BARBADOS: Local artistes are not being given the respect and recognition they deserve!
This view was expressed by Industry Minister, Donville Inniss, at the opening of the second solo exhibition: Enchanted Forest, by sculptor, artiste and musician, Wayne “Onkphra” Wells, at the Bajan Art Gallery, in Pelican Village last Sunday evening.
Mr. Inniss noted that although some of the best musicians, dancers, and performers in the visual or performing arts could be found in Barbados, this particular group was not being properly recognised within society.
He told his audience, which included Senator Sir Trevor Carmichael; musicians Eddy Grant and Anthony ‘Mighty Gabby’ Carter; members of the diplomatic corps, and local artistes, that “we in Barbados are apt to take all that is foreign and buy it and celebrate with it, but our own we like to frown upon”.
He continued: “Those of you who are gathered here this evening, you are here not just because of Wayne and his work but because you recognise the importance of supporting the industry… it is about giving support to that group within our society who really and truly are the most innovative and creative.”
In referencing the lack of visitors at Pelican Village, the Minister stated that he needed to find ways of “breathing some life into it in a very sustainable manner”.
“The part of the Ministry that is Industry has responsibility for the physical space, and I must confess that I have been very disappointed over the years that we still have not been able to get this place functioning the way I think it should function. When I became Minister I said to the staff at the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC), do not adopt a landlord/tenant attitude towards this facility and recognise that there is a developmental role to play,” Mr. Inniss pointed out.
He further stressed that if Barbados wanted to develop an innovative society, Pelican Village must be a place where local artistes could come and express themselves, adding that it could not just be about collecting rent alone.
“It must be a place where those who engage in fine arts can come and display their paintings, the sculptors can display their works, where musicians can come and entertain on evenings in an atmosphere like this. It must really and truly be a place where you can freely express yourself and come alive. And I would like to see more activities like this taking place here,” the Minister stressed.
Mr. Inniss suggested that his Ministry was going to recommend to the BIDC that Pelican Village be turned over to the tenants.
“We need to be very bold and creative in this society and I cannot sit and wait…. And, we must be bold enough to say to the tenants who sit and occupy Pelican space, manage it. Take your ideas and bring them to fruition. If you want to have exhibitions and a free flowing exhibition here, have some evening jazz and different performers, then do it. Let us be bold, because our young people do not want to be stifled. They want to freely express themselves…not to mention we want the tourists to pass through here…,” he said.
In concluding, the Minister stressed that he wanted Pelican Village to be a place where Barbadians from all walks of life could visit, appreciate and see the creative juices and works of our people.
theresa.blackman@barbados.gov.bb
Give Artistes Their Due Says Inniss
Over seven million dollars for road works for post Erika rehabilitation
DOMINICA: The Honourable Minister for Public Works and Ports, Senator Miriam Blanchard, gave a forecast of projects tendered to the tune of EC$7m to begin soon.
Senator Blanchard spoke at the ground breaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the West Bridge on Friday, 22nd April.
There, she revealed some 30 projects to commence after Erika hit Dominica with an over one billion dollar blow of infrastructural damage.
“I would like to share with you today that the staff of the Ministry of Public Works and Ports has been extremely busy since the passage of the storm. In the last month 30 small and medium sized projects were tendered totalling in excess of over EC$7m. We expect to continue the signing of contracts to execute these works as early as next week. In general, these works at the community level will focus on the construction of retaining walls, river dredging and pavement of roads.”
Hon. Blanchard also announced that in the next few days signing of an implementation contract for construction of the York Valley Bridge will take place.
“This project will be grant financed through the generosity of one of the Government’s strongest allies the Government of the People’s Republic of China,” she explained. “Once that contract has been signed works will follow in approximately four months. Additionally the planning phase of the West Coast Rehabilitation Project to address the damage of the infrastructure in that part of the island continues. This project too will be financed from grant funding from the Government of the People’s Republic of China.”
The Honourable Senator stated that significant employment will be generated by this project as the contractor has assured the Government of Dominica that local skills and talents will be used as much as possible.
Additional projects were also mentioned.
These include a project to restore and construct river defences west of the Hillsborough Bridge. The minister says tendering is ongoing for this project.
National assembly will convene on Wednesday
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 26th, 2016 (PRESS SEC) – Parliament will convene tomorrow, Wednesday, April 27th, at 10:00 am to consider four pieces of legislation.
Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, will seek leave to introduce and have read for the first time the Income Tax (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2016 and the BAICO (Plan of Arrangement) Bill, 2016.
Prime Minister Harris will move the second reading of the Tax Administration and Procedures (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and the Eastern Caribbean Asset Management Corporation Bill, 2016, which both had their first readings on March 23rd, 2016. Dr. Harris will also move the second reading of the Income Tax (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2016.
Impact of the Bills that are to be read for the first time
The Income Tax (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2016 seeks to amend Section 10 paragraph (l) of the Income Tax Act, Cap. 20.22, allowing businesses to claim tax deductions for salaries paid in excess of the current threshold of $75,000.00 per annum, all the way up to $90,000.00 per annum, the proposed new threshold.
Since 1982, the threshold was set at $60,000.00 per annum and, in 2012, the Act was amended to increase the threshold to $75,000.00.
The Government’s position is that increasing the threshold by an additional $15,000.00 per annum should stimulate economic growth and productivity. Whereas corporations could not take tax deductions for salaries exceeding $6,250.00 per month, the amended law would allow businesses to claim for salaries up to $7,500.00 per month. This would cover a lot more employees and also make way for companies to hire more skilled labour to complement the workforce.
The BAICO (Plan of Arrangement) Bill, 2016 seeks to provide a framework to aid in the resolution of the insolvency of British American Insurance Company Limited (BAICO) by means of a Plan of Arrangement proposed between BAICO and its creditors. Similar Arrangement Legislation was passed recently in other islands, to assist investors who are still reeling from the collapse of BAICO.
The bill states, inter alia, that, “The arrangement shall become binding on all creditors of BAICO wherever located, and on BAICO” and that, “Insurance Claims shall, after the costs and expenses of the judicial management or the subsequent liquidation of BAICO, have a first priority on the assets of BAICO, and shall rank above all unsecured creditors.”
In St. Kitts and Nevis, 555 policyholders have been paid a total of EC$3.1 million in Phase One of the payout. In Phase Two, 659 policyholders have been paid a total of EC$6.8 million.
In Phase Three, 220 policyholders were supposed to be paid a total of EC$6.6 million. A guaranteed threshold payout of EC$30,000.00 was set for persons who invested more than EC$30,000.00. However, only 107 policyholders were paid in Phase Three, resulting in 113 policyholders from St. Kitts and Nevis remaining to be paid a total of EC$3.4 million. (Trinidad and Tobago has only disbursed US$36 million of the US$100 million that it committed in July 2013 at the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting.)
The BAICO (Plan of Arrangement) Bill would enable a percentage of the outstanding balances to be paid out to investors. Benefiting from the Plan of Arrangement would not preclude investors from participating in a class-action suit to recoup more of their money.
(Press release courtesy of the Office of The Press Secretary)
Trinidad and Tobago Holds Bilateral Meeting with Jamaica
TRINIDAD: April 26, 2016: Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, met with Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, in the margins of the High-level Signing Ceremony for the Paris Agreement, which took place on 22nd April, 2016 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, to discuss the refusal of entry into Trinidad and Tobago of nationals of Jamaica who had travelled to this country on Caribbean Airlines on March 21, 2016 and April 01, 2016.
Minister Moses took the opportunity to inform the Jamaican Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister of the robust, transparent system in place at the Piarco International Airport to treat with all incoming passengers. He stoutly countered assertions that nationals of Jamaica were specifically targeted for adverse treatment, stating that there was no evidence to support such a notion.
The Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains guided by the Immigration Act Chapter 18:01 of the Laws of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and undertakings to CARICOM Member States.
The Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade expressed her appreciation to Minister Moses for his efforts to clarify the events and his engaged approach with the Jamaican Government to address the matter. Minister Johnson Smith remained concerned about the recent events involving Jamaican nationals, and looked forward to further engagement with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago aimed at achieving a solution beneficial for both countries. The Jamaican Foreign Minister reiterated that her Government did not support the call to boycott Trinidad and Tobago products in Jamaica.
Both Ministers agreed that the close relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica places this matter of significant importance, and agreed to continue discussions to seek a resolution.
CWC merger proceeds without agreement
ST. LUCIA: Ministers hope to quicken legislation in order to strengthen consumer rights and ensure that investment remains competitive.
No agreement has been reached between the Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) and Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) on CWC’s planned merger.
The regulatory body, ECTEL and CWC had been in consultations for over a year as Eastern Caribbean government heads, in the absence of legislation, aimed to negotiate to protect consumer rights and ensure a competitive investment climate. But after 15 months of negotiations, no agreement was reached.
“One of the reasons why ECTEL was set up, was to facilitate competition and to ensure investment in the sector,” ECTEL Managing Director Embert Charles said. “Whenever you have mergers there is the possibility of it having an impact on competition which affects the quality of service and [can result in higher] prices. So when Columbus and Cable and Wireless announced this merger just over a year and a half ago our intention was to safeguard the [competitive] environment and as a result we entered into negotiations with the companies to put safeguards in place that would mitigate the impact of the merger on the markets in Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenada.
“ECTEL received guidance from the ministers of these countries to ensure that as part of an overall policy objective, the regulators would continue discussions until we reached an agreement. We were unable to reach an agreement after 15 months of negotiations because the service providers refused to sign the agreement.”
Mr. Charles explained that one of the conditions was “a very clear commitment” by CWC that there would be no integration of business until it received consent from the regulator.
“Consent was based on signing an agreement,” Mr. Charles said. “There was no agreement signed but there is integration of business and branding taking place,” he said, “so you decide what decision they have taken.”
ECTEL, and Eastern Caribbean telecommunications ministers now say the time for consultations has ended.
“I said to the CEO [of CWC] that if they went ahead with the merger without the agreement that I could not support it,” Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. James Fletcher said. “I made it clear that while I respected the right of CWC to proceed with the merger, I also had a paramount responsibility to protect the rights of consumers in Saint Lucia.
“What’s next is for the EC bill to be passed in the respective parliaments. When that bill is in place it will give us the legislative strength that we need to address not just this current issue but any future issues dealing with mergers, acquisitions, competitive behavior, and infrastructure sharing.
“I know there is some disquiet among service providers because they feel that the legislation might be a bit overbearing, but our experience over the last 15 months has shown that it is better to err on the side of having the legislation in place, rather than depending on the good will of the players to get things done. So I make no apologies whatsoever for being a vey ardent supporter of the Electronic Communications Bill and ensuring that it is passed as quickly as possible.”
The Electronic Communications Bill will strengthen consumer rights and ensure that investment remains competitive.
JHTA Anticipates Increased Tourist Arrivals Ahead of Summer Season
KINGSTON, JAMAICA, April 25, 2016 – The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) says that it anticipates increased tourist arrivals for the summer season. This will be achieved through targeted marketing efforts coming out of the upcoming Jamaica Product Exchange which attracts hundreds of buyers and sellers from the industry across Jamaica and the ‘Staycation’ campaign recently launched by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). The annual event attracts hundreds of buyers and sellers from the industry across Jamaica
“International tourism reached new heights in 2015. The robust performance of the sector is contributing to economic growth and job creation in many parts of the world and for us here in Jamaica. It is thus critical for us to promote programmes that foster the continued growth of tourism, including travel facilitation, human resources development and sustainability” said Nicola Madden-Greig, President of the JHTA.
According to a press release issued in January 2016 by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 2015 marked the 6th consecutive year of above-average growth, with international arrivals increasing by 4% or more every year since 2010. The release stated that demand was strong overall, with mixed results due to unusually strong exchange rate fluctuations, the drop in oil prices and other commodities which increased disposable income in some countries but weakened demand in others, as well as increased safety and security concerns.
Outlook for 2016
Results from the UNWTO Confidence Index remain largely positive for 2016, though at a slightly lower level as compared to the previous two years. Based on the current trend and this outlook, UNWTO projects international tourist arrivals to grow by 4% worldwide in 2016.
International tourist arrivals in the Americas (+5%) grew 9 million to reach 191 million, consolidating the strong results of 2014. The appreciation of the US dollar stimulated outbound travel from the United States, benefiting the Caribbean and Central America, both recording 7% growth.
Greig said “2015 tourism arrivals were partly influenced by exchange rates, oil prices and natural and manmade crises in many parts of the world. As we increase our marketing efforts, we anticipate that the 0.5 % growth achieved in 2015 (1,366,579 visitors) will increase. We will be working closely with the JTB in our collective capacities to promote safe, secure and seamless travel to the island.”
CARICOM reparations relay
ST. LUCIA: The relay will take a ‘reparations baton’ and ‘reparations torch’ from one CARICOM country to the other over the coming months.
The CARICOM Reparations Commission has launched an international reparations relay and rally initiative in Barbados that will take a ‘reparations baton’ and ‘reparations torch’ from one CARICOM country to the other over the coming months.
The baton and torch will be presented to National Reparations Commissions across the region at youth rallies organized under the banner ‘Roots, Rock, Reggae, Reparations.’ The rallies will celebrate the principles and programs of the Caribbean and global reparatory justice movements.
The Barbados launch of the reparations relay coincided with the bi-centennial commemoration of the death of General Bussa, the inspirational leader of the Barbados slave rebellion of 1816. At an April 16 cultural/historical ceremony entitled “From Bussa to Barrow,” at the site where Bussa was killed, Professor Pedro Welch, chair of the Barbados Reparations Task Force passed the ‘reparations baton’ to the Deputy Consul General of Guyana in Barbados who, in turn, will pass it to the Guyana Reparations Commission at a youth rally in May. From Guyana, the baton will be taken to other CARICOM countries during the course of 2016.
Beautifully carved, the baton is a symbol of justice that is engraved with a map of Africa; the words “Reparations Now”; and rings representing the 15 CARICOM states.
The relay will culminate in Jamaica later this year where the Emancipation Rebellion led by Sam Sharpe will be remembered and celebrated.
Petrotrin advises of untimely passing of employee
TRINIDAD: April 26, 2016: At approximately 11:30 a.m. today, Charles Mitchell, an employee with over 40 years’ service, was injured near a well site in the Company’s Exploration and Production operations in Penal.
Mitchell, 59, a Technical Craftsman II attached to the Company’s Production Operations was working with a Mechanical Crew when the incident occurred.
His crew members notified the Company’s emergency responders and he was taken via ambulance to Petrotrin’s Medical Facility in Penal where he was examined by the Company’s Medical team. He was subsequently pronounced dead.
A report has been lodged with Petrotrin’s Security Department, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, and the Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA). The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries and the Oilfield Worker’s Trade Union have been informed.
Mr. Mitchell’s family has been contacted and EAP services are being provided for the family and co-workers of Mr. Mitchell.
While investigations are ongoing, Petrotrin extends condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of the deceased.
Foreign Minister works to strengthen relations with african countries in Dakar
ST. KITTS: Dakar, Senegal (26 April 2016) – The Federation’s Foreign Minister, is at the moment, working to deepen the Federation’s ties with key African countries in Dakar, Senegal. Honourable Mark Brantley since the start of his mandate has made engagement with the African continent a major foreign policy objective. This is driven by the need to expand the diplomatic footprint of the Federation on a continent that is on the rise and with which the Federation shares strong bonds of history and culture.
It is in this vein that Minister Brantley accepted the invitation to attend and participate in the Atlantic Strategy Group, a convening of 50 top political leaders, private sector officials and leading thinkers from across the wider Atlantic basin. The event is co-organised by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Institut PanAfricain de Stratégies and the OCP Policy Center.
While at the Atlantic Strategy Group meeting, the Foreign Minister will join Pedro Pires, former Prime Minister and President of Cabo Verde and Chair of the Institut PanAfrican des Stratégies, in a dedicated conversation to discuss the role and place of small island states in an evolving Atlantic space marked by south-south cooperation. The conversation will touch on climate change, energy, trade and investment, inclusive growth and security.
Taking advantage of being in Dakar, Minister Brantley will also meet with the Foreign Minister of Senegal, H.E Mankeur Ndiaye, with a view to formalising diplomatic relations to allow for the exploration of opportunities for tourism, people to people contact through a reciprocal visa waiver regime and commercial and cultural linkages.
During his visit to Dakar, the Minister used the opportunity to tour Goréee Island – a former slave trading outpost which strongly symbolises the long and profound history between West Africa and the Caribbean.
Minister Brantley is accompanied on this important trip by Eustace Wallace, Counsellor at the St. Kitts and Nevis High Commission in London.
Department of labour symposium focuses on safety and health in the workplace
ST. KITTS: Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 26, 2016 (SKNIS):Many workers globally face increasing pressure to meet the demands of modern working life and as such, the St. Kitts and Nevis Department of Labour has taken the initiative to help workers cope with the demands of the workplace by hosting a symposium at the Ocean Terrace Inn (OTI) on Tuesday, April 26.
More than 40 employees from a range of agencies including the St. Kitts Nurses Association; St. Kitts and Nevis Fire and Rescue Services; Her Majesty’s Prison; St. Kitts Electricity Company Limited; St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force; Delisle Walwyn; Kajola Kristada; Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force; The Cable; TDC Group; S L Horsfords; National Skills Training Programme; St. Christopher Air and Sea Port Authority and; St. Kitts Teacher’s Union attended the event which forms part of the department’s week of activities in observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work (Safe Day 2016). The international commemoration slated for Thursday, April 28, observes the theme “Workplace Stress: A Collective Challenge”.
Shernel James, Senior Labour Officer, welcomed the participants and commented briefly on the theme.
“It is a well-timed theme as today work related stress has been recognized as a world-wide challenge for workers, as well as for the employers,” said James. “This is unhealthy for workers’ health and can also cause the employers /industry to face loses. Workers who face problems of workplace stress can become prone to low motivation, unhealthiness, less productivity, lower satisfaction levels and less safety at the workplace.”
Ms. James said that the issue of workplace stress can also disturb the balance of the home and the family, as well as communities.
Jose Rosa, President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce (CIC), said that he has always been passionate about safety and health and relayed his pleasure to participate in the symposium.
“At the workplace, safety and health of the employees need to be at the top of any priorities or goals for the organizations,” said the president. “We as leaders of the organizations need to make sure that we provide the environment, training and tools for the employees to work and to be safe. The St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce has been consistently participating in events that promote safety and health [and] we encourage our members to facilitate a safe environment for their employees.”
He further added that safety precautions should be applied to every activity throughout life as opposed to just in the workplace.
Representing the workers, Joseph O’Flaherty of the St. Kitts and Nevis Trades and Labour Union, said that safety and health are very important aspects in context of the workplace.
“Many of us already know that stress is one of the most challenging disorders that faces us in our work environments today,” said O’Flaherty. “Coming out of a long associated stigma, the experience of stress is slowly gaining the positive attention it deserves. Yet, it is still one of the most difficult work-related conditions experienced by many in the workplace.”
A number of topics were discussed including identifying, understanding and combating stress; stress on the job: the great career killer; financial stress: how stress affects you and what you can do; combating stress through healthy living, as well as mediation and spirituality: a peaceful way to reduce stress.
The symposium was organized by the Ministry of Labour in collaboration with St. Kitts and Nevis Trades and Labour Union, the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board. It was attended by Jennifer Archibald, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Labour, Mrs. Torfrida Rochester, Chief Personnel Officer, Human Resource Management Department, Vernon Connor, Special Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and other government officials.
