The public is advised that the Student Revolving Loan Fund (SRLF), Constitution Road, St. Michael, will be closed on Thursday, November 16, to facilitate a staff event.
Persons who wish to conduct business on that day can make loan payments at all branches of Republic Bank (Barbados) Limited; The Royal Bank of Canada; CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank; the Post Office; and Surepay. Online payments may also be made at www.srlfloan.edu.bb.
Normal office opening hours will resume on Friday, November 17, from 8:15 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
The management of the SRLF regrets any inconvenience caused.
Student Revolving Loan Fund closed on Nov. 16
British Airways supports Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund
A generous contribution by British Airways to the Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) was gratefully received by its president, Karolin Troubetzkoy this week.
Speaking at World Travel Market in London, where the check was presented on behalf of British Airways and British Airways Holidays, Troubetzkoy warmly thanked the airline’s representatives: “This is not just a handshake, this is a £25,000 handshake! On behalf of our Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, we are extremely grateful!”
In addition to the contribution to the Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund of CHTA, which represents private sector tourism companies, Troubetzkoy noted the British airline also presented an additional £25,000 to the intergovernmental Caribbean Tourism Organization for its fund.
The Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund unites the Caribbean hotel and tourism industry with the noted Tourism Cares organization, which has helped to lead private sector relief efforts globally following crises. The fund invites tourism industry stakeholders and global allies to pool their resources in support of vulnerable areas of the Caribbean.
It focuses on islands directly affected by the hurricanes, complementing relief efforts and empowering the tourism sector to combine and leverage resources to help the region bounce back better than before.
Donations are tax deductible where applicable and can also be made directly online at www.tourismcares.org/
For travel updates, visit www.
About the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA)
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is the Caribbean’s leading association representing tourism interests for national hotel and tourism associations. For more than 50 years, CHTA has been the backbone of the Caribbean hospitality industry. Working together with 1,000 hotel and allied members and 32 National Hotel Associations, CHTA is shaping the Caribbean’s future and helping members to grow their businesses. Whether navigating new worlds like social media, sustainability, legislative issues, emerging technologies, data and intelligence or looking for avenues and ideas to better market and manage businesses, CHTA is helping members on matters that matter most.
For further information, visit www.
The Cut Buddy to Appear on ABC’s Shark Tank
Saint Lucian Joshua Esnard to Appear on ABC’s Shark Tank on Sunday, November 12th
The Cut Buddy, a haircut and beard template company that became a viral success and #1 Best-Seller on Amazon, will appear on ABC’s hit television show Shark Tank on Sunday, November 12th at 9:00 PM EST.
Joshua Esnard, born in Saint Lucia, is the inventor and founder of The Cut Buddy. Joshua originally invented the haircut and beard-grooming tool when he was only 13 years old.
After finally deciding to patent and produce the product in 2016, while still in its “garage business” phase, a video tutorial showing how to use the product went viral and was viewed on Facebook over ten million times resulting in 4,000 sales in less than an hour. The Cut Buddy has since been featured in GQ Magazine, Forbes, Black Enterprise, The Huffington Post, and on NPR’s How I Built This Podcast.
@ABCSharkTank The Cut Buddy to appear on ABC’s Shark Tank https://t.co/qZmn2B9PYI #SharkTank #TheCutBuddy pic.twitter.com/9c5ji4eL8n
— C-Press Release (@cpressrelease) November 13, 2017
On November 12th at 9:00 PM EST on ABC, Esnard will pitch his company to the Sharks to see if any of them are willing to bite and invest in The Cut Buddy.
Website: http://www.thecutbuddy.com/
The Sharks in this episode are Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavic.
Soleil 2018 Early Start
With not a moment to rest, the Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. (ECSL) has launched its plans for Soleil 2018. In a ceremony held on Wednesday November 8 in Atlanta, Georgia, a team from Saint Lucia including Chief Executive of ECSL Thomas Leonce, Minister responsible for Tourism and Broadcasting, Dominic Fedee, and Agnes Francis, Chairperson for the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, unveiled plans for the Soleil Saint Lucia Summer of Festivals to an audience that comprised Travel Agents, Tourism Officials and other strategic partners in the United States of America.
“Understanding the value of the international markets to the sustainability of our Summer Festival, we felt it critical to launch in these regions early, while travellers are making the big decision about where to go for the summer,” comments Thomas Leonce, CEO of ECSL.
He adds, “Coming out of Soleil 2017, we are well placed to identify the opportunities to make the Soleil Summer Festival even more viable. In 2018, we can look forward to some adjustments to the calendar, a strategic recalibration of the festival elements, so to speak, to create an even more viable events product that also sets us apart as a unique tourism destination for festival lovers,” he closes.
The Soleil Summer of Festivals will feature, as its core line up the Food and Rum Festival scheduled for January 12th to 14th, Saint Lucia Jazz from May 6th – 13th, Saint Lucia Carnival from June to July 2018 followed by Roots & Soul, August 31st to September 2nd and culminating with Arts & Heritage Month in October.
Already the line-up has been confirmed for one of the leading events, Saint Lucia Jazz. This highly anticipated event has received much focus given its position as one of the most staple national events next to Saint Lucia Carnival. As such, this festival which has been given a makeover is positioned more so now as a Jazz Festival for purist Jazz lovers – a placement that differentiates it from other music festivals in the region and internationally.
“We are thrilled to see the inclusion of some of the elements that established our Jazz Festival from its inception,” notes Domnic Fedee, Minister with responsibilty for Tourism and Broadcasting. He adds “With the staging of more intimate, targeted Jazz showcases at our hotel venues, we have seen and anticipate that we can sell an experience that is sure to bring more visitors to Saint Lucia during this period. We have also considered, how the overall festival fits into the international events calendar, taking into account the traveller patterns and too the economic climate and international affairs, all of which lend to creating a product that is viable and sustainable,” he concludes.
In 2018, Saint Lucia Jazz will feature A WORLD OF JAZZ at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort from May 7. Another hotel venue is the Harbor Club, the newest addition to the Saint Lucia hotel landscape. On May 10 and May 11, the Harbor Club will host A TASTE OF BOURBON STREET, a two-night dinner set featuring Jazzmeia ‘Jazz’ Horn. Also on May 11, the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa will host THE LINCOLN CENTRE JAZZ EXPERIENCE featuring five-time Grammy Award Winner, Lalah Hathaway.
Other confirmed international acts include British vocalist and singer-songwriter, Zara McFarlane, Soloist Denys Baptiste, Haitian-American performing artist Pauline Jean, worldwide drummer, Guadeloupean Arnaud Dolmen, Cameroonian bassist Etienne Mbappé and the Prophets, Dominican guitarist Cameron Pierre and vocalist Carolyn Malachi. Also appearing is AZIZA, featuring saxophonist Chris Potter, double bassist Dave Holland, guitarist Lionel Loueke and drummer Eric Harland. Making the Saint Lucia Jazz line up as well is Alfredo Rodríguez, an internationally acclaimed Cuban jazz pianist
Saint Lucia Jazz climaxes with an eclectic showcase at the Pigeon Island National Landmark on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13 showcasing The Frantz Laurac Quartet, Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson and Friends, R + R = NOW, a world class, world-renowned combination of some of the greatest American musicians in the Jazz world including 3 time Grammy Award winning pianist Robert Glasper, rapper Terrace Martin, Trumpeter, composer and producer – Christian Scott, Derrick Hodge – Grammy Award-winning bassist, composer, record producer, and musical director; music producer, keyboardist & beat-boxer Taylor McFerrin and Justin Tyson, drummer extraordinaire.
Avery*Sunshine caps it all off with her thunderous, gospel bred pipes and heart-to-heart content.
Celebrating Saint Lucia’s Jazz icons, the Soleil Saint Lucia Jazz Festival will feature the “God Father of Jazz in Saint Lucia” Luther Francois, Barbara Cadet and Ronald Boo Hinkson.
“We are off to a great start,” notes Agnes Francis, Chairperson of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. “We are confident that we have created a brand and a product that is of the highest international standard. A brand and a product that will excite our international audiences enticing them to come to Saint Lucia to experience world-class entertainment seasoned with a blend of Saint Lucian hospitality, cultural authenticity and exquisite island beauty,” she concludes.
The Saint Lucian contingent continues on their way to New York and will, over the next few weeks, visit the United Kingdom and Canada where they will launch this international Soleil Saint Lucia Summer Festival 2018 – Promotional Campaign.
Full details about Soleil – the Summer of Festivals can be found at http://www.stlucia.org/summerfestival.
For more information about the island of Saint Lucia, call 1-800-456-3984, or 1-888 4STLUCIA or visit http://www.stlucia.org/.
CARICOM / CUBA ink second Trade and Economic Agreement
For the second time around, CARICOM has committed to economic ties with the Republic of Cuba with the signing of the second Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement, at the opening of the 45th regular session of the Council for Trade and Economic Development held at the Marriot Hotel, Georgetown today.
The first trade and economic cooperation agreement was signed back in July 2000 and provided for, among other things, the promotion and expansion of trade in goods and services by means of free access to the markets of the Parties; elimination of non-tariff barriers to trade; the establishment of a system of Rules of Origin; and the harmonisation of technical and sanitary and phyto-sanitary measures.
The agreement signed today between CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and Cuba’s Ambassador to CARICOM, Julio César González, seeks to expand the preferential market access into each other’s market and signals the prospects for even stronger and more profound trade and economic ties.
According to the CARICOM Secretariat, the Protocol is a further demonstration of the commitment of both sides in advancing the trade and economic relationship that was established many years ago, providing possibilities for investment.
The Protocol also seeks to imbue in the CARICOM private sector, in particular, an urgency to access the Cuban market utilising the preferences provided under the original Agreement itself.
The Protocol offers:
- Expanded preferential market access (i.e. duty-free access) offered by Cuba to CARICOM countries on a list of approximately three hundred and twenty-six (326) items which include meat, fish, dairy produce, fruits and vegetables, beer, rum, cement, soaps, articles of apparel and clothing.
- Approximately fifty (5o) items on which immediate duty-free access will be granted and a list of twenty-two (22) items on which differentiated treatment, including phased reduction of duty, which CAR1COM MDCs will grant to Cuba. Products included in the CARICOM duty-free offer to Cuba are fish, pharmaceutical products, fertilisers, articles of iron and steel, electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof.
Having regard to the fact that CARICOM already has an existing Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement with Cuba, it would be in the interest of both parties to ensure that the expansion of preferential access into each other’s market, provided for under the second protocol to the agreement.
CARICOM said it is committed to further deepening and strengthening its partnership with Cuba as new opportunities are sought to expand its trade and investment relationship.
“The signing of this Protocol is critical to that process. The Region, therefore, welcomes the formal signing of the Protocol and looks forward to the dynamism in trade which it heralds,” a missive from CARICOM said.
Regional Chairpersons are accountable to the people
Regional Chairpersons are accountable to the people – Minister Bulkan.
Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan has criticised Regional Chairpersons, who continue to boycott meetings, events and even visits by the Head of State to their respective regions.
His comment was made on Wednesday at the National Day of Villages held at Den Amstel, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region 3), where he expressed disappointment at the non-attendance of Regional Chairman, Julius Faerber at the event.
The Minister highlighted that just a week prior, during a visit to Mabaruma, Barima- Waini (Region One), by President David Granger, the Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley was absent.
“Our Regional Chairpersons are going in the wrong direction, they seem to be developing a pattern of follow-the-leader, but I would like to urge and caution them that their responsibilities are to the residents of their region,” the Minister said.
He further noted that if these Chairpersons choose not to engage and participate in official events, they are doing a disservice to the residents of the regions. Despite this, Minister Bulkan has assured residents that Central Government, together with the Regional Administration will ensure that development continues there.
The Regional Executive Officer (REO), Denis Jaikaran during his remarks at the celebration gave his commitment to working fully with Government to address matters of importance to the region.
The Communities Minister is adamant that change is coming, since all nine mayors, including the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Mayors of Corriverton, Rose Hall, and Anna Regina attended a recent seminar hosted by the ministry. He believes that the local leaders are beginning to recognise that they are accountable to the residents in their towns and not to persons who do not have their best interests at heart.
“Change is happening, though I dare say, there’s no one size that fits all. Given all that we are seeing and with regard to non-cooperation many may question, why is this Administration so committed to decentralisation, why not keep all the power to itself as many have done, after all, it came with many other advantages,” Minister Bulkan noted.
In this regard, the Minister said it is in recognition of the divided nature of the country Government believes that if all the power is concentrated centrally, then the problem would be exacerbated. Respecting the authority of the local organs, he said is rejecting “winner takes all” politics.
He said it is a key part of Government’s plan of building a brighter future for all.
Civil Aviation Authority advises on the use of Drones
The Ministry of National Security wishes to advise that the National Day of Remembrance will be observed on Sunday 12 November, 2017. In this regard, the public is reminded that the Port of Spain area has been designated as a NO FLY ZONE for the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) commonly referred to as Drones.
This advisory is in keeping with the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Act and the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority Regulations (TTCARs).
The public is asked to observe the following:
- Drones should not be operated in any open air function or over any mass public gathering.
- Drones should not be flown at a height greater than 121 metres or 400 feet above the ground.
- Drones should not be operated in a manner that may endanger persons or property.
- Drones should not be operated within 5 kilometres from any manned aircraft operations including the boundary of the Piarco and ANR Robinson International Airports.
The public is therefore asked to desist from operating drones in the PORT-OF-SPAIN area as well as other designated areas as published on the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority website https://caa.gov.tt/unmanned-aircraft-systems-uas-drones/
TTRA facts on the proposed implementation
Facts on the Proposed Implementation of the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority ( TTRA ).
The Ministry of Finance wishes to address some of the concerns surrounding the establishment of the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA).
Over the past few months, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, the Honourable Allyson West, along with other officials of the Ministry held several discussions with the staff of the Inland Revenue Division (IRD) and the Customs and Excise Division (C&ED) on the proposed implementation of the TTRA.
Please find below some of the frequently asked questions and the responses:
Q: Will the employment of staff be secure?
A: YES! All workers, including established, temporary, contract and daily paid, will have the option to move to the TTRA or remain in the public service on no less favourable terms and conditions. Workers who choose not to go to the TTRA will be redeployed into the Public Service.
Q: What will be the nature of the employment relationship in the TTRA?
A: Persons engaged by the TTRA will be employees of the TTRA and will enjoy the full rights and entitlements of employees under all the relevant laws of Trinidad and Tobago.
Q: Will staff be entitled to leave?
A: All employees of the TTRA will be entitled to leave in accordance with our Labour Laws, this includes, vacation, maternity and sick leave.
Q: What will happen to the pension of the current staff of the IRD and the C&ED?
A: All pension rights will be preserved. Pension entitlement will be computed up to the date of transition into the TTRA. Upon retiring from the TTRA, pension benefits will be based on the cumulative service in the public service and the TTRA.
Q: How will assignments to TTRA be determined?
A: Employees will be put in a position commensurate with their skills, knowledge and experience. All staff have been invited to complete the HR forms which will assist in ensuring that workers are placed in positions that best match their skills set.
Q: What will happen with payment of overtime to staff?
A: Should staff be required to work overtime, they will be paid for same.
Q: How would contract officers be affected?
A: Contract workers will have the same option to transfer to the TTRA. Those persons who do not wish to be transferred, will be redeployed into the Public Service.
Q: Will VSEP be offered?
A: No, VSEP will not be offered as all employees will be redeployed to the TTRA or throughout the public service.
Q: What can workers look forward to with the TTRA?
A: The TTRA will be an organisation employees can be proud of and can look forward to:-
– Job enrichment
– Improved working environment
– Improved training opportunities
– Reduced bureaucracy in hiring, appointments and promotions
– Promotional opportunities based on merit
– Greater accountability
– Pension rights
– Reward for good performance on the organisational and individual levels
Q: Would staff be able to join a union?
A: Employees of the TTRA will enjoy the Right of Freedom of Association and the Right to Collective Bargaining in keeping with the Laws of Trinidad and Tobago and International Labour Standards.
Q: Why TTRA?
A: The national and international nature of tax administration has changed and we need an organisation that is flexible and responsive to those changes to ensure that we have an effective tax management system for the benefit of all citizens in Trinidad and Tobago. Successive governments have attempted to improve tax administration within the present system with only very limited success.
Q: IRD is perceived as having failed its mandate- why wouldn’t TTRA fail?
A: In developing the design for the TTRA, the Ministry has conducted extensive benchmarking research to ensure the model is appropriate for Trinidad and Tobago. The TTRA will also have robust compliance and collections plans which will ensure the effective management of the TTRA. It is necessary at this time to have a Revenue Authority that will:
– Promote an equitable, fair and just tax system
– Provide value for money
Q: Research shows that many revenue authorities have failed, why should TTRA be any different?
A: Research would also show that many have succeeded beyond expectations. In our benchmarking of good practice, we have identified the common success factors and the pitfalls to avoid.
Discussions and engagement with all stakeholders, including staff are ongoing.
Media Launch for Steel Expressions – International
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce has partnered with Mr. Rodney Small and the production team of Steel Expressions – International. The Event is scheduled to take place on Saturday 30th December, at the Arnos Vale Playing Field from 6:00 p.m., and would feature international culture, cuisine and fashion.
The Ministry wishes to inform all concerned, that there will be a media launch for the event on Monday 13th November, from 10:30 a.m. at the Grenadine House. Honourable Sir Louis Straker, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce, will be present, and will elaborate on the support of the Ministry in this initiative.
In addition, there will be a Sponsor Lime at the Sunset Shores Hotel on Friday 24th November, 2017 from 7:00 p.m.
An invitation is therefore extended to all media houses in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to provide coverage of both events.
FCCA and CTO Competition winners
On Friday, Nov. 3, the Ministry of Tourism held a ceremony celebrating the success of Saint Lucian students at two regional tourism competitions.
Alex Gustave of the Leon Hess Comprehensive School won the FCCA Essay Competition, while the CTO Youth Congress speech competition winner is Francis Alexander of the Choiseul Secondary School.
Alexander, on Friday, delivered a sample of his winning presentation.
“Saint Lucia Simply Beautiful is truly the gem of the Caribbean and while we have traditionally followed the brick and mortar model of accommodation today I present you with Rejuvenation Treetopia, a new and innovative concept in harmony with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, specifically goals number 8, 10 and 13.”
Francis Alexander, who is now named junior tourism minister of the CTO, took part in the National Tourism Public Speaking Competition sponsored by LUCELEC, preceding the regional event.
The Minister of Tourism Hon. Dominic Fedee was very gracious in his praise for all the participating students.
“I am most proud of all of your efforts and all of your accomplishments. Your victories are a tremendous symbol of the wealth and the talent that we have in Saint Lucia at the Secondary School level and how interested you are as young people in our fastest growing industry.”
Minister Fedee also urged the students to begin to see tourism as a career option or the possibility for entrepreneurship.
“A lot of people are of the view that incentives are only for big companies, but that is really far from the truth. If you have an attraction, if you have a small hotel, once you have more than six rooms you do qualify regardless of who you are. So it’s just for us to continue promoting this to tell people that they can get involved.”
During the ceremony which was held at the conference room of the Ministry of Tourism, certificates and cheques were presented to the winners, Alex Gustave and Francis Alexander, as well as FCCA poster competition finalists Alisha Louisy and Kaysanne Lennox of the St. Joseph’s Convent.
Certificates of Excellence in Tourism Education were also presented to the participants by the SLHTA.
