Year 54 NO. 38BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, W.I. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH, 2012 EC$2.00

At The Pumps This Weekend Maximum Price ULG per gal 23/11/11 DELTA $16.37 / SOL $14.11 / TEXACO $15.91 EventsEvents forfor visitvisit Police reports double digit decrease in reported ofof RoyalRoyal CoupleCouple serious crimes BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS announcedannounced (CUOPM) – The St. Christopher BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (CUOPM) – Greeting the public, naming and Nevis Police of the National Park, visits to Brimstone Hill, the Children’s Home, the Force is reporting Children’s Ward at the Joseph N. France General Hospital and a decrease in the Government House, and a State Dinner are the major events to be total number of undertaken by the Earl and Countess of Wessex, during the Royal Visit reported to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis early next month. incidences of crime in 2011 compared with the previous year. Police Commissioner Mr. C. G. Walwyn said statistics revealed that Commissioner of Police Mr. C. G. Walwyn during the recent inspection of the ranks at there was a 14.3 the Police Training School. (Willett’s Photo) percent reduction of serious crimes recorded. overall compared with the Walwyn, who pointed out that the “On our sister island of Nevis previous year 2010. However, the law enforcement agency is also there was a 5.5% increase in the detection rate in District C, Nevis total number of crime reported Division stands at 47.4%,” said Mr. (cont’d on page 2)

CARICOM and Haiti sign MOU following mission

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, The Special representative of would wish CARICOM to work (CUOPM) – CARICOM Secretary- the Heads of Government on Haiti, General His Excellency the Most Honourable PJ Patterson (cont’d on page 2) Ambassador Irwin LaRocque and was also a member of the Haiti’s Foreign Minister, His delegation. PAGE 02 Excellency Laurent Lamothe have The delegation met with His signed a Memorandum of Excellency Michel Martelly, PAM continues to Understanding identifying a President of Haiti and there was clamour for public number of areas in which agreement that the support of CARICOM can assist Haiti. CARICOM was of vital importance disodeR, violence The signing of the MOU came for Haiti, and for the Community and lawlessness. at the end of the two-day Mission itself. Among the areas agreed (SEE EDITORIAL) to Haiti by the Bureau of Heads of upon are: capacity building in Government of CARICOM led by government agencies for Chairman His Excellency Desi investment; technical assistance COMMENTARY The stop in St. Kitts and Nevis on March 3rd by Their Royal Bouterse, President of Suriname. in education, agriculture, public BY Highnesses Princes Edward and Countess Sophie is part of a Caribbean The Rt. Honourable Dr. Denzil health, transportation, tourism * THE THINKING CITIZEN tour to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. L. Douglas, Prime Minister of St. among others and youth exchange * VIEW POINT Government House has announced that Prince and the Countess Kitts and Nevis; the Honourable initiatives. * REV.CANON PERCIVAL Princess will disembark at Port Zante and will be greeted by His Excellency Phillip Pierre, Deputy Prime CARICOM says at a press * EARL CLARKE the Governor General, Dr. Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, who will introduce the Minister of Saint Lucia, conference on Tuesday afternoon, * SOTTO VOCE Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas. representing his Prime Minister Dr. President Bouterse said the visit Prime Minister Douglas will then introduce his Federal Cabinet as the Honourable Kenny Anthony had been most rewarding as the well as the Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry, who will introduce and Secretary-General LaRocque Bureau had heard from the were the other members of the President, the cabinet, the private (cont’d on page 3) Bureau on the mission. sector, and parliament how they 2 - OPINION / LOCAL NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 St. Kitts And Nevis Youth Directors

THE SPOKESMAN - ESTABLISHED MAY 1957 Exchange Best Practices Published by: The St. Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union Basseterre, St. Kitts, February to form.” participate in Youth Month 16, 2012 (SKNIS): The Federation’s Ag. Managing Editor: Dawud Byron Director Hanley briefed his activities celebrated in April in youth stand to benefit from an counterpart on the 25 Most Nevis. He expressed an interest in Masses House, Church Street enhanced relationship being Remarkable Teen awards which learning more about the NIA’s P.O Box 239 . Basseterre . St. Kitts . West Indies pursued by the Department of was introduced last year in St. Summer Job Attachment Tel: (1 869) 465-2229 <> Fa: (1 869) 466-9866 Youth Empowerment on St. Kitts Kitts. The youth recognition Programme which has produced Email: [email protected] and the Social Services programme, which honours non- many success stories over the last Website: www.labourspokesman.com Department in Nevis. traditional accomplishments, is nine years. The six-week Director of Youth being expanded to Nevis this year. programme facilitates internship Empowerment Geoffrey Hanley Ms. Pemberton explained that she opportunities for 4th to 6th form and the Youth Services was very impressed with the students providing practical Coordinator in the Nevis Island initiative and was eager to work experience for the working world. Editorial Administration (NIA) Diana with stakeholders in identifying A work exchange initiative is Pemberton, exchanged ideas and suitable candidates. being explored between the youth information on various initiatives Mr. Hanley thanked Ms. staff from both islands which will being carried out by their Pemberton for her commitment to deepen linkages and facilitate a Eternal respective agencies during a strengthen the relationship better understanding of related meeting in Basseterre on Tuesday between both entities and eagerly issues. (February 14). accepted an invitation to Ms. Pemberton told SKNIS that the meeting “went well” and vigilance is the highlighted a number of areas of mutual interest targeted for greater cooperation. Youth entrepreneurship was discussed in price of peace depth. Increasing community service was another critical issue Prior to the advent of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) politics considered. in this country was for the most part a gentlemanly affair. Different sides “Volunteerism is on the decline vigorously contested elections, following which those involved on both islands,” Ms. Pemberton continued to be respectful and civil towards each other, and the citizens stated. “We are trying to get continued their daily living as members of one large family. persons to actually give up their PAM introduced violence into our politics. Let us all remember this. time for the youth, give up their From their platforms they loudly and unreservedly encouraged people time for afterschool programmes, SKNIS Photo: Director of Youth Empowerment Geoffrey Hanley and to “break the law”, which is quite different from protesting a particular give up their time for the activities the Youth Services Coordinator Diana Pemberton, met in Basseterre Act of Parliament, which everyone has the right to do at various times, and the many groups we are trying on Tuesday (February 14). according to their political points of view. Throughout their history they have always incited their supporters to indulge in such activities as “buss Labour people as..” and have are going the wrong way, TURN BACK. having earlier in the same article written about boasted of having “Force 10” from Cayon to deal with Labour people. One of the most saddening aspects of all this is Gaddafi ‘stopping a bullet with his head’. This is all It is also to be remembered that they always boasted of having the the fact that, after all these years, PAM has not so characteristic of PAM, the party of armed Police on their side. improved. To the contrary, they have become even violence. In 1965 (when they came into being) and 1966 they played on the worse. It also illustrates another favourite ploy of PAM, honest and well meaning desire of many of our citizens who felt that Having tasted stinging defeats at the hands of namely encouraging our people to leave their land. they wanted to see a better opposition in the country than what there Labour, four times in a row, and being well on the road What was done to Colonel Gaddafi is exactly had been up to that point in time. They whipped themselves and others to becoming irrelevant, they have become so desperate what they wanted to do to Mr Bradshaw and Mr into a frenzy and became convinced that they were popular and politically that they have gone overboard with their vitriolic Southwell in 1967. It is an established fact that they well supported. attacks on the Prime Minister. For years they have had plans to tie both gentlemen behind a land rover In the Elections of 1966 Labour, under Mr Bradshaw’s leadership, been trying to demonise him as they did with Mr and drag them through the streets of Basseterre, gave them a whipping that they have never forgotten. Bradshaw - The same old same old. after which they would have decapitated them, all At home and abroad they had made numerous promises and given because Mr Bradshaw and Mr Southwell were so certain undertakings on which they then found themselves unable to PAM: The Party of armed violence beloved by the people and much too politically deliver. They had so convinced themselves and others of a stunning What is of grave concern and moment is their powerful for PAM to have ever been able to defeat victory over Labour that the results of the elections left them STUNNED, incessant clamouring for disorder, violence and them at the polls. humiliated and deeply embarrassed. lawlessness. Whilst pretending to be calling on the As worrisome as the antics of PAM are, out of Stung by their defeat at the hands of a man they had demonised and people to rise up against the government in lawful an abundance of caution, we must now take note of falsely portrayed as a dictator, and by a political party which they had protest, they are in fact seeking to use the very people an added concern, for, to all the lines (and lies) now described as backward and doltish, they resorted to violence of the who have rejected them, again and again, to achieve being fed to the people by them, we must now add worst sort. through confusion, chaos, mayhem and violence, that the like messages being pedalled by someone PAM What they had dismally failed to accomplish with the ballot they which they have consistently failed to accomplish used to refer to as ‘Botha’. sought to achieve with the bullet, dynamite, and fire. through lawful and democratic means. The 1960s all To all right thinking people it has to be a matter One must remember the burning of ZIZ Radio Station and attempts over again. of great distress that PAM and the person they to do the same to other government installations. Week after week, and on a daily basis, in print, refer to as Botha will stop at nothing to make their The attempt by PAM in June of 1967 to overthrow a government that over the radio and the social media, , they clamour for individual and personal grievances into national had so recently been re-elected in a most convincing manner can only rebellion. policy. Truly, this is another deeply troubling time be described as the actions of desperate, demented and utterly evil Most recently, writing in the Democrat Newspaper for our beloved country. people. under the heading “Where is the Messiah?” Watchdog Our citizens need to be made fully aware of what Playing on the perceived grievances of the people of Anguilla they again resorted to such a call. In fact, in the same article, is being attempted yet again. PAM is up to its old incited rebellion on that island and tried to use them to achieve their Watchdog deceptively alluded to some sort of heaven tricks (and a few new ones). ends on St Kitts. It is to be noted that the people of Nevis refused to sent Messiah, while at the same time urging that ‘the Citizens, we cannot afford to be complacent and become involved with PAM in any of their treasonous and other criminal people’ will have to become their own and resort to allow PAM and its adherents to set back our country acts. bottles, stones and even ‘weapons of various sorts’, as they have done so many times in the past. Eternal Some have described the whole affair as ‘sheer madness’. Many of a term which has to be deeply troubling to all law vigilance is the price of peace. those who had thought of PAM as being a good thing for the country abiding and peaceful citizens of our country. Citizens, we need to let them know that we have were rather rudely awakened and, to their credit, promptly turned their Watchdog went on to urge those who can run from had enough of them. banners around and returned to their roots, namely LABOUR. trouble to run now and seek citizenship elsewhere to In the words of Mr Washington Archibald, when you find that you prevent themselves from being a Mubarak or a Gaddafi, Enough is enough. The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 - NEWS - 3

transported to JNF Hospital Third man charged for where he was treated and discharged Elvis Stanley’s murder Head of the Criminal Investigations Department By Drizel Hanley the offence on Thursday February (CID), Inspector Charles A third person, Shawne 2nd. Smithen, reported that Bradshaw of Parson Ground Stanley, the proprietor of continuous investigations into Village, St.Kitts, has been “Love Shack Bar” at the Frigate Stanley’s death led to the arrest charged with the murder of local Bay Strip was shot to death a of Bradshaw. businessman, Elvis Stanley, who short distance from his business In an interview with Press and was gunned down in the Frigate place, as he headed home in his Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Bay area on the night of private vehicle, accompanied by the Royal St.Christopher-Nevis Thursday, January, 26, 2012. his child’s mother and his teenage Police Force, Sergeant Stephen Bradshaw was formally son. Hector, he pointed out that arrested and charged with the The child’s mother was also despite these three arrests, the capital offence on Thursday of shot and was rushed to the Joseph investigations into Stanley’s this week, February 13th. Nathaniel France General Hospital murder continues and one other He joins fellow villager, where she was treated and person is in custody assisting Keston Martin and Joseph subsequently discharged. the police with their “Galvanize” Hazel of Bird Rock, A bullet also grazed Stanley’s investigations. East Basseterre Labour who were jointly charged with teenage son; he too was Notice The East Basseterre Labour Branch Police reports double joining the law enforcement will hold agency in implementing its crime prevention initiatives and to A Special Branch Meeting digit decrease in commend those who are partnering on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012, with Government in boosting the reported crime fighting capabilities of the at the Constituency Office located on Force for their valued support,” Stainforth Street, New Town. said the Police Commissioner. The meeting is scheduled to begin serious crimes Commissioner Walwyn said (cont’d from page 1) reports less than the previous year, “as an Agency for peace, law and at 8:00pm and will be addressed by the with a 35% detection rate,” said order, it is our duty and our Parliamentary Representative for the Area, paying close attention to the the Police Commissioner. commitment to improve on our percentage of crimes committed by Mr. Walwyn said the Police previous performance and we Dr. the Hon. Earl Asim Martin. juveniles in the Federation and will have intensified their efforts to solicit the support of all in A cordial invitation is extended be endeavouring to intensify its improve the detection rates of all spreading crime prevention tips to all residents of crime prevention campaign in the crimes, especially considering that and not just in reporting present calendar year. 7.9% of the crimes detected in the incidences in a manner that, at East Basseterre. “The last quarter of 2011 has past year have been committed by times, results in the distortion of Please make a special effort to recorded a reduction of crimes in juvenile offenders. the facts.” the Federation on a whole. The “As Commissioner of Police, I attend and be punctual. total allocated crimes for the wish to record appreciation to Federation decreased by 5% or 105 those responsible citizens who are Labour Party Notice CARICOM and Haiti Residents and Constituents of St. Christopher 6 sign MOU following (Newton Ground to Harris’) are invited to attend a with them in the rebuilding and Thanksgiving Service mission further development of the at the K. J. Swanston Memorial Methodist Church in Dieppe Bay (cont’d from page 1) country. He urged the Haitian business on Sunday 19th February at 9 a.m. community to take better The Service is to commemorate the re-election of Parliamentary advantage of the agreement that Representative, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas as Parliamentary allows some products to enter the rest of CARICOM duty free for a Representative following the January 2010 General Election. three year period which began last Well-wishers and members of the year. The CARICOM Chairman also assured the private sector that general public are also invited to attend. the Bureau would encourage those Member States who had not yet done so to implement the decision of the Heads of Government to allow entry for those business persons with visas from the United States, Canada and the Schengen Area entry into their state. The Chairman also announced that “as part of our ongoing assistance to Haiti, a consignment of three containers of anti-cholera drugs provided by the Community was delivered two days ago to the Ministry of Health, in the fight against the epidemic. 4 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 from the same industry. Also called industrial Union. The St. Kitts/Nevis TRADE UNION NEWS Trades & Labour Union is an industrial Union. It is generally accepted that problems and difficulties aren’t invented By: Batumba Tak - General Secretary by Trade Unions. They arise at work, because in any organization, things don’t always run smoothly. Unions exist to resolve workers’ problems by meeting with their employers at the bargaining table to discuss them. Union’s Part of the It is also acknowledged and accepted that one of the biggest continuing functions of Unions is to handle grievancies which are Future Continues. complaints against management by one or more employees, or a Union, concerning a breach of the collective agreement or an injustice. In short, The story of the St. Kitts/Nevis Trades & Labour Union is, in some Unions devote a very large part of their time to resolving problems ways, the story of the twentieth century. It is the story of how our which confront the employees. forebears have tried to use their knowledge and skills to bring about a Collective bargaining between Unions and employers contain many better way of life for the working class people. provisions that many people don’t know about. For instance, they cover But it is also the story of other workers, still caught in the grip of the grievance procedure you’ve just read about. social and industrial injustice, want, ignorance and despair: a grip that They also regulate the number of hours employees may work each the St. Kitts/Nevis Trades & Labour Union, co-operating with done on behalf of all working day and each week - normally eight (8) hours per day, forty hours (40) Government and some social conscience employers’ organization is people many workers are still per week - and they provide that workers must receive notice of any striving to break. asking this question, What Are overtime to be worked and how much pay will be received for overtime. The St. Kitts/Nevis Trades & Labour Union story began over 75 Unions? Even though the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has a Protection years ago, but it has its roots deep in the social conscience of the What are Unions? – Unions of Wages Act No. 6 of 1967 in force 12th October, 1967 and amended by nineteenth century. are groups of working people, like Act 1 of 1972 and Act 1 of 1980, and a Holiday with Pay Act No. 19 of It was recognized then that collective efforts were needed on a wide you and me, who join together, and 1968 in force 1st September, 1965, many workers still find themselves scale to combat the harmful effects of the unhealthy, social and industrial whose principal purposes are to being abused by some unscrupulous and greedy employers. injustice that existed then, and that there could be no peace without (1) negotiate wages/salaries and It is generally recognized and accepted that issues concerning wages social and economic justice for the working class people. working condition terms, (2) and holidays need a constant and vigorous monitoring to ensure the As a result, the struggle began by our forebears to change the law regulate relations between workers compliance of the laws. forbidding workers to form Unions for their own protection. With the (its members) and the employer, (3) These are just some of the reasons why Unions will continue to be a continued agitation by the working class people and their leaders it take collective action to enforce the large part of the workers’ future, because who? If not the Unions will brought about the Moyne Commission which resulted in the formation terms of collective bargaining, (4) continue to look out for the best interest of their members and by of new laws giving the working class people the right to form Trade raise new demands on behalf of extension all workers. Unions for their own protection and security. its members, and (5) help settle When it comes to wages/salaries increase and other benefits those As a result the St. Kitts/Nevis Trades & Labour Union was officially their grievances. are normally bargained for collectively on behalf of their members. founded on the 8th February, 1940 and ofically registered on the 15th Trade Unions are generally This is because for the employers, higher wages/salries mean higher May, 1940. classified as: (a) Company Union costs for his/her business, but for the employees, low wages/salaries Since then, over the years, a number of industrial laws came about that represents the interest of only mean they can’t afford to buy the things they want. which address the unhealthy and social conditions of the working class one firm, and may not have any So when it comes to collective bargaining there is a lot of argument, people. connection with the Trade Union and eventually a compromise is normally reached which both sides find In addition, it also brought about the introduction of the Provident Movement. They are also called acceptable. Fund, now Social Security, as well as the protection and the effective house Union, a Company Union Because of the importance of Union being part of the future on promotion of certain basic human rights on behalf of the working class is often a bogus (yellow Union) behalf of workers we will continue this discussion in a future article. people. one and generally illegal. As I take my leave, I leave you with one of those freedom songs that The St. Kitts/Nevis Trades & Labour Union will continue to do its (b) Craft Union that represents was sung by slaves expressing their forbidden feelings and desires, utmost to find ways to improve on the present working condition, and in skilled workers in a particular field, such as anger, resentment, or a longing for freedom? the foreseeable future to put forward new ideas of how the industrial such as carpentry, mechanics or laws could be improved for the benefit of all of the social partners in the welding, etc.., and (c) General Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Union that represents workers “Let My People Go” Now today, after all the St. Kitts/Nevis Trades & Labour Union has from several firms and occupations When Israel was in Egypt’s land Let my people go, Oppressed so hard they could not stand, Let my people go.

Chorus: Go Down, Moses, Way down in Egypt’s Land Tell ol’ Pharaoh, Let my people go.

Thus said the Lord, old Moses said, Let my people go, If not, I’ll smite your first-born dead, Let my people go.

No more shall they in bondage toil, Let my people go, Let them come out with Egypt’s spoil Let my people go.

The Lord told Moses what to do, Let my people go, To lead the Hebrew children through, Let my people go. The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 - NEWS - 5 St. Kitts And Nevis Receives Sound Advice On Labour Matters

Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS): Ensuring the best protection possible and fostering the best working relationship between employers and employees in St. Kitts and Nevis were the main focuses of two International Labour Organization (ILO) delegates who visited St. Kitts last week Friday, February 10th. Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, a PhD in International Law and Director of International Labour Standards Department of the International Labour Organization (ILO), accompanied by International Labour Standards and Labour Law Specialist Mr. Pierre-Francois Recoing, met with a number of key persons regarding ILO matters including Labour Commissioner Mr. Spencer Amory. According to Dr. Henry, the nature of their visit was primarily to engage in tripartite discussions into how St. Kitts and Nevis is dealing with the international standards to which it agreed from the almost 400 international treaties by which the ILO operate to deal with the world of work. They were also here to strengthen the mission and mandate of the ILO in promoting social justice. “I’m here in St. Kitts to look at how I can support the government, and the employers and workers organizations in looking at what they have already achieved by ratifying nine of the ILO Conventions since St. Kitts and Nevis became a member state of the ILO in 1996, how can they better implement their obligations, or the issues that have been identified by the ILO monitoring bodies, and how we could help them close what I would call the implementation gap” explained Dr. Henry. Dr. Henry sees one of her many tasks as being that of helping countries to move along the social staircase of improving protections and benefits for employees, and ensuring the sustainability of employers and their enterprises. In addition, she helps to identify gaps in this protection and propose suggestions as to how these gaps can be filled. She also identifies out-of-date instruments and gives the governing body of the ILO the relevant information to make adaptations and adjustments to the existing body of standards. Dr Henry added that the ILO has a complex system of supervision which monitors how every country that joins the organization implements the obligations they undertake once they have signed on to certain international treaties. It also provides, through the department of International Labour Standards, technical assistance to countries encountering difficulties in compliance through legislative advice, awareness raising or training and capacity building. Dr Henry said that although St. Kitts and Nevis has ratified eight ILO fundamental conventions dealing with areas such as non-discrimination, no child labour, no forced labour, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining, there is still the need for strong unions and strong employers’ organizations with a very strong governance structure from government and a solid and strong labour administration to effectively monitor, supervise and inspect workplaces. St. Kitts and Nevis is currently undergoing a Labour Law Reform process which is hoped, will not only close the implementation gap with regard to the ILO conventions that have already been ratified, but pave the way to ratifying other critical conventions that would give St. Kitts and Nevis the lead in continuing to support a positive investment climate. The International Labour Organization has also been able to offer impactful advice to the region on the issue of freedom of movement within the region for employment. “By the very fact that we have given them the model laws that would help support the single market,” said Dr. Henry, “I think through that process the ILO has given some guidance that all the legislation of CARICOM would then be in compliance with ILO ratified conventions, even if they have not been ratified, but would also support the single market.” Dr. Henry also said governments of the Caribbean and the OECS region need to understand that the issue of labour rights is not just the business of the Ministry of Labour. “We also need to make sure that all relevant parts of government are aware that Labour is not an issue of just the ministry of Labour, it’s a total issue. It’s an issue for the entire country, and the world of work is the engine” said Dr. Henry. “All of us work because we have a family behind us, we want to send our kids to school, we want our businesses to grow, we are part of what enterprises need, we are part of what feeds our family. “The world of work is tremendous,” she said, “in terms of its capacity, its flexibility, but also we’ve got to have the necessary institutions in place to enable it to be the engine of growth.” Dr. Henry emphasized that countries need to train their workforces to be more productive and more client friendly, but at the same time make sure that workers have adequate protection in the workplace, because happy workers will ensure that the enterprise of which they are a part grows. Dr. Henry also told SKNIS another good example of how the ILO has measured the effect of its body of standards in the workplace is the development of the ILO Maritime Labour Convention to see whether or not they continue to be responsive to the world of work. She also said the Caribbean region has much potential to become a reputable force in the maritime industry, but countries of this region need to invest in maritime advancement. “What I would like from my part of the world is to ensure that Caribbean countries are not seen as rust buckets of this world,” said Dr. Henry, “As seen as meeting the minimum of international requirements, and my job is to support my Caribbean countries to raise the standards that they have, that they can become attractive flag states, create employment for our people, because we are one part of the world with some of the best educated group of people that I know in a small space,” “We have naturally English speaking well educated people” she also said, “What we need to do though, is train our people to take the high end jobs, to become the ship engineers and the ship masters, to go into university and do ship engineering.” On this trip to the Caribbean Dr. Henry and her colleague has made stops in Panama and Dominica, and after leaving St. Kitts will go on to Haiti. 6 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 that inflationary pressures slowed begin the preparation of Medium slow economic recovery in the Key topics discussed during the quarter, but continued Term Economic Strategy Papers advanced economies like the on an upward trend. (MTESP) where none currently United States. Consequently, as at 72nd Meeting of The Council received the exists and Re-activate the Joint small open economies, the ECCU update on the operational Committee of the Monetary remains vulnerable to these arrangements being put in place Council and the OECS Authority external shocks. the Monetary Council for the Resolution Trust to discuss growth and Among the dignitaries present Corporation (RTC) which was development issues. at the ceremony were the Rt. Hon. of ECCB established to restructure and The Council continued their Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister recapitalise financial institutions discussion on the use of the and Minister for Finance, St Kitts By Drizel Hanley and manage troubled assets. ECCB’s administered rates as a tool and Nevis; Hon. Hubert Hughes, The seventy-second (72nd) Meeting of the Monetary Council of the They were further apprised that for stimulating economic growth Chief Minister and Minister for Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) which was held on 10 February while the financial sector is and settled to uphold the savings Finance, Anguilla; Hon. Harold 2012 at the ECCB Headquarters discussed a range of key financial issues. expected to remain stable, the deposit rate at 3.0 per cent; and Lovell, Minister for Finance, The ceremony which was chaired by Hon. Reuben T Meade, Premier ECCU would continue to face the Central Bank’s discount rate Antigua and Barbuda; Hon. and Minister for Finance, Montserrat discussed issues including challenges in the external at 6.5 per cent. Roosevelt Skerritt, Prime Minister minimum savings deposit rate, which is the lowest interest rate banks environment. Sir Dwight Vennor’s report and Minister for Finance, can offer on regular savings; and the Central Bank’s discount rate, which In light of this, Council outlined monetary and credit Commonwealth of Dominica; Hon. is the rate at which the ECCB lends to commercial banks and ECCB emphasized the urgent need to act conditions in the ECCU over the Nazim Burke, Minister for Finance, member governments; developments in the ECCU; financial sector to limit any startling impact on the quarter ended December 2011. Grenada; Dr the Hon. Ralph stability issues; the ECCU’s agenda for stabilisation and growth in the region’s financial system. The Council was apprised that Gonsalves, Prime Minister and context of the OECS Economic Union and an update on the Resolution With regard to promoting and the macroeconomic and financial Minister for Finance, St Vincent Trust Corporation (RTC). maintaining a balanced growth the conditions of the ECCU economy and the Grenadines and Mr. Isaac The Council informed that the fourth quarter of 2011 saw an indication Council agreed to immediately continued to be impacted by the Anthony, Monetary Council Alternate, Saint Lucia. Development Bank similar workshop in Nevis. Taxi operator Mr Alphonso Martin, better known as The Big One, congratulated the Development Bank and the Ministry of Tourism for that we learnt something.” holds second taxi and holding the workshop. Lamenting the low turnout by taxi and tour The Assistant Permanent operators he said: “We should have had a better figure than what come Secretary said it was her hope that tour operators’ tonight. What we learnt here has taken us down a road that I was looking she would see the changes in the for, for the past 15 years and now I happen to see something like this persons who attended the happening tonight.” workshop, “as testimony to workshop Another taxi operator, Mrs Ivy Adams, said that the session “was having learnt something new and BASSETERRE ST. KITTS — The secret to financial success lies in very educative and enlightening. I say when you are doing anything, testimony to what an excellent one’s ability to understand what they are selling. Ms Sybil Welsh, a you try to do it in the best way; and in any way possible you can put a presentation we had this evening.” financial consultant has advised taxi and tour operators that it is not spin on anything to make yourself better. It is good and that is the same Also present at the workshop transporting services they are selling to visitors, but rather “memories, thing Mr Faron Lawrence was talking about and that is my goal of doing from the Development Bank were yourself and St. Kitts and Nevis.” things.” Mrs Vernitha Maynard and Ms Ms Welsh who was one of the two facilitators at a taxi and tour On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, Jasmine Primus of the Business operators workshop organised by the Development Bank of St. Kitts and the taxi/tour operators who participated in the workshop, Assistant Support Unit, Ms Tamara Herbert, and Nevis and the St. Kitts Tourism Association Thursday evening Permanent Secretary Ms Diannille Taylor-Williams, thanked the two a Credit Risk Analyst and Mr (February 9) at the Port Zante Arrival Hall in Basseterre told the operators facilitators, Ms Sybil Welsh and Mr Faron Lawrence, for a very Eldean Huggins, MIS Support that “the information that you give about St. Kitts and Nevis must impress informative presentation “and everybody here you will agree with me Officer. visitors to explore more sights and activities and return to St. Kitts for another visit with you as the taxi/tour operator.” Mr Faron Lawrence, the second facilitator, advised the operators that coming up with creative ideas would lead to their being in the business even when the economy is down. He told them that creativity starts with separating themselves from the pack and to offer a service that is different to what everyone is doing or offering. He gave them a few tips that were well received. Held under the theme ‘Manage your Money, Grow your Business’, it was the second in a series of workshops organised for taxi and tour operators by the Business Support Unit of the Development Bank with funds from the Centre for the Development of Enterprise (CDE), which is an European Union (EU) funded institution, to enhance the Bank’s ability to offer technical assistance to its small and medium size enterprise clients. According to the head of the Business Support Unit, Mr Shavon Douglas, the Development Bank is pleased by the support it has received from the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, which was represented by the Assistant Permanent Secretary Ms. Ms Diannille Taylor-Williams. He said that plans are at advanced stage to hold a

Workshop facilitator, Ms Sybil Welsh. The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 - NEWS - 7 PAM has done an “about face”

The 4th consecutive victory at The Thinking Citizen the polls of Dr. Denzil Douglas and his Labour Party has caused the Sheriff and the CCM/PAM and 1995? Where were they? And cabal to engage in frenzied why did they not push or activities to try and shame, pressurise the PAM Government embarrass and under-mine our to pass the “Integrity in Public Prime Minister. Life” Bill? Take the case “Integrity in It is extremely odd that the Public Life” Bill and another bill, Sheriff and his henchmen in the the “Law Library” Bill, received CCM/PAM cabal did not want only a first reading. All the other “Integrity in Public Life” legislation bills, including the “Pensions while PAM was in power, but now (Variation) Act” were read a third they want it and are clamouring for time and were passed into law the it, now that Labour is in power. same day. The conclusions of the The PAM Government was Professor Randolph Williams’ voted out of office on July 3, 1995 Report, as well as the conclusions and did not find it necessary to of the Louis Blom-Cooper Report, pass into law the “Integrity in adequately confirm that the Public Life” Bill. Simmonds Administration was So the Simmonds badly in need of Integrity Administration gave the “Integrity legislation. in Public Life” Bill its first reading The political strategy of PAM on September 12, 1994, and left and the CCM is to fool the general office on July 3, 1995, without ever public with pronouncements of all bothering to pass the said Bill into sorts of high-sounding words and law. Now at this time, after PAM phrases while in opposition, and had more than enough time to pass then, when in office, engage in the Integrity legislation, we are practices and policies that do not hearing the Sheriff and his match their pronouncements. colleagues in the CCM/PAM cabal During the 1870s the PAM complaining that the Douglas Party and the Democrat stayed in power for 15 years (1980- of politics. Administration is running away newspaper trumpeted the 1995) and during that long period, In 1983 the PAM Government rammed through a new Electoral System from passing the “Integrity in message that “King Sugar is failed to take its own advice to in the National Assembly in 45 minutes. Mark you; there was nothing Public Life” Bill put forward by the dead”. “There is no future in shut down the Sugar Industry. wrong with the system that had been in force in the country since 1952. Parliamentary Opposition. Sugar”. PAM and the Democrat One very important thing that That System did not offer much scope for fraud, trickery or thievery, so The complaints ring hollow were urging and advising the the electorate has noticed about PAM wanted the System changed. and smack of overwhelming bias Labour Party Government to shut PAM over the past several PAM did not consult or hold discussions with the electorate, the and hypocrisy. What happened to down the Sugar Industry. decades is that the party confuses Labour Party or the Parliamentary Opposition before presenting the New the Sheriff and the members of the Yet in spite of such urging and and contradicts itself while it is System to Parliament. The New System was crafted at PAM CCM/PAM cabal between 1994 advice, the PAM Government engaging in its own peculiar brand Headquarters, “Up de Hill”, fine-tuned in Cabinet and presented to Parliament. It took only 45 minutes for PAM to ram it through Parliament. During the Debate on the New System in Parliament and against vicious opposition from the PAM representatives, the Labour Representatives cautioned that the franchise should not be extended to nationals living abroad and recommended further that the New System should include the use of Voter I.D. Cards. The PAM Government rejected and ignored the sage warning and the enlightened recommendations of the representatives of the Labour Party. However, after PAM lost the government in 1995, the leders of the party became disappointed with the System which they had created and had used for 11 years (1984-1995) straight. They wanted it to be changed. The leaders of PAM wanted certain restrictions to be placed on the right to vote of overseas nationals. The leaders also wanted the System to be changed to include the use of Voter I.D. Cards on Polling Day. It is quite clear now that PAM was double-talking or double-dealing and thereby contradicting itself. When the party was in power Dr. Simmonds enfranchised the overseas nationals and wanted to have nothing to do with Voter I.D. Cards. As soon as PAM lost power the leaders of the party began to grumble and to say that they wanted the Electoral System (their very own System) to be changed. Among other things, the PAMites cried out for the use of Voter I.D. Cards on Polling Day. As it was in the case of the PAM established Electoral System, just so it was in the case of Social Security with a vengeance. They went all over St. Kitts and throughout the island of Nevis telling people that Social Security is bad and they must not participate in it. PAM opposed the introduction and the operation of Social Security. Nowadays, PAM has done an “about-face”. Rather than opposing Social Security, PAM and the Democrat are pretending to be defenders and protectors of the Social Security which they previously opposed and tried to destroy. PAM is not honest and sincere about anything. In every situation or circumstance PAM is always on the hunt for political advantage. PAM would praise and glorify Satan if the leaders of the party become convinced that there is some political advantage to be gained. 8 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 Road Development Office of the Prime Minister outlines achievable goals for 2012 Programme in full gear BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS programmes. Department will also roll-out its (CUOPM) – Inspired by the “The Department will by the Human Resource website which is successes of each year to work fourth quarter of the year complete expected to be of great benefit to even harder in the ensuing years the Government Auxiliary employees and the general public to provide the type of leadership Employees (GAE) Plan, it will at large.” said the Executive necessary to advance St. Kitts and refine the Public Service Bill 2011 Summary. Nevis, the Human Resource by first quarter and finalize and Mr. Edmeade said the Management Department will circulate the Codes of Conduct, Administration Department within continue to provide assistance to Code of Ethics, Recruitment and the Ministry continues to provide employees of health, financial and Employment Cods and the Public the necessary support services to work performance issues through Service Standing Orders by the the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister in his the Employee Assistance second quarter of the year. In 2012 pursuit of the Ministry’s mission. Programme and deliver a range of the Department will also continue In 2012 the Department will as in-house training sessions. the Human Resource Audit, a matter of priority ensure that the Chief Secretary, Mr. Joseph complete and introduce the new staff can receive further training Edmeade in the Executive Summary Training Plan as well as design and Surface of Church Street being removed. in areas that will enhance their in the 2012 Estimates said the execute the Civil Service capacity to serve the general department was to assist a number Recognition Program which will be By Drizel Hanley public and efficiently assisting the of employees through the done by the first quarter. The Rt. Honourable Prime Minister. Church Street, Basseterre received a complete face-lift last weekend, Employee Assistance Programme (Friday 10 to Monday 13) as part of the Government’s Road Development and the Civil Service Bill which got Programme. the ‘green light’ by Parliament. Early Friday morning Public Works Department crews and engineers “Throughout fiscal year 2011 lifted the top surface of the street, using heavy duty equipment. the Human Resource In an interview with Chief Road Engineer, Kevin Williams, he explained Management Department was able that the Road Development Programme is an ongoing project to improve to provide assistance to a number the overall Road Infrastructure in St.Kitts. of employees through the He further indicated that work was also done in the rural areas- Dieppe Employee Assistance Programme Bay, Half Way Tree and Parson Ground among other areas. although the challenge of an “We are presently working in the Tabernacle area,” he added. appropriate space still prohibits Mr. Williams disclosed that Princess Street, Liverpool Row and the full execution of this College Street Ghaut will be tackled in the near future. programme,” said Mr. Edmeade. “We will continue to create safer roads for our motorists hence the He pointed out that the Road Development Programme is here to stay,” he said. Department was able to carry out When questioned about setbacks in the project the Chief Road the necessary work to allow for Engineer, said that the availability of equipment and materials is one of Parliament to pass the new Civil the setbacks they are experiencing. Service Bill and has done work to Speaking with an onlooker of the work done on Church Street she place in an advanced stage the new said “the Government is doing a good job, I am very glad that they are Civil Service Regulations which repairing the roads because some of them were really bad and we as are to accompany the Bill. drivers were really crying out for the roads to be fixed, so thank you The Department continues to Public Works and the Government”. give effect to the retirement policy “I am very satisfied with the work done here on Church Street and announced by the Prime Minister the timely manner in which it was done,” said another onlooker. during his 2010 budget address. Its achievable goals for the 2012 fiscal year will see the Department deliver a range of in- house training sessions and will also be looking to completing the Government Auxiliary Employees (GAE) Plan and polish the 2011 Public Service Bill by the first quarter and by the second quarter of the fiscal year circulate the Codes of Conduct, Code of Ethics, Recruitment and Employment Cods and the Public Service Standing Orders along with other

Church Street after complete repairs. The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 - NEWS - 9 Exchange rate still a source of The St.Kitts Netball Association (S.K.N.A.) will hold its strength, ECCU Monetary Council ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING agrees to measures to maintain on Saturday 18th February 2012 at Netball Complex,Warner Park, Basseterre safety and soundness of the at 4:30 pm to a contraction of 7.4 percent in Member Clubs/ School are asked to send financial system 2010. BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 14TH 2012 (CUOPM) – The “This was mainly due to an Two(2) Representatives to This Meeting. Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has examined the three pillars - increase in loans and advances to exchange rate, fiscal stability and financial sector stability of the Eastern member governments as they Gale Grant-Dear Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), which inform the analysis of money sought to close their financing -P.R.O S.K.N.A and credit conditions. gaps. The ratio of gross foreign “Council was informed that the exchange rate pillar continued to be assets to demand liabilities (the a source of strength and this was expected to be maintained in the short backing ratio for the EC dollar) need to act with caution to limit Monetary Council identified the term. Council recognised the deterioration in the fiscal stability pillar declined marginally to 95.4 percent any unforeseen impact on the period of adjustment as January which resulted in lower government revenues causing fiscal imbalances,” at the end of December 2011 from region’s financial system and 2012 to December 2014 and the said the ECCB,” said Central Bank Governor, Sir K. Dwight Venner in the 96.3 percent at the end of reiterated the importance of transformation of the economies communiqué issued at the end of the 72nd Meeting of the Monetary December 2010. It however, exploring and implementing and the creation of a fully Council. remained well above the statutory greater options for promoting functional economic space as Council received the Governor’s Report on Monetary and Credit level of 60.0 percent and the sustainable and balanced growth January 2015 to December 2020. Conditions in accordance with Article 7(2) of the Eastern Caribbean operational target of 80.0 percent,” in the ECCU. With regard to fiscal and debt Central Bank Agreement 1983. said the communiqué. “With respect to promoting sustainability, the Council agreed The report outlined monetary and credit conditions in the ECCU According to the sustainable and balanced growth, to (1) Confirm and publish fiscal over the quarter ended December 2011, against the backdrop of global communiqué, Council intensified the Council agreed to (1) Re- targets (primary balance and the economic and financial developments and provided an outlook for the their discussion on the use of the activate the Joint Committee of the debt to GDP ratio) for 2012; (2) near to medium term. ECCB’s administered rates as a tool Monetary Council and the OECS Reconfirm the agreement at the Council was apprised that the macroeconomic and financial for stimulating economic growth. Authority to discuss growth and special meeting of the Monetary conditions of the ECCU economy continued to be impacted by the slow However, having also considered development issues; (2) Council in Antigua and Barbuda economic recovery in the advanced economies. Consequently, as small the uncertainty and volatility in the Immediately begin the preparation on 14 January 2012, for the open economies, the ECCU remained vulnerable to these external shocks. regional and global economic and of Medium Term Economic exchange of information and close According to the communiqué, Council was apprised that the financial environment, Council Strategy Papers (MTESP) where collaboration in resolving the debt financial sector stability pillar improved marginally during the last quarter agreed to maintain the savings none currently exists; (3) Through problem in the ECCU. of 2011, but inherent weaknesses in the system persisted. Developments deposit rate at 3.0 percent; and the the OECS Authority and in the In an effort to maintain the in this area are being monitored closely and ongoing measures being Central Bank’s discount rate at 6.5 context of the requirements of the safety and soundness of the ECCU undertaken to strengthen the financial sector should help to stabilise percent. Council however Revised Treaty of Basseterre, financial system, the Monetary the system over time and mitigate some of the risks. emphasised the need for the request that the OECS Council agreed to (1) Implement “Council was informed of the liquidity conditions at some indigenous continued close monitoring of Commission and the Eastern measures that would make the banks tightened, commercial banks continued to accumulate high levels these rates. Caribbean Central Bank meet on a ECCU financial system more of excess reserves, credit growth to the business sector remained below The Monetary Council was quarterly basis to facilitate work resilient to shocks. (2) Accelerate historical norms as the decline in economic activity and the uncertainty apprised that while the financial programme coordination, the process for the passage of the of future economic prospects had seemingly lowered the demand for sector is expected to remain stable, particularly with respect to the relevant legislation to facilitate the credit. However, since the third quarter, there has been a notable the ECCU would continue to face Growth and Development establishment of the single concentration of commercial bank credit in the household sector, challenges in the external Agenda,” the communiqué said. financial space and (3) Expedite particularly mortgages,” said the communiqué, which stated also that environment. In light of this, With respect to growth and efforts for improving the efficiency public sector credit is estimated to have declined by 2.1 per cent compared Council underscored the urgent development of the ECCU, the of the Single Regulatory Units (SRUs) by strengthening supervisory capabilities; adopting standardised reporting formats; and developing in-house information gathering and processing and dissemination capabilities.

Photo: Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Governor, Sir K. Dwight Venner; Hon. Nazim Burke, Minister of Finance, Grenada; Chairman, Premier and Minister of Finance of Montserrat, Hon. Reuben T Meade; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; Chief Minister and Minister of Finance of Anguilla, the Hon. Hubert Hughes; the Hon. Harold Lovell, Minister of Finance of Antigua and Barbuda; Mr. Isaac Anthony, Monetary Council Alternate, St. Lucia and Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Commonwealth of Dominica. - Photo courtesy of the ECCB 10 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 Statement by Minister of Industry, Commerce and Dr Harris Hails Consumer Affairs in response to the Chamber of Pioneering Work In Industry and Commerce release on practices of Agro Tourism Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, Senior Minister and Minister of Chinese businesses operating in the Federation Agriculture has lauded the efforts of several employees past and present in the Department of Agriculture who were part of the efforts to establish The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs remains an agro tourism farm on the Kim Collins Highway. Dr Harris said that the supportive of a competitive environment which facilitates the orderly project launched several years back by the former Minister of Tourism, growth and development of businesses. Such an environment must be was intended to link agriculture and the Carnival Cruise Lines. The proactively pursued if we are to derive an improved quality of life for all venture did not materialize as envisaged. residents and citizens in our beloved Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, at Nonetheless Dr Harris commended Messrs Stephen Duggins, Earl a time when the public sector has limited fiscal space. Thomas, Euclid Clarke and Ronald Thomas for their dedication and Competitive practices drive innovations and ongoing efforts by support for the project. businesses to increase both consumer value and shareholder value. Dr Harris said that important lessons can be discovered as to why Indeed for businesses to succeed in a free enterprise economy, they one project succeeds and another fails. “We need to determine the cannot be indifferent to either their consumers or their shareholders. success factors”. Dr Harris made the remarks at the ground breaking Consumers at this time of economic challenge and difficulty in meeting ceremony for the agro tourism facility at Newton Ground, on January 31, many of the commitments are very cost conscious and rightly so. Most 2012. of us as consumers are looking for a quality product at an affordable price. If competition leads to lower prices for products of good quality, we consider this a good thing. Quality is important especially when it impinges on the health and wellness of the consumer. So we should compare not only prices but the quality of goods. Agriculture Needs The private sector is raising broad issues of fairness and transparency which are critical and important considerations impacting on the way business is done. These have to be examined on their merits and appropriate interventions made and solutions given where necessary and appropriate because unfairness in More Than Land Says business when left unchecked undermines the private sector as an engine of economic growth. It creates humbugs and bottlenecks and dampen the alacrity of people to invest, and do business. Minsiter Harris Regarding the issuance of licences to do business, this is handled by the Ministry of Finance. The matter Agriculture Minister, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, continues his push of the issuance of work permits should be considered in the context of whether they meet the legal requirements for greater national support to the farmers. Dr Harris said that for the for issuance. We will be concerned if the issuance of a work permit disadvantaged a local unfairly. In this farmers to succeed, it is not just enough to provide them with a piece of regard a number of questions may guide us. Were the job vacancies advertised locally before “foreigners” land here and there. In the context of our reality, we need: were offered the job? Are the pay packages offered to foreigners materially different to what were offered to 1. Lands which are accessible to water supplies or with water the locals? Will the employer get a local understudy? catchment systems available. At these times of high unemployment and under employment, we have to be careful not to disadvantage 2. Given the serious threat and incidence of crop damage, we need local people whether they are business persons or workers. to offer significant help to the farmers in fencing material. Finally, regarding the matter of fairness to local businesses, I believe very strongly that local businesses: 3. Farm roads need to be maintained in excellent conditions our hairdressers, restaurateurs, farmers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and professional community should facilitating the movement of farmers and minimum wear and tear on their be given special incentives to help them get started and grow. While we have sought to do some good work produce. here via Small Business Development Act of 2009 which legislated a range of incentives arguably much more 4. Concessional financing and credit financing linked to crop can be done. At the National Entrepreneurial Development Division (NEDD) we have instituted training harvests rather than traditional commercial type loans. opportunities for proprietors of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), these however can be more widespread 5. Greater application of technology and science on farms. In this and regular. regard, greenhouses have to become part of the agriculture landscape. Financing is a critical challenge for SMEs both for start up, working capital and indeed to finance efficiency 6. Organized marketing systems providing marketing intelligence changes over the life of the businesses. to guide production and facilitate the distribution of farm produce. Perhaps this is an area in which the can do more in “unleashing domestic entrepreneurship”. Helping We are working on overcoming these constraints and I appreciate locals first and foremost must be a priority at all times. time is of essence. Perhaps greater care may be required in categorizing all Chinese as foreigners, since some acquired “In my view we have to invest systematically and substantially in citizenship by investment. As holders of St Kitts and Nevis passports, there are certain expectations, rights the agriculture sector to bring the kinds of results that the sector can and obligations that flow naturally. We will have to look at a range of policy options in discussing the matters offer. The farmers have been doing very well in terms of their efforts at which are being raised by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and by others in the national community. production. They need some more help and so I will continue to work My Ministry stands ready to be part of the ongoing dialogue and solutions. with our farmers”, said Dr. Harris He added that given the fact that most of our farmers are not rich, they are going to need special support and so we have to ensure that there is equitable treatment of the farmers. St. Kitts a “must” for programmes. Tour operators were updated on the new Destination Specialist discerning leisure program, which St. Kitts debuted media, St. Kitts continues to direct Marketing & Sales specialist for industry event for us each year,” on January 9, 2012. The delegation more efforts to these marketing the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. travellers said Mrs. Rosecita Jeffers, CEO of from St. Kitts also updated channels. This year, St. Kitts Local private sector partners BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. operators on news from the island, interacted with CHTA, various also represented at the event (CUOPM) - St. Kitts tourism has “We had the opportunity to such as the private jet terminal, and journalists and other event included Ocean Terrace Inn, Sugar kicked off the new year on a meet with several of our travel various other projects. attendees by tweeting from its Bay Resort, Tropical Tours, Oualie positive note at this year’s partners and network with top In total, the St. Kitts delegation official Tourism Authority Beach Club and Nisbet Plantation. Caribbean Hotel and Tourism media operators and other held a total of 36 meetings over account. Association (CHTA) Caribbean colleagues, all of whom expressed the two days allocated to these The St. Kitts Tourism Marketplace, which took place at keen interest in the progress that functions during the event. Authority said this year, the the Atlantis Resort in Nassau, St. Kitts has been making and Among the operators meeting with delegation from St. Kitts that Bahamas from January 22-24, 2012. gave us reason to have an St. Kitts were Travel Impressions, attended CHTA Marketplace was Demonstrating measureable optimistic outlook for the Classic Vacations, TNT Vacations comprised of: Sen. the Hon. advancement in the development productivity of our various tour and Costco Travel. Richard “Ricky” Skerritt, Minister and promotion of the island’s operators’ marketing In addition to the meetings, the of Tourism and International tourism brand, the St. Kitts programmes.” St. Kitts delegation participated in Transport; Mrs. Rosecita Jeffers, delegation was able to spread the A key objective of St. Kitts’ “Preferred Partner Receptions” CEO of the St. Kitts Tourism message that St. Kitts is a “must” participation in CHTA hosted by Expedia, Classic Authority; Ms. Patrice Henry, for discerning leisure travellers in Marketplace was to meet with tour Vacations and Flight Centre Tourism Officer in the New York 2012 and beyond. operators and wholesalers who (GOGO). office of the St. Kitts Tourism “CHTA Caribbean directly book hotel rooms and to In keeping with the growing Authority; and Ms. Denise Zimber, Marketplace continues to be a key add new tour operator influence of online and social Boston-based Industry Relations, The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 - NEWS - 11 St. Kitts and Nevis highlighted in world’s oldest and most influential newspaper The JC.com – the Jewish Community Online - is the digital arm of The Jewish Chronicle Ltd, which publishes The Jewish Chronicle, founded in 1841, carried an article written by Andy Mossack headlined: “An idyllic Caribbean getaway in any season.” It states: June and July in St. Kitts may be high summer, but it is low season as far as the tourism industry is concerned. Away from the peak months from November to March, the only noticeable difference is the lack of people; that and the odd short sharp shower, a welcome relief from the hot sun and a time when hotel prices and air fares are lower. For me, it was the perfect opportunity to enjoy a Caribbean getaway guard as the gateway to the island, the west side and the Atlantic on beaches are public and the way of where for once, the locals outnumbered the visitors. but these days serves as the the east, with lush tropical life slow and serene encapsulated So what does this two-island nation offer? There are remnants of St National Museum chronicling vegetation and rainforest by its little quaint capital Kitts’ former sugar and slave industry and it was at Independence Square much of St. Kitts’ dramatic history. dominating the interior. Charlestown. in the capital Basseterre, where slaves were sold and where many were The Circus, in the town centre, is The rainforest is home to the Visit the Montpelier Plantation executed. The grand plantations they worked on have been converted at the bustling heart of it all. Like a highly entertaining Green Vervet Inn, a boutique Inn immortalised into luxury hotels, but under the buildings around the square, the cellars miniature version of Piccadilly Monkeys. Find a quiet spot to when Princess Diana stayed there and tunnels remain where slaves were chained together waiting to be Circus, (it even has a small watch them frolick. The Brimstone with William and Harry. Just a few brought up into the park for auction. monument in the middle of it) Hill Fortress is worth seeing and yards away is the tree under which The best example you’ll find on the island is 800 feet up a hill where you’ll find most of commercial life make sure you also visit Romney Lord Nelson married Fanny in 1787. the 17th century British built Brimstone Fortress. It overlooks the south here, amongst its white colonial Manor where you can pick up Talking of Nelson, you can stay at coast and is one of the best-preserved historical fortifications in the buildings. After dark, when the some delightful handmade Batik his former home, now the luxury Americas and a UNESCO world heritage site. work is done, Fort Street’s ‘lime’ based prints and traditional island Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, St. Kitts’ dramatic history gives an added attraction over the tropical bars open up and the partying garments and wander around its where a set of air conditioned villas sun, sand and sea combination of other Caribbean islands. Tourism has begins. You won’t find lime beautiful gardens. lead you away from the Great been the island’s main source of income for only 20 years since the end cocktails in a lime bar; it’s just a Go for a ride on the Sugar Train House across the manicured lawn of sugar production, so island life hasn’t changed much over the term for having some drinks with and take a pleasant three-hour ride to a secluded private beach. centuries. friends. So chill out and go liming around the island in air- Whilst all the relics of St Kitts Away from the main resort area of Frigate Bay, there are plenty of down Fort Street. conditioned comfort on the rail and Nevis’ slave-dependent past villages where local culture and traditions remain the focal points of A few minutes’ walk from tracks formerly used to transport might seem to many of us to be daily life, along with rum and reggae of course. Basseterre’s centre you’ll come to harvested sugar cane. symbols of repression and There is something special about sitting outside in an easy chair, Port Zante, St. Kitts’ cruise liner St.. Kitts’ adjacent is more than enslavement, the people of St. sipping a rum punch (made from a secret family recipe) and listening to terminal where you can buy tax- just a nearby island; it is the other Kitts see them instead as some soft reggae sounds as the sun goes down. free goods and wander around half of this two island state and permanent reminders of their The island has peaceful coves and beaches, like Turtle Beach or more tourist souvenir shops than worth a day trip or two. A mere half roots; a nation once emanating South Friars along the south east peninsular, or there are more hedonistic there are rum punches. hour away by ferry from from Africa but now justly proud pursuits at resorts and beaches around Frigate Bay in the south. You can see most of St. Kitts Basseterre, Nevis has a completely of their beautiful island home. And Whilst Basseterre is a small colonial town (it only has four main in a day; after all, it’s only 18 miles different feel to St. Kitts. trying it out of season away from streets running east to west and one main street running north to south) long and six miles wide, dominated This small sombrero shaped those peak months of November it was at one time the most important port in the West Indies. by Mount Liamuiga, majestically island is half the size of St. Kitts to March will still deliver you some The 17th century Treasury and Customs House still proudly stands rising out of the island’s volcanic but what it lacks in size it makes outstanding sun but at much more centre. Wherever you go, you’ll up for in natural charms. It is a affordable prices. have sea views; the Caribbean on tranquil place where all the Community Notice - Register MSNBC.com: St. Kitts - one of “5 for the ECCB Caribbean islands to discover now” BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS Entrepreneurship (CUOPM) – St. Kitts continues to rank in accolades internationally. Course working in groups to develop MSNBC.com has just listed St. their business ideas and Kitts as one of the “5 Caribbean Would you like to start your business plans, will be given the islands to discover now.” own business or make your opportunity to compete against It mentions the island’s history, business more profitable but do each other for the grand prize culture and plantation inns as top not know how to go about doing to be used towards the start-up reasons visit. so? Then register for the of the group’s business. “Best for: History buffs and ECCB Entrepreneurship No initial experience or animal-lovers (vervet monkeys Course which commences on academic qualifications are hang around some beaches). Long in the shadow of pricier Nevis, St. Thursday 23rd February 2012. necessary. Classes run from Kitts is home to a thriving West The course employs easy- 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Indian culture and remarkably should be on your list for 2012” by Caribbean Travel + Life magazine. to follow and novel approaches Clarence Fitzroy Bryant preserved architecture. A few St. Kitts’ Brimstone Hill National Fortress was named one of “10 to engage participants in the College, Burdon Street 17th-century plantation homes Great Places to Explore The World’s Best-Kept Secrets” by USA Today. financial and business Campus. For further have been converted to inns,” said In summer 2011, the destination also ranks #1 on a list of the 16 Best techniques required to information please contact the MSNBC.com, which showed three Caribbean Vacations by US News & World Report. photos of The Strip at Frigate Bay, effectively develop and operate UWI Open Campus at Last year, St. Kitts was named a top destination for 2011 by both Brimstone Hill and Cockleshell a small business. Participants, telephone 465-2190. AOL Travel and British Airways. Bay. Photo: An aerial view of The Strip at Frigate Bay, St. Kitts (photo St. Kitts was recently named from MSNBC.com) one of the “Top 12 Spots that 12 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012

Kindergarten Caines - Kyella Rawlins Kindergarten Spencer - Mikayla Gumbs

Grade 1 - Blessings Joseph Naeem Gillard - Grade 1 Bellboda Grade 2 Robinson - Renee Robinson Grade 2Dias - Kezric Huggins Dr. William Connor Primary School January

Student Of The Month Grade 3 Parris - Lejhaun Brazier

Grade 4 Arthurton - Marvin Maynard Grade 4 Jones - Shailieze Isaac Grade 4 Reid - Ajani Davis

Grade 5 Liburd - Tyree Benjamin Grade 5 Joseph - Lejourn Thompson Grade 5 Smithen - Ricaldo Rawlins

Grade 6 Dore - Aliano Thompson Grade 6 Jeffers - Nebylla Huggins Grade 6 Lawrence - Onell Nisbett The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 - NEWS - 13 proceeded to inspect the units on then returned to the parade square Armed Forces stage “Beating of the parade. to further showcase their drilling Displaying their excellent skills in the presentation of the Retreat” parade to kick off local marching skills they (the troops) much advertised “Beating of the then marched to Port Zante, accompanied by the St.Kitts- (cont’d on page 20) celebrations of Queen Elizabeth Nevis Defence Force Band, and down-town Basseterre, starting II’s Diamond Jubilee sometime after 4:30pm with the By Drizel Hanley arrival of the St.Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister, the Rt. Dr. Hon. Denzil Local celebrations in commemoration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth Douglas and His Excellency the II’s 60th year of reign (Diamond Jubilee) as Queen of England and Governor General, Sir Cuthbert Sovereign Head of this Federation were kicked off here on Monday Sebastian, under whose patronage evening, February, 6th, 2012, with the successful staging of “The Beating the function was held. of the Retreat” by contingents from the Royal St. Christopher-Nevis On the arrival of the Prime Police Force and the St.Kitts-Nevis Defence Force. Minister and the Governor General Hundreds witnessed the event which was staged on the Bay Road in they took the salute then

His Excellency Governor General, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian inspecting troops. His Excellency Governor General, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian taking Photos courtesy of Keeth France. salute from the troops. 14 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 - NEWS - 15 Sickness brings with it a 16:33). He didn’t promise to keep us out of life’s trials; but He did promise measure of failing strength, thus to be with us. God assures us of His presence in our present trials – “I VIEW POINT there is a need for supernatural will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Heb 13:5). strength. Human strength at its The word “leave” is from the Greek word “ANIEMI” which means BY best is never equal to the “to relax” or to “let sink”. So God has assured us that He will not let us V. E. INNISS exhausting trials of life, and this is sink. particularly true when sickness The world “forsake” is a compound of three Greek words attacks the body. “EGKATALEIPO” means “down” and “LEIPO” which means “to leave”. The weariness and exhaustion We never face any situation alone, for we always have this holy which accompany sickness can companion with us to comfort and support us. The experiences of Daniel For those in lead to discouragement and and Job come to mind to prove that God is always a tower of strength depression. It takes more than and shelter in the time of storm. human exhaustion to carry us We not only want one to be with us and feel with us in our hours of affliction through. sorrow, we want one to be with us and aid us in our hours of temptation Whether we believe it or not, the Bible touches life at all points – in and conflict, weakness and defeat; to be near us, to uphold us when youth and old age, in times of plenty and poverty, in times of health and COMPANIONSHIP flesh and heart shall faint and fail. sickness. I propose in this article to offer words of cheer to those who Of the many griefs that assail In all the universe there is but One such. Therefore, to Him, our own may be languishing on a bed of affliction as we spend these few moments the heart of man – that strange loving, compassionate, Almighty Saviour, let us cling. “When thou in discussion heart-to-heart. and mystic scroll, that three- passeth through the waters I will be with you, and through the rivers Here is a text to ponder: “The Lord will strengthen him/her upon the cornered exponent of all our hopes they shall not overflow thee:” (Is 43:2). bed of languishing; thou wilt make all his/her bed of sickness” (Psalm and fears – none can be more 41:3). poignant, none more distressing, CONTENTMENT The writer of a gospel hymn penned these lines presumably inspired than an overwhelming sense of the One of life’s most precious possessions is the state of being satisfied by our Lord’s interaction with the man sick with palsy as recorded in the loneliness of life. with one’s status in life. The content person is free from worry and Gospel of Matthew 9:3. Jesus said to the patient “Son be of good cheer, To some, the consciousness of anxiety. The Apostle Paul wrote. “I have learned, in whatever state I am, thy sins be forgiven thee.” What fitting words for times of sickness. it comes even in childhood’s days; therewith to be content”. (Phil 4:11). Here are the stanzas. others realize it with the passing Someone has said that when we reach heaven, God will look over us, At even, ere the sun was set, the sick O Lord, around Thee lay. O in of the years; and others again, not for medals or diplomas or earthly distinctions, but for scars – scars what divers pains they met! O with what joy they went away. through some heart rending of past conflicts waged for righteousness and for God. Thy touch has still its ancient power. No word from Thee can fruitless sorrow. In various ways we seek Affliction from whatever source and in whatever form is a universal fall. Here in this solemn evening hour and in Thy mercy heal us all. to escape from it – in the acquiring phenomenon. It teaches us to avail ourselves daily of the grace of God. It goes without saying that we live in an anxiety-producing culture. of wealth, in the pursuit of No area of life is free from problems and pressures, sickness and Our world is moving so fast that the majority of the human race are knowledge, in the whirl of sorrow, trials and tribulations. However the promises of God as expressed victims of fear and anxiety. The wear and tear of living pushes the process pleasure; but none of these things in the verses quoted above have proven to be, shall hereafter prove to in directions that are unfortunate even frightening. will adequately dispel it. be a soft pillow for heavy hearts, muddled minds and sick bodies. Notwithstanding there are those who seem to have been born with a Anyone who has experienced There is a strange verse in the Psalms with which I shall close. “It is nervous system that tends to overact at the slightest provocation, those a prolonged illness or has been good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statues” (Ps who are prone to view the trials and tastings of life out of proportion to separated from a loved one by 119:71). the actual situation. death has faced loneliness. When The proud and the wicked in David’s day lived in pomp and pleasure, This weakness appears frequently when disease and sickness attack we face illness we pass through while David, though he kept close to God and his duty, was still in the body or when old age takes over. Nothing is more soothing in times an experience that even born again affliction. But David could speak experimentally”. It is a good thing, for of affliction than words of comfort. Christians go through at one time me, many a good lesson he had learnt by his affliction. The afflictions God is the greatest comforter of His people. Through the Prophet or another. had contributed to the improvement of his knowledge and grace. Isaiah He spoke these calming words: “I even I, am he that comforteth Jesus said in the world we Sickness, although not pleasant can be profitable. May God sustain us you”. (Is. 51:12). would have tribulation (John all!

Nations Secretary General’s heritage as it will enable us to who regularly accept the call to The University of the ‘Unite to End Violence Against examine what was, record perform heroic acts – no matter Women’ Campaign. The telling what is and possibly anticipate how big or small. All are invited West Indies (UWI) of this story is therefore of what will be. It will also remind and encouraged to attend. particular importance to our us that we are surrounded by Open Campus St. Kitts discussions of history and people in St. Kitts and Nevis and Nevis hosting a Benefit concert for Wesleyan Holiness Church in public presentation Gingerland on Friday 17th families in Nevis February 2012 at 7:30pm. Mrs The History and Heritage Week of Activities 2012 is being Hanley has called on the celebrated under the theme of ‘Celebrating the Contributions of affected by cancer members of the public to our Everyday Heroes and Heroines to our History and Heritage’. patronize the concert. In keeping with this theme The University of the West Indies funds to offset Medical She has promised those (UWI) Open Campus St. Kitts and Nevis will be hosting a public planned expenses for the family of the who turn up that there will be presentation by local artiste Masud Sadiki entitled ‘Masud Sadiki: Health Adviser, Patricia late Delon Claxton and Ruby great Gospel music, dance and My Life in Music’. This event will take place at the UWI Open Hanley, has announced that Chapman who is presently in drama . An offering will be Campus St. Kitts Site at the Gardens, Basseterre on Thursday 23 leading Nevisian Gospel artists Cuba undergoing Cancer collected that will be shared February 2012 at 7:30pm. will collaborate with Pink Lily treatment. between the two families Masud’s story is one of a courageous and passionate individual Cancer Care to stage a benefit The concert will be held at affected by cancer. There will who has embraced the challenge of building a full-time career on Gospel Concert to help raise the Henrey’s Memorial be snacks on sale. the foundation of his musical talent and his commitment to his community. His story is an inspiring narrative of an individual who has embraced the challenge of transforming the Kittitian entertainment industry he inherited as a teenager, from part-time Nevis Renal Society Bake Sale enjoyment to full-time employment. “The Nevis Renal Society will hold a Bake Sale Masud’s unwavering commitment to expressing his theme of universal peace and love through music has enabled him to share at the D R Walwyn Plaza the stage with international artistes such as Wyclef Jean, Lucky on Saturday February 25th, 2012 from 7:30 am to 1pm Dube, Beenie Man and Buju Banton. In 2010 Masud released a All are asked to support this fund raising effort.” song entitled ‘A Stitch in Time’ which was used in the United 16 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 What Effect God’s Have Faith Wisdom Has on a Person? Written by Floy Hensley

What does it mean for God to give us wisdom? What kind of gift is these facts; see life as it is. One Faith: “Faith is the God’s wisdom? To live wisely, one has to be clear-sighted and realistic. will not have true wisdom until he Wisdom will not go with comforting illusion, false sentiment, or the use does. of rose-coloured glasses. Quite a number of Christians live in a dream Many of us Christians need evidence of things not world, with our heads in the wisdom among us and our feet off the this teaching; for not only are we ground. We never see the world and our lives in it, as they really are. basking in the misconception of seen” Hebrews 11:1 The deep-seated sin in us is one reason there is so little wisdom among what wisdom is, but, we feel that, God is well able to heal, deliver and to make a way in every situation us. Christians must understand that it takes more than sound doctrine for the honour of God and for the that concerns you today. In all our bustling some of us do not even have to cure us from unrealism. The message of the book of Ecclesiastes sake of our own reputation as or make the time out to thank and show appreciation to the most high should be headed to, for it can help us to become realists. spiritual being, it is necessary for God for all what He has done for us and is still doing for us. The book of Ecclesiastes is a sermon. Its text is “vanity of vanities” us to claim, so to speak, that we We cannot be an ungrateful generation who do not acknowledge (1:2; 12:8). This is an expression of the book’s theme (see chapters 1-10). are already in heaven here on earth God but one who would give Him thanks and praise in every single Much of the exposition is autobiographical. The author identifies himself enjoying inside information as to situation. as the “son of David, king of Jerusalem” (1:1). This can mean that the why and wherefore of God’s Faith is the driving force to move the hands of the Lord and the Solomon was the preacher or the writer has put words in Solomon’s doing. This is a comforting currency of heaven because without faith it is impossible to please God mouth as a didactic device. This is a thought of one scholar E J Young. pretence that we take pleasure in. (Hebrews 11:6). So begin to speak the word of God over your situation The sermon is certainly Solomon’s, in the sense that it teaches lessons We fool ourselves in thinking that that all will be well and God is working like never before on your behalf. which Solomon had unique opportunities to learn. God has enabled us to understand None of us is an island unto ourselves because we really need each “Vanity of vanities, says the preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” all His ways; and we take it for other to survive in this dying world. In what spirit and for what purpose, does the preacher announce this? granted that we shall be able to We cannot make it without the grace and mercies of our God, who “It is the confession of an embittered cynic, a selfish and callous old see immediately the reason for would continue to fight our battles for us. man of the world who found at the end nothing but dire disillusionment” anything that might happen to us Eternal and most precious Father as your people come before you, says W H Elliot. This is Elliot’s way of trying to bring home to unbelievers in the future. Only to discover that allow the spirit of God to move in every single situation even now. the impossibilities of finding happiness “under the sun” when one is later something very painful and Father God nothing is too hard or too far for you to reach. Father God apart from God. inexplicable comes along and takes you know each and every person by name and by nature. There is no Ecclesiastes speaks of a mature teacher giving a young convert the away our cheerful illusion of being problem too difficult for you to solve or any sickness that you cannot fruits of his own long experience and reflection (11:9, 12:1, 12). The in God’s secret council. heal. Father as we open up our minds, bodies, soul and spirit to trust you author’s intention was to lead this young convert into true wisdom and At this juncture, we blame God. even more than ever. There is nothing impossible for you to handle for keep him from making serious mistakes and lose sight of his goal. It Why? Our pride is wounded, your dear and beloved children. There is a great blessing in store for would appear that the young convert was incline to equate wisdom with because we feel that God has each and everyone of you. knowledge and to suppose that one gains wisdom simply by assiduous slighted us; it is when we repent As the faith of each and every reader increases, the spirit of the Lord book work (12:12). Clearly, the writer took it for granted that wisdom, and humble ourselves from our is moving like never before and making a way even now. when he gained it, would tell him the reasons for God’s various doings in presumptuousness that our I pray that this upcoming week, you would see the hands of God the ordinary course of providence. The preacher wanted to show the spiritual life is not completely moved in your situation. Do have a very productive, favor filled, stress young convert that the real basis for wisdom is a frank acknowledgement blighted. It serves us well to leave free and a rewarding week in the presence of the Most High God. So just that this world’s course is enigmatic, while much of what happened is the playing field of what one writer remember that Jesus Christ loves you even more each and every day. quite inexplicable to God’s children and that most occurrences “under calls a “hard-bitten, joyless apathy WOMAN OF VIOLENT FAITH!!! the sun” bear no outward sign of a national, moral God ordering them at of spirit,” for the playing field of INDEED ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD TO THOSE WHO all. God. BELIEVE.... The sermon itself shows that the text is intended as a warning against Today, in the Christian’s circle the misconceive quest for understanding and it states the despairing there is a type of personal spiritual conclusion to which this quest, if honestly and realistically pursued, inertia, combined with critical must at length lead. cynicism within the churches and OAS Secretary “Look,” says the preacher, “At the sort of world that we live in. Take dangerous supercilious off your dark-coloured glasses, open your eye and look at the world resentment of other Christians’ General Expresses long and hard. Shout what you have seen. In all honesty, one is likely initiatives and enterprise. Herein to see life’s background set by the alarming of aimlessly recurring cycle lies a danger, for behind such in nature” (1:4-7). The world’s shape is fixed by time and circumstances morbid and deadening condition Consternation over which we have no control (see 3:1-8; 9:11-12). You see death comes very often is a wounded pride in to everyone sooner or later. Death’s coming bears no relation to whether one, who thought he knew all regarding Tragedy in it is deserved (see 7:15; 8:8). Humans die like beast (3:19-20), good ones about the ways of God’s like bad, wise ones like fools (2:14, 16; 9:2-3). Evil is seen running rampant providence, only to discover that (3:16; 4:1; 5:8; 11:8; 9:3); the wicked prosper; the good do not (8:14). such knowledge is through a bitter Honduras Seeing all this, one would realize that God’s ordering of event is and bewildering experience that is The Secretary General of the Organization of American inscrutable, much as he wants to make it out; he cannot do so (3:11; 7:13- extremely limited. Whoever shares States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, expressed deep 14; 8:7; 11:15). this space, clearly does not consternation regarding the tragic events in the Comayagua, The harder one tries to understand the divine purpose in the ordinary understand the message of Honduras, prison, and expressed his solidarity with President provincial course of events, the more obsessed and oppressed one grows Ecclesiastes. Porfirio Lobo’s government regarding the tragedy caused by with the apparent aimlessness of everything and the more he is tempted The end result is, God in His a fire in the prison that has killed more than three hundred to rationalize that life is really as pointless as it looks. wisdom makes and keeps us If one concludes that there is really no rhyme or reason in things humble, to teach us to walk by people. such as: profit, value, gain, point and purpose, he will not find any sort faith. So He has hidden from us Following conversations with the Permanent of constructive endeavour (see 1:3; 2:11,22; 3:9; 5:16). If life is senseless almost everything that we would Representative of Honduras to the OAS, Ambassador then it is valueless. In that case, what is the use to create things, make like to know about His provincial Leonidas Rosa Bautista, to convey the Organization’s money and even to seek wisdom when none if it will do you any good? purposes which He is working out solidarity, Insulza requested the Chair of the Inter-American This will only make you an object of envy (see 4:4). No one can take any in His Church and in our own lives. Commission on Human Rights, Dinah Shelton, to send a of it with him (2:18-21; 4:8; 5:15-16). Whatever you leave behind will delegation, including the Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons probably be mismanaged (see 2:19). What is the point then in sweating Humbly Submitted by Deprived of Liberty, Rodrigo Escobar, to Honduras to and toiling for anything? Alson B H Percival (Rev investigate the events that led to the tragic prison fire. It to this pessimistic conclusion, says the whiter of Ecclesiastics, Canon Dr) Following its investigation, the delegation will present a that optimistic expectations of finding the divine purpose of everything will ultimately lead some (1:17-18). Yes, they are right. For the world we Chair comprehensive report of its findings to the Honduran live in is in fact the sort of place the writer described. The God who rules Nevis Regional Council & government and the hemispheric organization. it hides Himself. The imperative question to ask is, does this world look Vice Chair as if there is a rational power behind it? What is worthless survives, Nevis Christian Council For more information, please visit the OAS Website at while what is valuable perishes. Be realistic, says the preacher, face www.oas.org The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 - NEWS - 17 if they cross over, who will they be representing? Were they to cross over? If they cross over, could it or Dear Reader: The views expressed in this article are completely wouldn’t it be concrete proof that mine and mine alone. I bear no personal grudges against anyone. I, like they have deserted the Labour other people have been hearing some rumours and Police Officers have Movement, their constituents and a way of saying that there is always a little truth in every rumour you their constituencies? Would they hear. I have been a Labour Supporter for a very long time. I believe that be able to call themselves Labour the Movement which was founded in 1932 as The Workers’ League and, Supporters and Labour which would be celebrating 80 years of existence this year, was founded Candidates? Could they be to look after the interest of the ordinary folks and to protect those same considered to be traitors of the interests of the ordinary folks. Labour Movement? As a Columnist of this newspaper, I have agonized over the rumours Would they be able to walk I have heard and, not being the favourite of any particular politician, I down the streets holding their decided to put pen to paper to see if I can send a message to all and BY EARL CLARKE heads high and hailing out to the sundry. Granny would say “A word to the wise is enough.” Comrades? Were they to cross A friend of mine called me to tell me that he was bringing a copy of having troubles within his own over, whose interest would they the News Link Newspaper, Friday - Saturday 3-4 February, 2012, so that party for the leadership. Perhaps be representing? Labour’s I could read an article written by The Driftwood – Traitor, Deserter he has now been shown that PAM interest? The interests of their Reincarnate. I read the article and there was a half snap shot of the Hon. was not formed for people like him constituents and constituencies Sam Condor, with a Headline above “How can they?” to take over the leadership, hence who never mandated them to The article attacked all the Ministers of Government and was the nod given to the Sheriff. cross over? practically saying that all of them must leave Dr. Douglas and come over Let us look at the crossing over Of course, the driftwood would on the other side. “Misery always want to attract company” one of episode. The two Labour be pleased to have them. He would Granny’s sayings and this has to be true. Ministers whom the driftwood have plenty of weight for he would During the Christmas Season when Central Street, between Church want to cross-over, were given a be showing the new crew that he would be their cry, Jesus of and Fort Streets was packed with shoppers, at about 10:30am, I saw the mandate by their Constituencies was the person responsible for the Nazareth done pass by”. Driftwood, the Deserter, walking from West to East. I stood in front of to run for Labour. They won the coup. His bargaining power would Some people underestimate the Foud Abourizk Store and I observed the man walking with his head in 2010 Elections because they were be strengthened. What position intelligence of the person they call the air, loneliness written all over him, (the aura of loneliness). Not one Candidates for the Labour Party, would he want? Dr, Denzil Douglas. A little wise soul who passed him called out to him. When he turned the bend to go whose leader is the Rt. Hon. Dr. Would he want to be the bird sat perched in an oak, the more south into Fort Street, someone standing by the West of TDC hailed out Denzil Douglas. This is why they Attorney General? Would he want he watched, the less he spoke, the to him. won their seats. to be Minister of Tourism? Would less he spoke, the more he heard. Here is a completely forsaken, lonely human being, instead of They won because they ran for he want to be an Advisor to the If I was Dr. Denzil Douglas, I searching for the peace which lies within him, is endeavouring to destroy Labour. They grew up in Labour. New Government? With all this would be just like that wise old an institution which is far older and bigger than him. From 1992 – 2009 he They were nurtured in Labour. bargaining going on, with the bird. I would watch, I would listen has been part of the team which played for Labour. He has left the team They suffered under the hand of feeling of being pawns in this new and I would not speak a word. I am and, having left it, he is now intent on destroying it. PAM because they are Labour. organization, with the sad feeling ten men in one, I am a dictator, but Now, dear reader, if you are the owner or part owner of a house, They have never returned to their experienced when you are a I am also a Gulliver. would you deliberately destroy that house to go and live in a foreign constituents and say that they stranger in a strange land or Will these gentlemen be able environment of snakes and alligators that might one day attack you? have a problem with Labour. As environment. What would be the to come to the electorate to tell You are presently living in an environment where you can come and go far as their constituents know, fate, what would be the outcome them that they are still Labour and as you please. There are no hindrances to your movements. You give up they are still with Labour. Have any for these two men? to vote for them? I don’t think so. this and you go to live on the edges of the forest which is infested with of their constituents’ say that they Wouldn’t Granny have been My grandmother used to say all kinds of dangerous reptiles? can cross-over to the other side? correct when she says “A bird in “You never miss the water until the Just the other day, the Representative of #8 Constituency has given Have their constituents given the hand is worth forty in the well runs dry. Never leave sure to the nod to the Sheriff being the PM if the two whom the deserter is trying them a mandate to cross over to bush”? Or she would say: “You unsure. It is better to deal with the to entice to cross over made the plunge. The #8 Representative did so, form some government of National never missed the water until the devil you know than an unknown after the Courts gave him victory over Cedric Liburd, for he himself is Conciliation or whatever it is? And, well runs dry.” Too late, too late angel.”

presently housed on the ground Search for floor of Government Headquarters on Church Street and is home to hundreds of thousands of government-owned documents including death registers from 1880; marriage property to house bonds and registers from 1771; The Register of Slaves, Compensation Claims of 1834 for St. Kitts and National Archives Anguilla; birth, marriage and BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (CUOPM) – Refurbishment of a property death records from January 1859 to house the National Archives is on the agenda for 2012. to the present; Cabinet According to Chief Secretary, Mr. Joseph Edmeade, the National Submissions dating back to the Archives continues to be tremendously restricted in its ability to provide the level of service it can offer. Register of Slaves from 1817 to 1834 in the National Archives “The issue of space continues to linger into fiscal year 2012. The 1960’s; Court Records from the 1750’s and land records from the 1690’s. Archives still however remains a Local newspapers include the St. Christopher Gazette and Caribbean high priority for the Ministry and Courier from 1882; The Independent from 1882; the St. Kitts-Nevis considerable time and energy has Advertiser and the Intelligencer from 1878; The Daily Express from 1789, been spent trying to solve funding the Union Messenger from 1923. issues,” said Mr. Edmeade. The inscription of the St. Kitts Registry of Slaves is on UNESCO’s He said the Ministry has Memory of the World. therefore begun to think about the The National Archives also launched the website “Basseterre, Past refurbishment of an appropriate and Present, Tomorrow” athttp://www.historicbasseterre.com. property that is already owned by It is an outgrowth of the inscription project and features news government which will surely clippings and images which show the changes in Basseterre over time. utilize far less funds than a The National Archivist is Victoria Borg-O’Flaherty. completely new project. Register of Lands from 1698 in the National Archives The National Archives is Photos by Erasmus Williams 18 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 applying for duty concessions support it gives to small NEDD To Promote Entrepreneur at and tax exemptions as well as businesses. export incentives. Mr. Browne explained that Small Business Development Community Meeting “We’ll also speak to the collaboration with partner Act of 2009 provides some issue of financing. How do you Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 15, 2012 (SKNIS): The agencies is an important support and established go about financing a small National Entrepreneurial Development Division (NEDD) will component of the community structures of how they can business? The intricacies, the engage existing and potential entrepreneurs in a series of critical meetings. Other institutions access that support. This is difficulties that one can face meetings to discuss the challenges of operating a business and that are expected to be what we are attempting to do and what is available in that ways the agency can assist in promoting their success. with the series of meetings. We area,” Mr. Browne stated, contacted for future sessions The first Community Business Meeting, as it is dubbed, will are making sure that small noting the importance of include Social Security, the be held at the Edgar T. Morris Primary School in Tabernacle business owners and potential funding. St. Kitts Cooperative Credit tomorrow (Thursday, February 16). It begins at 6:00 p.m. entrepreneurs in the community In addition to the Union and the Foundation for During an appearance on this week’s SKNIS Perspectives, know that there is help out presentations by officials from National Development. NEDD’s Business Development Officer Phillip Browne revealed there.” the Ministry of International The Business Development that many persons are not aware of the technical assistance Topics to be discussed Trade - which NEDD is a part Officer invited residents of the area that his agency offers small companies. include the purpose of NEDD, of - a representative from the and surrounding communities to “So many times … small business people feel like they are and the assistance it offers in Development Bank of St. Kitts attend the session on Thursday. out there alone,” he stated. “They don’t even know that the developing a business plan, and Nevis will highlight the He disclosed that similar meetings will be held in other areas in the near future. Church in St. Kitts gathered for an island met on Friday night with the Family Life Directors and local pastors; Family Life Celebration island-wide Family Life the leaders were challenged to create a community of supporters and Celebration Weekend, held core groups to assist with the execution and planning of family life Weekend a Success! February 9-13, at the Seventh-day activities for the church. Adventist School grounds and the The leaders were also admonished to develop an effective Family Over two hundred and fifty families of the Seventh-day Adventist Basseterre Seventh-day Adventist Life Ministry though personal preparation, the development of a mission Church. and vision statement and goals, and through the creation of a resource The focus of the weekend was bank of professionals and paraprofessionals. restoring the family. The The Sabbath service offered more opportunities for families to gain weekend’s worship and valuable insight into family life as topics centering on marriage and workshops explored multiple singleness were explored. Married couple gathered on Sunday night topics in marriage, singleness, and and the weekend’s celebration culminated on Monday night as parents parenting leaving all present were offered practical tips and bible admonitions on how to effectively socially and spiritually enriched. parent children in today’s technological society through a question and Family Life Leaders, Elders, answer forum. Pastors, Church members and “The family is the most important unit in society and every family visitors alike received life- deserves to make it into the Kingdom of God,” said District One Pastor, changing principles to strengthen Pastor Sherwin White. Pastor White also indicated that it is both his and their individual families. The first Pastor of District Two, Pastor Kay White’s intention to work around the time Family Celebration weekend island to restore holistic families for God because “no family is so badly featured representatives from the broken that God cannot fix it.” South Leeward Mission of Seventh-day Adventist and the Caribbean Union of Seventh-day Adventists. South Leeward Mission Family Life Director, Pastor Charles Heskey, Caribbean Union Family Life Director, Pastor Andrew Farrell, and South Leeward Mission Children’s Ministries Director, Dr. Eulalie Semper were the facilitators for the weekend. The weekend began Thursday evening with a session for elders. The Family Life leaders of the different Seventh-day Adventist Church congregations on the The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 - NEWS - 19 Official opening of Jessups Community Centre coming soon; NIA Cabinet visits site

Cabinet members inside the auditorium of the new Jessups Community Centre weeks ahead of its official opening

A view of the Jessups Community Centre from the Village Main Road Cabinet members in the sitting Nevis Island Administration (l-r) Cabinet Secretary and Jessups Villager Mr. Ashley Farrell, Premier NIA-CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (— Members of the Nevis Island development as central to the of Nevis and Area Representative Hon. Joseph Parry, Minister of Administration(NIA) Cabinet led by Premier of Nevis and Area stabilisation of the society, central Trade Hon. Dwight Cozier, Minister of Communication and Works Representative Hon. Joseph Parry, visited the Jessups Community Centre to crime reduction, to build a sense Hon. Carlisle Powell and Minister of Social Development Hon. on Monday, February 13, 2012, for a firsthand look at the progress being of oneness and a sense of Hensley Daniel discussing progress of the Jessups Community made on the finishing touches of the history making facility. community. Centre Minister of Social Development Hon. Hensley Daniel told the The Minister further added Department of Information that the visit was a final check ahead of the that on the NRP’s return to as it were so we can all be proud would happily get involved to planned official opening by the end of February. Government, the Community that we have the designs done in ensure that the boys reading skills “We are doing the final check because we really want to have the Development Division was Nevis and the work done in Nevis. would be greatly improved as centre opened in a few days before the end of the month. Here we are established with the task to “That certainly gives our local compared to where they were at checking on all the things that need to be done. develop programmes at the people a lift and certainly could at present. “The arrangements for this community centre were different, in that, community level. least have the rest of the society “So all in all I can say on behalf the government provided the materials and the builder just had a labour Notwithstanding, Mr Daniel have that kind of confidence in of the villagers of Jessups, thanks contract. So we are here to make sure that the finishing touches are done also used the opportunity to pay them,” he said. to the Nevis Reformation Party-led and we expect to have those done for an opening ahead of the end of the tribute to the level of talent and Meantime, Jessups Resident government for making a month,” he said. skill available among Nevisians Mr. Ashley Farrell who is also the community centre in Jessups a According to Mr. Daniel, the Jessups Community Centre is the last and pointed to the quality of work Cabinet Secretary added his reality,” he said. of five centres for which ground was broken in 2011 that will be opened. delivered by the local contractors impressions of the new centre to Since the inception of the The first one opened was constructed in partnership with the Basic who constructed the five new be opened in his community. Nevis Island Administration in Needs Trust Fund and the NIA in the village of Barnes Ghaut. The community centres. “I am extremely pleased with 1983, it would be the first time that second was the Cotton Ground Community Centre, third was the Fountain “We are a government which the progress here at the any government erected a Community Centre and the Combermere Community Centre was officially take on board the view that the Community centre. This is community centre in Jessups opened two weeks ago. local people come first, the local something that the villagers have Village. He explained that a final electrical inspection, finalising air people have talent and skills it is been looking forward to for a very, conditioning units and some landscaping also had to be done in readiness not only done in works but you very long time. for the official opening by the end of February. should see it in deed. These “Right now we are satisfied that In an earlier interview with the Department of Information, Mr. Daniel centres were done by local people the building is ready to be opened noted that the NIA had undertaken a programme to redirect the – Curtis Liburd at Barnes Ghaut, and we anticipate that before the communities on Nevis and provide for them focal points in the form of Rudolph Nisbett here at Jessups, end of the month the Jessups community centres. Malvern Jeffers at Cotton Ground, Community would have a place He said the Nevis Reformation Party-led NIA regarded community Lesroy Hanley at Fountaine and where they can meet, have Livingstone Mills at Combermere. community activities, cultural “That just underscores the activities and bring back the point that if you give the local Jessups of yesteryear,” he said. people the opportunity to address Mr. Farrell said his fellow particular issues you must invest villagers anticipated that the new the confidence in them because if facility, once opened, would be a a man believes instinctively his used by all ages and that there government has the confidence in would be cultural and religious him he is more likely to deliver a shows. However, he was hopeful good quality product,” he said. that apart from the training Mr. Daniel also had praise for programmes that would be offered the Public Works Department who there would be those that dealt he said had provided the designs with physical fitness. for the centres, another The Jessups Villager, a former Photo caption: (L-R) Jessups Villager and Cabinet Secretary Mr. achievement Nevisians should be Permanent secretary of Education Ashley Farrell and Minister for Social Development in the Nevis proud of. said he also also looked forward Island Administration Hon. Hensley Daniel touring inside the “The architectural work is to reading programmes that would Jessups Community Centre to be officially opened by month end pretty much emerging from Nevis be offered and once he had time 20 - COMMENTARY - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 Carnival Valor to replace the Armed Forces stage Victory on year-round calls to “Beating of the St. Kitts Retreat”...... BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, officials; the Speaker of the (CUOPM) – The 2,974-passsenger (cont’d from page 13) National Assembly, Hon. Curtis Carnival Valor, which made a one- Retreat”. Martin, the Reigning National time visit to St. Kitts during the The troops marched back and Carnival Queen, Ms. Kaila current cruise ship season, is to forth along the parade route Huggins and the High Command make year-round calls to Port several times. of the Police Force and Defence Zante from February 2013. Lowering of the flag signalled Force. Industry leader, Carnival in the end of the parade. The ceremony of Beating expanding capacity in the The men and women on parade Retreat has its origins in the Southern Caribbean for 2013, said have been highly commended for practicalities of early warfare when the Carnival Valor will move from their excellent performances by the drum was used for all signals officials as well as the huge and on the battlefield. Beating the enthusiastic crowd in attendance, Retreat was a signal for troops to especially many of the younger disengage from combat as light Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico in single, 16-night trans-Atlantic folks, accompanying their parents faded. February 2013 to operate year- voyage from Miami to and guardians who are looking Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth round, seven-night trips to the Civitavecchia, Rome on Feb. 4, forward to another presentation of II came to the throne on February Southern Caribbean, taking the 2013. The line says details on the the event. 6th, 1952. place of the smaller, 2,758- ship’s deployment beyond Among the local dignitaries She celebrated her 25th passenger Carnival Victory. February 2013 will be coming witnessing the event, which has anniversary (Silver Jubilee) in 1977 The Carnival Victory, which soon. been described as “a fascinating and her 50th anniversary (Golden brought a total of 163,550 Carnival says the Carnival experience” Minister with Jubilee) in 2002. passengers to St. Kitts in 2111, has Valor will sail its first Southern responsibility for Energy and The only other British monarch been calling at Port Zante year- Caribbean cruise on Feb. 10, 2013. Public Utilities, Hon. Asim Martin to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee was round for the past two years and The sailings will feature stops in and other top Government Queen Victoria in 1897. will move to Miami to operate year- St. Thomas, Barbados, St. Lucia, round, taking the place of the 2,642- St. Kitts and St. Maarten. passenger Carnival Destiny. Carnival says the Carnival The Victory brought a total of Victory will be the newest and 163,550 passengers to St. Kitts in largest ship ever to sail four- and 2011. five-night voyages out of Miami, Carnival didn’t reveal its plans and the Carnival Valor will be the for the Carnival Destiny, other newest and largest ship ever to sail than to say the ship would sail a year-round out of San Juan. The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 - NEWS - 21 The three-round competition Jocelyn Liburd School declared hosted by the Ministry of Tourism Shiane as part of Tourism Week 2012 was winner of the Nisbet’s Plantation conducted by Quiz Master Ms. Claudia Walwyn, and included Patrick questions on Culture, Tourism Primary Schools quiz Environment, Geography and wins first ever Miss Newton Ground Princess Pageant By Drizel Hanley Last Saturday, February 4, Miss Mathematics, 10-year-old Bellvue children participating in the quiz Shiane Patrick won the first Premier of Nevis,Hon.Joseph Parry and winners of the Jocelyn edition of Miss Newton Ground Liburd school: Miss Kervinicia Webbe, Mr.Makebou Tross and Caribbean Tourism. Held at the job on the quiz. I also thank the Princess Pageant from a field of standby Miss. Chelcia Burke Nevis Cultural Centre the event teachers and parents for working attracted government officials, five contestants. Charlestown, Nevis - Premier and Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Joseph with the students and instilling the parents, teachers, students and The pageant was staged at Parry, congratulated the Jocelyn Liburd Primary School for winning the knowledge that led them to be well wishers. the School’s Auditorium under annual Nisbet’s Plantation Beach Club Primary Schools Quiz on winners,” commented the Premier, Chief organizer, Tourism the theme “Motivating young Wednesday, Feb. 8th, 2012. after distributing trophies and gifts Officer Ms. Vanessa Webbe people through Excellence.” “I commend Kervinica Webbe and McKebou Tross for doing a fine to the participants. saluted the teachers, parents and Along with the crown Shiane students for making the day’s received the awards for Best event “outstanding”, stating that Interview and Best Speech. she learned much about Nevis Miss Social Studies, Tishani Culture and the Environment from Lewis, who snatched the first- the questions asked and answers runner-up position won the Best given during the quiz. Performing Talent segment with “I applaud each and everyone a dramatic and comical for taking time out of their busy presentation of a young girl who schedules in order to make this got side-tracked by technology, activity memorable, especially especially the social network, Nisbet’s Plantation Resort who has facebook and was not generously sponsored this event, performing academically but year after year,” said Ms. Webbe. soon realized that “all play and Tourism Week 2012, which no work” would certainly make climaxes Sunday (Feb. 12) with her a dull girl . Horse Racing at Indian castle, is Second-runner-up went to being held under the theme, Miss Language Arts, Jarencia “Linking Generations, Bridging Jeffers who was also awarded Premier,Hon.Joseph Parry with all of the participants of the quiz Cultures”. the top score for Best Evening Wear sporting a pink and white dress adorned with silver glitter. The other two contestants Premier Parry gives Nevis the Premier observed that some were Miss Health, Teshenequa years ago Nevis was rated as Woods and Miss Science, Investment Promotion Agency the 83rd most difficult country Shaniqua Harris. to do business in, and his Nevis Live entertainment was ‘teeth’ Reformation Party-led provided by a Hi5, with the government felt that something show being complemented with Charlestown,Nevis- had to be done to correct that performances by Young Prince, (Monday,February 13, 2012)— situation. Footsy, Pinocchio, Vakeel, Premier of Nevis and Minister “We established what we call Hacha B and DC. the Nevis Investment Promotion MCs for the night were of Finance, the Hon Joseph Delonte Lewis and Danny Isles. Parry, has said that the Nevis Agency (NIPA) and the idea was that NIPA would market financial The new Miss Newton Investment Promotion Agency Ground Princess, Shiane Patrick (NIPA) has come of age and services and investments in Nevis, and it would provide and facilitate was crowned by the assumed a number of any effort of an investor to get his Parliamentary Representative of investment portfolios which he business done,” said the Premier. the area, Prime Minister the Rt. feels will now be better handled He added that persons wishing Dr. Hon. Denzil Douglas. by the agency that is headed by Premier of Nevis,Hon.Joseph Parry (Photo by Peter Ngunjiri) to do business in Nevis would go Mrs. Bernadette Lawrence. to NIPA, which has The Nevis Investment climate in Nevis. Hardtman and Mr. Deon representatives from the Planning I was very pleased with the way it Promotion Agency was “I have been acting as a Daniel. All those projects will and Finance Departments of the went, and I am sure that we will launched on May 21, 2008 and kind of investment agency and be placed in the hands of government, the private sector, see good things coming out of according to the Premier, has some of those projects will now NIPA,” said Premier Parry. and someone who is in touch with NIPA,” reported the Premier. “Mrs. the Cabinet. In that way, the responsibility for investment be handed over to NIPA, like Speaking Tuesday, February Bernadette Lawrence has been government hopes that it can employed by NIPA for some time promotion, investment the Aman Hotel Project, the 7 on his weekly program, ‘In speed up investments on the now, and she has been able to facilitation, aftercare services Pinneys Development Project, Touch With the Premier’ on island. bring a Dr. Naggi here for and advocating policy changes the Herbert’s Beach Project, Choice 105.3 FM and other “I had my first meeting with development of the Cosmetology to enhance the investment and projects involving Mr. Greg radio stations in the Federation, NIPA on Monday, February 6 and Centre.” 22 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 training session at Kensington “The 13 wickets I got that’s this would not disrupt his plan of Oval, which was cut short by a gone now. That was two weeks attack. heavy shower. ago. This is a different kind of pitch “I enjoy bowling to left- Trinidad and Tobago had a and different opponents handers and I try to make them play bye in the second round and will altogether so I know I have to re- at every ball. My style of bowling, look for their second victory. focus and come with a different I try to be accurate and attack the Barbados had a bye in the first kind of plan. The pitch here at stumps. My job will require that I round. They lost their opening Kensington is usual bouncy so the stay focus and just do the job that match to Jamaica at Sabina Park close-in fielders at bat-pad and slip the captain calls on me to Narine backs last weekend and will be look to could come into play.” perform.” rebound in front their home The Barbados batting line-up The winning team will be supporters. for this weekend’s match is likely awarded the Headley/Weekes T&T bowlers to “I hope the Barbados batsmen to feature three left-handers - Omar Trophy in honour of West Indies don’t focus too much on me. We Phillips, Ryan Hinds and Jonathan greats George Headley and Sir have more than one bowler in our Carter - in the top five. Narine said Everton Weekes. fire against side. We have a good bowling attack and everyone who is picked as a bowler can do the job for T&T. Barbados We have the fast bowlers Shannon Gabriel and Rayad Emrit, who have he took last year. He now has 245 career wickets and will be looking to Bridgetown, Barbados — Trinidad and Tobago spinner Sunil Narine done a very good job before. I reach the 250 landmark. CCC’s batting has not been spectacular but has told the Barbados batsmen not to focus their attention on him during don’t think they (Barbados) Austin is backing his young team-mates to come good. this weekend’s third round Regional 4 Day match at Kensington Oval. should focus on me. I’m new on “I’m getting a lot more pace on the ball now and I’m starting it from Narine had the amazing figures of 13 wickets for 39 runs in the opening the scene and every day won’t be outside the off stump. That is another change I have made. I am putting match against Combined Campuses & Colleges and has caught the eye. my day so whoever is having a the ball in what people call the ‘right areas’ more consistently and I am He warned the Bajans that Trinidad and Tobago have other match- good day we will support him to getting rewards. Having played for Barbados and now for CCC for a winners who are capable of doing the job as they look for their second do the job that is required,” said number of years, I have watched and learned a few things and I’m trying win of the season. Narine was speaking after Wednesday’s afternoon Narine. to put these ideas into my everyday game,” Austin said. “I have been talking to our batsman a lot … we have young batting side. They have been working hard but batting at this level calls for patience. You have to be willing to spend long periods at the crease and Chart-topper Austin reaps benefits work for your runs. I am backing our batsmen to make the adjustment and put up some good scores in the coming matches,” Austin said. overs a day during every training The winning team will be awarded the Headley/Weekes Trophy in of overtime in the nets session,” said the 30-year-old honour of West Indies greats George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes. Bridgetown, Barbados — Ryan Austin is working overtime to stay Austin. on top of his game and he is reaping the rewards. The off-spinner had a “This is something that I Other Awards 10-wicket match haul and was the hero last weekend as his Combined started last month ahead of the Batting (Most Runs) - The Vivian Richards Award Campuses & Colleges beat Leeward Islands to get their first points of Caribbean T20 and it has Bowling (Most Wickets) - The Courtney Walsh Award the Regional 4 Day tournament. continued into the Regional 4 Day Fielding (Most Catches) - The Clive Lloyd Award The experienced off-spinner ended with 10 wickets for 71 runs - 5-19 tournament. So when we go to the Allrounder (Leading Allrounder) - The Malcolm Marshall Award in the first innings as Leewards fell for 39, and 5-52 in the second innings nets and the others have finished, Wicket-keeping (Most Dismissals) - The Deryck Murray Award to take his side to an innings victory inside two days. He has now I stay back and make sure I put in Most Promising Fast Bowler - The Andy Roberts Award secured 19 wickets at an average of just 10.89, including 7-84 in the first my 20 overs per day, so when I get innings of the opening match against T&T, to be the leading wicket- into the match bowling a minimum taker so far this season. of 20 overs comes naturally.” Upcoming matches - 3rd round: Thursday, February 16 “It’s no secret that as a sportsman, the older you get the harder you This weekend Austin will take to Sunday, February 19 have to work to maintain your fitness and keep your skills up to pace. on the Guyana batsmen at Warner Guyana vs Combined Campuses & Colleges at Warner Park, St Kitts I’m not one of the young boys so I know I have to put in the extra work Park in St Kitts. He is well on target Barbados vs Trinidad and Tobago at Kensington Oval, Barbados to stay on top. I have started a routine where I try to bowl at least 20 for the tournament-best 44 wickets Bye - Windward Islands Aruba and British Virgin Islands admitted to Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO) February 12, 2012, Basseterre. Aruba and the British Virgin Islands are now members of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organization (RADO). The Board reviewed and approved applications for membership from both territories at the annual Board meeting in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. The meeting was held from February 11-12, 2012 under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth, Empowerment and Sports in collaboration with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Speaking at the Opening Ceremony, The Minister of Sports, the Hon. Glenn Philip and the President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee, Mr. Alphonzo Bridgewater, expressed their unswerving support for the mandate of WADA and for the RADO. At the meeting, Board members were reminded of the need to enhance well as WADA staff members, Mr. Tom May, Senior Manager, Programme The Caribbean RADO was Board engagement for accelerating the anti-doping agenda, to increase Development and Mrs. Maria Pesce Cutri, Regional Director for Latin formed in 2005 to ensure that communication with all sport-related stakeholders, and most importantly America. Mrs Tessa Chaderton-Shaw, Executive Director of the RADO member countries comply with the to urge member countries to pay their annual fee to the RADO, to ensure in Barbados also made several presentations to Board Members. provisions in the World Anti- sustainability of the organization. This is critical to ensure that athletes Board members attending the meeting included representatives from Doping Code and implement anti- in the region play fair, compete clean, and make their countries proud, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. doping education and doping especially in this Olympic year. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, control among the sport fraternity. The main facilitators included RADO Chairman, Dr. Adrian Lorde, as Trinidad and Tobago, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos Islands. The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012 - COMMENTARY - 23 Church Service on Sunday to commemorate re-election anniversary BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, General Election. Carty, Minister of Education and (CUOPM) – The K. J. Swanston The Service on Sunday 19th Information. Memorial Methodist Church in February is being organised by The homily will be delivered by Dieppe Bay is the venue for a Constituency 6 Branch Executive Methodist Minister, the Rev. By: Vigilante Service of Thanksgiving of the ruling St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Joyce Rohan. * A number of law-abiding citizens are calling on the Police to check commemorating the second Party. Constituents and residents of out de infamous “Watch Dog” in the Democrat, for the instigating anniversary re-election of Prime An organiser said Prime St. Christopher 6 (Newton ground article he wrote in the paper recently, calling for an armed and Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Minister Douglas will read the First to Harris’) along with well-wishes violent uprising in the country to overthrow our lawfully elected Prime Douglas as Parliamentary Lesson, while the Second Lesson are invited to attend the Service Minister and Labour Government. Representative and the Labour will be read by Sen. the Hon. Nigel which begins at 9 a.m. * It is reported that since the publication of the article a number of Party’s victory in the January 2010 strategy meetings have been held by opposition elements in the island, planning all manner of evil to get rid of Douglas and Labour. * They want “Watch Dog” to explain to the Police what he meant Cruise ship passengers passenger Celebrity Silhouette when he stated in de article that our popular and beloved Prime with 2,838 passengers. Both berth Minister may have to stop a bullet with his head like Gaddafi did in arrivals to hit the at Port Zante, while the 255- Libya. passenger Royal Clipper had 155 * And, what he meant when he said that Labour Ministers and passengers on board. supporters going have to run out de country to run from trouble and 25,000 mark this week Most of the 5,854 passengers escape the wrath of PAM’s so-called “Messiah”. BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, Thomson Dream berth at Port disembarked and went on sight- * De word on the street is that the lady, who “Watch Dog” referred FEBRUARY 16TH 2012 (CUOPM) Zante Thursday with 1,498 seeing tours, snorkeling, diving, to at the start of his “Messiah article”, was organised and paid by – The visit by a cruise ship passengers after arriving from St. golfing, hiking, shopping, PAM to make the call on the PAM/FM radio station. But, “de nutsy Thursday and on three on Maarten. swimming sunbathing and lady” never threw one bottle or stone as she has been a big ‘nutsy’ Wednesday to St. Kitts, pushed On Wednesday, the three gambling. PAM supporter long before 1993. the number of cruise passengers ships in port were the 2,850- The 3,050-passenger Carnival for this week to 22,000 from 11 passenger Celebrity Eclipse, Victory is scheduled to visit on * Opposition elements in both St. Kitts and Nevis are overjoyed ships. which arrived from St. Maarten Friday and is expected to push the about the unfortunate incident in Nevis last week, for dey say it fits The 1,611-passenger with 2,861 passengers; the 2,850- arrivals to 25,000 for this week. well into their plans to shut down the country (St. Kitts and Nevis) by all and any means * It is an indisputable fact that they and their cronies are the ones responsible for putting the story all over the world in the in the Events for visit of Royal Couple announced international press. (cont’d from page1) Minister Douglas and Mr. Cromwell Williams. Intelligence reports indicate that they had one big rejoicing on the During the visit to Brimstone Hill, Prince Edward and Countess phones, texting and calling up each other, as they bragged and members of his Nevis Island Sophie will unveil a plaque. Former Governor of St. Kitts and Nevis, Sir rejoiced: “Leh Douglas and Parry tek dat” - using de customs fellow Administration. Probyn Inniss will present a copy of a book and print of the Brimstone to fan de flames on de radio, while they pretend to be so patriotic Following the inspection of a Hill Fortress. and righteous. Guard of Honour, Their Royal Afterwards the Royal Party will travel to the Joseph N. France General * The secret meetings to form and launch a brand new political Highnesses will meet and greet Hospital where the Prince Edward and Countess Sophie will visit the party in St. Kitts continued here over the weekend, but dey say members of the public at Port Children’s Ward, the Children’s Home and then Government House there is plenty of confusion as to what will be the name of the party Zante. before returning to the ship. and who will be the leader. From there, the Royal Couple The Royal Couple will leave the ship early that evening to be hosted * Dey say de Rescue Chief wants to have the biggest say as to will go to the site of the National at a State Dinner by His Excellency the Governor General. what should be the name and who should be the leader. Park on the Kim Collins Highway, A fireworks display will end the Royal duties when the Prince and * Even some of Little Bo Peep’s gang members in de PAM party, where they will be welcomed by Princes return to the ship at Port Zante. have now come around to accepting the fact that the embattled Prime Minister Douglas. The Royal couple will also visit Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, PAM leader is indeed a spent force and cannot help PAM to win The Prince will respond Grenada, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad any election in this country, once he is in charge. following remarks by Prime and Tobago, as well as Gibraltar. * Inside sources say these gang members are now pleading with de arrogant and pompous Little Bo Peep fellow to do the honourable thing like the late Billy Herbert; step down and give up the leadership to someone else. * But, Little Bo Peep is defiant and adamant. And, he has declared that they will have to take him out to get rid of him. He will fight to the very end like Gaddafi to hold on to power in de party. * And, he has sent out a stern warning to his critics in the party, to shut up or else he will “step pon dem” and put dem under heavy manners as he did with “PAM Lennox” in New York and Sleeping Hammy, who are leading the campaign to get rid of him. * As de ground war and infighting in PAM rages on, the embattled and expired PAM leader is bragging openly that he will weather the storm – be it hurricane, earthquake or tsunami – he will continue to do the DCH (Drop, Cover and Hold on). - maintaining that nothing can stop him from being the Leader for the next General Elections. * Dey say even in his home, Little Bo Peep is faced with stiff opposition to his bull-headedness to hold on to power at all and any cost. * Sources say she told him: ....”They ain’t want you for any leader, no matter how much money you gie dem and de Party.... Just leave them alone wid dey party and stay in you lane. * And, right after giving him such sound advice, de cock of Cayon fame, appeared outside de home and cried out aloud: “Stay in you lane, Lindsay; Stay in you lane; you can’t go wid Dougie and Labour .... They solid like a rock”. 24 - ADVERTISEMENT - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 2012