ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, June 21, 2016 – GIS: Grenada’s Implementation Minister Honourable Alexandra Otway is back on the island after a brief swing through Europe promoting the country’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.
Minister Otway has been on a tri-city tour introducing entrepreneurs, commercial experts, and international businesspersons to the Caribbean’s ‘Isle of Spice.’
The Minister was the guest of honour in a series of events organised in London, Zurich, and Geneva – three cities that were strategically chosen due to their prominence in the investment market, and for their fame as Europe’s financial capitals.
“It is a true pleasure to be able to promote our Citizenship by Investment Programme around the world,” the Minister declared.
“Our nation is the ideal place to live, work, set up a business, study, or simply experience our natural environment”.
Grenada saw a 19% increase in tourist arrivals in 2014, and a further 13% increase in 2015.
Even more growth is expected in 2016, as new direct flight to mainland Europe, the United Kingdom, and the Americas draw visitors to Grenada’s shores.
“Pure Grenada,’ as we like to call our beautifully untouched nation, can seduce an audience in a matter of moments,” said Minister Otway.
“I have no doubt that it will do just that in Europe”.
Minister Otway was also the keynote speaker at this year’s Citizenship by Investment & International Residence Summit Europe where she focused on the Grenada Programme and its exclusive business and lifestyle opportunities.
The real estate and construction markets are also on the rise, powered by a growing demand for short-term rental, as well as by the support of Grenada’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme.
Under the Programme, applicants for citizenship may invest in pre-approved real estate project, or contribute to the country’s National Transformation Fund.
This tri-city trip across Europe was organised by CS Global Partners Headquartered in London and with ten offices worldwide.
“CS Global Partners has been working with the Government of Grenada to promote foreign direct investment in the nation, as well as its CBI Programme,” said Micha-Rose Emmett, Group Managing Director of CS Global Partners.
“We expect very high levels of interest towards this dynamic nation, especially as its investment-friendly environment is made known across Europe”.
Grenada Introduces Exciting Investment Opportunities to Europe
The Queen Conch fishery closed
The Belize Fisheries Department hereby informs all fishers and the General Public that in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 54 of 2012, the Honorable Gaspar Vega, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, the Environment and Sustainable Development will declare the Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) fishery closed at the close of business on June 24th, 2016.
The fishing community is advised that all conch fishing activities shall cease as of this date until the opening of the next fishing season on 1st October, 2016.
The Belize Fisheries Department further advises Restauranteurs and the General Public to use, consume and dispose of all Queen Conch meat in their possession on or before June 24th, 2016. Any person or establishment found in possession of the Queen Conch meat after Friday June 24th , 2016 will be charged and prosecuted in a Court of Law in accordance to the Fisheries Regulations.
The Fisheries Department advises the General Public to report any illegal fisheries activity by calling telephone numbers: 224-4552 or 223-2623.
PAHO plans to Improve the health of the Americas
PAHO Executive Committee discusses new strategies and plans to improve the
health of the Americas.
Washington, DC, June 21, 2016 (PAHO/WHO) – The Executive Committee of the
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is discussing strategies and plans
to improve the health of the Americas at its 158th session, which runs
through June 24.
The Committee, chaired by the Minister of Public Health of Ecuador,
Margarita Guevara, includes representatives from nine Member States and
guides the topics in technical cooperation that are debated by PAHO’s
Directing Council in September.
The issues being addressed by the Executive Committee include a strategy
for the prevention and control of arboviral diseases; action plans for the
prevention and control of HIV and sexually transmitted infections; the
elimination of neglected tropical diseases, and disaster risk reduction.
They also cover topics such as health systems resilience; access and
rational use of medicines and other strategic health technologies and high
cost; and the health of migrants. Delegates also discussed a report on the
response in the region of the Americas to the Zika virus.
The Director of the Pan American Health Organization, Carissa F. Etienne,
said the region has faced recent public health challenges including floods
and earthquakes. “Even as we grappled with and responded to these natural
disasters, we in the Americas were confronted by the crushing impact of the
newly emerging Zika virus epidemic, which once again tested our
preparedness and responsiveness to an outbreak emergency,” she said.
PAHO “mounted timely and effective responses to all these disasters and the
outbreak, building upon its vast experience in disaster management. We were
able to work with partners to ensure strong support to our affected Member
States,” she added, noting the importance of “an integrated approach to the
prevention of Zika, dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever” in the new
regional Strategy for Arboviral Disease Prevention and Control.”
Etienne also stressed the importance of discussing high-cost medicines,
saying they “are among the major contributors to the ever-increasing health
care costs borne by governments, families and individuals, and these
exorbitant costs can negatively impede progress towards universal
health.”
Ecuador Minister Margarita Guevara thanked the countries of the region and
PAHO for their quick response and support after the earthquake that struck
Ecuador in April.
The Committee’s deliberations will determine the final agenda to be
discussed during the 55th Directing Council of PAHO, which will meet from
26 to 30 September this year.
The Executive Committee functions as a working group of the Pan American
Sanitary Conference and the Directing Council of PAHO. It is composed of
nine Member States elected by the Pan American Sanitary Conference or the
Directing Council of PAHO for overlapping periods of three years. It meets
twice a year. Its members are Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas,
Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United
States.
3rd Test Match W.I. vs India
Attractive ticket prices announced for 3rd Test Match W.I. vs India.
SAINT LUCIA (June 21, 2016) – The Saint Lucia Tourist Board and regional Sports Consultant Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira are expressing delight at the attractive ticket prices announced for the upcoming cricket test match between the West Indies and Indian cricket teams.
With the dates set for August 9th – 13th patrons are in for a steal-of-a-deal paying only EC$30.00 per day for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday matches. Friday and Saturday matches, which typically attract larger crowds, are priced at EC$40.00 per day.
Additionally, patrons can purchase one adult ticket and get up to two children tickets free. Tickets must be requested at time of purchase for children under 12 only. Sponsor discount is price listed above with 25% off. Seniors age 65 and older at the time of purchase must present a valid photo ID and are eligible for up to 50% discount on all areas.
Saint Lucia’s cricket ambassador Darren Sammy has appealed to all cricket devotees to support the third in the series of four test matches, which will take place on Saint Lucia at the newly renamed Darren Sammy National Cricket Grounds.
“I remain truly humbled by this unexpected but much appreciated honor bestowed on me and I look forward to always holding not only my name, but the name of Saint Lucia and indeed West Indies cricket high,” noted Sammy.
The sporting icon has encouraged potential visitors to immerse themselves not only in the excitement of the match, but to explore the varied sites and attractions that make Saint Lucia an acclaimed and award winning destination.
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board firmly supported by sport commentator and consultant Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira continue to encourage all sports enthusiasts and cricket lovers to come out in force on August 9th – 13th, 2016 and support their own. With the fanfare and cheerleading of not only on-island patrons but that of regional cricket fans expected here for the event, Perreira says, “the hope is to create that winning atmosphere designed to help propel the team to victory.”
| Day 30 | Thu 4 Aug | Travel to | Saint Lucia |
| Day 31 | Fri 5 Aug | Rest/Practice | |
| Day 32 | Sat 6 Aug | Rest/Practice | |
| Day 33 | Sun 7 Aug | Rest/Practice | |
| Day 34 | Mon 8 Aug | Rest/Practice | |
| Day 35 | Tue 9 Aug | 3rd Test | |
| Day 36 | Wed 10 Aug | ||
| Day 37 | Thu 11 Aug | Beausejour, Darren Sammy National Cricket Grounds | |
| Day 38 | Fri 12 Aug | ||
| Day 39 | Sat 13 Aug |
Matches will also be played in neighboring Antigua, Jamaica and Trinidad as part of the four-test series.
For more information about the island of Saint Lucia call: Saint Lucia: 1 758 452 4094|USA: 1 800 456 3984|Canada: 1 800 869 0377, UK: 44 207 341 7000
OECS DG stresses Unity
The Director General spoke in observance of OECS Day.
The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) celebrated its 35th anniversary on June 18.
To mark the occasion H.E Dr. Didicus Jules, Director General of the OECS, addressed member states.
“On June 18, 1981, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States was formed with the signing of the Treaty of Basseterre by leaders of the Eastern Caribbean who represented a wide political spectrum,” Dr. Jules began. “Among the persons signing were Maurice Bishop of Grenada, and Eugenia Charles of Dominica who, despite the wide ideological divide between them, were visionary enough to embrace the things that could unite us.
“Today we celebrate 35 years of that historic initiative. In the wake of this anniversary, we are also celebrating 15 years since the formation of ECTEL the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, and five years since the signing of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre. In February 2017, we will be celebrating 50 years since the formation of the OECS Supreme Court.”
Dr. Jules also stressed the need for regional unity in an everchanging global community.
“Our best opportunity to survive and thrive in today’s world is to make a reality of the single space – to unify the chain of islands from the Virgin Islands in the north, to Grenada in the south inclusive of the French and the Dutch-speaking islands in between. Already, the entry of Martinique has opened many new windows of wider cooperation in health, education, community tourism and trade. The democratic process is alive and well in the OECS and we have seen a free exercise of the sovereign will of the people. The outcome of this has been to bring new faces and fresh perspectives to the governance bodies of the OECS. We draw on the historical inspiration of 1981 when OECS leaders shaped singular purpose despite wide and deep differences, and we pray that the simple aspiration of Caribbean people to move, work, play and create sustainable livelihoods freely across these islands will be realized.”
The OECS comprises Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and Martinique are associate members of the OECS.
SLHTA launches Language Resource Center
Organizers are keen on using the facility to encourage other embassies to teach languages such as French, German, and Portuguese, depending on the needs of the private sector.
The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) in collaboration with the University of Quintana Roo (UQRoo), Mexico, will formally launch a Language Resource Centre at the SLHTA Hospitality Training Centre, tomorrow.
At the ceremony, the SLHTA and UQRoo will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The goal of the initiative is to help improve the performance of communication in Spanish among the staff of the numerous and diverse businesses that belong to the SLHTA, in order for them to be able to communicate in Spanish with Spanish-speaking tourists, as well as learn the specialized vocabulary in Spanish, pertaining to the different types of businesses directly and indirectly related to tourism activities.
Further to discussions with the Embassy of Mexico, His Excellency Luis Manuel Lopez Moreno is keen on a collaboration with the SLHTA as a key private sector organ for the creation of a languages lab at the current training facility. The embassy is also keen on using the facility to encourage other embassies to teach other languages such as French, German, and Portuguese, depending on the needs of the private sector.
The official launch will be held at the SLHTA Hospitality Training Centre on June 21, at 10 a.m.
National Policy Dialogue on Energy Efficiency
National Policy Dialogue On Energy Efficiency And Energy Conservation.
“We believe fundamentally that the issues of energy efficiency affect us all. This is not something that only affects policymakers.” These were the statements of Executive Director of Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC), Mrs. Shantal Munroe-Knight, who spoke at the opening of the CPDC and the Caribbean Consultative Working Group (CCWG)’s national policy dialogue on energy efficiency, energy conservation and sustainable energy.
The National Policy Dialogue was held on Tuesday, 14th June at the National Insurance Services Conference Room. Several representatives from the public sector and civil society groups were present at the dialogue. Representing the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the dialogue were Co-ordinator of the local Promoting Access to Clean Energy Services (PACES) project, Dr. Alston Stoddard; and Director of the Energy Unit, Mr. Ellsworth Dacon. The Hon. Daniel E. Cummings, Member of Parliament for West Kingstown and the New Democratic Party’s shadow Minister of Transport & Works, Energy, Water and Housing, was also present.
To set the logistical framework for a successful policy dialogue, the CPDC-CCWG collaborated with local non-government organisations, Constructive Solutions Inc. and the Windward Islands Farmers Association (WINFA), through its local Co-ordinator, Mrs. Kozel Peters-Fraser.
Chief Executive Officer of Constructive Solutions Inc., Dr. Ashley John, stated that the hosting of the national policy dialogue on energy efficiency, energy conservation and sustainable energy with civil society groups should be applauded. According to Dr. John, the dialogue was a progressive and productive initiative. He told participants that they not only represent civil societies but also represent “our very households”.
While she outlined the main objectives of the national policy dialogue on energy efficiency, energy conservation and sustainable energy, Mrs. Munroe-Knight, told participants that the CPDC is interested in their views and that the discussions and recommendations from the dialogue will be drafted into a policy paper. She added that the policy paper will then be submitted into the regional process, one of which is the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), an arm of CARICOM.
Miss Niebert Blair, Project Officer for Energy, represented CARICOM at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines national policy dialogue on energy efficiency, energy conservation and sustainable energy. She said that the national policy dialogue is an initiative in which the Energy Unit in the CARICOM Secretariat is very much interested. Blair further stated that they wished to continue to work with the CPDC in this regard.
Civil society participants heard presentations on CARICOM’s energy efficiency and energy conservation initiatives, and the national initiatives related to sustainable energy, energy efficiency and conservation. At the end of the dialogue, participants shared reflections and recommendations from their enhanced understanding on sustainable energy.
T&T PM 2016 Labour Day Message
June 19, 2016: The Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley’s speech on the occasion of Labour Day 2016:
“Labour Day in Trinidad and Tobago is a very significant day on the national calendar. It is the day set aside for all of us to focus on the labour movement and the role it plays in developing the workforce and by extension the nation.
Police Promotion Ceremony, A Family Affair
Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 17, 2016 (RSCNPF): History was probably made this morning (June 17) during a promotion ceremony at Police Headquarters when siblings Acting Sergeant Paula Hodge Jacobs and her younger brother Acting Corporal Valon Hodge of St. Pauls were promoted to their current rank.
No one at the Police promotion ceremony could bring to memory a past ceremony in which two siblings were promoted.
The ceremony at Police Headquarters recognized fourteen (14) officers who were being confirmed or promoted to the ranks of Sergeant, Acting Sergeant and Acting Corporal.
“It really feels great to be selected for promotion”, said Acting Corporal Valon Hodge, “and even more special knowing that Paula was also selected. Looking at her in the ceremony was a sense of pride, knowing that here we are together climbing the ladder in our chosen field.” He added, “telling our family that we were both selected was an overwhelming and memorable experience.”
Both officers are past students of the St. Pauls Primary School and the Charles E. Mills Secondary School (Sandy Point High School).
(Press release courtesy of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force)
Workshops to Address Climate Finance
The Climate Change Division (CCD) of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation is hosting a series of workshops to address climate finance, from June 20 to 24 at Hotel Four Seasons, in Kingston.
These workshops are intended to increase knowledge about, and access to international climate finance.
The overall objective is to support the implementation of measures that lead to more climate resilience and lower emission in Jamaica.
Communication Consultant at the Division, Carl Campbell, explained that the sessions will engage both the private and public sectors, with the first two days targeted at government ministries, departments and agencies.
On June 20 and 21, representatives of government entities will be introduced to international climate finance options and conditions for accessing them, and facilities for further discussions on policy and institutional requirements, he noted.
The workshops on June 22 and 23 are primarily for organisations that are interested in becoming national implementing entities and accessing funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for climate readiness financing and financing for qualified climate change adaptation and mitigation projects.
On Friday June 24, the CCD and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica will host a breakfast and workshop with leaders and heads of entities within the private sector to acquaint them with the workings of international climate financing.
