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Getting “Smart” on Juvenile Justice

Getting “Smart” on Juvenile Justice

An effective Juvenile Justice System requires ongoing training of the professionals in the system – a view supported by the Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Beijing Rules.

In this effort, the Judicial Education Institute (JEI) of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court is collaborating with the OECS Commission’s, Juvenile Justice Reform Project (JJRP2) to host a training workshop for Judges and Magistrates of the OECS in the area of Juvenile Justice Reform from October 30 – November 1, 2017 in St. Lucia.

Judges and Magistrates in particular require knowledge to understand their role in the system and to strengthen their capacity to utilize alternative sentences and restorative justice solutions for Juvenile Offenders.
While most Judges and Magistrates, as key professionals in the system, have received training in the past in the area of juvenile justice at various levels, due to turnover in the judiciary and the need for continuous professional development training in this area is always relevant.
The training will focus on, inter alia:

  • child development;
  • mental health and risk assessment;
  • the UN Convention on the rights of the child and other international agreements for juvenile justice systems;
  • the Child Justice Bill/Act;
  • diversion; and
  • alternative Sentencing.

The advent of Phase 1 of the Juvenile Justice Reform Project, which had Legislative Reform as one of its four objectives, and Phase 2, which focuses on the implementation of key aspects of the reform legislation, makes ongoing training a necessity to effectuate the reform measures therein.
The workshop is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Juvenile Justice Reform Project (JJRP2).
Facilitators of the training include various professionals in the discipline of child development, legal and social services.
Read More: OECS Juvenile Justice Reform Programme
Read More: USAID Juvenile Justice Reform Project (JJRP) Supports Partners in Mental Health

Saint Lucian Pastor Authors Eyewitness Chronicle of Catastrophic 1938 Landslide

Saint Lucian Pastor Authors Eyewitness Chronicle of Catastrophic 1938 Landslide

In his new book, “An Incredible Story of The Worst Landslide Disaster in the History of Saint Lucia,” Reverend Leonard Laurencin tells the story of how his father survived what’s considered to be the most devastating catastrophe in the island’s history—the landslide of November 1938, in which ninety-six residents lost their lives. The book’s official launch, open to the public, will take place on Sunday, November 5, 2017, at 4:00 PM, at Advent Fellowship of Brooklyn, 1666 Bergen Street.

Pastor Laurencin, whose father narrowly escaped death three times within two days, details the riveting narrative surrounding the tragic events of November 21-22, 1938, when unexpected heavy rainfall caused extensive flooding and landslides between Castries and Dennery, as well as at L’Abbaye, Ravine Poisson, Ravine Chicole, and Ravine Ecrivisse. The worst of the landslides occurred on the morning of November 21, 2017 in Ravine Poisson, after a significant chunk of a mountain located on the western side of the ravine collapsed. This, in turn, sent an explosion of liquid clay that flowed like lava for three to four hundred yards, burying everything in its path—roads, bridges, and entire plantations. It later became known as the Ravine Passion Disaster.

Pastor Laurencin, a first time author, says the book is a historical document with the potential to connect the tragedy’s victims back to their roots in Africa. Founder of Advent Fellowship Church of Brooklyn, where the launch will be held, he, along with his congregation, is actively involved in ministries throughout the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora working to support creative endeavors of this nature.

Pastor Laurencin will be signing copies of his book at the launch, which are priced at $20.00 apiece.

H.E. Cosmos Richardson, Saint Lucia’s Permanent Representative to United Nations, and Jeremiah Hyacinth, Vice Consul of the Consulate General of Saint Lucia, will be among a host of dignitaries, clergy, and community members attending Sunday’s event.

For more details regarding the upcoming launch of “An Incredible Story of The Worst Landslide Disaster in the History of Saint Lucia,” please contact Pastor Laurencin, at laurencin7@hotmail.com, or 347.424.5707.

Tropical Cyclones Activity in Our Region

Tropical Cyclones

NEMO and the National Met Service hereby inform the general public that as at 2:00 p.m., showers and thunderstorms associated with a broad Area of Low Pressure (93L) located over the northwestern Caribbean Sea are beginning to show signs of organization. The broad Area of Low Pressure (93L) has a medium to high chance of development into a tropical cyclone within the next 48 hours. Conditions are expected to be conducive, and a tropical depression or tropical storm is likely to form later today or Saturday as the system moves northward over the north-western Caribbean Sea before turning north eastward by late Saturday. The Area of Low Pressure (93L) is currently located east of Belize near 17.5 North Latitude and 84.5 West Longitude. The models are all in consensus for this potential system to move northwards and then north-eastward away from Belize. It is currently moving slowly northward towards Jamaica and Cuba, and is forecasted to continue track towards the Bahamas over the weekend. At this time the Area of Low Pressure (93L) DOES NOT pose a threat to Belize. Most of the heavy winds and rains are on the eastern side of the system, over the sea.
NEMO and the National Met Service are also monitoring Tropical Storm SELMA in the south-eastern Pacific Ocean. SELMA is expected to churn north-ward this weekend and to move over Guatemala and threaten parts of Central America with deadly flash floods. SELMA is expected to make landfall Saturday
near the border of El Salvador and Guatemala. If the storm tracks farther to the west into central or western Guatemala, near to but not to crossing over Belize, landfall may not occur until later in the afternoon or evening. While the warm Pacific Ocean may allow SELMA to become slightly stronger, its short time over these waters is expected to prevent rapid intensification. Flooding, rain and mudslides are likely to threaten lives and property in parts of Central America, regardless of SELMA’s strength.
Moreover, moisture ahead of this system will cause our weather to become moist and unstable giving way to an increase in showers over most areas but more so over central and southern Belize. As much as 4-8 inches of rain is expected over El Salvador and eastern Guatemala, of which some could affect central and southern Belize. There is a potential for flood in the south and other flood prone areas during Saturday night into early Sunday morning. Over the weekend, people, especially in central and southern Belize need to be prepared for possible heavy rainfall and flash floods. Also, historically around this time
tropical cyclones have known to be unpredictable.
FLOOD TIPS: Keep drains clean. DO NOT swim and play in flood waters, fast flowing water six inches high can sweep you off your feet. People in low-lying areas are always advised, as necessary, to move to shelter in higher grounds. Stay away from rivers and streams. DO NOT attempt to cross flooded rivers.
DO NOT touch electrical fixtures and equipment when in flood waters. Turn off power at the main switch box before your home is flooded. Drivers are reminded to exercise caution when driving in wet conditions; reduce speed, put on your low beam and hazard lights. It is not advisable to drive through flood waters.
NEMO’s Emergency Coordinators can be reached as follows:
 Corozal, Mr.Williard Levy at 623 0237;
 Orange Walk, Ms. Suliema Celiz at 605 5046, or Mr. Aragon at 636 6094;
 Belize District, Mr. Lionel Tillett at 6154834 and Mr. Kevin Pollard at 621 2275;
 San Pedro, Ms. Vanessa Parham at 632 3698;
 Belize City, Ms.Timrose Augustine at 600 8672 and Councillor Philip Willoughby at 615 9793;
 Belmopan, Ms. Clare Moody at 630 9791;
 Cayo, Mr. Al Westby at 630 3224 or Mr. Johnny Ramclam at 625 2526;
 Stann Creek, Mr. Keith Emmanuel at 615 9711; and
 Toledo, Mr. Kenton Parham at 630 9787.
 The NEMO Emergency Hotline is 936.
NEMO AND THE NATIONAL MET SERVICE OF BELIZE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR BOTH SYSTEMS. THE PUBLIC IS ADVISED NOT TO ACT ON RUMOURS IN RESPONSE TO THE SITUATION.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines 38th anniversary of Independence

The flag of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Parade to mark St. Vincent and the Grenadines 38th anniversary of Independence.

YCN donates over US$1 Million in medical supplies to Dominica

YCN

Your Caribbean Nation ( YCN ) Donates over US$1 Million in Medical Supplies to Dominica.

Your Caribbean Nation (YCN) is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to assisting the Caribbean through Medical Missions as a result of natural disasters. The medical team is scheduled to arrive in Dominica on October 28th through November 4th to provide much needed healthcare service and medication.

YCN

The current focus of the group is to bring licensed medical personnel to diagnose and treat individuals, and transport life-saving medication to Dominica. The Organisation conducted their 1st trip on September 30th to October 7th. During that time, a team of 32 health professionals saw over 800 patients in 32 villages and transported over 40,000 medical supplies. After realizing the ongoing needs, they decided to do another.This current mission has 14 medical personnel including doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, a firefighter and first responder. Areas of specialities include:

  1. Critical Care
  2. Dialysis
  3. Trauma
  4. Medical/Surgical 4
  5. NICU/PICU
  6. Emergency Response 

In addition to thier missions, YCN is working on ongoing shipments of medication medical equipment and medical supplies.The medical supply donations totalling a value of USD$1,162,843.79 will be sent to Dominica once funding for shipping is allocated.The vast majority of patients being treated at mobile clinics which were very effective for individuals unable to access healthcare facilities.
The Organisation is raising funds towards the purchase of at least one mobile clinic van (MCV) to be donated to Dominica with an ultimate goal of having four MCVs available to service district areas such as Marigot-NE, Portsmouth-NW, Roseau-SW, and La Plaine-SE. The MCVs would provide free healthcare to the citizens of Dominica by treating and delivering prescribed medications at the same time of their visit. Not only would the mobile clinic vans allow for the servicing of more persons but they would provide employment for local healthcare staff as well as help overseas volunteer healthcare providers efficiently deliver care for the citizens of Dominica.
YCN has been in contact with investors who are interested in assisting in rebuilding the hurricane-proof hospitals and need the correct point of contacts to help facilitate this project. The investors are informed about the Roseau, Portsmouth and Marigot hospital status. They are very eager to be involved with the government to help facilitate the needs of the country.
The Organation also proposed to add a minor emergency center in the southeastern district, near the River Cyrique area. The closest access to care for the southeastern district is at the Princess Margaret Hospital located in the capital city of Roseau which is a significant and hindering distance away for most.
YCN List
If you are willing to assist, YCN comprises of four board members:

  1. Dr. Anne-Marie Johnrose-Brown – Board Medical Director
    Email: ajohnrosebrown@yahoo.com
    Contact: (917)225-5692
  2. Tasha Roberts, MS, APRN, AGACNP-BC – Founder and President
    Email: yourcaribbeannation@gmail.com
    Contact: 713-530-4876
  3. Shanita Scotland, RN-CLNC – Board Director
    Email: shanita.scotland@gmail.com
    Contact: 917-373-9767
  4. Sandy Bellot – Board Project Manager
    Email: bellot.sandy@gmail.com
    Contact: 281-788-3519

Caribbean Voice : Amplifying Caribbean Voices through Citizen Journalism

Caribbean Voice

“ Caribbean Voice ” : Amplifying Caribbean Voices through Citizen Journalism” launched as the Caribbean rebuilds post Irma and Maria.

Caribbean Voice: The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has partnered with Covela Foundation to rally citizen journalists across the region as the Caribbean moves into its rebuilding phase post Irma and Maria.

Caribbean Voice

The program, called “ Caribbean Voice ” is a call to Citizen Journalists and enthusiasts across the Caribbean and abroad. The program aims to partner with like-minded journalists and media houses by curating post-storm citizen stories with a focus on challenges, hope, heroism, community, resilience and recovery recommendations. The project spans all media types: text, videos, or photos, that speaks to how the Caribbean is progressing in its recovery efforts, highlighting areas of need and most importantly, demonstrating the spirit of community and resilience.Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the Commission in giving his perspective on the project said:

“These past weeks have been truly eye opening for me. Out of the tragedy seems to have come a positive evolution in the sub region’s media landscape. Armed with smartphones, social media and storytelling with a distinctively Caribbean style, I have seen “newscasts” being broadcast from seemingly every quarter.  We want to create a platform for authentic voices to speak to their realities while ensuring that fact checking strengthens that authenticity.”

Rhea Yaw Ching, Executive Director of Covela Foundation, and longtime promoter of local digital content said:

“We are pleased to be spearheading this significant initiative and even more grateful to our foundation media partners: Global Voices, Loop, Truly Caribbean and Senseo Digital Agency.” She continued, “Out of these recent storms, we have an ideal opportunity to expand the ecosystem of indigenous digital Caribbean content as well as create content that accelerates the efficiency and effectiveness of Caribbean governance.”

Participation in the program is open to all. Persons are invited to post, or repost stories, videos, photographs or music over the next few months to the newly created Facebook Page called @ourcaribbeanvoice.
In order to maintain the integrity of the content the following guidelines should be used:

  1. A hashtag showing the country of origin;
  2. A hashtag showing the community (where applicable);
  3. A hashtag indicating the hurricane responsible for the devastation (where applicable); and
  4. Additional hashtags showing the Caribbean Spirit:
    • #OneCaribbean,
    • #CaribbeanHope and
    • #CaribbeanStrong.

Additional information should include:

  1. Date or Date Range
  2. Time (where applicable)
  3. Name (for attribution)

Sea Egg, crayfish harvesting and sale prohibited

Sea Egg, crayfish harvesting and sale prohibited

The Department of Fisheries reminds vendors, consumers, and the general public that the sea egg and crayfish fishery remains CLOSED.
River crayfish continues to be threatened by the illegal use of poisonous substances as a common means of harvesting. As such, an extended close season (moratorium) on the harvesting and sale of wild-caught prawns or river crayfish remains in effect.
It is therefore illegal to remove from the rivers of Saint Lucia, expose for sale, sell, purchase, or at any time have river-caught crayfish in one’s possession. Persons are encouraged to purchase farmed shrimps or prawns from aquaculture farmers. Farmed shrimp/prawns, when alive, are easily recognized by their large blue pincers (gandi) which are not present in river crayfish.
In addition, recent assessments conducted of the sea egg population revealed very low numbers. This may be due to a number of factors including siltation, unfavorable sea conditions, reduced number of juveniles, and illegal harvesting during the closed season. Although persons may observe a few sea eggs in some locations, harvesting at this time is likely to prevent the increase in the population of the sea eggs to acceptable levels for an open fishery in the future.
The public is urged to report the sale of crayfish and sea eggs at public or Jounen Kwéyòl events. Anyone found contravening the Fisheries Regulations can be fined a maximum of $5000 per offence.

Saint Lucian Music website launched

Saint Lucian Music

The Saint Lucia Trade and Export Agency (TEPA) have launched Music Saint Lucia, an online marketing platform aimed at exporting Saint Lucian music to the world.
Website address: http://musicsaintlucia.com/
The website was launched on Oct. 24, at the Ministry of Infrastructure in Union. The initiative is the result of recommendations from TEPA’s recently completed Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Market Access Consultancy, aimed at enhancing Saint Lucia’s trading environment and export capabilities.
TEPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Jacqueline Emmanuel Flood, hopes that Saint Lucian musicians will embrace the website—a one stop location where the rest of the world have an avenue to source the best Saint Lucian artistes.
“We have witnessed a rise of our established musicians taking the stage at The White House and the Super Bowl. We have seen the acceptance and adoration of Saint Lucian Kuduru, which we affectionately call the Dennery Segment. We have been able to break into the soca market to ensure we have people on the soca stage in Trinidad and Tobago. But this is just the tip of the iceberg in relation to what Saint Lucia’s true potential is,” Mrs. Flood said. “It is up to us to galvanize our efforts to bring Saint Lucian music to the world. We hope that Music Saint Lucia is that platform. When someone is looking for talent to headline an event or when we google Music Saint Lucia, let us ensure that all our musicians are found.”
Deputy Permeant Secretary at the Ministry of Social Justice and Culture, Dawn French, encouraged all artistes to register themselves and their bands on the website. “Now agents, managers, and event planners can become familiar with the work of Saint Lucian artists with the aim of fostering future partnerships. Therefore, the Department of Culture encourages Saint Lucian artists to register on the website and make your industry your top priority. You are at the centre of this websit, experienced and instrumental in keeping this website a reality,” Ms. French said.

Opposition leader holds a Dominica diplomatic passport

opposition leader holds diplomatic passport of Dominica.

Government seeks legal advice as investigation reveals opposition leader holds diplomatic passport of Dominica.

Further investigations into the Dr. Denzil Douglas passport matter by the Team Unity-led Administration have found that the former prime minister, now Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, is indeed a holder of a diplomatic passport issued by the Commonwealth of Dominica on July 30th, 2015, bearing the number DP0000462.
That diplomatic passport also lists Dr. Douglas’ nationality as Dominican.
This confirmation was made by St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, who also stated that Dr. Denzil Douglas has used this diplomatic passport on several of his foreign trips in the Caribbean and beyond.
Addressing the nation during a press conference held today, Wednesday, October 25, 2017, Prime Minister Harris said this matter raises a serious legal question as to whether or not the Leader of the Opposition is qualified to be a Representative in the National Assembly.
“Having regard to the foregoing evidential matrix and more, and in pursuit of the public interest, and I dare say its duty, the Government has sought a legal opinion on the results of the investigation so far. I want, for example, to refer to Section 28 of the Constitution, the supreme law of the land, and that section [states] that a person shall not be qualified to be elected as a Representative of the National Assembly if he or she is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state,” the St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister said while adding thaqt, “This constitutionally-entrenched qualification has been further codified by the National Assembly Elections Act, the act of Parliament passed pursuant to the constitutional grant of power to our Parliament.”
In light of the findings of the investigation, and in its efforts to protect the interests of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris revealed that his Government is “in the process of finalizing an application to the High Court seeking declarations that the Leader of the Opposition is no longer eligible to continue sitting as a Representative in the National Assembly, and that he should be required to vacate his seat.”
During his tenure as prime minister, Dr. Denzil Douglas strongly opposed the notion of elected parliamentary representatives holding dual citizenship, and in 2009, played an instrumental role in bringing several pieces of legislation to Parliament that amended the National Assembly Elections Act.
Now, Prime Minister Harris said the fact that the former prime minister has been found to be the holder of a diplomatic passport of another country also raises several fundamental questions that have yet to be answered by the Opposition Leader.
Dr. Harris continued, “The people of this country call upon Dr. Denzil Douglas to tell the full and unvarnished truth of his standing with the government of Dominica. Is he a paid diplomat and, if yes, how much is he being paid? On how many visits, if any, has he accompanied officials of Dominica on or represented the Government of Dominica on? Will Douglas put personal avarice and self interests above his duty as a Member of Parliament and as the Leader of the Opposition of St. Kitts and Nevis? Has he been promoting, marketing, and soliciting development projects on behalf of Dominica and any other country for that matter at the expense of St. Kitts and Nevis – the country he is pining to lead again? Has he offered the database of our Citizenship by Investment Programme to any other country?”
Recognizing the importance of loyalty, Prime Minister Harris categorically stated that he holds no other passports than those properly issued to him by the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, “and I never have and never will hold allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign state or power.”

No Travel Advisory by British Government on T&T

No Travel Advisory by British Government on T&T

The Ministry of National Security wishes to advise that articles that have appeared in the electronic media in respect of an advisory issued by the British Government to its nationals about Trinidad and Tobago, is not based on any new alert state that has been directed by that Government to its nationals visiting Trinidad and Tobago.
The British Government has assessed the threat situation in approximately 128 countries globally, and there is no new threat level update which has been issued on Trinidad and Tobago by the UK since its last release in August 2017.
Despite speculation that Trinidad and Tobago nationals who might have journeyed to the Middle East to join ISIS and other groups may want to return to Trinidad and Tobago, the Government wishes to assure its citizens and visitors alike that Trinidad and Tobago takes the fight against global terrorism seriously. The Government is therefore continuously taking all necessary measures, which include close collaboration with its foreign partners, to combat the threat.

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