TRINIDAD: April 11, 2016: Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry addressed some three hundred (300) plus distinguished business leaders at the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business’ Distinguished Leadership and Innovation Conference 2016 themed ‘Roaring out of a Recession’ on Monday 11 April, 2016.
In her Opening Address, Minister Gopee-Scoon noted that the theme of the Conference is ‘very apt and although Trinidad and Tobago is feeling the squeeze, we are still more fortunate than others and we do have what it takes – the people, the resources, the desire and will to bring ourselves, as a country to a better place.’ She outlined the various transformation strategies the Government would address in an effort to transform the economy away from oil and gas, which includes the ongoing consultations with the maritime stakeholders to create new opportunities; the development of ship repair and dry docking, bunkering and transhipment services; establishment of special economic zones to facilitate maritime investments; the provision of generous tax incentives for agro-processing; and the development of a National Export Strategy, a National Investment Strategy and a National Services Policy.
Senator Gopee-Scoon called for greater use of Public Private Partnership to transform the economy. She said ‘public private partnerships must become a reality as we seek to attract greater foreign direct investment, facilitate economic development across all regions of the country and enhance private sector participation’.
Mr. Arthur Lok Jack, Director of the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business and Chairman of the Associated Brands Industries Limited in his Welcome Remarks noted that challenging economic times are being experienced in Trinidad and Tobago, noting that ‘companies need to take risk outside of its comfort zone and decide whether you want to be internationally competitive or you want to compete internationally. Let us use these rough times to find the point of interjection between our aspirations and our capabilities’.
The Keynote speaker at the Conference was Professor Donald Sull whose presentation focussed on ‘emerging triumphantly during a recession’.
Trade Minister speaks at the Distinguished Leadership and Innovation Conference 2016
Contracts signed for post Erika reconstruction
DOMINICA: The Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit disclosed that contracts will soon be signed to begin infrastructural work following the damage caused by Tropical Storm Erika.
The Hon Prime Minister was speaking at the 21st inaugural meeting of the St. Joseph Village Council on Wednesday, March 6th.
The Prime Minister indicated that time had to be spent to ensure that designs for the work were well done “so that when we put down the infrastructure it’s going to be something that lasts and complements the bigger picture or projects we have to do in Dominica.”
The Prime Minister said Dominica experienced a number of challenges post Erika, however Government has done tremendous work in recovery efforts; especially by assisting the many displaced by the August 27th storm.
Government continues to contribute $1000.00 for rent per family for accommodations for the people of Petite Savanne.
Meantime, during his address the Prime Minister also revealed other works to begin in St. Joseph and Layou.
“I have approved the money for the first phase of the road between St. Joseph and Layou because that is a major priority. I am hoping that the Ministry of Public Works can move quickly so that we can get some revised designs and we can start the tendering process for this project. This is a project we have been speaking about for a very long time but everything cannot come at once”, he said.
The Prime Minister presented a cheque of over $100,000.00 to the Chairman of the Village Council for a foot bridge and promised additional money in excess of $200,000.00 for fertilizer to farmer groups and washrooms.
Police investigating robbery and shooting in Sandy Point
Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 11, 2016 (RSCNPF): The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is investigating an armed robbery and shooting in the Sandy Point area.
Investigations have revealed that sometime around midnight (12am), Sunday (April 10), three or four masked men armed with a handgun and a baseball bat entered the Games Sports Video Plus and robbed the establishment. Two persons were injured, one being hit with a baseball bat. He was treated at the Pogson Hospital and released. The other sustained a single gunshot injury and is presently warded at the Joseph N. France General Hospital.
Officers of the Sandy Point Police Station and the Criminal Investigations Department are investigating the incident and have asked for the support of the public in finding the perpetrators.
If you were in the area of the “Games Sports Video Plus” between 11.00pm to shortly after midnight on Sunday (April 10) may have seen any activity, please contact the Police. What you may have seen could be of value in solving this crime.
Persons who may have information on this incident or any other criminal activity can share the information by calling the Sandy Point Police Station at 465-6261, or any other Police Station or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-8477(TIPS).
(Press release courtesy of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force)
Completing the Circle: World ARC 2015-16 ends in Saint Lucia
ST. LUCIA: 15 months ago, the World ARC 2015-16 fleet set out from Saint Lucia to sail around the world. Amongst the crews were many nationalities, backgrounds and reasons for taking part. Since then, they have sailed well over 26,000 nautical miles, crossed 3 oceans and visited more than 17 countries. As they arrived back in Saint Lucia, they have joined the special band of circumnavigators who have sailed the world on their own boats, and, perhaps more importantly, become a family bonded together by hundreds of shared experiences to last a lifetime of reflection.
This edition of the rally, the fifth World ARC organised by World Cruising Club, saw the fleet visit the new stopovers ports of Santa Marta in Colombia, Raiatea in French Polynesia, and Lombok in Indonesia. Three of those ‘completing the circle’ this April are doing so after breaking for a year in the Pacific, made possible by the rally now running annually.
The final day of this voyage was always going to be one of mixed emotion; pleasure and pride at the achievement, but also sadness for the end of the adventure. The Parade of Sail and official Prize Giving ceremony provided a fitting finish and the sight of the fleet parading up the coast of Saint Lucia accompanied by local boats, members of the Saint Lucia Yacht Club, media and supporters of World ARC in Saint Lucia was an emotional moment for many. A fresh north-north-east breeze made for a lively sail along the coast, some choosing to reef down to control their speed in the line astern formation which was kept very well given the often blustery conditions. Crossing the finish line, that had been their start line fifteen months before, marked an end to the circumnavigation with World ARC as they were each personally congratulated by Andrew Bishop, Managing Director of World Cruising Club. “Completing a circumnavigation is a very special moment, and to be here to welcome and congratulate our World ARC participants is always a great experience, especially with a group that has bonded so closely.” After berthing at the IGY Rodney Bay Marina there was high emotion on the dock at a short drinks reception hosted by the marina, where the participants were welcomed back by IGY Rodney bay Marina Manager Paul Ash, and Andrew Bishop.
The Saint Lucia Tourist Board hosted a really enjoyable prize giving dinner in the evening, where crews were welcomed back to Saint Lucia by the Honourable Lorne Theophilius, Minister for Tourism, Heritage and the Creative Industries in Saint Lucia, who said how pleased he was to see World ARC’s return to the country’s shores. The evening of celebration continued with superb food, and after-dinner dancing late into the night which was a splendid way to end 15 months of challenge, excitement and fun.
The crews have been spoilt with some beautiful, fascinating and welcoming places all around the globe but speaking on the dockside, all agreed that it will be their friends from the rally that they will miss most as they go their separate ways. “Sailing round the world with World ARC was amazing, especially the people we met and the places we visited. The experience has been like sailing around the world with friends.” Said Kristofer Oliversson of the Icelandic flagged Najad 529, Hugur, “One of the highlights has been visiting islands in the middle of the oceans that people just don’t get to!” Exploring the world together as a ‘World ARC family’ has made all those experiences into truly special memories to be treasured for years to come.
The Next World ARC Adventure
Since 2014, the World ARC has been an annual rally, with starts each year. A bumper World ARC 2016 fleet of 30 boats left Saint Lucia’s shores in January, and have since visited Colombia and the San Blas Island, transited the Panama Canal and crossed the Pacific Ocean. Reaching landfall in the Marquesas following the longest leg of the rally, the crew of Paw Paw reported their delight, “With the full moon dipping behind Hiva Oa to the west, the sun rising to the east and dolphins frolicking in Paw Paw’s bows, we crossed the finish line and arrived in paradise – Our first ocean crossing completed and what a sense of achievement we both have, albeit somewhat surreal. A very emotional time indeed, which was further emphasised when we discovered the most stunning and dramatic scenery as we entered the anchorage of Atuona – not at all what we were expecting.” Currently the fleet are en route to Tahiti, enjoying the blissful bays and stunning scenery of the Tuamotus and Society Islands.
Meanwhile away from these idyllic surroundings, the adventure is just beginning for those planning their future circumnavigations with World Cruising Club. Entries are open for the next edition, World ARC 2017, and yachts can join in Saint Lucia (January) or in Australia (September), and sail a half rally or make the whole circumnavigation. Boats can also take a year out to explore Australasia and join the next edition to complete their circumnavigation. Planning a round-the-world adventure takes time and World Cruising Club use experience gained over six editions of World ARC to help and support participants to set sail safely and well prepared. Many future ralliers attended World Cruising Club seminars this Spring in Guildford, UK and Annapolis, USA, some taking their first steps in preparing for life afloat whilst others will be casting off their lines in just 8 months’ time.
For more information about future editions of World ARC, visit www.worldcruising.com/worldarc
WorldSkills Finalists Enhance Communications Skills
BARBADOS: Effective communication skills are an asset for job seekers and budding entrepreneurs.
This advice was given to finalists in the upcoming WorldSkills Barbados Competition during a personal development and communications workshop held at the TVET Council (TVETC) Barbados, Hastings House West, Balmoral Gap, Hastings, Christ Church.
During the session, participants learnt how to conduct themselves in radio, television and print media interviews; how to interact on social media sites; and the do’s and don’ts for job interviews.
Public Relations/Media Relations Consultant, Fay Cooke Nurse, who facilitated the workshop, said it was beneficial to the finalists because it prepared them for what to expect during and after the competition.
“During the competition, they will need to explain to the audience why they are in the competition and what they hope to gain. After the competition, they will be going into the world of work; they will need to show employers that they have what it takes to join their organisation. Finalists will need to show potential clients and customers that they are business people who are capable of delivering their services,” she added.
Describing the 20 youngsters as eager, she said they were enthusiastic about learning and that they would be valuable assets to any organisation or business.
The WorldSkills Barbados Competition 2016 will take place from May 13 to 16, during BMEX at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. Finalists from the Barbados Vocational Training Board and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic will take part in live competition in one of four skill areas: Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Garment Making and Hairdressing.
Re-opening of Schools for Third Term
ST. KITTS: (EMU) – St. Kitts, April 11, 2016: Filled with optimism and bursting with school pride, most schools within the Federation were re-opened today as students filed into their respective schools.
As the third term for school began many students were excited and a few a bit complacent about the commencement of this final term. The students whom have just returned from the two week Easter Break will thrust right into examination preparations. For the primary school students, that would be in the form of Test of Standards, inclusive of grades three to six.
High school students however, would be tested in the form of general examinations to decipher whether or not they move up a level. The fifth form students would sit the much anticipated Caribbean Examination Council, (CXC), Exams beginning May. Ms. Twyana Stokes a fifth form student at the Washington Archibald High School extended some words of encouragement to all students sitting Examinations, “Once you have a goal you should strive towards it, if you love a particular subject do that and not one that everyone else is doing, because you are the one that would be affected in the long-run. Just keep your head on.”
The Ministry of Education would like to express best wishes to all students that would sit Examinations this term, and commends the teachers and staff of the various schools for all their work and preparation of the students.
The school year ends Friday July 8th, 2016.
(Press release courtesy of the Ministry of Education Media and Communications Unit)
Ministry of National Security extends deepest condolences to the passing of PC Anson Benjamin
TRINIDAD: April 11, 2016: The Ministry of National Security extends deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Police Constable Anson Benjamin, who passed away yesterday at the Intensive Care Unit of the San Fernando General Hospital.
Constable Anson Benjamin was shot and sustained severe injury on the 4th April 2016 whilst performing his official police duties in response to a robbery.
Minister of National Security Major General (Ret’d) the Honourable Edmund Dillon was on an official visit to Washington D.C. when he received the news of PC Benjamin’s passing. Minister Dillon affirmed that the Ministry of National Security thoroughly condemns this cowardly attack on an officer who was carrying out his duties to serve and protect the public.
Minister in the Ministry of National Security Senator the Honourable Dennis Moses and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Mrs. Glenda Jennings-Smith also extend condolences the family of PC Benjamin on behalf of the Ministry.
Seminar For World Safety & Health Day
BARBADOS: The Labour Department will host a seminar in collaboration with the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) and the Barbados Employers’ Confederation (BEC) to commemorate the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2016.
The seminar will be held on Wednesday, April 20, at Solidarity House, Harmony Hall, St. Michael from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Themed Workplace Stress: A collective challenge, it will focus on aspects of mental health, workplace stress and wellness at work.
Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo; General Secretary of the BWU, Toni Moore; and the Director of the BEC, Tony Walcott, will address the start of the workshop at 8:30 a.m.
The overall objective is to advance the development of the national wellness policy in the area of workplace wellness.
Other objectives are to sensitise key persons, so that they can develop policies, strategies and practical solutions to the challenges that workplace stressors present to the workforce.
The initiative is aimed at persons who would be involved in the implementation of the national policy, particularly at the enterprise level. These include human resource officers, occupational safety and health practitioners and representatives of employees and employers.
joy-ann.gill@barbados.gov.bb
Soufriere town water interruption
ST. LUCIA: April 11th, 2016 – The Water And Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) wishes to inform customers in the town of Soufriere of a temporary interruption in their water supply due to damage mains. A crew has been dispatched and work has begun. The water supply will be restored as soon as works are completed.
The Water and Sewerage Company Inc (WASCO) apologizes for any inconvenience this may caused.
WASCO…water is life! Committed to meeting customers’ needs.
