos are not a requirement for Jamaica’s growth, but within the context of the integrated development model, casino gaming is a driver for exponential growth. We do not see Jamaica ever becoming known as a casino destination, but rather a destination in which casino gaming is available,” he said.
He was speaking at a seminar on ‘Hospitality Industry and Casino Operator’s Guide to Managing US Liability Issues from the Caribbean’ held at Sandals Montego Bay on Friday (December 7).
Mr. Bartlett said that Jamaica has shied away from gaming as a structured path of the tourism experience for a number of reasons. https://jis.gov.jm/jamaica-not-slated-to-become-a-casino-destination-minister-bartlett/
CAB TAKES POSITIVE VIEW OF SCOTIABANK BUYOUT
SAINT LUCIA — The Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) has adopted a positive view of the proposed sale of Scotiabank’s operations in nine Caribbean countries to Republic Financial Holding Limited (RFHL), the Saint Lucia Times reported December 12.
” The CAB is of the opinion that the ability of RFHL to be positioned to acquire assets of one of the leading International Banks, despite the myriad of challenges facing the regional banking sector at this time, is to be commended,” the association said in a statement Tuesday.
The CAB observed that while some private sector and public concerns may be well founded, the association views the development as a positive opportunity for the Regional Financial Services Sector.
According to the CAB, the region has, in its history, experienced migration, acquisition and consolidation of both locally owned and international financial services companies.
“Despite these situations, the sector has continued to be stable, guaranteeing customers the same high standards of integrity and customer service they expect from their Banks,” the association of banks observed. https://stluciatimes.com/cab-takes-positive-view-of-proposed-scotiabank-buyout/
PM REITERATES COMMITMENT TO SAFEGUARD HUMAN RIGHTS OF ALL JAMAICANS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has reiterated the Government’s commitment to protecting and safeguarding the human rights of all Jamaicans, while reducing the country’s crime rate, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
The Prime Minister was addressing persons who were taken to the Denham Town forward operating base (FOB) in Western Kingston by members of the security forces to be processed, under the State of Public Emergency.
Mr. Holness’ visit to the facility on Saturday, December 8, formed part of a tour of lockups and detention centres in Kingston, St. Catherine and St. James to get a first hand look at the operations.
“Our system allows for your detention, but those detentions have to be done within a certain set of rules to make sure that your right as a citizen is not being breached,” he told them.
Mr. Holness said the Government remains resolute in protecting the rights of persons who have been taken into custody. https://jis.gov.jm/pm-reiterates-commitment-to-safeguard-human-rights-of-all-jamaicans/
CARICOM-CUBA DAY ANNIVERSARY STATEMENT
(EDITOR’S NOTE: December 8, 2018, marks the Forty-Sixth Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobag — the four CARICOM countries that were independent at that time — and Cuba. To mark this “historic and courageous act,” the following statement by CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque was published in CARICOM TODAY):
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The 8th of December 2018 marks the Forty-Sixth Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, the four CARICOM countries independent at that time, and Cuba. That historic and courageous act of 8 December 1972 has grown over the years into a strong fraternal relationship between all the Member States of the Caribbean Community and Cuba.
The friendly and close relationship that unites CARICOM and Cuba is a shining example of South-South Cooperation. This is continuously refreshed by regular bilateral interactions as well as by our collaboration in hemispheric and international fora. CARICOM Member States are consistent in supporting Cuba at the United Nations in their battle against the unjust economic and financial embargo imposed on the island by the United States.
The value of our relationship was further underlined when, in what was his second overseas engagement after taking office in April, the President of Cuba, His Excellency Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, met with CARICOM Heads of Government during the Thirty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in July this year.
Cuba’s significant role in developing our human resources as well as their support in areas such as disaster management, agriculture, health and sport has been of great assistance to the development of our Member States. The restoration of direct air links earlier this year will no doubt boost people-to-people contacts, as well as trade which is governed by the CARICOM-Cuba Free Trade Agreement.
As we celebrate another year of fraternal relations, I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Governments and People of the Caribbean Community, to extend best wishes for the well-being and prosperity of the Government and People of Cuba and to reiterate the Community’s commitment to the further strengthening and enhancement of the close ties of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity.
NOTE: The Bahamas became a member of CARICOM on July 4, 1983.
AAJ RENOVATING IAN FLEMING AIRPORT AND ISLAND’S FOUR AERODROMES
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Transport and Mining Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, has announced the commencement of multimillion-dollar renovations by the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) at the Ian Fleming International Airport in St. Mary and the island’s four domestic aerodromes, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
The aerodromes being upgraded are Tinson Pen, Kingston; Ken Jones, Portland; Lionel Densham, St. Elizabeth; and Negril, Westmoreland.
Mr. Montague said the undertaking, which incorporates wide-ranging activities, is in keeping with the Government’s recognition of the civil aviation industry’s importance to Jamaica’s economy, and the need to boost operations in keeping with global standards.
“We are starting with the low-hanging fruits [by renovating Ian Fleming Airport and the aerodromes]… and I am pleased that the Airports Authority of Jamaica has taken on the challenge. I congratulate the President and his team for the swiftness with which you have moved and how the work has been progressing,” Mr. Montague said. https://jis.gov.jm/aaj-renovating-ian-fleming-airport-and-islands-four-aerodromes/
SAINT LUCIA DIPLOMAT VISITS BORDER BETWEEN VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA
SAINT LUCIA — Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to the United States and Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), Anton E. Edmunds, visited the border between Venezuela and Colombia last month as part of an OAS delegation, the Saint Lucia Times reported December 6.
According to the Embassy of Saint Lucia to the United States, representatives from seventeen OAS member states took part in the November 18 to 21 visit.
“The purpose of the visit was to view firsthand, and to hear from relevant authorities, the impact of over a million people migrating from Venezuela to and through Colombia. The evolving situation is viewed as the Western Hemisphere’s worst humanitarian crises in decades,” an embassy release stated.
It observed that it has been noted that the outward migration of Venezuelans to Colombia, neighboring countries and the wider region, including the Caribbean, has had significant economic and security repercussions. https://stluciatimes.com/saint-lucia-diplomat-visits-border-between-venezuela-and-colombia/
BAHAMAS: EX SANDALS BUTLER ACCUSED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT SPEAKS OUT
SAINT LUCIA — Former Sandals butler, Moral Adderley, who is at the centre of a sexual assault lawsuit against the resort in the Bahamas, said in a weekend interview that the bride to be who is his accuser asked him for a hug.
In the exclusive interview with Eyewitness News in the Bahamas, Adderley suggested that the $30 million lawsuit filed by America nationals Ashley Reid Pascarella and her husband John Pascarella against Sandals was part of a gimmick.
According to the news reports, court documents allege that Adderley entered the couple’s bedroom and proceeded to take sexual liberties with her, including fondling and groping the woman.
The husband to be was said to have been in the bathroom at the time.
The incident allegedly took place on the night of April 15, 2016, the eve of the couple’s wedding.
Adderley has denied he claims made against him.
He told Eyewitness News that the couple always commended him on the service he provided as a butler and introduced him to their entire family who were in the Bahamas for the wedding to let them know what a ‘wonderful butler’ he was. https://stluciatimes.com/bahamas-ex-sandals-butler-accused-of-sexual-assault-speaks-out/
“IF NOT NOW, WHEN” – PRIME MINISTER ROWLEY ON CSME
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government were challenged to move the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) forward by Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley.
Speaking this morning (Monday, December 3) at the start of their 18th Special Meeting which is focused on the CSME at the Hilton Hotel in Port of Spain, the host Prime Minster posed the question, “if not now, when; if not us, who?”
The two-day meeting is looking at increasing the rate of implementation of the CSME and making sure the benefits are available for Community nationals. The meeting is being chaired by the current chairman of CARICOM, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness.
The first item on today’s agenda was an engagement between the CARICOM Heads of Government and representatives from the regional Private and Labour sectors. This encounter was the brainchild of the lead Head of Government for the CSME in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, the Hon Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. See CARICOM TODAY at https://today.caricom.org/2018/12/03/if-not-now-when-prime-minister-rowley-on-csme/
CHRIS GAYLE WINS US$221,000 IN AUSTRALIAN DEFAMATION SETTLEMENT
SYDNEY (AP) — West Indies cricket star Chris Gayle has been awarded Aus$300,000 or US$221,000 in damages, three months after a jury found he was defamed in Australian newspaper articles in 2016 regarding allegations involving a female massage therapist, the Jamaica Gleaner reported on December 3.
Justice Lucy McCallum levied the damages Monday in a long-awaited ruling after a four-person jury in the New South Wales state High Court found in October 2017 that Fairfax had not established Gayle had exposed himself in a team dressing room during a Sydney training session at the 2015 World Cup.
The jury also found Fairfax was motivated by malice, rejecting the media group’s defense of qualified privilege, which argues the organisation acted reasonably by publishing information which is in the public interest.
Fairfax Media said Monday it will “immediately” appeal the decision.
Justice McCallum awarded Gayle a single sum for a series of articles published in January 2016 in the Sydney Morning Herald, Canberra Times and Melbourne Age. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20181203/chris-gayle-wins-300000-defamation-settlement
SAINT LUCIA NAMED WORLD’S LEADING HONEYMOON DESTINATION
SAINT LUCIA –Saint Lucia has been named the 2018 World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has announced. The SLTA said that this country was bestowed the honour at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final 2018 programme in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday.
Chairman of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Nicholas John, received the award on Saint Lucia’s behalf, according to an SLTA release.
Saint Lucia was nominated among honeymoon destinations like Colombia; Jamaica; Paris, France; Maui; Miami Beach, Florida, USA and Hawaii.
“This is the island’s tenth World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination Award, but only its first title since 2010.No other destination has won the coveted title as many times – Saint Lucia’s closest rival is Mauritius, which has won four times,” the SLTA noted. https://stluciatimes.com/saint-lucia-named-worlds-leading-honeymoon-destination/
JAMAICA URGED TO STEP UP EFFORTS TO PROTECT CULTURAL HERITAGE
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Ambassador Janet Olisa, is urging Jamaica to take steps to accelerate the preservation of its cultural heritage and to protect itself from cultural erosion.
“It is imperative and absolutely a matter of national necessity for Jamaica to preserve its cultural heritage… through technology and integration, which are fundamental and basic in our present age and time,” she said.
She was speaking at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Culture Clubs of Jamaica’s Eastern Region Consultation 2018, held on Thursday (November 29) at the University of Technology (UTech) campus, St. Andrew.
Ambassador Olisa, who spoke on the topic: ‘Preserving Jamaica’s Cultural Heritage through Technology and Cultural Integration,’ said the adoption of digital technology in non-western cultures, such as Jamaica and African countries, contributes to the erosion of local cultural values and practice. https://jis.gov.jm/jamaica-urged-to-step-up-efforts-to-protect-cultural-heritage/
JAMAICA IS WORLD’S LEADING BEACH, CRUISE DESTINATION – WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Destination Jamaica and several of the island’s top tourism entities emerged winners at the just concluded World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal last night, copping eight awards, the Jamaica Gleaner reported on December 2.
According to a release from the Ministry of Tourism, Jamaica received the World’s Leading Beach Destination and World’s Leading Cruise Destination for 2018.
In highlighting the significance of the awards, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, said: “I am truly proud to have been able share in this moment which highlights that Jamaica’s tourism product is of the highest quality and remains top of mind for millions of visitors who come to our shore. Jamaica competed with the best of the best across the globe and has emerged a global winner acknowledged for the hard work and innovation being done in the sector.”
He added: “Jamaica is poised for exponential growth in tourism and with this growth we will seek to be more innovative and provide more to our discerning visitors who come to get a taste of all the things we have to offer.” http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20181202/jamaica-worlds-leading-beach-cruise-destination-world-travel-awards
$1,000 PRE-CHRISTMAS PAYOUT FOR NWU MEMBERS
SAINT LUCIA — Officials from the Government Negotiating Team (GNT) and the Leadership and Shop Stewards from the National Workers Union (NWU) met this week for discussions on a Lump Sum Payment requested by the National Workers Union for members of the NWU Bargaining Unit employed with Government, it was announced in a press release.
The Saint Lucia Times reported that after two hours of discussion the following was agreed:
One thousand dollars ($1000.00) Lump Sum Payment will be given before Christmas 2018.
Non-established workers, Daily Paid workers, Watchmen, Constituency Councils, Victoria Hospital, Health Aides and other workers in the Bargaining Unit will enjoy the one thousand dollars ($1000.00) payout before Christmas.
The Government Negotiating Team and the NWU will meet in January 2019 to complete negotiations that will cover the triennium going forward. https://stluciatimes.com/1000-pre-christmas-payout-for-nwu-members/
LABOUR MINISTER SAYS NO VISA ISSUES FOR SAINT LUCIAN FARM WORKERS IN CANADA
SAINT LUCIA — Labour Minister Stephenson King has said that visa requirements have not hampered the operation of the programme under which nationals from Saint Lucia and other Caribbean countries are employed as seasonal farm workers in Canada.
“I must admit to you that the support received from the Canadian government is very clear and they have been involved,” King said here recently at the end of a three-day consultation to review the farm workers programme.
He explained that there is an excellent relationship between Canada and the Islands that require visas, with Canadian officials asserting that the processing of seasonal agricultural workers is a priority.
“Next year some of the Islands will be now called on to do what we call biometrics – the fingerprints etc. All arrangements are being made to ensure that there is a smooth transition from what was done before and what is being required now,” the minister stated. https://stluciatimes.com/king-no-visa-issues-for-saint-lucian-farm-workers-in-canada/
JAMAICA COMMITS TO FOSTERING BLUE ECONOMY GROWTH
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Pearnel Charles Jr, state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, affirmed Jamaica’s commitment to the development of a road map to foster the growth of the ‘blue economy’ on Wednesday at the Global Sustainable Blue Economy Conference 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya.
Jamaica and several other countries explored measures and actions for promoting the sustainability of the oceans and aquatic resources, established networks for collaboration and shared best practices at the conference.
Charles Jr told the conference that Jamaica is committed to remaining active in the various regional and international fora on ocean and other aquatic-related matters and ensuring that the interests of small-island developing states are represented.
“This includes the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, spearheaded by Norway,” Charles Jr said. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20181130/jamaica-commits-fostering-blue-economic-growth
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE OF BARBADOS
BAHAMAS CHRONICLE extends our pride-filled congratulations to the Government and People of Barbados on the occasion of the Fifty-Second Anniversary of Independence which is being celebrated under the theme, “Building Together – One Barbados”. After the British established their first settlement at Holetown in 1627, Barbados remained a British colony until achieving independence from Britain on November 30, 1966. That first independence ceremony was accompanied by the raising of the Barbados national flag, and playing of the national anthem for the first time. https://www.facebook.com/NationBarbados/videos/341951793250588/
GOVERNMENT WARNS AGAINST UNFAIR COMPETITION DURING FESTIVE SEASON
SAINT LUCIA — The Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Commerce has issued a warning to business establishments to be mindful about misleading consumers during the festive season, the Saint Lucia Times reported November 29.
The Government Information Service (GIS) has quoted the Director of Consumer Affairs Division, Guillaume Simon, as saying that the Protection of Unfair Competition Act is designed to ensure a viable business environment.
“Any act in the course of industrial or commercial activities that misleads or is likely to mislead the public with respect to an enterprise or its activities, in particular, the products or services offered by such enterprise constitutes an act of unfair competition,” Simon stated. https://stluciatimes.com/government-warns-against-unfair-competition-during-festive-season/
UNESCO ADDS JAMAICA REGGAE MUSIC TO GLOBAL CULTURAL HERITAGE
MAURITIUS, CMC – Reggae music, the genre that originated in Jamaica, on Thursday secured a coveted spot on the United Nations’ list of global cultural treasure, THE Jamaica Gleaner reported November 29.
UNESCO, the world body’s cultural and scientific agency, added reggae to its collection of “intangible cultural heritage” deemed worthy of protection and promotion.
“This is a historic day. We are very, very happy,” said Jamaica’s Culture Minister Olivia Grange.
“Anywhere you go and say you’re from Jamaica, they answer ‘Bob Marley,’” said Grange, adding that the distinction “underscores the importance of our culture and our music, whose theme and message is ‘one love, togetherness, and peace.’”
UNESCO noted that while reggae started out as “the voice of the marginalised” it was “now played and embraced by a wide cross-section of society, including various genders, ethnic and religious groups.”
Its “contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual,” Paris-based UNESCO added in a statement. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/caribbean/20181129/unesco-adds-jamaican-reggae-music-global-cultural-heritage
NEW AMBASSADOR OF BARBADOS TO THE OAS PRESENTS CREDENTIALS
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 28, 2018 — The new Permanent Representative of Barbados to the Organization of American States (OAS), Noel Lynch, today presented his credentials to the Secretary General of the Organization, Luis Almagro.
Ambassador Lynch said Barbados sees the OAS “as the premier multilateral organization in the Americas working to promote dialogue and to strengthen peace.”
He pledged his country´s continuing commitment to support “the programs and activities in the critical areas of democracy, human rights, multidimensional security, and integral development which constitute the four pillars of this Organization.”
For his part, Secretary General Almagro recalled that the Caribbean country was among “the first group of newly independent CARICOM countries to join the Organization in 1967.”
Since then, he said, “its representation has been constant and active in the critical debates at the OAS”.
The first Assistant Secretary General of the OAS from a Caribbean country was the Barbadian Ambassador Valerie McComie.
(SOURCE: OAS website)
PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA HIGHLIGHTS OAS ROLE IN THE REGION
WASHINGTON, D.C., November 28, 2018 — The Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness addressed the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) on Tuesday, November 27, and highlighted the crucial role the Organization has played in the last 70 years in promoting security, democracy, governance, peace and overall wellness in the region.
In his welcoming remarks, the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, said that Prime Minister Holness “is a symbol of change, and he has shown his commitment to effect change, particularly in the area of governance.”
“We are witnessing a revisiting of the ideal of government for the people and by the people, which promises to lay firm foundations for more sustainable, lasting and meaningful development in small nations,” added the Secretary General.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Holness said that after 70 years, the OAS “remains as relevant today as it was at the outset; given its role as the premier hemispheric institution it is needed now more than ever.”
He added that the “challenges over the next 70 years will be to continue beyond the realization of more rights for more people, as the OAS current tagline suggests” and to review “the successes and failures of the Organization to determine not only its focus, but also the adequacy of its current structures.”
Prime Minister Holness also valued the role of the OAS in the Summit of the Americas process in “the promotion of meaningful dialogue and important issues affecting the region” and commented on other issues of the concern to the region, including the fight against corruption, the impact of climate change, arms trafficking, transparency, and the diversification of energy sources.
(SOURCE: OAS website)
PM BROWNE TELLS SCOTIABANK NO SALE WITHOUT GOVERNMENT APPROVAL
ANTIGA — The Bank of Nova Scotia has been stopped from proceeding with any sale of its operations in Antigua and Barbuda until an application is made to the Government and approval given, the Antigua Observer reported on November 27.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, also wants assurances that local banks will be given priority to purchase Scotiabank’s operations in Antigua, and that local persons’ investments and savings will be protected.
Writing today to Suzan Snaggs-Wilson, the General Manager of Scotiabank in Antigua, Prime Minister Browne lamented the fact “that the authorities of the Bank of Nova Scotia would decide to sell its operations in Antigua and Barbuda without any form of consultation with the regulators or the Finance Minister whose agreement and authority for such a sale are required by law”. https://stluciatimes.com/pm-browne-tells-scotiabank-no-sale-without-government-approval/
HAITIANS IGNORE OPPOSITION CALLS FOR STREET DEMONSTRATIONS
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, CMC – Haiti was showing signs of returning to a level of normalcy on Tuesday after residents dismissed calls by opposition parties for two days of street protest to force President Jovenel Moise out of office, the Jamaica Gleaner reported November 27.
After a week of being paralysed by acts of violence and demonstrations, schools re-opened on Monday and businesses in the capital Port au Prince as well as in the provisional cities were re-opening.
Officials said public transport and taxis were on the streets and several trade union leaders have taken to the airwaves denouncing the action called by the Democratic and Popular Movement (DPM), an opposition grouping of 20 political parties. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/caribbean/20181127/haitians-ignore-opposition-calls-street-demonstrations
LABOUR MINISTER LAUDS REGION’S FEMALE FARMERS
SAINT LUCIA –Caribbean women in farming have come in for high praise from Saint Lucia`s Labour Minister Honorable Stephenson King, according to a press release.
At a recent tour of a local farm with delegates attending the 2018 annual review meeting of the Canada-Caribbean Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme, Minister King observed that Caribbean women have broken many barriers and now stand toe to toe with their male counterparts in the agricultural sector.
The Cox Farm nestled in the community of Vanard on the west of Saint Lucia, is a true success story – where fifty percent of the workforce are women.
Labour Minister King says the Cabinet in which he serves will continue to lobby for equal rights and treatment for female workers across the board.
Canadian farm owners are becoming increasingly interested in the employ of female farm workers from the region. As such, moves are currently afoot to increase the number of women employed on the Canadian Farm Worker Programme. Beth Connery who owns and operates a farm in Manitoba, Canada, says herself and many of her colleagues are satisfied that Caribbean female farm workers can perform. See Caribbean News in BAHAMAS CHRONICLE at https://stluciatimes.com/labour-minister-lauds-regions-female-farmers/
GLASGOW UNIVERSITY TO PAY £200M EXTRACTED FROM REGION
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (UWI) Sir Hilary Beckles has reported that The University of Glasgow in the United Kingdom (UK) has agreed to pay reparations for £200 million (approximately J$34 billion) taken from the Caribbean, the Jamaica Gleaner reported November 25.
According to Beckles, who recently returned from the UK, “The University of Glasgow has recognised that Jamaican slave owners had adopted the University of Glasgow as their university of choice and that £200 million of value was extracted from Jamaica and the Caribbean.”
Beckles made the announcement during an interview on the Jamaica News Network (JNN) programme Insight, where he said that the Vice Chancellor of the UK-based university Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli opened up their records, which showed a ‘massive influx’ of grants and endowments from Jamaica.
He said that the University of Glasgow and The UWI are currently drafting a memorandum of understanding, and the term ‘reparatory justice’ is expected to be included. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20181125/updated-glasgow-university-pay-reparations-ps200m-extracted-region?fbclid=IwAR1RqJD44QIuGiG2GB2BY2Wim0lXjXJZeT6lDNAVdQDaXAmDjk9YSddVNSc
WEDDING BELLS AT PRIME MINISTER’S HOME
TRINIDAD — Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley played the role of father of the bride on Saturday, November 24, 2018, walking his youngest daughter, Dr Sonel Rowley, down the aisle for her wedding to Stephan Stewart at St Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church in Woodbrook. Sonel graduated last May with a doctorate in child psychology from New York’s Fordham University. She is a former student of Bishop Anstey High School. Stewart, who lives in New York, attended Fatima College and Columbia University and works for international investment bankers Goldman Sachs as an equities research associate.
US COAST GUARD RESCUE JAMAICANS ON DISABLED BOAT NEAR HAITI
MIAMI, CMC – Six Jamaicans were rescued by the United States Coast Guard after they were found adrift Friday about 76 miles south west of Tortuga, Haiti, the Jamaica Gleaner reported November 25.
The US Coast Guard yesterday identified the Jamaicans as: Garnel Goldson, 30; Rohan Smith, 50; Raymond Foster, 30; Jermaine Brown, 32; Marvin Buchanon, 39; and Jermaine Lobiboun.
According to the Coast Guard Cutter Thetis, crew members observed a handheld flare and diverted to the origin location of a disabled vessel that was on a voyage from Jamaica to Tortuga.
It said the master of the vessel reported to be adrift for two days, and the crew was running low on provisions. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20181125/us-coast-guard-rescue-jamaicans-disabled-boat-near-haiti
GNBS, EDUCATION MINISTRY TO COLLABORATE ON METRIC SYSTEM USE
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) in the near future vows to collaborate more with the Ministry of Education, so as to have students understand and drive the use of the metric system (SI) system, the Guyana Chronicle reported November 25.
Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the GNBS, Lloyd David, said the International System of Units is the modern form of the metric system and is the most widely used system of measurement in the world.
“It comprises a coherent system of units of measurement built on seven base units. It defines 22 named units, and includes many more unnamed coherent derived units. To keep aligned with the rest of the world, all of Guyana needs to make a concerted effort to adopt and use metric units of measurement in trade transactions and in other measurement practices,” David said.
The GNBS official said that in 2002, the metric system (SI) became the legal system of measurement in Guyana. The seven base units of the legalised system are the kilogram for mass, metre for length, Candela for light, seconds for time, mol for the amount of substance, Ampere for electric current and Kelvin (degree Celsius) for temperature. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/11/25/gnbs-education-ministry-to-collaborate-on-metric-system-use
GHANA, GUYANA INK AIR SERVICES PACT
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Both Guyana and Ghana were urged to put words into action with the inking of a historic bilateral air service agreement which will promote air transport connectivity and collaboration in numerous areas such as oil and gas, the Guyana Chronicle reported November 24.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure with responsibility for Aviation, Annette Ferguson, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Minister of Aviation of Ghana Joseph Kofi Adda on Friday.
The two, along with some 600 participants, were at the time meeting at the Arthur Chung Int’l Conference Centre at Liliendaal,Greater Georgetown, for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Transport meeting in Guyana
Minister Adda in brief remarks thanked Guyana for its willingness to collaborate and noted the timeliness of the agreement for his country of some four million people. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/11/23/ghana-guyana-ink-air-services-pact
PM LEADS DELEGATION TO UAE-CARIBBEAN COOPERATION FORUM
SAINT LUCIA – Prime Minister Allen M. Chastanet will lead a delegation to the first United Arab Emirates (UAE) Caribbean Cooperation Forum in Dubai from Nov. 24 – 26, during which high-level panels will “discuss partnerships opportunities with the focus on trade, investments, development and cultural cooperation, the government announced in the following press release:
“Prime Minister Honourable Allen M. Chastanet will lead a delegation to the first United Arab Emirates (UAE) Caribbean Cooperation Forum which takes place in Dubai from Nov. 24 to 26.
The aim of the forum is not only to discuss the strategic bilateral relationship but also to find new areas of cooperation and opportunities in the field of investments, trade and culture. See the full text of the release at https://stluciatimes.com/pm-leads-delegation-to-uae-caribbean-cooperation-forum/
BAHAMAS CLOSES EMBASSY IN HAITI AS UNREST CONTINUES IN FRENCH SPEAKING COUNTRY
ANTIGUA — The Bahamas government Tuesday said that its embassy in Haiti would remain closed “until further notice” as it joined other countries in shutting down their diplomatic buildings as unrest continues in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, the Antigua Daily Observer reported November 20.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the decision to close down the embassy followed consultations with the country’s ambassador to security personnel in Haiti.
“Due to continuing unrest in Haiti, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise members of the public that the Embassy of The Bahamas in Port au Prince will be closed until further notice,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, adding that “security directives have been issued by the United Nations (UN) Mission in Haiti – MINUJUSTH, implementing a curfew from 2200 hours to 0500 hours until further notice.
“It is the policy of The Bahamas in situations such as this to act in conjunction with the Diplomatic Community, and the UN if present in the jurisdiction,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, adding that the national airline, Bahamasair has also suspended its flights into Haiti until further notice. It urged the public to consult Bahamasair as to when flights are likely to resume.
“All staff of The Bahamas Embassy are safe. The Ministry continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates on new developments as they arise.”
The United States Embassy Tuesday lifted its security measures so that US employees can get to work. But it said that the Consular Section is open only for emergency services for US citizens. https://antiguaobserver.com/bahamas-closes-embassy-in-haiti-as-unrest-continues-in-french-speaking-country/
FINANCE MINISTER SAYS MODERNISED CUSTOMS LEGISLATION WILL IMPROVE EASE OF DOING BUSINESS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, says the modernised Customs legislation will create an environment that facilitates greater trading opportunities while improving the ease of doing business in the 21st century, according to a Jamaica Information Servies (JIS) press release.
Dr. Clarke was speaking at a stakeholder consultation on the legislative reform for the repeal and replacement of the Customs Bill, at the Shipping Association of Jamaica offices, Newport West, Kingston, on November 19.
“In this world we are entering, we want to be in a position where goods can easily come in by one modality and leave by another. Our Customs Act, for more reasons than one, needs to be updated to ensure that Jamaica can take full advantage of the opportunities in today’s world,” he said.
Dr. Clarke said while Jamaica is ranked as the most competitive country in the Caribbean region, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business Report, and the sixth most competitive in Latin America, “we are not satisfied with that”.
“Our vision for ourselves goes further than that, and to do so we have to make the border processes more streamlined, more efficient, more cost-effective, and more transparent,” he added. https://jis.gov.jm/finance-minister-says-modernised-customs-legislation-will-improve-ease-of-doing-business/
OPPOSITION LEADER ISSUES STATEMENT ON NO CONFIDENCE MOTION
SAINT LUCIA — Opposition Leader Philip J. Pierre has notified the Speaker of the House of his intention to file a “Motion of No Confidence” in Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Allen Chastanet, claiming that since his “appointment and installation” Saint Lucia “has been governed in a manner that has undermined our Constitution, its conventions and practices.”
Mr. Pierre made the announcement in a statement he read to the media outside Parliament Tuesday morning, November 20, 2018.
Following is the full text of his press release:
In my capacity as Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition and Leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party, I delivered this morning to the Clerk of Parliament for onward submission to the Speaker of the House, a copy of a Motion of No Confidence in the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
The motion and the anticipated debate, will articulate the deep concerns, anxieties and the feeling of hopelessness among large sections of the Saint Lucian society about the uncaring and irresponsible manner that the business of this country is currently managed.
Since the appointment and installation of Hon Allen Chastanet as Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation and External Affairs, Saint Lucia has been governed in a manner that has undermined our Constitution, its conventions and practices. We have witnessed a growing abuse of public office, unreasonable and irrational decision-making, unsustainable fiscal deficits, squandering of the State’s financial resources, and a debilitating decline in the public trust and confidence in the Prime Minister’s ability to govern the country. https://stluciatimes.com/politics-government/pierre-issues-statement-on-no-confidence-motion/
DALLAS NEWSPAPER SAYS ALL JUSTICE COULD BE LOST IN GOING FOR MURDER CHARGE IN BOTHAM JEAN CASE
SAINT LUCIA — A Dallas Morning News Editorial has sounded a word of caution to the county’s incoming district attorney, John Creuzot, that in going for a murder charge in the Botham Jean case he takes a greater risk of a jury returning a not guilty verdict, the Saint Lucia Times reported November 19.
The newspaper however expressed the view that Creuzot has very good legal reasons for asserting that Amber Guyger, the female police officer who shot Jean, should be charged with murder and not manslaughter.
Nevertheless, the editorial said that convicting on a murder charge, with its stiffer sentence, will be a tougher case to win, especially when a police officer is involved and especially when there are so many questions surrounding the circumstances of the shooting.
“That would compound this horrific tragedy: 26-year-old Botham Jean was shot and killed in his apartment when Guyger — returning from a long cop shift — apparently mistook him for an intruder in her own apartment and opened fire. Guyger’s apartment was one floor below Jean’s. There is no question Jean and his family deserve justice,” the newspaper editorial stated. https://stluciatimes.com/headlines/dallas-newspaper-says-all-justice-could-be-lost-in-going-for-murder-charge-in-botham-jean-case/
JAMAICA DEFEATS UNITED STATES TO QUALIFY FOR THE 2021 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP
SPORTING NEWS — Jamaica is set to make sporting history once more after defeating the United States to qualify for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
The Reggae Warriors became the 11th nation to cement their place in the 16-team tournament after beating the USA Hawks 16-10 in the Americas Championship final in Jacksonville.
Leading 16-0 at half-time, Jamaica kept the United States scoreless with two penalty goals by Jy-Mel Coleman, and two tries to Joel Farrell and Keenen Tomlinson. However, the Warriors were forced to desperately defend their lead after the US kept Jamaica scoreless in the second half.
Just nine years after playing their first full international rugby league match in the same location, Jamaica’s flight to rugby league success mirrors the famous Jamaican bobsled team, who defied the odds to qualify for the 1988 Olympic Games. https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/jamaica-reggae-warriors-defeat-united-states-americas-championship-qualify-2021-rugby-league-world-cup/151bb659mdvz71bn6jwm99f2gn
SANDALS: “SELFISH ACTIONS” STOPPING SIGNIFICANT CASH FLOW INTO ECONOMY
SAINT LUCIA — Sandals Resorts has asserted that ‘selfish actions’ have blocked the inflow of millions of dollars into the Saint Lucia economy, as the construction here of the resort’s newest property – Sandals La Source, came to a halt.
Work on the multi-million dollar new property at Pigeon Island, Gros Islet, ceased due to recent legal proceedings instituted by The Landings resort.
Among other things, the Landings has declared that the effect of ‘this large 10 storey plus development so close to The Landings could be devastating to our hotel product, our property and our operations, thereby jeopardizing investments and the jobs of nearly 200 individuals.’
Sandals Regional Project Manager, Mark Harding, told reporters that the potential for employment by the Sandals La Source would be about 1000 persons. https://stluciatimes.com/law-order/sandals-selfish-actions-stopping-significant-cash-flow-into-economy/
CCJ STRIKES DOWN GUYANA’S CROSS DRESSING LAW
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Tuesday ruled as “unconstitutional” a law in Guyana that makes it a criminal offence for a man or a woman to appear in public while dressed in clothing of the opposition sex, the Saint Lucia Times reported November 13.
The CCJ, Guyana’s highest court, said that the law, Section 153(1)(xlvii) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, is to be struck from the laws of country and that costs are to be awarded to the appellants in the appeal before it and the lower courts.
In 2009, several trans women were arrested and convicted under the 1893 Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act of the offence of being a “man” appearing in “female attire” in public for an “improper purpose”.
They spent three nights in police detention in Georgetown after their arrest for the minor crime. One year later, McEwan, Clarke, Fraser, Persaud and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) brought an action challenging the constitutionality of the law and the treatment of the appellants during the legal process. https://stluciatimes.com/headlines/ccj-strikes-down-guyanas-cross-dressing-law/?fbclid=IwAR3iLhqGmzCfYT1aX6zIMW2kUr1tiwHJdyoE4N0C1_9sJoa_khqM5GGHvL0
GIVE WORKERS SECOND CHANCE
BARBADOS — The Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology (SJPI) is being challenged to give retrenched workers a second chance for retraining and retooling.
According to Senator the Hon. Lucille Moe, Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (ag), this will then allow persons to attain a full certificate, diploma or vocational qualification by obtaining a specific set of skills.
“Government’s acceptance and endorsement of the SJPI’s mandate, which focuses on providing educational programming to meet the needs of industry, allows us to subscribe to an ideology that SJPI is the bedrock of our evolving human resource development strategy,” she said
The Senator, who was at the time addressing the 2018 Graduation and Awards Ceremony, held at the Hilton Barbados Resort on Saturday night, acknowledged that SJPI has been making significant strides in programming, as it continues to work hand in hand with the TVET Council in order to expand the number of disciplines in which its learners can access vocational qualifications at levels 2 and 3 at the Institution.
Added to this, she said that the Ministry of Education, with its eyes fixed on the architecture of the future, continues to support the advancement of the Institution and is heartened by the significant investment into its programming, aided by funding managed through the Skills for the Future Project. https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/give-workers-second-chance
DON’T LIVE LIFE IN-TRANSIT, BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT URGES UG 2018 GRADUATING CLASS
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The University of Guyana Class of 2018 was challenged to transform Guyana when President of the Guyana Bar Association Kamal Ramkarran delivered the keynote address at the 52nd Convocation held on Saturday, the Guyana Chronicle reported November 11.
Ramkarran is an attorney-at-law and an alumnus of the Class of 1997. In his address to the graduands of the Faculty of Social Sciences and the School of Entrepreneurship and Business during the third ceremony of the 52nd Convocation, called on them to view Guyana as a place of opportunities.
“Try to think of Guyana as a real country, it may sound strange. Of course Guyana is a real country, but so many of us, too many of us dismiss it as a place where nothing works, nothing ever will. Why should this be so? Is it not up to all of us to make things work, to ensure that they work? Too often we live our lives as though we were in transit here, waiting here on the way to somewhere else, on the way to the start of our great life,” he reasoned.
Ramkarran told the graduands that when people take their country seriously, changes become evident as he urged them to “make things work.” http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/11/11/make-things-work
MAKE REGIONAL AIRLIFT ATTRACTIVE
BARBADOS — If this island wants to reap the full benefits from the tourism sector, then it is going to have to address the issue of regional airlift, the Barbados Advocate reported November 11.
This is according to the Chairman and CEO of Soco Hotel, Ralph Taylor, who was one of the panelists at the discussion on ‘Meeting the Development Needs of the Region’, which was a part of the Alumni Symposium held under the theme of ‘Taking the Region Forward: An Alumni Perspective’ organized and hosted by the 70 Anniversary Committee in collaboration with The UWI Alumni Association (Barbados) Chapter as part of the 70th anniversary of the UWI.
“We cannot get tourists if you do not have transportation. Therefore, the region has to address the problem of regional airlift. We need to address not only airlift to the region, but airlift within the region.”
He said that there needs to be a detailed evaluation of the international air transport to the Caribbean as well as an examination into having a regional air carrier traveling to international markets. “This would provide the region with a level of control over its destiny and a level of vertical integration in the market places that are deemed desirable,” he said. https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/make-regional-airlift-attractive
BALANCING ACT – MP HOLNESS CONFIDENT THAT JAMAICAN WOMEN CAN JUGGLE A CAREER AND A FAMILY
KINGSTON, Jamaica — More Jamaican women are choosing profession over procreation, with Jamaica falling to two children per woman, down from three per woman in 1994, the Jamaica Gleaner reported November 11.
But Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Rural Juliet Holness is adamant that Jamaican women can have a family and a successful career.
“It can be done, many women have done it successfully and I would encourage more and more women to do so if it is their choice,” Holness, wife of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, told The Sunday Gleaner following the launch of the State of the World Population 2018 report last Thursday.
“As a woman myself with two children, I have found that I am getting up earlier, I am having to exercise because it makes me mentally much sharper, and I think it actually makes us very productive,” said Holness.
“We have to be able to be efficient and balanced in our approach if we would like the choice of having a family and still having the opportunity to have a career,” added Holness.
Jamaica’s current fertility rate, while commendable, has sparked concerns that any further decline could create economic and social issues in the future. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20181111/balancing-act-mp-holness-confident-jamaican-woman-can-juggle-career
REINING THEM IN! – MERCENARY LAWYERS CAUSE GLC TO CONSIDER NEW RULES ON CONTINGENCY FEES
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Faced with a mountain of allegations against attorneys-at-law, the General Legal Council (GLC) is considering several changes to tighten the rules governing contingency fees charged by lawyers operating in Jamaica, the Sunday Gleaner reported November 11.
Under a contingent fee arrangement, the lawyer does not charge the client but instead agrees to accept a fixed percentage of any amount awarded to their client if they win the case.
Currently, there are no regulations governing the percentage of any award which lawyers can claim for their contingency fee, and some lawyers charge as much as 40 per cent, plus general consumption tax (GCT), which could leave their client losing almost half of the payout.
This has sparked concerns that in some instances, claimants are losing the bulk of their money to mercenary lawyers.
“Where cases are sure, lawyers are loaning monies to the claimants at loan-shark rates. When the payout comes, with the high interest rates, plus contingency fees and GCT, the claimants are left with nothing,” one lawyer who asked not to be named told The Sunday Gleaner. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20181111/reining-them-mercenary-lawyers-cause-glc-consider-new-rules
CASTRIES VISI0N 2030 TAKES SHAPE
SAINT LUCIA — The Government of Saint Lucia has embarked on a new visioning process for the city of Castries, the Saint Lucia Times reported November 9.
The first phase of the process will run for four months, to end in December 2018. The aim of the process is to make Castries more compact, socially inclusive, better connected and more resilient to climate change, through integrated urban planning.
In 2008, via extensive consultation with a multitude of stakeholders, the government sought to articulate a vision for the island’s development via a quadrant development plan. The city of Castries featured as a significant element of this plan. Ten years later, government seeks to determine both the extent to which the vision for Castries has informed development over the last decade, and the extent to which the vision remains relevant in light of changing socio-economic activity and the advent of new global international policy frameworks. https://stluciatimes.com/general/castries-vision-2030-takes-shape/
SAINT LUCIA APPOINTS AMBASSADOR FOR DIASPORA AFFAIRS
SAINT LUCIA — In a move to embrace the Saint Lucian Diaspora, the Government of Saint Lucia has appointed a new Ambassador responsible for Diaspora Affairs. Dr. Jocelyne Clarke-Fletcher will lead the charge to bring Saint Lucians together in a holistic way, enhancing efforts of the Government to forge links with nationals overseas, the Saint Lucia Times reported November 9.
Working within the Office of Diaspora Affairs, the role of the Ambassador will be to communicate with non-resident Saint Lucians in different countries, and to assist them in coming home, creating linkages for investment, providing support, or avenues for giving back.
Dr. Fletcher worked previously for the Government of Montserrat as Chief Human Resources Manager and also worked for many years as a lecturer for the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and the University of the West Indies. A human resource management specialist, her cadre of work also includes several posts with the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana.
For the new Diaspora Affairs Ambassador, her new role came out of a desire to return to her homeland to serve her country. As a returning national, she understands how nationals outside feel and desires to help bridge the gap. https://stluciatimes.com/headlines/saint-lucia-appoints-ambassador-for-diaspora-affairs/
CARIBBEAN ISLANDS VOTE TO RETAIN LONDON-BASED APPEAL COURT
SAINT JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda — A centuries-old London body will continue to have the final say on the administration of justice in two Caribbean ex-colonies after referendums to replace it with a regional court failed to reach the requisite majorities.
British rule in Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada ended decades ago but — like many of the English-speaking islands — they have retained the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as their final court of appeal.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Wednesday described the result as “disappointing but not surprising,” given the lack of support from the main opposition.
Voters in both nations went to the polls Tuesday to determine whether to officially adopt the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) instead.
Just under 48 per cent of people in Antigua and Barbuda voted in favor of the constitutional changes and around 45 per cent of those in Grenada. The referendums required a two-thirds majority to pass. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/caribbean-islands-vote-to-retain-london-based-appeal-court-10907786
SAINT LUCIA EXPLORES OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER CRUISE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
SAINT LUCIA — Prime Minister the Honourable Allen M. Chastanet participated in a special Heads of State Forum on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at the 25th Annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference and Trade Show currently being held in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Along with Heads of State, the forum includes FCCA Member Line presidents and CEOs for both a networking reception and a meeting on ways to work together on destination and region specific topics, including year-round traffic, employment opportunities, purchasing/sourcing and developing strategic partnerships.
Prime Minister Chastanet also delivered an address at the FCCA Conference & Trade Show Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, November 6, where he implored executives to leap collaboratively and commended cruise lines for continued confidence in the Caribbean.
“There is power in being able to come together, in us having this opportunity to identify the issues through amiable discussion and to strive to find real solutions to those problems,” PM Chastanet said, adding that “The future of the cruise industry is equally dependant on the strength of every island.”
The Prime Minister is joined at the conference by representatives of the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) and officials from the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). Also part of the Saint Lucia contingent are representatives from the local Cruise-Tour Operators and Destination Management Companies.
The FCCA Conference, chaired by Michelle Paige, Chairperson of FCCA, is a four-day event designed to foster a better understanding of the inner workings of the cruise industry and help attendees improve their cruise tourism business. The conference presents opportunities to develop relationships with, promote products to, and learn from the executives from FCCA’s 18 Member Lines who decide where ships call, what is sold and used onboard, and how to invest in destinations and infrastructure.
LADY ALLEN IMPLORES JAMAICANS TO SAFEGUARD NATION’S YOUTH
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Wife of the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Lady Allen, is urging well-thinking Jamaicans to take the necessary steps to safeguard the society’s children and youth, and aid their holistic development.
Noting that 33 per cent of the population are children and another 11.8 per cent are youth, aged 18 to 24, Lady Allen contended that “these are the leaders and nation-builders or tomorrow, and we want them healthy and happy”.
“Our children and young people face many problems, and sometimes they need the help of us adults to see them through their difficulties. We need to do that because they have special needs, special interests, and special dreams. We must give them every opportunity to become the best that they can be,” she said.
Her remarks were delivered by Chair of the Friends of the Bustamante Hospital for Children, Dr. Karla Hylton, during the opening ceremony for the annual Dr. Leila Wynter Commemorative Conference at the institution on Monday, November 5. https://jis.gov.jm/lady-allen-implores-jamaicans-to-safeguard-nations-youth/
WOMEN RALLY AROUND EACH OTHER TO HELP FIND SOLUTIONS TO CHALLENGES IN WORLD OF BUSINESS
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Empowered Leadership Conference (WeLead2018) opened on Monday with women being urged to break down the barriers preventing them from establishing their own businesses, the Guyana Chronicle reported November 6.
In her address to scores of women and men at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Community Health Care, Abbigale Loncke said that in normal circumstances, a great idea and a market opportunity are critical ingredients for a successful startup, but for women there are more hurdles. Many of them, she said, are artificial, while others are cultural and attitudinal.
“Access of capital is one of them. And the other one is that even when we get going, the ability to break down the barrier of the boys’ network is not an easy or straightforward task,” Loncke said.
Loncke, a Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Alumnus, said the two-day conference — being held under the theme, “When Women Prosper, We All Prosper” — creates a platform for discussion on how women could overcome the challenges they face in the world of business. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/11/06/women-rally-round-each-other
PM ANNOUNCES ADJUSTMENTS TO MINISTERIAL PORTFOLIOS
SAINT LUCIA — The Honourable Allen M. Chastanet, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, has announced adjustments to his Government’s Ministerial Portfolios effective November 1, 2018.
The Prime Minister noted that the changes are “to ensure greater synergy, efficiency and improve responsiveness to the needs of Saint Lucians.”
Previously appointed portfolios of members of the Cabinet remain unchanged.
The adjustments, announced in a press release, are as follows: https://stluciatimes.com/politics-government/pm-announces-adjustments-to-ministerial-portfolios/
SAINT LUCIANS CAN NOW SUBMIT DATA FOR VISAS AT THE CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSION IN BARBADOS
SAINT LUCIA — Canada has announced that Nationals of Saint Lucia can now submit biometric data for visas at the Canadian High Commission in Barbados, in addition to Trinidad and Tobago, the Embassy of Saint Lucia to the United States of America has disclosed, The Saint Lucia Times reports.
An embassy release quoted Ambassador Anton Edmunds as saying that the additional location for visa access is a welcome step.
Edmunds, who also serves as non-resident High Commissioner to Canada, said it gives Saint Lucian nationals options, and indicates a responsiveness by Canada to the government of Saint Lucia’s stated concerns about costs associated with travel to Trinidad and Tobago.
“The government of Saint Lucia will continue to advocate for a scenario where there is the deployment of mobile solutions to collect biometric data, and one which includes Saint Lucia as a regular recipient of such a service,” the Saint Lucian diplomat stated. https://stluciatimes.com/general/saint-lucians-can-now-submit-data-for-visas-at-the-canadian-high-commission-in-barbados/
CASTRIES MAYOR TO DISCUSS CRIME CONTROL WITH T&T POLICE
ST. LUCIA — Castries Mayor Peterson Francis will discuss crime control strategies with Trinidad and Tobago police when he makes an official visit to the twin Island republic on Sunday, the Mayor’s office has announced, the St. Lucia Times reported November 3.
The Mayor’s visit to the twin Island republic comes as the City Police continue a major crackdown on criminal activity in Castries.
According to the office of the Mayor, Francis will meet with representatives of the Mounted and K9 Branches of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith to discuss crime control strategies within the City of Port of Spain.
Griffith was recently quoted as saying that if criminals have no fear of God they will fear him. https://stluciatimes.com/2018/11/03/castries-mayor-to-discuss-crime-control-with-tt-police/
FRANCIS: UNFAIR TO SAY GOVERNMENT DRAGGING ITS FEET ON GANJA
LUCIA — National Security Minister, Hermangild Francis, has declared that opposition accusations that the Allen Chastanet administration is dragging its feet on the issue of whether to decriminalise or legalise ganja are unfair.
The former Deputy Police Commissioner asserted that he has shown his commitment to the marijuana issue.
“I have placed my head on the block,” Francis explained.
“For two consecutive years when the Cannabis Movement have had their meetings, I have attended and on both occasions in Vieux Fort and Soufriere I spoke,” the minister recalled.
“We are committed to doing something,” he explained.
He noted that the opposition Saint Lucia Labour Party (SLP) was in office and the wife of former Prime Minister, Doctor Kenny Anthony, was the person doing the documentation for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) ministers on the ganja issue. https://stluciatimes.com/2018/11/02/francis-unfair-to-say-government-dragging-its-feet-on-ganja/
FORMER PM: PREPARE BARBADIANS FOR AUSTERITY
BARBADOS — Former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur is calling for Government to put everything on the table and tell the country what to expect out of the commitments made to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Barbados Advocate reported November 2.
“Prepare Barbados for austerity. Stop telling us how quickly this programme has been negotiated. How wonderful it is. Many difficult things still have to be done and the country must be prepared to accept that these things are being done as a necessity,” he exhorted.
In fact, Arthur says the Government has already made a commitment to the IMF to see the primary surplus increase to 6 per cent next year, which means a financial adjustment of a whopping $250 million in one year to realise that 2.5 per cent increase. He lamented that this does not augur well for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/former-pm-prepare-barbadians-austerity
NCDA LOOKING TO CURB DRUG ABUSE AMONG STUDENTS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) will focus on addressing issues related to drug abuse by students during November, which is being celebrated as Drug Awareness Month under the theme ‘It Takes a Village… and It Starts with Me’.
This, according to NCDA Substance Abuse Officer, Daniel Brown, is against the background of a worrying emerging trend of student addiction to prescription drugs.
He was speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank at the agency’s head office in Kingston.
Mr. Brown said information gleaned indicates that students have been using prescription drugs such as cough syrups, which contain the element codeine, a morphine derivative found in opium, along with jolly ranchers candy and sprite, to make an addictive drug that goes by the names ‘lean’, ‘purple drank’ and ‘sizzurp’.
This concoction, he warned, is very dangerous, because it is tantamount to liquid heroine, as it contains an opioid-based substance. https://jis.gov.jm/ncda-looking-to-curb-drug-abuse-among-students/
MASTERCARD USES JAMAICA AS PILOT FOR “I ACCEPT”
KINGSTON, Jamaica — With approximately 11,000 merchant locations accepting Mastercard on the island, the leading technology company in the global payments industry said the decision to use Jamaica as the first Caribbean island to launch its ‘I Accept’ campaign was an excellent idea, the Jamaica Gleaner reported November 2.
For the first time in Mastercard’s history for the region (Caribbean and Latin America), the new campaign, which started advertising locally and on social media in April this year, had all the content for the commercial shot on the island using local talent.
“This was a chance for us to present the brand to the Jamaican people with Jamaican flavour. It was a lot of learning to develop more intimacy with a lot of customers,” said vice-president of marketing and communications for the Caribbean, Luis Araujo.
In an interview with The Gleaner on Wednesday during Mastercard’s media day in Miami, Florida, Araujo said its ‘I Accept’ campaign is aimed at increasing its presence locally by using a holistic approach. The goal is to extend its reach and be accepted in more places. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20181102/mastercard-uses-jamaica-pilot-i-accept
GOVERNMENT PURSUING SEVERAL PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP DEALS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government is pursuing the development of several other potential Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreements, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says these include the soon-to-be-launched schools solar energy and energy efficiency pilot to be undertaken in 30 institutions, for which five firms have been shortlisted for consideration and participation.
Other substantive engagements that he said are being assessed include the Ministry of Health’s nephrology and oncology Centres of Excellence; the Caymanas Special Economic Zone; as well as several National Water Commission (NWC) projects, including performance-based non-revenue reduction arrangements.
The Minister was speaking at MoneyMasters Limited’s ‘Conversation with the Analysts’ breakfast forum, held at Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa in St. Andrew on Tuesday (October 30) under the theme ‘Opportunities for Local Financing of Jamaica’s Infrastructure Development’. https://jis.gov.jm/government-pursuing-several-public-private-partnership-deals/
CHAIRMAN ASSERTS CONFIDENCE IN SANDALS’ BEACHES RESORT
BARBADOS — Chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Gordon “Butch” Stewart is confident that the planned US$400 million Beaches Resort property set to be built in St. Peter will play a major role in attracting more visitors and airlines to Barbados, therefore helping the Barbados economy to recover, the Barbados Advocate reported October 29.
The Chairman delivered the assurance last Friday evening, during a visit to the old Almond property, Heywoods, St. Peter site, earmarked for the multi-million dollar, world class Resort, where he told Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, that during construction of the 600- bedroom property, which will be the single largest investment in its international chain, to date, it is expected that 1 800 Barbadians will be employed throughout the 27-month process, which should start by January 2018.
An on-site train, bowling alley, zip line, massive water park, and other unmatched amenities, will be included in the Resort.
As she delivered remarks, Prime Minister Mottley said that the coming Beaches Resort is good news for Barbados’ struggling economy, and gave the assurance that all approvals had been granted so that the project can start as soon as the new year rings in. https://www.barbadosadvocate.com/news/chairman-asserts-confidence-sandals%E2%80%99-beaches-resort
GOVERNMENT RELEASES BELT AND ROAD AGREEMENT
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday released the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Cooperation within the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative.
The release of the document comes approximately three months after it was signed here in Guyana at the Chinese Embassy, and amid public calls for the contents to be made known.
According to Article 1 of the MOU – Objectives and Guiding Principles of Cooperation, under the agreement Guyana and China have agreed to work within the Belt and Road Initiative to promote and realize mutual economic development and sustainable growth, thereby allowing for enhanced political relations, economic ties, security cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/30/government-releases-belt-and-road-agreement
JHTA KINGSTON CHAPTER HAILED FOR SUPPORT OF NEEDY
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tourism Director Donovan White has praised the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association’s [JHTA] Kingston Chapter for its ongoing assistance to the society’s youth and needy through the staging of the Kingston City Run, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
The annual event benefits the Open Arms Development Centre, Marie Atkins Night Shelter, Food For the Poor, Alpha Institute/Alpha Boys’ Home, and Missionaries of the Poor. The entities have received over $15 million in support since the City Run’s inception in 2013.
“When you look at the charities, you have to tip your hat to the effort [by the organisers] that goes into ensuring that they continue to contribute,” Mr. White said.
He noted that the five beneficiaries are “solid charities”, which continue to focus on areas where help is needed, “and we have to recognise that the more we give… is the more we get, and so we have to always feel the need to give back… and give willingly”. https://jis.gov.jm/jhta-kingston-chapter-hailed-for-support-to-needy/
FORMER PRIME MINISTER HUBERT INGRAHAM RECEIVES HONORARY DEGREE FROM UWI
AUGUSTINE, Trinidad and Tobago, October 27, 2018 — Former Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham was one of four “distinguished persons” who were awarded honorary degrees by the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus during graduation ceremonies held on Friday, October 26.
Mr. Ingraham, who was Prime Minister of The Bahamas from 1992 to 2002 and from 2007–2012, was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree (LLD) for “his work as a politician,” according to a UWI press release on the graduation ceremonies, held from October 25 – 27.
In his remarks, Mr. Ingraham told graduates the degree “is only an indication to the world that you have the capacity to acquire certain knowledge.”
“It’s up to you to demonstrate what attaining that degree means,” Mr. Ingraham said. “Learning plus performance is the foundation of success.”
The former Bahamas Prime Minister noted that he “learned early that public service was the most satisfactory endeavor.”
“My greatest satisfaction in life has come from small incremental successes that I have been able to make life better for more and more Bahamians,” Mr. Ingraham said.
Other noted individuals receiving honorary decrees included Ms. Paula Lucie-Smith of Trinidad and Tobago for her contributions as a teacher, advocate and pioneer – LLD; Professor Dermot Kelleher from Ireland for his work in research and medicine – DSC; and Mr. Shivnarine Chanderpaul from Guyana for his achievements in the sport of cricket – LLD.
UWI had also planned to confer the honorary Doctor of Letters degree on Winston Bailey, the legendary Trinidad and Tobago calypsonian, also known as “the Mighty Shadow”, who died on Tuesday, October23, at the age of 77 following a stroke.
“Mr. Bailey was scheduled to be conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa for his contributions as a musical composer at the morning Graduation Ceremony, this Saturday 27 October, 2018 at The UWI St. Augustine,” the UWI press release stated. “Earlier this year, the award was offered to Mr. Bailey and he graciously accepted the University’s offer for the conferral of the degree. As such, the honorary degree will be presented at Saturday’s ceremony, in special tribute.”
In expressing condolences, Campus Principal, Professor Brian Copeland said, “The country has lost yet another super creative citizen, one who re-energized the calypso and soca world with his unique rhythms, nicely woven into his cleverly crafted commentaries on so many aspects of life and living. I was proud to have witnessed his historic entry into the local arena in 1974 – his timing could not have been better. I am so very sad and disappointed that he passed before he could collect his Honorary Doctorate scroll himself on Saturday. May he rest in peace.”
UG LAUNCHES FOOD AND NUTRITION INSTITUTE
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — An Institute for Food and Nutrition Security has been launched at the University of Guyana with hopes of setting Guyana on the path towards food security; green development and greater agriculture productivity.
The institute will begin functioning in January 2019 with Dr. Dindyal Permaul serving as its Founding Director.
On Thursday at the Arthur Chung Convention Center (ACCC), representatives from university and other local sectors attended the event titled: ‘From farm to Fork: Food and Nutrition Security for the Green State.’
In welcoming the gathering, UG’s Principal and Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith vouched for the relevance of the institute, stating that it would address Guyana’s food management and preservation issues. “We know that Guyana is a producer of much food in many categories. But when we ‘peel the onion back’ we’ll find that the four pillars around which food security revolves — availability, access, utilisation and stability— we’re not as strong in those pillars as we would like. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/26/ug-launches-food-and-nutrition-institute
EDUCATION MINISTRY PROVIDING 300 TABLET COMPUTERS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information will be providing approximately 300 tablet computers to teachers in primary schools as part of efforts to assist them with lesson plan preparations.
This was disclosed by Chief Education Officer, Dr. Grace McLean, who indicated that the teachers will soon be able to go online and download a whole series of lesson plans.
Additionally, she said they will be able to submit these plans to principals and administrators electronically.
“Integration training will be held for teachers, and integration specialists will be provided to assist you to use a lesson plan template on a tablet,” the Chief Education Officer further stated.
Dr. Mclean was speaking at the Ministry’s Region Five Parent Sensitisation Session at Bishop Gibson High School in Mandeville, Manchester, on Tuesday (October 23), which was addressed by Portfolio Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid. https://jis.gov.jm/education-ministry-providing-300-tablet-computers-for-primary-school-teachers/
PM BROWNE UNBOTHERED BY CANADA’S VISA RESTRICTIONS
ANTIGUA — Prime Minister Gaston Browne is not unduly concerned by the revocation of visa–free travel of Antiguans and Barbudans to Canada, the Daily Observer reported October 25.
Contrary to conversations in certain sections of the society that Antigua and Barbuda has been negotiating with Canada to review the decision, the prime minister suggested that the rights of Canada to secure its borders should be respected.
“We’re living in a different dispensation compared to several years ago and most countries are concerned with the security of its citizens,” he told OBSERVER media in a recent telephone conversation. “So, we have to respect the sovereign rights of them to put systems in place to ensure the security of their citizens…”
https://antiguaobserver.com/pm-browne-unbothered-by-canadas-visa-restriction/
PRIVATE SECTOR ENCOURAGED TO ASSIST GOV’T TO IMPROVE WORK PRODUCTIVITY
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, is calling on members of the private sector to assist the Government with improving worker productivity in Jamaica, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
According to the Minister, it is through improving worker productivity on an annual basis that Jamaica’s national productivity will increase.
Senator Reid was speaking at the opening ceremony for Productivity and Continuous Improvement Conference 2018, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Wednesday (October 24).
“If each of us in our respective organisations were to increase individual worker productivity, then national productivity [would] be increased. I believe the first step along that road is for each of us, as leaders of organisations, to take a look in the productivity mirror and ask ourselves these questions: ‘Am I being as productive as I need to be’, and ‘Do I inspire productivity’,” Minister Reid said. https://jis.gov.jm/private-sector-encouraged-to-assist-govt-to-improve-worker-productivity/
TEACHERS PAY HIKE SEALED
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) and the Ministry of Education (MoE) on Wednesday signed the agreement granting increases in salaries and other benefits to teachers countrywide.
The agreement will see teachers receiving salary increases for the period of January 2016 to December 2018.
The agreement states that teachers earning below $100,000 will get a 12 per cent increase on their 2015 salaries; and those earning $100,000 and above will get an 8 per cent increase. The agreement notes that the percentage already paid for 2016 will form a part of the payment to be received.
Meanwhile, for 2017, salaries below $100,000 per month will receive an 8 per cent increase, while salaries $100,000 per month or above will receive 6 per cent increase. The document highlights, too, that the interim eight and six per cent on December 2016 salaries received previously will be final.
For 2018, there will be an eight per cent increase across the board on the December 2017 salary. Additionally, a lump sum of $350M has been set aside for debunching of teachers for the period of 2011-2018; and steps will be taken to place teachers in the respective scales from 2019 to reflect the various increases. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/25/teachers-pay-hike-sealed
INFRASTRUCTURAL WORKS TO MODERNISE KINGSTON – PM HOLNESS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government has moved to capitalize on infrastructural works now underway to modernise the city of Kingston, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
Speaking at the official opening of the ‘20 South’ residential development, on Saturday, (October 20) the Prime Minister stated that developers are seeking to make use of land in the city, therefore, the Government is ensuring the relevant infrastructure is right to accommodate.
“People’s don’t take risk in an economy that is generally not doing well and for Arthur [Von Strolley] to take the risk, it would have been that the Jamaican economy is on the right track, that there is business confidence, that the Government has in place the right policies,” explained Prime Minister Holness. https://jis.gov.jm/infrastructural-works-to-modernise-kingston-pm-holness/
CDB, UWI SIGN HISTORIC COOPERATION PACT
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Formalising their longstanding relationship, which spans several decades, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the University of the West Indies (UWI) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last Friday to strengthen evidence-based decision making for economic and social policy issues relevant to the Caribbean Region, the Guyana Chronicle reported October 23.
The MoU supports a stronger partnership between the bank and the university on programmes and projects, CDB said in a release.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the bank’s headquarters in Barbados, CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith, hailed the agreement as a vital step, which will allow for deeper collaboration and cooperation on critical issues facing the Region. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/23/cdb-uwi-sign-historic-cooperation-pact
GUYANA CAN LEAD NARRATIVE OF MODERN DEVELOPMENT
GEORGETOWN — Guyana can lead the narrative of modern development if it embraces its multiplicity of cultures and manages its resources well, according to Director of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), Dr. Suresh Narine.
Addressing a wide audience of government ministers, local and foreign experts and Guyanese at the International Small Business Summit, Narine advanced that developing states in particular have embraced a “monotonic” approach to development, which was envisaged years ago.
He contended that across most of Latin America and South America, there is a general trend towards urbanization; a removal of the importance of unique and individual cultures and a measurement of success by a very opaque concept, called GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
Development in this context, according to him, encompassed harnessing resources to promote economic growth. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/22/guyana-can-lead-narrative-of-modern-development
PM BROWNE INDIFFERENT TO RECENT PASSPORT RANKING
ANTIGUA — Although Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed indifference to the recent upgrading of the Antigua and Barbuda passport by one point by the Henley Passport Index, he has stated that “we welcome anything that says improvement”, the Daily Observer reported October 20.
According to the latest results of the Henley Passport Index, Antigua and Barbuda has climbed the Global Passport Ranking to a score of 149— up one point, making the twin island state 2nd in the Eastern Caribbean region, and securing the 27th place globally, with visa-free/visa-on-arrival.
When asked to comment on the improvement, bearing in mind on-going criticisms of the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), the Prime Minister told OBSERVER media yesterday, “There is one other practitioner, who said that we are falling. This one said that we have improved. So, it shows that there is some subjectivity in these rankings. But, in any case, we welcome anything that says improvement”.
“But having said that,” he added in the brief telephone conversation, “I am confident that we have a very good CIP product and I have no doubt about the integrity of my country’s passport and we would have taken some bad hits from some people, who would have spoken with spite and who sought to undermine our programme.” https://antiguaobserver.com/pm-browne-indifferent-to-recent-passport-ranking/
HOMEWORK FOR PARENTS — EDUCATORS DEFEND COMPLEX PROJECTS GIVEN TO CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OLD
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Whether it is creating a replica of a house or the solar system, teachers of primary and preparatory schoolchildren are sending them home to do complex projects for homework, and several parents are getting upset, the Jamaica Gleaner reported October 21.
A number of parents have complained to The Sunday Gleaner that they have to be spending time and sometimes paying someone to do these ‘homework projects’.
One parent said during her child’s tenure at basic school, she was the one who stayed up late, completing various projects.
“It was homework sent to me. Because of the technicality of it and the skills that are required, I have to do it with help from him, and not the other way around,” said the parent who asked not to be named. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20181021/homework-parents-educators-defend-complex-projects-given-children-under-12
REVENUE GROWTH ACCOUNTS FOR MORE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND SOCIAL SPENDING
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC) Co-Chairman, Keith Duncan, says robust tax revenue growth over the last two years is creating the welcome fiscal space that allows for notable increases in Government capital expenditure and social spending.
These increases, he said, are reflected in the first 2018/19 Supplementary Estimates, tabled in the House of Representatives on September 25 by Finance and the Public Service Minister, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, which show an additional $17.8-billion allocation for critical government operations.
A total of $7.3 billion is earmarked for the Major Infrastructure Development Programme (MIDP); $7.14 billion for street-lighting arrears; and $2.5 billion for the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC).
“These expenditures are to be covered by additional tax revenues of $8.5 billion and additional distributions and non-tax revenue from public bodies amounting to $10.1 billion,” Mr. Duncan indicated. https://jis.gov.jm/revenue-growth-accounts-for-more-capital-expenditure-and-social-spending/
CAL PROMISES IMPROVED SERVICES, LOWER RATES
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL), Garvin Medera, said the Trinidad-owned airline remains committed to the people of Guyana, promising better services and lower rates in the future, the Guyana Chronicle reported October 18.
“We at Caribbean Airlines are committed to serve Guyana in the future…we remain committed for the long term, and we remain committed to improving the service of Caribbean Airlines as we go forward,” Medera said during a press conference on Wednesday at the Private Sector Commission (PSC).
With Guyana likely to experience an economic boon in 2020 and thereafter, competition among regional and international carriers are likely to increase and according to Medera, Caribbean Airlines is very opened to a competitive market. “We are happy to partake in a competitive market, and that is one of the ways the people of Guyana will get the value that they deserve,” he stated. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/18/cal-promises-improved-services-lower-rates
JAMAICA TO SIGN NEW AIR-SERVICE AGREEMENTS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Cabinet has given approval for the signing of new air-service agreements with the Governments of Slovenia, the Kingdom of Morocco, The Bahamas and South Africa.
This was disclosed by Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, during Wednesday’s (October 17) post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.
He said Cabinet took special note of the outcome of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Air Services Agreement, which, since 2008, had provided states with an avenue to conduct air-services negotiations or consultations.
“This is important in negotiating direct flights to Jamaica. Cabinet noted that Jamaica had participated in 16 air-service agreement negotiation sessions since 2008,” he said. https://jis.gov.jm/jamaica-to-sign-new-air-service-agreements/
WONDER WOMEN – REGGAE GIRLZ SECURE HISTORIC WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION
KINGSTON, Jamaica — “It is an unbelievable feeling; it is a feeling of accomplishment.”
Those words by assistant coach Andrew Price perfectly sums up the almost super human effort that led to Jamaica’s historic qualification to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
Just eight years after a lack of funding forced the suspension of the national senior women’s football programme, Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to qualify for a FIFA Women’s Cup, after yesterday’s intensely exciting penalty shoot-out win over Panama, in their CONCACAF Women’s Championships third place play-off in Frisco, Texas in the United States.
Jamaica is now the first Caribbean nation to qualify a team to both the men’s and women’s World Cup, following the Reggae Boyz trip to the 1998 World Cup, which, as fate would have it, also took place in France.
“What the country witnessed live here in August and in the final round was a united, focused and determined set of players, who knew exactly what they needed to do to make themselves and the country proud,” added Jamaica Football Federation president, Michael Ricketts, who noted that plans to celebrate the team’s success will be made public in due course. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20181018/wonder-women-reggae-girlz-secure-historic-world-cup-qualification
JAMAICA QUALIFIES FOR WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
KINGSTON — Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz secured a nervy 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over Panama to book their spot in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup after both teams played out a tense 2-2 draw in their Concacaf Women’s Championships third-place playoff in Frisco, Texas.
Sixteen year-old Jody Brown thought she provided an extra-time winner to secure the historic qualification but for the Jamaicans were pegged back for second tie in the contest when Lineth Cedeno lifted a shot over Jamaican goalkeeper Sydney Schneider in the 115th minute to send both teams to the spot.
Deneisha Blackwood, Ashleigh Shim, Christina Chang and Dominique Bond-Flasza all scored for the Jamaicans while Yomira Rios and Erika Hernandez scored for Panama with Cedeno and Kenia Villarreal saw their efforts saved by goalkeeper Nicole McClure, who was subbed in seconds before the penalty shoot-out.
Jamaica now becomes the first Caribbean country to qualify for the Women’s World Cup and the first to send teams to both the male and female World Cup tournaments, after the Reggae Boyz famous qualification to the 1998 World Cup, which also took place in France. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/sports/20181017/update-concacaf-womens-championships-history-jamaica-qualify-womens-world
CARICOM ACCREDITS FIRST NORWEGIAN AMBASSADOR
CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on Tuesday accredited the first Ambassador of Norway to CARICOM, noting that the appointment strengthens “already good” relations and signals a new chapter in a long- standing friendship with the Kingdom of Norway, the Guyana Chronicle reported October 17.
Ingrid Mollestad presented her Letters of Credence to the secretary-general at the headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana, 16th October 2018. Describing 2018 as an eventful year in CARICOM-Norway relations, Ms. Mollestad said engagements between CARICOM and Norway in May, July and September demonstrated the many interests and values they shared, a release from CCARICOM Secretariat said.
Norway’s Minister for International Cooperation, Mr. Nikolai Astrup, and CARICOM Foreign Ministers held discussions in The Bahamas in May. Ambassador Mollestad herself participated in the 39th CARICOM Summit in July, in Jamaica. More recently, on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York, CARICOM Foreign Ministers, the secretary-general, and the assistant secretary-general for foreign and community relations, had discussions with the Nordic countries at an annual breakfast engagement,which was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/17/caricom-accredits-first-norwegian-ambassador
MINISTER SHAW CALLS FOR INCREASED INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Audley Shaw, is calling for a ramping up of private-sector investment in agriculture in order to ensure the nation’s food security and to meet global demand, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
This comes against the background of projections that world food needs will increase significantly over the next 32 years.
“It is projected that by 2050 the world will need to produce 60 per cent more food than it currently does in order to feed the global population. For young people looking for business opportunities, I say that in every crisis there is a seed of greater benefit, in every crisis, there’s an opportunity. This is an opportunity for Jamaica, not just to feed ourselves (but the world),” Minister Shaw said. https://jis.gov.jm/minister-shaw-calls-for-increased-investment-in-agriculture/
OUTSTANDING JAMAICANS RECEIVE NATIONAL HONOURS AND AWARDS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Feelings of great pleasure and happiness reverberated from Jamaicans who were conferred with various awards at the ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards, yesterday (October 15), at King’s House, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
For their significant contributions to nation building, 206 persons were recognised at the event, presided over by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.
Also in attendance were Lady Allen; Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and Mrs. Holness; Mr. Fitz Jackson, who represented Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Peter Phillips; members of the Cabinet and the diplomatic corps, other dignitaries and guests.
Celebrated actor, singer, songwriter and social activist, Harold George Belafonte Jr., was awarded in absentia with Jamaica’s fourth highest award, the Order of Merit (OM), for his outstanding contribution in the field of music. He will be conferred at a later date as he is ill. https://jis.gov.jm/outstanding-jamaicans-receive-national-honours-and-awards/
CONGRESSWOMAN YVETTE D. CLARKE AMONG JAMAICA’S NATIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — U.S. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Democratic Representative for New York’s 9th Congressional District, was among the more 200 persons who were conferred with national honours and awards during a ceremony at King’s House on Monday, October 15, 2018.
Congresswoman Clarke was awarded The Order Of Distinction in the rank of Commander, for “distinguished contribution in Safeguarding the Interests of Jamaican Nationals in the USA Diaspora on Immigration Matters.”
According to her congressional website, Congresswoman Clarke, a Brooklyn native proud of her Jamaican heritage, attended the New York City public schools, graduated from Oberlin College, and was a recipient of the prestigious APPAM/Sloan Fellowship in Public Policy and Policy Analysis.
“Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Clarke served on the New York City Council, representing the Fortieth District in Brooklyn. She succeeded her pioneering mother, former City Council Member Dr. Una S. T. Clarke, making them the first mother-daughter succession in the history of the City Council,” the website notes, adding that as the representative of the “Ninth Congressional District of New York, she has dedicated herself to continuing the legacy of excellence established by the late Honorable Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman and Caribbean American elected to Congress.”
“As an activist, a community organizer and now as a legislator, Congresswoman Clarke’s boldness, compassion and love for the people has allowed her to become an effective leader and an outspoken advocate on numerous issues of great importance to her constituents,” the website states. “In the 115th Congress, Congresswoman Clarke serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, the Committee on Small Business, and the Ethics Committee.”
The website adds: “Congresswoman Clarke has demonstrated her capacity for leadership as Chair of the Multicultural Media Caucus, dedicated to eliminating stereotypes in the media and expanding ownership to include communities of color, as Co-Chair of the Smart Cities Caucus which serves as an informal group of Members dedicated to issues related to the transformation of our communities to smart cities, how it will bring about innovation and technological change, and the role that Congress can play in this transformation.
“She is also the Co-Chair of the Black Women & Girls Caucus, which develops programs to support the aspirations of African American women of all ages, and an At-Large member of the Congressional Black Caucus Executive Committee.
“Additionally, Congresswoman Clarke serves as Co-Chair of the Caribbean Caucus, where she has works to build the relationship between the United States and the Caribbean community (CARICOM) on matters of trade, immigration reform, and direct investment through development programs.”
Congresswoman Clarke currently resides in the neighborhood where she grew up, in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn.
DEAL CLINCHED – GOV’T AND GTU AGREE ON WAGE HIKE
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Teachers are set to benefit from salary increases, as well as increases in non-salary benefits, as the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the government have agreed on a settlement after weeks of dispute between the two parties, the Guyana Chronicle reported October 13.
The agreement came after almost eight hours of consultations between executive members of the GTU and officials of the Ministry of Education at the ministry’s Lot 26 Brickdam office on Friday.
Teachers could expect 12 per cent (junior) and eight per cent (senior) retroactive increases for 2016 and an eight per cent retroactive increase for 2018. There were also initial calls for an increase in salaries for 2017, but the interim payoff of eight per cent which teachers had received in that year was deemed final. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/13/deal-clinched
NO TUITION INCREASE — UWI SAYS RECENT TOP 5% RANKING WON’T AFFECT UNIVERSITY FEE
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The leadership of the University of the West Indies (UWI) is insisting that there will be no increase in tuition fees to reflect the regional institution’s recent placing among the top five per cent of the world’s best institutions as published by the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the Jamaica Gleaner reported October 13.
Additionally, the UWI was the only institution in the Caribbean region to be listed in the 2018 Latin America University Rankings published in July.
The UWI was ranked among the 40 best universities in Latin America and the Caribbean, fourth for its international agenda, and 26th for its research impact. It placed 37th overall out of 129 universities rated .
Addressing a press conference in St Lucia yesterday, UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles said that the majority of students attending the university would not be able to afford increases in the current fees. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20181013/no-tuition-increase-uwi-says-recent-top-5-ranking-wont-affect
HEALTH MINISTER CALLS FOR BEHAVIOUR CHANGE TO TACKLE OBESITY
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says behaviour change is critical to reduce obesity levels and to improve lifestyle choices in the country.
“Part of the challenge that we face in combatting the scourge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is that we are not as consistent as we ought to be in trying to address, not just perception but also behavioural change,” he said.
Dr. Tufton was speaking at the launch of the third phase of the obesity-prevention campaign in Jamaica, held at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew on October 11. https://jis.gov.jm/health-minister-calls-for-behaviour-change-to-tackle-obesity/
JAMAICA COULD BE IN FIRST COHORT TO BE MEASURED IN WORLD BANK GROUP’S HUMAN CAPITAL INDEX
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says consideration is being given for Jamaica to participate in the first cohort of countries to be measured in the World Bank Group’s Human Capital Index, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
Speaking at a conference of local Executive Management, Heads of Mission and Consular posts, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on October 9, he emphasised the critical need for the country to develop more of its own human capital.
“It is absolutely important for the Government to redouble its efforts, from a policy perspective and from an implementation perspective, to ensure that we do well in terms of measuring our human capital development (adequately),” he said.
To be launched on October 11, the World Bank’s Human Capital Index seeks to measure the degree of the health of children, teenagers and adults as well as the quality and quantity of education that can be received well by children until the age of 18. https://jis.gov.jm/jamaica-could-be-in-first-cohort-to-be-measured-in-world-bank-groups-human-capital-index/
WORLD LEADERS COMMIT TO TACKLING NCDs
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Health, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, says world leaders who participated in the third United Nations (UN) High-level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have committed to taking steps to tackle the issue, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
“The NCD crisis is real and a danger to all of us. The statistics suggest that close to four billion of the seven-billion population of the world are afflicted by one NCD or another,” he noted.
“I think coming out of that (meeting), was a general consensus around the need to create a unified approach and message around the crisis of obesity in our countries and work together, not to replace initiatives that… countries were already pursuing, but to understand more of what each of us is doing, strengthen where we can, through collaboration, so that the message of prevention is a first line of defence to deal with this NCD epidemic,” Dr. Tufton said. https://jis.gov.jm/world-leaders-commit-to-tackling-ncds/
OECS CONGRATULATES NEW CTO CHAIR DOMINIC FEDEE
ST. LUCIA — The OECS Commission on behalf of all of its Member States congratulates Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism The Hon. Dominic Fedee on his appointment to Chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organization.
Minister Fedee brings a wealth of experience to the role to drive and elevate the Caribbean’s tourism brand and global positioning.
OECS Commission Tourism Specialist, Ms. Maria Fowell said in an era of both emerging tourism destinations and source tourist markets such as Asia, it was incumbent upon all Caribbean tourism professionals to augment the region as one of the world’s most iconic destinations. https://stluciatimes.com/2018/10/07/oecs-congratulates-new-cto-chair-dominic-fedee/
REHABILITATION PROGRAMME AT RIO COBRE JUVENILE FACILITY STRENGTHENED
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The rehabilitation programme for incarcerated youths at the St Catherine-based Rio Cobre Juvenile Correctional Centre is being strengthened to assist their productive re-entry into society, the Jamaica Gleaner reported October 8.
Under the ‘New Path’ project, the classrooms at the all-male facility were recently upgraded to allow for expanded skills training and HEART Trust/NTA certification.
Superintendent of the facility, Martin Dryden, welcomed the support.
“Our thrust is to have them (wards) in a position where they can play a role in nation-building. They came in as part of the problem; now they will go out as part of the solution. That is my objective,” he said. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20181008/rehabilitation-programme-rio-cobre-juvenile-facility-strengthened
NEW ANTI-CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE GROUP
ANTIGUA — A month before the electorate will be asked to vote in a referendum to determine whether or not the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) should replace the Privy Council as the nation’s final court of appeal, a new group has been formed to streamline opposition to the process, the Antigua Daily Observer reported October 8.
The CCJ CAN WAIT GROUP is aiming to streamline the wide array of views and voices opposing the proposal to the transition and to bring, what it terms as balance, to the national discussion on the critical issue.
A member of the group, Dave “Beef” Joseph said the group’s members are of the strong opinion that now is not the right time for the transition and will be mobilizing the community to promote that viewpoint.
Like others opposing the CCJ, the new group is insisting that there are issues within the lower courts which should take priority before a decision is made to accept the regional Trinidad-based court in its appellate jurisdiction. https://antiguaobserver.com/new-anti-caribbean-court-of-justice-group/
WORK BEGINS ON US$200M DEEP-WATER HARBOUR
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Executive Director for CGX Energy Inc., Dr. Suresh Narine said the company is moving ahead with its US$180-200 million investment in Guyana’s first deep water harbour and onshore base at Crab Island, Berbice, the Guyana Chronicle reported October 8.
With the closure of two sugar estates in Berbice recently, and an abundance of skilled and semi-skilled labour available, Dr. Narine said that the investment represents hope for Berbicians.
“We are moving forward with the facility, will be investing with our partners between US$180-200 million in the deep-water harbour and shore base facility. Whilst that facility in its own right will not solve Berbice’s unemployment issues, it will be an important nucleus for growth. Other services with see trickledown effect… it will also have the impact of bringing the oil industry into Berbice in a way that is very lasting and very impactful. When you think even of the construction efforts that such a project will engender, we are talking about hundreds if not multiple thousands of jobs followed by second tier jobs, jobs for our educated people,” the CGX executive director, who was at the time addressing the Berbice Expo, said to a resounding applause. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/08/work-begins-on-us200m-deep-water-harbour
PM CALLS ON BUSINESSES TO INCREASE INVESTMENTS IN INNOVATIONS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is calling on the private sector to increase investment in innovations that will boost their operations and the Jamaican economy, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
“In the new model for growth for Jamaica, the reliance cannot be on the Government to innovate and lead growth; it has to be the private sector,” he said.
“I want to reaffirm that point, to reiterate it and to make an appeal for our local private sector to recognise that the economic environment has changed, that government policy has changed and the Government is playing its role as a regulator,” Prime Minister Holness said. https://jis.gov.jm/pm-calls-on-businesses-to-increase-investment-in-innovations/
WOMEN TOP NATIONAL AWARDEES
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President David Granger said the nation has an obligation to pay homage to its distinguished sons and daughters who have provided outstanding services to their communities, the Guyana Chronicle reported October 7.
He shared these sentiments during his address to the 97 recipients, their relatives, friends and well-wishers during the 2018 Investiture ceremony at the National Cultural Centre. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and several other ministers of government also attended the event.
“Our nation honours them out of respect for the values which they exemplified and contributions which they have made and continue to make,” the President said. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/07/women-top-national-awardees
THE PUBLIC SERVICE SHOULD BE RUN LIKE A BUSINESS
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — Technical Adviser to the Minister of Public Service, Mr. Vincent Alexander, said there is need for the Public Service to be run as a business.
Mr. Alexander was at the time addressing members of the Bertram Collins College of the Public Service during the opening of a three-day work retreat being held at Splashmin’s Resort. He said the ideology of the public service ‘being run like a business’ does not mean it should be used to make a profit, but rather be a tool geared at increasing the efficiency of the administrative arm of government.
“Every so often we hear about making the public service business-like, so people take that to mean that the public service must now make a profit…the public service is service oriented and not profit oriented, but business-like speaks about the manner in which you run the public service and not the purpose…,” Mr. Alexander said. “So yes, the public service should be business-like,” the Technical Adviser declared. In keeping with this view, Mr. Alexander noted that the Bertram Collins College must examine the changing demands of the public service.http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/05/the-public-service-should-be-run-like-a-business
GOV’T INTENDS TO TRANSFORM NHT INTO WELL-RUN FINANCIAL INSTITUTION – PM
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says that the Government intends to transform the National Housing Trust (NHT) into a well-run financial institution that can adequately support the provision of affordable housing solutions, according to a Jamaica information Services (JIS) press release.
He was speaking at the ceremony to break ground for the Maxfield Park Development Project in St. Andrew on Wednesday (October 3), where he announced that the strategic review of the NHT is to be debated in Parliament before the end of the year.
“It is already a very packed Parliamentary agenda, but I believe we should go into next year with a decided vision, both Government and Opposition, as to what will be the future of the NHT,” the Prime Minister said. https://jis.gov.jm/govt-intends-to-transform-nht-into-well-run-financial-institution-pm/
IDB OFFICIAL PRAISES STRONG ECONOMIC PROGRESS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says Jamaica continues to make strong economic progress, with the country’s economy poised to generate continued growth, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
According to the Lead Economist at the organisation, Dr. Henry Mooney, the significant strides made by the Government over the last few years have ensured macroeconomic stability and fiscal sustainability, and facilitated economic expansion.
He was speaking Thursday (October 4) at the Business Process Industry Association of Jamaica (BPIAJ) ‘President’s Forum’ at the Usain Bolt Tracks and Records in Montego Bay, St. James.
“Most would agree with me that Jamaica is now in a position to do things it hasn’t been able to do for the last two or three decades… . The very significant efforts of the Government over the last few years caused macroeconomic stabilisation, investment in the right areas and re-establishing market access. As you see, the prospects are improving dramatically… and that’s a very good sign for everyone in this country,” he said. https://jis.gov.jm/idb-official-praises-strong-economic-progress/
PRIESTS READY TO HELP PARENTS
BARBADOS — Chairman of the Barbados Christian Council, Canon Noel Burke, is urging parents with troubled children to reach out to the church for assistance.
Speaking against a background of the current spate of gun violence across the island, the Anglican priest said churches were “open morning, noon and night and persons must avail themselves of the opportunities to speak to pastors, since many churches had people trained to deal with children, young people and their issues”. http://www.nationnews.com/nationnews/news/201223/priests-ready-help-parents
GUYANA TO HOST NINTH CARIBBEAN BEEKEEPING CONGRESS
GEORGETOWN –Guyana will be hosting the ninth biennial beekeeping congress from November 19 to 23 under the theme: “Natural Beekeeping for a Green Caribbean.”
At a simple launch held at the Ministry of Agriculture’s boardroom, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Nigel Cumberbatch said that there is much scope for the agricultural sub sector to develop. He said that according to the information he received, Guyana imports about the same amount of honey that it produces and that should not be in the coming years.
“We have an industry that has the ability to grow and there’s that market that we can attain by growing,” he said. “We must push production… we have a market right here and we should be able to satisfy that market.” http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/04/guyana-to-host-ninth-caribbean-beekeeping-congress
PM BREAKS GROUND FOR $860-MILLION HOUSING PROJECT IN MAXFIELD PARK
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The standard of living of residents of Maxfield Park in St. Andrew is expected to be greatly improved with the development of an $860-million housing project in the community, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, today (October 3), broke ground for the Maxfield Park Development Project, which will see the construction of another 210 housing solutions for National Housing Trust (NHT) contributors.
Mr. Holness said through these housing development projects, the Government aims to give all Jamaicans the euphoric experience of owning their own home.
“It’s not just getting the better housing solutions, but just changing the way that people live can literally transform and uplift the lives of the people,” he said. https://jis.gov.jm/pm-breaks-ground-for-860-million-housing-project-in-maxfield-park/
MORE VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS NEED TO BE EXPORTED TO THE EU – JAMPRO HEAD
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) President, Diane Edwards, says more value-added products need to be exported to the European Union (EU), to reverse the decline in trade with the bloc, according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
“We need to diversify away from commodities like banana and sugar into value- added products. So, we have coffee, which can become a value-added product. We have many food producers who have been producing unique and interesting items,” she said.
Ms. Edwards was speaking to JIS News at a CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) workshop, held at The Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston on October 2. https://jis.gov.jm/more-value-added-products-need-to-be-exported-to-the-eu-jampro-head/
JAMAICA SEEKS TO INCREASE VOICE ON FINANCIAL MATTERS IN CARIBBEAN
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Fayval Williams, says Jamaica is taking steps to increase its voice in the Caribbean on matters relating to the financial sector.
In that regard, Mrs. Williams is to head a Jamaican delegation to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) to accelerate the country’s representation to the body.
The CFATF is an organisation of 25 States of the Caribbean Basin, Central and South America that have agreed to implement common countermeasures to address money laundering.
Addressing the opening of the 7th Annual Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Financing of Terrorism Conference, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday (October 2), Mrs. Williams informed that Jamaica has sought and obtained a seat on the CFATF’s influential Steering Committee to increase its participation in the work of that body and, consequently, the wider Financial Action Task Force (FATF) global network. https://jis.gov.jm/jamaica-seeks-to-increase-voice-on-fanancial-matters-in-caribbean/
GUYANA, INDONESIA SIGN VISA AGREEMENT
GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno L.P. Marsudi, met on the margins of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to sign an agreement between the Governments of Guyana and Indonesia pertaining to visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/10/01/guyana-indonesia-sign-visa-agreement
PRESSED INTO SERVICE – SEVERAL JDF RESERVES MISS PASSING OUT PARADE AFTER BEING DEPLOYED TO THE STREETS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Almost half of the graduates of the Jamaica Defence Force National Reserve were missing from their passing-out parade (graduation ceremony) on Saturday having been fast-tracked into service in the areas where enhanced security measures have been implemented.
Among those absent from the passing-out parade for Intake 1701 (NR) at Up Park Camp was the runner-up for “the best shot award”, as well as the person with the second-highest academic average.
The best shot award is given to the recruit who demonstrates the ability to most accurately fire the JDF-issued M16A2 rifle from various distances and at multiple targets.
There has been increased demand on members of the security forces with the launch of zones of special operations in two communities and states of emergency in St James, the St Catherine North Police Division, and, most recently, sections of the Corporate Area. http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20181001/pressed-service-several-jdf-reserves-miss-passing-out-parade-after
NEW GUYSUCO BOARD TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
GEORGETOWN, The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Board of Directors has been made official now that it has been published in the official gazette.
The names of the newly-appointed directors were published in the official gazette on Saturday. According to the gazette, the members of the Board of Directors were submitted by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and approved by Cabinet to serve for a period of two years – September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2020.
The newly-appointed directors are John Dow (Chairman), John Browman, Richard Cumberbatch, Paul Cheong, Vishnu Panday, Fritz Mc Lean, Ramesh Persaud, Roy Hanoman, Claude Housty and Dr. Harold Davis as an ex-officio member. It was gazette by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/09/30/new-guysuco-board-to-hit-the-ground-running
LEROY KING GETS TEMPORARY RELIEF FROM EXTRADITION
ANTIGUA — Justice Iain Morley, Q.C., ruled in an emergency hearing in the High Court yesterday that the extradition of former head of the Financial Services Regulatory Commission, Leroy King be halted until he gets the opportunity to appeal to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court to determine whether he could make a further appeal to the Privy Council, the Antigua Observer reported September 29.
King was arrested early yesterday, reportedly, in preparation for immediate extradition to the U.S. to face charges in relation to the Allen Stanford Ponzi Scheme.
The former FSRC boss is facing 11 wire and mail fraud charges for allegedly facilitating the US $7 billion Ponzi Scheme that was orchestrated by Stanford who was found guilty and jailed for 110 years in the U.S.
Last week, in St. Kitts, the ECSC Court of Appeal dismissed what was then King’s latest appeal to avoid extradition. https://antiguaobserver.com/leroy-king-gets-temporary-relief-from-extradition/
YOUTH URGED TO BECOME CUSTODIANS FOR SDGS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. is calling on the nation’s youth to become custodians for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a Jamaica Information Services (JIS) press release.
“Young Jamaicans… must understand the importance of not only planning but taking these goals to action and why they are doing so,” he said.
The State Minister was speaking at a post-Voluntary National Review (VNR) and Human Development Indices Information and Dissemination Session at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew on Thursday (September 27).
The SDGs are part of the United Nation’s (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was adopted by the General Assembly in September 2015. It emphasises a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all. https://jis.gov.jm/youth-urged-to-become-custodians-for-sdgs/
WELL-BEING OF WOMEN, CHILDREN TAKES CENTRE STAGE
GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The spouses of CARICOM Leaders Action Network (SCLAN) in collaboration with the Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) hosted a special forum titled “Pressing forward for the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents” as a side event during the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday, the Guyana Chronicle reported September 28.
The Forum was designed to increase awareness and to stimulate interest, especially among First Ladies, to advocate for the development of programmes that will support the safety, physical and psychological well-being of women, children and adolescents around the world. The event was chaired by Kim Simplis Barrow, First Lady of Belize and Chair of SCLAN.
It was intended to bring together First Ladies, Spouses of Heads of Government and UN representatives to facilitate knowledge exchange, which can contribute positively to progress in key areas such as mental health, the reduction of gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and HIV and AIDS. http://guyanachronicle.com/2018/09/28/well-being-of-women-children-takes-centre-stage
PRIME MINISTER WELCOMES PLANS BY UCC TO DEVELOP GLOBAL ACADEMIC CITY
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has welcomed plans by the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) to develop a global academic city on lands at Caymanas Estate in St. Catherine.
“This is a notable step in the right direction, which challenges the very core of how we traditionally see universities, and it solidifies opportunity for innovative enterprise. I am excited by the plans to develop this knowledge city and edu-tourism venture,” Mr. Holness said.
The Prime Minister’s address was delivered by State Minister for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, at the university’s second annual research conference, held at its New Kingston campus on September 27. https://jis.gov.jm/prime-minister-welcomes-plans-by-ucc-to-develop-global-academic-city/
GENDER FOCAL POINTS ESTABLISHED IN MDAs
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Gender focal points have been established in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) as part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that gender is mainstreamed in all policies, programmes and projects, in keeping with the National Policy for Gender Equality (NPGE).
Approximately 106 senior policymakers have been trained to date in keeping with their appointment as gender focal points.
In addition, 29 MDAs have received a Gender Equality Certification Seal, having achieved specific standards in promoting gender equality in the workplace, and signal their commitment to the guiding principles of the NPGE.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, made the disclosure in a speech delivered by Acting Senior Director in the Bureau of Gender Affairs, Sharon Coburn Robinson, at the launch of the ‘Win-Win: Gender Equality means Good Business’ initiative on Tuesday (September 25) at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew. https://jis.gov.jm/gender-focal-points-established-in-mdas/
THIRTY-SIX STUDENTS RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS FROM FUTURE LEADERS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Thirty-six high-school students have received scholarships valued at $1.35 million from non-profit organisation, Future Leaders of Jamaica (FLJ), for the 2018/19 academic year.
The recipients include 31 students from first to fifth form, who received $35,000 each; and six students in sixth form, who got grants of $45,000 each. The funds, which cover tuition, books and other expenses, have already been sent to the respective schools.
FLJ recognised the students at a ceremony held on Friday (September 21) at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus, where laptop computers were handed over to six fourth-form students to assist in their School-based Assessment (SBA) preparations.
State Minister for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, in a message read by Advisor Howard Chamberlain, lauded FLJ for helping promising students who face financial challenges to reach their full potential. https://jis.gov.jm/thirty-six-students-receive-scholarships-from-future-leaders/
PM CALLS ON WORLD LEADERS TO COMMIT TO CONSOLIDATION OF PEACEFUL COALITIONS
NEW YORK — Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has called on world leaders to “commit to the consolidation of peaceful coalitions”, according to a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) press release.
“What better occasion than this Summit to do just that,” the Prime Minister told the world leaders, as he delivered Jamaica’s Statement to a United Nations (UN) Nelson Mandela Peace Summit, held today (September 24), at the UN Headquarters in New York, to mark the centenary of Mr. Mandela’s birth.
“Let that be our legacy in his honour,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
Mr. Holness underscored the forum’s importance and timeliness, “at a time of heightened global concern about hostility and conflict within some of our societies”. https://jis.gov.jm/pm-calls-on-world-leaders-to-commit-to-consolidation-of-peaceful-coalitions/