Page:1 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 NewS Page:2 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 LOCALNewS NewS Parliament opens in grand style

The Members of Parliament at the opening sesssion

A section of the audience

By Loshaun Dixon started with the arrival of was nominated by Prime The post of Deputy administered the Oath elected members who are the Mace and the Clerk Minister Dr. Timothy Speaker will be served and Affirmations. with us for the first time.” It was a grand affair held of the National Assembly Harris and Minister of by Dr. Bernicia Nisbett, in an untraditional loca- reading out the proclama- Foreign Affairs Mark a new Senator, who will Speaker Perkins thanked Governor General Sir tion, as a new National the members for electing Tapley Seaton QC then Assembly was sworn He said the Team Unity Government him to the post for a sec- delivered the throne in Wednesday morning ond time, and said that he speech, that highlighted at the St. Kitts Marriott “stands at the threshold of a new, would try to be fair, serv- the plans the Team Unity Resort Ballroom. ing in the Assembly. Administration has for the next five years. The auspicious occa- historic era that is destined to usher into “I am happy, honoured sion brought together and humbled to be re- people from all walks of St. Christopher and Nevis a period of re- turned as the speaker of life, including a National birth, resilience, renewal and this house. Four years ago He said the Team Unity Hero, former members when I was first elected, I Government “stands at of parliament, high rank- committed to presiding to the threshold of a new, his- ing civil servants, diplo- recommitment, designed to give the best of my ability to toric era that is destined to mats and guests of the be fair, transparent, and to usher into St. Christopher Parliamentarians. our people a stronger, safer future which attempt to treat members and Nevis a period of re- with equality. I have tried birth, resilience, renewal A new location was cho- they so deserve.” my best. I judge how well and recommitment, de- sen after the traditional I’ve done by what people signed to give our people parliamentary chambers tion by Governor General Brantley. He then took now take up the post va- say to me as they meet a stronger, safer future was deemed too small for Sir Tapley Seaton QC. the Oath of Affirmation catedto by Akilah Byron- over the four years.” which they so deserve.” the invited guests to prac- seal himself in the post for Nisbett, who is now an tice social distancing, but Anthony Michael the life of the Parliament. elected member of the Perkins also congratu- The opposition was ab- the ceremony proceeded Perkins was reelected National Assembly. lated all elected members sent from the opening of without a hitch in the new Speaker of the National Perkins will serve his sec- of the Assembly. the Session of Parliament, setting. Assembly, being the ond stint as Speaker, hav- The 12 members of deciding to boycott the only one who was nomi- ing held the post for the the Government side “I say particular con- sitting. The ceremony nated for the post. He past four years. of the Parliament were gratulations to the newly ADVeRTISeMeNTLOCALNewS NewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:3 Dr. Douglas: The battle continues

By Loshaun Dixon to keep the public in- Opposition to rebuild formed and abreast of the the party to take back Leader of the St. Kitts issues. the government, and will and Nevis Labour Party work on transition and (SKNLP) Dr. Denzil “They tried to hold our succession. Douglas believes the feet to the fire with- re battle is not over, despite gard to the good gov- “Let us use the time wise- his party’s poor showing ernance agenda and the ly to continue the work of at the June 5 election. management of the fis- sharpening ourselves as a cal and economic affairs Party, a movement and as The SKNLP won two of our country,” said Dr a grassroots organization. out of the eight seats they Douglas.” Together we will work contested in St. Kitts, on our transitions, suc- with Dr. Douglas and “As we continue the re- cessions, transformation, newcomer Dr. Geoffrey branding and the fight and the Party’s develop- Hanley the only success- for good governance, we ment will be for the good ful candidates. must be reminded that that we can do for all all our actions must ring Kittitians and Nevisians Dr. Douglas said that the loudly with our eternal at home and abroad.” party will continue to do mission: “For the good good for the people of St. that we can do”. He reiterated that the Kitts and Nevis party will continue to Dr. Douglas said he be- push on to ensure “the “As Political Leader lieved his party slate of arithmetic of justice will of the St. Kitts-Nevis candidates for the last prevail.” Labour Party, this Party election was the best fit of Bradshaw, Southwell to govern. “We have the largest sup- and France, will never port base. We have the tire in doing good. Nor will of the people on our will we abandon our side. We the members of sacred mission first “Ourand party is bursting the SKNLP thank God foremost as a grassroots, with the talent, energy for your support. We will socially-activist organi- and resources needed to demonstrate our grateful- zation and movement take us forward to victory ness as we continue to dedicated to the advance- in the future. Let us work build our membership by ment and upliftment of together bravely and developing relationships every man, woman and audaciously to address one person at a time, child of this country. It’s the persistent injustices one family at a time, one all about you.” and inequalities in our community at a time, country.” just as we have sought He said he believed the to build our country one party had championed The former Prime policy by progressive the democratic interests Minister said they policy at a time.” of the people and fought would use their time in Page:4 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 eDITORIALNewS EDiTorial A Prosperity formula.

On Wednesday last, His Excellency the Governor General Sir Tapley, The current throne speech further expands on the vision and builds on it. delivered the Throne Speech to signal the opening of the Parliament that It promises to further diversify the economy, to continue to improve the arose out of the 9th General Election. This is the speech that outlines the quality of life for citizens and residents, to enhance personal and border policies and the pillars for the development of a country for the term of a protection, to enhance the public service and to preserve the environment newly elected government. by going “green”. In short, more of the policies and plans that generated the prosperity of the past five years. It is that prosperity that has carried us To better appreciate the current speech, we must recap the previous one through the era of covid-19. that was delivered on May 14th, 2015. To be successful, every citizen every resident must play its part. This is The 8th Throne Speech recognized the social, economic, political and cul- our country where prosperity is promised and offered to everyone. This is tural challenges that we faced as a country, and the threats to the well-being the time to put politics aside and reach for the success that is our common and advancement of our people and, therefore determined to resolve these destiny. permanently. It acknowledged the sacrifices made by our forbears in the fight against colonialism, slavery, and racial discrimination and determined We, the people believe that our country is in good hands; and the Observer to accept, cherish, and recognize the significance of their struggle as the pledges to do its part to ensure our continued success. Join us. foundation of our sovereign Independence, freedoms and human rights. .

The 2015 Throne Speech recognised, accepted and acknowledged that the values of justice, fairness, openness, tolerance, equality, non-discrim- ination, and respect for all persons without regard to race, class, gender, ethnicity, language, religion, political opinion, place of our birth are the bedrock of our democracy and good governance.

According to the statement, this was the ethos that drove our resolve to be better; to have national prosperity and to have a fair share for all. It was the implementation of policies and programmes that emanated from that phi- losophy that has led to a new and improved mandate to Team Unity from the people on June 5th 2020.

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By Loshaun Dixon in six constituencies. miscarriage of justice and tions observer report that activities for the June 05, group that came forward, democracy. It denied the echoed the CARICOM 2020, Federal elections and essentially their Prime Minister Dr. “We have filed a lawsuit participation of properly Observer Report, that said in St. Kitts and Nevis, as words were the words Timothy Harris believes based on six petitions that constituted international the elections were free observed and reported of the overseas Observer the election petitions filedhave been put forward observer missions to in- and fair. on by our observer mis- team.” by the St. Kitts-Nevis challenging the return dependently monitor the sion to our reckoning, by Labour Party (SKNLP) results of Constituency voting process. These and The local non-govern- and large, met the com- are frivolous and will not Numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and other practices gravely mental organizations mitments, and standards, succeed. 8, with a clear view to compromised due process report said they had ob- which we have come to Dr. Harris also spoke trigger fresh elections so and distorted the electoral served administrative expect and associate with about the petition filed by Responding to a question democratic elections, his former Cabinet col- on those petitions, Dr. for the process to be de- league and Team Unity Harris described them as scribed as free and fair candidate Ian Liburd a waste of time. Prime Minister Harris also and free from fear.” filed against the results of Constituency 1. “We do believe that those “It is our view, based on that have been put for- referenced the local non- what we observed on poll- ward by the opposition ing day, during the casting are frivolous and will governmental organizations of ballots and at the count- “With respect to our own fail. We do believe they ing of the same after the challenge and that of the are vexatious, and we do close of the polls on the member, Mr Ian ‘Patches’ believe they reflect a view observer report that echoed the day, that such deficiencies Liburd, we are satisfied, that the Labour Party did not affect the general and our lawyers are satis- under the present leader CariCoM observer report, outcome of the elections. fied, that he has a case of is not learning and is not Still, the said deficiencies merit. He has the services moving forward.” may have discouraged of some eminent lawyers that said the elections were some voters.” from around the region. He said Team Unity drew One thing I know about a contrast during the free and fair. Dr. Harris said they were his legal team, they don’t campaign. satisfied too, that at least take cases if they are clear two different entities that they are going to “It was the future versus looked at the elections lose. They are not going the past, and persons have that the true will of the results,” SKNLP said in a and organizational - and defi concluded that, in the to waste the court’s time, chosen the future.” people can be determined. statement. ciencies, but they did not main, the general elec- and they are not going to affect the outcome of the tions reflected the will wasteof their client’s time, The Labour Party filed pe- “We insist that the conduct Prime Minister Harris also elections. the people. so we are satisfied about titions from the last elec- of the June 5th General referenced the local non- that.” tions citing irregularities Election represented a governmental organiza- “The polling day “This is an independent Page:6 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 LOCALNewS NewS agri Director urges against keeping snakes as pets

By Monique Washington hard to imagine a better contact the Department of not pose a threat to the that is native to Nevis, relates to an immediate man-made habitat, with Agriculture and we would agricultural landscape in they are invasive spe- threat to farms and so Director of the Department rafters and logs on which dispose of them appropri- Nevis. cies. At the department forth,” he said. of Agriculture (DOA), the snakes could climb ately. We are aware that we have to manage them Randy Elliott, has urged and hide, and they were snakes are in confined “They are not something as invasive species as it the Nevisian public not paid for using it by eating areas in Nevis, in terms of to keep the invasive spe- the pesky rodents. all the reports of the sight- cies of snake, the Corn ing. That is why we don’t Snake, as a pet, but in- Speaking with The want to have people to stead when seeing them, Observer on Tuesday, take them as pets, because report or bring them into Elliott noted that the spe- we don’t want snakes all the department for proper cies of snake was first over Nevis.” disposal. sighted in Nevis about 20 years ago. He noted, how- When questioned about According to the Florida ever, that a recent picture the mongoose on the Museum online, the that was posted on social island eating the snake, “harmless non-venom- media - with a snake and he said that they could ous” snake is primarily eggs in a barrel - could not not confirm if that was active at night. be confirmed as having happening. “We have not been able to confirm as yet. We have asked persons to come forward as it relates to the snake, but no one has,” he informed. “It is both a terrestrial been taken on the island. “We cannot say that mon- burrower and extremely goose still eat snakes. We good climber. It is found “We have not been able to are not in a position to under rocks and logs, confirm as yet. We have technically say that. The and in trees under bark asked persons to come theory would have been and within palm fronds. forward as it relates to the that the mongoose was It feeds on lizards, frogs, snake, but no one has,” he brought here to control rodents, and birds and informed. the snake population. The their eggs. The name question is, the mongoose “Corn Snake” is a hold- we know now, do they over from the days when know snakes?” he asked. southern farmers stored Elliott cautioned that the harvested ears of corn in a snakes should not be kept He informed that the wood frame or log build- as pets. DOA cannot confirm the ing called a crib. Rats and population of the snake mice came to the corn “We do not support people on the island nor can they crib to feed on the corn, owning the snakes. We confirm how it initially and corn snakes came to have asked persons, once entered the island. He feed on the rodents. It is you have sighted them, to noted that the snake does ADVeRTISeMeNTLOCALNewS NewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:7 CoViD-19 positive: increased agriculture production in Nevis

By Monique Washington a turnaround as it relates that the intensive drought to the benefits with crop that the island faced had The COVID-19 global farmers,” he said. a great impact on the pandemic that has affect- Agriculture sector. ed over 12 million persons Elliott noted that and claimed over five the Department of “There were reports that hundred thousand lives, Agriculture (DOA) was there would be a dry pe- has shed some positive able to assist farmers riod. There were also re- light on the Agriculture significantly as it relatesports of rain in between, sector in Nevis. to seedlings distribution, but no one anticipated free fencing wire, free that the drought would The Minister of water, free land prepara- have been so severe. In Randy Elliott director agriculture Agriculture, Alexis tion, fertilizers, backhoe terms of crops on the Jeffers revealed that there and tractor services, and ground, we were able to has been increased pro- labour. meet these targets. If it duction in Nevis com- wasn’t for the drought, pared the year prior. He Elliott outlined some of the figures that were- is noted that in crops like the positives coming out sued would have been tomatoes, lettuce, pep- of COVID-19. a lot more, as in overall pers, melons, squash, and yields,” he said. sweet potato, there was a “At the department, we significant increase. The found that we were more He noted that some crops only crop, he informed, able to conduct the crop would have suffered dif- that showed a reduction forecasting. We were ficulties as it relates to the was that of pumpkin. able to look at data and drought. He added that it determine what crops are was not the fault of the The Observer spoke with needed; what amounts farmers, but instead, the Director of Agriculture in are needed, and we would heat was just so intense. the NIA, Randy Elliott, have been able to target who reveled that the our farmers to fill the- ba “Some crops flowered but impact that COVID-19sic demands of Nevis,” he did not fertilize. If all the would have had on the said. seedlings we distributed agriculture sector as it re- fertilized, we would have lates to crops “would have “We also found that farm- seen the figures a lot of been one of positive, as it ers are a lot more coop- larger,’ he said. relates to our farmers.” erative. Their inspection officers are a lot Elliottmore said that going for- “In the very early stages cooperative, there is a lot ward, the DOA will have of COVID, some of our more dialogue now. Quite to train and educate farm- farmers had difficulties. a number of new farm- ers as it relates to build- This was due to the regu- ers expressed interest in ing resilience to climate lations, in terms of tend- farming. While we assist- change. ing to their farms within ed our farmers we wanted the hours they would like to make sure that house- “These extended to. We had some monkey holds had something to droughts, the heat inten- damage, because farmers do. While we target the sity, are all part of climate were not able to be on the island’s food security, we change. We have to start farm. But once we were wanted to make sure that training and educating able to dialogue with the homes were able to be now in terms of ways to respective authorities, food secure.” build resilience to these permission was granted things,” he said. to our farmers. We had He pointed out, however, Page:8 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 ADVeRTISeMeNTNewS ADVeRTISeMeNTADVeRTISeMeNTNewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:9 Page:10 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 ADVeRTISeMeNTNewS

IMMEDIATE OPENING PART TIME OFFICE

JUNIOR The qualified applicant will possess the professionalism and work ethic required to maintain high standards within the office environment. Primary job responsibilities include: Receptionist and filing duties; Messenger duties; Assist with accounts payable and daily banking activities; Electronic scanning for server and paper files. Skills required: Attention to detail is essential; Organisational skills with the ability to multi-task; Ability to work within a team. Work experience and education requirements: Office experience; Working knowledge of computers and standard office software; Good communication skills, both written and oral.

Please send Curriculum Vitae by email to [email protected] or by mail to Henville Building, Prince Charles Street, Charlestown, Nevis.

ADVeRTISeMeNTLOCALNewS NewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:11 Nisbett concerned about likely “second CoViD-19 wave”

Chair of Nevis Covid 19 Task Force Judy Nisbett expresses concerns on By Monique Washington persons that are coming The World Health the possibilities of the second wave of Covid 19 in at this time and ensur- Organization (WHO) Chair of the Nevis ing that we can control issued a statement last COVID-19 Task Force,the spread of COVID-19 month that warned that Dr. Judy Nisbett has within Nevis.” the second wave of coro- expressed concerns navirus could hit in of a second ‘wave’ of She continued, “We ask the latter part of 2020. COVID-19 hitting the persons to prepare for this They urged countries Federation, but believes second wave in terms of to develop a “success- if the protocols are fol- continuing to follow the ful test, track and isolate lowed, it would not be public health measures programme”. as bad as when the pan- that we have been talking demic first hit the islands. about so long, such as “Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s hand hygiene, covering European regional direc- “if these (regulations) are followed, then our second wave will not be as bad. At the weekly your cough and sneeze, tor, stressed that contact Emergency Operation and the wearing of your tracing and quarantining Centre press briefingmask.” on people potentially infect- Monday, Nisbett spoke ed with COVID-19 was to The Observer about a She pointed out, how- ‘an essential element’ of potential second wave of ever, that persons are not the strategy,” the state- COVID-19. necessarily wearing their ment reads. masks, and several per- “We know that it is likely sons are not observing And Health Minister with pandemics that the advice of staying six in Grenada, Nickolas there are several waves. feet away from others. Steele, implored his na- We have gone through tion’s citizens not to the first wave and we- ex“If these (regulations) are believe that the worst is pect that there will be a followed, then our sec- over, and that the coun- second wave… however ond wave will not be as try must prepare for a I am concerned that we bad. We were fortunate second wave, “especially will get a second wave,” and able to control the as we gradually open our she said. first wave. Therefore, weborders to safeguard our hope that people follow economy. We must ex- Dr. Nisbett said that the these public health mea- pect to see further cases next case in Nevis, “most sures that we have been here on the island and we likely will be an imported preaching, and we hope must prepare for such an case. That is why we are that our second wave will eventuality,” he said. going through all the be just as mild.” measures of quarantining Page:12 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 LOCALNewS NewS “Nevis Song Competition 2020” underway

By Monique Washington Music is a part of the cul- as a destination,” she said. and want to have the song The competition that is from the postponement ture. Culture is very im- being performed live, that now open and will be of the annual Culturama The Nevis Tourism portant to the destination. Executive Director of person must be available closed on July 24 at 4 festival that would have Authority along with I think that we have seen Nevis Culturama, Antonio to travel and to be a part pm. The winner will be been hosted from July the Nevis Culturama that globally like Bob Liburd, outlined the rules of the promotional team,” announced on July 31. 23-August 4 2020. Committee is collaborat- Marley and Jamaica, and for entry. He noted that he said. The competition will ing in hosting a “Nevis how the connection has to enter the competition, be filling a small spot Song Competition 2020” been made”, she said. all participants must be that will reward the win- Nevisians, either by birth ner with a EC$5000 cash In addition to the win- or by descent, or nation- prize. nings, Yarde said that the als who have resided in winner will be given the Nevis for not less than 12 CEO of the Nevis Tourism opportunity to work with months. Participants must Authority (NTA), Jadine outside producers. be 16 years or older, and Yarde, said that the com- must make themselves petition was derived “We also wanted to con- available to meet all the commitments and re- sponsibilities that may be “We want to encourage required if they win the musicians and creatives. competition. Music is a part of the culture. Artists should submit Culture is very important to their songs as solo per- formances. Artists can in- the destination. i think that we clude Caribbean elements such as the fife, the steel have seen that globally like pan, the African drum, Bob Marley and Jamaica, and and like elements, in their music. The songs must be how the connection has been a minimum of two verses and two choruses, and made”, she said. should not exceed three and a half minutes. Local producers must be used, from a concept that came nect creatives with outside and music and lyrics from a meeting that was producers and artists. One should be original. held between the NTA of the prizes is, a Soca or and Nevis Culturama. calypso artist will be able Liburd noted the impor- She pointed out that the to be featured on a rhythm tance for the winner to be importance of the com- of regional producers, and available to represent the petition is to help market we think that it would be island. Nevis as a destination. pretty cool to show some kind of collaboration. We “Let’s say that the NTA or “We want to encourage think it is important to Nevis Culturama embark musicians and creatives. raise the profile of Nevison an overseas promotion ADVeRTISeMeNTLOCALNewS NewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:13 one of my Favorite Foods: The “Johnnycake”

By Easton “Newcastle” American pioneers. butter, and water. Recipes into small patties and powder, and salt. Cut poked with a fork. The shortening into the flour One of my favorite foods Eventually, they became Johnnycake Ingredients Johnnycakes are beloved patties are then baked un- mixture, add coconut is Johnnycake. It is a food I known as Johnnycakes, in the Caribbean, but til golden. milk. Combine until can eat morning, noon and but they are also known What was once a humble they don’t contain corn. dough is easy to handle. night. My dear Jamaican as ‘’hoecakes’’ in some recipe featuring just corn- Instead, many recipes call Jamaican Johnnycake Add water if neces- mother use to make the parts of Southern United meal, salt, and water has for wheat flour instead. Recipe sary. Knead dough until best Johnnycakes, and I States. expanded to include add- Some Johnnycakes are smooth, form into 2-inch remember never getting ins like milk, butter, sugar, baked, while others are In Jamaica, Johnnycakes balls and place on a light- enough when she would I lived in the USA for eggs, and even bacon fat. fried in a skillet. It really are actually sweet fried ly-greased cookie sheet. put them on a plate. I a long time and even boils down to the prefer- dumplings which don’t Cover and let rest for could eat a dozen in 10 Pennsylvania, and How To Cake Make ence of locals. look like a ‘’cake’’ at all. about 15 minutes. Flatten minutes! Southern friends had Johnnycakes They are commonly en- slightly to about a half- something they would Bermuda-Style Johnny joyed with saltfish (saltedinch thickness. Lightly The smell and the sound give me called “Hoecake” Johnnycakes may be Bread codfish). pierce tops with fork. of the frying oil bring which reminded me a baked, fried, or cooked Bake until golden brown, back wonderful memo- little of my Jamaican on a griddle. The method For instance, Bermuda Johnnycakes originated 18 to 20 minutes. ries. We Caribbean peo- Johnnycake. of preparation depends Johnny Bread is made on in North America, with ple from all islands have on the region of - influthe stovetop. The batter Native Americans mak- Makes approximately 24. different descriptions of Johnnycakes have been a ence. For instance, some contains wheat flour, -but ing them with cornmeal Johnnycake. And differ- staple of American cuisine Caribbean versions of ter, milk, sugar, and salt. instead of flour. I sometimes try different ent islands sometimes use for hundreds of years. It Johnnycakes call for fry- ways to make my own different ingredients and was a recipe learned from ing the batter, while in Bahamian Johnny Johnnycakes or Johnnycake, but I never names, but the concept is the Native Americans the Northeastern United Bread “Journey Cakes” have been able to dupli- the same. Flour, baking who cooked these small States they are cooked on cate the way my mother powder, salt. cornmeal cakes, baked a griddle. Some recipes In the Bahamas, you’ll INGREDIENTS could make them. I don’t over hot ashes. don’t feature corn at all, spot Johnny Bread which know how she did it, but While a few stories have just wheat flour. is more similar to corn- 4 cups all-purpose flour she made them extra spe- been passed around as to You can find bread than a pancake. The cial, and I miss her every the origin of the name, Johnnycakes throughout Old-Fashioned Johnny bread is baked in 4 heaping teaspoons bak- time I try some other perhaps the most popu- the Caribbean, and al- Johnnycake Recipe a casserole dish and sliced ing powder person’s version of “The lar one is that they were though the johnnycake is into squares. Jamaican Dumplin”. originally called Journey a Caribbean version of Old-fashioned 2 teaspoons salt Cakes, because of their a fried dumpling. It was Johnnycakes were made Belizean Johnnycake ability to last on long originally called a jour- by gradually adding boil- Recipe 3 tablespoons vegetable trips. “Journey” eventu- ney cake because it was ing water to the corn- shortening ally evolved to become made and packed as a meal and salt mixture. In Belize, Johnnycakes “Johnny”. Their Native lunch and snack for plan- These were then molded are commonly enjoyed 1 cup of coconut milk American name was ‘’no- tation workers about to and baked, or cooked for breakfast. They are ekhick’’ but that evolved embark on long journeys. on a griddle similar to a made from wheat flourDIRECTIONS to “journey cakes”, as The dough is pretty basic: pancake. instead of cornmeal. The these breads were easy to flour, baking powder, a dough is moistened with Heat oven to 400F. carry in the saddlebags of little sugar, some salt, Caribbean Johnnycake coconut milk and formed Combine flour, baking Page:14 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 LOCALNewS NewS Son-Mom team wins Mango Cook-off Wentworh Smithen and his mother Julie Smithen winning the Mango Cook-off this past weekend.

By Monique Washington of mangoes. He also invit- competition, the four “I am shocked, but still enlightening. But I am that featured international ed persons to visit Nevis judges - Chef Francois, confident in myself. I am very happy,” he assured. celebrity, UK Iron Chef A team of a son and to taste the mangoes. Chef Sylvester Wallace, really happy that I won. Judy Joo. She created a his mom, Wentworth Photographer Kacey Thanks to my mother The Nevis Mango Mango Tiramisu live via Smithen and Julie “Everyone who would Jeffers, and Desery Ottley for coming out. Having Festival ended on July Social Media. Smithen, are the winners have visited Nevis would - allotted Team Stapleton my mother here was 5th with a grand finale of the Mango Cook-Off know that mango is scored 655, while Team which was a part of the one of our prized com- Smithen scored 659 and annual Mango Festival modities here on Nevis. was declared the winners. hosted by the Nevis For those of you who Tourism Authority. have never had a Nevis The winning chef re- mango I am inviting you, ceived a trophy and a stay The Festival, now in its when you get a chance at the Nisbet’s Plantation. The Festival, now in its seventh year, allowed fans to view the competition virtually due to CoViD-19. seventh year, allowed when COVID is over, Runner up Erika Stapleton fans to view the com- when the borders are said that she was very petition virtually due to opened, make sure you happy with the results. COVID-19. come to Nevis next year in the heart of the mango The festival was hosted season,” he said. from July 3, and celebrat- “I did see where I and my ed the Nevisian mango. The two chefs that com- team could have pulled The Festival provided peted were, Wentworth up our socks. But overall internships for culinary Smithen, chef at the Park we both worked together, students, mentoring op- Hyatt in St. Kitts, who both teams did very well,” portunities from headline was accompanied by his she said. Chefs, a commercial festi- mother Julie, and Erika val where local businesses Berecia Stapleton, chef at She thanked NTA for sold products made from the Four Seasons Nevis, affording them the mangoes, and the promo- who was accompanied by opportunity. tion of the culinary use of Joyelle Phillip. mangos to drive the local “Big up the NTA for do- mango industry. The chefs were asked to ing this. It is good expo- compete in two rounds. sure for our young chefs, Last Saturday, the NTA First round was the appe- so we say thank you,” she hosted the competition tizer. In the second round, said. at the Cleveland Gardens chefs were asked to pre- on the bypass road. Eric pare a dish using mystery Winner of the competi- Evelyn, who hosted the basket ingredients. tion Wentworth Smithen event, noted that Nevis said that he was shocked boasts of over 40 varieties At the end of the by his win. ADVeRTISeMeNTLOCALNewS NewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:15 Businesswoman fights fire to save family

Damages caused by fire at Isabelle’s home in Charlestown

By Monique Washington Bar and Beauty shop) and the bed he was on, was Barbershop, bar and the time were able to step forward. They can her three nephews were on fire. My older nephewdwelling) everything is quickly distinguish the give us the information Business owner Isabelle awakened by the smell turned off the main elec- closed, and we living fire with the helpanonymously… of the they can Palmer was forced to of smoke and fire blazingtricity and we began to somewhere else for now. Fire Department. We are call, send an email, any face and fight a firefrom latetheir home. out the fire. When we last week that has caused were able to get it con- massive damage to her Palmer described the fate- trolled, and we called the home and business in ful night’s events. “It was fire department,” she said. “The fire is suspected to be arson. The Charlestown, a fire methe and my three neph- police have classified ews as were at home when Palmer told The Observer occupants in the home at the time were arson. it happened. I was in my that her home and her bed sleeping and I felt this businesses were damaged. In the early hours of Friday heat and I was smelling able to quickly distinguish the fire with morning, around 1:00 am, smoke. My 10-year-old “It is all one prop- Palmer (owner of Chela’s nephew was sleeping and erty, (Hairdresser and the help of the Fire Department. We are happy that the fire did not spread and de- stroy the businesses close by, and that no one in the home was injured. ”

The house is damaged, happy that the fire did notmeans we will accept the the roof, the bed my spread and destroy the information. As for now, nephew was sleeping on businesses close by, and the investigation is still burnt up. It has quite a lot that no one in the home ongoing,” he said. of damage,” she said. was injured. ” “You can see someone in On Wednesday, the The property has several the camera doing it (light- Observer contacted CCTV cameras installed, ing the fire) but the police Superintendent of Police but David said that no one are still investigating,” Lyndon David who ad- has been taken into cus- Palmer said. vised that arson was the tody as yet. likely cause. Palmer said that nothing like this has ever hap- “The fire is suspected pened before and that she to be arson. The oc- “We are asking persons feels bad. cupants in the home at who have information to Page:16 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 COMMeNTARYLOCALNewS NewS Grant and Powell rejected on appeal for failure to file timely defence

By Loshaun Dixon militated against the ap- acted fraudulently in filing a defence is 28 daysa judgment entered as a the Federation of Saint plicants. “Their delay receiving, using and/or after the date of service result of the applicants’ Christopher and Nevis is An application to extend in making the applica- failing to account for the of the claim form. default.” governed. time for applying for tion was inordinate; no sum of US$460,000.00 leave to appeal, in the good explanation for the transferred to the ap- “The time for filing the It continued, “their failure “This is a case in which Court of Appeal, made by delay was proffered; any plicants’ bank account applicants’ defence would to timely apply for leave the applicants, time and members of Parliament prejudice they suffered for the purchasing of therefore have expired is yet a further default again, have abysmally Lindsay Grant and Jonel was of their own mak- a condominium un- on 22nd January 2018. for which, in this instant flouted the rules of court Powell, has been rejected. ing in their lax approach der the Citizenship By Their defences were not application, they sought or chose to adopt a lax to obeying timelines or Investment programme. filed by that date, nei- a further indulgence. approach in respect of The matter was heard in seemingly being uninter- ther had they sought an Unless granted, there the serious claims made June, after an application ested in taking corrective They were accused of extension before expiry can be no appeal, and against them.” brought by the applicants measures, even when misappropriating the of the time, by consent the judgment of the court Grant and Powell, who given notice of them.” funds belonging to him of the respondent or, by below in favour of the re- Last month, attorney were the defendants in as their client, transferred application to the court. spondent remains in full representing Grant and the court below, for an It read that Grant and to them initially on trust On 23rd January 2018, force and effect with him Powell told The Observer extension of time to ap- Powell failed to demon- and thereafter in escrow, the respondent applied being entitled to reap the that it was not a criminal ply for leave to appeal the strate a realistic prospect for effecting the said ex-parte for default judg- fruits of his judgment.” proceeding, and his cli- interlocutory decision of of successon appeal. purchase, in breach of ment to be entered against ents were not guilty of Ventose J, made on 28th “Let alone a good pros- the contract for profes- them for failure to file The court also denied giv- anything. October 2019, refusing to pect of upsetting the dis- sional services entered their defence.” ing them special delibera- set aside the default judg- cretion exercised by the into between the parties. tion considering their role “The court below and ment entered in favour learned judge, or, in any It said they failed to make as politicians and mem- the Court of Appeal had of the respondent, Mr. event, of overcoming the The judgment stated that a timely application for bers of government. pointed to it, and indicat- Tanzania Tobin Tanzil. conjunctive requirements the claim form was leave to appeal. ed the claim they brought required by CPR 13.3, served on the applicants for the return of $460,000 “We refused the applica- which would result in a on 22nd December 2017 by the defendants were tion to extend time for setting aside of the default and so acknowledged, by “This is an irrelevant not liable because they applying for leave to judgment. their acknowledgements “A number of decisions consideration in assess- had done what the claim- appeal, which in effect of service - one filedof onthis Court treat an ing prejudice in the con- ant had asked for. They rendered the rolled-up “An appeal on the grounds 5th January 2018 and application for leave to text of this case. Before had given him his citizen- applications for leave to put forward would be another on 8th January appeal which is filed out the court, all parties are ship and had handed over appeal and a stay, oti- hopeless. The application 2018 by Mr. Daniel of time as a nullity, with equal and entitled to his property to him. ose. We also ordered to extend time was ac- Brantley, Attorney-at- the result that the judg- equal protection before that the applicants bear cordingly refused with Law, stating the date ment below remains in the law. One class of “So, what there is, is a de- the costs of the respon- costs to the respondent, of service as 22nd full force and effect. The persons is not afforded fault judgment in terms of dent, which was agreed which was agreed in the December 2017. requirement for leave in some greater privilege the other relief that they in the sum of $2,000,” sum of $2,000.00.” the first place serves as and merits more con- had claimed. A default a judgment released this “In each of the ac- a filter for weeding out sideration than another judgment does not in- week stated. The case alleged Grant knowledgements of unmeritorious appeals. by virtue of political or clude a trial, so there was and Powell had breached service, the applicants There is no unqualifiedministerial portfolio. For not a trial. It was a deci- The judgment read their fiduciary duty and/ stated their intention to right of appeal from an the court to take such sion they got on a techni- that all factors, when or their duty of trust defend the claim. Under interlocutory decision an approach would be cality, because the party weighed by the court in owed to the claimant as rule 10.3 of the Civil where, as here, the court an affront to the consti- did not file their defence exercising its discretion his solicitors and escrow Procedure Rules (CPR), has refused to grant an in- tutional principles and in time.” to grant an extension, agents, and/or that they the time limited for dulgence of setting aside the rule of law by which ADVeRTISeMeNTLOCALNewS NewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:17 New look SKN Patriots for CPl 2020 one local Player Selected

By Loshaun Dixon and . Rassie Dominic Drakes, Colin part of the franchise for wrist spinner Tabraiz have signed Pravin van der Dussen returns to Archibald and Sunny the past four years, were Shamsi, two former Tambe, and the spin- A new look St. St. Kitts the team after a success- Sohal. not picked up in the draft Patriots players. They ner will become the first and Nevis Patriots team ful spell with the team in by any franchise. have brought in excit- Indian to play at the CPL. will suit up for the 2020 2018, and they welcome The only local player se- ing Pakistani all-rounder They have also brought Caribbean Premier back , Evin lected in the entire draft The Asif Ali, and retained back Australian leg- League (CPL) with only Lewis, , was Archibald, who have recruited Carlos their leading run-scorer spinner one local player selected , and their made his regional debut Brathwaite who was re- from last season, Glenn who was part of their in the entire draft. Phillips. These overseas Championship winning players will combine with team in 2018. They have The competition is sched- a strong local contingent signed New Zealand uled to take place from 18 organizers are seeking which includes Andre wicketkeeper Tim Seifert August to 10 September. Russell, , and Zimbabwean bats- and . man . The The draft was carried permission from the government KnightRiders have re- out remotely and the six Defending champions, tained the core of their teams have successfully of Trinidad and Tobago to stage the , local players for the 2020 filled out their rosters, have signed superstar season. with the Caribbean and Afghanistan leg-spinner overseas players all being the entire tournament in the , power- signed up. ful English opener Alex twin-island nation at the Hales and Australian all- The Guyana Amazon Organizers are seeking rounder . Warriors have retained 13 permission from the gov- Their other overseas play- players from the team that ernment of Trinidad and Brian lara Stadium ers are Englishman Harry went unbeaten during the Tobago to stage the entire Gurney and Afghani league stage of last year’s tournament in the twin- and the Queens Park oval. Rahmanullah Gurbaz. tournament and have island nation at the Brian They have retained the added New Zealander Lara Cricket Stadium and core of their champion- and Afghani the Queens Park Oval. ship-winning side from Naveen-ul-Haq. Imran last year, and have signed Tahir, , . for the Leeward Islands leased by the Patriots. to join a , Shimron Also joining their ranks in 2019. Sheeno Berridge They have also signed strong set of Caribbean Hetmyer, , The Patriots have picked are Dennis Bulli, and Jon- who topped the regional Nepalese leg spinner players. and Sherfane Rutherford, up Australians Russ Jaggesar, Denesh Super 50 competition and and all return to the Amazon and , , Ramdin, Joshua Da Silva, Jeremiah Louis, who was South African left-arm Warriors for 2020. Page:18 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 LOCALNewS NewS ADVeRTISeMeNTNewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:19 Page:20 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 LOCALNewS NewS

Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Environment and Cooperatives Department of Environment iNTErNaTioNal CoNSUlTiNG SErViCES

COUNTRY: Saint Kitts and Nevis f. Review available pertinent data and information covering all d. Adaptation options, strategies and measures assessment and relevant sectors and/or areas identified by the Government evaluation report. NAME OF PROJECT: “Saint Kitts and Nevis Third National Communication (TNC)” to the United Nations Framework g. Undertake impact assessment in key vulnerable sectors and/ e. A summary report on findings at a validation workshop on a Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) or areas including water resources, coastal/marine resources, human date to be agreed by both parties. settlement (including vulnerable groups), agriculture, human health and ASSIGNMENT TITLE: To Undertake the Vulnerability and tourism. f. The final Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment Chapter Adaptation Assessment (V&A) Chapter for St. Kitts and Nevis for approval by the Ministry. Third National Communication h. Collect, analyze and describe data and information from vul- nerable sectors. 7. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE PERIOD OF ASSIGNMENT/SERVICES: 7-8 MONTHS i. Identify and describe links between climate, and socio-eco- The consultant firm/group must: 1. BACKGROUND nomic baseline conditions and/or vulnerable sectors • Demonstrate exceptional analytical and quantitative skills, As a Party to the Convention, St. Kitts and Nevis is required to submit j. Review and analyse the scenarios for climate change emis- alongside strong synthesis and strategic thinking skills. National Communications (NCs) to the UNFCCC and Conference of sions and projections applying the most recent models’ outputs/methods/ Parties every four years. One of the component of this report is to high- tools in the context of the climate projections. • Have a Post Graduate degree in Environmental Science/ light St. Kitts and Nevis’ vulnerabilities and measures to adapt to climate Management, or any other relevant qualification in related fields, with change impacts using the most relevant and appropriate methodologies k. Review policy processes and development context for all rel- at least eight years’ experience in Environmental Studies, Development and guidelines. The Ministry of Environment and Cooperatives will be evant sectors and/or areas Economics or related fields. the Executing Agency as the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis prepares this report. l. Review and evaluate existing or proposed adaptation strate- • Demonstrate prior experience (at least five (5) years) in con- gies and measures and revise/update using results obtained in ‘e.’ ducting V&A assessments. 2. OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY m. Identify and describe adaptation strategies and measures with • Prior related work experience in the region would be an asset. The objective of V&A consultancy is to support the efforts of St. Kitts highest priority in vulnerable sectors and/or areas and Nevis to meet its obligation under the Convention in providing infor- • Demonstrate ability to work with a wide variety of people mation on its vulnerability to adverse effects of climate change and on the n. Train stakeholders to conduct cost – benefit analysis using from government, agencies, non- governmental organizations, and re- adaptation measures being pursued to meet specific needs and concerns results of assessments search institutions; arising from the impacts. Moreover, it intends on generating the infor- mation necessary for more effective national and or sectoral adaptation o. Review and describe results of cost-benefit analysis of pro- 8. LANGUAGE decision-making and the designing of adaptation projects for submission posed adaptation strategies and measures to various adaptation Funds. The reports shall be written in English language. p. Identify potential adaptation projects with costs 3. SCOPE OF SERVICES 9. REMUNERATION q. Synthesize information into report on vulnerability and adap- The International Firm or Group will work under the guidance of the tation assessments and potential adaptation projects. The firm/group is required to submit a Technical and Financial Proposal, Director of Environment, the Project Management Unit (PMU) and the following which negotiations will be held with the successful applicant. Climate Change Committee. r. Organize workshop to review, comment on and discuss the In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to tech- report resulting from V&A assessment and potential adaptation projects nical competence, qualifications and experience, regional and interna- In light of the current covid-19 pandemic and the various travel restric- tional experience on similar assignments, proposed cost and existing tions imposed across the borders, the consulting group shall engage the s. Incorporate review comments to the draft V&A assessment commitments. services of a national expert person or team to ensure that deliverables are and on potential adaptation projects; finalize the V&A assessment chap- produced in timely manner according to planned activities. ter for inclusion in the TNC 10. SUBMISSION

The specific tasks of the firm or group will include, inter alia, the follow- 4. VENUE, OFFICE AND OTHER SUPPORT Submissions must be made to the following address or by email by 16:00 ing activities: local time on Friday 17th July, 2020: The training to be conducted by the International Consultant Firm/Group a. Submit an Inception Report within one week of signing the will take place at a venue to be decided after consultation with all con- Ms. June Hughes contract describing: cerned stakeholders. The PMU will provide administrative support to the firm/group including the organization of training workshop/s, coordinate Director i. The work plan containing a schedule of meetings, training relevant meetings and assist in the production of reports. workshops, consultations and other deliverables. Department of Environment 5. REPORTING ii. The procedure and arrangements to be taken in the collection Ministry of Environment and Cooperatives and compilation of data and information. The firm or group shall report to the Director of Department of Environment and the Project Management Unit. Note: The data compiled 3rd Floor Ursula Amory Building iii. The approach to be used to conduct the V& A Assessments. by the Consultant shall become the property of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. Corner of Central and New Street b. Undertake a stocktaking exercise of previous V & A recom- mendations and their implementation date 6. DELIVERABLES Basseterre c. Build the technical capacity of key stakeholders identified by The firm or group will be mainly responsible for the following St. Kitts the Government regarding the use of methodologies and tools for con- deliverables: ducting Vulnerability & Adaptation assessments, Tel: 1-869-466-8536 a. A work plan at the start of the consultancy, which clearly indi- d. Facilitate a project mid-term review workshop to assess cates the methodology for achieving the target outputs; Email: [email protected] progress on work done on Vulnerability &Adaptation chapter. b. At least two training workshops for national stakeholders. Cc: [email protected]. e. Identify appropriate methodology and tools for use in con- ducting Vulnerability & Adaptation assessment of St. Kitts and Nevis. c. Sector based V&A assessment reports. Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard elec- tronic communication to the address or emails indicated above. ADVeRTISeMeNTNewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:21

Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Environment and Cooperatives Department of Environment

NaTioNal CoNSUlTiNG SErViCES

Government of St. Kitts and Nevis ii. Methodologies to be used for achieving the outputs. The reports shall be written in English language.

Ministry of Environment and Cooperatives iii. The work plan containing a schedule of meetings/workshops, 8. REMUNERATION consultations and other deliverables. Department of Environment The consultant is required to submit a Technical and Financial Proposal, b. Identify, collect, analyse and update any other information following which negotiations will be held with the successful applicant. relevant to the BUR process In the assessment of submissions, consideration will be given to tech- nical competence, qualifications and experience, regional and interna- NATIONAL CONSULTING SERVICES c. Collect information on gender and climate change tional experience on similar assignments, proposed cost and existing commitments. d. Prepare draft report on any other information relevant to the BUR process including information on gender and climate change 9. SUBMISSION COUNTRY: Saint Kitts and Nevis e. Organize a stakeholder consultation workshop to consider, Submissions must be made to the following address or by email by 16:00 PROJECT NAME: “Saint Kitts and Nevis First Biennial Report discuss and gather feedback on the draft report local time on Friday 17th July, 2020: (BUR1)” to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) f. Incorporate feedback into the draft report

ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Prepare the Chapter on Any Other Information g. Finalize the draft report for inclusion in the BUR Ms. June Hughes Relevant to the First Biennial Update Report BUR1 process including climate information on gender, youth, and vulnerable societies including 4. REPORTING Director the elderly and persons with disability for St. Kitts and Nevis. The consultant shall report to the Director of Department of Environment Department of Environment PERIOD OF ASSIGNMENT/SERVICES: 3 MONTHS and the Project Management Unit. Note: The data compiled by the Consultant shall become the property of the Government of St. Kitts and Ministry of Environment and Cooperatives 1. BACKGROUND Nevis. 3rd Floor Ursula Amory Building The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis through its Ministry of 5. DELIVERABLES Environment and Cooperatives is currently preparing its First Biennial Corner of Central and New Street Update Report to the UNFCCC. Grant funding from the Global The consultant will be mainly responsible for the following deliverables: Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Basseterre Programme (UNEP) was received to prepare this report. The purpose of a. A work plan at the start of the consultancy, which clearly indi- BUR1 is to update the most recently submitted national communication cates the methodology for achieving the target outputs; St. Kitts and to provide additional information in relation to mitigation actions taken or envisaged to address the effects and provide the support needed. b. Presentation of draft report on findings any other information Tel: 1-869-466-8536 relevant to the First Biennial Update Report BUR process including cli- 2. OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY mate information on gender, youth, and vulnerable societies including the Email: [email protected] elderly and persons with disability. The main objective of this Consultancy is to collect, analyze and prepare Cc: [email protected]. a report on any other information relevant to the BUR process includ- c. The final report and chapter any other information chapter for ing climate change information related to gender, youth, and vulnerable the BUR1 for approval by the Ministry. societies including the elderly and persons with disability for St. Kitts and Nevis. 6. QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard elec- tronic communication to the address or emails indicated above. 3. SCOPE OF CONSULTANCIES SERVICES The consultant must:

The National Consultant will work under the guidance of the Director • Exceptional analytical and quantitative skills, alongside of Environment and in close collaboration with the Project Management strong synthesis and strategic thinking skills. Minimum of a Master’s Unit (PMU) and Climate Change Committee to ensure that deliverables Degree in Environmental Science/Management international develop- are produced in a timely manner according to planned activities. The ment, public administration, development economics, gender/women’s Consultant shall be responsible for: studies or related field of expertise. i. Consolidating all other relevant information to the BUR pro- • Demonstrate experience as a gender specialist on develop- cess including climate change information on gender et al. ment and climate change projects implementing social and gender main- streaming strategies would be an asset. ii. Preparing the detailed report and chapter on “other informa- tion relevant to the Biennial Update Report (BUR) • Demonstrate prior experience (at least five (5) years) in con- ducting Climate Change work. The specific tasks of the consultant will include, inter alia, the following activities: • Prior related work experience in the field would be an asset. a. Submit an inception report within one week of contract signa- • Demonstrated ability to work with a wide variety of people ture which describes: from government, agencies, non- governmental organizations, and re- search institutions. i. The procedure and arrangements to be taken in the collection and compilation of data and information. 7. LANGUAGE Page:22 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 ADVeRTISeMeNTSADVeRTISeMeNTLOCALNewS NewS ADVeRTISeMeNTLOCALNewS NewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:23 richards aiming to be next Prime Minister

By Petra Mc Sheene of persons in Sandy Point. during campaign for the He took the opportunity to recently held general As a way to say thanks express thanks and grati- elections. He stated that to the residents and con- tude to the many persons Richards is a true servant stituents of Constituency who played a role during of the PAM Party, the 5, Deputy Prime Minister the campaign and also his people of Sandy Point and and Parliamentary parents and persons who Fig Tree, a true servant of representative Shawn played a part in his educa- the Parliament and a true Richards and members tion. He noted however servant of the Team Unity of the People’s Action there was one more goal Government. Movement and the Team he was eyeing in politics, Unity Administration, and it was to lead the “Shawn is a strong ad- held a thanksgiv- government vocate for those issues ing service on July 5 he believes in and is pas- at the Calvary Baptist “I have been in the politi- sionate about. It is no Tabernacle in Sandy cal arena for 16 years and surprise that the people Point. I often wonder when I of Constituency 5, gave should finish. But I haveShawn another five The service was well one more political goal years to represent them. attended by supporters to deliver on. That is to Shawn now has the task of the PAM Party and be not the next Prime of building our beloved was chaired by Cindy Minister, but the firstFederation, creating those Demming-Nias. Prime Minister that Sandy jobs that were promised Point has produced.” and delivering the infra- The Federation’s only structure that only Team living National Hero, the In his remarks at the cere- Unity can deliver.” Rt. Hon. Sir Kennedy mony, Prime Minister Dr. Simmonds was also a part Timothy Harris stated that of the celebratory congre- he is mindful that there gation. The audience ob- were persons who voted Prime Minister Harris served a minute of silence for a Team Unity candi- reiterated his promise of in honour of the mother date for the first time, asserving two terms in the of former PAM Member they knew that only Team office of Prime Minister Constance Mitcham who Unity would deliver a and proudly stated that he had been called home to stronger and safer future, will be ready to support glory earlier in the day. build bigger and better Shawn Richards, leader homes, keep the streets of the PAM party when During his feature ad- safe and deliver real hope the time comes, as he will dress, Richards spoke and real opportunities for bring all of his experience about his 16 years of be- all of the young people. and knowledge to give ing a politician and the him the strongest support years he spent being on Prime Minister Harris so Minister Richards can the opposition bench spoke highly of the hard continue to deliver the fighting for the bettermentwork done by Richards stronger and safer future. Page:24 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 ADVeRTISeMeNTTRAVeLNewS ADVeRTISeMeNTNewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:25 Page:26 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 ADVeRTISeMeNTNewS ADVeRTISeMeNTNewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:27 Page:28 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 ADVeRTISeMeNTNewS ADVeRTISeMeNTLOCALNewS NewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:29 Governor-General highlights roadmap to stronger, safer future

Governor-General Sir S. W. Tapley Seaton delivering the Throne Speech

By Petra Mc Sheene manufacturing, the digi- The third pledge revolves their best selves.” of socio-economic sta- yet unborn.” tal economy, and finan- around Protecting the tus; Establish a graduate The Ceremonial Opening cial services. People and Borders. He said the Team Unity studies fund through the “Throughout the of Parliament was held Administration has heav- Social Security Board five years of this at the St. Kitts Marriott “As such, in this new “My Government has ily invested in these com- and construct a National Administration more Resort on Wednesday, term, the Team Unity the greatest respect for munity services, with the Training Institute. “ will be unveiled in this with the Throne Speech Government will set the maintenance of law firm resolve to continue Honourable House as to being delivered by out to continue to build and order within our tiny doing all in their power Seaton said the fifth the legislative calendar Governor-General His out the digital economy jurisdiction. Equally, my to meet the needs of pledge will see the pur- which my Government Excellency Sir S.W needed to power invest- Government is commit- the public through the suing of a greener, more will put forward. Our Tapley Seaton, who ment and diversifica- ted to the protection of provision of improved sustainable future Government is fully spoke about the Team tion in all sectors of the our people in times of public services and committed to these mea- Unity Administration’s economy; actively at- emergency and disaster infrastructure. sures. We look forward roadmap to a stronger, tract and recruit high-end with the aim of saving to a robust debate in this safer future which will be manufacturing operators lives and livelihoods.” “To do this, Team Unity “Any future development House. We anticipate tackled using six pledges. to the Federation, while will continue the build- plan for St. Kitts and meaningful consulta- creating new jobs for our As a result of this, over out of the cardiac cath- Nevis cannot be success- tion and the building of labour force; facilitate the next five years one eterization laboratory fully achieved without consensus when neces- new trade agreements can expect that the Team within the institution- due regard and care be- sary, as we pass laws and “ of this Throne with emerging markets Unity Government will: based health service sec- ing taken for and on be- regulations to improve Speech would not be such as India, Brazil and Enhance Community tor — in order to address half of the environment our Country.” complete if I did not turn South Africa, in order to Policing in order for the high incidence of and our planet in general. my attention to the plans promote exports and at- citizens and residents and programmes which tract new investments to develop a sense of my Government intends from these jurisdictions, responsibility and part- to deliver on, in the next and pursue the develop- nership with the police five years. These initia- ment of a small business in securing local neigh- tives have been clearly rescue fund, in order to bourhoods; bolster the laid out in our second assist businesses with Royal St Christopher and heart disease among our The greening of St. Kitts Team Unity Manifesto: resilience and recovery Nevis Police Force by people. Catheterizations and Nevis is therefore of “Stronger, Safer Future”. in the face of a disaster creating opportunities for prevent the likelihood paramount importance, that interrupts business/ development of specialist of blood clots that cre- even as we build out new The first Pledge highlights economic activity in the capabilities training both ate heart attacks and infrastructure.” the continuing build-out country, just to name a technical and academic, thereby save lives; given of a “Diversified andfew.” and also upward mobil- the high incidence of The final pledge high- Resilient Economy.” ity in the Police Force; non-communicable dis- lights maintaining the The second pledge fo- construct a new facility eases (NCDs) among commitment to a Good His Excellency pointed cuses on providing more for Her Majesty’s Prison, our people, this labora- Governance Agenda at out that even before the opportunities to improve as part of an ongoing tory service is a major every level start of the COVID-19 the quality of life of the process towards reha- development. pandemic, it was very people bilitation, reintegration “In 2015, my Government clear that they needed to and reorientation of of- Commence the construc- would have campaigned remain steadfast to the The Governor-General fenders, and continue the tion of a new general hos- on a Good Governance task of building out an said in the Government’s build-out of the national pital in West Basseterre; Agenda that had as its economy that was rela- first term, much was security infrastructure Construct the state- fulcrum the preservation tively tough enough to achieved in order to im- and so forth. of-the-art Basseterre of our democracy that withstand the external prove the standard and High School in East had been steadily eroded shocks which can re- quality of life for the peo- The fourth pledge in- Basseterre; Construct a by the previous regime. sult from catastrophes, ple of St. Kitts and Nevis. volves the enhancing new health centre in St. In 2020 and beyond, this such as Category 5 of Public Services and Peter’s; Renovate and is an even more focused Hurricanes and other ma- “This has included com- Infrastructure, according repair the property at commitment for my jor weather phenomena, prehensive social safety to Sir Tapley. Fortlands, Basseterre, Government’s second as well as epidemics and net programmes — par- earmarked as the new term in office.” pandemics. ticularly the Poverty “It goes without saying home of the Spectrum Alleviation Programme that if a Nation cannot Centre, in order to treat The Governor-General “COVID-19 is teaching - and skills development properly invest in the our Nation’s children and said that St. Kitts and all countries the impera- initiatives. Equally, at- health, education, social young adults who have Nevis is a Nation that tive of economic diver- tention has been paid and community services been diagnosed with au- is on the move, and the sification and investment to improvement in the to its people, then the tism; Finalise build-out Government’s greatest in new and emerging housing stock in the people of that Nation will of the National Health wish is that all will be drivers, while strength- country and family-cen- be denied the best op- Insurance (NHI) in order “on-board the train of ening traditional sec- tred programming.” portunity to develop and to provide medical cov- upward advancement for tors such as agriculture, to thrive, and to become erage to all, regardless now and for generations Page:30 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 NewSNewS Battered Woman’s Syndrome needs to be a mitigating factor

By Annan Boodram – Voice strongly urges Caribbean societies and ฀ that protection domestic violence leg- is absolutely nothing to The Caribbean Voice Caribbean governments developing nations. orders be given them islation throughout the consult on. Contractors and CARICOM to work actual teeth, there be Caribbean should con- are not needed because Melissa Playter, a towards a regional mech- In fact, there is a long held substantial increase of tain mechanisms to stop there is nothing to con- Guyanese woman who anism that: view in the Caribbean fines issued to penalisethe police from telling tract out. And consul- suffered years of abuse that you should not get breaches and proactive complainants to “go back tations are not needed at the hands of her part- ฀ enables battered involved in conflicts monitoring compo- and handle your busi- because everyone is ner, eventually ended up woman/people syn- between wives and hus- nents be added to court ness” and/or from taking aware of the harsh re- killing her abuser in what drome to be considered bands because it’s not verdicts; it upon themselves to alities on the ground. is widely seen as self de- a mental heath condition your business. Now, gen- coerce victims to make Instead, bring together fense. Yet not only was that must ensure that its erations later, we in The ฀ that “privately- up with their abusers. all those who are already she arrested and charged victims are immediately Caribbean Voice (TCV), run shelters are able to Additionally, strident striving to address the is- with murder but she was provided both psycho- have been saying as loud- keep their doors open efforts should be made sue, build a plan that is also placed on bail that logical assessment and ly and as often as we can and provide the best level to ensure that police do practical and doable and she could not afford. counseling once their that ‘abuse prevention is of support for survivors” not allow themselves to implement it across na- Fortunately, a local NGO cases reach the courts; everybody’s business’, and that such shelters are be influenced to dismiss tions, with Governments was able to raise the bail and as such this mindset supplemented with state- reports, belittle victims, and the Private Sectors and has also offered to ฀ sets any bail in has to be built into every run domestic violence engage in casual investi- providing the financial help her start a business such situations at a very Caribbean person. As shelters; gations that destroy cases and logistical resources. so she could support her- minimal level or better well, we also support a and ignore any and every Then: self and her children. yet, a court order that al- number of other proposi- ฀ that all regionalsign that clearly point to lows the victim to be free tions arising out of both police forces follow the abuse and potential for This case highlights the under supervision by the the Melissa Playter case lead of the T&T Police femicide. There must issue of battered wom- court and/or psycholo- and the debate/discus- Service in setting up na- also be follow through • provide the req- an/people syndrome, gists while she/he awaits sion on domestic vio- tionwide Gender-based on all reports taking cog- uisite training; which according to a her day in court; lence in T&T: Violence Units (GBVU)nisance that victims will study, Women who kill with the ability for quick often withdraw com- • develop and de- in response to domestic ฀ ensures that bat- ฀ that religious responses and the skill- plaints or refuse to testify ploy signposting, violence, is “the psy- tered woman/people syn- organizations include an- sets to know what to do because of threats to self, chological mind set and drome is a viable defence ti-abuse training and ac- and how to do it with pri- children and family, eco- • create gatekeep- emotional state of female in cases like Melissa’s. tivism both at the level of ority on victims’ safety; nomic dependence on ers/first responders in victims of abuse (devel- In fact in nations such their priesthood as well abusers and ‘because of every community, oped by Dr. Lenore E. the US, Brazil, Japan as congregation while TCV also endorses the children’. Walker), which explains and Australia, battered eschewing what Dr. the call by T&T’s • map a network why women often stay woman’s syndrome is Rambachan referred to Commissioner of Police, As well, TCV urges of counselors nationwide in abusive relationships; indeed a mitigating fac- as “these old-fashioned Gary Griffith for it to be Caribbean govern- that can almost be imme- and the “slow burn reac- tor is court cases of this trends where women mandatory for medical ments to urgently orga- diately available to jump tion”, where women in a nature. were urged to put up institutions to report do- nise stakeholders’ focus in and help, situation of abuse tend to with abusive behaviour mestic-related wounding group to come up with not react instantly to the This situation also raises from their spouses”. and assaults. And we coherent and concerted • enhance and na- abuse, partly for psycho- a number of other is- urge that all convicted action plans for immedi- tionally extend the vic- logical reasons but also sues that need Caribbean ฀ that govern- abusers should be pub- ate implementation. By tims support and safety because of the physical governments’ attention ments launch public licly listed along with stakeholders we mean networks where they mismatch between the and legislation; issues education campaigns “so their photos in a registry organisations that are currently exist or estab- abuser and the victim, that were also recently families in need could that would be easily ac- currently directly in- lish such networks where which makes an immi- ventilated in Trinidad & understand their rights cessible. There are those volved in gender-based they do not exist; nent response seem futile Tobago (T&T) over the and legal options”, know who would academical- activism – not those who or even more dangerous ongoing debate and dis- about available resources ly argue about rights of say they are but do noth- In effect, what to do is to the victim”. cussion on the Domestic that they can access abusers but completely ing, not those who talk, very clear. Now, instead Violence (Amendment) and are able to develop ignore the rights of vic- talk and talk but do noth- of verbiage and rhetoric According to the 2015 Bill. In his contribu- safety plans for/with tims and the potential ing else and not those from officialdom and study conducted by tion to the debate on the family members who are for abuse to be repeated. who engage in photo wastage of resources Linklaters LLP for Penal bill, MP Dr Surujrattan abused; They also ignore the fact ops and pageantry but in piecemeal, ad hoc, Reform International, Rambachan took issue that there is a mountain no concrete action. We infrequent and ineffec- “In the majority of the with communities and ฀ that domestic of literature and lived also urge that politics be tive action, the political jurisdictions reviewed, religious organizations, violence awareness and experiences that clearly taken out of the equation fortitude needs to be dis- there is no specific- which legis do not take an ac- sensitization be con- say that every abuser is a and that only the passion- played to build networks lative basis for a history tive role in addressing ducted in schools, in potential murderer. ate and committed, who of activism, nationally of abuse to be considered and preventing domestic collaboration with other already give of their time armed with skill sets and as a mitigating factor...” violence. Actually, Dr. stakeholders such as Also, TCV believes and efforts, be involved. resources to handle this This certainly is true with Rambachan was express- NGOs and community that like the T&T crisis, through stakehold- respect to the Caribbean ing a global truism, one based organizations; Domestic Violence Consultants are not ers’ collaboration. and so The Caribbean that is more pervasive in (Amendment) Bill, all needed because there ADVeRTISeMeNTNewS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 Page:31 Page:32 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 10th, 2020 ADVeRTISeMeNT