ST. KITTS: (EMU) – St. Kitts, April 21, 2016: Students at the Charles E. Mills Secondary School (CEMSS) return to school on Friday April 22nd after the Ministry of Education made a swift decision to send them home on Thursday to ensure their safety.
The decision came after a pole with exposed livewires fell on the premises, the electricity department (SKELEC) was called in and immediately rectified the situation, allowing students to be able to return to school by Friday.
The Ministry reported that parents have no further need for concern and as such everything would return to normalcy at the school.
Chief Education Officer, Dr. Tricia Esdaille says the Ministry will continue to work proactively to ensure that the children are kept safe and secure.
Contrary to enquiries, there was no fire at the school.
(Press release courtesy of the Ministry of Education Media and Communications Unit)
School resumes at CEMSS on Friday
Public Notice: Public Engagement by Nova Southeastern University
GRENADA: In an effort to explore increased higher education opportunities for nationals, the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development has undertaken to engage foreign universities on new and affordable alternatives for bringing higher education to Grenadians.
In this regard the Ministry will host Dr. Anthony DeNapoli, Associate Dean of International Affairs and Dr. Richard Dodge, Dean for Natural Sciences and Oceanography, of Nova Southeastern University located in Florida, Miami from 24th to 27th April 2016.
The officials will host a public presentation on Studying at Nova Southeastern University (programmes offered Online/On Site/Tuition Waivers/Scholarship opportunities.)
This public engagement session will be held at the Teacher Education Department of the T.A Marryshow Community College at 3:30 p.m. on Monday 25th April 2016.
The public is invited and encouraged to attend the session.
A Release from the Human Resource Development Division – Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development
Energy minister encourages resilience in waste management
DOMINICA: The Hon. Minister for Trade, Energy and Employment Ian Douglas believes that Dominica should be more prudent in waste management.
Hon. Douglas made the connection between the generation of waste and the effects it has on climate change.
The Hon. Minister for Energy stated that although Dominica’s contribution to greenhouse gases is mainly absorbed by the country’s vast forests, Dominica must still be cautious in the disposal of all kinds of waste.
The minister said “Resilience building is extremely important to our survival in Dominica. We must therefore adopt our policies and daily lives to effectively deal with these impending climate change impacts. This must not mean we should lessen on the quality of our lives but adaptation in many ways can improve our lives once it is done properly.”
The Hon Minister stressed that the climate change agenda for Dominica has taken on new life with the Paris agreement.
At the Paris Climate Conference (COP21) in December 2015, 195 countries adopted the first ever universal, legally binding global climate deal.
The agreement sets out a global action plan to put the world on track to avoid dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below two degrees Celsius.
His Excellency Ambassador Claes Hammer hopes Dominica can use Sweden as an example on how to convert waste to energy.
Ministry’s Statement On Union Meetings
BARBADOS: The Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation has been notified by the Barbados Union of Teachers and the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union that they are meeting with their members tomorrow, Friday, April 22, at 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. respectively.
The Ministry of Education considers this to be a clear case of industrial action and remains unclear as to the reason for this action.
However, in the interest of the students who will be unsupervised, the Ministry has decided that all public nursery, primary and secondary schools will be closed at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, April 22.
The Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation sincerely regrets the inconvenience that this early closure will cause. The Ministry intends always to act in the best interest of the students and teachers and any action and activity which compromises this must be condemned.
Celebrating 50 years of Geography at UWI and in the Caribbean region
Week of conference activities, Mona campus, June 27th to July 1st, 2016
The first cohort of geography undergraduates entered UWI Mona in October 1965, and the Department of Geography & Geology and the Jamaican Geographical Society are celebrating this milestone with a week of activities. Alumni from Jamaica, the wider Caribbean region, and elsewhere are invited to join former lecturers, current staff and students to celebrate geography’s special contribution to the regional nature of our University and to the professional development of its Caribbean alumni. The week will provide an opportunity for reunion for many classes and associates of the Department as well as networking.
A warm welcome is extended to geographers and other Caribbean professionals in the public and private sectors and wider international community in cognate fields.
The week of activities will include presentations, field trips and social events. The history and work of Geography at UWI will be highlighted, including a photographic exhibition, display of departmental publications, and collection of reminiscences and remembrances. The substantive themes of the meeting will include:
•Geography, National and International Public Policy and Development Planning presentations by geography alumni on their careers in disaster management, development planning, Geographical Information Systems, town planning and urban and regional development, environmental management and sustainable development
•Caribbean Research in Geography – overviews of geographical scholarship in fields such as migration, global change and food security, and presentations on current applied research on community-based adaptation to climate change, sustainable livelihoods, water resources, tourism and land use, and coastal geomorphology
•Geography in the 21st Century Classroom – education-themed presentations by geography educator s in schools, Teachers Colleges, Community Colleges and other tertiary institutions in Jamaica, the wider Caribbean, and outside the region, including a workshop on developing teaching skills using Google Earth and other tools
For further information please contact: David Barker, david.barker@uwimona.edu.jm
PM calls for private sector to invest in the Geothermal Project
DOMINICA: Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, has called for private organizations to invest in the geothermal project which he considers critical to Dominica’s development.
The Hon Prime Minister was speaking at the opening ceremony of a Sustainable Energy and Climate Resilient consultation on Monday April 18.
The Prime Minister stated that as a small island state, Dominica is often placed in a difficult position where the choice is either renewable energy investment or other major developments that are needed in the country.
He says also too often small island developing states need to borrow money to reconstruct after the effects of climate change. This has a negative effect on a country’s GDP as these funds could be invested in the local economy.
“We should never have a situation where our country should have to make a determination on whether we advance our renewable energy initiatives or divert the resources to other areas. The sustainable use of our natural resources are too critical to our survival for us to be forced to make a determination on whether we invest in geothermal energy or we reconstruct our roads. I believe that we should have sufficient access to the resources to allow us to do both simultaneously.”
The Hon. Prime Minister restated his commitment to the geothermal project as one of Dominica’s sources of renewable energy.
He continued that long term benefits to the country rests largely within the geothermal project.
“We have friendly partners who have indicated to us our financing; we have funds that have been pledged to us by the World Bank. It’s a matter for us now to conclude on this, whether we go with it on loan. The project will be pursued by the government whether it is with a loan or with a partner, I am saying that that project will be pursued by the people and Government of Dominica. I believe it is an opportunity for the private sector…local Dominicans, to be part owners by putting equity into this project and having a joint project between the Government and yourself.”
Swedish Ambassador to Dominica His Excellency, Claes Hammer, made a commitment to support Dominica’s efforts in geothermal energy.
He suggested possible funding sources for Dominica.
Work to Begin this Fiscal Year on Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ New Offices
JAMAICA: Construction of new offices downtown Kingston to house the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is expected to get underway this fiscal year.
A sum of $666 million has been set aside in the 2016/17 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, to carry out the works.
The new facility will provide adequate accommodation for staff, meeting and conference rooms, and waiting areas for diplomats and other visitors.
The relocation of the Ministry is also aimed at contributing to the redevelopment of downtown Kingston.
The project is being implemented by the Ministry through funding from the Government of Jamaica and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
To date, feasibility and storm surge studies for the project have been completed, so too geological, bathymetric and topographic surveys, and schematic design of the building has been reviewed.
In addition, ownership of the land has been transferred from the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) to the Ministry and a contract has been signed between the Ministry and the Chinese.
Preliminary design has been completed by the Chinese and reviewed by local consultants; and a Memorandum of Agreement has been drafted between the Ministry and the UDC, to authorise the implementation of the Government’s obligations, including construction of coastal revetment and site preparation.
Among the anticipated physical targets for the 2016/17 period are: commencement and completion of coastal revetment and drainage works; undertaking minor works inclusive of clearing and removal of palm trees in preparation for construction; and securing building approvals and permits from the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC), National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and National Water Commission (NWC), among other agencies.
In addition, temporary access will be provided to municipal water supply and electricity; completion of construction drawings; and commencement of civil works activity.
It is expected that 10 percent of the project will be completed this fiscal year.
The project is slated for completion by December 2016. It was originally scheduled to run from April 2008 to December 2010, then further extended from January 2011 to December 2014.
$145 Million Allocated to JSAT Project
JAMAICA: A sum of $145.58 million has been allocated to the Justice, Security, Accountability and Transparency (JSAT) project in the 2016/17 Estimates of Expenditure, currently before the House of Representatives.
The project seeks to improve the standard of living and quality of life of Jamaican citizens by strengthening governance and oversight, with particular regard to the functioning of the justice system.
Of the sum, $91.03 million will go to the Ministry of Justice for implementation, while the remaining $54.5 million will go to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM).
Targets for this fiscal year by the Ministry of Justice include: completing an assessment of the user needs for the Case Management System; completing a needs assessment for the 18 selected Courts; and commencing procurement to equip the 18 Courts with technology.
The project also seeks to undertake capacity building and provision of equipment to INDECOM; engage staff in the legal department; and implement INDECOM’s public relations strategy.
Achievements under the project include: consultancy to conduct needs assessment on the 18 selected Courts being undertaken; and the contract to commence the assessment of user needs for the Case Management System has been awarded.
The project is being funded by the European Union.
SLTB unveils the full spectrum of artistes and venues for St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2016
ST. LUCIA: Sanchez, the return of STRINGS, Omarion and 2nd predominantly Jazz stage at Pigeon Island National Landmark announced.
Saint Lucia (April 20, 2016) – Jazz a La Chaudiere in the South, a second stage at the Pigeon Island National Landmark and in excess of 70 artistes, are among the major Festival updates unveiled this week as the planning for the staging of the 25th edition of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival gains momentum.
Jazz a La Chaudiere, Phillip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort, rolls out what is being planned as a family day with a diverse line-up from Trinidad in the South to Haiti in the North. Headlining is reggae Jamaican Lovers rock singer and record producer Sanchez of “, “Loneliness“, “Never Dis Di Man“, “I’m Missing You”, “I Can’t Wait“, “Wild Sanchez” and “Pretty Girl” fame. Since the artiste also branched out into gospel reggae, his appeal is now extended to a broader demographic.
One of the all-time favorites and most featured performing groups to have graced the Festival over its lifespan is the Haitian Jazz Band Strings. Dahlia Guard, Events Manager of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, described Strings’ fourth return to the Festival as “fitting in light of the history they share with the Festival, and exciting, especially for the following they have developed here.” The Jazz a La Chaudiere line-up also features the ethnic/jazz/blues sound of Trinidad & Tobago’s Dean Williams Quartet featuring soul soprano Lletesha Sylvester. Completing the line-up is Karma featuring Shomari Maxwell, and the band Phases, both from the host town.
The already high trending Teddyson John (TJ) will present an amped-up set at Mainstage Friday (May 06) featuring Kes and Da’ville. The complementarity between TJ’s sound and the unique blend of soulful vocals, calypso-inspired melodies, rock riffs and island beats of Kes, one of Trinidad &Tobago’s trending pop/soca groups, is undeniable. Singer, songwriter, composer and producer Da’Ville has worked with recording companies such as Avex Japan, Ki/oon, Sony Music Japan, VP Records (Indie) and Fashozy Records (Indie). The infusion of his reggae fusion music which has topped charts regionally and internationally, and the slew of TJ and Kes’ hits are expected to ‘bring’ the signature energy for which Mainstage Friday is well known.
Singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor Omarion, formerly lead singer of the boy band B2K, will complete the Pigeon Island main stage line up on Saturday May 07. Omarion emerged as one of the more popular solo contemporary R&B artists of the late 2000s. His solo career debuted in 2005 via Epic label with the album O which went to the top of the Billboard 200 chart and attracted a Best Contemporary R&B Album Grammy nomination.
This year, what was previously known as the Pigeon Island Side stage is rebranded as Mainstage Stage 2, in light of the professional positioning of the line-up it boasts. These include Saint Lucia’s most notable names in pop and contemporary jazz music. Stage 2 will feature Rob ‘Zii’ Taylor on Friday May 06, Michael Robinson, Skip Monday and Barbara Cadet on Saturday May 07 and Jessy Leonce, Derede Williams and ALIBI on Sunday May 08.
For more information about the 25th Annual Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival visit http://www.stluciajazz.org.
For more information about the island of Saint Lucia, call 1-800-456-3984, or 1-888 4STLUCIA or visit http://stlucia.org/.
Department of Labour promotes prevention of occupational accidents and diseases in observance of Safe Day 2016
ST. KITTS: Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 21, 2016 (SKNIS): This year’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work (Safe Day) slated for Thursday, April 28, is focused on promoting the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.
In observance of the day, the Department of Labour will host a week of activities under the global theme “Workplace Stress: A Collective Challenge” from Sunday, April 24 to Saturday, April 30. Activities include Sunday Mass at the St. Peters Anglican Church; a rap session at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC); a symposium; a panel discussion on ZIZ; and a stress-free rally at Independence Square.
Shernel James, Senior Labour Officer at the Department of Labour, elaborated on the theme and said that it was timely as it deals with stress.
“We all know that in today’s world of work stress is a major issue,” said Ms. James, while noting that more and more workers are working harder or longer which put them in a position where they have to produce more with less. “They are under pressure to produce and this pressure is built over a time that results in psychological hazards as the International Labour Organization (ILO) terms it. The ILO saw that this year it was fit to bring attention to the issue of stress and how it affects workers, how it affects productivity, and how it affects the world of work.”
An important activity is a symposium which Ms. James explained briefly.
“[For] the symposium, we are targeting workers involved in high stressed jobs,” she said, while adding that every job is stressful. “However, there are some with greater degree of stress for example, our security officers, police officers, our firefighters, prison officers, healthcare workers, social workers, persons in middle management, human resource (HR) managers and persons like technicians. These are very high risk jobs and so therefore, we thought of bringing these core groups together in a setting where we can help them find ways to minimize their stress level as they perform essential services within the Federation.”
Ms. James said that the department realizes that stress is a key topic and said that the decision was made to extend the symposium to target other groups with a similar session later this year.
She made specific mention of the rap session and noted that it is targeted for students in tertiary institutions such as the CFBC and Advanced Vocational Education Centre (AVEC). She noted that when students arrive at the age to seek employment the entire process becomes very stressful and as such the department will use the rap session to help the students find ways to cope with the stress level.
In 2003, the ILO observed the first World Day for Safety and Health at Work and stressed the prevention of illnesses and accidents at work, while capitalizing on traditional strengths of tripartism and social dialogue. Safe Day is celebrated annually on April 28, and focus is placed on the dignity of human life at work through sound occupational safety and health policies and practices. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is an integral component of successful and productive enterprises and strategies for sustainable development.
Safe Day has been celebrated in the Federation since 2003 and preparation for the day is usually done by the staff of the Department of Labour in collaboration with social partners including the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce (Employers’ Representative) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Trades and Labour Union (Workers’ Representative). In 2006, the International Social Security Association (ISSA) partnered with ILO in celebrating World Day for Safety and Health at Work. Likewise, here in the Federation, the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board partnered with the department in observing the day.
