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SLTB promotes #SaintLuciaRocks

St. Lucia
SLTB promotes #SaintLuciaRocks 3ST. LUCIA:  The campaign and the newly announced JetBlue Mint service were promoted at the ATWA spring show.
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) last week attended the annual Alliance of Westchester Travel Agents (AWTA) Spring Show. The main objective was to promote the Saint Lucia Rocks This Summer campaign and newly announced JetBlue Mint service scheduled to commence on Nov. 5 from New York’s JFK.
Over 50 Caribbean and International suppliers attended to the 150 AWTA members.
Agents reported that with the recent changes in weather patterns, many consumers appear to be undecided about their summer vacations. Hotel partners Sandals Resorts and St. James Morgan Bay were represented as well as preferred wholesale partners Classic Vacations and Travel Impressions.
The ATWA spring show was held on April 4 in Westchester, NY.

Planning Ministry clarifies question of the grant resources from the EU regarding cane farmers’ payments

Trinidad and Tobago Press Releases

TRINIDAD: Regarding the issue of the Cane Farmers’ payments as raised in the media, please see below:

Hon Camille Robinson-Regis - Minister of Planning and Development no ballisier_3
Minister of Planning and Development, the Honourable Camille Robinson-Regis.

Question:            Were the funds received and how much was received?

Answer:               The funds were received as grant resources from the EU under the Accompanying Measures for Sugar Protocol Countries Programme.   The amount received is TT $57.96Mn.

 

Question:            When were the funds received?

Answer:               The funds were received March 22, 2016.  The funds would be placed in the Treasury Suspense Account and then brought to account under the Consolidated Fund (Grants).

Question:            When will the farmers be paid?

Answer:               A Note was prepared and submitted to Cabinet by the Ministry of Planning and Development in February 2016, with a Report on the status of  payment of compensation packages to  the Cane Farmers as a final settlement to the 2007 Transitional Payment out of the Sugar Industry. This Report is being considered by the Attorney General, and the Ministers of Finance and Agriculture, Land and Fisheries. 

Commencement Of Level 1 Training On Competition Law And Policy Under The European Union Funded 10th Edf Project

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
ST. VINCENT:  Kingstown SVG: APRIL 15th, 2016 – The consulting firm Equinoccio has been contracted to execute the level 1 Training on Competition Law and Policy and has selected experts from CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC) to conduct the training. The delivery of this Training is consistent with the function of the CCC under Article 173.2 (f) and (g) of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
The objective of the training session is:

  • To raise knowledge and awareness of Competition Law and Policy in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Competition Law and Policy as outline in Chapter 8 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas plays a critical role in the development and establishment of open and competitive markets for entrepreneurs and established businesses in the CSME. It is also an important component of the CARIFORUM-EU EPA from which CSME companies and professionals are seeking to benefit.
The participants targeted for this training include: the business community, Bar Association, Consumer NGO groups, sector regulators, the general public and public sector entities.
The one-day Level 1 Training Session is scheduled for 20th April, 2016 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Conference Room.
Source: API

E-diplomacy training workshop, an important feature of diplomatic week for St. Kitts and Nevis officials

Governor General, Sir Tapley Seaton (3rd left), Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris (4th left), Minister Brantley (5th left), Premier of Nevis the Honourable Vance Amory (2nd left), The Honourable Ian Patches Liburd (6th left) with Members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Diplomatic and Consular Corps

St. Kitts and Nevis Press Releases

Governor General, Sir Tapley Seaton (3rd left), Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris (4th left), Minister Brantley (5th left), Premier of Nevis the Honourable Vance Amory (2nd left), The Honourable Ian Patches Liburd (6th left) with Members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Diplomatic and Consular Corps
Governor General, Sir Tapley Seaton (3rd left), Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris (4th left), Minister Brantley (5th left), Premier of Nevis the Honourable Vance Amory (2nd left), The Honourable Ian Patches Liburd (6th left) with Members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Diplomatic and Consular Corps

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 15, 2016 (SKNIS): An E-diplomacy workshop conducted on Friday, April 08, at the Ocean Terrace Inn (OTI), was an important feature of the recently concluded Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Diplomatic Week 2016, which saw some 30 officials from the St. Kitts and Nevis Diplomatic and Consular Corps and staff of MOFA involved.
The training workshop was delivered by Dr. Jovan Kurbalija, Director of DiploFoundation and Head of Geneva Internet Platform.
The workshop provided participants with valuable information about e-tools that can help St. Kitts and Nevis as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) to expand its participation in international meetings without physical presence and how officials can be more efficient at data for the practice of diplomacy.
A great emphasis was placed on the use of social media for curating information, as well as how social media can be better utilized for public diplomacy and promotion. The afternoon session provided all members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Diplomatic and Consular Corps the opportunity to make a presentation whereby they gave information as to what their missions have been doing in recent times.
They also relayed the challenges faced, as well as their goals in terms of the mission and what they would like to see happening in the diaspora.
Verna Morris, Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of St. Kitts and Nevis in Havana, Cuba, shared her views about the training.
“It was very interesting,” said Ms. Morris.  “It was indeed good to see that the Government under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attracted several diplomats who participated in the e-diplomacy course. The Government saved a lot of money thanks to the High Commission in London that was able to get CS Global to put on the course via teleconference from Geneva.”
She further added that the course was greatly appreciated by many and noted that it was imperative to learn about her colleagues plans to
Dr. Jovan Kurbalija
Dr. Jovan Kurbalija

promote international linkages.
“It was important to have the diplomats sharing on what they were doing to advance the foreign policy agenda of St. Kitts and Nevis in the respective countries where they are posted, especially since the last diplomatic week was held in 2008,” said the Chargé d’affaires. “The staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs benefited from this course which has deepened their understanding of how diplomacy works.”
The Honourable Mark Brantley, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, thanked the members of the St. Kitts and Nevis Diplomatic and Consular Corps and members at the capital, Basseterre, for the work that they have been doing and encouraged them to continue keeping the lines of communication open. They were also encouraged to continue working together and to build and forge partnerships and strengthen the foreign policy agenda of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Major contract signed for west bridge

Dominica Press Releases
DOMINICA:  The Government of Dominica has signed a contract with NSG Management and Technical Services Limited for the reconstruction of the West Bridge.
Major contract signed for west bridge 4This forms part of the Roseau Enhancement Project.
On Wednesday, April 13th, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Kendall Johnson, signed the EC$18.2m agreement on behalf of Government.
The Hon. Minister for Public Works, Mirium Blanchard spoke with GIS news following the signing ceremony.
The minister said, “The conceptualization of the Roseau Enhancement Project commenced in 2013 and resulted in a presentation to the public by NSG Management and Technical Services Limited. The presentation was to provide an overview of the concept at that time. The following year, 2014 a MOU was signed between the Government of Dominica and NSG Management and Technical Services Ltd. A design contract was signed in 2015.
In the design contract, the elements of the Roseau Enhancement Project included the replacement of the West Bridge, comprehensive traffic study, city storm [drains] and water systems and street upgrades are some of the [items] included in the design contract.”
The contract was signed to demolish and reconstruct the West Bridge, to construct retaining walls and associated drainage works between the West Bridge and the EC Loblack Bridge, as well as to dredge the Roseau River between the Dominica Friendship Bridge and the EC Loblack Bridge.
The project will begin in May 2016 and is expected to be completed in 12 months.

Consolidation Tax Notice

Barbados Press Releases
taxBARBADOS:  The Barbados Revenue Authority has advised that the Consolidation Tax Act, 2013-19, was repealed on March 31, 2016. Consolidation Tax should no longer be deducted from the salary/remuneration of employees as of April 2016.
The Consolidation Tax Return forms part of the Income Tax Return for the years when the Consolidation Tax was payable.
Consolidation Tax payable for income year 2015, must be included on the Income Tax Return for the income year 2015. This return must be filed on or before April 30, 2016. Any Consolidation Tax due must be paid by this date.
Consolidation Tax payable on income earned for the period January 1, 2016, to March 31, 2016, must be reported on the Income Tax Return for the income year 2016.
This return must be filed by April 30, 2017. Any Consolidation Tax due for the period January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2016 must be paid by April 30, 2017. Persons may contact the Customer Service Section at 430-3221, 467-1123, 467-1163, 272-7258 and 272-2761 for further information.

BCC To Host Student Visa Session

Barbados Press Releases
9693f784513f1056f9d7c9b5f2a6ea95BARBADOS:  The EducationUSA Advising Centre at the Barbados Community College (BCC) will host a seminar entitled: Study in the USA – Applying for Your Student Visa, on Monday, April 25.
It will be held in the Counselling and Placement Centre at the BCC, Howell’s Cross Road, Ivy, St. Michael, from5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The BCC has advised all persons who have been accepted at, or have applied to universities in the USA, to attend. The session will be conducted by a Consular Officer from the U.S. Embassy.
For further information on the seminar, interested persons should call the Counselling and Placement Centre at 426-2858 Ext. 5254/5255/5295, or emailedusabarbados@gmail.com to register.
EducationUSA is a network of hundreds of advising centres in 170 countries, where millions of international students each year find accurate, comprehensive, and current information about how to apply to accredited US colleges and universities.
It is supported by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which strives to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those from other countries.
joy-ann.gill@barbados.gov.bb

Gov’t to save $400m in Rental Costs from St. Joseph’s Hospital Redevelopment

Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, addressing journalists at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), on April 13. Photo: Mark Bell

Jamaica Press Releases

Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, addressing journalists at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), on April 13. Photo: Mark Bell
Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, addressing journalists at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), on April 13. Photo: Mark Bell

JAMAICA:  The Government is expected to save $400 million annually in lease and rental costs, consequent on the redevelopment of the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Kingston.
Education, Youth and Information Minister, Senator the Hon. Ruel Reid, says the redevelopment will result in the provision of office space to accommodate the Ministry of Health’s corporate operations.
Additionally, he said the hospital will accommodate a Centre of Excellence for cancer care, as well as nephrology – the branch of medicine that deals with the physiology and diseases of the kidneys.
The Minister made the announcement during the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) on April 12.
Meanwhile, Senator Reid announced that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has committed approximately J$1.4 million (US$12,000) towards activities commemorating this year’s14th anniversary of Vaccination Week in the Americas.
The week, which will be observed by countries regionally, including Jamaica, from April 24 to 30, will be observed under the theme: ‘Go for the Gold! Get Vaccinated’.
The activities will target populations with limited access to regular health care, for the provision of immunisation services, thereby strengthening the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in the Americas.

FLOW granted Extensive Partnership & Broadcast Rights within the Caribbean

Cable & Wireless new logo

CARIBBEAN:  Cable & Wireless’s retail brand FLOW has delivered yet another major landmark deal in the Caribbean with Manchester United. The deal between Manchester United and Flow, the only telecoms provider in the region with extensive partnership and broadcast rights for the world’s most popular football club was officially launched in Kingston, on Thursday, February 18.
Flow will also have exclusive distribution rights of the dedicated MUTV channel in the region. This will give FLOW subscribers access to exclusive Manchester United programming as well as behind-the-scenes access to the club, starting with the upcoming 2016/17 Premier League season.
As the region’s leading quad-play operator, FLOW will also enable access to Manchester United content “on the go” via mobile, tablets and desktop devices. Fans will be able to access Manchester United’s Red Alerts and download the Manchester United App. Manchester United is an industry leader making an excellent fit with C&W as the Caribbean’s most innovative operator providing products and services across multiple platforms.
The Manchester United partnership provides Caribbean fans with unique experiences including the chance to win tickets to Manchester United games, signed merchandise, as well as interaction with Manchester United Legends.
John Reid, C&W’s President Consumer Group welcomed the exciting regional partnership and said, “This deal with Manchester United is certainly paving the way for FLOW to truly become the undisputed Home of Sports in the Caribbean. FLOW is bringing sports fans closer to football through our new association with the biggest club in the world. With Flow and Manchester United, we can truly say, ‘together we are in a different league.’”
Manchester United has a global community of 659 million followers.

Watercade takes message of conservation on the road

Watercade - St. Kitts
A section of officials during Watercade 2016

St. Kitts and Nevis Press Releases
ST. KITTS:  Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 15, 2016 (SKNIS): Members of the Water Services Department (WSD) made their way around St. Kitts on Friday (April 15), tooting vehicle horns and promoting awareness for the sustainable use of water in what was dubbed a “Watercade.”

Watercade - St. Kitts
A section of officials during Watercade 2016

The event, which climaxed activities for the extended commemoration of World Water Day (March 07) in St. Kitts and Nevis, saw the motorcade stopping in various communities while personnel interacted with residents.
WSD’s Acting Manager/Water Engineer T. Dennison Paul said: “we are experiencing an extended drought, a drought now for about 36 months where we’ve had record low rainfall,” he said, adding that the last time it was this low was 100 years ago.
Because of the low levels of potable water, officials were forced to implement measures to protect the abuse of the natural resource, including a rationing schedule.
“So we are now coming to the general public, using this mode to … touch every community and encourage them to conserve water,” Paul stated, describing the situation as “critical.”
Tips shared with the residents engaged along the way included taking shorter showers, turning off the tap or using a glass of water while brushing their teeth, and eliminating smaller load washing via machine, opting for larger loads. This option, he said, will also reduce the total of the electricity bill.
Mr. Paul warned that if the levels remained low, the WSD may be forced to extend the water rationing schedule to include the daytime.
“That is why we are encouraging you to conserve water. It is important that you hear this message and act on it,” he said.
– See more at: http://sknis.info/watercade-takes-message-of-conservation-on-the-road/#sthash.Ds0oMT8U.dpuf

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