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Commitment of resources a Vote of Confidence

IMF - Bert Van Selm
Deputy Division Chief of the Caribbean II Division of the IMF, Bert Van Selm, speaking at today’s press briefing at Government Headquarters. (M. Elcock/BGIS)

Barbados’ Economic Recovery and Transformation Programme seems to have received a thumbs up from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Deputy Division Chief of the Caribbean II Division of the IMF, Bert van Selm, who led the mission to Barbados, told a press conference today that the important commitment of IMF resources was a vote of confidence in the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation Programme.

Mr. van Selm explained that the IMF’s support for the programme would amount to about US $290 million or 220 per cent of Barbados’ quota in the IMF. He added that if the programme was to be approved by the IMF’s Executive Board about US$ 49 million would become immediately available. He said the Board was expected to consider the programme by early October.

“The cornerstone of the programme is a strong front loaded fiscal adjustment, focused on curbing current expenditure, while maintaining space for social safety nets and infrastructure spending. And in this context, measures to reduce Government expenditures that were announced…are critical and are a very important first step….

“The Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation Programme aims to restore macroeconomic stability and put the economy on a path of strong, sustainable and inclusive growth. Fiscal consolidation together with the announced debt restructuring is needed to place that on a clear, downward trajectory. The strategy of accelerating growth focuses on attracting new investment in areas such as renewable energy, the creative and artistic industry, education and health services and of course tourism,” the IMF official stated.

According to him, in the last decade, the economy of Barbados had been caught in a cycle of low growth, widening fiscal deficits and increasing debt. Additionally, he stated, international reserves had fallen to about US $240 million, which was below reserve adequacy levels and Government debt had become unsustainable.

Mr. van Selm said the measures in the programme should help reach a primary surplus target of six per cent of GDP in the fiscal year 2019/20. He added that the fiscal adjustment would be complemented by a comprehensive debt restructuring aimed at securing meaningful debt reduction, reducing financing needs and restoring debt sustainability.

“The Barbados Government’s debt will be put on a clear downward path towards a target of 60 per cent of GDP by 2033, from an estimated 157 per cent of GDP at present…. Progress being made by the authorities in furthering good faith discussions with domestic and external creditors is welcomed and continuing an open dialogue and sharing information will remain very important in concluding an orderly debt restructuring process,” he said.

He noted that while the initial implementation period would be challenging, Barbados would emerge stronger and more dynamic from the programme and it would be better positioned to generate growth and job creation for citizens.

US Visa Renewals clarity on interview waiver

US Visa

Government provides further clarity on new interview waiver policy for US Visa Renewals.

The Grenada Government is providing further clarity on the newly announced interview waiver policy for persons seeking renewal of their US Visa.

Following the announcement of the new policy yesterday, several questions have arisen, particularly from persons with interviews confirmed for next week.

Government is therefore advising that persons who would have booked appointments for visa renewal prior to Thursday’s announcement should keep their appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Barbados.

Persons who have confirmed interviews but still wish to avail themselves of the opportunity for an interview waiver, can do so, but this will entail submission of a new application for renewal, complete with the fee of $160 US.

All other persons, with effect from Monday September 10, can immediately utilise the option of an interview waiver, providing they meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants are reminded that their eligibility for a waiver does not automatically entitle them to a waiver as some persons may still be required to appear in person.

To be eligible for the interview waiver, applicants must hold a Grenada passport and their visa must not have expired for a period exceeding 12 months; they must be physically present in Grenada or within the consular district of the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados; their previous US Visa must be in their possession and they must have submitted a 10-fingerprint scan in conjunction with the previous via application. For the full list of eligibility criteria, please visit the US embassy website at https://bb.usembassy.gov/.

Cryptocurrencies & Block-chain Workshop

Cryptocurrencies

Prime Minister Gaston Browne [on 31 August 2018] hosted and chaired a workshop at the Prime Minister’s Office for senior Government officials and industry stakeholders on the subject of block-chain technologies and cryptocurrencies.

The workshop was designed to bring Government and other stakeholders abreast of the current developments in the field and to explore the options open to Antigua and Barbuda in pursuing economic development utilizing these new technologies. Government ministers in attendance included the Attorney-General Hon. Steadroy ‘Cutie’ Benjamin and Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister responsible for information technology.

The workshop was facilitated by two experts in the field, Ms. Loretta Joseph, a consultant to many Governments and institutions around the world; and Mr. John Narraway, a Canadian businessman resident in Bermuda who was involved in developing policy and legislation for the introduction of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in Bermuda.

In welcoming the facilitators and participants, PM Browne emphasized that this new model of investment and conducting business was an innovative and disruptive technology that held great potential to transform the economy of Antigua and Barbuda. He pointed out that Antigua and Barbuda had always been a champion of innovation, recalling that a previous administration under Sir Lester Bird had started the first Internet gaming industry in the world during the 1990s.

The workshop looked at the potential of these new technologies to transform economic development, and focused on the experience of Bermuda as a small island-country which recently decided to introduce policies, legislation and regulations to govern the operation of the technologies in Bermuda.

Blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies were described as a digital, transparent, secure means of storing value or transacting business on a global scale. Various applications of the technologies were examined in detail, including their use in business models as well as in the provision of Government services to citizens and residents, such as issuing drivers licences or the authentication of land titles in the land registry. It was pointed out that Bitcoin itself had never been hacked, although the exchanges holding Bitcoin had been.

While the tremendous potential of the technologies was explored, the various downside risks and challenges were not ignored as the participants examined a draft road-map that could guide Antigua and Barbuda in the introduction of its own system.

The workshop acknowledged that there was still a lot of technical work to be done, and in order to advance this work decided to appoint two task forces – one to look at regulatory issues and the other to focus on business development issues.

As the workshop concluded, PM Browne thanked the facilitators and the participants for a very rich exchange on an exciting and new area. He stated that the stage was now set for proper policies and machinery to be put in place to allow Antigua and Barbuda’s entry into the field.

‘This is a great opportunity to use innovative technologies to achieve economic growth and employment,’ PM Browne said, ‘and we should seize it with both hands.’

Renewed drive to tackle CSME issues

Andrew Holness on CSME
Prime Minister Andrew Holness during the Ninth Meeting of the Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)

Under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, there has been renewed impetus by CARICOM Countries to tackle critical issues confronting the regional body.

Yesterday, at the Ninth Meeting of the Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the agenda items covered free movement of persons, skills, services and establishment, the role of the Private Sector and Labour, Travel Facilitation, with an automatic six month stay, and Contingent Rights.

Heads pressed to move forward decisions from the Montego Bay Conference and to ensure that frameworks are in place to consistently monitor implementation of commitments by Member States.

Tuesday’s meeting of Regional Finance Ministers as part of the Sixth Special Meeting of the Council for Finance and Planning COFAP, had fruitful discussions relating to the alignment of regional economic policies including region-wide deposit insurance and credit bureaus.

Importantly, great strides were made pertaining to the alignment of regional procurement policies which will allow CARICOM citizens to take advantage of procurement opportunities across the region.

Six heads of government attended today’s meeting signaling their commitment to resolving the issues impeding the success of the CSME.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith have expressed satisfaction with the pace of discussion. They both return to the island later today.

No travel to Barbados for U.S Visa Renewals

U.S Visa

Prime Minister Mitchell welcomes announcement that Greandians are no longer required to Travel to Barbados for U.S Visa Renewals.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell has welcomed the announcement that Grenadians are no longer required to travel to Barbados to renew United States visa renewals.

The announcement was made today by US Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Linda Taglialatela at a press briefing, jointly hosted with Prime Minister Mitchell and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Peter David.

The new rule goes into effect on September 10, 2018. It applies only to renewals within the same category of visa and to persons whose visa has not expired for a period longer than 12 months.

Ambassador Taglialatela said the waiver is intended to further enhance relations between Grenada and the United States.

She said, “Under our Caribbean Strategy, 2020, one of the things we want to do is enhance and improve that relationship and to inspire people to continue to travel between our two countries and learn about the cultures and people of those countries.”

Responding to the announcement, Prime Minister said it is exciting news for Grenadians, particularly in the context of the significant expense incurred with travel to Barbados and hotel accommodation when necessary.
“This news has enormous implications for the people of this country.

I know for a fact, many of our citizens in their attempt to get visas to the United States have made enormous sacrifices.

They have to spend quite a bit to go to Barbados and the hassle and the cost of travelling to Barbados have been quite prohibitive,” he stated.

The Prime Minister noted too that the decision to offer the interview waiver must be seen in the context of the strict border control being implemented by many countries.
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“We know the emphasis that countries around the world are placing on protecting their borders and making it more difficult for people to travel.

This initiative is making it easier for Grenadians to travel to the United States, so it is sending a powerful message. It must be, in my view, that we are doing something right and I am extremely happy with this initiative.

Dr. Mitchell expressed the hope that the new interview waiver announced by the United States will influence other countries with whom Grenada shares good relations and which also have visa requirements, to take similar action.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Peter David also expressed the view that other countries will emulate the example set by the United States.

Minister David said the welcome news is “indicative of the deep relationship that exists between Grenada and the United States and it bodes well for the future relationship.”

There are several qualifying factors to determine the eligibility of persons for the newly announced interview waiver.

A press release issued Thursday by the U.S. Embassy in Barbados outlines these as follows:

• Grenada passport holders, except those who are beneficiaries of the citizenship by investment programme, may qualify if their visa expired within the last 12 months and they are applying for the same category of U.S. visa.

• The applicant must be physically present in Grenada or within the consular district of the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados.

• The previous U.S. visa must be in the applicant’s possession and the applicant must have submitted a 10-fingerprint scan in conjunction with the previous via application.

• Students may be eligible if they are applying to continue attendance at the same institution or will continue the same major course of study at a different institution.

• Applicants for renewal of work-related visas may qualify if they are returning to work for the same employer.

Precision Productions Audio Essential Workshop

Precision Productions' Audio Essentials Workshop

Audio Essentials Workshop by Precision Productions is coming to London.

Precision Productions' Audio Essentials WorkshopLondon are YOU ready to step into the ever-evolving world of Music Production with Team Precision Productions?

We are heading your way this September. Get ready to learn the intricate details of Production, Song Writing, Mixing, and Mastering. Where participants of all skill levels are encouraged to be a part of this hands on experience with head producer and engineer Kasey Phillips.

This workshop will feature UK producer Ashwin Seegobin as well, who has been assiduously working with artists in London and beyond to create a signature sound to shake up the European music scene.

Also joining the team, via video, is Zack Cohen. He is the Co-Owner of FOX FUSE LLC, and he will be sharing vital information about the business aspect of music distribution and more.

The workshop will be held at Birbeck University, from September 20th to 23rd. This is not an opportunity to miss. Head to https://aelondon.eventbrite.co.uk to sign up NOW!

And you can call Head Liaison Konata at +447787 397438 for more information.

See you soon London!

+1 (949) 531 7732 SMS us and stay in the loop

 

Border Control Management Authority

CSA - Border Control

Government Committed to Dialogue on establishment of Border Control Management Authority.

The Government of Saint Lucia remains committed to continued dialogue with the Customs Department and all stakeholders in the establishment of the Border Control Management Authority.

In that regard a constructive meeting took place on Monday September 3rd 2018, between the Civil Service Association and the Steering Committee appointed by Cabinet to facilitate consultation and dialogue with stakeholders on the implementation of the Border Control Management Initiative.

The Government has since been informed of the unfortunate situation at the Customs Department as it pertains to a number of Customs staff calling in sick.

The Government assures the general public that it will do all within its power to minimize the impact and ensure continuity in the operations of the Customs Department.

Postal community share burdens to help small island states

UPU

Postal community share burdens to help small island states, progress made on pension fund.

Member countries attending UPU’s Second Extraordinary Congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, have made several decisions regarding the international organization’s financing, including approval of a proposal to reduce financial strain on small island developing states (SIDS).

The proposal was meant to address the financial burden on these countries, whose state postal service budgets are too small to accommodate their annual UPU contributions. In one example given, the country had just one post office with three employees and their UPU contribution exceeded their total annual budget.

UPU Director General Bishar A. Hussein had called upon member countries to consider the plight of SIDS in his remarks to the Extraordinary Congress’ opening plenary.

“Even though all proposals are of utmost importance, I wish to declare here my heart and sympathy goes to the developing and less developed countries and small island states, many of which are not here with us today either because they are under sanctions or crippling debts which they cannot afford to pay,” said Mr. Hussein.

The decision will have UPU apply a special contribution class allowing the countries with a population of less than 200,000 that are recognized by the UN as small island pacific states to pay only 0.1, or 10 per cent, of a regular UPU contribution unit.

The decision was made during a plenary session dealing with the reform of UPU’s contribution system for member countries, with a view to adopting a new model that would address difficulties in the Union’s current funding mechanism. The Extraordinary Congress decided to carry that discussion over, instructing an ad hoc group and the UPU Council of Administration to further study the issue and bring a final proposal to the 2020 Congress.

Progress on pension fund 

The Addis Ababa Extraordinary Congress was also tasked with agreeing a sustainable solution for UPU’s Provident Scheme, also known as the pension fund.

A task force created by the 2016 Istanbul Congress found that funding for the pension fund had been insufficient for several years and that the current model would not provide a sufficient basis to pay out benefits to members in future.

The Extraordinary Congress mandated UPU to negotiate the conditions of entry into the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund. Member countries also decided to extend the task force’s mandate to find other alleviating solutions to be discussed at the UPU Congress in Cote d’Ivoire in 2020.

For media enquiries, please contact:
David Dadge
Manager, Communication and Events Programme
Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Executive Office Directorate
T: + 251944325227
E: david.dadge[at]upu.int

HRForum discussing the importance of work-life balance

HRForum

HRForumCalling all CEOs, MDs, HR Managers, General Managers, Supervisors and anyone with responsibility for managing people. 

Join us for the next HRForum where we will be discussing the importance of work-life balance.  We will be joined by Sterling Insurances, FICS, Faithful Health, Kako Organics and more.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how you can improve your employee benefits package and overall employee experience.

Register today!

Contact HRWise at 458-4001 or info@hrwiseinc.com for more information.

Venue: Finance Administrative Center Conference Room, Pointe Seraphine
Date: Tuesday 11th September 2018
Time: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm

Registration: $125 (deadline Friday 7th, September 2018)
*Full payment is required for confirmation of registration. Payments should be made to HRWise Inc. Please note that 48 hours cancellation notice is required and failure to meet this requirement will result in the full charge.

Collection of result slips

CXC Customer Service Charter

Private candidates who sat the May-June 2018 Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), CSEC and CAPE Examinations are hereby asked to note the following:

Preliminary Result Slips for these examinations have arrived. Candidates are asked to collect their results from the Ministry of Education, National Reconciliation, Ecclesiastical Affairs and Information; lower building, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Candidates will be expected to present a valid ID card, driver’s license or passport in order to receive their results.

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