Year 54 NO. 47BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, W.I. FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH, 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 St.St. KittsKitts andand NevisNevis raisesraises St.St. KittsKitts andand NevisNevis ClosesCloses climateclimate change,change, naturalnatural disastersdisasters andand povertypoverty atat ExchangeExchange OfferOffer andand SummitSummit BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS Dr. Douglas said the relevance (CUOPM) – Climate change, of the core theme of Natural natural disasters and poverty Disasters cannot be alleviation were among issues overemphasized where St. Kitts- ConcludesConcludes AdditionalAdditional DebtDebt raised at the Sixth Summit of the Nevis is concerned and his Americas by St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Right Hon. Dr. RestructuringRestructuring AgreementAgreement Denzil L. Douglas. (cont’d on page 18) BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, million and New Par Bonds with a Caribbean Development Bank of (CUOPM) - The Federal face value of EC$134.4 million. The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis New Discount Bonds, which carry announced Thursday that it has a partial guarantee from the (cont’d on page 2) closed its exchange offer launched pursuant to an Exchange Offer Memorandum dated 27 February 2012, as amended by a press release dated 7 March 2012 (the “Exchange Offer Memorandum”). The statement said that for the purposes of the Exchange Offer Memorandum, the Settlement Date is 18 April 2012. Photo: Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner (C) “As part of the settlement gestures as (clockwise, top L) Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister process, on 18 April 2012, the Winston Baldwin Spencer, Barbados’ Prime Minister Freundel Stuart Government issued New Discount (partially covered), Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, Bonds with a face value of US$43.3 Hondura’s President Porfirio Lobo, Haiti’s Foreign Minister Laurent Lamothe and Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Denzil Douglas stand together during a group photo at the Americas Summit in PAGE 12 Cartagena, April 15, 2012. REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian Miss Labour Queen (COLOMBIA) Contestants Bio PAGE 05 CTO Donley Saunders chairman thrown under the bus by Hamilton Skerritt plugs and PAM for COMMENTARY BY sustainable * THE THINKING CITIZEN * VIEW POINT tourism * REV.CANON PERCIVAL (Left to right) – Guyana’s Acting Minister of * EARL CLARKE CTO’s Chairman, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, His * SOTTO VOCE practices in Tourism and International Transport, Sen. the Excellency Irfaan Al; Guyana’s Minister of Hon. Richard Skerritt speaking at the Conference Natural Resources and the Environment, His the region opening in Guyana. Excellency Robert Persaud and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS Chairman, Sen. the Hon. Richard Skerritt at (CUOPM) – A clear and profound (cont’d on page19) the opening ceremony. 2 - OPINION / LOCAL NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 Young teen shot and killed; two charged with his murder THE SPOKESMAN - ESTABLISHED MAY 1957 By Charles Miller Jr Published by: The St. Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union on Tuesday morning (April 17th) the vicinity of National Housing Police have charged two in Shaw Avenue, Central Corporation on East Park Range Ag. Managing Editor: Dawud Byron young men for the murdering of Basseterre. (East Basseterre), early Thursday Masses House, Church Street 19 year – old Trevis Henville, who Police officers and officers of (yesterday) morning. P.O Box 239 . Basseterre . St. Kitts . West Indies was shot and killed early Tuesday the Strike Force quickly responded 19-year-old Jermaine Browne Tel: (1 869) 465-2229 <> Fa: (1 869) 466-9866 morning just after 8:00am. to the matter and visited the scene of Conaree Village was shot and Charged are 20-year-old to find Henville’s lifeless body a killed shortly before 7:00am. On Email: [email protected] Randy Taylor of Taylor’s Village few meters away from Cayon Street arrival, officers discovered his Website: www.labourspokesman.com and 24-year-old Lennox ‘Len’ on the side of the road and a crowd body in the street and he was then Gumbs of St. Johnson Village. The of onlookers surrounding him. pronounced dead by District two were formally arrested and The young man was then Medical Officer, Dr. Mervyn Laws charged with the crime on pronounced dead by District and later transported to Jenkins Editorial Wednesday, a mere day after the Medical Officer Dr. Reginald Funeral Home. incident took place. O’Loughlin and was removed by Browne’s murder marks the 7th Henville, who is said to be from undertakers and transported to the homicide for St. Kitts – Nevis; 6 in New Town, East Basseterre, but Jenkins Funeral Home. St. Kitts and 1 in Nevis. IT WASN’T ME! resides in McKnight, Central Police are now investigating Investigations are ongoing. Basseterre was shot multiple times another murder that took place in For those who are unfamiliar with the above title it is taken from the 2001 musical hit by popular reggae artiste Shaggy. The lyrics of the song essentially depict a man seeking advice after being caught cheating and the advice received was for him to deny St. Kitts and Nevis Closes Exchange everything with the phrase “it wasn’t me” despite all evidence to the contrary. Offer and Concludes Additional Debt As life sometimes imitates art, the song has in legal circles inspired a defence coined the “Shaggy defence”. This seems to have been the defence that was employed by the Democrat Newspaper recently when Restructuring Agreement they attempted to convince the general public that Mr. Donley Saunders (cont’d from page 1) off ‘goodwill payment’ of EC$11.25 Discount Bonds in exchange for was innocent of the charges that were brought against him for which he per EC$1000 face value of New Par their original instruments. With the was tried and found guilty by an 11-1 verdict by the jury. The trial of the up to US$12 million, were issued Bonds held, along with the first implementation of the collective case lasted four (4) weeks. at a discount of 50% to the face regular monthly payment of action clauses, the percentage of The fundamental basis of our justice system is that a man (or woman) value of the original eligible debts interest. eligible claims restructured rises to is to be tried before a jury of his or her peers. It is precisely for this tendered for the discount option,” On 15 March 2012, St. Kitts and 100. reason why twelve ordinary people who have no axe to grind are selected the statement said. Nevis announced that tenders for Separately, the Federal and why technical legal jargon is broken down into simple lay man’s It noted that on 18 May 2012 96.8% of the aggregate principal Government and the Nevis Island terms by the judge so that everyone of the jurors has an understanding holders of the New Discount amount of debts eligible under the Administration also announced of what the nature of the charge is and what evidence must exist before Bonds will receive a one-off exchange offer had been received. Thursday that two restructuring a conviction can be made. ‘goodwill payment’ equal to During 16-17 April 2012, the agreements covering Without stating what was so difficult to understand about the charge US$130 per US$1000 face value of collective action clauses contained approximately EC$900 million in of taking money that doesn’t belong to you and using it for purposes New Discount Bonds held, along in four of the original instruments loans and other debt facilities that the true owner has not agreed to, the Democrat in its article starts with the first regular monthly eligible under the exchange offer owed to domestic creditors have their shaggy defence by first blaming the jury for not being smart enough. payment of principal and interest. were implemented. As a result, It wasn’t me! Holders of the New Par Bonds holders who did not tender their The Democrat conveniently forgot to mention that Mr. Saunders will at the same time receive a one- claims were yesterday issued New (cont’d on page 17) produced fake and fabricated invoices for a company called Wallace/ Duporte Trucking Excavating and Concrete Ltd. that does not exist nor has ever existed. They also forgot to mention that both gentlemen came court and want the general public to blame the police rather you believe that in some way Denzil Douglas did testified that they never owned such a company and would have cheques than blame Mr. Saunders for his actions. something that takes away from all the evidence that were personally made out to them cashed and returned the funds to What they do not tell readers is that the presented in the case regarding Mr. Saunders’ actions. Mr. Saunders. contractor for the project came to court and told Did Mr. Saunders do any of the things the evidence What right thinking people should realize from this is how PAM and the court on oath that the company named in the said and the jury heard? Does that count as to why the Democrat view ordinary people and ascribe less than worthy fake invoices never did any work for him as the the jury found it impossible to believe that any intelligence to them. Do you think that a PAM government would discuss contractor and he had never heard of that company, reasonable person would undertake such a mammoth matters fully with the electorate which is made up of ordinary people? Or nor did he had any materials delivered to the project task for free and that funds were misappropriated and would they think that the matters of State are too complicated for ordinary by that company. It wasn’t me! could not be properly accounted for? It wasn’t me?!?! people to understand? The Democrat makes no mention of the actual What should be most telling from any unbiased The Democrat in their article also uses the” it wasn’t me” defence evidence that was adduced at trial at all but tries to read of the article is the fact that PAM has not and will when they blame the Police Force for focusing on Mr. Saunders’ actions convince people that Mr. Saunders’ was merely an not change. The same PAM who brought when other crimes are taking place in the country. Does that mean Mr. innocent victim of the justice system. unprecedented victimization to this country from Saunders did not commit a crime? Or that because other matters are The article even goes on to blame the owner of permanent secretaries to cleaners is the same PAM pressing they should let this crime slide? the funds whose money was stolen by trying to who warns in the article that we should “wet dey hand The justice system and the police are not perfect and we can all agree portray him as greedy and the person who used and wait for arwe…” on that, but when the police carry out an investigation and bring a Mr. Saunders’ kindness for his own benefit. Does One has to ask who is the “dey” that the Democrat matter before the Courts and a conviction is secured we should all the writer want us to believe that a man as intelligent and PAM refers to? Is it the same ordinary people like commend them for doing their job, regardless of what other matters they as Mr. Saunders did not recognize that he was being those that made up the jury that PAM believes locked have not solved as yet. PAM and the Democrat themselves are usually used? Perhaps the writer wants us to assume that up one of their own? Or is it the ordinary people, who the first to condemn them when they have failed, so why now condemn after Mr. Saunders took on the project, if he felt for 17 years have kept PAM in the wilderness and out them for doing their job? overwhelmed by the quantity of work that he could of government. Is that how PAM views ordinary people Again the public and right minded people should take note that not simply resign and have the gentleman hire a who they feel did something they do not agree with? PAM is still a class based institution that feels certain matters involving professional to finish the task. It wasn’t me! Well all right thinking people and LABOUR persons affiliated with them should be left alone…even by the police. It Of course no article in the Democrat would be supporters in particular, need to pay attention and not wasn’t me! complete if Denzil Douglas wasn’t somehow be fooled. PAM of old is the same PAM of today that PAM and the Democrat would prefer that the Police and the jury blamed. So rather than focus on the evidence all Labour people need to be aware of and not fall for ignore the fact that Mr. Saunders undertook a job worth $1.5 Million US presented at trial, which indicated that Mr. Saunders the tricks they claiming about being a changed Dollars, having had no experience in construction management which agreed to repay the funds that he could not properly organization. he undertook for free even though he presented fake invoices. And they account for, the Democrat and PAM would have The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 - NEWS - 3 It says Latin America and the economy is expected to grow by moderated, as tighter IMF says Caribbean Caribbean is “on a glide path to 3.5 percent. macroeconomic policies began to steady growth” as the global “High public debt and weak bear fruit and the external economies to grow in economy picks up pace. tourism and remittance flows environment weakened. But the financial institution is continue to constrain the outlook And while economic activity in warning that “dangers remain.” for the Caribbean. The outlook for LAC is still subdued, strong real 2012 and 2013 In its latest, World Economic Central America, like that for linkages with the United States BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (CUOPM) - The Caribbean economy is Outlook report, the IMF said the Mexico, is closely tied to “offer some upside prospects as expected to grow in this year and next year. swings in risk aversion in global developments in the United the United States slowly recovers,” So says the Washington-based International Monetary Fund (IMF). markets over the past six months States,” the IMF said, noting that according to the report. have had significant effects on “spillovers to the region, both real “Spillovers to the region Latin America and the Caribbean and financial, from renewed crisis through trade, financial, and (LAC) forecasting “moderate” in Europe are likely to be limited.” banking channels were active growth of 3.75 percent in the The IMF said that among during recent months but with region this year and four percent commodity exporters in LAC, only limited effects on activity,” in 2013. strong domestic demand growth the report said. Specifically, the Caribbean 4 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 Company said that they were not adverse to a HIV/Aids Workplace TRADE UNION NEWS Policy, but will wait to see what type of HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy comes out of Parliament. In addition, they promised to continue By: Batumba Tak - General Secretary preparation for when Legislation is passed so that they can adopt a Policy in relation to it. 16. General Wage Increase. Carib Brewery (St. Kitts-Nevis) After a robust and healthy discussion both parties agreed to a 11% General Wage Increase spread over four (4) years (2011 – 4%; 2012 – Ltd and The St. Kitts/Nevis Trades 3%; 2013 – 2% and 2014 – 2%), and a one off payment of 1% of Annualized wages as at December 31st, 2010 that will be paid to all eligible employees. The General Wage Increase agreed upon was based on the Company’s & Labour Union Sign New Four word that no employee will be made redundant unless it becomes absoletely necessary, and if that becomes a reality the Union will be fully Year Memorandum Of involved in all discussions with a view to come up with ideas and solutions to save the jobs of all the workers. Agreement. workers to utilize the Medical The Christmas Bonus of 8% based on wages earned for twelve Allowance that has been provided months period ending November of each year remains in place. The The St. Kitts/Nevis Trades & Labour Union members at Carib Brewery for them. twelve (12) months for the beginning of the bonus starts on the 1st (St. Kitts-Nevis)Ltd have ratified a new four year agreement by a 98 The Union agreed to do its December, 2011 and ends 30th November, 2012. percent margin. best to encourage the employees Representing Carib Brewery (St. Kitts-Nevis) Ltd at the signing This impressive ratification margin shows that our members at Carib to utilize the Medical Allowance. ceremony were: Mr. Mark Wilkin, Managing Director and Mr. Preston Brewery (St. Kitts-Nevis) Ltd were pleased with the work of the Union’s 10. Risk Pay Allowance George, Employee and Industrial Relations Lead – Beverage Sector, negotiating team. These negotiations were conducted in a highly After a lively discussion and Anson Mc Call, Trinidad and Tobago. professional and amicable manner between both parties and produced a some clarity by the Company the The St. Kitts/Nevis Trades & Labour Union was represented by positive outcome for our members who gained wage and other benefits Union withdrew this proposal, but Cde’s. Batumba Tak and Sydney Bridgewater, General Secretary and 1st and workplace improvements. said that they will monitor its Vice President respectively and Cde’s. Lorinstim Jenkins and Moolchand The Union represented the Daily and Weekly workers employed at operation with a view for further Mangra, Shop Stewards, Carib Brewery (St. Kitts-Nevis) Ltd. Carib Brewery (St. Kitts-Nevis) Ltd and continue calling on all the discussion in the future. The Labour Department was represented by Mr. Lenard Spencer monthly staff to join the Union and gain a voice at the bargaining table 11. Caustic Allowance. Amory, Labour Commissioner and Mr Franklyn Stevens, Stats, Labour to have a say in the condition of work they work under. It was agreed that this Department As stated in an earlier article, sixteen (16) proposals were submitted allowance will be increased by the Presently the Company and the Union enjoy a very long, fruitful and on behalf of the Daily and Weekly workers to the Company for same percentage as the General good standing working relationship and that hopefully will continue discussion. Wage Increase. right into the foreseeable future. Following are the proposals and the results arrived at. 12. Uniforms (Shirts, Pants and As I take my leave today, I leave you with one of those old negro 1. Transportation for workers from the rurual area who work on Shoes (Boots). spiritual song. shift. The Company said that they It was agreed that a structure with clear instruction will be put in have already sorted out the hick- Blow Your Trumpet, Gabriel. place with in put from the Union. In addition, it was also agreed that Mr. ups that they experienced the last “O, blow your trumpet, Gabriel, Moolchand Mangra will be the person who will be called upon to carry two (2) years and all employees Blow your trumpet louder; workers who work late to their homes. have already received their And I want dat trumpet to blow me home, 2. Overtime. Uniforms. To my new Jerusalem. It was agreed that Overtime is not compulsoty, but employees are The Union thanked the expected to coorporate when asked to work overtime provided that the Company then withdrew this “De prettiest ting dat ever Idone, Company gives sufficient Notice to the workers who are called upon to proposal, but promised to Was to serve de Lord when I was young, work overtime. continue to monitor its operation. So blow your trumpet, Gabriel, & c. 3. Merit Allowance. 13. First Aids Kits in every It was agreed that an “employee of the month” system will be put in Department. “O, Satan is a liar, and he conjure too, place, and to ensure that the system is fair and understandable the The Company agreed that And if you don’t mind, he’ll conjure you, Supervisors will be properly trained to have a better understanding of First Aids Kits will be placed in So blow your trumpet, Gabriel, & c. the system. The Shop Stewards will also be part of the training programe every Department as a matter of to help ensure that there is proper balance in the system. urgency. In addition they also “O, I was lostin de wilderness, 4 and 8 are related to Article #16 and #17 of the Memorandum of agreed that someone in each King Jesus hand me de candle down, Agreement and it was agreed that they should be joined together. Department will be responsible for So blow your trumpet, Gabriel,” & c. Article 16 and 17, Work Rules and Job Description and Job Evaluation the safe keeping of the First Aid respectively. Kit. The Company agreed that the time is right to have a review of both 14. Health and Safety Articles with a view for improvement in colaboration with the Union. Committee. 5.Voluntary Pension Scheme or Gratuity Scheme on behalf of all It was agreed that the Health Intellectual Property employees. and Safety Committee will be The Company said that they have an Insurance Arm at their reactivated and they will be Headquarters in Trinidad and will be looking for a reputable Insurance responsible to ensure that the Office Forum Notice Company in St. Kitts and Nevis. In addition, the Company said that they workplace remains in a healthy In celebration of World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, the St. are committed to putting a Voluntary Pension Scheme in place on behalf state. In addition, it was agreed Kitts and Nevis Intellectual Property Office is inviting the general public of all the employees at Carib Brewery (St. Kitts-Nevis) Ltd as soon as that a joint meeting between to a forum on Intellectual Property Rights. practicable. Management and the Union will The forum entitled “Intellectual Property Rights - From Creation to It was agreed that 6 and 7 will be joined together. be held with all of the workers to Protection” will take place at the University Center on Thursday April Meal and Laundry Allowance. It was agreed that the Meal Allowance explain to them why they should 26, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. will increase from $15. 00 to $20. 00, and the Laundry Allowance will wear the Health and Safety gears The Intellectual Property Office would like to stress that it is important increase by the same percentage as the General Wage Increase. that are provided for their safety that creators and inventors understand that Intellectual Property is an 9. Increase in the Medical Allowance. at the workplace and the asset comparable to land and equipment and as such can be owned, The Company said that the present Medical Allowance that is set importance of a safe workplace. bought and sold. The office has observed that many persons are unaware aside for that purpose is not being utilized fully by the employees and 15. Proposed HIV/Aids of protecting this valuable asset hence the need for the forum. The see no reason to increase it at this time, but agreed to monitor its Workplace Policy. session will also provide an overview of how patents, designs, trademarks operation. In addition, the Company asked the Union to encourage the After much discussion the and copyright can be used to protect their creations and inventions. The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 - NEWS - 5 often as possible by a regular set PAM’s intention is to keep our people in of devoted messenger boys. The anti-Douglas, anti-Labour, Elections strategy is more or less darkness, poverty and ignorance the same strategy that was used against Premier Bradshaw in the The PAM party and its agents and supporters never cease to amuse have not been tampered with. The The Thinking Citizen 1960s and 1970s. The strategy and amaze me. The party is well known for its habit of working to destroy PAMites loaded the dice in their clearly did not work and many of the very thing that it says it is seeking to promote and uphold. favour so that they would win those who used that strategy The Workers’ League/Labour Party won every Election in St. Kitts every Election after 1983. That was unconvinced that Bradshaw was against Bradshaw have died continuously from 1952 to 1975. The Workers’ League/Labour Party legalised thievery (tiefingness). a dictator and that the PM party leaving behind only a reputation won all of the 7 seats on St. Kitts every time. Yet no one except Labour spoke was interested in the welfare of the for being a good ‘buser’. The PAM party was formed in January of 1965 and presented itself out against it. poor, working-class masses. Bradshaw, on the other hand, has as the party dedicated to the restoration and preservation of Democracy Nowadays we hear of all sorts The prophet Amos says in the earned an enviable place on the in St. Kitts-Nevis. of criticisms and abuse from the Old Testament – “But let justice pages of the annals of West Indian That was pure propaganda for the real intention of the party was to united ranks of political run down like waters. And History. seek to wrest political power from the hands of the masses and put back miscreants, mischief-makers and righteousness like an overflowing The world has seen the such power into the hands of the local planter/business/upper class. propagandists levelled at Dr. stream”. significant development that Dr. Having failed even to win a single seat in the Elections held on 25th Denzil Douglas and the Labour The PAM people did not know Douglas and the Labour Party July 1966, the leaders of the PAM party then wrote a letter to Governor Party. anything about Justice and have brought and are currently Sir Fred Phillips, dated 31st May 1967, demanding that the lawfully elected But we have noted that when Righteousness when they were bringing to our country for the government of Robert Bradshaw resign. Nobody took any notice of the PAM was exercising its right to drafting the new Electoral Reform benefit of all our people. There is letter. manage and manipulate the Law in 1983. That law was much talk of a School (University) There was much anti-Bradshaw propaganda in use at the 1966 General Electoral Process, which the party designed to keep the Labour Party of Engineering for St. Kitts, funded Elections. The letter of 31st May, 1967 calling for the government to did from 1984 to 1995, there was out of government for generation by Indian investors. The only resign, failed, like the pre-Elections propaganda to produce the desired no out-cry from the ranks of those after generation and in addition, question that one critic writing in results. who are now criticising Dr. establish a one-party state, PAM- the Democrat newspaper can ask Certain members of the PAM party, the same party that claimed to be Douglas, the Labour Party and the style. is: Would it be cheaper for Indians the defender and protector of democracy, joined with a group of rebel reformed Electoral System. During the debate on the to study Engineering in St. Kitts Anguillians to launch a terrorist attack on St. Kitts on the night of June The intention is quite clear. Electoral Reform Bill in 1983, the or to remain home and study 10, 1967. The aim of the political miscreants PAMites shouted to the Labour Engineering in India? That critic All you see sin and trouble! The very same party that was claiming is to prevent Dr. Douglas and his Party members in the House clearly has no love for St. Kitts and that Bradshaw is a dictator, set about to use anti-democratic means to party from gaining a fifth “When we finish with you all in surely has no desire to see his remove Bradshaw and establish a PAM dictatorship. consecutive term in office. So the here today, there will be no more people advance. A certain Anguillan was supposed to go on ZIZ Radio on June 11, miscreants have decided that the Labour. We gon bury Labour six It is clear that PAM and its 1967, and proclaim that “the prominent Kittitian is the new Premier”. best way to achieve their objective feet under.” messenger boys have one That is how PAM wanted to defend and protect democracy. is to start their political campaign No group or individual said to intention and that is to keep our After the failed coup of 10th June 1967, General Elections were held for the 2015 General Elections now. Dr. Simmonds and his gang that people in darkness, poverty and in 1971 and again in 1975. In each case the Labour Party won all 7 seats The campaign makes use of the what they said in the House is not ignorance. on St. Kitts. The planter/business class spent vast sums of money in an right. A democracy calls for a level most scurrilous attacks on Dr. effort to influence the outcome of the Elections. The electorate remained playing field and a set of dice that Douglas (on radio and in print) as costly when weighed against the alternative. The option to create a covered tunnel was found to be Cabinet hears of major roads improvement acceptable. In addition to the tunnel, barriers are to be built on programmes in St. Kitts the hillsides where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS from the Public Works Department, surrounding views,” said (CUOPM) - The condition of and representatives and engineers Information Minister Carty. roads in St. Kitts was the major from an engineering firm, ADeB He said the Cabinet, under the talking point at Wednesday’s Consulting, presented a chairmanship of the Rt. Hon. Dr. meeting of the St. Kitts and Nevis comprehensive report of his Denzil L. Douglas, was advised Cabinet. ministry’s plan to improve the that the project could be executed public roads in parts of Basseterre, in its entirety over a 20 month Frigate Bay and the South-East period depending on the Peninsula. implementation strategy adopted. In his presentation, Dr. Martin “Members were careful to updated his Cabinet colleagues on stress the increasing use of the the physical condition of the roads by our nationals and roads in St. Kitts and discussed residents for walking and jogging the ongoing activities within his for the purpose of physical ministry to improve and maintain A section of the Dr. Kennedy Simmonds Highway exercise, and that consideration public roads, generally. must be given to the Minister of Information, Sen. Road and the Bird Rock Road and road segments. accommodation of these the Hon. Nigel Carty said the the construction of a 150 metre “It was revealed that there is pedestrians through the creation presentation to the Cabinet drive-through tunnel at Timothy need for only surface work along of sidewalks and crossings where highlighted four components of Hill to address the issue of the specific points of the road but that feasible. The importance of the the road improvement programme. falling of rocks from the hillside on work would have to be done to the maintenance and enhancements of “Resurfacing of the road from that part of the road particularly sub-stratum in other areas given the aesthetics of the surroundings the Bay Road in the vicinity of Port as a result of erosion due to heavy the damage done to it due to the was also discussed and agreed Zante, along Sandown, along the rainfall over time,” said Minister seepage of rain water over the upon,” said Minister Carty. Frigate Road and to the third Carty. years,” said the Minister of “Cabinet was strongly of the round-about at Frigate Bay, Mr. Carty further disclosed Information. view that the project must provide resurfacing of the road from the that engineers agreed that there He further pointed out that in significant opportunities for our third round-about at Frigate Bay, was significant deterioration on respect of the road works to be local truckers, heavy equipment along the South-East Peninsula these segments of the road done at Timothy Hill, two options operators, skilled tradesmen and The Hon. Dr. Earl Asim (Dr. Kennedy Simmonds Highway) network, and that given the were recommended and examined. women, unskilled workers and Martin, Minister of Public to the Sea Bridge at Majors Bay, increasing traffic on them over the “One such option advocated local service providers to be Works, Utilities, Local Transport and to Cockleshell Beach, the years, it was critical from an was the benching (the excavation employed, to do business, and to and Housing, accompanied by the construction of a major round- economic as well as safety of the hill in a bench-like fashion) benefit from the project,” said the Director of Public Works, Mr. about at the intersection of the Kim standpoint to make major to reduce the risk of the falling of Information Minister in the Post Calvin Pemberton, two engineers Collins Highway, the Frigate Bay improvements to the identified rock, but this was found to be too Cabinet Briefing. 6 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 ease the stress of your company of others. morning routine. 9. Express yourself! – Talk out your feelings to a trusted LIFELINES 6. Keep positive -Try to friend, family member, partner, or counsellor/pastor. Writing keep things in perspective out your thoughts and feelings on paper is a good way to “LifeLines is a monthly column dedicated to addressing issues of mental, by remembering all the express yourself too. positive things about your 10. Schedule time away from the children - if you can, behavioural, and social health. The column appears on the 1st weekend of the life and by looking for the arrange to have some ‘alone time’, by having children stay month, and is written by professionals in the field of social work, mental health, ‘silver lining’ in seemingly with their father, a friend, or family member for a while. and community medicine”. hopeless situations. 11. Exercise - if time permits, incorporate regular activity Maintain your sense of into your schedule. This can be a simple as taking a walk humour. Laughter is a great (with or without the children), stretching at the end of the breakfast, or getting an early stress-buster! day, or doing an online work-out video twice a week. STRESS HELP start to your morning 7. Try relaxation 12. Don’t worry about things that can wait - While routine are good ‘start your exercises – In moments of thinking ahead can be useful, try not to focus on issues day’ options. FOR SINGLE MOMS stress, try doing breathing that you can deal with later on. Unwind peacefully at the exercises. Take a deep breath 13. Set boundaries/know your limits - Committing to end of the day too. Set a for a count of 8, hold for a extra responsibilities because of the fear of saying ‘no’ is a ‘ON THE GO’! reasonable bedtime for your count of 5, and exhale surefire recipe for stress! If you are unable to take on a task, Motherhood can be challenging at times, and even more children and stick to it, so slowly for a count of 8. Deep decline politely, or suggest someone else. Set limits for family so for single mothers who balance the daily responsibilities that you can use the time breathing helps to relax your friends and friends who encroach on your life and bring of parenting alone. When personal, work, and family afterwards to complete body and calm anxious added stress. Don’t be afraid to set limits with your children obligations are added to the mix, mothers can feel ‘out of leftover tasks and relax. feelings. For other ways to too, by asking them to wait (if possible) if you need to finish control’, and may become physically or emotionally sick or 4. Manage your time relax, try retreating to a quiet something important. take out their frustrations on those around them. well – Try to get the most room, taking a brisk walk, 14. Share responsibilities - If your children are old It’s important that stress is managed so that mothers out of your hours at work visualizing a peaceful scene, enough, let them help out with minor household duties, like can keep healthy, while continuing to function in their and at home. Avoid or listening to music that clearing up their toys, tidying a room, or washing dishes. different roles. Below are some tips that can help mothers procrastinating on you enjoy. Also, see if a friend, family member, or partner, might be manage daily stresses: important activities, but 8. Connect with others willing to help with particular tasks, such as cleaning on 1. Get enough Sleep – What’s the minimum amount of don’t waste time on things - spend quality time weekends, or picking up children from school. sleep you need in order to feel alert the next day? Set your that can wait. Make a list of connecting with your 15. Connect with your faith – Reading the Bible, talking bedtime to at least get this amount of sleep (and if possible, priorities/reminders for the children, friends, family, and to God, and fellowshipping with others can provide shoot for 7-8 hours). A rested body and mind increases week and check it off as you other loved ones. This can inspiration, hope and strength to carry on, and to continue your ability to manage stress. complete them. help distract you from the important God-given task of mothering. 2. Do something that recharges you - What activities 5. Plan ahead - personal problems, while refresh or relax you? Is it watching T.V, taking a walk, sipping Anticipate ‘to do’s’ and providing time to relax, get hot tea, or gardening? Take some (guilt-free) time to partake prepare ahead of time. For J. Woodley support, and enjoy the in relaxing activities on a regular basis. It’s healthy for you example, picking out and Counsellor and gives you the energy to take care of other things too. ironing your next day’s 3. Start and end the day peacefully - If you can, start clothes or putting together your day before the children do. Take the first few minutes your children’s lunchboxes of the morning for you! Saying a prayer, having a quiet the night before, can help Congratulations – Fourth Cuffy and family, Mrs Ionie Book Launch Liburd-Willett, Permanent A quiet underlying excitement filtered the atmosphere Secretary in the Ministry of of the auditorium of Rivers of Living Water Christian Centre Education, Superintendent as persons gathered for the launch of the fourth book of of Prisons, Franklyn Dorset Rev. Dr Allan Isaac. and family. The book “Poverty by Design, Prosperity by Decision” In progression of launch was officially launched on Sunday 01st April, 2012 at 6.30 Mrs Debbie Isaac, wife of pm. A conglomerate of family, friends and invited guests author gave remarks. She gathered - amongst whom were resident Brazilian shared that the publication Ambassador Miguel Magalhaes and family, Bishop Johnson of the fourth book was a realisation of a prophetic word given to Dr Isaac, a number of years prior, which states “In You are many book – books, books!” Mrs Isaac expressed that extensive research was made for the publication the book and that it contained a wealth of knowledge. The author addressed the audience, after warm remarks and inspiring introduction by daughter, Aldeen Isaac. Dr Isaac shared his vision for poverty eradication. With passion he stated that ‘poverty’ could simply be defined by HUNGER – a state which many persons around the world experience. A condition many world leaders have pledged to address, but have unfortunately left a trail of many unfulfilled promises to impactfully address world hunger. Dr Isaac while
(cont’d on next page) The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 - NEWS - 7 crime is key to ensuring the safety and freedom of our PM Douglas hails citizens,” said Dr. Douglas. He said simply put, it is a crucial investment in the very survival of St. Kitts and Nevis. leadership of US “Our commitment to security is therefore unshakable given our awareness that with the enhanced security of President in the each state, our respective national borders become safer; our people are less exposed to routine insecurities and, in the process, this all redounds to the overall benefit of area of security our hemisphere,” said Prime Minister Douglas. BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has lauded the leadership of United States President, the Hon. Barack Obama. In a statement at the just concluded Sixth Summit of the America’s in Call made by Cartagena, Colombia, the St. Kitts and Nevis leader said President Obama’s leadership of the United States over the past four years, reflects PM Douglas for the fidelity of the President to keeping commitments made at the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad & Tobago, as both instructive and Sixth Summit inspiring. “As a result, in the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, we see the spirit of true US/Caribbean partnership at last receiving the depth of leaders to “move commitment that it has long deserved. Dialogue that has been institutionalized. Capacity-building mechanisms are now key features of beyond mere this partnership. And Caribbean states have been imbued with a confidence that augurs well for our region, and undergirds our determination to continue building on this critical foundation, launched rhetoric’ when last we met, indeed, in the precursor to this forum,” said Prime BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (CUOPM) – A call by Minister Douglas. St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Right Hon. Dr. He said St. Kitts and Nevis ensures the security of all of its citizens Denzil L. Douglas for the Latin American and Caribbean by faithfully adhering to all the regional and international conventions states attending the Sixth Summit of the Americas to move beyond mere rhetoric, and to confront, as one, the crucial issues that face the hemisphere. St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Right “Most importantly it calls upon us to summon new Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas (left) and United energies and resources to improve the lives of our CIBC FirstCaribbean States President the Hon. Barack Obama (File peoples. This, in essence, is how we can best connect photo) the Americas - in a spirit of partnership, in our shared appoints new Chief quest for prosperity. This is why we are here. And so, whatever our disparate national interests, this is the to which it subscribes, and by cooperating with its fundamental point on which we must focus at this neighbors, throughout the Americas, in upholding Risk Officer Summit,” said Prime Minister Douglas in a statement. hemispheric ideals. He said that if real impetus is to be given to the Bridgetown, Barbados- April 16, 2012. The Board of Directors of “Indeed, small states such as ours, surrounded theme of the Summit, it is imperative that the region, CIBC FirstCaribbean has appointed Geoff Scott to the post of Chief Risk as we are by open maritime borders, invest both seek and demonstrate greater cohesion. Officer, subject to regulatory approvals. He replaces Hugh Boyle, who significant percentages of our national budgets to “For it is only through this singularity of purpose recently left the bank. this end. Addressing the challenges of firearms and Geoff is a seasoned Banker, possessing some 20 years experience in drug-trafficking, gang culture, and other forms of (cont’d on next page) capital markets, corporate credit and risk management. Geoff is a CIBC executive who is adept at team building, with deep banking and credit risk experience. His varied knowledge and his reputation as a results-oriented individual, is expected to serve CIBC FirstCaribbean well during the current economic climate. Moreover, his range of expertise in originating, structuring, negotiating and syndicating debt transactions, among others has been well honed in increasingly challenging and senior roles he has performed over the years with reputable financial institutions, including National Bank of Canada, Royal Bank of Canada and Deutsche Bank. He is currently Vice President, Commercial Banking for the Greater Toronto Area. Geoff’s experience includes client facing roles in corporate and commercial banking, as well as operational support roles in risk management. His previous experience as a member of the Global Risk Committee for National Bank will be particularly relevant in this role. CIBC FirstCaribbean welcomes Geoff Scott to his new role.
Fourth Book Launch (cont’d from last page) sharing, quoted David Cameron - British Prime Minister as saying these world leaders are “men in suits”. The conclusion of Dr Isaac’s address echoed strongly his message that regardless of one’s economic confinement, individuals must refuse poverty by design and to strive for prosperity by decision. In continuance of launch a prayer of blessing was offered by Mrs Debbie Isaac. Immediately following, presentation of a copy of Poverty by Design, Prosperity by Decision was made to Mrs Sylvia Penny – a woman, whom the author described as a woman of much wisdom and wealth. The launch came to an eventful climax as author signed copies of his latest publication at front of auditorium. Congratulations to Rev. Dr Alllan Isaac on the publication of his fourth book - POVERTY BY DESIGN, PROSPERITY BY DECISION! 8 - ADVERTISEMENT - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 - NEWS - 9
Tourism and International Transport Minister outlines plans to ensure growth in visitor arrivals BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (CUOPM) – The Ministry of Tourism and International Transport is a ‘new and innovative ministerial construct designed to promote integration amongst different aspects of development. Minister with responsibility for those portfolios, Sen. the Hon. Richard “Ricky” Skerritt said the ministry aims to coordinate vital and sensitive economic development infrastructure, public and private investment projects, and government policies which relate closely to the national effort to drive the economic transformation objectives forward in the midst of an extremely challenging global economic environment. The Ministry of Tourism and International Transport has put in place some plans to ensure growth in visitor arrivals and expenditure, said Minister Skerritt, “to facilitate new and ongoing direct capital investment initiatives from local and foreign sources.” “In so doing, our Ministry will adhere to sustainable tourism best practices and always keep a watchful eye for opportunities to expand the economic and social benefits of tourism throughout our communities.” noted Senator Skerritt in his message contained in the Estimates for 2012 .Skerritt added that the policies and programmes that are undertaken by the Ministry are governed by a number of objectives, which include achieve sustainable development in the midst of growth and improvement, improve the Ministry’s customer focus and service quality, develop and facilitate new commercial relationships and grow existing smart partnerships with key stakeholders, locally and internationally and manage financial and other resources and capital assets more efficiently and transparently. The Minister said that the Ministry will promote the empowerment of individuals and groups in our communities, especially young people, pursue the requirements for global market competitiveness, develop and maintain high quality products and facilities as the base for expanding the tourism sector and promote and establish minimum standards and best practices for customer service as a national culture. Minister Skerritt noted that globalisation and increased economic pressures have resulted in changes in the way business has to be done, suggesting that moving forward requires smarter work, and more strategic deployment of resources than ever before. “Success also requires a greater need for knowledge and skill than in the past. The use of appropriate technology and on-going training of key employees is therefore critical,” explained Skerritt He pointed out that the Federation’s small domestic population and the shoulder months for tourism arrivals of May, September and October, continue to adversely affect the viability of international airlift. “Establishing and sustaining direct airlift to and from our destination therefore requires innovative government financial investment, including minimum revenue guarantees and other similar agreements. Without adequate airlift, being competitive in key tourism markets would be practically unachievable,” said Minister Skerritt. He further noted that while the Ministry is cognizant of the current fiscal environment and the need to conserve resources and keep expenditure at a minimum, “we are also mindful that the momentum achieved to date can easily be reversed if we are unable to market our destination competitively, sustain investment in our airlift programme, and finance the maintenance of our Port facilities and other frontline tourism-related assets such as the Pelican Mall, Ferry Terminal and Amina Craft Market.” “It is in this context that we commit to doing all we possibly can to help achieve government’s fiscal objectives in 2012,” noted Senator Skerritt. 10 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012
Gonsalves, Dominican Republic’s President Leonel Fernandez, Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Call made by PM Douglas for Prime Minister Denzil Douglas, Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro, Sixth Summit leaders to (2nd row from back, L-R) Paraguay’s President Fernando Lugo, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, Haiti’s Foreign Minister Laurent Lamothe, Honduras’ “move beyond mere rhetoric’ President Porfirio Lobo, Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon, Panama’s President Ricardo Martinelli, (cont’d from last page) any hemispheric thrust to achieve this objective,” said the (2nd row from front, L-R) Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar, El Salvador’s President Prime Minister. Mauricio Funes, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Costa Rica’s President He told Latin American and Caribbean leaders that the Laura Chinchilla, Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos, Chile’s President that our hemisphere will be Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis intends to play a pivotal Sebastian Pinera, U.S. President Barack Obama, Guatemala’s President Otto Perez able to maximize - and role in “connecting the Americas” and driving, along with and Grenada’s Prime Minister Tillman Joseph Thomas indeed, optimize – neighbours, the momentum towards greater interaction (front row, L-R) pose for a group photo at the Americas Summit in Cartagena April 15 resources, through the amongst the peoples at all levels. sharing of best practices in “In this regard, accessing and using information education…healthcare…poverty technologies will continue to be a crucial part of the overall alleviation…increased formula, since this opens channels for a first level of trade…socio-cultural exchange, affords possibilities for the dissemination of interaction…the promotion ideas, and facilitates both training and education, as well as and fostering of peace. the delivery of healthcare, among other benefits,” said the Indeed, greater cooperation Prime Minister Douglas, who pointed out that the innovative and collaboration is use of ICTs to achieve national and hemispheric goals is essential, if we are to energetically endorsed by St. Kitts and Nevis, where dramatically reduce – and broadband access is now universal and students have been hopefully halt - the wastage sensitized to the value of computer literacy through the of resources that results recently implemented ‘student lap-top programme.’ when individual concepts “With their newly acquired skills, the new and exciting are formulated, not in hemisphere - and world - are now at their fingertips, just relation to the hemispheric waiting to be explored, and improved,” said Dr. Douglas. whole, but in a vacuum,” He said St. Kitts and Nevis values the opportunity to said the St. Kitts and Nevis underscore the commitment to this hemisphere and to Prime Minister. confront, with its neighbours, the issues that all face as a Dr. Douglas, in calling region. on the Heads of State and “Our citizens hold their collective breath when we meet Government, to move as Heads and decision makers, expectant and optimistic beyond the talk and that Summits such as this will be a catalyst for direct, symbolism of ‘connecting impactful and positive change – not in the abstract, but in the Americas,’ said hard their individual lives. We owe it to our citizens to ensure work that is required. that the decisions arrived at these Summits be translated “Hundreds of millions into action, and that such action be timely,” said Prime living throughout our Minister Douglas, who hoped that the deliberations on all hemisphere deserve and the issues however intense, “ought ultimately to provide a await the connections space for all component states of this hemisphere to be across both technologies heard - reflecting the full spectrum of our hemisphere’s and space that our efforts concerns, our shared commitment to addressing them, and can produce, and this we our collective goals. This region deserves no less.” must deliver. As states and 1. Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff, Belize’s Deputy civil society, Mr. Chair, as Prime Minister Gaspar Vega, Bahamas’ Deputy Prime national and regional Minister Theodore Brent Symonette, Antigua and agencies, as public and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Winston Baldwin Spencer, private sectors, and as Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, youth and social actors, we Barbados’ Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, Bolivia’s must be partners all in our President Evo Morales, Canada’s Prime Minister people’s quest for true and Stephen Harper (back row, L-R), Uruguay’s President lasting prosperity. And Jose Mujica, Suriname’s President Desi Bouterse, Saint effective cooperation will Vincent and the Grenadines’s Prime Minister Ralph have to be a key element of The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 - NEWS - 11 Deadline approaches for National Association Of scholarships from three countries Administrative BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS www.mofa.gov.tw/> or https:/taiwanscholarship.moe.gov.tw Ms. Andrea Caines, the organizer of this camp, believes in motivating our young people no matter their background, race or class. She has indicated that in order to see changes in our society, it must start with our young people, by instilling and creating positive programs for them. Joining us on stage will be All ‘Bout Christ dancers, Art in Motion Ministry, Tradesda Liburd and the Pantomime group out of Nevis. The Youth Outreach Dance Ministry would like to thank Almighty God for the vision, and the opportunity to carry on His work. Thanks to the parents of the camp, Mr. Aldrin Pemberton, Mrs. Camella Jeffers, and Ms. Dian Pringle for their kind assistance in making this camp a success. The Ministry takes this time to extend an invitation to the general public to support this unforgettable program, and we guarantee that you won’t regret attending a program that will thoroughly uplift your spirit. It will be a very unique and spiritual experience. You will see how amazingly God moves through His people through prophetic dance and song. The Photo shows the first group of St. Kitts and Nevis students to study in the Republic of Cuba with St. Kitts Ministry is one of the largest liturgical groups in St Kitts, bringing together and Nevis Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas and the Federation’s Jamaica-based the nations through worship Non-Resident Ambassador to Cuba, His Excellency Mr. Cedric Harper. (Photo by Erasmus Willliams) Admission is FREE, but a love offering will be collected. Refreshments will be on sale!!! Please be there!!! The Youth Outreach Dance Ministry showcase and display some of the activities that were done at camp. Easter campThe program to present these new talents will be held at the Zion Saturday 21st April 2012 will be Moravian Church, Victoria Road, 21st instant, 6:30pm, under the theme, a night to remember, when a group “A Time to Rejoice.” of multi-talented young people The purpose of the camp was to impact and empower our youths for aged between 4 – 12 years will Christ. During the 2 weeks of camp, the children were involved in dance showcase and display talent at its and studying the word of God, where they focused on the crucifixion of best. Christ. The campers were also taught the uses of our body as centers of The Youth Outreach Dance righteousness, and what each part represents. Ministry had organized a 2-week On the night of the program, the campers will recite 5 scripture verses, Easter camp for our young people 4 dances surrounding Easter along with other interesting things taught in order to keep them gainfully at the camp. This camp was a life-changing program for many of our occupied during the Easter break young people. It helped boost, encourage, and develop their minds of school. spiritually. God is preparing a Joshua generation to lead His people. During the 2 weeks, the The campers will be visiting Faith Tabernacle Basseterre on Sunday campers worked tirelessly to 22nd April to minister in dance and to share the goodness of God. 12 - MISS LABOUR 2012 BIO - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 - MISS LABOUR 2012 BIO - 13 14 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 Induction course for Ministry looks to research to teachers to be improve key subject areas extended and autism will introduce curriculum for National or Black History in schools BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS center to be (CUOPM) - Although a challenging year in 2011, the Ministry of Education and established Information was able to achieve BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (CUOPM) - Concern over the significant progress in the level of unpreparedness of first-time teachers entering the education sector in particular. classrooms, the Ministry of Education plans to extend the duration Against the backdrop of the of its teachers’ induction programme. enormous opportunity for This will more effectively inculcate the most basic pedagogical education to effect positive social skills in new teachers in an effort to improve the quality of and economic change, Minister of Education and Information, Sen. education. “Moreover, the teaching of Reading is to receive even greater attention with the intended recruitment of a qualified Reading Coordinator to supervise, monitor, evaluate and train teachers of Reading,” said Minister of Education, Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty. In the Ministry’s Executive Summary passed by the St. Kitts and Nevis National Assembly as part of the 2012 Budget, Minister Carty said to further enhance performance at the CXC/CSEC level, the Ministry of File photo of students of the Newton Ground Primary School Education will introduce in-service training of teachers in selected progress made in its Early Childhood Education and Development subjects identified for significant improvement. programme and for 2012, the construction and equipping of new early “We will also begin to lay the groundwork for full pre-service training childhood facilities, repairs to existing facilities, the recruitment of of teachers,” said Minister Carty. workers to staff the new facilities, training for new workers and status “To improve the overall quality of education and teacher upgrade for some categories of early childhood workers will be the accountability, schools will continue to be involved in clinical supervision main preoccupation of the Ministry. and teacher appraisal exercises. Alongside these activities, the Ministry According to Minister Carty, all levels of staff in Early Childhood is seeking to introduce a Career Path system for teachers. This implement Centres will be encouraged to upgrade their basic qualifications. seeks to introduce a clear and more certain path of upward or lateral He said that the implementation of an Associate Degree Programme mobility for practitioners. This prospect has created understandable the Hon. Nigel Carty says the in Early Childhood Education at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College excitement among teaching practitioners and its implementation is Ministry’s efforts relative to its (CFBC) in conjunction with the University of the West Indies (UWI) expected to boost morale in and attraction to the profession. Going goals are guided by the White by September 2012 has been identified as critical to the enhancement forward, the outcome of the appraisal process must be an influencing Paper on Education Development of instructional quality. factor in the mobility of teachers as the ministry attempts to cultivate and policy 2009 - 2019 and which Mr. Carty said the work in curriculum and Tests of Standards reform and promote highly motivated and ethically-oriented professionals,” will be enhanced through is ongoing, pointing out that in 2011, subject committees for the setting said Minister Carty. continuous review and of the Tests of Standards were instituted to assist in improving the He disclosed that it is entirely requisite that the Education improvement. validity and reliability of the tests as measures of students’ achievement Management Information System (EMIS) be fully operationalised to “In this regard, the outputs at the primary level. facilitate the efficient management of information. from our Forum on Education, “The planned review of the curriculum in core areas will examine The Ministry of Education is charged with the development and themed ‘Towards Greater and improve their relevance to the goals of our society. The supervision of the educational component of the Child Development Effectiveness in Education: New development of a Moral and Social Development Curriculum, and a Programme at the Harris’ Co-Ed Centre when it begins operation. Achievements and New Curriculum for National or Black History at the primary and secondary The programme will focus heavily on technical and vocational skills Paradigms’, held in May of 2011 levels, must be completed in 2012,” said Minister Carty. development and will be very efficiently managed through a policy of have informed the priorities and He said the 2011 Test of Standards results reveal that in every inclusion involving the Saddlers Secondary School where appropriate, plans for the next year. The forum grade above Grade 2, in every subject area, in every public school, girls and the use of part-time staff. However, a few new staff positions may be focused on some major concerns outperform boys by a significant average of about 7 percentage points. required. of the Ministry including Gender “One of the major decisions emerging from our Forum on Education In respect of the Special Education programme, it is the aim of the Disparity in Education, Parental is that the Ministry will increase its reliance on research-based decision- ministry to embrace everyone through the well-established policy of Responsibility, Higher Education, making. In this regard, research is to be undertaken to investigate inclusion. and Teachers’ Accountability, teaching and learning variables, commencing at the Grade Three level “In this regard, we will establish an Autism Center where the relevant Roles, Rights and in primary schools, through exploring single-sex classrooms or subject children, their parents, teachers from the Cotton-Thomas Comprehensive Responsibilities,” said Senator groupings, and other curriculum-related studies. Moreover, my Ministry School, and selected teachers from mainstream schools, will receive Carty. will explore the assignment of subject matter experts, in Mathematics specialised training,” said Minister Carty. He disclosed that the Ministry and Science in particular, to primary schools to improve performance in “There will be increasing focus on the implementation of Individual continues to be proud of the key subject areas,” Mr. Carty said. Education Plans (IEPs) for our special students. For some students, this will require special equipment and materials not yet available,” said the Education minister. SKELEC: Transformer Fault Causes Unscheduled Interruption of interruption of electricity supply and is doing everything necessary Electricity Supply in order to ensure swift restoration Basseterre, St. Kitts (April 16, dispatched to the scene and are of electricity supply while 2012) — The St. Kitts Electricity presently addressing the problem. maintaining high safety Company (SKELEC) has reported SKELEC apologizes for the standards. that at approximately 6:50pm Monday evening, a transformer fault caused an unscheduled interruption of electricity supply to a select portion of Basseterre. The transformer fault has affected electricity supply to customers residing in the College Photo: Students of the Verchild’s High School Housing and New Road areas. (Photo by Erasmus Williams) Emergency crews have been The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 - NEWS - 15 the things I can and Wisdom to (Hebrews 13:8). know the difference.” Too many people these days are confusing the function of scaffolding VIEW POINT As mentioned earlier, we are with that of the foundation. We are pretty good at erecting facades as if living in difficult times of change. appearances are all that matter. No wonder God seems to be permitting BY It seems that God often permits the winds of change to blow so ferociously to disrupt status quo V. E. INNISS changes to come to our lives to everywhere. separate our metaphorical So as the continents of the world witness nerve-shattering and mind scaffolding from our main boggling economic, social and political changes, we are left to wonder building. The most important part what went wrong. The challenge of a building as we know is the The mention or even idea of change is like castor oil to some citizens; foundation. It is the foundation but facing the challenges of change could be a good thing if dealt with that determines the size, shape and rationally, dispassionately and objectively. Some reviews are urgently I am old enough toof know change that the word CHANGE is a bad word to strength of the building. required, mainly attitudinal changes. some, or even considered a threat. So I decided to research the topic Scaffolding is important while The conduct and behaviour (or misbehaviour) of some members of starting with quotations. the building is under construction, Parliament in the Honourable House is atrocious. Our young people are “Man has a limited biological capacity for change. When this capacity but once completed, the being badly influenced by what they see and hear. That is not good. is overwhelmed, the capacity is in future shock ... Future Shock ... (is) the scaffolding must come down. Life In addition, there is an urgent need to revisit our Electoral System shattering stress and disorientation that we induce in individuals by is built in a similar fashion. The process since our country is a laughing stock to the region, the diaspora subjecting them to too much change in too short a time” (Alvin Toffler). foundation must be Jesus Christ and the world. Why it is, that after spending long hours to determine the “Blessed is the man who has discovered that there is nothing and as stated in Scripture, He is winners, confusion and dissatisfaction results? permanent in life but change” (A. P. Gouthey). the Rock. God wants us to build We need to mature as a people. We need to recognise that other The older we become, the more difficult it is for us to face changes. on the bedrock and not on shifting people’s views could have merit if only we take the time to LISTEN, Why? For one thing, we seem to get our roots down deep and we don’t sand. God never changes. “I am ANAYLYSE and be open-minded. like them to be disturbed. The new fashions, the new ideas, new concepts the Lord, I change not”. (Malachi Let me end with this Sicilian Proverb “Only your real friends will tell and even new friend and social organizations are perceived a bit of a 3:6). “Jesus Christ the same you when your face is dirty”. Here is a nugget: “He loves his country threat to us. We are very comfortable in our own little world, call it yesterday, today and forever best who strives to make it best.” (R.G. INGERSOL). comfort zone, and we see no reason why anything has to change. To the objective thinker it is accepted that life just doesn’t stand still. To put things in perspective, where there is life there must be growth, The grace of God is love freely and where there is growth there must of necessity be change. This might shown toward guilty sinners, God’s Grace And Salvation surprise some people: the only things that stand still are things that are contrary to their merit and indeed dead. in defiance of their demerit. It is Belong Together Let us not be naive; after all change is a part of life and you and I God showing goodness to must know how to face change and profit from it. persons who deserve severity and We cannot help but wonder as we view events taking place around had no reason to expect anything acceptance of us that goes with it. the world whether God is shaking things today – it seems at times that but severity. Unfortunately, the Justification is the truly dramatic the very foundations of the world are being moved. That goes far beyond thought of grace means very little transition from a condemned 4) The gift of the Spirit which the political “wind of change” coined by the late Harold Macmilan alluded to some people; simply because criminal awaiting a terrible Christ gives is to seal us as God’s to years ago. they do not share the belief about sentence to that of an heir awaiting possession forever (vv 13-14). The writer of the New Testament Book of Hebrews seems to be God which it presupposes. But a fabulous inheritance. 5) God regenerates sinners in telling, probably hinting, why God permits the world to be shaken when this thought means much to Justification is by faith; it takes Christ (see vv 19; 2:7). he wrote “That those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (Heb others. Once a person is place the moment a person puts 6) We believers should 12:27). convinced of his or her state and vital trust in the Lord Jesus Christ rejoice to know that our conversion Having read the Book of Hebrews, I get the impression that the book knows their need, the New as Saviour. Justification is free to was no accident, but the act of God was written to a group of believers who were having a terrible struggle Testament Gospel of grace sweeps us, but it was costly to God, for its which had its place in an eternal with change. Notwithstanding that they were Jewish believers and should him or her off their feet with much price was the atoning death of plan to bless us with the free gift have been accustomed to the sacrifices and ceremonies of Old Testament wonder and joy. Why? They learn God’s Son. Why was it that, “God of salvation from sin (2: 8-10). times, including Old Testament Law. But now they were Christians and how their Judge has become their did not spear His only Son, but Grace is the preservation of everything to them had changed. saviour. gave Him up for us all?” (Romans the Christian. If the plan of Indeed there was no more need for sacrifices, manmade temples and J. I. Packer believes that grace 8: 32). It was God’s own free salvation is certain of so on, because Christ had offered one final sacrifice forever and and salvation together are cause decision to save, that brought accomplishment, then the completely settled the sin question. Furthermore there was no need for and effect. Paul reminds all that, it about the atonement. Paul states, Christian’s future is assured. We a law written on tables of stone because God had written His law on their is by grace that we are saved (see “We are justified freely, by His are and will be, kept by the power hearts. Ephesians 2: 5, 8). Paul further grace, through the redemption that of God through faith unto declared that, “It is the grace of CHANGE AND GRWOTH came by Christ Jesus. God salvation (see 1 Peter 1: 5). God that brings salvation to all” presented Him as a sacrifice of Christians need not torment Let us take a new look at change as an opportunity to grow. We need (Titus 2: 11). The Gospel declares atonement through faith in His themselves with fear that their faith to grow intellectually and learn new things. Intellectual growth should that, “God so loved the world, that Blood (see Romans 3: 24-25). may fail. As grace has brought us lead to maturity of the mind. The idea here is that of being able to think He gave His one and only Son, that Grace is the motive of the plan safe thus far in the first place, so clearly and deeply and rationally. Being able to figure things out and not whoever believe in Him will never of salvation. Pardon is at the heart grace will keep us believing unto accepting what is told by others hook, line and sinker as we say. perish but have eternal life” (John of the Gospel but it not the whole the end (see Philippians 1: 29). “Education makes people easy to lead, but difficult to drive, easy to 3: 16). doctrine of grace. The New Christians should join Newton and govern, but impossible to enslave” (Henry Peter Brougham). How does God demonstrate Testament sets God’s gift of sing: Secondly, we need to grow emotionally and spiritually. It is said that His love? “While we are yet pardon in the context of a plan of ‘Tis grace that brought me safe about ninety percent of our lives is governed by emotion. The sooner sinners, Christ died for us” salvation which began with thus far we understand that we are not wood, we are not stones but human, the (Romans 5: 8). God opened a election before the world was and And grace will lead me Home better. fountain for sin and uncleanness will be completed when the church (Amazing Grace) With that said I hasten to add that life without emotion would be and Christ is calling all through the is perfect in glory. Christians, Easter means that drab. Imagine if there were no joys and sorrows, no hopes and dismays, Gospel to, “Come to Him and find Paul speaks of God’s plan of we have received the love of God. no triumphs and failures, human experience would lose its warmth and rest” (see Matthew 11: 28). In one salvation in several places in some In that revealed will, we have colour. Psychologists can bring any of these elements to life. I can’t, so of his works, Isaac Watts of his Epistles: received God’s grace. As Christ’s I dare not make an attempt to do so. commented, that without grace 1) God… has blessed us in representatives walking to the However, for purposes of this article a few words would be in order and salvation “we are by nature in heavenly realms with every cross, we are to give ourselves to on the matter of emotional development. Emotional expression like other a state of utter lostness.” spiritual blessing in Christ (see “good works” not man’s good complex behaviour develops through both maturation and learning. The New Testament sets forth Ephesians 1: 3). works but God’s (see Ephesians 2: Emotions can cause problems, however, when we don’t have them in the grace of God in three particular 2) Long, long ago God 10; Titus 2: 11-12). control. Out-of-control emotions can lead to high blood pressure, muscle connections, each of them a decided to adopt us into His family tension, ulcers, and a variety of illnesses and so on. These negative perpetual marvel to the Christian through Jesus Christ (see vv 4-5). Humbly Submitted by results aren’t caused so much by the emotions themselves as by our believer: 3) It was because of Christ Alson B H Percival inability to control them and use them constructively. Grace as the source of the dying His death, shedding His (Rev Canon Dr) AGENTS OF CHANGE pardon of sin. The Gospel centres blood that we who were once out Chair: Permit me to use as a back drop, these favourite lines: “God grant me upon justification, that is, it centres of it altogether are in everything Nevis Regional Council the serenity to accept the things I cannot change ... Courage to change upon the remission of sins and the (see vv 11-12). And Nevis Christian Council 16 - COMMENTARY - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 Donley Saunders thrown under the bus by Hamilton and PAM disclosed. do this incredible service for him as a favour, so that he Basseterre St.Kitts - Monday April 16th 2012 - Could it be that some of the funds that the writer speaks could stay in Maini and pull teeth. Equally incredibly, Mr. Donley Saunders has been a respectable man in the of might have been converted to assist a third party in the Donley Saunders agreed to perform this service at no cost.” society and his plight, as it has been presented in this PAM- successful 2010 election campaign in the area of St. Peter’s? This quote follows in the same vein as the last as the Democrat article, is truly unfortunate. It is only now the Hmmmm.... writer seeks to suggest that Mr. Saunders was used and word is on the street, that Mr. Saunders has been convicted I have no proof of any of this but I was made to speculate that today Mr. Saunders has been incarcerated solely for of the charge of “Fraudulent Conversion” that people are as I began to think about this matter and to ask questions. his act of Good Samaritanism. talking about the case, the Democrat and PAM’S so – called One such question was, Why open Mr. Saunders to be run What I gather from this act of butchery on Donley is a victim of the justice system. over by the bus called scrutiny? concurrence from the writer that Donley did agree to perform At the end of it all I believe that Mr. Saunders, like each It is now left for the honourable gentleman to tell the duties for an investor who became disgruntled. of us, has a story and can learn a lesson. The justice system nation as he did on January 20, 2010 (then via WINN-FM The writer here seems to suggest that because Mr. is based on the principle of fairness and if “the Dentist” or when asked about his political leader and the Marriott fiasco) Saunders agreed to provide the service for free, and he any other person feels aggrieved by the actions or inactions that he stands 100% behind Mr. Saunders in this matter, should have been allowed to provide a service of lesser of Mr. Saunders, Mr. Saunders then would have been given because the article has not said any where that the writer value and that if any or none of the responsibilities would his day(s) in court to disclose how he discharged his duties stands behind Mr. Saunders and his innocence. And that is not have fallen to Mr. Saunders for the tasks he was charged as attorney for the Dentist. glaringly missing. with and he would not have likewise been asked to be Therefore it is sad that this article was written by the “People would be astonished to learn that the police accountable for the monies earmarked to the project. Democrat, as its publication has thrown Mr. Saunders under investigation concerned a building contract and the wild So whether the dentist was in Miami pulling teeth, filling the proverbial bus of public opinion and scrutiny. The writer claims of a disgruntled foreign investor in relation to the cavities, giving root-canals, fitting dentures, or playing golf, has done Mr. Saunders a disservice and truly I am left to remarkable generosity shown by Donley Saunders to the the man had a contractual arrangement with Mr. Saunders recite the adage, “where speech is silver, silence is golden.” disgruntled man from Miami.” and his expectations were not met and the court agreed. I would believe that the moral support that Mr. Saunders This statement shows that the writer and sympathisers “Let Denzil Douglas take warning from this dangerous would have needed in this hour of need was sadly not given of this article are prejudicial and are prepared to focus only precedent that has been set... Tell them wet dey han’ and when this article is understood for its non-value. on the issues that they consider to be important. I would wait for arwe.” Permit me to dissect the article through the analysis of 6 not discount the writer’s appeal for the police to focus on When it comes to St. Kitts and Nevis’ social discourse, statements emanating from the article. crime prevention and detection, however the focus of our the name Denzil Douglas is like french-weed. It’s not only “The charge was fraudulent conversion, a technical law enforcement agencies should be holistic and the police perennial, it is ubiquitous. and complicated legal jargon that the twelve jurors, should never be discouraged from investigating any aspect I too am surprised that Dr. Douglas would have sought ordinary working people in all probability never of crime, including white collar crimes, in this post 911 global to involve himself and inform Dr. Ross of the police probe understood... Donley Saunders fate was put in the hands society. that was taking place. His involvement there is beyond me. of twelve ordinary jurors with no understanding of what a The Democrat would be the first to write that foreign But to believe that Mr. Saunders was charged as a result of sophisticated building contract is about.” direct investment into the Federation took a blow because Dr. Douglas’ efforts is to feed the myth that Dr. Douglas is The legal dictionary defines Fraudulent Conversion as would-be investors are afraid of being scammed in the ten men in one. the action of taking into possession another man’s money Federation and the police had not satisfactorily investigated To suggest that Douglas has his tentacles on the system, or property and converting or using them fraudulently for and successfully prosecuted these crimes. from police to jurors to judge feeds the mythological view one’s own use and benefit or for the use and benefit of a So I would have to ask therefore of the writer to clarify and almost makes him the negro son of Zeus. If we come third party to whom the property or money does not belong. the sentiments expressed here because I have gathered that down from our mistaken vantage of Mt. Olympus, we would Its complication and technicality are lost on me and all the writer believes that the police have investigated a crime, see how injudicious and fallacious these sentiments are. other ordinary working people who would understand that charged an individual who was innocent insomuch that a When will an issue be an issue and not just a means of if any person who takes another person’s money and uses jury of his peers returned a guilty verdict after viewing the stoking political fires in the hearts of party firebrands? it for personal use or gives it to another, without the consent evidence, and that he should not have been investigated, When I look through this smoke screen I see this as an of the owner, they can be charged and tried. As an ordinary not because the evidence showed him to have been attempt by the PAM leadership in St. Christopher 8 to man myself, I cannot discount the services of the jurors accountable and aboveboard in his dealings, but because distance itself from Donley and that with which he has been who listened to evidence from the prosecutor and from Mr. the aggrieved party is a “disgruntled man from Miami.” convicted, without showing it on the surface. I say this Saunders’ defence team and returned a verdict of guilty. These are more tyre marks on Donley’s back if you ask because they have not offered anything with the remoteness The justice system is based on a trial by peers. I would me. of logic for ordinary working people to say “yes. I agree.” gather that the ordinary working people are not in the minds “Mr. Saunders is not a builder. He is not an engineer. So Donley becomes the scapegoat on whose back the role of the writer, worthy of this consideration when it comes to He is not an architect. He is not technically trained or of political victim falls for partisan expedience. This is wrong Mr. Saunders and those of his earning capacity and greater. experienced in Construction. The dentist from Miami and very wrong. My interpretation of the article is that Mr. Saunders’ fate knew that.” Further more, I read in this last statement a warning to was put in the hands of ignorant and unfit men and women. I once heard a Barbadian gentleman by the name of G. all us ordinary working men and women. We are all asked to It is sad that a political party, who asks these very same Ralph Thompson say, “It is the truly educated man who wet our hands and wait as there is a punishment to be meted ordinary people to weigh in on the complicated and technical knows his limits.” He does not do stuff because he can out to all those who stand against the political posturing of areas of finance, economics and political philosophy and make more money or because he does not want to say no. the writer. I reiterate, it is the ordinary man and woman who legislation when they seek to indict the government on He understands what his limits are and he operates within are the plural figures that become the they (dey) that PAM budget overruns and poor fiscal management, tax the ambit of his limits. plans to punish. (Tell them wet dey han’ and wait for arwe.) concessions to jump-start the economy, public life integrity The writer begins to show that Donley may have acted There are many of us who are saddened at the news of act. beyond his capacity and here is where Donley has been Donley’s predicament and this article does not encourage I believe that the Democrat should aplogise to the demoted to the position of an ordinary working man, by the us to see him as a human being and to forgive him for having ordinary jurors and the ordinary working people like you writer. Here, Donley is not acting in the role of key done that which had the potential to have nationals of St. and me for this slight. This act of condescension seeks to coordinator he was lauded to have been in the party where Kitts and Nevis be termed as untrustworthy. Other potential say that Mr. Saunders is no ordinary working man, as has he also worked for free and has no formal training in political investors could have turned away at the discovery of what earned more than $12,000.00 per month and has an associates science. So the plot thickens as 12 simpletons in a jury pool he had been said to do. degree and that the justice system had no capacity to convicted a PAM activist who was accused of duping a We are still willing to respect and uphold Mr. Saunders understand the charges laid against him. disgruntled man from Florida who in the first instance was as a son of our nation, and we pray that in this time of Rather than beating up on the ordinary men and women tricking him. trouble that he will find the answers to life’s troubling in this country, the writer should have sought to bring us I pray this was not the crux of his defence. For a simple questions and that he may emerge from this situation with the facts that he thought would have eluded the jurors. So mind like mine would say “Guilty” too. his faith intact, his understanding of self secured and his the absence of such evidence says that the writer is I believe a man with an associates degree and who rose love for God and his fellowmen renewed. throwing us a red-herring to distract us and therefore he to the position of a director would understand that every DONLEY SAUNDERS – INNOCENT VICTIM OF has thrown Donley under the bus. duty one undertakes brings upon him/her responsibilities THE JUSTICE SYSTEM “It will come as no surprise that Donley Saunders has and other expectations. And whether he is paid for it or not, The shocker of all is that the article does not show how been a platform speaker for the Peoples Action Movement and whether he has professional qualifications and the “Justice System” denied Mr. Saunders of a fair trial; that over many years and a key coordinator of the successful certifications or none, he is not absolved of the evidence was concocted or the like. Nothing. Just because 2010 election campaign of the Hon. Eugene Hamilton in responsibilities and expectations. PAM and Donley said he did not do it is not enough. the area of St. Peters.” “The dentist trading on Donley’s business association PAM who has always boasted of its success rate in the The political association of Mr. Saunders is a with his wife, had the gall to actually ask Donley to be his courts now makes a blanket statement which condemns the constitutional right and his organisation skills as a key project manager in his profit making scheme... The dentist police, the prosecutor, the jurors and the judge. coordinator of the successful campaign would be irrelevant trading on Donley’s business association with his wife, They ought to retract this article and pray for and with to a case of Fraudulent Conversion. Unless, there is some had the gall to actually ask Donley to be his project Mr. Saunders. admission being made by the writer that is not being fully manager in his profit making scheme.... He asked him to - Contributed The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 - NEWS - 17 Caribbean leaders meet with US President Obama in Colombia BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (CUOPM) - Caribbean leaders pressed United States President, the Hon. Barack Obama, for greater support in securing the Region from the traffic in illegal narcotics and small arms. The leaders, among them St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, met in Cartagena, Colombia following the Sixth Summit of the Americas which ended on Sunday afternoon. According to the CARICOM Secretariat, a wide ranging discussion included sharing of ideas on enhancing the role of small business, distance education, job creation, health, information and communication technology, new systems and rules in the US banking system, debt and the role of the G20 in assisting highly indebted middle income countries. President Obama told the group which comprised Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders and the President of the Dominican Republic that the bonds between the two sides were deep and that his country had followed through on the initiatives identified at their previous meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in 2009. The US President, who was accompanied by his Secretary of State, Photo: United States President the Hon. Barack Obama and Caribbean leaders in Cartegena, Colombia Ms. Hillary Clinton and the US Trade Representative, Mr. Ron Kirk on Saturday. indicated that he had “personally invested in the Region” and assured that there would be follow through on the ideas presented at the meeting. In speaking with neighbours, Elderly woman found it is said that they had last seen Asot Michael Sutton on Wednesday. They also dead in her apartment reported that flies were starting to surround the apartment. threatens law suit By Charles Miller Jr A hearse then arrived and the The body of Rose Sutton was removed from her apartment on body was removed in a white against Wellington Road, East Basseterre, on Saturday morning, April 14th body bag and placed in a wooden after neighbours reported a foul scent coming from her home. coffin and then nailed shut. Miss Officers of the Fire and Rescue team fought to pry open the Sutton was buried later that Dwyer Astaphan apartment door and on doing so conducted a search of the apartment morning at the Springfield located at the top floor of the building (situated next to the Seventh ST JOHN’S, Antigua - Antigua Labour Party (ALP) MP Asot Michael Cemetery. Day Adventist Church at the corner of Wellington Road and Branch is threatening legal action against two local news agencies and one It is also reported that Street). They then discovered the partly decomposed body of the regional online media outlet that he accused of slandering him. authorities do not believe there elderly woman. The opposition MP is calling for a retraction of the article which he was any foul play. claimed published untruths about his character and his recent trip to India with Prime Minister of St Kitts & Nevis Dr Denzil Douglas. In a letter to columnist Dwyer Astaphan, the author of the article, Michael said, “I seek a retraction of that viciously inaccurate, wantonly slanderous, and deliberately harmful article which you wrote and published in the St Kitts & Nevis online newspaper SKNVIBES.com . on April 11, 2012, in the St Kitts and Nevis Observer on April 13, 2012.” The MP also called on the Antiguan-based NewsPages, a weekly local paper, and Caribarena.com, a local online news agency, to retract the article they printed on Friday and Tuesday respectively. “I was absolutely horrified at this story. It is a demonstration of reputation slander and astonishing untruth, adorned with the defects of vanities and pretensions of good sense. At a glance, your story reflects a scramble for public attention, but on careful review, it reveals crude bashing masked as probing insight,” stated Michael. While the alleged slanderous statements cannot be repeated, the offended MP said the content of the report amounts to nothing but lack of journalistic integrity and professional ethics. He said the author and news agencies have cast aspersions on both the prime minister of St Kitts & Nevis and himself. Michael said his visit to India, which he paid for, “was to experience investment prospects for Antigua & Barbuda, as an elected representative of the people of the St Peter’s constituency” and not what the article suggested. He added, “Worst amongst your hurricane of personal attacks, is the error which falsely misidentified my role in the government of Antigua & Barbuda.” Astaphan’s article stated that Indian media had referred to him as Antigua & Barbuda’s foreign minister. The MP concluded his letter to the agencies stating, “In lieu of the fraudulent claims, malicious insinuations and extreme damage to my reputation, I expect and demand a public apology and full retraction of the articles . failing which, my attorneys in St John’s and Basseterre will commence legal action against you and the media houses in one week.” MP Michael said he forwarded a draft apology and retraction notice which he expects the agencies to publicise within the stipulated time frame. 18 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 Alluding to the state of the Farmers Continue market at this time of economic So Tell Me difficulty, Dr Harris said “I visited By Jean Thomas To Satisfy National the public market on Saturday and I was pleased by the rich variety of local produce available. I know The stand pipes/water pipes Demand sales are slow. Our farmers and I was assisting an organization by driving with another volunteer to Farmers in St Kitts and Nevis continue to deliver on their commitment turn hands appreciate that in these take out lunches to those in need. First of all I was told the other to food security and nutrition. The latest forecasts for April and May slow and difficult economic times volunteer would wait for me at the water pipe. 2012 indicate the farmers will satisfy local demand for selected crops and where people have less to spend I had travelled that route several times but had never taken the time surpass the national monthly demand. because they are unemployed, or to notice that a water pipe was there. I have travelled to many Caribbean The Department of Agriculture indicated that for April and May the under employed or heavily Islands and I think it is fair to say I have never noticed water pipes along following outputs are expected: burdened with fixed and the road side like we have them here. CROP Expected Outputs April Expected Outputs May inescapable commitments they What was more interesting as we journeyed along the way, he would Tomato 28,240 lbs 28,590 lbs have to negotiate their prices. say “stop by the water pipe”. I would ask “where?” and he said, “just Sweet Pepper 11,960 lbs 19,635 lbs Many of our traders have been ahead of you”. We were in the New Town area, and I was not aware of Carrot 49,960 lbs 59,950 lbs lowering the prices to help their the many water pipes in the area. Onion 88,750 lbs 91,000 lbs customers and themselves. I Some years ago, I would have been around sixteen years of age White potato 180,000 lbs 180,000 lbs appreciate that and I know their when I went to Anguilla. In those days there was no bottled water and The outputs are expected to surpass national monthly demand. customers appreciate their I had to learn how to drink water from the Well. Ooh I found it horrible. sensitivity to the cost of living”. Commenting on the forecast, Dr the Hon Needless to say, I did not drink much water during my stay. Reflecting on the state of the Timothy Harris, Senior Minister and On my return to St Kitts, the first water pipe I saw I opened it and public market, Dr Harris said “our Minister of Agriculture said the farmers are drank, and drank and drank water until I was sick. I can tell you that we public market needs a new doing a very good job in producing quality have good water, and the water tasted so good. modernized and improved home. products. They now need the strong support I thought to myself there are two things in this country that are good The way in which our produce of the community in purchasing their for us. These are that none of us should ever die from thirst, and none of market is kept can hinder or products. It is my hope that people will buy us should be dirty because there is water for all and it is good water. incentivize agricultural marketing. local first. I make a special appeal to our So tell me, did you ever take the time to notice the many public water We want a more welcoming facility supermarkets, our restaurants, hotels and our pipes there are around the island? Do not take them for granted since and one that befits a modern families to support our farmers through the they serve a very useful purpose. purchase of their produce. thriving city, proud of its According to Minister Harris “farming is hard work and it requires agricultural and other local dedication from planting to harvesting. It is risky business and so farmers traditions and the contributions of expect a reasonable return to compensate them for their investment and local people to national life and St. Kitts and Nevis raises..... development”. risks. (cont’d from page 1) Government has meticulously and thoroughly legislated standardized The forum entitled norms for disaster management through risk reduction, preparation, and Intellectual Property “Intellectual Property Rights - post-disaster recovery. From Creation to Protection” will “Even our most extraordinary legislative and other efforts, however, Office Forum Notice take place at the University Center are no match for Mother Nature. In addition, our geography and size on Thursday April 26, 2012 at 7:00 render us particularly vulnerable. And so, St. Kitts and Nevis works In celebration of World Intellectual Property Day on April 26, the St. p.m. diligently with sub-regional and regional agencies to strengthen our Kitts and Nevis Intellectual Property Office is inviting the general public The Intellectual Property capacity to face these horrific challenges. In this regard, we remain to a forum on Intellectual Property Rights. Office would like to stress that it is committed to giving active consideration to advancing those legal important that creators and frameworks that would facilitate a more seamless acceptance of inventors understand that international humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters,” Intellectual Property is an asset said Prime Minister Douglas in a statement issued at the just concluded comparable to land and equipment conference in Cartagena. and as such can be owned, bought Dr. Douglas said the twin-island Federation is keenly aware of both and sold. The office has observed the potential and the real-world effects of climate change on its vulnerable that many persons are unaware of economy, agricultural productivity, food security, tourism, other key protecting this valuable asset sectors, and therefore economic sustainability. hence the need for the forum. The “Indeed, we are aware of the implications of climate change for the session will also provide an very livelihood of our people, and their capacity to be self- sufficient. overview of how patents, designs, That is why, my country joins the call for a hemispheric unity of purpose trademarks and copyright can be in addressing this issue with utmost urgency, and for movement on the used to protect their creations and global front to better position countries such as mine to mitigate the inventions. effects of climate change. Viewed in the context of the devastation caused by the natural disasters to which we are susceptible, and the implications for loss of lives and livelihoods, St Kitts and Nevis understands only too well the inextricable link between the Summit issues of Security, Natural Disasters and Poverty elimination,” said Prime Minister Douglas. He said St. Kitts and Nevis applauds the hemispheric thrust to confront poverty and inequality. “We particularly applaud the insightful emphasis on education, skills transfer, social programmes, health-care and broader access to employment opportunities as the means to this end. Indeed, we in St. Kitts and Nevis have long ensured universal access to both a primary and a secondary education for every member of our society and, despite our scarce resources, continue to establish ever-expanding ways of making education ever more applicable in today’s highly technological and challenging world,” said Dr. Douglas. He noted that as Head of Government, and a medical doctor, he was keenly aware of the direct linkages between Poverty and Health. “This is why, in my country, throughout the region, and around the world, whenever the opportunity arises, I make a point of stressing the devastating impact of non-communicable diseases on education, productivity, and national budgets due to spiraling health care costs. And for small states, in particular, the prevention and treatment of these non-communicable diseases, so directly attributable to poverty and lifestyle, must continue to be an utmost priority,” said Prime Minister Douglas. The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 - NEWS - 19 efforts which would take place. The business What an economic system we live under? Kill and destroy in order to reverse the adverse situation. Turn back the hands of time, in order that the clock could be rewound to start a new recovery. All that we are going community needs to through presently is caused by some people’s greed. They are so powerful that it renders us in competent and impotent to do anything to rectify adjust s well! the situation. Just imagine that dear reader? Workers all over the world are bleeding Dear Reader: The whole world is undergoing a period of economic and they are untouchable. They possess the weapons and are in total crisis. Workers are losing their jobs, people cannot meet their mortgages, control of the military and the police to shoot us down, if we, the workers people cannot pay their rent, workers are asked to cut their salaries; of the world who are in the majority, ever harbour any thought that we some workers in America live in their vehicles. BY EARL CLARKE have become too big for our britches by rising up to demonstrate and They cannot afford to pay their house rent, so they sleep in their demand more equitable financial practices. Shot down, killed, murdered vehicle, arise and go to a public bath, eat a fast food breakfast and go to when the bosses demanded and then branded as terrorists. You see, they who have murdered us, work bonuses from the money which control the media which would present their points of view. Dead men Some workers, who do not possess vehicles, sleep in abandoned was pumped into the economy. To cannot express any point of view and workers have no access to the buildings, in the train stations, in bus terminals, under bridges, or any hell with all those who were media. We exist in voiceless silence. where they get to shelter from rain. They just cannot afford better suffering. They must continue to St. Kitts is a part of the global family. Although some people and accommodations. The working days for some workers are cut from five live sky high. No feelings at all for parties attempt to attribute the economic downturn in St. Kitts to the (5) days to there (3) days. other people. policies and dictates of the Labour Government in power and Dr. Denzil Some, if not all of these workers are not qualified for Social Security Despite the economic Douglas, we must be gravely affected by what is happening in the bigger Pensions, so you can imagine their financial predicament when they are downturn, dear reader, the countries like America, Britain and Europe. either laid off or lose their jobs. shareholders are still demanding If European countries have to be bailed out by the I.M.F. what say to There are other workers who, because they have lost their jobs or are their big bonuses; the Managing little St. Kitts and Nevis? Some people criticize the huge national debt, laid off, cannot continue to pay for their Life Insurance, so they have Directors are still demanding their but that debt was incurred when times were very good - houses, new lost all their payments. In some countries like Europe, workers are forced $30, 000.00 per month, plus their hospitals, renovation to health centres, renovation to Port Zante in the to take cuts in their Social Security Pensions. This means that their free company vehicle with 1998 Hurricane; The new F.T. Williams Highway; the renovation to the standard of living has dropped drastically. gasoline, plus their free housing R.L Bradshaw International Airport Terminal and the runway; The children of these workers are gravely affected by this drastically, allowance, plus the abolition of Improvement to our electricity and water resources. due to the financial turnaround of their parents. Some of them might Personal Income Tax, plus the All of us, Kittitians and Nevisians, enjoy the fruits of the National have been attending High Schools when they had to pay for such other perks which they enjoy. Debt which has catapulted our twin island Federation way above many schooling. They might now have to attend public schools where the When the businesses not of the larger islands in the Caribbean. Their citizens migrated to our social environment is totally different. From living and sleeping in their doing well financially, none of shores to seek a better way of life and are really realizing their dreams own room; they now have to cramp up in a vehicle with their parents. these perks which the big boys and living much better than they could ever live in the land of their birth. In all of these different scenarios, the children are greatly affected enjoy, are taken away or decreased. Now, there is a certain firm which has taken over control of the Bottling psychologically. This must produce future generation of young people It is always the unfortunate worker Company at Buckleys and proceeded immediately to make workers who would not be able to develop their true potential, because of these with a big family and commitments redundant. No consultation – just immediate redundancy. No decrease grave events. to meet, who are laid off. The big in the travelling allowances of the big wigs. No cut in their $10,000.00 per The system under which we develop our economy is a system of boys remain unaffected. You see, month salary. No decrease in the house allowances, sales are slow. The greed. It is a system of exploitation, it is a system of who can swim, swim the emphasis is on huge profits for only solution to the problem is the laying off of the low paying wage and those who cannot swim, sink and drown. the share holders. earner. No three day per week work. No four day per week work. No! This It is a system of who have, have, and those who do not have to hell The big position holders and would be too good for the workers, many of whom have worked at the with them, or too bad for them. the huge profits must be achieved plant for many years and who have large families plus their mortgages It is a system where I live in my mansion. I live good, I eat good, I at all cost, without sacrifices and other commitments to meet. Yes! They have been paid redundancy sleep good. I drive good and, as long as it is good with me, I don’t care whatsoever for the big boys. It is pay which they would have to manage carefully. But some, if not all, who live on the streets, sleep under bridges, don’t have anything to eat, always the poor worker who must would have favoured a cut in the working days. don’t have anything to wear, cannot afford to send their children to be sacrificed on the altar of If workers who possess the purchasing power are losing their jobs, school or when they are sick, do not have access to good and adequate economic breathing space for the isn’t it fair for the business community to look for means and ways of medical attention or have access to a good education. business. stimulating their businesses by cutting the price of their goods? Isn’t it It is a system of segregation, bigotry hatefulness. It is a system in We are presently in the grip of fair for them to call a meeting of the shareholders, point out the economic which, once you want to become rich you have to rob your fellow men the worst economic disaster of realities to them and prepare them to expect less profits which would either of their labour (cheap labour) or high prices on your goods or mankind, in which some persons result in less dividend on their shares? services or the exploitation of the natural resources of other people. are asking if this is really the end Those banks which have millions of dollars lying in their vaults, Becoming rich from such exploitation but leaving the inhabitants of of the capitalistic economic wouldn’t it be better to cut the interest rates on loans thereby stimulating the land living in abject poverty and degradation; a system which was system. growth or just activity in the business? I am not and I do not pretend to used in the dehumanization and deculturalization of people who were Some thinkers have predicted be a trained economist, but, can’t we stay from the usual book guidance not of European origin. that only a major world war which and invent ways and means of keeping the business going? After the collapse of the world economy, President Barak Obama will cause massive infrastructural My Grandmother used to say “circumstances alter cases”. We have decided to jump-start the American economy by pumping seven hundred destruction and colossal loss of to shift the sail on the sailing boat which has no motor, in order to catch and eighty billion dollars in it. human life could the economic the wind. Economic times have changed. We are no longer enjoying the We all witnessed the greed and the indifference to the plight of the situation we presently face, be glory days. Let us adjust and adapt to the realities of life. workers who were losing their jobs, their homes and their way of living, reversed, and with the rebuilding region, and show more respect for the value of the warm Caribbean Sea CTO chairman Skerritt plugs Sustainable Tourism Development and its vital marine ecosystems. The healthiness and attractiveness of on Sunday. our forests, coastal zones and reef ecosystems are major assets in our Mr. Skerritt, who is also St. quest for economic wealth. Let us therefore do whatever is necessary to for sustainable tourism ...... Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of protect and manage those same assets,” said the tourism official. Mr. Skerritt said that the annual conference focuses on the (cont’d rom page 1) Tourism and International Transport says there is a need to opportunities and benefits that exist through tourism for the development ensure that locals and visitors alike of local communities, and how to manage the environmental and cultural message from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) that it is vital - for generations to come - can risks involved. that the Caribbean region becomes truly dedicated to sustainable tourism continue to enjoy the red-water “Over the next three days conference participants will have an practices in order to maximize the economic benefits for all stakeholders, rivers, spectacular waterfalls, excellent opportunity to interact with, and challenge, some impressive including local communities, businesses, consumers and Governments. majestic mountains, vast presenters. We will also learn from the exhibitors from across our member “It is now well established that tourism growth cannot be sustained savannas, picturesque landscapes countries that are here to share their products and services with us. And unless today’s interests are balanced with the vital needs of tomorrow. and indigenous wildlife of the most importantly we will experience the heritage and natural beauty of This is why CTO is playing such a leading role in promoting tourism Guyanese interior. Guyana through local study tours,” said Mr. Skerritt. awareness amongst our people, and in establishing minimum standards “Similarly we need to better He used the opportunity to implore participants to take full advantage for preparing and delivering the outstanding natural tourism products appreciate and manage the of the numerous opportunities that this conference presents, and to of our region,” said CTO’s chairman, Sen. the Hon. Richard “Ricky” numerous white, golden and black help make this the most successful and satisfying STC ever, through Skerritt at the opening of the 13th Annual Caribbean Conference on sandy island coastlines across our their own active participation. 20 - NEWS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 Re-Enactors Voice Blue Water Safaris Awarded By Pleasure At St. Kitts Emerald Princess Experience Basseterre, St. Kitts (SKNIS): As activities to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II near completion with the approaching climax in June, Manager of Special Projects at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority Randolph Hamilton has stated that he believes the Federation has taken the opportunity to ensure maximum economic benefits for the tourism sector. Left to Right: Roxana - Shore Excursions Manager, Peter - Passengers Service Director, Javid Samuel, Shauna Lynch, Ian ‘Rumpy’ Lake, Jonathan Winterburn, Commodore Romano Basseterre, St. Kitts: Lights! Cameras! Celebrities! Red Carpet! These are the things one would typically expect to see at an awards providers make to the overall ceremony, but the recent distribution of awards for exemplary service in enjoyment of their passengers’ hospitality - which took place aboard the Emerald Princess cruise ship travel experience. while she docked at Port Zanté for the last time this season, was anything Thursday, 12 April, 2012 but typical. marked the third occasion on Concerning the recent re-enactment of significant historical events Rather than being a large glittering affair requiring formal attire, it which Blue Water Safaris received at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park and Montpelier Plantation in was a small intimate occasion during which the senior most crew of the this most esteemed designation Nevis, Mr Hamilton said the re-enactors from the British Brigade Inc. Emerald Princess assembled in one of the ship’s staterooms to meet and from the Princess Cruise line (the have returned rave reviews of their recent visit to the Federation. mingle with representatives of the two local tour companies consistently other times being for the 2001-2002 rated by the guests of the cruise line as the most outstanding in their season and the 2004-2005 season). category. Captain of Blue Water Safaris’ Blue Water Safaris ‘Swaliga’ Jonathan Winterburn, One of the companies receiving the award was Blue Water Safaris - first mate Ian ‘Rumpy’ Lake, crew which has been offering catamaran tours in St. Kitts-Nevis since 1998. member Javid Samuel and Office Known for operating with a high level of professionalism, the crew of Manager Shauna Lynch were Blue Water Safaris are trained first responders certified in CPR, who present to receive the award from manage to combine their refined skill sets with a relaxed approach to the Emerald Princess’ Commodore providing some of the most distinctive tours of the federation’s pristine Romano who, accompanied by the aquatic environment. cruise line’s Passengers Service About Princess Cruise Director & Shore Excursions “One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises first set Manager, praised Blue Water sail in 1965 with a single ship cruising to Mexico. Today, the line has Safaris for their exemplary service grown to become the third largest cruise line in the world, renowned for to both the guests and crew of the innovative ships - and an environment of exceptional customer service ship over the years. … Since the line’s beginnings, Princess has frequently paved the way in As a further expression of the cruise industry, evolving to meet the needs of today’s vacationer … good will, immediately after the In the mid-1990s the company pioneered the concept of putting brief but warm ceremony, the passengers in control of their own cruise experience - in order to create visitors to the cruise ship were Commenting on the experience, leader of the re-enactor troupe Don a personal vacation.” treated to a tour of the ‘bridge’ Beale, said the extent to which the Government and people of St. Kitts History/Nature of Award (which area contains all of the and Nevis had gone to make their stay a pleasant and enjoyable one was It was this ability to personalize the vacation experience that led to equipment used to control the unprecedented. From arrival to departure, Mr. Beale said they felt very the request by the cruise line for feedback from their guests about their ship), before being served an welcomed and were “bowled over” by the show of generosity, support shore-side excursions - so as to ensure that the outstanding degree of exquisite lunch. At the conclusion and goodwill. customer service the passengers enjoy aboard any of the Princess Cruise of the day’s excursion, both the ships, continues on land. Since 1996, Princess Cruises has awarded ship’s officers and the tour ‘Tour of the Season’ awards to both low and high volume operators operators reaffirmed their (those who can accommodate up to 50 persons are known as low volume commitment to giving the visitors operators and those who can accommodate 100 or more persons are to St. Kitts excellent service and known as high volume operators) in their Caribbean ports of call, as a parted with an anticipation of more means of acknowledging the invaluable contribution that the tour good things to come by saying, “see you next year”. Special commendation went out to The Tourism Special Projects of the re-enactments and the Steve Hites, owner of the St. Kitts Manager Randolph Hamilton re- experience of going back in time. Scenic Railway, who put on the affirmed the commitment of the Mr Hamilton also revealed complimentary tour for the re- Tourism Authority and Ministry of plans for the inclusion of the enactors and personally Tourism and International official launch of the “Amazing accompanied them to ensure their Transport to ensuring Grace Experience,” another soon comfort and enjoyment. Her maintenance of the quality of the to be released component of the Majesty’s representative, His St. Kitts Brand and that people Tourism experience in St. Kitts and Excellency the Governor General, who come here have an Nevis, as one of the events to mark An island tour aboard the St. Kitts Scenic Railway; a reception that Sir Cuthbert Sebastian interacted unforgettable experience. the 60 year reign of Queen featured local folklore performances and a spectacular, first ever, re- with members of the British He expressed to Mr. Beale the Elizabeth II. enactment performance depicting the enslaved Africans capturing high Brigade before the tour started. fact that there had been an Further details about this event ranking French officers at Government House, were cited as special Mr. Beale said they were overwhelming show of gratitude will be released shortly. features. already initiating plans to return and positive feedback from The actual friendliness and warmth of Kittitians and Nevisians as to the Federation in larger numbers residents as well as cruise and stay SKNIS Photos: Pictures of the they dramatized the re-enactments were all noted as being phenomenal. in the near future. over visitors regarding the quality re-enactors during their visit The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 - NEWS - 21 airport. While it was their constitutional right to voice their concerns, American Eagle: they were not able to explain if it was Premier Parry who attributed to the airline’s withdrawal from the other destinations. Mervin Hanley posts No blame was put on the Prime Minister of Caribbean’s economic powerhouse and oil rich, Trinidad and Tobago, Hon Kamla Persad- Bissessar. Her country was among those affected. Popular Dutch holiday truth that exposes destinations of Bonaire, Curacao and neighbouring St. Maarten were also cut off. Did the Blue Machine say a word about those destinations? CCM’s folly But they had a mouthful to broadcast about their own island Nevis, to make a good government look bad. By Llewellyn Parris A Press Secretary who chooses to inform the public by feeding it The role of a Press Secretary is one that is never taken for granted, service by American Eagle: “In with the right information is a gem. Mr Hanley is in that league, having especially by political parties both in and out of government. Press 2010 American instituted more disseminated information that educated those in Nevis to know that the Secretaries for parties in government specialise in making the government cuts, with American Eagle’s withdrawal of services from Puerto Rico by American Eagle did not target look good. Press Secretaries for parties out of government specialise in departures falling to 23 in part Nevis alone. A couple of airports in the region (and USA as well) got hit making the government look bad; so much so that oftentimes they forget through the elimination of flights too. to make their parties look good. to Anguilla, Port of Spain Trinidad, Information put on Nevis Politics by CCM’s Press Secretary has The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is no exception. Mr Erasmus Port-au-Prince, Haiti; and Puerto exonerated the hardworking NRP-led Nevis Island Administration. The Williams, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister the Right Hon Dr Denzil Plata, Dominican Republic. Other problem is with the parent airline, American Airlines which is going Douglas churns out on average three to four press releases a day, all destinations that have been through a Chapter 11 restructuring exercise. But unfortunately for the them detailing how the St. Kitts Nevis Labour Party-led administration is eliminated include Bonaire, CCM hierarchy and its followers, its own Press Secretary has exposed working to make life better for all. He is without doubt the doyen of the Canouan, Curacao, Nevis and St. the party’s folly. They say only when wind blow...... Federation’s journalists, not just because of his position but because of Maarten.” The press release by Mr Hanley has further news, and the reason for his proficiency. Thank God for Press Secretary posting it on their website. American Eagle will be grounded after a Mr Mervin Hanley is the Press Secretary for Nevis’ opposition Hanley as the article he posted on phase-out period that ends in March 2013. The same release says that Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM). It is alleged that he does not live Easter Monday morning, has Cape Air will be filling the void by flying to Puerto Rico from airports on Nevis, but with the advent of the digital age, his absence is never a exposed CCM’s folly after they American Eagle has abandoned or has plans to abandon. handicap as he has been known to churn out some most up to date press would have roundly condemned According to the release, “Cape Air has also moved in to fill the void releases on what is happening, and sometimes what is not happening, in the Nevis Reformation Party-led vacated by Executive on flights to Nevis and Anguilla, operating those Nevis. Nevis Island Administration, with routes with 9-seat Cessna 402 piston aircraft.” It means that no Nevisian Just like Mr Erasmus Williams, Mr Mervin Hanley works hard, day barbs being directed at the who wants to travel to Puerto Rico will have to ‘bang water’ to the RLB and night, and on public holidays. That is a fact which cannot be disputed Minister of Tourism, who Airport, not unless their interest is to watch the scenic Monkey Hill from as stories posted on the internet are automatically date-stamped. This apparently is the Premier of Nevis, the airport in St. Kitts. being the case, in the morning of April 9 at 12:14 am which was Easter the Hon Joseph Parry, for allegedly Thank you Mr Hanley for belatedly informing Nevisians that they Monday, Mr Hanley posted an interesting article on Nevis Politics, a not marketing Nevis leading to the do not have to ‘bang water’ to go to St. Kitts to catch a plane for Puerto CCM website. airline’s withdrawal. Rico. Reporting the positive on a timely basis was Premier Parry’s Press The article was headlined: ‘American Eagle NO more to and from San There was an orchestrated Secretary Ms Deli Caines who had already put out information to the Juan, Puerto Rico’. The hard worker he is, Mr Hanley was up at 14 song and dance, from CCM’s public that Cape Air first landed at New Castle on November 11, 2011. minutes past midnight to educate the public on the facts behind an corner, accusing the NRP-led American Eagle had discontinued its flights early April 2011. impending withdrawal of American Eagle from services out of its hub in government of forcing residents to Press Secretary Caines did her duties diligently and informed the San Juan. In the absence of another by-line or acknowledgement, it is ‘bang water’ travelling to St. Kitts public that American Eagle’s discontinuing of flights was not only to assumed that he researched and wrote the educative story. to catch planes to Puerto Rico out Nevis but to the region. She added that the NRP-led Nevis Island The article is quite revealing as it mentions of earlier withdrawals of of the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw Administration had worked hard to ensure that the void left had been filled in quickly, ensuring that Nevisians and residents were not unduly inconvenienced. Since December 2011, Air Sunshine has connected Nevis with Puerto Rico, operating four flights a week through Tortola. Nevisians do not ‘bang water’ but take passenger boats or the Sea Bridge car ferry to comfortably travel to St. Kitts if they must. Press Secretary Ms Deli Caines showed what development journalism is all about when she led with a scoop following an announcement early 2009 by the St. Maarten-based Windward Islands Airways International N.V. (WINAIR) that it was withdrawing flights to four destinations, Nevis, Dominica, Tortola, and St. Kitts. The Dominica route was withdrawn on March 1, 2009, while the Tortola and St. Kitts routes were closed on March 31, 2009. However, the Nevis route was not closed, and WINAIR still operates to Nevis one flight a day. How is this so? This is how Press Secretary Caines reported, here quoting WINAIR’s Managing Director Mr Edwin Hodge: “The attempts and efforts made by the Government of Nevis demonstrate the excellent and long term relationship that both WINAIR and Nevis have shared over the years. Therefore, I commend Premier Parry and his team of officials for their efforts and significant work in saving the route as they understand the importance that WINAIR has been playing within the community.” What had happened was that after notice of the impending closure of the four routes by WINAIR, the proactive Nevis Reformation Party- led Nevis Island Administration swung into action, with Premier and Minister of Tourism, the Hon Joseph Parry, saying that maintaining a reliable, scheduled air link between Nevis and St. Maarten was in the best interest of the island and its people. Two officials, Tourism Adviser Mr Alistair Yearwood and Tourism Officer with the Nevis Tourism Authority, Ms Julie Claxton, were despatched to St. Maarten to negotiate with WINAIR, and the result was that of the four destinations that WINAIR wanted to axe, Nevis was spared. Truth be told that since St. Maarten is a popular shopping destination, Kittitians travel over to Nevis to catch the St. Maarten bound plane at Newcastle. They do not ‘bang water’. Accomplished journalist, Voice of Nevis Radio’s (VON) Mr Marcellus Lee on Monday morning (April 16) while reading the daily ‘Thought for the Day’, told his listeners: “To know the truth is good; to proclaim the truth is better; to practise the truth is the best.” 22 - SPORTS - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 episode of acute low back pain after fielding and throwing Results of St. Kitts Cricket Associa- awkwardly late on day three of the tion Opening Premier League second Test. We have since monitored his condition over the Matches Played Over The Weekend last couple of days and the initial investigations suggest that while (Sat 14th & Sun 15th April, 2012) Peter Siddle and James the injury is not serious there is insufficient time for him to recover At Warner Park Cricket Stadium to play in the 3rd Test match. Pattinson to return home “As such, we have today Basseterre Zone vs Len Harris Cricket Academy Cricket Australia (CA) today stress injury. made the decision for James to Basseterre Zone won the toss and batted making 138 All Out Calvin advises that fast bowlers Peter “He was subsequently ruled return to Australia to prevent this Williams 40 not out, Shane Berry & Kareem Kelly both made 20, Shane Siddle and James Pattinson will out of the second Test and after injury developing any further and Venner took 4 for 33, Jeremiah Louis took 3 for 29, Lakecim Phipps 2 for return to Australia from the West further consultation we feel that for him to receive the appropriate 39, Patrick Walters 1 for 6 & Darren Hobson 1 for 22 Indies due to back soreness. to prevent this injury developing medical and physiotherapy Len harris Cricket Academy In Reply made 197 All Out Akeem Saunders Australian team any further it is in Peter’s best management.” 38, Letanio Ferdinand 36, Jeremiah Louis 34, Elsroy Powell took 5 for 58, physiotherapist Kevin Sims said: interest for him to return to Peter Siddle leaves this Kevin Hanley 2 for 26, Al Richards 1 for 8, Calvin Williams 1 for 35, “Peter Siddle developed some Australia to rest and for morning while James Pattinson will Kareem Kelly 1 for 39 back soreness late in the first Test appropriate physiotherapy to depart for Australia this morning Basseterre Zone batting a second time were 20 for 2 when rain ended against the West Indies and scans ensure he is fully fit when next Friday. play Jeremiah Louis 2 for 7 conducted in Trinidad showed the selected for Australian duties. No replacement player will be * Match Drawn early signs of a low back bone “James Pattinson had an sent to the West Indies. * First Innings Points to Len Harris Cricket Academy * Umpires were Luther Kelly & Steadroy Techeira Ajani Donrod 36th minute SKNFA WICWC U 16 Results Nequan Browne 73rd minute At The Edgar Gilbert Playing Field in Molineaux Wed 18th April, 2012) (penalty) Rural West vs Rural East At Newtown Playing Field Kimron Caines 80th minute Rural West won the toss and batted making 113 All Out Scorer for Frigate Bay Shane Jeffers 27, Dilyn Liddie 23, Javal Hodge 22, Christanza Carey took St. Thomas Trinity/Strikers 3 vs Frigate Bay 1 Jeovanni Lake 15th minute 5 for 32, Norval McCall 3 for 27, Jace Taylor 2 for 12 (Half Time 1- 1) Yellow Cards Rural East in reply181 All Out Scorers for St. Thomas Trinity/ Strikers Kishawn Henry (Strikers) 36th Larry Audain 38, Jace Taylor 26, Leverette Taylor 22, Sheno Berridge 3 minute for 30, Elvin Berridge 3 for 36, Shane Jeffers 2 for 42 Ian James (Strikers) 82nd minute Rural West batting a second time were 114 for 3 at the end of the match. Canadian athletic * Officials was Trevester Richards Kareem Warner 35, Vanroy Agard 30, Norval McCall, Christanza Carey & Jace Taylor all took 1 wicket each. team pays third visit At Cayon Playing Field * Match Drawn Cayon 2 vs Sandy Point * First Innings Points to Rural East * Umpires were Wycliffe Mitcham & Eddie Williams By Charles Miller Jr Allstars 0 (Half Time 0 - 0) * None of the Second Division matches got started because of rain. A 20 member team of Canadian athletes, coaches, technical staff and Scorers for Cayon officials are here in the Federation for 2 weeks training stint in preparation Kelvin Edwards 71st minute for the 2012 London Olympics. Leverton Jeffers 75th minute * Official was Samuel Lowry The team headed by Kittitian sprinter, Desai Williams, arrived at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport on Monday (April 16th) and received a warm welcome from the local sporting officials. This being their third visit to the Federation, the team members expressed their joy and delight in returning here to continue their practicse sessions, adding that they are set to make good use of the facilities at the Silver Jubilee Stadium in Bird Rock and the excellent weather conditions. The Kittitian sprinter and Head Coach all spoke highly of our athletic stadium, saying it was a first class stadium and an excellent facility for training. Desai, who hails from New Town, East Basseterre; resides in Toronto represented Canada in two Olympics Games in the 1980’s competing in the 100 and 200 meters doing both his adopted country (Canada) and his native country (St. Kitts – Nevis) proud. Fudadin called up for 3rd Digicel Test Port-of-Spain, Trinidad — The Regional 4 Day competition. He West Indies Cricket Board’s made 576 runs at an average of 48 Selection Panel has called up left- runs per innings with a top score hander Assad Fudadin to squad of 108. for the third Digicel Test against Chairman of the WICB Australia at Windsor Park in Selection Panel, Clyde Butts said: Dominica. “Fudadin has been a member of He comes in for leg-spinner the West Indies A Team for a while Devendra Bishoo. Middle-order now and we have seen signs of batsman Kirk Edwards, who was development and improvement. in the squad for the Second Digicel This year he batted well in the Test, has not recovered from a leg Regional 4 Day Tournament, and injury and is not available for made over 500 runs including two selection. centuries. He was very consistent Fudadin, a 26-year-old from in the middle-order. He can also Guyana, is a steady batsman, who bowl medium-pace and that is an was the second highest run-scorer asset.” Dominica on Friday in preparation starts on Monday at 10 am (9 am in the recently-concluded The West Indies will travel to for the Third Digicel Test, which Jamaica Time). (cont’d on page 23) The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012 - NEWS - 23 - COMMENTARY - They All Up In We Business By: Sotto Voce of members on their absolute loyalty to our organisation in word and deed. Trying to strike a balance between loyalty to our Party and loyalty The Labour Party celebrates its to friends who are in the enemy camp is unworkable. Our members’ 80th Birthday this year. Quite a deep-rooted feeling and concerns should never be taken for granted. number of events are being used Imagine opposition spokespersons are openly declaring what some so to do. Some have gone already. Labour Leaders will do or will not do from time to time. And the leaders By: Vigilante More will come up shortly when are silent on such declarations? Madness I say; could never happen in our annual Labour Day Weekend Comrade Bradshaw’s time. Silence is golden, but not when one’s loyalty * Right thinking citizens of this country want to know why Gene activities are held. These are really to my Party is raised. Is it so difficult to openly separate yourself from Hamilton and PAM have thrown poor Donley Saunders to the nothing new. This has gone on for the vitriolic utterances of those who mean the Labour Party no good? wolves after all he has done for them over the years. decades. Time was when it was And from the statements of those who try to sow division and discontent * They want to know how they could write and publish such a even more elaborate than what among our Party Leaders? foolish and reckless front page article in the Democrat last happens now. Comrade Douglas, a leader, is far more tolerant than Comrade weekend, launching a vicious and unjustified attack on the In addition to what now Bradshaw would have been in the identical circumstances. Our members courts and the jurors, before the sentence hearing. happens there was a packed day have before now, expressed their concern over it going back to our of events at Warner Park which Party’s last Convention. Some have apparently made light of the feelings * Poor Donley has to face up to the music all by himself, as included athletics and cycling of our members. Traitors and schemers have taken it into the opposition they play their dirty politics. Many persons are voicing their events. We also had netball, camp and have sought to create division with it from then to now. strong condemnation of the article saying it’s a contempt of football and cricket matches Those who still have the Labour Party’s interests at heart must put court and a great disservice to Donley. among workers from different their own position in order and set the record straight. In St. Kitts’ politics * Dey say even family members of Donley are disappointed companies on and off the there is no room for issues of doubt and suspicion among comrades. and angry, saying the article has landed poor Donley in more Industrial Site, including the Nobody in Rescue or PAM will be among our Convention delegates. hot water. SSMC. What they say about our great Party on their Voices of PAM In those days the St. Kitts- programme is neither here nor there to our decision-making. What Ask * When one big PAM trump from the party’s propaganda team Nevis Trades & Labour Union was Washie, the Arab and Massa Caines say on their PAM shows and write was asked what they meant by: “Tell dem wet dey han’ and very strong and well respected. in their newspaper columns is for the consumption of PAMites only. wait for arwe”, he responded by saying it was a warning to all And even though the leadership Nobody inside the Labour Party taking them on. Labour people and de jurors. in both the Government and the I got a good laugh this week listening to the Voices of PAM. They * De word out of the PAM camp is that the article was written Union was the same, it did not defend their daily, ridiculous attacks on Dr. Douglas by saying that he is by Sleeping Hammy, who is now the real editor of the Democrat adversely affect the strength or a servant of the people, who was hired for 5 years. I supposed this newspaper since de Guyanese lady was happy to find an influence of either body. justifies all the malicious statements made on the PAM programme. They excuse to pack up and leave like her predecessor. Things came to a gradual too crooked. Not one of them ever voted for him or for Labour. They are decline with the passing of all known die-hard PAMites. * People want to know how Lindsay Grant, a lawyer and office Comrades Bradshaw and They say our Prime Minister is a billionaire because he owns the of the courts, could sit back as the Leader of PAM and allow Southwell. Our Party leadership building housing the Taiwanese Embassy. He has never denied Sleeping Hammy to get away with such a blatant and callous showed signs of division among ownership and, from the outset, he informed all that he secured a attack on the court. its ranks to its own detriment. mortgage at a Bank to build it, which is to be paid over many years. * People want to know also how it is that there has not been a The coming into government Seems like St. Pauls people not to try to own anything. Only PAM and single word of condemnation of the article from the big wigs of the PAM/NRP coalition in 1980 Rescue can own property. in the Bar Association and the Chamber of Commerce. also saw their concerted attack on When Simmonds was in office he built a veritable mansion with * The article has been widely distributed to local, regional our Union. Our citizens were security house, tennis court, et al. Those same crooked opposition openly discouraged from union pipsqueaks never suggested anything negative about Simmonds’ and international media outlets, (including the internet), membership. Everything possible property ownership, or that he was a trillionaire in so doing. Them people demonstrating to the world that Lindsay Grant is feather weight was done and said to denigrate, not only wicked and crooked, but also cockeyed bad when it comes to leader in PAM. He is clearly not the real leader in control of destroy and demonize the Union, politics. When is PAM, they blind; when is Labour their eyesight so the party. its leaders and members. good they can see around corner and all. They make a grand anti- * People want to know how they could say Donley was Many union practices at the government bashing out of simple and nonsensical issues. convicted because he was a big PAM supporter, when the SSMC and on the sugar estates Then there was this issue of the taking of sidewalks in Basseterre for key witnesses who testified against him were all well known were stopped immediately. Even the setting up of businesses by our people. Any government must have PAM trumps. the long-standing deduction of to face up to the problem and do something about it. This should not be * People want to know why is that host of the PAM FM Voices union dues from workers/members a political issue to play games with by anyone. Sidewalks are made for pay was stopped by PAM in the passing and re-passing of pedestrians without let or hindrance. PAM programme not inviting members of the PAM Gang of 5 government. Union section was ran from dealing with it in a level manner in their time. The Arab set up (Flemming and others) to be guests of his talk show. And not only discouraged, but booths in one or two buildings when he was the relevant Minister when will he do so? severely attacked. These PAM sometime back with limited success. * Dey say Inez, daughter of Massa Caines, let the cat out de fellas clearly did not have the best This is not a problem in St. Kitts alone. All over the Caribbean our bag this week when she called in to de Voices programme to interest of our workers to uphold. Governments have had to face it. In Barbados and in Trinidad it got way confirm that Simmonds and his party (PAM) used to meet at a Never did. out of hand to the embarrassment of successive governments. certain hotel in Bird Rock “to strategize how to keep Labour Nowadays the same bastards Oppositions are known to play a full hand of politics with it, and offer no out of power” (government) for life. playing crooked. Behaving like solutions. It’s just criticism only. The PAM/Rescue pipsqueaks say that * Dey say de Lashing Minister blue vex with de “lawyer” in saints. They think our workers this Labour Government wants to free up our sidewalks only to get after forget. They blocked our use of Licky Bird Dupont. You think their head good? Nevis, for representing the other half in the case against him, Warner Park from the moment they This is a well known businessman, with legal business stores in the that led to putting up of the for sale sign on the house. took over. Pelican Mall, who has closed off a street, not a sidewalk, for doing * Dey say he telling people in Nevis and St. Kitts that the I understand that our Party additional business purposes. This street has been virtually closed off lawyer and his father in St. Kitts are ungrateful after he done leaders have been meeting recently ever since. Speaking for myself, such a removal, if executed, would be spend so much money on them. to try to return the love, respect long overdue. * School children say de king of law suits meet he match and and camaraderie among them, that I know for certain that no Labour man could ever block off a street get ‘busted’. He say Dougie is a real gentleman to other had taken a back seat. This is even for one minute under a PAM Government. Everyone well knows Caribbean Leaders, like him, who love to sue. good, and better late than never. this to be a fact. Labour getting after Dupont for spite? They really Our organisation must never joking, look how long he done spite a whole street, and its use by return to the problem days due to pedestrians and vehicles? Please! Get real. internal leadership flickering. Our I hear that PAM was to open a paid political show on their FM this West Indies Squad Narsingh Deonarine members have always been faithful week. Nothing new really, they have the daily Voices of PAM already Darren Sammy (Captain) Fidel Edwards to the Party and have always been and also the Saturday “Curse the Prime Minister” programme on the Adrian Barath Assad Fudadin intolerable of those who would same FM. Carlton Baugh (Wicket-keeper) Kieran Powell divide us. Labour has ensured that there are numerous outlets for public freedom Kraigg Brathwaite Ravi Rampaul Some persons in leadership of expression; never happened when PAM ruled the roost. Their shame Darren Bravo Kemar Roach positions too have to make up box mash up, it seems. Labour made it possible. We are the Party that Shivnarine Chanderpaul Shane Shillingford their minds to satisfy the queries brought freedom here. 24 - ADVERTISEMENT - The Labour Spokesman FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH 2012