Crime reduction strategy

St. Kitts & Nevis

June 6, 2016

Consultations on crime reduction strategy for St. Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre, June 03, 2016 (Ministry of National Security)—The Ministry of National Security is engaging the services of Mr. Neals J. Chitan, International Social Skills Consultant, to assist the Ministry, and by extension, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, to develop and introduce a National Crime Reduction Strategy for the Federation. Consultations will be held during the week, 04-11 June 2016.
Mr. Neals J. Chitan is an International Social Skill Consultant and Crime Reduction Specialist of Grenadian roots based in Toronto. He also writes a regular crime commentary column for the Texas-based CARIBBEAN NEWS NOW for the past five years.
During the past sixteen years, with his copyrighted flagship crime reduction program “Project STOP ‘n’ THINK”, Mr. Chitan and his organization, Motiv-8 For Change International, has touched the lives of over 500, 000 across East Africa with emphasis on Kenya, the UK, the USA, and from Jamaica in the north to his birthplace of Grenada in the south of the Caribbean, including a short one week stint in St. Kitts and Nevis during March 19-26, 2016.
Over the years, Mr Chitan has written extensively on the dire need for a relevant, multi-dimensional full circle approach if the Caribbean hopes to see a reduction in crime and violence. Mr. Neals Chitan has therefore expressed his delight that St. Kitts-Nevis has accepted the challenge.
He arrives in St. Kitts and Nevis on Saturday June 04, 2016 for a week of official crime reduction consultations to showcase on his organization’s original copyrighted Four-Dimensional EDER© Blueprint for methodic and sustainable crime reduction. EDER is an acronym for: Enforcement – Diagnostic – Education – Rehabilitation.
The objectives of the consultation are as follows:

To showcase the details and relevance of the EDER four dimensional approach to sustainable crime reduction in the Federation of St. Kitts-Nevis
To take a look at SKN’s current crime strategy and show how germane our approach is to its objectives.
To meet with stake holders; governmental, NGO or community based to seek networking feasibility with our approach.

The presentations and consultations start on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Zion Moravian Church with what promises to be an exciting public interaction with an expected wide ranging participation from leaders and membership of the various church communities around St. Kitts. Public consultations will continue on Monday with parents of primary and secondary school students, and on Tuesday with representatives of all youth organisations in St. Kitts, all at the Zion Moravian Church.
On Wednesday Mr. Chitan will hold wide ranging consultations in Nevis and on Thursday evening at 8:00 p.m. there will be a panel discussion on ZIZ Radio and Television. At other times during the week, Mr. Chitan and officials of the Ministry of National Security will engage personnel in other interest groups, as well as the Security Forces and other stakeholder Government Departments and Ministries.

Improved housing and access to constituents

Dominica

June 6, 2016

Kalinago MP plans for improved housing and access to constituents

The Hon. Minister for Kalinago Affairs, Casius Darroux, believes that road rehabilitation and better housing for the elderly will improve life in his constituency.
A GIS team visited the Kalinago Territory on Thursday, June 2^nd to witness ongoing projects in the constituency.
There, the Minister spoke of upcoming studio apartments.
Honourable Darroux explained that his constituency only awaits funding for building materials to begin the project which involves prefabricated pieces to be created by recent graduates of a furniture/woodwork class.
He continued, “The elderly people are waiting patiently and I’m very optimistic about it because we need to do that before the hurricane season is in full swing.”
The Kalinago Affairs Minister remarked that the Horseback Ridge Road is also on his agenda. He says some excavation has already been done.
He is hoping that at least 10 will be employed right off and then rotated with another 10 as the need arises.
The Minister declared that this road is one of the major tourist routes in the Kalinago Territory and anticipates even more traffic when the tourist season re-opens.
Meanwhile another road- from the Salybia Police Station to Touna- which is more convenient for commuters and farmers was also addressed.
“The other section of road has been completed through the Carib Territory Capacity-building Project. This has become something of the Kalinago Highway because most individuals, instead of going through Atkinson to the Kalinago Territory would pass through Concord and get to the Territory within five minutes as compared to half an hour. This piece of road is benefitting us significantly,” he enthused.
The Carib Territory Community Capacity-Building Project is an $8.6m project which Government signed with the Caribbean Development Bank in 2012 to improve living standards in the Territory.

Enhance customer experience at airport

June 6, 2016

Piarco International Airport, Piarco. (Photo courtesy caribbeannationalweekly.com)

New initiatives introduced to enhance customer experience at airport

June 6, 2016: The Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (“the Authority”) wishes to advise that we are in the process of introducing several initiatives at the Piarco International Airport, aimed at enhancing the experience of all airport users and delivering better quality service to our valued customers.
Such initiatives include the recent refurbishment of washrooms that serve the Check In and Arrivals Concourse areas and the introduction of additional self service check-in kiosks at the North Terminal.
In addition, the Authority is upgrading its washroom facilities in the International Departure Lounges. This is being executed on a phased basis. The upgrade of the washrooms ‘airside east’ in the Departure Lounge, that serve Gates 8-14, began on March 31st 2016. These works were completed and the washrooms were reopened to the public on May 14th 2016.
Currently, the washroom facilities ‘airside west’, that serve Gates 1-7, are being renovated.
The works, which began on May 19th 2016, are scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2016. Relevant signage and Customer Service Representatives of the Authority, are positioned at various locations at the Airport to assist with directing passengers to alternative washroom facilities.
We do sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused, and ask all airport users to work with us as the Authority continues to improve its amenities and services for the benet of all valued customers.

World Environment Day

Antigua & Barbuda

June 6, 2016

Audience schooled at World Environment Day

06th June 2016 – Yesterday afternoon (Sun) was splendid in more ways than one as Minister of Health and the Environment Hon. Molwyn Joseph and crew rode into the grounds of the Botanical Gardens, Victoria Park on bicycles in a show of support for the increased use of bicycles as an alternative, more environmentally-friendly form of transportation.
They did so at a ceremony to observe World Environment Day which is celebrated each year on June 5.
The main highlights of Sunday afternoon’s event was to bring the audience up to date on government’s progress with regards to environmental protection and to award students of a Schools’ Logo Design competition. The winning Logo will be placed on thousands of recyclable bags being produced through a collaborative effort of the governments of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Antigua under the banner of National Garment Manufacturing Initiative of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Commerce.
With regards to the impending ban on the use of T-Shirt Plastic bags Minister Joseph said that despite mixed reactions to the initial announcement, he made the first step of inviting the major supermarket stakeholders to a meeting several months ago and the reaction was not only encouraging but the response was what propelled him to this point where he can say with confidence that come July 1, 2016 when the ban comes in effect, the Supermarkets will be well equipped to serve their customers and make available reusable bags.
In further addressing the audience, Minister Joseph declared, ‘ We must understand that there are certain things in Antigua and Barbuda that are imperative; we cannot play around with our environment ‘ when you dump a plastic bag in the sea according to scientists sometimes it takes many, many years to biodegrade. And so we have tons of plastics not only in our neighborhoods but choking our mangroves and some of the environmentalists seem to be focusing in another direction and not focusing on the fact that plastics are some of the most dangerous deposits in our environment today.
He said Styrofoam cups will be included in the next phase as government continues to remove harmful elements that destroy the environment.
Also just recently the Minister Joseph said that the cabinet has decided that the department should undertake a program to plant 60 thousand trees in Antigua and Barbuda starting Arbor Month.
He said the propagation process has started and he is inviting those involved in the propagation of plants to register with the Department of Environment in order to reach this target.
In order to address lethal yellowing phenomenon that has destroyed thousands of coconut palms, Minister Joseph said that the government has decided to purchase 50 thousand coconut seedlings to be planted here.
Also 90 thousand plants are to be planted during 2016.
Other major announcements for continued environmental projection are plans to redevelop and redesign Victoria Park with the help of the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations Committee.
For More Information Contact:
Debbie Francis
Communications Officer
Tel: (268) 464-8026

SLASPA upgrades to automated operations

St. Lucia

June 6, 2016

The existing cargo management system will be upgraded to accommodate a web based application that will provide real-time updates.

The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) has announced that it will implement an innovative automated system for processing, tallying, reconciling and releasing cargo at the Castries seaport.
Working closely with the Customs and Excise Department and other industry stakeholders, SLASPA conducted a process mapping exercise of existing seaport operations to identify new areas where automation could add value. As a result, the existing cargo management system, Unitrack, will be upgraded to accommodate a web based application that will provide real-time updates of cargo operations using mobile computer devices over SLASPA’s secure wireless network.
The specific objective of this effort is to enhance overall efficiency by streamlining all procedures while expediting all aspects involved in facilitating cargo at the Castries seaport.
Director of Seaports, Adrian Hilaire, said the upgrade will improve efficiency.
“We are confident that with this new approach and investment in people, processes and technology, all seaport stakeholders and the business community will benefit from greater efficiency which will ultimately result in cost savings to the final consumer.”
The new system is expected to be fully implemented by the end of July.
The rationale for the new system was twofold: to reengineer and automate manual seaport operational processes to ensure that the entire cargo management process is fully computerized in order to create greater operational efficiency at the seaport, thereby contributing to value creation for our customers and stakeholders; and to improve Saint Lucia’s “Ease of Doing Business” ranking.
The “Ease of Doing Business” ranking is an index developed by the World Bank that considers a wide range of factors that impacts or enhances the ability to conduct business in any given country. Over the last year, SLASPA has actively participated in the “Ease of Doing Business” initiative by the Government of Saint Lucia and has implemented technological solutions at the seaport that have had a positive impact on the seaport community.
Saint Lucia is currently ranked 77th in the world out of the 189 countries. While there are many factors which may affect this ranking, SLASPA is confident that its efforts at achieving internal efficiencies will contribute to improving Saint Lucia’s ranking.

Charged with violating anti-fraud laws

Grenada

June 3, 2016

Statement from the Government of Grenada

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, June 3, 2016 –GIS: Based on our ongoing cooperation agreement with Third Party countries, we have received information that Mr. Charles Liu, a citizen of Grenada under Section 11 of Grenada’s Citizen By Investment Act, and one of the significant investors in the proposed Mt. Hartman Project, has been charged with violating anti-fraud laws involving an EB-5 Immigrant Investor programme in the USA.
Through our diplomatic channels, the Government of Grenada continues to monitor the situation, to communicate with all diplomatic and other sources, and continues to fully engage mutual cooperation with all the parties concerned.
The Government of Grenada stands ready to take the appropriate action as the facts are ascertained.

UK’s Caribbean Infrastructure Fund meant to deepen ties

Dominica

June 3, 2016

In 2015, United Kingdom Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced that his Government would invest ₤300m into new infrastructure in nine Caribbean islands.

These include the construction of roads, bridges and ports to help drive economic growth and development across the Caribbean region.
Through this United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), about ₤25m allotted to Dominica has been earmarked for the upgrade of the Loubiere/Bagatelle road.
On Tuesday, May 31^st British Parliamentary Under Secretary Of State Of International Development, Baroness Sandip Verma accompanied by the Hon. Parliamentary Representative for the Grand Bay Constituency, Justina Charles and Hon. Minister for Public Works, Miriam Blanchard, visited the site.
Hon Charles expressed elation over the impending upgrades from which her constituents will benefit.
“I am happy that the British Government has come to Dominica’s aid and decided to make that grant available. Driving through, they now have a better appreciation of the amount of work which needs to be done.
“We have cliffs to pay attention to where we have landslides regularly; we also have road failures and areas that require guard rails so that road users can drive on what is considered safer road.
She acknowledged that it will take some time before actual physical work begins on the project since necessary preparations must first be done.
At the time of the fund’s announcement, the UK Prime Minister indicated that the initiative was focused on reinvigorating the relationship between the UK and the Caribbean countries.
When the Baroness met with Hon Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit on Tuesday, he expressed a desire for the further deepening of ties between the UK Government and CARICOM.
“I believe that the relationship between Dominica and the United Kingdom is solid. We are always prepared to work with the British Government on bilateral and multilateral issues. We have suggested some ways through which we can enhance the coordination and that there is sufficient political exchange between the Governments. There are some things that only politicians can deal with or speak about and it is important for us to maintain the political exchanges. This is so the relationship between the Caribbean Community and the UK Government can be strengthened,” he said.
In her discourse with the Dominica leader, Baroness Verma spoke of the UK Prime Minister’s interest in the strengthening the relationship on both sides.
“The Prime Minister was very keen to make sure that not only were we fully reengaged with the Caribbean but that the Caribbean was fully reengaged with the UK. I think it’s really that two-way relationship that he’s very keen to build on,” she began.
“The infrastructure fund is just part of the wider engagement that you alluded to,” the Baroness said to the Hon. Prime Minister. “I think part of it is about looking at the economic growth story that goes beyond the road.”
Government has made a public request for consultants to express interest in leading a feasibility study for the project. The objective of the consultancy is to develop a technically and economically feasible programme of work for the rehabilitation of the road.
The Caribbean Development Bank and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) have partnered in the implementation of the UK Caribbean infrastructure programme.

Road Rehabilitation with US$20M Grant

Antigua & Barbuda

June 3, 2016

Ministry of Works Undertakes road rehabilitation with US$20M Grant

The Minister of Works and Housing the Hon Eustace “Teco” Lake expressed: “There is no doubt that excellent progress is being made towards the commencement of road improvement projects. I am committed to the full implementation of this project as well as ensuring that we upgrade all sidewalks and drains.
The survey being undertaking by CARITRANS will be used during the design phase of the roads.
The Works Minister announced “Friars Hill Road, Anchorage Road, a part of the Airport road, Factory Road, Herbert’s main Road, Old Parham Road, parts of Valley Road, as well as Old Parham road leading to English Harbour are earmarked for rehabilitation work as part of the upcoming project with funds allocated under a US $20 million (or approximately EC$52million) grant from the British Government in the Caribbean Infrastructure Development fund.”
The Director of Works and Housing indicated:
“We are progressing with plans to implement the project and utilize the earmarked funding from the British Government which will be channeled through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) by year end.
Several steps must be undertaken and completed before the commencement of the works and the traffic count and road condition survey is one of those the Director concluded.
The total cost of the Road Rehabilitation project is estimated at EC $84.84 million. The additional funds for the project will be borne by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
Ministry of Works Representatives Survey Jennings Road
For More Information Contact:
Shawn Thomas
Communications Specialist
Tel: (268) 562-7782
Tel: (268)464-4483
Email: shawn.thomas@ab.gov.ag

CDB funding Caribbean music sector development

June 3, 2016

Jessica Sobhraj, President, Women in Music, during her presentation at the Workshop.

The Caribbean Region is known and celebrated for reggae and dancehall, soca, zouk and other genres. Yet many regional artists, performers, their managers and publishers do not earn a sustainable living from their craft.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), noting the challenges facing the Region’s music sector and affirming its support for the creative industries, has committed funding for a workshop series designed for Caribbean music sector stakeholders.
The Business of Music in the Caribbean Developmental Workshops will run throughout 2016, and aim to improve participants’ skills in the business aspects of the music sector.
“The music sector presents several opportunities for sustainable, inclusive economic growth and diversification in the Caribbean. CDB’s investment in this workshop series brings our Region even closer to unlocking the economic potential of the sector, and gives participants a better chance to build sustainable livelihoods from the music business,” said Edward Greene, Division Chief, Technical Cooperation Division, CDB.
The seminar schedule covers

Fundamentals of the Business of Music: June 29 – July 1, 2016;
Managing Negotiations and Contracts in Music: August 15-17, 2016; and
Accessing International Markets: September 30 – November 4, 2016.

The learning events are being piloted in Barbados, and will be replicated in Belize, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago—selected based on their potential for export earnings from the music sector.

Women in Music

A Women in Music Workshop kicked off the series in Barbados on May 13. Twenty-six participants attended the one-day event, which highlighted the issues affecting women’s participation in the music sector, and how to address them. Data from the Association of Caribbean Copyright Societies (ACCS) suggests only three out every 10 participants in the music sector are women. The majority of these women are performers, and few engage in the more lucrative areas such as publishing, song writing and production.
Jessica Sobhraj, President of Women in Music and a music industry expert, delivered the main presentation in which she discussed global music industry data and trends; gender diversity in the industry; and monetization strategies and business models in music. Sobhraj also shared practical ways for women to overcome challenges in the industry.
“Jessica Sobhraj emphasized the importance of having publishing and executive producer power as a woman, to make returns off the music that we have a hand in creating,” said singer and songwriter, Ayana John.
Ebonnie Rowe, concert and workshop producer, added that the Workshop taught her about new online platforms that exist for artists to promote their work.
“Participation in the workshop helped me in my music career by giving me a broader knowledge base from which to operate and advise the artists I work with,” she noted.
“Having a room of women in the music industry in Barbados, and having an open discussion of issues we face and coming up with solutions as a group, was the best feeling ever,” said Akasha Kunar, a singer and songwriter.

Onika Best, professional drummer, added: “The workshop helped me in my music career because it made me mindful of the things that I must do to stay on top of my game.”
The workshop was funded by CDB and hosted by ACCS, in partnership with the Copyright Society of Composers, Authors and Producers (COSCAP).

New Health Centre – Cayo District

Belize

June 3, 2016

Over 2,000 Residents of San Antonio Village, Cayo District will soon have a New Health Centre

I take this opportunity to introduce you to our new website ‘Caribbean Press Releases’ launched April 1st, 2016. The aim of the website is to disseminate complete, non-opinionated regional news throughout the Caribbean and the rest of the world.

We deliver the facts as they come into us. Our audience are those who simply wish to be informed. With this in mind we would very much like to form a linkage with your organisation/agency. The importance of you, getting your press releases out there does not have to be stressed. Allow us to help you to do just that by adding us to your mailing list. Each of your releases will not just appear on our website but also on our Twitter and Facebook feeds and other social media domains.

Allow us to deliver your news to the Caribbean and to the world. We hope to hear from you soon.

I take this opportunity to introduce you to our new website ‘Caribbean Press Releases’ launched April 1st, 2016. The aim of the website is to disseminate complete, non-opinionated regional news throughout the Caribbean and the rest of the world.

We deliver the facts as they come into us. Our audience are those who simply wish to be informed. With this in mind we would very much like to form a linkage with your organisation/agency. The importance of you, getting your press releases out there does not have to be stressed. Allow us to help you to do just that by adding us to your mailing list. Each of your releases will not just appear on our website but also on our Twitter and Facebook feeds and other social media domains.

Allow us to deliver your news to the Caribbean and to the world. We hope to hear from you soon.

The health centre will entail a two-storey concrete building measuring 58 feet long by 32 feet wide with a floor area of 3,730 feet. The upper floor will serve as living quarters for medical staff; thus ensuring medical services are provided on a timely basis to all in San Antonio and its surrounding communities.
Officials at the event will include Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin; Minister of Works, Transport and N.E.M.O; and Area Representative, Cayo Central, Hon. Rene Montero; Village Chairman, Mr. Cruz Mai; and Executive Director, Belize Social Investment Fund, Mr. William Lamb Jr.; among others.
The media is invited to attend this momentous occasion.
“Belize Social Investment Fund…Breaking the Cycle of poverty”
San Antonio Health Centre

Consultations on crime reduction strategy for St. Kitts and Nevis

Kalinago MP plans for improved housing and access to constituents

New initiatives introduced to enhance customer experience at airport

Audience schooled at World Environment Day

The existing cargo management system will be upgraded to accommodate a web based application that will provide real-time updates.

Statement from the Government of Grenada

In 2015, United Kingdom Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced that his Government would invest ₤300m into new infrastructure in nine Caribbean islands.

Ministry of Works Undertakes road rehabilitation with US$20M Grant

The Caribbean Region is known and celebrated for reggae and dancehall, soca, zouk and other genres. Yet many regional artists, performers, their managers and publishers do not earn a sustainable living from their craft.

Women in Music

Over 2,000 Residents of San Antonio Village, Cayo District will soon have a New Health Centre

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