The UN Resident Coordinators of the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Framework (UN-MSDF) Regional Steering Committee met in Placencia, Belize on March 1st, 2017 at their annual meeting.
The current Chair of the Committee, Mr. Christian Salazar, Resident Coordinator of the UNDP graciously invited the Government of Belize to share Belize’s experience in ensuring policy coherence with the Growth and Sustainable Development Strategy (GSDS) to the Sustainable Development goals and objectives of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. CEO Yvonne Hyde of the Ministry of Economic Development informed on the governance structure in place for the GSDS and the progress made with its implementation.
H.E. Lawrence Sylvester, CEO in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who deputized for Hon. Wilfred Elrington, Minister of Foreign Affairs, updated the meeting on the outcome of Belize’s Inaugural Meeting of the UN Joint Steering Committee held in December 2016. CEO Sylvester also mentioned some of the current challenges of the global climate and the pressures these can exert on Belize’s progress in its human development.
Other high level Belizean officials who participated in the Meeting included Mr.Victor Alegria, the Director of Sustainable Development and Dr. Tanya Nunez, the Stann Creek Education Manager.
Belize Participates in UN Regional Steering Committee Meeting
IMF staff concludes visit to Jamaica to discuss progress of Economic Program
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff team led by Uma Ramakrishnan visited Jamaica from February 20 to March 3, 2017, to conduct discussions on the first review of Jamaica’s financial and economic program supported by the IMF’s precautionary Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The program was approved by the IMF’s Executive Board on November 11, 2016 (see Press Release No.16/503 ).
At the end of the visit, IMF Mission Chief, Ms. Ramakrishnan issued the following statement in Kingston:
“The IMF team reached a preliminary agreement with the authorities on a set of policies that aims at completing the first review under the SBA. Consideration by the IMF’s Executive Board is tentatively scheduled for April 2017. Upon approval, an additional SDR 126 million (about US$170 million) will be made available for Jamaica, bringing the total accessible credit to about US$574 million. The Jamaican authorities continue to view the SBA as precautionary, and use it as an insurance policy against unforeseen external economic shocks beyond Jamaica’s control.
“The SBA is off to a strong start—program conditions through December were met, with tax revenues and international reserves exceeding expectations; and structural reforms are taking hold.
“With 7 consecutive quarters of positive growth, the Jamaican economy is on track to reach a growth rate of 1.7 percent in FY2016/17. Growth is projected to continue improving to 2.1 percent in FY2017/18, bolstered by construction, increased room capacity in the tourism sector, business process outsourcing, and a recovery in mining. The current account deficit is down to about 3 percent of GDP, supporting robust growth in non-borrowed reserves, which reached almost US$1.8 billion by end-February. Employment is steadily improving but the unemployment rate remains high at 12.9 percent, reflecting an expanding labor force.
“The FY17/18 budget tabled in Parliament targets a central government primary surplus of 7 percent of GDP. On the revenue side, the shift from direct to indirect taxes continues with the second phase of the personal income tax (PIT) reform that raises the PIT exemption threshold to J$1.5 million. The government underlined its commitment to supporting this reform with a revenue-neutral tax package that maintains fairness, progressivity and efficiency. To insulate Jamaica’s poorest citizens from the effects of these changes in tax policy, the government has significantly increased its budget allocation for social protection programs such as PATH. The budget also frees up resources for growth-enhancing capital spending by continuing the government’s prudent approach to public sector wage and employment policy.
“Steadfast implementation of the government’s reform program is essential for continued macroeconomic stability, growth and job creation. This will require a sustained, multi-year focus on improving public sector efficiency and maintaining the government’s wage bill on a firm downward path. Next steps include passing the pension bill and rolling out an early retirement program, finalizing the medium-term compensation policy for government workers, consolidating public bodies, and accelerating the introduction of the human resources software.
“Further enhancing financial sector supervision and crisis preparedness, including through the adoption of a robust crisis resolution framework, are near-term priorities.Increasing the operational autonomy and accountability of the BOJ and improving the ways in which it interacts in the currency markets to make those interactions more efficient and more market-based will support the intended transition to an inflation targeting framework for monetary policy
“The IMF team met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Finance Minister Audley Shaw, Bank of Jamaica Governor Brian Wynter, State Minister Fayval Williams, Ambassador of Economic Affairs Nigel Clarke, Financial Secretary Everton McFarlane, Planning Institute Director General, Wayne Henry, senior government officials, as well as members of the private sector, labor unions and civil society. The mission would like to thank the Jamaican authorities for their hospitality and collaboration.”
PAHO hosts food safety consultation
The consultation ensures that Saint Lucia will have access to safe food and water after a disaster.
The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), recently held a four-day consultation on food safety, with stakeholder organizations.
The consultation aimed to integrate food safety into health disaster management.
“In normal disaster management your focus is on the immediate response—disaster preparation and saving lives,” PAHO International Food Safety Consultant, Mary-Ann Green explained. “In many cases the issue of food safety gets pushed back while the emergency is going on. So this consultation focuses on ensuring that Saint Lucia will have access to safe food and water, [especially] after a disaster.”
Glensford Joseph, Health Disaster Coordinator, said the concept of food safety is to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses.
“We are engaging key personnel in order to go through food safety management protocols,” he said. “It gives us an opportunity to evaluate our position, our protocols, our policies, our guidelines and procedures so that we can identify gaps and areas where we can strengthen our operations. This will give us an opportunity to revisit our guidelines and to establish new policies where needed.”
The Health Disaster Coordinator said food safety should not be placed under the microscope only during a disaster, but should be an everyday concern.
The consultation comprised of representatives of key organizations including NEMO, the Environmental Health Department, the Department of Agriculture, the Veterinary Unit, the Crop Protection Unit and the Department of Fisheries, among others.
The consultation was held on Feb. 27.
Lack of Court resources addressed
The AG has commenced dialogue with the Prime Minister, the Minister for Legal Affairs, and the Director of Public Prosecutions on the way forward.
Saint Lucia’s Attorney General, Hon. Steven Julien, has assured members of the Saint Lucia Bar Association that there is an ongoing dialogue on issues affecting the court.
The Attorney General was among several gathered at the Parliament Chambers on Feb. 27 for a special sitting to mark the 50th anniversary of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC).
Mr. Julien, in response to the growing concerns of the Saint Lucia Bar Association on the lack of resources, noted that he had commenced dialogue with the Prime Minister, the Minister for Legal Affairs, and the Director of Public Prosecutions on charting the way forward.
“As one of your number who has served on the bench and now sits in Cabinet, I am aware that I am uniquely poised to advocate on matters that affect the court. I am resolved to contribute to the development of our profession. I am convinced that before we embark on any grandiose adventure, we in Saint Lucia must get our judiciary working at an acceptable level. I can also report that I have received the commitment of the Hon. Prime Minister who assures that law and order and justice is a top tier priority,” he said.
Notwithstanding the constraints, the Attorney General called on the legal fraternity to raise the profile of the profession.
“Civil society must acknowledge that an undersubscribed judiciary is incapable of serving as our collective shield against the abyss of dystopia. Members of the bar must also appreciate their role in the play. We are the first line of defense against any assault on the rule of law. We must bring our insight and expertise to bear on matters of national interest, as it is our civic duty so to do. We must serve with the highest standard of professionalism, and strive to earn the confidence of the citizenry.”
Headquartered in Saint Lucia, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is celebrating its 50th anniversary under the theme “Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future.
Caribbean economies to grow by 1.7 percent
CDB President says countries need to get on a path of sustained income growth.
The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has released the 2017 Caribbean Economic Review and Outlook figures.
Despite a slow-growing economy, the CDB projects a 1.7 percent average growth in 2017, across its member countries.
CDB President Dr. Warren Smith said overall economic growth across the region remained uneven, with that fragile state of recovery to continue in 2017.
“The big challenge for each and every one of us is to reverse this pattern and get on a path of sustained and inclusive income growth with discernible improvements in living standards,” he said.
But to realize this growth, member countries must increase their foreign exchange earnings. Dr. Smith said the fastest growing Caribbean economies are those that offer services, and have been expanding in line with global recovery. He asserted that it is imperative for governments to implement activities that are financed by revenue systems that meet the sufficiency criteria, while promoting equity and economic efficiency.
“Because economic growth rates are so low, many governments are unable to generate the primary balances needed to correct adverse debt dynamics, so public debt remains unsustainably high, while emergency revenue measures implemented to stem fiscal debt deterioration following the global recession have had a perverse impact on competitiveness, further constraining economic growth,” Dr. smith explained.
To fuel growth, CDB Director of Economics, Dr. Justin Ram, said “the way forward for the global economy is marked by some profound risk.”
The 2017 Caribbean Economic Review and Outlook was released on Feb. 17 in Barbados, before several government and media officials from across the region.
Babonneau Post Office relocates
The temporary relocation took effect on March 1.
The Babonneau Post Office has temporarily relocated to the same building as the Village Council in order to facilitate refurbishment work. The relocation took effect on March 1.
The post office will remain at the temporary location until further notice. The Babonneau Post Office regrets any inconvenience caused to its valued customers.
Elections bill debate continues
An amendment to the elections bill drew heated debate during a recent Senate meeting.
The bills to be debated included the Plan of Arrangement for British American Insurance Company (BAICO), and an elections amendment.
Similar to the House of Assembly sitting which took place on Feb. 7, the Elections Amendment Bill drew heated debate during the Senate meeting.
Sen. Hon. Dr. Ubaldus Raymond, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, said the amendment has roused public interest.
This has to do with the threat of our freedom as far as religion is concerned,” he said. “Ever since the House met and presented this bill there are thousands of people in Saint Lucia who are very excited about it. As a small Christian nation, people take their religion very seriously.”
Sen. Hon. Fortuna Belrose, Minister for Local Government and Culture, also made an avowal for the bill.
“I want to add my support to the election amendment. It is a simple matter and one of respect. I’m happy to be associated with this bill because I believe it underpins this government’s intention. As leaders we must learn to respect each other. This [bill] is all about respecting the fundamental right of an individual’s freedom.”
The sitting of the Senate took place on Feb. 28.
Security Minister compliments agencies for a safe Carnival 2017
National Security Minister compliments security agencies for a safe Carnival 2017.
Minister of National Security Major General (Ret’d) the Honourable Edmund Dillon wishes to thank members of the Defence and Protective Services for their efforts in minimizing incidents of crime during Carnival 2017.
The Minister noted that the high presence and visibility of officers on the streets during this Carnival period contributed to safer festivities and minimized crime.
Minister Dillon extended sincere condolences to the family of former soldier Sgt. Dexter James, and to the family of PC Sherwin Cedeno who both passed away after separate incidents on Carnival Monday.
Expressing concern over the murder of female citizens, the Minister expressed condolences to the family of Ambrozina Bernard and her daughter Cathy Ann Bernard.
Minister Dillon assured that the Ministry of National Security will continue to work unceasingly to reduce crime in Trinidad and Tobago, so as to make this country a safer place for all.
Repairs to Corinth bypass begin, Thursday March 2nd
The Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Energy in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour wishes to inform the general public of emergency repairs to the Corinth bypass road commencing Thursday, March 2. The duration of the road work is one month.
Motorists are asked to avoid using the bypass road during the execution of the road work. On days when the road is closed, only residents will be allowed access. Motorists are asked to comply with the cautionary road signs that will be erected.
The Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour wishes to apologize for any inconvenience which may be cased as a result of these works.
Ultimate Rejects – "Full Extreme" wins Road March
Ultimate Rejects – “Full Extreme” are the 2017 Road March winner in Trinidad and Tobago.
