JAMAICA: Permanent Secretary in the Transport and Mining Ministry, Dr. Alwin Hales, says the Neglected Development Minerals sector has the potential to create jobs and boost the livelihoods of residents of local communities across the island.
He noted that the industry is a major contributor to economic growth in several small island states around the world. “We need to recognise the income generation and potential of this sector,” he said.
Dr. Hales was addressing the opening ceremony for a two-day country consultation on the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States – European Union (EU) Development Minerals Programme, held at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) on April 14 .
Neglected Development Minerals are industrial and construction materials such as gravel, sand, clay and aggregates; and semi-precious stones including marble, granite, opal and beryl.
They are often referred to as Low Value Minerals and Materials (LVMM) due to their low price as a function of their weight, and their relatively low value to the international commodity markets.
However, they provide crucial inputs for infrastructure, manufacturing, construction and agriculture, and have the potential to be high value in terms of national development.
Jamaica is one of six ACP countries selected to benefit from a three-year programme, being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that aims to build the profile and improve the management of such minerals.
The aim is to strengthen the capacity of key stakeholders such as small scale mining enterprises, community groups, business development centres, and regulatory agencies.
Dr. Hales said the programme is important in ensuring the sustainable and inclusive development of small scale mineral resources, and to better understand the social and environmental impacts of small scale mining.
“There is no denying that regulations, policies and institutional capacities governing the sector are oftentimes weak. The Ministry and the Mines and Geology Division have embarked on the development of a policy to address some issues,” he informed.
Meanwhile, Head of Operations, EU Delegation, Achim Schaffert, noted that LVMM can “increase the income of the most vulnerable groups of the population”.
Mr. Schaffert said the EU fully supports the country’s initiatives to achieve its fullest potential “through the efficient and sustainable use of its natural resources.”
The Mines and Geology Division is the local implementing agency for the ACP – EU Development Minerals Programme.
Neglected Minerals a Goldmine
Jamaica to Commemorate World Heritage Day on May 18
JAMAICA: Jamaica and other nations across the globe will join the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in commemorating Monday, May 18 as World Heritage Day.
Several activities have been planned by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport to mark the day under the theme: ‘The Heritage of Sport’.
Portfolio Minister, Hon. Olivia Grange, is slated to unveil two of the three signs being erected at the entrances to the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park and World Heritage Site.
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. at the Papine Square in St Andrew.
The other sign, to be erected at the Port Antonio gateway in Portland, will be unveiled at a later date.
The Ministry will also host a symposium at the University of Technology (UTech) under the theme: ‘Sport for National Development’, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Principal Director of Culture in the Ministry’s Creative Industries Policy Division, Dr. Janice Lindsay, told JIS that the World Heritage concept is relatively new to Jamaica.
As such, the signs are being erected as part of the Ministry’s undertaking to heighten public awareness, and encourage persons to visit the Site.
While noting that the country was virtually unknown within the world heritage arena a few years ago, she said “Jamaica is now actively participating.”
“We serve on the World Heritage Committee (comprising) 21 (countries),” Dr. Lindsay informed, pointing out that Jamaica’s tenure will conclude in 2017.
World Heritage Day was developed by UNESCO as the international day for acknowledging monuments and sites.
It aims to raise public awareness about heritage sites and the efforts required to safeguard and preserve them.
Jamaica’s Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in July 2015.
It is one of only 32 “mixed’ World Heritage Sites, and the first such in the Caribbean.
Government to Review NIS, PATH
JAMAICA: The Government will be undertaking a comprehensive review of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Act.
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, in delivering the Throne Speech at Gordon House on April 14, said the NIS review will address outdated practices and provisions, benefit rates and contributions.
“It will also close loopholes and improve coverage and compliance,” he informed. Drafting instructions are to be sent to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel by the end of the fourth quarter of this fiscal year.
The review is part of measures to modernise the operations of the scheme, which was established in 1966.
The Governor-General informed that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security will be reducing pension processing times, and will introduce more efficient methods of payment to pensioners, including direct deposit of funds into the bank accounts of new pensioners this year.
A public education programme will be launched to foster greater compliance in the payment of NIS benefits.
The Governor-General also informed that the benefits under the Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) will be reviewed this fiscal year to ensure greater alignment with the social needs of the people.
He said the Public Assistance Division of the Labour Ministry will be restructured to more effectively deliver its range of programmes such as emergency assistance, compassionate grants, social housing, and transportation and post-secondary grants to PATH beneficiaries and Step-to-Work participants.
Full Implementation of Disabilities Act This Year
JAMAICA: Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, says the Government will be moving to fully implement the Disabilities Act this year.
This will be achieved through the development of the regulations and codes of practice; establishment of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities as a body corporate; and establishment of the Disabilities Rights Tribunal.
The Governor-General was delivering the Throne Speech in Gordon House on April 14 under the theme: ‘Building a Partnership for Prosperity’.
He further informed that the Occupational Health and Safety Act will be “pursued vigorously” this year.
The proposed legislation will enable Jamaica’s ratification of approximately 34 Conventions, Protocols and Recommendations of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Meanwhile, an office of the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) will be established in Montego Bay, St. James, and consideration will be given to adding other regional offices in Manchester and St. Ann.
In addition, the Governor-General said the Overseas Employment Programme will be expanded to include non-traditional markets.
Launch of the TT Central Registry on Domestic Violence
TRINIDAD: April 16th, 2016: The Office of the Prime Minister (Gender and Child Affairs) launched the Trinidad and Tobago Central Registry on Domestic Violence on Friday April 15th 2016 at the Division of Gender and Child Affairs office located at Tower D,
International Waterfront Centre, 1a Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain.
The Central Registry is a Domestic Violence Information System which collects and integrates information relating to any person who is a victim or perpetrator of a Domestic Violence offense.
The Central Registry for Domestic Violence will establish a streamlined comprehensive system for the collection, analysis and dissemination of relevant and accurate data on domestic violence in Trinidad and Tobago.
a) Obtaining a profile of victims and persons accused
b) Understanding the frequency and incidence of domestic violence
c) Identifying the groups at risk
d) Developing intervention programmes and
e) Monitoring the effectiveness of violence prevention and intervention activities
PM Harris: Stepped-up support for law enforcement at the fore of his government’s agenda
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 16th, 2016 (PRESS SEC) – Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, during the passing out parade for recruits of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force (SKNDF) on Thursday, April 14th, thanked all law and security enforcement officers for their tremendous service to our beloved country.
In particular, he thanked them for their stepped-up operations over the past two and a half months, which have put a dent in gun deaths and shootings.
When Prime Minister Harris addressed the audience at the passing out parade on April 14th, the last gun-related death had been reported 34 days before on March 11th.
Regrettably, a fatal shooting took place in Nevis in the early morning of April 16th. The Prime Minister and his Administration extend condolences to the affected family and loved ones. Moreover, the Team Unity Government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that stepped-up support for law enforcement remains at the fore of its agenda in tandem with stepped-up law enforcement efforts.
Prime Minister Harris wishes to reiterate what he said in his Feature Address on April 14th. “I take this opportunity to remind everyone that if you see something say something, because the life you end up saving could be your own or that of a family member or a friend, or the crime you help to solve could be one that ends up making an indelible mark on the life of someone near and dear to you. It is important to stress that we all must engage in this fight to stamp out the scourge of crime. That is why it is important for you to work with our police force in organizing neighbourhood watches and other initiatives to prevent and detect crime. We encourage the nation to stand with our law and security officers because they stand up for us each and every day.”
The Prime Minister also addressed all law and security enforcement officers, saying, “Your mandate is to work assiduously to fulfill our national motto “Country Above Self” by your service, which includes defending this great Federation. It is our view that, with a highly motivated team, results can be achieved. Having support at the highest level is therefore of great importance. It is important for us not only to provide you with moral support, as we are doing today, but also to allocate resources that you need to perform your duties properly.”
To this end, the Police Strategic Plan 2016-2019, which includes a six-point plan of action, and the Improved Service Delivery Plan take a broad, encompassing view of security.
The strategic plan not only deals with crime prevention, intelligence-led policing, and ongoing training in all areas, including operational forensic ballistics, but also with the engagement of stakeholders and collaborations with other agencies such as the Ministry of Education and Social Services.
Dr. Harris said on Thursday that, “Truancy programs, parenting workshops, mentoring initiatives and the like can play a vital role in reducing homicides and violent crime, so we need all hands on board not only in the public sector, but in civil society to open up rehabilitative avenues for our families and, more importantly, our young people. Establishing ongoing mentoring and counseling services for our law and security enforcement officers is also vital because they see the results of brutal crimes close-up, as well as the traumatic impact on the victims’ loved ones whom they sometimes have to counsel even when these officers themselves are struggling to cope with post-traumatic stress which is often a corollary of processing grisly crime scenes. The Bramshill Policing Advisers have done a good job so far in training, mentoring, and offering investigative assistance in solving crimes and homicides in particular.”
Prime Minister Harris also said that his Team Unity Government is committed to the renovation of the Base Headquarters of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Coast Guard at Bird Rock. Last August, Coast Guard Commander Major Anthony Comrie gave members of the Prime Minister’s visiting team a tour of the facilities, and they noted officers’ concerns.
“Some officers told us about their health concerns over the leaking sewage pipes, poor air circulation, and extensive growth of fungi on the walls and ceilings,” the Prime Minister said, adding that, “This, of course, is not good enough, and this Government has placed resources in the budget to deal with this as a matter of priority.”
Prime Minister Harris noted the significance that the first meeting in several years of the Defence Board took place under the National Unity Government in January 2016. The Defence Board is charged with providing administrative support to the SKNDF, including deliberating on human resource matters such as promotion policies and procedures. The Prime Minister chairs the Defence Board, which comprises Attorney General, Honourable Vincent Byron, Jr., the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Mr. Osmond Petty, and the Commander of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, Lt. Col. Patrick Wallace. Prime Minister Harris said they intend to grapple with several matters of concern to the Defence Force at their next meeting.
The Prime Minister expressed pride during his Feature Address that, last November, St. Kitts and Nevis became the first country in the OECS to launch the Criminal Justice Strategic Board, which has as its mandate, inter alia, the reduction and prevention of crime and the reintegration of offenders into society to deter recidivism.
“My Team Unity Administration firmly believes that an integrative, interdepartmental approach must be taken in this fight to maintain a safe and secure St. Kitts and Nevis. All hands are required to be on deck to assist our brave law and security enforcement officers in curtailing the activities of criminals,” Prime Minister Harris said.
Health Ministry Exploring New Mosquito Eradication Measures
JAMAICA: The Ministry of Health is exploring possible pilot implementation of new mosquito eradication measures that will complement those already in place, to further restrict Zika Virus (Zik V) transmission in Jamaica.
These include introduction of the Wolbachia bacteria and transgenic mosquitoes, which are capable of restricting the breeding patterns of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, and its ability to transmit Zik V and other vector-borne diseases.
This recommendation has been made by the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), which has offered to provide technical support to facilitate studies aimed at determining the appropriate interventions for consideration.
This was disclosed by the Ministry’s Director of Health Promotion and Protection, Dr. Sonia Copeland, during a public forum at the New Kingston Conference Centre, on April 12.
Meanwhile, PAHO’s Technical Advisor for Sustainable Development and Environmental Health, Dr. Taraleen Malcolm, who also spoke at the forum, said the proposal forms part of the organisation’s multi-sectoral approach to coordinating vector control and management.
This, she pointed out, by engaging stakeholders across the region in partnerships.
Dr. Malcolm said PAHO has also been preparing interventions to better manage potential health complications, including neurological syndromes and birth defects.
Additionally, she said the organization has also embarked on a programme of risk communication and public awareness.
“We have to ensure that information is getting out so people can understand how the Zika Virus can impact them and their community, as well as the country,” she stated, adding that PAHO has also developed a regional research agenda to address knowledge gaps.
The Gender and Zika Public Forum was hosted by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to facilitate discussions on the virus’ impact on women’s health, and national development.
Zik V is characterized by a rash outbreak, fever, conjunctivitis, joint and muscle pain, headache and weakness.
Jamaica is among 34 countries in the Americas with confirmed cases of the virus, of which there have been six such in St. Catherine and St. Thomas.
GOVT Will Keep Citizens Informed and Engaged – PM
JAMAICA: Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says he will be making it a priority to keep Jamaicans informed about issues relating to governance.
He gave the commitment at a National Security Ministry-organised town hall meeting held recently at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre in St. James.
The Prime Minister contended that increased engagement with the citizenry will build trust, and ensure transparency and openness in governance, which will “change Jamaica for the better.”
He also reiterated his pledge to “lead by example and lead from the front.”
“You will understand that you have a Prime Minister that will own the issues, that will deal with the issues; not one that will back away and try to pass the buck,” he said.
“I start from the point that I am responsible. I am the custodian of the authority you have voted on and I must use that authority to hold the persons, who have delegated authority, to account. That’s the nature of democracy,” he pointed out.
The Prime Minister said the Government intends to grow the economy, create jobs and make Jamaica “the place of choice for you to live, to work, to raise your families and to retire in paradise.”
Portmore Climate Change Park to be Rehabilitated
JAMAICA: The Climate Change Park in Portmore, St. Catherine is slated to be rehabilitated.
Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, says funds have been allocated in the Government’s 2016/17 Estimates of Expenditure, which were tabled in the House of Representatives on April 14, to undertake the project.
He made the announcement during a meeting with representatives of the Portmore Municipal Council, on April 13.
Established in 2014, the 15-acre property was the designated National Labour Day Project that year.
The park is a joint venture between the Portmore Municipal Council and the city of Hagen in Germany, which were twinned in 2012.
Its development was funded by the German government at a cost of approximately $34.4 million (€249,900), and was one of several projects implemented under the Municipal Climate Partnership Programme.
Further Decline in Jamaica’s Current Account Deficit
JAMAICA: Jamaica’s current account balance deficit fell by US$656.8 million for the first nine months of the 2015/16 fiscal year, ending December 2015, compared to the same period last year.
Co-Chairman of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC), Richard Byles, says Bank of Jamaica (BoJ) data showed that the 2015 figure stood at US$352 million.
He was speaking at EPOC’s monthly media briefing held recently at Sagicor Life Jamaica Limited’s head office in New Kingston.
Mr. Byles said the deficit for the December 2015 quarter stood at US$72.9 million. This was a US$294.7 million reduction, relative to the same period the previous year.
Meanwhile, the BoJ data also showed that net remittances for January to December 2015 totalled US$1.4 billion. This was US$47.8 million more than the inflows for the previous year.
Mr. Byles said net remittances for December 2015 increased by US$4.4 million, or 2.4 per cent, over the sum for 2014.
In the meantime, the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is reporting that the rate of inflation continues to trend down.
Mr. Byles said data indicates that the cumulative rate for the 2016 calendar year declined by 1.2 per cent at the end of February.
He said a breakdown showed that January’s figure fell by 0.7 per cent while February’s outturn declined by 0.5 per cent.
Additionally, the EPOC Co-Chairman said the rate for 2015/16 fiscal year, up to the end of February, fell to 3.1 per cent, with “point to point” movement of 3.6 per cent.
Mr. Byles said the decline, particularly in February, was due mainly to “some recovery” recorded in agriculture, “which is making foods less expensive than before.”
This, he pointed out, resulted in a 0.9 per cent reduction in the prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, Mr. Byles said the decline also resulted from downward movements in costs and prices associated with housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, largely due to lower world oil prices.
