GRENADA: Grenadians desirous of pursuing higher education will get the opportunity to hear what is offered at Nova Southeastern University in Miami.
The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development will host the University’s Associate Dean of International Affairs Dr. Anthony DeNapoli and Dr. Richard Dodge, Dean for Natural Sciences and Oceanography from April 24th to 27th April.
The intention is to explore with the University, possibilities for collaboration with local institutions and to highlight resources on island which will support the delivery of university programmes on site, on line or in partnership with existing institutions.
The officials will host a public presentation on Studying at the institution at the Teacher Education Department of the T.A Marryshow Community College on Monday April 25th.
It begins at 3:30 pm.
Grenadians will get the opportunity to hear what is offered at Nova Southeastern University
St. Lucia prepares for 3rd Test Match between West Indies & India
ST. LUCIA: Veteran cricket commentator “Reds” Perreira to spearhead sensitization Campaign!
SAINT LUCIA (April 22, 2016) – In the run up to Saint Lucia’s hosting of the third of four test matches in the summer of 2016 (specific dates to be confirmed by the WICB shortly), the island’s lead promotions and marketing agency, the Saint Lucia Tourist Board has again partnered with Sports Consultant and veteran cricket commentator, Joseph “Reds” Perreira.
Ahead of the third test match to be help mostly likely within the first week of August 2016, involving West Indies versus India, the acclaimed sports enthusiast will spearhead a major promotional and sensitization campaign that will target a multiplicity of audiences, encompassing not only on-island spectators, but critically the diaspora community in the US, UK and wider Europe.
Tourism Director Louis Lewis says, “The collaboration between the celebrated sports consultant/commentator and the SLTB is in an effort to further strengthen linkages between the vital tourism industry and the sports sector. Sports has been a unifying force in the world and indeed in our part of the hemisphere, for generations. There is also a strong and logical nexus between sports and tourism and this latest initiative helps us to further cement that partnership.”
The test matches will be the first to be played at the newly renamed Darren Sammy National Cricket Grounds, following the West Indies victory in the ICC 20/20 World Cup series in April.
According to Perreira, “This initiative will seek to drum up support not only for a national hero in the person of Darren Sammy, but is expected to excite and build enthusiasm among sports fans and lovers of the game of cricket. The Indian team will be a quality test team with some world class players, however the West Indies team will want to prove their metal at the longer format of the game, after having done so well in the shorter formats namely, 20/20 and One Day Internationals (ODI’s) in recent times.”
Perreira, who says he’s thrilled about the SLTB collaboration, urges the public to look out for an exhilarating rollout of various marketing/promotional activities leading up to the August matches. This is the 5th set of Cricket Test Matches to be played here on Saint Lucia.
As part of the four-test series, test matches will also be played in neighboring Antigua, Jamaica and Trinidad.
Reaction to Statement Issued by the Guatemalan President
BELIZE: Belmopan. April 21st, 2016. The Office of the Prime Minister rejects the version of events in the statement by President Jimmy Morales made to the Guatemalan public on 21st April, 2016 regarding the incident in Belize’s Cebada area of the Chiquibul National Park.
Belize has a long history and tradition as a peace loving country, respectful of international law, human rights, and with a strong democratic culture where the rule of law has always prevailed. The Government and people of Belize always abide by these strong and unshakeable traditions. Accordingly Belizean Security Forces and law enforcement officials would never perpetrate an armed attack on civilians especially minors except in exercise of the right to self defence.
The Government of Belize reiterates that the mandate and authority given to Belize law enforcement and security agencies to enforce Belizean laws and protect Belize’s natural resources and territorial integrity is at all times implemented on the basis of recourse to the use of force only as a last and justified resort. But respect for life and rights must always include respect for the life and rights of Belizean law enforcement officials and security forces. In this case the BDF reports of the incident indicate that our patrol in Belizean national territory came under attack to which they responded in justifiable self-defence. It is to be pointed out that the patrol included civilian personnel from the NGO group, FCD, and those personnel confirm the fact that our patrol simply responded after they were fired upon and were in fear for their lives.
This latest shooting attack on Belizean officials is part of a continued pattern of aggression by Guatemalan civilians engaged in illegal activities on Belize’s side of the Adjacency Zone. In this regard, the Office of the Prime Minister recollects the earlier attacks which resulted in the murder of Special Constable Danny Conorquie and the shooting of Sgt. Richard Lambey.
Belize wishes to remind the Government of Guatemala that both countries are committed to the Confidence Building Measures signed in 2005 which obliges both Governments to act responsibly in word and indeed when dealing with any incident that may occur along the border.
In this regard, we find the statements made and position taken by President Morales to be unhelpful and inflammatory. The current amassing of Guatemalan troops in the border areas, including the Sarstoon River, only adds volatility to the tensions already created by illicit activities in these areas.
For its part, the Government of Belize will continue to abide strictly by the Confidence Building Measures and we urge the Government of Guatemala to do the same.
Wellness Policy Coming Soon
BARBADOS: National Policy on Wellness is on its way.
This was revealed recently by Minister of Labour, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, at a seminar to mark World Health and Safety Day entitled: Workplace Stress: A Collective Challenge.
The seminar, which was held at the Barbados Workers’ Union, was a collaborative effort between the Barbados Workers’ Union, the Barbados Employers’ Confederation and the Labour Department.
Senator Byer Suckoo, noted that such a policy “would indeed be welcomed”, as it had the potential to be an important component in enabling individuals, organisations and the society at large to effectively grapple with the challenges associated with workplace stress.
According to the Labour Minister, work began on the development of the wellness policy during the recently held Week of Excellence. “This Wellness Policy is intended to be all-embracing, and will include chapters on issues such as occupational safety and health, mental health, vector control, non-communicable diseases, and HIV and AIDS, all of which impact on the workforce,” she explained.
Dr. Byer Suckoo also highlighted the benefits of well-developed wellness programmes at an organisational level. “Organisations which have well-developed wellness programmes; appropriately trained managers; informed trade union representatives and employees in place, have seen increased productivity; healthier eating menus at staff cafeterias; improved “culture of care” among staff; improved camaraderie among staff; and an improved industrial relations climate in the workplace,” she stated.
While speaking to participants of the seminar, the Senator urged them to participate fully, as their contribution would play a critical role in not only crafting the National Policy on Wellness, but also in its implementation. The workshop comprised 62 persons from both the private and public sectors.
jamal.weekes@barbados.gov.bb
Ministry of Commerce focused on growing small business sector
DOMINICA: Government has long recognized the importance of the small business sector and in 2014, the Ministry of Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business Development was established as a full-fledged ministry to encourage growth of the small and medium size business sector in Dominica.
Earlier this month GIS news discussed with Minister for Commerce, Enterprise and Small Business Development, Roselyn Paul, how citizens can take advantage of the opportunities for assistance that exists within her ministry.
She explained, “If someone has a small business idea we walk them through. If it is seen as something viable, either starting up a business or expanding an existing business, we provide the necessary support. We don’t just give the money and leave you on your own; we follow up, we are monitoring to ensure that the resources we provide you can maximize it, build on your business or start off your own business.”
The Hon Minister says business development officers are available to assist with transforming ideas into viable business plans which can receive funding for startup.
The officers are also charged with the responsibility of monitoring new businesses to ensure their success.
Training is also available.
“The business development officers do the one and one and we have training programs as well where we bring in the people and we give business management skills and business leadership skills. We are undertaking a research on status of business or the mapping of business needs, the location of our small business enterprises, existing gaps and the impact of Government’s intervention so far on SMEs. One of the gaps we have seen is business leadership. We will be doing some training to help our business people become business leaders,” she said further.
The aim is for businesses to be more sustainable and dynamic in order to grow and produce export ready products and services.
The Minister indicated that this year the ministry’s focus is on light manufacturing. The Ministry of Commerce is working closely with the Dominica Manufacturers Association and the Craft Association to the improve output of such small businesses.
She noted, “A lot of our businesses are retail type, which means a lot of the surplus value go out of the country. We are trying to focus on agro-processing and light manufacturing which again would lend the opportunity for women and men to work from their homes in cottage type industries but would utilize our raw materials and transform them to products. Our work is to work with these people to ensure increase commerce and when they reach the point of export readiness DEXIA or the other agencies would take them from there.”
Small and medium sized enterprises in Dominica employ 65% of the population and contribute 51% to the gross domestic product.
Grenada has recorded an 11% decline in unemployment among young people between 2013 and 2015
GRENADA: Grenada has recorded an 11% decline in unemployment among young people between 2013 and 2015. Those were the findings of a Labour Force Survey, which also revealed that Grenada’s working population increased by 3% during that period, while the unemployment rate decreased by 3%.
Youth Minister Emmalin Pierre says this speaks to the efforts of government and the private sector to assist the youth of the nation.
Cyprus, Saint Lucia meet
ST. LUCIA: Saint Lucia and the Republic of Cyprus reaffirm diplomatic ties.
High Commissioner-Designate of the Republic of Cyprus to Saint Lucia, His Excellency Vasilios Philippou, presented his credentials yesterday at Government House.
He said his tenure as High Commissioner will be marked by further advancement in mutually beneficial areas.
“Our bilateral relations can be further enhanced by expanding our cooperation in the trade, investment, tourism, education and maritime affairs, and also to explore stronger cooperation in tourism based on the principles of equality and mutual economic benefit.”
Acting Governor-General of Saint Lucia His Excellency MacDonald Dixon said Cyprus has been a pivotal development partner for Saint Lucia.
“Thank you for the kind sentiments. We look forward to the expansion of our cooperation in the areas of trade in services, particularly in financial services, tourism and cultural endeavours. Your continuing support in the fields of education and maritime affairs will no doubt enhance the bilateral relations of our two countries.” Saint Lucia and the Republic of Cyprus established diplomatic ties in 1980.
Belize/Guatemala: OAS Repudiates Death of Guatemalan Minor and Will Investigate Incident
BELIZE: The OAS General Secretariat repudiates the death of a Guatemalan minor at the hands of a Belizean patrol, and urges both sides to redouble efforts to establish a lasting peace in the adjacency zone between the two countries.
The OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone of Belize and Guatemala will investigate the incident at the request of both governments. Once the investigation is concluded the report with its results will be delivered to both Foreign Ministries for the appropriate actions.
During the incident on April 20, in addition to the death of the minor, his father and brother were wounded by gunfire. The OAS expresses its most sincere condolences to the family.
The OAS General Secretariat calls on the governments of Belize and Guatemala to avoid an escalation of tensions, and to renew their efforts to establish a lasting peace.
This incident reinforces the need to observe the confidence building measures in place, in order to prevent future confrontations or situations that could put at risk the peace and stability in the Adjacency Zone, as well as in the area of the Sarstoon River.
The OAS General Secretariat reiterates its recommendation that the two sides carry out the procedures provided for in their respective internal systems as soon as possible, to hold referenda on the decision to submit the territorial controversy to the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the Special Agreement. This is the only viable option to resolve the dispute in a peaceful and permanent way.
BCCI Supports our Armed Forces in their defence of our Sovereignty
BELIZE: The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BCCI) regrets that 13 year old Julio Alvarado, a minor, fell victim to the on-going territorial dispute between Belize and Guatemala, and that the President of Guatemala has taken this very unfortunate circumstance as an opportunity to justify escalating aggression towards Belize and seeking to take control of the adjacency zone.
While the BCCI regrets this circumstance, Guatemalan civilians are not entirely without fault when they trespass into Belizean territory and use aggression towards our security forces. That very aggression resulted in the shooting of Staff Sergeant Richard Lambey on 26th March 2016, and the untimely death of 20 year old Constable Danny Conorquie on 26th September 2014. Both officers were injured while discharging their duties in Belizean territory, and while exerting no aggression towards any person.
The BCCI supports and applauds the bravery of our security forces who encounter dangers daily while protecting our country, our people and our sovereignty. It is therefore imperative that there be a proper investigation into the death of Julio Alvarado and that every attempt is made by our Government to protect the integrity of our security forces if the death of Julio Alvarado was in indeed the result of an act of self-defence.
The BCCI condemns the irresponsible and inflammatory comments made by Guatemala’s President prior to any proper investigation into the death of Julio Alvarado. However, those inflammatory comments must be met with calm and firmness on the part of the Government of Belize and Belizeans. In this crucial time it is critical that we stand our ground as Belizeans and demonstrate to Guatemala that we are firmly resolved to protect and defend our country. Our values and our traditions do not allow us to yield or acquiesce to hysteria, but rather to engage and stand our ground ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ as is the motto of the Belize Defence Force.
We call on the government to take the strongest possible diplomatic measures to highlight and protest Guatemala’s escalation of aggression as well as the rhetoric of its President, including briefing our international partners and friends every step of the way. On the matter of human rights, Guatemala and its President should be called upon by members of the international community to honour the commitments made under the Confidence Building Measures, as well as honour other international commitments guaranteeing every child the right to an education and the outlawing of child labour.
Finally, we call on all political parties to keep in mind that threats to our sovereignty supersede party politics and it is therefore imperative that they unite in the face of such threats. Belize is a sovereign nation and our measured responses should demonstrate, in the strongest possible terms, our determination and will to chart our own course and develop our own future as a peace loving nation, rather than to allow our neighbours the opportunity to direct it for us. God Bless Belize – Land of the Free!
OECS Tourism Ministers Meet
Key aspects discussed at the meeting included facilitating ease of travel within the OECS, the joint promotion of the OECS region, the OECS Eastern Caribbean Institute of Tourism, as well as the World Bank Regional Tourism Competitiveness Project.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister for Tourism, Hon. Asot Michael, chaired the meeting.
“This one-day meeting has a very comprehensive agenda. OECS tourism ministers will be looking collectively at critical issues such as airlift, safety and security, human resource development and service delivery. Once these issues are adequately addressed we would have removed the barriers for efficient and seamless air travel between our islands, taken steps that will safeguard the welfare of our residents and vistors, and put in place the programs and policies that will build the human capacity needed to ensure we offer world class services needed to remain competitive.”
A regional approach to addressing the Zika virus and its implications for the tourism sector was also part of the agenda.
