TRINIDAD: April 27, 2016: Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Honourable Darryl Smith appealed to students of the Belmont Secondary School to ‘work hard, be honest and finish what you start’. The Minister was addressing students during their ‘World of Work’ Career Day on April 12.
Minister Smith briefly sketched his life as a young student studying away from home. He emphasized that early exposure to career options is key to providing youth with the necessary tools needed to pursue a career in sport and or youth. Activities from the Ministry included interactive sessions with students focusing on anti-doping, sport and youth presentations, and ‘know your sports’ quizzes.
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs was amongst several participating entities at the ‘World of Work’, Career Day. The Ministry’s primary focus was to equip students with the knowledge pertinent to careers in sport, and youth development so that they can make informed choices. Exposing them at this stage of their school life, will allow them to capitalise on future opportunities.
At the end of this career day, the Ministry hoped that students will be better equipped with the information necessary to make the best use of the opportunities in the fields of youth work and sport.
Minister Smith to students… "Be honest"
Sir Lee L. Moore legal and judicial complex closed to public until further notice
ST. KITTS: Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 27, 2016 (SKNIS): Services at The Sir Lee L. Moore Legal and Judicial Complex in Basseterre are suspended until further notice due to a small electrical fire that broke out on the roof of the complex on April 26, 2016. An announcement will be made as to the reopening of the building.
Public Works has been charged with the responsibility of immediate remediation.
The Magistrate’s Court, High Court and High Court Registry are housed within that building. The Fire Department was called and an evaluation was done both by the Fire Department and Public Works.
Several concerns were lodged over the incident which include:
The wiring to the air-conditioning units were being run on the rooftop as the conduits within the building were in deplorable condition; the wires were exposed to the elements and as such weathering had caused breakdown of the insulation; the wires were sitting in areas of the roof which were prone to settled water and as such were being lifted from the rooftop by pieces of board; and the condition of the electrical with respect to the AC units was in a state which could lead to a fire at any point in time.
Eastern Caribbean Asset Management Corporation Bill passes in National Assembly
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 27th, 2016 (PRESS SEC) – The Eastern Caribbean Asset Management Corporation Bill, 2016, which had its first reading on March 23rd, 2016, was passed today in the National Assembly.
Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, moved its second reading in Parliament today.
At the 81st meeting of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) on February 24th, 2015, the Council agreed that legislative and regulatory reforms were needed to protect the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) banking sector.
The Banking Act, No. 1 of 2015, which was passed in the Parliament last July, is a corollary of that ECCB Monetary Council meeting. So, too, is the Eastern Caribbean Asset Management Corporation Act, 2016.
The Act gives legal effect to the February 2015 agreement establishing the Eastern Caribbean Asset Management Corporation.
The stated purpose of the Eastern Caribbean Asset Management Corporation is to “(a) carry on the business of asset management including acquiring the whole or any part of, dealing with, managing, and disposing of assets or liabilities of approved financial institutions in an expeditious manner and (b) act as the receiver of a financial institution whenever appointed by the Central Bank under the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Agreement or the Banking Act.”
The ECCB Monetary Council on February 24th, 2015 agreed to introduce amendments to the aforementioned Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Agreement as part of a comprehensive and integrated strategy, in addition to proposing the implementation of the Banking Bill and the Eastern Caribbean Asset Management Corporation Agreement and Bill.
“The member states of the ECCU agreed to arrange for the enactment of the relevant legislation that would support the Bank Resolution Strategy aimed at strengthening the resilience of the financial system in the Currency Union,” the Honourable Prime Minister said, adding that, “Member Governments, including the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis, are also committed to ensuring that the legal framework for addressing challenged banks is implemented in all member states in a timely manner. Mr. Speaker, it is for this reason that my Government is proposing the enactment of the Eastern Caribbean Asset Management Corporation Bill, which is intended to ensure that the ECCB is placed in a position to be better able to respond appropriately when situations arise and thereby improve the integrity and stability of our financial system.”
The Monetary Council, acting on the recommendation of the Central Bank, will determine approved financial institutions based on certain criteria, including being licensed under the Banking Act. The list of approved financial institutions shall be published by notice in the official Gazette in each member territory.
(Press release courtesy of the Office of the Press Secretary)
National switch day carried out as part of vaccination week
Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 26, 2016 (SKNIS): Today, April 26, has been dubbed by the Community Health Services in the Ministry of Health as “National Switch Day,” one of the activities in commemoration of Vaccination Week which runs from April 25 to 29, 2016.
At the opening ceremony of the week, Coordinator of Community Nursing Services and Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Manager Eulynis Browne explained that the day had to do with changing from one type of polio vaccine to another.
“This year 2016 is a very significant year across the world, as it relates to vaccination,” Ms. Browne said. “It’s a switch from trivalent Oral Polio Vaccine [tOPV] to bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine [bOPV.] As we look at our programme, we can boast of our achievement in terms of our coverage, an average of 97 percent over the years, since we’ve started our vaccination programme. I think that calls for an applause in terms of our achievement.”
Ms. Browne went on to explain that the World Health Organisation (WHO) endorsed what is commonly referred to as (PEEPS) which stands for Polio Eradication Endgame Strategic Plan from 2013 – 2018, initiated by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. According to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative website, PEEPS is a comprehensive long-term strategy that addresses what is needed to deliver a polio free world by 2018. The plan was developed by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in consultation with national health authorities, global health initiatives, scientific experts, donors and other stakeholders, in response to a directive of the World Health Assembly.
The EPI Manager elaborated that internationally, August 2016 had been scheduled for the switch, regionally in the Americas, the switch had been scheduled for this week while nationally it is today (April 26.)
“We are switching now to IPV, the Inactivated Polio Vaccine to protect against polio types 1,2 and 3,” Ms. Browne said, explaining that bOPV had a lower risk of the rare circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV). This is but one step in PEEPS which intends to have only IPV in use at the end of the initiative in 2018.
Ms. Browne emphasized that switch day was synchronized globally because “anyplace that continues to use tOPV after April 26 is a risk of generating and exporting Type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus and potentially getting its neighbours at risk.”
“So it’s very important that we remove all trivalent OPV.” She emphasized that no risk is involved if the child’s immunization schedule began with tOPV but now continues with the new bOPV. The global switch was described as “the most synchronized in the history of vaccination.”
Pertaining to the undertaking of Vaccination Week itself, Ms. Browne revealed that it has always been very targeted.
“In St. Kitts and Nevis our Vaccination Week over the years has involved a number of activities including mop-up campaigns targeting special groups such as farmers, healthcare workers, daycare centre workers, fishermen and workplaces,” Ms. Browne said. “We have also used that opportunity to do training amongst the healthcare workers.”
While Vaccination Week was commemorating its 14th year, under the theme “Go for the Gold, Get Vaccinated,” it was outlined that there was documentation of vaccination taking place in St. Kitts in 1918 in response to an outbreak of diphtheria, whooping cough and rubella. In 1952 it was also recorded that in response to a high prevalence of Tuberculosis there was the introduction of the BCG [Bacillus Calmette-Guérin] vaccine to protect against contraction of the illness. Several other milestone of the local immunization history were highlighted concluding with last year, 2015, when it was noted that the birth dose of Hepatitis B was re-introduced and this year the switch to IPV along with bOPV.
Ms. Browne also launched the third edition of the “EPI Manual St. Christopher and Nevis,” which she explained is now under technical review and should be ready for dissemination by June of this year. She revealed that the first edition was published in 1978 and the second edition in 2009. Important additions to the third edition was said to be a map of the Federation, an executive overview, how to go about surveillance of selected communicable diseases, steps to contact investigation, guidelines for the curing of vaccines and the like.
– See more at: http://sknis.info/national-switch-day-carried-out-as-part-of-vaccination-week/#sthash.R4ckUeNI.dpuf
Sir Lee L. Moore Legal and Judicial complex reopens
ST. KITTS: Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 27, 2016 (SKNIS): The Sir Llewellyn Lee Moore Legal and Judicial Complex is undergoing repairs today but will reopen for business on April 28, 2016.
On Tuesday 26th April 2016 shortly after 2:00 p.m., the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs was alerted that there was smoke emanating from the roof of the Sir Lee L Moore Judicial Complex on Independence Square Street, Basseterre. The building houses the High Court, High Court Registry and the Magistrate’s Department.
The Fire and Rescue Department and the Public Works Department were immediately contacted in response to the situation. A joint assessment by both departments indicated that remedial works needed to be carried out to the wiring of the air conditioning units. The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs has made the necessary arrangements with the Public Works Department to carry out and complete the remedial works needed today April 27, 2016.
Taking into consideration the safety of the staff and of the public documents housed at the court building, the decision was taken to close the court building for one day, that is, today to facilitate the remedial works to be carried out. The court is expected to re-open for business tomorrow April 28, 2016.
The Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs apologises to the general public for any inconvenience caused.
Electrical Wireman’s Examination
GRENADA: The general public is hereby notified that the next Electrical Wireman’s Examination will be held at the T.A Marryshow Community College, Tanteen St. George’s, at 9 a.m. as follows:
- Tuesday 5th July – Theoretical Examination (Hall of the Department of Tourism & Hospitality Studies)
- Thursday 7th July – Practical Examination (Electrical Laboratory)
- Friday 8th July – Practical Examination (Electrical Laboratory – if necessary)
Persons desirous of sitting this exam must register at the Ministry of Works, Botanical Gardens, St. George’s or at the Revenue Office, Carriacou no later than Thursday 30th June, 2016.
A registration fee of EC$175.00 must be paid at the Treasury Department or Revenue Offices, including Carriacou.
Applicants are reminded that they must be at least 21years old and also to present their letter of recommendation from a Licensed Electrician / Wireman upon registration.
Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Works.
Tel: 4402271 ext. 4228
PM defends contract to NSG for reconstruction of West Bridge
DOMINICA: The Hon Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit has responded to accusations levelled against the Government of Dominica by the Joint Consultative Committee of the Construction Sector concerning the contract signed for the rehabilitation of the West Bridge between the Government of Dominica and NSG Management and Technical Services Ltd. from Barbados.
On Monday, April 25th, the committee voiced several concerns at a press conference at the Public Service Union building.
In an address to the nation on Tuesday, April 26th, Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit said Government is committed to ensure that infrastructural development in Dominica is constructed to the highest standard.
“Cabinet believed that it was critical that the Government engage a company that was experienced in managing projects of this scale and complexity, with the absolute need of delivery of the highest quality within the shortest possible time. This led to the engagement of NSG with its proven track record across the Caribbean in the areas the cabinet deemed important. It has been the experience of the Government of Dominica that many contractors in the region want to bring their own equipment and manpower to the island. Thereby denying the local construction industry opportunities to participate in the execution of public works projects. During our discussions NSG was clear in their commitment to bring their experience management team and to work with local firms in the execution of the project.”
The Hon Prime Minister noted that Dominicans will also be employed with the NSG Management and Technical Services Ltd. on the rehabilitation of the West Bridge.
“They have agreed to a structure that enables the transfer of technology systems and general know how, utilizing more local labor and products and services as possible. Additional resources will only be brought in Dominica by NSG when it is essential so to do or when the resources are not available locally; and this is a very important point. This idea of the Government awarding a contract to a foreign company that will bring in labor equipment, vehicles etc at the expense of local service and product providers is categorically wrong.”
The Dominica Leader stated that 70% of the contract price will remain in Dominica as payment for products and services procured locally. The Prime Minister believes the building experience of NSG Management and Technical Services Ltd. will definitely be an asset to this project.
“The advantage of a company such as this, in an emergency situation as we have at the West Bridge is that it is in a position to call on professional expertise and to access and utilize the very latest technology and methodology in the execution of this assignment. Not only will the best of what Dominica has be employed and utilized but the project will also be able to lean heavily on the North American and European connections of NSG.”
The new dimensions of the west bridge will be 176 feet in length, retaining wall 341 feet in length, and 13 feet in height.
Register For UDC Garden Competition
BARBADOS: Those persons who have applied for assistance from the Urban Development Commission (UDC) can now participate in that organisation’s 2016 Garden Beautification Competition.
The competition, which has as its theme: Greening, Growing for all Generations, will run until Friday, November 18. Clients may collect their registration forms from the UDC’s office at Bridge Street Mall, Bridgetown, or download one from the UDC’s website.
A number of companies have partnered with the Commission to provide prizes, discounted rates and vegetation to the competitors.
The National Conservation Commission will provide a 20 per cent discount on plants to all registered competition participants, while the Ministry of Agriculture will assist in the distribution of needed soil and vegetation.
The winner of the competition will receive a water tank installation and irrigation system, which will be installed by students of the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic.
The second prize winner will be given two gardening vouchers from Carter’s General Stores and H & B Hardware, while the third prize winner will be awarded a garden hamper sponsored by EZ Pave.
Over the next seven months, a number of public workshops will be held to educate applicants on accurate gardening techniques, especially within this drought season. In addition, the UDC will assist three primary schools with their gardening efforts throughout the year.
sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb
Public Secondary Schools Closed For 11 Plus
BARBADOS: The Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination will be held on Tuesday, May 3, at 22 secondary schools across the island from 9:00 a.m. As a result, the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, has advised that there will be no school for students who attend these secondary institutions.
The examination, commonly known as the Common Entrance Examination or 11 Plus, will be taken by 3,525 students, a figure comprising 1,784 males and 1,741 females.
Public Servants Undergo Training On ESW
BARBADOS: Trade facilitation within Barbados is expected to be transformed with the implementation of the Electronic Single Window (ESW).
That was the message of Deputy Project Coordinator of the Barbados Competitiveness Programme (BCP), Delano Scantlebury, to nearly 25 participants in the two-day ESW’s Train-the-Trainer Session for some government agencies.
The training ended today and participants included employees of Plant Quarantine, Veterinary Services, Food Safety and the Department of Commerce.
Mr. Scantlebury told the participants that their continued partnership was critical to ensuring the successful implementation of “this truly transformational project”.
Reminding the participants that the ESW belonged to them and they must therefore take the knowledge back to their work colleagues, he urged them to play their part in Barbados’ trade facilitation renaissance which would benefit all.
He continued: “Government’s overall plan is to address competitiveness matters in Barbados. The ESW facility is expected by all stakeholders to profoundly transform the nature of private/public sector relations and interface, and should therefore be seen fundamentally as a tool for promoting good e-governance in the country.
“However, the most immediate and direct benefits of the facility will accrue to traders, who stand to gain significantly from the anticipated improvements within the trade in goods supply chain.”
An electronic single window is an environment that facilitates the electronic submission of standardised international trade and transport-related documents to a single point. The Barbados Electronic Single Window is being implemented by A-T Solutions, at a cost of US$4.7 million. A-T Solutions is a US-based firm owned by the PAE conglomerate.
Giving the background to the ESW, he said a loan was signed in 2010 between the Inter-American Development Bank and Government to jointly finance the implementation of the Barbados Competitiveness Programme. Its cost is US$11.8 million, of which, the IDB is providing loan funds of up to US$10.0 million and Government US$1.8 million.
Mr. Scantlebury explained that the objective of the BCP was to improve the island’s competitiveness by way of addressing key bottlenecks affecting the efficient movement of goods in Barbados, and by supporting other trade and investment promotion activities, with a view of promoting export development and increasing private investment.
sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb
