Home Blog Page 132

Dominica welcomes new European Union Ambassador

Ambassador Tramacere

President of Dominica, His Excellency Charles Savarin, on Wednesday, November 2nd, welcomed the new Aambassador of the European Union to Dominica, Her Excellency Daniela Tramacere.

The new ambassador expressed to President Savarin her enthusiasm as she begins her duties.
“I look forward to these four years ahead of us.  I know we have alot work to do together.  We are a strong and very committed supporter of the Commonwealth of Dominica. I am pretty sure that our relationship [which is] already very strong will be strengthened even further,” she said.
To which His Excellency Savarin responded, “I note your commitment to continue the work of your predecessors in maintaining and strengthening the harmonious and fruitful relations which already exists between the Commonwealth of Dominica and the European Union and to collectively address  the major challenges of sustainable development and climate change, health, human resource development, security and energy.”
Following the presentation of credentials to the President Savarin, Her Excellency Tramacere paid a courtesy call on the Hon Prime Minister, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit.
The Dominica leader congratulated the new ambassador on her appointment.
He acknowledged the European Union as a major partner in Dominica’s development.
“Your footprints are in every sphere of our society from agriculture to health; trade, tourism, youth development…the European Union has assisted us very well in our economic and social advancement and notwithstanding your own challenges in Europe,” he said.
Her Excellency Tramacere said that she now felt  reassured that Hon Skerrit has  confirmed that Dominica understands that its relationship with the European Union will not be affected by the prevailing challenges.
“We are your sincere and devoted partner in this business, there is no doubt about it and I really appreciate your kind words about the fact that our support and our strategic alliance with you has been unwavering notwithstanding the difficulties we might have been challenged with in Europe,” she said.
Her Excellency Tramacere replaces Ambassador Mickael Barford.  She will be resident in Barbados.

Prime Minister thanks key agencies in tropical storm relief efforts

Allen Chastanet

Individuals who helped in the nation’s recovery during Tropical Storm Matthew receive a resounding vote of thanks.

Prime Minister Hon. Allen M. Chastanet, last week hosted a cocktail at his official residence in Vigie, to convey the government’s gratitude to those who played a significant role in the nation’s safety and recovery during Tropical Storm Matthew.
Present were representatives of the Saint Lucia Electricity Services (LUCELEC), the Water and Sewage Company (WASCO), and the media.
The Prime Minister underscored the dedication of those who restored electricity and water services, cleared the roads, and kept the nation informed.
“The workers from LUCELEC and WASCO always prove what they are prepared to do when we have a hurricane. Every single time that we have a crisis in this country you go to work, you put your lives at risk, you work these extra hours, but the most important thing is that you deliver to Saint Lucia every single time.”
Media houses also received commendation.
“We are so grateful for what you do. The reporters who were out there filming and documenting what took place, the radio hosts who kept the lines going, providing information to people who were scared, a big thank you to all of you for the work that you do.”
The island’s leader toured the agricultural belt extensively following the storm, during which time he acknowledged the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and other government ministries that actively responded during and after the storm.
The Prime Minister is also concerned about the effect the storm had on farmers, and efforts are ongoing to help the agriculture sector recover.
 

Special Announcements on Independence Day

Ralph Gonsalves

Prime Minister Gonsalves Makes Special Announcements On Independence Day.

One hundred and ten temporary clerks employed with the government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines will be employed with permanent status as of 1st January 2017.
This announcement was among many made by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, while delivering his independence message to a packed crowd at the Military Parade held at the Victoria Park on 27th October.
Dr. Gonsalves said that in so doing, the temporary clerks will now have job security and benefits as Public Servants.
Six hundred and twenty-nine students who received the requisite standard at the CAPE/CSEC external examinations, will shortly receive a cash grant of $500.00 each; as well as students who were also successful in the Associate’s Degree programme at the required level at the Community College.
On the basis of the 2016 CAPE Examinations, Government has awarded 16 scholarships, exhibitions and bursaries, for university level study. Eight of these are national scholarships fully funded for five years of study, five are national exhibitions, fully funded for three years of study, and three are bursaries, valued at sixty thousand Eastern Caribbean dollars each for three-year university programmes.
“These awards cost in excess of five million dollars in the aggregate,” he stated. In addition, for the 2017/2018 academic year, Government will grant tuition scholarships to deserving applicants for university study, and it will continue to finance the economic cost for all eligible students at the University of the West Indies (UWI).
The state-owned student loan company will also continue to grant, annually, economically disadvantaged student loans amounting to in excess of four million dollars to eligible and deserving applicants.
These, according to the Prime Minister, combined with other university scholarships negotiated with friendly overseas governments and supportive institutions, continue to place this country on track to have one university graduate per household on average by the year 2030.
An announcement will also be made soon by the relevant government authorities of the more than 100 successful applicants for the coveted places for the new academic year in the Registered Nursing and Nursing Assistant programmes. Students enrolled in these programmes will continue to receive a monthly stipend of Eastern Caribbean one thousand dollars.
All of these initiatives, Dr. Gonsalves said, would continue to be honoured despite the economic challenges confronted by the state.
Following a review by the competent authorities, the Governor General would be advised to order the release of some young men and women who are serving terms of imprisonment for relatively minor offences.  The Prime Minister said that he considered in all of the circumstances that these young people ought to be given a second chance.
“This is the internally proclaimed ‘Year of Mercy’ by people of faith, and we ought to exercise it appropriately to these young persons and others,” he said.
The annual duty free concession for Christmas barrels will commence on 14th November and end on 31st December of this year.
He also mentioned that additional persons would be recruited for the Police Force, Fire Station and the Coast Guard.
In recognition of those citizens at home and abroad who have made sterling contributions in the field of sports, culture, education, health, public service business and community service, special recognition will be given to them. An announcement will be made early 2017 of the naming of various facilities in honour of “our distinguished” citizens particularly those who have gone to the great beyond.
A few more additional sporting and cultural ambassadors will also be announced soon.
Instructions have been given to the Director General of Finance and Planning to transfer an initial U. S. fifty thousand dollars to assist the Haitian government in its relief efforts, consequent upon the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew, which made landfall in that country as a category 4 hurricane in early October.

Installation of over 2500 street lights advanced

Solar Street Lights

The decade-long friendly alliance between Dominica and the People’s Republic of China continues to bear fruits.

Currently, the installation of over 2500 street lights around the island is well underway.
The Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit highlighted this in his address to the nation at the Independence Day Parade.
“We have commenced the installation of these solar lights along the E.O Leblanc and Dr. Nicholas Liverpool Highways.  Our plan is to have both of them completely lit within the next 3 to 4 months.  Work will then begin on the lighting of other roadways around the island,” Prime Minister Skerrit informed.
The nation’s leader articulated that as a small, open and vulnerable economy, Dominica has been relying heavily on the assistance of friendly, international partners in responding to the challenges the island faced after Tropical Storm Erika.
He reiterated the island’s appreciation for the commitment of the People’s Republic of China in underwriting the cost of the construction of the E.O. Leblanc Highway.
“A group of engineers from China is currently on island carrying out final project design investigation work along the West Coast.  We will sign implementation agreement and economic and technical agreement with the government of China later this month to facilitate the project.  We thank the government of the People’s Republic of China for their continued solidarity and tangible expression of support to our country,” he said.
The People’s Republic of China established diplomatic relations with Dominica in 2004.

Broken Trident Makes Final Journey

Broken Trident

As the commemorative Broken Trident continues its final journey through St. Philip this month, it will make stops at schools, churches, Government institutions and places of business.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, November 9, the Broken Trident will be hosted by St. Catherine’s Primary from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
On Friday, November 11, the Government Industrial School will welcome the Trident at noon; while Princess Margaret Secondary will have its turn on Friday, November 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Churches and other places of worship will also have an opportunity to host the symbolic Broken Trident.  On Sunday, November 13, the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic  Church will play host from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m.; Ebenezer Methodist from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.; Budlong Baptist from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and Eastpoint Wesleyan from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Nidhe Irael Synagogue will welcome the Trident on Thursday, November 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., while Goldan Seventh-Day Adventist Church will receive it on Saturday, November 19, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
On Saturday, November 20, Gemswick Nazarene Church will display the Trident from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., as will Hope Baptist from 11:00 a.m. to noon.
The commemorative Trident will also have pride of place that same day at the Evangelical Association Independence Church Service at the River Road New Testament Church of God, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Persons visiting the St. Philip District Hospital on Monday, November 14, between noon and 3:00 p.m. will have an opportunity to view the Broken Trident, as will patients of the St. Philip Polyclinic on Wednesday, November 16, from 10:00 a.m.
Sunbury Plantation will host the Trident tomorrow, Wednesday, November 9, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; while Her Majesty’s Prison Dodds will have its turn on Friday, November 11, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. District “C” Police Station will receive the Trident on Monday, November 14, between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m.
On Tuesday, November 15, the Foursquare Rum Factory, the Barbados National Oil Company and Shopsmart in Six Roads will welcome the commemorative Broken Trident, at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. respectively.
On Tuesday, November 29, the commemorative Broken Trident will make its final journey from Independence Square to its final resting place on the 50th Anniversary of Independence National Monument at the Garrison Savannah.

Calls for reorganizing of Fisheries Centres

Fish

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Calls For Reorganizing Of Fisheries Centres.

Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has called for the reorganization of fisheries centres across the country,  on Tuesday, 1st November, 2016 whilst delivering the feature address at the handover ceremony for a project for the improvement of fishery equipment and machinery in SVG under the Japan Grant Aid Programme.
Prime Minister Gonsalves added that he has encouraged the private sector to get involved in helping to run the fisheries centres in the country.  To this end, he disclosed that management of the Kingstown Fisheries Centre will be transferred to the Agriculture Input Warehouse as of January 2017.
Also in his address, Prime Minister Gonsalves described the relationship between SVG and Japan as “a very strong friendship.”  He extended his thanks to the Government and People of Japan for their generous contribution.
Dr. Gonsalves stated that “The extent of this particular package is $11 000 000 EC Dollars. The project, he said, covered fisheries centres in Bequia, Calliaqua, Canouan, Owia and Union Island.  According to the Prime Minister, improvement of the fisheries centres included: upgrading of refrigeration equipment, replacement of ice machines, chill and cold storage facilities, rehabilitation of water harvesting supplies, relocation of fuel facility in Owia, deployment of two submersible fish aggregate devices, 2 refrigeration trucks for the transportation of fish and fish products, and 13 grass root projects. Dr. Gonsalves said at the Kingstown fish market they will overhaul 10 compressors and provide 2 graphic panels for monitoring and maintaining of the equipment.
Dr. Gonsalves used the opportunity to address concerns about marine conservation in SVG.  In light of this, he stated that Cabinet has mandated as of January 1st 2017 to impose a “complete ban on the hunting and the killing of turtles and also of the eggs”.  Prime Minister Gonsalves announced that plans are already in place to promote turtle watching in Colonaire and Big Sands, Sandy Bay.  Dr. Gonsalves stated that these measures are in keeping with the mantra, “no extinction in our generation”.

VH receives new ventilator

Victoria Hospital

A hi-tech, German made mechanical ventilator was donated by the Honorary Consul for Saint Lucia to Lebanon.

Honorary Consul for Saint Lucia to Lebanon, Malek El Sayed, officially handed over a hi-tech mechanical ventilator to Victoria Hospital, yesterday.
Mr. Sayed said the main functions of the Consul are to represent Saint Lucia, and to assist the government and people with the needs of the country. Thus, following a request made by Victoria Hospital, funds were raised to assist in purchasing the ventilator. The ventilator has been placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“We had a tour inside and we saw that the patients are being treated carefully with the use of this ventilator,” Mr. El Sayed said. “We thank the Victoria Hospital administration and the Government of Saint Lucia for allowing us to inspect and see how the ventilator is working. The government is actually very interested in expanding the collaboration between our consul mission and the hospital for the future needs of the hospital.”
Dr. Becky Jn-Baptiste, consultant anesthesiologist in the ICU, said the ventilator performs a number of functions to assist patients with breathing.
Executive Director of the Victoria Hospital, Jeanette Hughes, said discussions with Mr. El Sayed on procuring the ventilator commenced in January via the Washington Office.
“Mr. El Sayed kept his promise and ensured we had the ventilator delivered on time at the Victoria Hospital. For this we are extremely grateful.”
The ventilator will be among the equipment transferred to the Owen King EU Hospital.
The Honorary Consul for Saint Lucia to Lebanon has been representing Saint Lucia on a diplomatic level for the past six years.

PM calls for unity on Independence Day

Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit

Hon Prime Minister, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, has called on Dominicans to be more dedicated to nation building.
The Dominica leader, in his Independence Day address, called on Dominicans to reflect on their level of commitment to Dominica.
“We may need to do some introspection and ask ourselves how we can strengthen our commitment to nation building.  We should examine the quality of our relationships with each other and how those relationships bind us in a beneficial national effort.  I therefore, reiterate the call for us to unite in the interest of nation building.  Let us put country first and commit to working together to achieve the development and progress that we all want for this beautiful country of ours.”
The Hon Prime Minister used the opportunity to thank the island’s regional and international partners who have been supportive over Dominica’s 38 years of independence.  He also expressed appreciation for those who continue to promote Dominica positively.
“I thank and congratulate those of you who make it your bounded duty to speak positively of and promote, in a healthy manner, this country of ours.  I have said before and I reiterate on this occasion that every Dominican must see himself or herself as an ambassador for Dominica.  What we say about Dominica is internalised by many and treated as gospel.  Let us therefore be constructive and positive in the promotion of this our island home.”

Labour Market Information

labour

The Department of labour, in conjunction with a number of stakeholders in St. Vincent and the Grenadines commenced a program on the use of labour market information, in national planning and policy formulation.

The program is one of several activities under the Project for the Establishment of a Labour Market Information System, for the Proper Management of the Regime for the Free Movement of Skills within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and is funded under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday 7th November, that took place at the e-Government Centre, upstairs the CLICO Building, Ms. Olivia Smith, Deputy Program Manager at the CSME Unit in Barbados, said that the program is a very important exercise and that the necessary systems must be in place for policy development and planning.
Dr. Williams House, Facilitator of the Program, highlighted what the participants can expect during the program. He noted that over the next four days he hoped that people will learn a lot about the importance of Labour Market Information, how much Labour Market Information we have in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and where are the gaps.
Approximately 20 persons are scheduled to participate in the four-day training program.

Caribbean receives US$8 million in fight against toxins

toxins

Exposure to toxic chemicals found in household cleaning products, processed foods, and even clothing, can severely damage a person’s health.

Dr. Ahmad Khan, Director of the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC-Caribbean) stated that some pesticides, cleaning agents, and industrial chemicals, contain hazardous properties that can cause cancer, developmental delays, dysfunction of the reproductive organs, and reduce immunity. Dr. Khan explained that one particular group of these toxic chemicals is referred to as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Exposure to POPs can be through direct contact with the chemicals, consumption of contaminated foods. or environmental exposure (by air, water and soil). In light of this, Dr. Khan emphasized the need for the Caribbean region to make the management of toxic chemicals to protect human health and the environment a priority.
Recognizing the importance of this issue, the BCRC-Caribbean, in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), prepared a project document outlining the work required to strengthen the capacity of Caribbean countries to  manage POPS. They also approached the Global Environment Facility  (GEF) and were successful in acquiring approximately US$8 million dollars to support the project. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) will implement the necessary activities to assist eight Caribbean territories update their National Implementation Plans (NIPs) for POPS management, which includes the conduct of in-country POPs inventories and related capacity development.
Dr. Khan said: “The BCRC-Caribbean is committed to deliver services to our member parties under the four ‘chemicals’ Conventions (Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm, Minamata) that govern the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes and chemicals. Through the successful implementation of this regional project, we will be able to establish the extent of new POPs in our countries and more importantly develop action plans to target the elimination and/or reduction in the use of these particularly harmful chemicals.”
CARPHA Executive Director, Dr. C. James Hospedales, also pledged his commitment to reducing the region’s risk.
“The execution of this project will help strengthen the capacities of member states to better manage hazardous chemicals with a view to implementing environmentally sound mechanisms for the storage, abandonment of use, identification of alternatives to use and final disposal/destruction of these types of chemicals,” he said.
In addition, the BCRC-Caribbean will host a regional workshop from Nov. 8 – 10 in Trinidad and Tobago to initiate an update of the participating countries’ NIPs, POPs inventories and related capacity development. During the workshop conducted by CARPHA, country representatives will present an update on the status of implementation of their NIP action plans.
The regional representatives will receive training on the assessment of ‘new’ POPs. CARPHA experts will follow up the workshop by assisting investigations in each participating country to update the NIPs.
Countries benefitting from this project are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

1...131132133...269Page 132 of 269
Audio Theme