Finance Minister, Christopher Sinckler shakes hands with CATA’s Executive Director, Duncan Onduru at the opening of the association’s 37th Annual Technical Conference at the Hilton Barbados Resort today. Looking on is CATA Chairman, Sudhamo Lal. (C.Pitt/BGIS)
The Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) came in for high praise today from this island’s Minister of Finance, Christopher Sinckler, as he addressed the opening of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators’ 37th Annual Technical Conference.
Mr. Sinckler said that even though the institution was only two years old, officials were already seeing significant progress in the reconstruction of the national tax administration platform, relative to its operational efficiency, tax policy and practice integration, internal work flow mechanisms and more concerted leadership on tax transparency and compliance issues.
“We still no doubt have much more work to do to conclude the question of the integration of Customs into the Revenue Authority and codifying and operationalising the single tax payer IT system. But, I am extremely confident that the BRA will deliver many decades of excellent and proficient service to the people of Barbados,” he stated.
The Minister expressed the view that the presence of the BRA had added more than an additional one per cent of GDP in value to the economy in its first year of operation alone.
During the opening of the five-day meeting, being held at Hilton Barbados Resort, Mr. Sinckler said Government had been pursuing an intensive programme of fiscal consolidation to bring its revenue and expenditure more in alignment, and bring about tax and financial administrative reform across the public service.
“Both of these processes are at advance stages of implementation and with varying degrees of progress and success,” he stated. He pointed out that no one had come forward with a more comprehensive or workable alternative to what Government had put forward and was implementing.
“It is not satisfactory to say I don’t like this or I don’t like that, or that this is not working or that will not work, if at the same time you cannot proffer a comprehensive, logical and credible alternative,” he argued.
Mr. Sinckler said it was important for tax administrators to take as “absolutely critical” their function of advising Governments on the most efficient and equitable ways to devise, impose and collect national tax revenue.
The Ministry of Health Joins the World to Celebrate Malaria Day in the Americas.
The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that as part of the regional initiative to eliminate Malaria by the year 2020, the Ministry has just completed another round of external evaluation by the Global Fund and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and has surpassed its targets for 2015/2016. This year’s success comes on the heels of Malaria Day in the Americas, which is observed yearly by countries in the region on November 6th. This year’s theme is “End Malaria for Good”. Belize is on track to meet its regional commitment as to date the Ministry has achieved a 99% reduction in cases between the period from 2000 to 2015. In 2015 there were nine locally-acquired cases reported from six villages mainly in the Corozal, Orange Walk and Stann Creek districts. Most of the country including the Belize, Cayo and Toledo districts have met requirements to be declared Malaria free. This is a vast difference from the mid-90’s when Malaria peaked at over 10,000 cases. The Ministry is grateful to the network of voluntary collaborators and community health workers on the ground in communities who have worked tirelessly in surveillance, treatment and education of citizens. We continue to work along with our local and international partners to pursue our commitment to global targets including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the implementation of the Global Technical Strategy for c (GTS) which envisions a malaria-free world by 2030.
The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, in collaboration with the Belize Airports Authority (BAA), is pleased to announce the inauguration of the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport, formerly the Belize City Municipal Airstrip.
The airport was expanded and renovated through a BZ$17 million project implemented by the Belize Airports Authority through a loan from the Social Security Board. The new features of the airport include an expanded runway 2,900 ft. long and 60 ft. wide with a parallel taxiway measuring 2,700 ft. long and 60 ft. wide, including a new lighting system to accommodate the landing of aircrafts at night. With the appropriate marking and signage, the airport is now compliant with local and international civil aviation standards. An apron with safety lines, parking and service road markings and 10 aircraft parking stalls are also among the newly added facilities. The refurbished airport allows the simultaneous take-off and landing of several planes in a safer environment. Provisions have also been made to accommodate future expansion of the airport, which now becomes the main hub for national municipal flights. In addition to its expansion and renovation, the multi-million dollar project also included the enhancement of the airports’ immediate surroundings to facilitate access to and from the airport. This included the construction of an access road between Marion Jones Stadium and St. John’s College; and the paving of the road from Marine Parade near the stadium with its junction with St. Matthew Street. A new parking lot with a security booth along with perimeter fencing, an electronic barrier system, security lighting, and a modern surveillance system was also included as part of the project. The parking lot can also accommodate up to 153 vehicles. A drainage system of the entire airport including box drains, culverts along the apron with major outlets to the sea and pedestrian walkways and new road markings were also installed. Furthermore, 2,600 feet of seashore protection was installed alongside the runway to complement the mangrove system. The remodelled airport is now a world class, modern facility which will boost the already steady and phenomenal tourism growth in Belize. An official ceremony to inaugurate the airport will be held on Friday, 11th November, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. The media is cordially invited to attend the ceremony.
The fourth edition of ARC+ Cape Verde set sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria today, Sunday 6 November, bound for Mindelo in Cape Verde.
During the course of a glorious morning of sunshine, boats paraded out of the marina towards the starting area, ready for leg one of this two stage Atlantic crossing. Rain clouds gathered shortly before the start accompanied by a light, variable breeze but over the coming days the largest ever ARC+ fleet of 72 boats are set to enjoy some textbook tradewind sailing as they sail south to the island of São Vicente.
The ARC+ Cape Verde route option is part of the 2016 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers and was introduced for the first time in 2013 to give sailors in the world’s most popular transocean rally a choice of routes across the Atlantic. ARC+ sees the fleet sail to the Cape Verdes, and following the 3-5 day stopover in Mindelo, the yachts will re-group and head off across the Atlantic on 16 November bound for Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia.
This year there are boats registered from 19 countries around the globe including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, France, UK, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and USA. Crew on board represent 24 different nationalities and are aged from 3 to 75 years old.
ARC+ has been exceptionally popular with family boats crossing the Atlantic this year with 15 children under the age of 16 taking part. Regular ARC mascot ‘Ed the Iguana’ will make his annual ocean crossing with Lotti Heathcote the crew of Alderman (GBR).
During their time in Las Palmas, crews have enjoyed a pre-departure programme of seminars, safety inspections and social functions. “We’ve enjoyed some fantastic hospitality here in Gran Canaria, and it will be a shame to lose these views,” said Colin Charles from the crew of Fleet II before setting off, “We’re as ready as we’ll ever be, fully provisioned and raring to go. The high seas and some sailing await!” The camaraderie and friendships that have developed between ARC+ sailors were particularly evident today as they slipped their lines to head to the start line and waved their goodbyes to their fellow ralliers. The music blasted out across the marina, creating a party atmosphere as the boats head to sea.
First boats to cross the start line
As forecasted, winds were light in the starting area and developing rain squall approached as the countdown signal was given from the committee vessel, Miguel de Cervantes. At 12:45, 11 boats in the multihull division were lead over the line by Cat’leya, a French Lagoon 52 SporTop crewed by five friends and Denis the dog. In true ARC fashion, and no doubt confident of light conditions, the cockpit table was laid for lunch on this spacious catamaran! Other multihull sailors were keen to display the advantages of two hulls, with the crew ofSoul Mate proving that you can bounce on a trampoline for an ARC start in an energetic send-off wave to the start line boat. A wind shift shortly before the start of the Cruising Division at 13:00 local time provided a west-northwest breeze of 8-10knts on the edge of the rain shower. The monohulls received a gentle push away from the island, leaving the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in their wake. Oyster 56 Sea Flute was first across the line, fast reaching in company with Jennifer (Oceanis 55) and Go Beyond (Sun Odyssey 42).
The fleet is are now on their way to Mindelo, 865NM to the southwest of Gran Canaria. Locally around Gran Canaria the boats will have light SW winds, whilst by tomorrow morning, the weather forecast suggests northerly winds will become more established as the boats head south, giving the boats a smooth introduction of ocean sailing and time for crews settle into life on board. ARC+ Rally Control expect to be welcoming the first arrivals in four days‘ time and the smaller boats, often with double-handed crews should all arrive in good time to enjoy a few days of exploration and relaxation before tackling the longer Atlantic stage to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean.
The latest YB Tracking Satellite trackers have been fitted on board each boat, allowing family and friends to follow the fleet from the comfort of their own home via the online Fleet Viewer and YB Races app. Boats can also send blogs and photos, posted on to the rally website to share life on board.
A busy schedule begins for the ARC fleet
As the ARC+ fleet left today, the pre-departure programme has only just begun for the crews of the ARC fleet sailing directly to Saint Lucia on 20 November. After a spectacular welcome party hosted by the Las Palmas City Council on Friday night, crews have spent the weekend exploring Las Palmas, and many headed out to wave off the ARC+ fleet.
Before their own start two weeks from today, ARC Crews can look forward to a full programme of preparation seminars and social activities. Safety inspections are already underway and during the next two weeks, there are seminars run daily covering useful topics for ocean sailing including provisioning, communications, weather and sailing techniques. Fully preparing crews for the voyage is an important part of the ARC programme in Las Palmas and the experienced team of ‘yellow-shirts’ from World Cruising Club provide invaluable advice to help participants prepare for their own start day.
ARC Official Entry list – www.worldcruising.com/arc
The Right Hon. Sir James Mitchell, former Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is the featured personality in the third part of the television documentary series, THE OECS: THE FOUNDERS which is being broadcast on television in the OECS and available on the OECS Website.
The OECS Founders Seriess was commissioned in observance of the 35th anniversary of the OECS on 18th June this year and is produced and presented by Earl Stephen Huntley of the West Indies Media Corporation (WIMEDIA).
Director General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules, commended the initiative which gives a unique insight into the early years of the Organisation.
“We are proud to present this docuseries to the public which examines the rich history and socio-political climate within which the OECS was formed.
“The successes the OECS has achieved over the years is testament to the far reaching vision and foundation laid by The Founders and we are fortunate to have been able to capture their unique insights for many generations to come” said Dr. Jules.
The series features interviews with five of the Prime Ministers and Secretariat Officials who were either on the Authority of OECS or at the helm of its Secretariat during the founding years, with each programme devoted to one of the Founders.
In the third programme, Sir James, who was the prime mover behind an initiative in 1986, for a political union of the member states of the OECS, gives his views on why the move failed.
Sir James served on the Authority of the OECS from 1984 to 2000. An Agronomist by profession, from the Grenadine island of Bequia, Sir James first entered politics in 1966 when he won a Parliamentary seat for the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Labour Party. In 1975 he formed the New Democratic Party and was the leader of the opposition from then until his NDP won the 1984 general elections. As Prime Minister, he went on to win three more successive general elections until his retirement in 2000.
The first two programmes in the OECS Founders Series have been about Sir Lester Bird of Antigua and Barbuda and Sir Kennedy Simmonds of St. Kitts and Nevis and have revealed little known but fascinating historical information on the first five years of the OECS.
The programmes will be aired regionally through a variety of broadcast mediums. Persons are encouraged to check their local television station listings to tune in. The series can also be viewed on the OECS Website by clicking here: http://www.oecs.org/index.php/homepage/history
The pilot broadcast on NTN (St. Lucia) can be viewed at 9:00pm on Mondays with rebroadcasts on Tuesdays (9:00am and 3:00pm), Saturdays (8:00pm) and Sundays (12:00pm).
Sandals Royal Bahamian team talents are excited to about their new venture in therapy, cosmetology and more.
New Pool of Young Bahamian Hospitality Professionals Trained.
The Bahamian tourism product has received an enormous boost with an increase in its pool of hospitality professionals with almost 400 new full time employment at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Off Shore Island, opening a new world of opportunities for the island’s premier industry. By the end of Sandals’ formal employment stages, which is still underway, the resort will look to hold a manning of some 620 people, at least 194 of these being rehired. This comes as Sandals continues to reenergize its Cable Beach operations that began with its four-day job fair in August and to which almost 1000 young Bahamians applied. Among the departments that absorbed the newest talents include food and beverage, housekeeping, concierge, front office, and entertainment. Most of these individuals are frontline team talents with direct operational and guest interaction. Hotel Manager for Sandals Royal Bahamian, Jackson Weech, who was on hand for the recruiting and training processes, said the new young talent at the resort have all brought with them a tremendous amount of drive that has almost redefined every corner of the resort. These gentlemen represent the team trained by the UK-based ‘Guild of Professional Butlers’ at Sandals Royal Bahamian. Their service is second to none. “The energy and genuineness in these young people is infectious. Looking at my fellow Bahamians enjoying what they do and really embracing what is truly our tourism product has even given me a renewed love for my job and my islands,” Weech said. He noted a spirited 5-week training period that continues even today for most team talents. Approximately 115 managers and supervisors have already begun to further amplify their professional platform with training at other Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean. This, Weech said, not only exposes the Bahamian hospitality professionals to the Sandals brand, but rather further opens their perspective of Caribbean tourism at large. “The training and experience they will gather and bring back to The Bahamas and Sandals Royal Bahamian is invaluable. Academics itself gets you one thing, but practical training and experience really strengthens you as a professional, especially in an industry like this,” Weech said. Further to this, General Manager Gary Williams has revealed that Sandals Royal Bahamian is poised to relaunch its Corporate University (SCU) campus, standing beside sister Resorts throughout the Caribbean. The campus will allow for greater “change included’ education and training advantages for Bahamians with annual access to global university scholarships. Over US$900,000 has been awarded in scholarships since the inception of the SCU. Further to that, blossoming Bahamian hospitality professionals will also have the opportunity to dip their hands in the coveted Sandals Management Trainee Program (MTP) that affords up to two years intense but rewarding management training and exposure. Sandals Royal Bahamian therapists and technicians gather at the Balmoral Building moments before welcoming new guests to the Red Lane Spa
Effective midnight, Sunday, November 6, the retail price of gasoline and diesel will fall, while there will be a slight increase in the price of kerosene.
The retail price of gasoline will be reduced from $2.91 per litre to $2.84, a decrease of seven cents, while the price of diesel will drop from $2.09 per litre to $2.07, a saving of two cents per litre. The price of kerosene will increase by one cent from $1.05 per litre to $1.06.
Meanwhile, the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will also fall, effective midnight on Sunday. The retail price of the 100 lb cylinder will move from $135.16 to $134.37. The 25 lb cylinder will now retail at $38.69, down from $38.89, while the price of the 22 lb cylinder will move from $34.39 to $34.21. The new price of the 20 lb cylinder is $31.10, down from $31.26.
These changes in the price of LPG amount to decreases of 79 cents per 100 lb cylinder; 20 cents per 25 lb cylinder; 18 cents per 22 lb cylinder; and 16 cents per 20 lb cylinder.
These adjustments in retail prices are due solely to changes in the CIF (cost, insurance and freight) of these refined products.
Manager of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Social Protection Unit, Collette Robinson (left), converses with, from 2nd left, Social Research Consultant, Carol Watson Williams; Programme Manager for the PIOJ’s Poverty Reduction Coordinating Unit, Shelly Ann Edwards; and Director for the Institute’s Social Policy, Planning and Research Division, Easton Williams, during Thursday’s (November 3) presentation of the School-to-Work Transition of the Deaf in Jamaica Study. The presentation took place at the PIOJ’s head office in New Kingston
A Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ)-commissioned study shows that an overwhelming majority of private sector organizations canvassed would recruit persons with hearing impairments.
The School-to-Work Transition for the Deaf study notes that 94 per cent of the interviewees believe, among other things, that members of this group should be given similar opportunities, inclusive of employment, as are afforded to persons without disabilities.
This, despite some of these employers having never worked or interacted with persons with hearing impairments, the document further pointed out.The study, which was administered under the Government of Jamaica/World Bank Social Protection Project, was conducted between February and October 2015.
It targeted 160 institutions involved in various industries across Kingston and St. Andrew, Mandeville and Montego Bay.
The study sought to explore the challenges and opportunities facing members of the hearing impaired community islandwide, particularly those transitioning into the world of work.
Its findings were presented by Social Research Consultant, Carol Watson Williams, during a stakeholders meeting at the PIOJ’s head office in New Kingston, on Thursday, November 3.
Mrs. Watson Williams said while persons expressed general uncertainty about what interactions with the hearing impaired entailed and the possible implications for them and their organizations, no negative sentiments were conveyed.
She said the major concerns, particularly among the just over 22 per cent of employers, related to miscommunication and the ability of these persons to integrate and follow instructions; and the need for the other employees to learn sign language in order to better interact with their colleagues.
Mrs. Watson Williams indicated that at least two of the participating organizations have instituted arrangements for their staff to access sign language training, if desired.
“What we have seen from the employers is an overall positive attitude towards the employment of the hearing impaired and their potential and skills. But most of the employers who had employed hearing impaired persons (indicated that they) had positive experiences in doing so,” she added.
Mrs. Watson Williams said the study provides several recommendations consequent on the concerns raised.
These, she outlined, include: the Government’s provision of strategic leadership and a “clear” example on the issue by ensuring that persons with hearing impairments are recruited in the public service.
She also alluded to policy provisions which she said have been formulated to facilitate this undertaking.
“I think it’s important that an organization, like the Planning Institute of Jamaica, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, work with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies to help them facilitate the employment of persons who are deaf and, more widely, persons who are disabled,” the Consultant stated.
Other recommendations, Mrs. Watson Williams informed, include: strengthening of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD) to work with employers to develop inclusive organizations that accommodate these persons; partnerships between the JCPD and service providers to design and execute a highly visible behaviour change campaign to reinforce the potential of the hearing impaired; and establishing a Transition Advisory Board comprising representatives of JCPD and businesses, notably the Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF) and Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ).
Manager for the PIOJ’s Social Protection and Gender Unit, Collette Robinson, told JIS News that the public will shortly have access to the study, which will be posted on the Institute’s website.
Additionally, she said copies will be disseminated to various public and private sector stakeholders.
It is anticipated that the study will serve to guide persons and organizations on the best approaches to accommodating the hearing impaired.
“The role of the PIOJ is to raise the awareness of persons…because we don’t want our hearing impaired citizens to fall through the cracks. We anticipate that the kinds of discussions that (were) heard today, will continue,” she added.
Jamaica’s Social Protection Strategy is a set of provisions incorporating public and private sector initiatives, guided by state policies, to prevent, address and reduce the risks of poverty and vulnerability consequent on the lack of, loss or interruption of income.
Its objective is to ensure acceptable living standards for persons above specified levels, through effective social, economic and labour market policies that support income security.
The Social Protection Strategy is a major outcome of the Vision 2030 Jamaica National Development Plan, being administered by the PIOJ.
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green (left), in discussion with Executive Director of HEART Trust/NTA, Dr. Wayne Wesley, while at a symposium and awards ceremony organized by the agency, for Community Training Interventions trainers and coordinators, held on Friday (November 4), at the Jamaica Conference Centre, in Downtown, Kingston.
The Government has mandated the HEART Trust /NTA to expand its Community Training Interventions (CTI) programme to more areas across the island so that unattached youth can obtain skills.
Addressing the organisation’s Community Training Interventions and Special Programmes symposium and awards Ceremony, State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green said young people, who are not going for training, must be reached.
“It was always envisioned that HEART would go to the people, meet them where they congregate, and get them into programmes, so that they can be productive,” Minister Green said.
The awards ceremony was held on Friday (November 4), at the Jamaica Conference Centre, in Downtown, Kingston.
The State Minister also mentioned that the HEART Trust should place emphasis on young persons in rural communities, as many leave for the urban areas and end up in illegal activities.
“So there is a need to focus more on rural development using HEART to move our rural young people forward,” Mr Green said.
For his part, Executive Director of the HEART Trust/NTA Dr. Wayne Wesley, said the instructors and coordinators of the CTI, play a vital role in ensuring the agency’s programmes and training reach all those who might not have had the opportunity to “walk directly into one of our institutions.”
“Apart from widening the access to our programmes, through our vast island wide network of community interventions, we take deliberate steps to ensure that the quality of the programmes is maintained at the highest level,” Dr. Wesley told the audience.
The event was held to motivate, inspire and recognize CTI coordinators and instructors who have demonstrated excellence in their fields, and to identify regional projects that exemplify excellence.
Caption: Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat (left) with one of the winners of the evening. (Photo courtesy the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries)
We need to preserve the seeds that are vital to our culinary experience here in Trinidad and Tobago’ said Senator Clarence Rambharat at the Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago’s November Members’ Exhibition, titled ‘Seeds for a Sustainable Future’.
Speaking at the Opening Night on November 5, the Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries’ Statement focused on ‘the importance of recording, sharing and opening up the world that we enjoy here’. Assuring those present thatthe Ministry is committed to preserving our own and has been doing this through ensuring a reliable supply of corn, pepper and sorrel through its current seed production programme. The Minister reinforced the need to‘preserve, restore, re-create, re-plant.
Part of the evening’s proceedings included the presentation of prizes to this year’s winners by Mr. Clayton De Freitas, President of the Art Society. The winners were:
Pat Farrell-Frederick’s My Red Bean Tree – 1st Place Overall
Antonio Figuero’s Sunday Morning – 2nd Place Overall
Michiel Van Hout’s Hot Doubles – 3rd Place Overall
Nyla Singh’s ‘Jumbie Flow’ – 1st Place Photography
Waheeda Ramnath’s To Sow like our Forefathers and Mothers – Special Prize for Best Emerging Artist
The Minister also referenced his visit earlier in the day to the 5th Annual Bioblitz & Nature Fair, at the Botanic Gardens, along with His Excellency Anthony Thomas Aquinas Carmona, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; where, as one of twenty environmental stakeholders the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries showcased a wide array of fruits and vegetables; the Blitz also showcased insects, animals and reptiles indigenous to Trinidad and Tobago. The Fair seeks to highlight the work being done to help the environment; spread knowledge about biodiversity and help local communities to do more to protect Trinidad and Tobago’s natural habitats. Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat, Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries admires a piece of art at the Exhibition
