Home Blog Page 51

Scholarship for LUCELEC’s Employees Children

LUCELEC Scholarship

Twenty-nine (29) children of parents employed with the St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) are members of the company’s Scholarship Programme.

This year, four students also received one time bursaries.

The five new entrants were welcomed to the programme at the 13th annual LUCELEC Scholarship Social where top performers Chelsea Branford, Abbie Pultie and Tammy Pultie were recognised for their achievements in the previous academic year.

Open to children of employees who are successful at the Common Entrance examinations, the LUCELEC Scholarship programme began in 1985.  The now 33 year old programme pays for all school fees, uniforms, school books, school bags, notebooks, CSEC and CAPE exam fees throughout secondary school and the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.

Chairperson of the LUCELEC Scholarship Committee, Assistant Human Resource Manager Tandi Flood says the company expects all of its scholarship holders to succeed.

“When you meet the inevitable challenges that school and life have to throw your way, remember this moment, what brought you here because it is those same qualities and characteristics that will get you through anything. In this academic year 2018-2019 we are confident that our students will excel, excel, excel.”

To maintain the scholarship each student must achieve a minimum 65% grade in each subject and an overall average of 70%.

LUCELEC Scholarship
Scholars with LUCELEC Managing Director Trevor Louisy

LUCELEC Managing Director Trevor Louisy encouraged them to put in the necessary effort to remain part of the scholarship programme.

“It’s important that you make these sacrifices. That you manage your time properly and if you are consistent at doing that and you do it throughout the term I can guarantee you, you are going to be successful,” he says.

Visual artist and animator Ted Sandiford was the featured speaker at this year’s event.

A teacher at the St Mary’s College, Mr Sandiford is the also the Managing Director of A.C.I.D. Kreationz.

He challenged students to go beyond the expectations of the programme telling them “if you do what is easy, your life will be hard.”

He also had a special message for the parents of the scholars.

“Parents you have a role to play as well. You have a very important role. Encourage your children. Encourage them to be a better version of themselves. Sit and study with them. You will be surprised how much you will learn from them. They need your support now more than ever. They need that extra push when things get rough. They need your reassuring words when they get discouraged. They need to hear your applause when they do well. The successes achieved at the end is not only theirs, it’s yours.”

The Scholarship Social was held at the LUCELEC Power Station in Cul-de-Sac under the theme, “Limitless Possibilities to Achieving Success”.

Border Control Team Appointed

Border Control

Cabinet Appoints Team to facilitate Extensive Consultation on Border Control.

The Cabinet of Ministers have reiterated the commitment of Government to ensure effective and responsive border management and has appointed a team to undertake extensive and in depth dialogue on the establishment a single Border Control Management entity.

The team is to engage and discuss with all stakeholders on the appropriate structure for the proposed Border Control Management agency.

In order for this to have meaningful effect, the Cabinet has also taken the decision with immediate effect, to revoke Cabinet Conclusion 247 of 16th April 2018 which previously addressed the establishment of the entity.

The Government of Saint Lucia commits to taking into account all the concerns and recommendations of the stakeholders to ensure that Saint Lucia’s borders are secure.

The Cabinet-appointed team is expected to submit a detailed report to Cabinet by December 2018.

All individual and institutional investors

Investors

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines issued EC$28 million dollar 91-day Treasury Bill (VCB071218) on 6th September, 2018 via the Regional Government Securities Market (RGSM) to be traded on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange (ECSE) which closed at an interest (discount) rate of 2 percent. This was a re-issue of the 91-Day Treasury bill with trading symbol VCB050918 that was issued on June 6, 2018.

The next re-issue auction of Treasury Bill (VCB090119) will take place on 9th October, 2018 with a maximum interest rate of 4.82 percent.

Investors who are desirous of participating in the auction are required to do so through the services of any of the Licensed Intermediaries who are members of the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange. A list of these brokers and their contact information is available on the ECSE website (www.ecseonlie.com)

For more information, contact:
Mr. Harold Lewis/ Debt Manager (ag)
The Debt Management Unit
Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Development etc.
Administrative Centre
P.O. Box 608
Bay Street
Kingstown
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Tel (784) 457-2775 or 456-1111 ext 374/487

Exxon 2nd vessel to arrive in Guyana

Exxon 2nd Vessel
From left: Country Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana, Mr. Rod Henson, Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Executive Vice President at Exxon Mobil Exploration Corporation, Mr. Mike Cousins.

Exxon second exploration vessel scheduled to arrive in Guyana in October.

ExxonMobil is bringing to Guyana, a second exploration vessel, the Noble Tom Madden, which is due to arrive in October. This vessel will focus primarily on exploration of high potential areas and will commence drilling at the ‘Pluma’ prospect approximately 17 miles or 27 kilometres from Turbot well. This announcement was made during a meeting between Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon and the company’s Executive Vice-President, Mr. Mike Cousins and Country Manager, Mr. Rod Henson at the Ministry of the Presidency earlier today.

During the meeting, the Minister said that the Government welcomes this new development and is extremely pleased at the success of the new oil find at the Hammerhead-1 Well, which was announced on August 30, 2018.

Exxon 2nd Vessel
Minister Harmon and Mr. Cousins in discussion during their meeting this morning.

He told the team that as Guyana continues to prepare itself for the oil and gas sector and that the Government is looking to build and strengthen its capacity, particularly in the technical areas, which will see many more Guyanese involved in the industry. Minister Harmon told the visiting team that the Government would welcome support and assistance to make this a reality.

“In the oil and gas sector, we want to look at the technical skills that can be absorbed. It is something we are paying attention to as a Government.  We are going to focus on our technical institutes and restructure them. It is an area in which we are going to focus heavily in the coming days. We need to re-equip them and expand them so that we can get back young people into the workforce and we would like assistance in this area. We currently have about 3,770 persons in the various technical institutes and it is our intention to double or triple that number. We need to have about 10,000 young people enrolled in technical institutes. We have to ensure that our young people are prepared and can enjoy a better life. We need to help them and we are looking forward to continuing that cooperation,” he said.

Additionally, the Minister of State placed on record, the Government’s appreciation for the cooperation that currently exists between the Civil Defence Commission and ExxonMobil Guyana. However, he noted that there are various other environmental projects in which he would welcome the support of the company.

“I have seen the work done with the CDC through the company and I think we need to continue to strengthen these processes and redouble our efforts. Personally, I believe that Georgetown can do with some help in terms of our physical environment, to the extent where we can bring Georgetown back and to a pristine state. We need to recapture the clean-up spirit and emphasise and encourage solid waste management and such things,” he said.

Minister Harmon also used the opportunity to thank the company for its sponsorship and support to the Guyana Amazon Warriors team, which has secured its place in the finals of the much-loved Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Mr. Cousins expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership with the Government and the country and reaffirmed his company’s commitment to working collaboratively in building capacity now and in the years to come.

Tropical Storm Isaac Public Advisory #26

Tropical Storm Isaac Public Advisory #26

626
WTNT34 KNHC 140236
TCPAT4

BULLETIN
Tropical Storm Isaac Advisory Number 26
NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL092018
1100 PM AST Thu Sep 13 2018

…ISAAC MOVING WESTWARD ACROSS THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SEA…
…BANDS OF RAIN LINGERING OVER THE LESSER ANTILLES…

SUMMARY OF 1100 PM AST…0300 UTC…INFORMATION
———————————————–
LOCATION…14.9N 64.4W
ABOUT 195 MI…315 KM S OF ST. CROIX
ABOUT 440 MI…710 KM SE OF SANTO DOMINGO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS…40 MPH…65 KM/H
PRESENT MOVEMENT…W OR 270 DEGREES AT 16 MPH…26 KM/H
MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE…1006 MB…29.71 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS
——————–
There are no coastal watches or warnings in effect.

Tropical Storm Isaac Public Advisory #26
DISCUSSION AND OUTLOOK
———————-
At 1100 PM AST (0300 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Isaac was
located near latitude 14.9 North, longitude 64.4 West. Isaac is
moving toward the west near 16 mph (26 km/h), and this general
motion with a decrease in forward speed is expected for the next
few days. On the forecast track, Isaac will move over the eastern
and central Caribbean Sea during the next few days.

Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65 km/h) with higher gusts.
Isaac is forecast to gradually weaken over the next few days, and
could degenerate into a tropical wave at any time.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 105 miles (165 km)
from the center.

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1006 mb (29.71 inches).

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND
———————-
RAINFALL: Isaac is expected to produce additional rainfall of 2 to
3 inches with isolated amounts up to 5 inches across the northern
Windward Islands into the Leeward islands, and southeastern Puerto
Rico. Totals of 1 to 2 inches with maximum amounts of 3 inches are
possible across the remainder of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,
Dominican Republic and Haiti. This rainfall may cause
life-threatening flash flooding.

SURF: Swells generated by Isaac are still affecting portions of the
Lesser Antilles. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening
surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your
local weather office.

NEXT ADVISORY
————-
Next complete advisory at 500 AM AST.

$$
Forecaster Brown

Panama Ambassador accredited

Panama Ambassador

CARICOM SG accredits Panama first Ambassador

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Thursday 13 September 2018 formalised diplomatic ties with Panama, accrediting the first Ambassador of the Central American country to the Community.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, received the letter of credence of Her Excellency Soraya Cano Franco during a short ceremony at the Headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat, in Georgetown, Guyana.

He said Panama and the Community have had strong people to people contact since the 19thCentury with thousands of Caribbean workers, mainly from Jamaica, Barbados and Saint Lucia, involved in the building of Panama’s Railroads and later the Panama Canal. Today, their descendants are part of a vibrant Caribbean community in Panama, he added.

He noted the high value CARICOM placed on this relationship, which has been strengthening over the years. Panama has bilateral relations with several CARICOM Member States. CARICOM and Panama are also members of sub-regional, regional and hemispheric organisations such as the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the United Nations (UN).

The Secretary-General highlighted the critical role Panama plays in strengthening trade and commerce through Copa Airlines and the Panama Canal. He commended the Government of Panama on the Canal’s expansion noting that it will meet the growing demand of maritime trade for the whole world, while opening new opportunities, for the Panamanian people, and the wider sub-region.

Secretary-General LaRocque noted that Panama’s ready assistance and support to the countries affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year, demonstrated the strength of its ties with the Community.

He said in the areas where they faced similar challenges, Panama and CARICOM could help to address those hurdles by speaking with one voice in international fora on issues of mutual interest and importance to their continued development. Among those matters was the issue of being labelled as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions which has targeted Panama and some of the Member States of the Community.

“We are concerned that the organisations claiming to set global standards in international tax matters do so without countries, such as ours, having a voice in the process.

We should join hands to advocate against the unjust and onerous demands on our financial sectors,” Secretary-General LaRocque told the newly accredited Panamanian envoy.

Closure of Schools – 13th / Sep / 2018

Closure of Schools

The St. Lucia MET Services and the National Emergency Management Organization have indicated that St. Lucia is expected to get some heavy rainfall on Thursday September 13th into Friday September 14th, 2018.

While St. Lucia is not under Tropical Storm Watch or Warning the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations in consultation with MET Services and NEMO have decided to take precautionary measures and wish to inform that all schools will be closed on Thursday 13th Seotember, 2018.

An announcement will be made as it relates to the reopening of schools on Friday and persons are asked to listen for OFFICIAL announcements on the media

Persons are asked to stay informed and remain safe as we prepare for heavy rains associated with the weather system.

876 On The Go – New Taxicab Company

876 On the Go
Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Robert Montague (left) and Chief Executive Officer and Founder, 876 On The Go, Olivia Lindsay

New Taxicab Company 876 On The Go offers several options to passengers.

Minister of Transport and Mining, Hon. Robert Montague, says the newly established Transport and Logistics Company, ‘ 876 On The Go ’, will revolutionise the local taxicab sector through the range of options available to passengers.

The company employs cutting-edge technology that enables the public to book cabs and facilitates payments, thus eliminating the need for cash on board.

This platform provides greater security for both the passengers and drivers, but is tailored and driven by a geographic information system that operates in a similar fashion as Uber, which is a ride-share app for fast, reliable rides originating in the United States.

To this end, the Minister is encouraging other players in the industry to continue diversifying and improving the various offerings to commuters.

Mr. Montague was speaking at the launch of 876 On The Go 24/7 Limited at the company’s offices located at 34-36 Old Hope Road in St. Andrew, on September 11.

“I really want to salute the taxi associations for the work that they have been doing, encouraging their drivers to adhere to the rules and also weeding out some of the bad apples within the system,” he said.

He congratulated Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Olivia Lindsay, for her vision in seeking to provide greater options to commuters.

“She has brought innovation to the industry and for it to grow, we have to innovate,” the Minister emphasised.

Mr. Montague noted that this falls in line with the Ministry and Government’s drive to transform the sector.

Meanwhile, Ms. Lindsay said the company was formed out of a need to provide first-class service to the commuting public.

She pointed out that passengers have the option to pay via cash, credit or debit card, thereby easing the methods of payment available. She also said persons are able to reserve their cabs for passenger or package delivery.

As a duly registered and incorporated transport and logistics company, 876 On The Go 24/7 Limited offers a full range of transportation and logistics services, moulded and shaped to suit the needs of the Jamaican marketplace.

The taxicab service includes courteous and well-attired drivers, in-cab tablet, WI-FI and a bottle of purified water for each passenger. In addition, each passenger is afforded the opportunity to critique and send feedback about services via the 876 On The Go app.

The company’s operation is streamlined through a command centre. The public, on the other hand, interfaces through the 876 On The Go app, which is available in the Google Play and App Store.

The easily downloaded app enables the commuting public to do advance bookings, make payments and live-track cabs, passengers and packages.

All trips are confirmed electronically with a photo of the assigned driver, the vehicle licence plate information along with his/her telephone contact details.

No Work on Thursday

No Work

Prime Minister Skerrit has announced there will be no work for public officers on Thursday September 13, 2018. He has advised the private sector to do the same.

UK Security Expert pays courtesy call

UK security expert

UK security expert pays courtesy call on Minister of National Security.

Minister of National Security the Honourable Stuart Young received a courtesy call from Sir David Veness, Former Senior UK Police Officer and United Nations Under-Secretary General for Safety and Security. The visit was facilitated by British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Tim Stew.

Sir Veness is the senior consultant to a number of ongoing developmental initiatives provided to Trinidad and Tobago by the British Government. In his review, Sir Veness praised the high calibre of security personnel with whom he interacted on his visit and expressed his confidence in their ability to positively contribute to public safety and security as a whole.

The meeting also focused on continuing bilateral efforts consistent with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on security cooperation.

The MOU provides the platform for both Governments to engage in active bilateral security cooperation. It explores a programme of information sharing, capacity building and mutual assistance.

Minister Young expressed his appreciation to Sir Veness for his expertise and the British High Commission for their continued friendship and collaboration.

Audio Theme