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Trade Facilitation Agreement to WTO

Trade Facilitation Agreement

Depositing of Legal Instrument Concerning the Trade Facilitation Agreement to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by Antigua and Barbuda.

GENEVA, Switzerland — The Antigua and Barbuda government on Monday 27th November, 2017 through its Director of International Trade, Ms. Joy-Marie King deposited its legal instrument of acceptance inserting the Trade Facilitation Agreement into Annex 1A of Marrakesh Agreement to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Director General, Roberto Azevêdo.
According to Ms. King “this act not only emphasizes Antigua and Barbuda’s full commitment to the WTO and the multilateral trading system but the nation’s eagerness in reaping the benefits to be had from the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.” Some of which include significantly improving speed and efficiency of border procedures, trade costs reduction and enhancing participation in the global value chain.
The opportunity was also taken to highlight the main trade policy issue for the nation, that is, its unresolved WTO Trade Dispute with the United States concerning online gaming and a desire for a successful upcoming Ministerial Conference dubbed ‘MC11’ outcomes. King expounded “not only for the potential areas of harvest but establishing a pathway for future substantive outcomes, particularly, those that recognize and aid in the mitigation of inherent vulnerabilities plaguing small vulnerable economies in global trade.”
In accepting the legal instrument, the Director General of the WTO acknowledged the valued cooperation between the institution and Antigua and Barbuda, his pleasure in receiving the document and his support in the realization of the benefits to be had from the implementation of the agreement by members. He also offered words of comfort concerning the recent devastation experienced by Barbuda due to the passage of Hurricane Irma.
Joy-Marie King serves as Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of International Trade and delegate to the WTO within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who has the portfolio responsibility for WTO matters.

Water supply interruption

No Water

Water supply will be interrupted on Monday 27th November, 2017; from 7:00 am – 12:00 pm due to upgrading works which will be undertaken on filters at Micoud.
WASCO

Number 78 Village goes Online

ICT - Number 78 Village
Mayor of Corriverton, Mr. Hemchand Jaichand, showing one of the young participants how to use the service.

The Ministry of Public Telecommunications on Friday, commissioned its first Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Hub, at Number 78 Village Corentyne, Berbice.

This is the 16th ICT Hub to have been established in communities across Berbice; the first was in Corriverton. Approximately 436 hubs are expected to be up and running all across the country by 2020 and will be strategically placed in communities to allow persons to access the internet and online government services.
At the launching ceremony, residents along with children eager to access the computers and experience the internet service were encouraged to use the service to improve themselves. The hub is situated at the FACT (Family, Awareness Consciousness, Togetherness) building in Number 78 village.
Director of Community Development and Social Management, of the National Data Management Authority, Phillip Walcott in his remarks said the government is working to introduce more governmental services online. Persons will soon be able to apply for Birth Certificates and Passports, make Land Registry queries and access other services online and will only need to visit the offices of these public services to complete the transactions.
According to Walcott, it is the government’s intention to place hubs where residents in communities can access the internet and government services at home. He urged villagers to share their knowledge with others who are willing to learn, so no one gets left behind as the country moves into the digital age.
The Director also disclosed that more hubs will soon be placed in the county of Berbice and also in other communities throughout Guyana. The National Data Management Authority (NDMA) which falls under MoPT is tasked with rolling out the public internet service and is currently collaborating with the Mayor and City Council to identify locations where the hubs can be installed.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Corriverton, Hemchand Jaichand expressed his satisfaction that the community will now be able to benefit from the internet service. Jaichand commended the Ministry of Public Telecommunications (MoPT) on behalf of the council and residents, for the introduction of the service.

ICT - Number 78 Village
A group of children cut the ribbon to officially launch the Number 78 ICT hub. Looking on in the background are Mr. Phillip Walcott, Ms. Lisa Thompson and Mayor of Corriverton, Mr. Hemchand Jaichand.

ICT - Number 78 Village
Head table (from left to right) Director of Community Development and Social management of the NDMA, Mr. Phillip Walcott, Chief of party, Advancing Partners and Communities USAID, Ms. Lisa Thompson and Mayor of Corriverton, Mr. Hemchand Jaichand.

ICT can play crucial role in Agriculture sector

ICT in Agriculture

ICT can play crucial role in Agriculture sector – Minister Hughes

Food security and changing the methods in the Agriculture Sector are key to sustaining it. This observation was made by Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes as she interacted with the exhibitors today, at the Region Four, Regional Agricultural and Commercial Exhibitor (RACE), Lusignan Center Ground.
“The world is already thinking ahead and how is it that we are going to have food security and I think that is where Guyana is aptly placed to play a more meaningful role when It comes feeding not only the Caribbean and we have to realise that”, Minister Hughes said.
The Telecommunications Minister observed that there is over lap of ICT into the Agriculture sector, with what is referred to as E-Agriculture. She cited examples of an application (App) that can inform a farmer when it is the most suitable time to fertilize his plants and the use of robots to water plants. Minister Hughes during her interaction with the exhibitors highlighted the importance of Information Communication Technology, (ICT) in developing their businesses.
Additionally, Winners of the Ministry CODESPRINT, Team Innosys presented their App to the exhibitors. Some of features in the app include the ability to gauge the freshness of products, rating of products, and the ability for farmers to pay cash and review after a transaction is completed.
Team member Julius Simon said that Agriculture is a sector that does not traditionally embrace the ICT sector. “The people in the sector have to embrace the ICT sector and in doing so it will propel the sector”, Simon said.
In sharing her views on RACE, Minister Hughes said “it is an important initiative; there are interesting plants that are on sale. We are proud of what is being produced in Guyana and we need to get the word out to buy local, eat local and support local”.

ICT in Agriculture
Products on display at RACE

ICT in Agriculture
Products on display at RACE

ICT in Agriculture
Julus Simon, member from Team Innosys.

Violence Interruption and Prevention Initiative Launched

Violence Interruption and Prevention Initiative Launched
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Novelette Grant, gives an overview of the Acts of Random Kindness (ARK) project at the project’s launch held at the Police Commissioner’s offices on Old Hope Road today (November 23).

Violence Interruption and Prevention Initiative Launched.

A violence interruption and prevention initiative geared at promoting kindness to combat destructive thoughts, words and actions has been developed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Novelette Grant.
The project, which is dubbed Acts of Random Kindness (ARK), builds on the Youth Empowerment and Mentorship (YEM) Programme, which has among its core values, kindness.
The YEM Programme, which encouraged positive attitudinal changes among participating students, was also developed by the senior police woman, who is in charge of the Administration portfolio.
Speaking to JIS News at the launch of ARK at the office of the Police Commissioner on Old Hope Road on November 23, Ms. Grant explained that an increasing number of people need to be aware of the “power of words, of the power they have to be transformative in other people’s lives”, which is the aim of ARK.
“We know that there are lots of acts of random kindness that happen daily, but those are buried. They are like treasures buried, but we pull the rubbish and the worst of us, and we highlight and propagate it, especially on social media. We really want people to be more conscious of the kindness they engage in. Brag about doing kindness,” she urged.
The DCP noted that doing acts of kindness can be useful, especially in preventing persons from doing harm to themselves.
Statistics provided by Ms. Grant indicate that “in the last five years (there) have been 26 young children who have committed suicide”.
“Think about the words you use to your children, (because) they are harmful,” she said.
Ms. Grant’s initiative has received support from State Minister in the National Security Ministry, Senator the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., who also hailed her for being “a champion for identifying those blind spots that we glance over”.
Senator Charles Jr. also encouraged the promotion of kindness to those deemed unkind.
For his part, State Minister for Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green, said kindness must become a way of life in Jamaica.
“A programme such as this is a wonderful way to change the culture and promote kindness. We want to see social media being used to share more acts of kindness,” he said.
Meanwhile, Development Practitioner and Researcher, Kemesha Kelly, noted that the project represents a grand opportunity to start a kindness revolution.
The ARK project has been endorsed by the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) of Jamaica, Northern Caribbean University (NCU) and the National Secondary Students’ Council (NSSC).

CARICOM needs to re-tool

RBM System
CARICOM Ambassador, Robert Morris. (FP)

This country’s CARICOM Ambassador, Robert Morris, is suggesting that the regional body needs to re-tool itself to secure its future, and achieve its development objectives, in light of the rapidly changing and challenging global environment.
He made the comments on Thursday, while addressing a series of sensitisation seminars on the CARICOM Gender-Sensitive Results-Based Management System (RBM) at Baobab Tower, Warrens, St. Michael.
Given the constraints and vulnerabilities of CARICOM, the RBM system in the CARICOM Secretariat is scheduled to begin in early 2018. Pointing out that the RBM will be instituted at the Secretariat, Ambassador Morris gave the assurance that its principles will be adopted by the other two implementing partners – CARICOM Member States and regional institutions.
He said: “Barbados welcomes the development of the gender-sensitive RBM system, and we look forward to its prompt implementation across the region. We consider it to be a critical element in the effective pursuit and achievement of the region’s integration and development objectives.”
Ambassador Morris continued: “The adoption of the RBM system has the potential to change the way in which we carry out our business at a national level, driving a more results-oriented approach to programming. Its promotion of a results-oriented culture within CARICOM will redound to the benefit of both Member States and the organisation.”
The Ambassador also addressed seminars held in the Barbados Workers’ Union Hugh Springer Auditorium and at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre during the sessions held from November 23 to 24.

Celebrating of the life of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Snr.

Sir Vere Cornwall Bird

Governor General, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams has issued a proclamation declaring Monday 11th December as a public holiday in celebration of the life and work of the Father of the Nation, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Snr.
Minister with responsibilities for Festivals, the Hon. E. P. Chet Greene said that the Cabinet decided that since December 9th (V.C. Bird Day) fell on a Saturday this year, Monday 11th December should be designated the holiday and the day set aside for the celebrations.

The Minister noted that the day will be marked with a Wreath Laying Ceremony with military honours commencing at 9 a.m. at the V.C. Bird bust on Market Street. He said that speeches will be delivered by the Governor General and Prime Minister and members of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union, the Bird Family and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps and the Youth.
Minister Greene also outlined that a Thanksgiving Service in honour of the life and work of the Father of the Nation will be held on Sunday 10th December at 10 a.m. at the Salvation Army City.

Youth Ambassadors receive Instruments of Office

Youth Ambassadors
Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Hon. Floyd Green. (FILE)

Six youth leaders were presented with instruments of office to begin their two-year tenure as Youth Ambassadors for Jamaica, during an induction ceremony at King’s House on Thursday (November 23).
The Youth Ambassadors will serve from November 2017 to October 2019 in three portfolio areas – Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Commonwealth, and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Responsibilities of the office include promoting and advocating action on critical national and international issues, and bringing national youth matters to the attention of policymakers and planners.
Patron of the programme, Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, who presented the Ambassadors with their instruments of office, congratulated the youth leaders on their appointment and encouraged them to use the platform to advocate for youth interests.
“As Ambassadors to the United Nations, the Commonwealth and CARICOM, you have the opportunity to influence the decisions of important international councils. In each of those councils, Jamaica has had a respected voice for many years, and you can be assured that much is expected of you,” he said.
He pledged support to the youth leaders in helping them to make a positive impact on the lives of those they have been appointed to serve.
State Minister for Education, Youth and Information, the Hon. Floyd Green in his remarks challenged the new ambassadors to be active players in advancing Jamaica’s interests in the region and internationally.
“This programme is very important, as it carries Jamaica’s position on a number of issues to various regional and international bodies, and we want our young people to take that message forward.
Please ensure that you are aware of the issues and Jamaica’s position on those matters, whether they relate to youth development or general issues. We want the youth to push those positions to then influence the Heads of Government,” he noted.
Senior Director, Youth and Adolescents Policy Division in the Ministry, Michele Small Bartley, commended the young leaders for their commitment to service to the nation.
“These new ambassadors are already proving that they are highly motivated. I have met with them personally and have recognised their willingness to serve their peers. Commitment, enthusiasm and passion are the three salient characteristics I have noted. Execute your task with passion and compassion for those you will serve,” she encouraged.
The Youth Ambassadors are Sophia Brown and Nicholas Kee – Commonwealth portfolio; Odayne Haughton and Simone Townsend, CARICOM; and Santana Morris and Charles Young, UNGA.
The Jamaica Youth Ambassador Programme (JaYAP) was established to promote youth advocacy and facilitate the participation of young people in decision-making.

Stakeholder collaboration key in Locust Fight

Locust Fight

Improved communication and the sharing of both information and resources amongst farmers and State agencies can go a long way in assisting those communities affected by the Moruga Locust (Coscineuta virens). Such was the view of Agricultural Officer for the County Victoria Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF), Ms. Sati Gangapersad, as she conducted a Locust Stakeholder Sensitization Session at the Enchanted Gardens Banquet Hall in New Grant on Wednesday 22nd November, 2017. “You need to treat the locust as you would any other pest by being proactive in the use of your own equipment and not simply waiting on the Ministry to address your control measures because our resources are both stretched and exhaustible,” she advised some eighteen (18) participants at the Session, whose presence were engaged in order to examine the roles which both they and MALF can and must play in the effective management of the pest.
Ms. Gangapersad said “we are asking you to call us when you see locusts in all its forms so we can zone in on their locations; monitor their activity; prioritize our own resources and properly treat with the area. This sort of assistance in information gathering is particularly important because what we have recognized is that the locusts tend to lay eggs within the vicinity of where they mate.”
Also echoing the “proactive” sentiments of Ms. Gangapersad was former Agriculture Minister – Dr. Reeza Mohammed – who appealed to the charity and goodwill of one fleet-owning farmer. Dr. Mohammed also recommended that the Ministry’s administrators consider incorporating the biological agent – the Metarhizium fungus – in its current Locust control measures (particularly during the egg-bed stage); solicit additional financing (as required) through its various State agencies and; actively engage in the redeployment of staff to treat with those manpower deficiencies faced at the level of the various Counties.
Among those other stakeholders present at the Session were representatives from the Princes Town Farmers Association (PTFA); Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago (ASTT) and one of MALF’s agencies – the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB).
To report sightings of the Moruga locust and for additional information on the agricultural pest, please call the Victoria County Agricultural Office in Princes Town at 655-3428 / 7526 / 5637.

Locust
Egg-beds of the Moruga locust on display during a Stakeholder Sensitization Session at the Enchanted Gardens Banquet Hall in New Grant on Wednesday 22nd November, 2017.

IMF gives thumbs up to Trinidad and Tobago

Ministry of Finance - TnT

IMF gives thumbs up to several measures taken by Trinidad and Tobago.

Following the recently concluded 2017 IMF Article IV Consultation, the Ministry of Finance deems it important to share some of the positive actions being taken by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and which were endorsed by the IMF in their Country Report of November 21st 2017:

  • Notwithstanding the current economic climate being experienced by Trinidad and Tobago, the IMF has stated that the country’s current monetary policy is appropriate;
  • The Government has taken steps to adjust fiscal imbalances, through efforts to reform the energy tax regime, reduce fuel subsidies, and boost non-energy revenues and engage the World Bank to conduct a Public Expenditure Review. This will identify cost-savings in health, education, and social services;

Also, The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT), has stopped its tightening cycle at the end of 2015, given the severity of the economic downturn, and has since held interest rates constant;

  • The US dollar was allowed to depreciate by about 7 percent in the second half of 2016, but has been held steady since;
  • The IMF also noted that the Fiscal Year 2017/18 Budget, constituted a significant step along the needed fiscal adjustment path. The Executive Directors of the IMF commended steps taken in FY2016/17 and in the FY2017/18 budget proposal towards fiscal adjustment. These steps included the introduction of property, excise and gaming taxes, royalties on natural gas production and elimination of fuel subsidies;
  • The IMF also commended the CBTT for its efforts towards the adoption of Basel II Standards by June 2018. In the Report, the Directors also welcomed progress toward the creation of the National Statistical Institute to address remaining data shortcomings to strengthen policy making and surveillance;
  • The IMF also welcomed the Government’s engagement with the Inter-American Centre of Tax Administrations on preparing transfer pricing legislation to reduce tax leakages from shifting profits to other jurisdictions;
  • The Government’s decision to abolish the Central Tenders Board and establish Procurement Units within line ministries, to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability and achieve significant cost savings, were endorsed by the IMF.

In the Report, the IMF has projected that GDP will contract by 3.2 percent in 2017 before turning positive in 2018, settling to around 1.4 percent by 2022. The 2018 recovery is predicated on a strong turnaround in the oil sector, due in part to expansion of refining capacity, and the expectation that several gas projects will come online, combined with a full year of production from gas projects coming on stream in 2017. The financial account of the Balance of Payments is projected to maintain a significant surplus on foreign direct investment linked to energy sector projects that more than compensate for other net outflows.

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