September 15, 2017 LOCAL NEWS Independence Activities to Be Reduced by Loshaun Dixon Basseterre, St

PatriotsPatriots Suffer Heartbreak at CPL Finals Pg 20

Friday, September Issue 15th, 2017 #1194 Powell:Powell: GeothermalGeothermal Project it’sit’s all Smoke andand Mirrors Story on Page 11 NEVLECNEVLEC Unveils LLong-Awaitedong-Awaited NewNew Generator HappyHappy Story on Page 12 InIndependencedependence ActiActivitiesvities TToo Be Reduced th StoryStory on Page 2 34 IndependenceIndependence AnniversaryAnniversary

C M Y K Page 2 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 LOCAL NEWS Independence Activities To Be Reduced By Loshaun Dixon Basseterre, St. Kitts – The 2017 independence celebrations in the federation scaled back due to recent hurricane activity is still something worthy of commemoration, said the prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Timothy Harris. He further vowed celebrations will be commem- orated to the fullest extent possible. “We [made] a decision that the national atten- tion ought not to be distracted at this time [due] to the limited resources available in tion in St. Kitts and we schools’ Patriotic pro- that patriotic pro- for today has been cally pay homage to times like these, [so] wanted them zoned. gramme and treat will gramme to showcase cancelled and [the] Sir Robert has its we had to have a more But, we determined go ahead as planned their talents and the National Fruit Day and place, but in the con- restricted pro- that it would not have next Monday. We are social events that they the opening of the ICT text of national devel- gramme,” Harris said, been right. School delighted to report … engage with thereafter centre have been post- opment and in the con- adding that some would have just been that the schools patri- and we want to sustain poned rather than can- text now that we have events had to be axed. opened [and] the otic programme and that.” celled,” he said. “At a five national heroes “We would have [liked teachers would have treat will take place on later date we [will] [equally], reasonable- to have] had [a] visit had to deal with any Sept. 18,” he Another activity that have the opening of ness and the sense of of cabinet members to issues after Irma.” said. “The students was affected by the our ICT centre.” acknowledgement of the schools. This year look forward always to weather was the Prime the service required we wanted an innova- He disclosed that the Minister Independence He also announced that it should be more Lecture Series. that on Sept. 16 they inclusive.” are going to have the “We would have had National Heroes Day Sept. 17 will see the the lecture series also at the National Heroes Independence State taking place, but we Park Service take place in have had to cancel Nevis, and the Annual that,” Harris said. “We “This is an idea that Independence Parade are thinking later in was given birth by the at Warner Park and the the year we will have Team Unity adminis- cocktail later that someone come in to tration as part of our evening. present a lecture on an commitment to a more issue related to our inclusive St. Kitts and “We are expecting own development, so Nevis.,” he said. “We thousands to gather at that will not be entire- decided that the time Warner Park to cele- ly lost.” had come for all of our brate our indepen- national heroes to be dence and to see our He also spoke of other appropriately recog- security forces on activities affected. nized in one spot. The parade and on their “The defence force tradition of going to best behaviour .” flag raising planned St. Pauls and to basi- LOCAL NEWS The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 Page 3 Sneaker Day to Encourage Physical Activity section will be judged by who gets the most likes on the Facebook page, so contestants are encouraged to add spark to their shoes in whichever way best suits them. Creativity can be something as simply as a twist on the laces, or as extrav- agant as donning the shoes with a fresh paint job. “Just be your creative self, be different and think outside of the box,” Nisbett encouraged.

Using your phone while driving is dangerous... Don’t take a chance By Kenan Dudley sneaker day to enter a healthy [foods].” the physical awareness day. The creativity on someone else’s life. Drive with chance to win one of others in mind, Drive Safely! Sneaker Day has been three prizes. Citizens Making time for phys- rescheduled for Friday, can also show up at the ical activity is an Sept. 22. The all-day health promotions essential part of a Vacancy exists at Diamonds International LTD. event encourages citi- office in Charlestown healthy lifestyle, and For the following positions; zens throughout the in their sneakers and events like this one federation to wear the HPU will take the exemplify the simple (1) “Crown Of Light” Sales Manager; sneakers to work and photo for you. steps citizens can take to school to promote to increase their physi- (2) “Time Piece” Sales Manager; the idea of walking The first 20 people to cal well-being. and making physical participate will receive Something as simple fitness a part of every- a prize, and Flow TV as walking to get your Crown Of Light Sales Manager; one’s daily life. It is a will also award the top lunch instead of dri- Applicants must possess no less than three !3" years day in which all peo- three most creative ving can go a long way working experience in Jewelry Sales in a managerial ple are encouraged to sneakers. Prizes toward your health. walk instead of taking include a combo plan position, with background knowledge and training a car as much as possi- from Flow TV, valued “That’s the initiative in Diamonds, certification in Diamond ble. at $99. we’re trying to encourage,” Nisbett said. Certification is a must. Remuneration package will The event is in its sec- Shenel Nisbett broke “People being more be based on experience ond year, and is put on down the benefits of active in their daily by the Health health awareness lives and making Time Piece Sales Manager; Promotion Unit of the events like this one to physical activity a part Nevis Island the Observer. “We’ve of their daily lives.” Applicant must have experience in selling time piece Administration and been seeing an brands carried by our store, courses done by watch Flow TV. Participants increase in diabetes Organizers spiced this brands would be an asset in verifying knowledge and can simply wear their and hypertension the event up and allowed training in watches and movements of watch brands sneakers and post a past years,” Nisbett participants the oppor- picture to the Nevis said. “So, this is just tunity to experiment Health Promotions one way of encourag- and be rewarded for All interested applicants are invited to email resumes along with Unit Facebook page ing people to be physi- creativity, adding an certificates to [email protected] using the hashtag cally fit, not just eating additional dynamic to Page 4 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 COMMENTARY Editorial FromFrom Birthing Pains

The Observer has obtained a copy of the Report on the constitution- al Conference that took place in London and which led to the granti- ng of our independence. That document contains the full speeches of the then Premier, Hon Kennedy Simmonds as he put forward the argument for Independence and that of the then Leader of the Elvin Bailey Opposition, Hon Lee Moore as he argued for a deferment. Hon Simeon Daniel was there too, and addressed the gathering, but not We have already estab- and for witnessing that ballot boxes and anoth- in his capacity as Leader of the [Village] Council, but rather as a part lished the powers the boxes are closed er who observes the of government delegation. (There were 9 Wards in Nevis in the 1979 (though not absolute) and locked before any count. elections, and the Nevis reformation Party, NRP, had won all 9). of the casting vote of ballots are cast. When the Returning Officer everybody has voted, The Returning Officer We glean from that document that the discussions of December 1982 and the power of the the poll must be is to move about the were preceded by talks in 1976, 1977, 1978 and 1979. At the 1979 Presiding Officer to declared closed, and constituency or district conference, a decision was made to proceed to independence in suspend and extend the the PO must seal the to ensure that things go 1980 and there would be a referendum in Nevis on the secession Poll. As we prepare for ballot boxes in the smoothly. On the night issue by March of 1982 (18 months later). In other words, the St the next plebiscite, it presence of the candi- of the count, it is Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) led administration had already his/her responsibility agreed to independence, but lost office in February of the said year. may be useful to date’s agents and the explain in greater Police. to ensure mathematical The Peoples Action Movement (PAM) led government decided to detail, the other correctness, to finally postpone Independence to allow several things to happen: notably responsibilities of Just as there is a special determine the validity publication and public discussion of a position paper (the White these and other elec- power assigned to the of the ballot, and, at the Paper), the passage of appropriate resolutions in the House, adjust- toral workers. Presiding Officer in end of the counting, to ments to the proposed Constitution and discussion on revenue shar- relation to the polls, so advise the SoE of the ing. The Presiding Officer too there is a special results. The SoE in turn is required to manage punishment of 5 will inform the When it was his turn, the Hon Lee Moore detailed how disadvan- the activities at each months imprisonment Governor General and taged the SKNLP had been, having had some of its members incar- Polling Station. This with hard labour or a the general public. cerated, having had late invitations, and having had a key member of includes the issuing of $500.00 fine for failure his party unable to attend. This is despite their earlier readiness and ballot papers, receiving to behave professional- One other thing: If any the publication of their Green paper, entitled “In place of Strife”. ballots and ensuring ly and according to the Returning Officer wilfully delays, neglects Then he quoted numbers. He stated that the SKNLP had 4 of the 9 order at the polling sta- law. tion. or refuses duly to elected members in the House of Assembly while PAM only had 3, There is also a Poll return any person who and Nevis reformation Party (NRP) had 2. Besides, the SKNLP won Traditionally, on the Clerk within the sta- ought to be returned to 58.05% of the votes cast in the 1980 election. PAM, which only con- tested the elections in St Kitts, received 33.93% of the votes cast day before the poll, the tion, whose job is to serve in the National throughout the “State” and 41.9% of those cast in St Kitts; while the Presiding Officers are maintain a record of Assembly for any con- NRP only tallied 16.02% of the votes. In other words, in a first-past- issued Ballot Papers, persons who come to stituency, and if it has the-post elections, the SKNLP had the single largest block of seats Ballot Boxes, Electoral vote, as well as other been determined on the (although not a majority, and despite the coalition of PAM & NRP), Ink and all other mate- incidentals such as hearing of an election and had won the popular vote, a concept that has little real value in rials to be used on the whether an oath was petition respecting the this type of elections. Election day. The required, and whether election for such con- Ballot Papers are it was taken or not. stituency that such per- In fact, none of the political parties fielded a full slate of 9 candidates; sealed in envelopes son was entitled to and never have in subsequent elections. and the folds of the Then there are the have been returned, the envelopes signed by agents, one per candi- returning officer who For his part, Hon Simeon Daniel, riding on an 85% secession voting members of the date. They should be has so wilfully delayed, win in Nevis, but being aware of the rejection of Nevis’ proposals in Electoral Commission eagle eyed but non- neglected or refused the 1974 & 1979 talks to separate from St Kitts, and being part of the as a security measure. interfering. I like to duly to make such Government team, compromised and accepted what is now Section refer to them as audi- 113 of the Constitution. In fact, a careful reading of his speech These envelopes are to return of his or her be shown to the agents tors in the sense that it election shall forfeit to revealed that whereas PAM was accepting of the desire of Nevis to is they who must secede, the SKNLP, despite the 18 month time line suggested by of political parties the person aggrieved them, was insistent that Nevis should remain part of an independent before they are opened. ensure that everything the sum of five hundred St Kitts and Nevis, but at the same time urging Nevis’ separation in is done to order and dollars and costs in its Green Paper. Clearly there were trust issues here. At the opening of that no party gets an addition to all dam- Polling Day, the advantage. They must ages sustained. [sec Like any other, our birth was not without pain, but today we have a lot Presiding Officer, in also keep an eye on 91(6)] to celebrate. the presence of the each other. Usually, Police and agents of there is an agent who Draw your own con- Happy Independence 34 to all! candidates, display bal- watches the polls, one clusions! lot boxes for inspection who travels with the

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Kenneth Williams St. Kitts Nevis POB 657, Lower Market Street #1 Observer Plaza, Observer Drive Basseterre, St. Kitts, W.I. Charlestown, Nevis, W.I. Tel.: (869) 466-4994 Tel.: (869) 469-5907 Fax: (869) 466-4995 Fax: (869) 469-5891 Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: thestkittsnevisobserver.com Editorial Policy: The Observer reserves the right to edit, rewrite, summarise or reject any unsolicited material. We will assume that all letters addressed to The Observer or its staff are intended for publication unless otherwise stated. Letter writers are required to sign their names and are asked to include a telephone number to allow verification. Views expressed in letters, commentaries or personal columns do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of this newspaper. Limit submissions to 1000 words

C M Y K LOCAL NEWS The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 Page 5 Security Guard Attacked for Doing Her Job By Monique Washington She told the court she she had been beaten by did not remember his Ellison. Claxton said A security guard who face and prior to that that she carried out her worked during a night, she didn’t know investigation and visit- Culturama event says who he was. She said ed the residence of she was beaten and that Smithen began Smithen. “I cautioned chocked by a vendor at pleading with her to let him and told him the Cultural Village him in and then his about the report after she did not allow pleading began to turn against him and he him to enter the facili- into anger. said ‘I have nothing to ty without a pass or a say and I know about ticket. “When I turned my the report.’” back to open the gate, Ima Francis, the secu- that is when Ellison In his defense, rity guard, and the pushed me,” she said. Smithen said no one accused, Ellison “So I push back and told him upon leaving Smithen, both then we had a verbal the village that he appeared Sept. 12 at argument. He then needed to have a ticket the Magistrate Court lurched forward and or pass to reenter the in Charlestown. started choking me. He facility. He did say that had both hands around upon returning that he The case began with my neck. I tried to did plead with Francis the police prosecution, push him off, but he to let him re-enter the headed by officer Joel was still holding to my facility after he had Caines, bringing for- neck for about a returned, but she told ward three witness. minute.” him he needed a pass. First was the com- He said that he tried to plainant, Ima Francis, She said that Smithen “squeeze” himself in who testified that on finally released her when another patron July 22, she was work- when someone shout- tried to enter the gates, ing as a security guard ed at him. She said that but Francis tried to at the village and on Smithen began apolo- block him. that night, she was gizing for what he did standing by the gate and asked her “to put it “She pushed me and I scanning patrons behind of us. But I said pushed her back,” he going inside of the after you show your- said. “She pushed me Cultural Village. She self on me? No!” again and I pushed her said that she saw Francis said. back because I was Smithen exit the vil- defending myself. I lage after being told by Second for the prose- put my hands up high the person collecting cution was a partial because I thought that tickets that there was eyewitness, who testi- she was going to hit no reentry without a fied that on the said me with the metal ticket or a pass. day, he was at the gate detector. She then Tickets are clearly talking to Francis moved and called the marked “No re-entry.” when he noticed that police.” The ticket collector Smithen passed asked Smithen if he through the gate. After hearing both was a vendor, but she sides of testimony, said she did not hear “When he came back, Magistrate Yasmine him answer. she told him she can’t Clarke rendered a let pass without a guilty verdict. “Later that evening, he pass,” the witness said. Smithen’s attorney came back and asked “Then they started implored the court to for re entry,” Francis arguing, so I moved. I not record a conviction told the court. “I was heard the gate slam for Smithen, but to the only one by the and when I came fine him. The magis- gate and I asked him around, I saw his hand trate agreed under cer- for a ticket. He said around her neck, so I tain terms. that he doesn’t have a said ‘Boy, let de girl ticket, [but] he is a go; is stupid-ness you “Mr. Smithen has vendor on the inside. I a do.’” never troubled the told him he needed to court,” she said. “You have a pass as a ven- Last for the prosecu- are fined $800 to be dor. He told me that he tion was Constable paid in one week or passed through on Samantha Claxton. face one month in Friday night, and She testified that on prison. If the fine is 30th September, [then] said ‘You let me July 25, Francis came paid on time, I will not in; you don’t remem- to the police station record a conviction.” ber my face?’” and made a report that Purchase Your Observer at Mansa Last Stop Cades Bay

C M Y K Page 6 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 LOCAL NEWS Beach Bar Owner Pleads for His Business to Remain Open By Loshaun Dixon doing the requested valid license and does- have some input into paperwork and paying n’t know why he was it.” Basseterre, St. Kitts – the taxes, he has been told that he has to A local entrepreneur is asked to remove his remove the structure. Molineaux explained pleading with the gov- structure on the beach. that he had been oper- ernment to be allowed “Other people are ating on the beach for to keep his beach bar “The Inland Revenue working over there, years and only recent- at the southeast penin- gave me permission some of them illegal, ly took the decision to sula after he had been and a valid license to as well, and they are expand his business. “I ordered to remove the run the beach activi- not telling them, but was operating on the Dwight Molinueaux building by the end of ties, then I built up a for some reason they sand for about three this month. bar, and the building want me off the beach, years, but now I real- “They have not given unfair. “It is unfair and board now comes and but I am paying the ize that I need to estab- me any reason why I there are a lot of peo- Dwight Molinueaux tells me that I have 28 taxes for the use of the lish myself, so I take a cannot build on the ple who want things to who owns and oper- days to remove it,” he beach,” he said. “I am little action with the beach,” he said. “My do,” he said. “I employ ates the beach bar said. very concerned permission of a gov- next plan of action is people and I have a lot called “Going To The because the tourist ernment official,” he to take it to the author- of experience with Beach,” has told the He explained that he season is coming up said. ities and if they can’t tourists. I have been in Observer that despite paid $7,000 to have a and I am hoping to do anything, I may this industry for 20 He also noted that he have to press charges years.” had not been given a with a lawyer. That’s rationale as to why he what I have to do. I He also called on the is not allowed to have also want to ask the authorities to better the structure and is government to be handle sanitation on planning on meeting lenient. I am a citizen, the beaches, including with relevant authori- a natural man from St. the placement of ties from the Building Kitts, and that is not restrooms. “The Board and Planning fair.” tourists have to go in Unit to sort out the the bush to urinate, matter. However, he He added that he has and stool over there is has not ruled out the three people employed in an awful mess. I had possibility of legal at his bar and thought to clean it up the other action. the entire situation was day.”

JOB VACANCY

A full-service law firm representing numerous businesses and individuals in St. Kitts, Nevis, and Anguilla, throughout the region and internationally, is looking for a highly motivated individual to fulfill the role of its office manager.

Job Summary:

The successful applicant will have overall responsibility for the management of the office, which includes, but is not limited to, interfacing with clients, day-to-day operations and management of staff.

We are looking for an office manager to organize and coordinate administration duties and office procedures. Your role is to create and maintain a pleasant work environment, ensuring high levels of organizational effectiveness, communication and safety.

Office manager responsibilities include but are not limited to, scheduling meetings and appointments, making office supply arrangements, and providing general administrative support to our employees. Previous experience as an office manager or office administrator is an advantage. A successful office manager should also have experience with a variety of office software (email tools, spreadsheets and databases) and be able to accurately handle administrative duties.

Ultimately, the office manager should be able to ensure the smooth running of the office and help to improve company procedures and day-to-day operation.

Job Requirements:

¾ $VVRFLDWH¶VRU%DFKHORU¶V'HJUHHSUHIHUDEO\LQWKHDUHD RI EXVLQHVV PDQDJHPHQW RU DQ\ RWKHU related field ¾ Extensive experience in leadership roles preferably in the legal and international financial services industry ¾ Strong skills in management including an ability to manage multiple demands, set priorities and achieve timelines ¾ Excellent verbal and written communication skills ¾ Experience as an office manager, office administrator or senior administrative assistant, would be an asset

Responsibilities, include but are not limited to:

¾ Organization of office operations and procedures, and development of policies in accordance with best practices in the industry ¾ General office management and supervision of staff ¾ Serve as the point person for all office custodial/ management duties

Salary: negotiable and commensurate with experience and qualifications

Kindly email your Application letter with Curriculum Vitae (CV) to: [email protected]

C M Y K LOCAL NEWS The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 Page 7 Students at Gingerland Secondary School to be Placed on Rotation By Monique Washington a number of construction workers. The Students of the principal and vice Gingerland Secondary principal’s office are School will be return- still being worked on, ing to school on with the second floor Monday, Sept. 18, but just beginning, while the students might not the bathroom facility, be in school for the the Observer under- entire day. stands, are weeks from completion. The Gingerland Secondary School The Observer further reopened its doors to understands that when just fourth and fifth school reopens, the form students while students will attend on Construction going on at Gingerland Secondary School the first, second and rotation; some forms third form remained will attend school in Nevis and the minister home for another the morning, while the week. in charge of education, other forms will attend the Honourable Vance in the afternoon. This Amory, announced The Observer visited has been caused by the the school on that both high schools lack of space on the will not be opening on Wednesday and noted school ground and the an incredible amount the Sept. 4 because of lack of bathroom facil- the current construc- of construction cur- ities. rently ongoing. A tion on the schools. number of plumbers Prior to the official He further noted that and electricians were opening of the school at the school as well as year, the premier of Continued on page 22

C M Y K Page 8 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 LOCAL NEWS Minister of Education to Address Below-Par CSEC Pass Rate By Loshaun Dixon The national pass rate look in particular at have a better under- for CSEC has been the subject areas that standing of the cur- Basseterre, St. Kitts – recorded at 75.71 per- we consider results not riculum across the var- The Ministry of cent this year, a to be the best,” he said. ious subject matters Education in St. Kitts decline compared to “[We have to look at] they teach. and Nevis will be tak- the 82.83 percent pass what we would con- ing steps to address the rate attained in 2016. sider to be the weaker “Teachers within the disappointing results areas and provide all individual schools will in the Caribbean Minister of Education of the resources we have to do their own Examinations the Honourable Shawn can to see improve- assessment as to why Council’s (CXC) Richards has indicated ment in these areas.” the students would exams taken by the that plans are a foot to have returned a partic- federation’s students, address this declining He further indicated ular result,” Richards with a lower pass rate rate. that the Ministry of said, adding that there recorded in the Education last year are instances where Caribbean Secondary “The first thing we brought in resource schools have reported Education Certificate have to do is to do a personnel from CXC a weaker student (CSEC) for 2017 com- full analysis of the to help some of the cohort taking exams. pared to years prior. results this year and to teachers so that they “I know in some instances, schools have said they had a weaker cohort, but having a weaker cohort means perhaps teachers would give more time and atten- tion to those students considered to be weaker than the students Minister of Education the that would have gone Honourable Shawn Richards before,” Richards said. He referenced the opportunity to sit end,” Richards said. Washington Archibald exams. “There must be an High School, which additional effort to had requested more “These are some stu- help these students, so teachers and, at the dents whom the school that at the end of the beginning of the last may have opted in the day, you not only gave school year, sought to past to say your school career has come to an give more students the Continued on page 22

The St. Kitts Nevis Observer/Nevis Printing seeks an experience pressman with over 10 years experience. 0XVWEHDEOHWRWURXEOHVKRRWDQGÀ[SUHVV

Send application to [email protected] or editori [email protected]

C M Y K INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 Page 9 First Independence Address By Sir Kennedy Simmonds Your Royal Highness President, Prime dominant in the estab- Princess Margaret, Minister, Premiers, lishment of our main Countess of Snowdon; Governors, Chief institutions. Your Excellency Ministers, Ministers, Ambassadors and The French shared the Sir Clement Arrindell other representatives island of St Kitts with and Lady Arrindell; of states and interna- the British up to 1713 Honourable Prime tional and national and their influence Ministers; organisations the remains in the name of nation’s heartfelt the capital Basseterre, Honourable Premiers; and the French Honourable Chief thanks for the massive and exceptional dis- Governor De Poincy Minister; Your gave his name to our Lordship the Chief play of solidarity and friendship which is national flower the Justice and Lady characterised by the poinciana. Peterkin; Your presence of represen- Though the Dutch Lordships; tatives of 52 States and never settled here, as Honourable Ministers; 20 international organ- the shippers they Excellencies; isations. played a vital role in Delegates; ladies and Then I thank you my ensuring the survival Gentlemen; Fellow people who have of the early colonists. Citizens. struggled over the Africans were brought Across the Universe, years to reach this day, to these islands as the sun is setting on and have kept the faith slaves, and it is upon colonialism and in the and have finished the their sweat, tears and soft amber glow of course. toil that the early pros- dawn’s first light there There are two symbols perity of these islands Sir Kennedy Simmonds first Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis is born to the world a of independence was built. It is fitting, new nation. I express which are the focal therefore, that pride of this nation’s gratitude expression of every place now falls to the descendants of the Desire the creation of well being in the con- and order; and Are to Her Majesty the nation’s sovereignty. a climate of economic text of respect for law Queen for doing us the African slaves who They are its flag and Continued on page 16 honour of sending its anthem. This nation now lead this nation Your Royal Highness owes a tribute and a out of colonialism to to open our gateway to debt of gratitude to independence. It is not sovereignty, and to Miss Edrice Lewis so much, therefore, you, Your Royal who designed our flag that we are free at last, Highness for so gra- and Mr Kenrick but rather that we are ciously presiding over Georges, the author free again. this the greatest and composer of our We have served our moment in our National Anthem. I apprenticeship well. nation’s history. I will now express that trib- We have created a sta- now ask that you con- ute. Their names are ble society committed vey to Her Majesty the indelibly inscribed on to the preservation of Queen, the sincere the pages of our histo- high moral values and thanks of the ry. fundamental human Government and peo- rights. As so succinctly ple of St. Kitts and The islands of St Kitts and Nevis, which now and aptly stated in the Nevis for the most gra- preamble to our new cious message of con- join the world commu- nity as a sovereign Constitution which gratulations and good Her Royal Highness wishes for our future nation, have had a rich history. has so graciously pre- happiness and success. sented to me: Your Royal Highness The original inhabi- tants, the Caribs, ‘Whereas the people has been kind enough of St Christopher and to refer to our success called St Kitts Liamuiga, the fertile Nevis - Declare that in reaching this mile- the nation is estab- stone in spite of the land and Nevis, Oualie, land of beauti- lished on the belief in world-wide political Almighty God and the and economic difficul- ful water. Relics of their civilisation still inherent dignity of ties. Your own people each individual; have contributed, and I remain. am sure that our con- Christopher Columbus Assert that they are tinued participation in and his sailors first entitled to the protec- regional and interna- made the islands tion of fundamental tional forums will also known to Spain and rights and freedoms; be of considerable the rest of Europe, but benefit to us. Believe in the concept the English were the of true democracy I feel moved also to first colonists and their with free and fair elec- express to the influence has been tions;

C M Y K Page 10 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL Back Then and Flash Forward

(L-R) Premier of Nevis Hon. Vance Amory and P. S. in the Ministry of Finance in the Nevis Island Administration Mr. Laurie Lawrence

By Monique Washington Some 20 years ago, on Lawrence prepared the Honourable Vance amount of undevel- October, and soon Sept. 17, 1997, contract that was Amory, for the Long oped land. It is cur- after, the draft consti- Back then Permanent Secretary signed by the premier Point Port Project. rently served by two tution for Nevis will in Finance Laurie of Nevis, the major shipping lines, be available. The pre- The Observer reported Tropical and Crowley, mier has said that so in Sept. 18, 1997, a along with a number far, the opposition has ceremony for the offi- of smaller lines mak- promised to support cial signing of the ing weekly calls. The the bill. Public meet- agreement for the con- port boasts of its very ings are continuing in struction of the deep spacious compound: It Nevis as the local gov- water port at Long has plenty room for ernment continues to Point was held at the packing and storing take its proposal for Alexander Hamilton containers, comple- secession to the peo- House in Charlestown. mented by an adequate ple. The contract for con- warehouse for bulk struction amounting to cargo. In 2005, the On Aug. 18, 1977, an some $23.1 million for L o n g unofficial indepen- port facilities, access Point/Charlestown dence referendum was roads and ancillaries Ports won the presti- held in Nevis. It was had been awarded to gious Nova Port Cup organized by the Nevis the firm of Kharafi and presented by the Port Reformation Party, Sons. David Lasley Management and resulted in 99.66 and Partners is the Association of the percent voting in firm retained as the Caribbean (PMAC) favor. However, the consultants for the and sponsored by result was declared project. Nova Port, Canada. It invalid by the national had placed second the government. The Hon. Vance year before. Amory and P.S. Laurie Flash forward Lawrence signed the Back then document for the An independence ref- Nevis Island The Observer Sept. erendum was held in Administration. 18-26, 1997, edition Nevis Aug. 10, 1998. Ahmed Abdul Wahab, reported that the pre- Although it was managing director, mier of Nevis, Amory, approved by 62 per- Division of Kharafi, said secession from St. cent of voters, a two- signed for the firm of Kitts is still in the thirds majority was Kharafi and Sons. cards, but the process necessary for the refer- is a slow one to ensure endum to succeed. If it Flash forward a smooth transition. had passed, Nevis According to Amory, w o u l d The Long Point Pier the second reading of have seceded from the project was completed the bill will be tabled federation of St. in September 1999 in in the House early in Kitts and Nevis. an area with a vast INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 Page 11 Geothermal Project ‘to begin,’ but Powell says it’s all Smoke and Mirrors By Monique Washington Tross, the geothermal key points for CCM they would have given production site is on during the last elec- and all the processes In the upcoming more than nine acres tion. They convinced they have to gone weeks, the Nevis of land at Hamilton the people of Nevis through first to get Island Administration Estate and preparatory that they will switch geothermal,” he said. says it will began the work, which began on on geothermal. Where “With this company, first phase of a geot- Aug. 30, is ready for we are at this present they have been in [the] hermal project, but the commencement of moment [WITH] just loop now for the last former minister of the project’s first months left in the elec- three years. To say energy Carlisle Powell phase. tion cycle, I am not now after three years say the people of even sure if they can that they are just now Nevis “will never get “We started site clear- do the production promising people that geothermal under the ing on Aug. 30, and we wells and flow the they are clearing land CCM government.” did that in preparation wells, much less to get for equipment to for the drilling of a the engine designed arrive on the island – On Sept. 12, Mc new test well and that and brought to Nevis look back at Levon “Mackie” will commence in the and set up in time us December of last year Tross, a local repre- first week in October. Former Minister of Energy Carlisle Powell before the next federal when they said they sentative for geother- We expect the equip- election in 2020,” he will be clearing land mal developers Nevis ment to be arriving at said. and that the equipment Renewable Energy the Long Point Port first geothermal pro- In an interview with ject in Nevis with the Observer Sept. 14, would be on the island International (NREI), around Oct. 4-5.” Powell said that the by February and all the said the first phase of West Indies Power Powell once again told most recent announce- (WIP). At the time, he the Observer that drilling would be done the project is expected In 2016, the Nevis ment by the NIA on by June. to commence in renewable energy cautioned that NREI Nevis will not have the geothermal ven- October 2017. Both promised to “switch has released many geothermal in their ture does not prove “But [how can] any- the Nevis Reformation on” geothermal by the press releases, but to homes before the next anything as NIA has one believe that Party and the end of 2017. However, date no physical work federal election due in made that same because a piece of land Concerned Citizens Powell doubted this has begun on the pro- 2020. announcement period- has been cleared and Movement began the happening in an inter- ject. He noted that ically during the last that equipment that exploration for geot- view with the there was just too “We are years away of getting geothermal in five years. should have been here hermal on Observer in April much to do to hit the two years ago sudden- Nevis. According to 2016. He steered the targeted date. our homes,” he said. “Look at all the dates “This was one of the Continued on page 23 Page 12 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL NEVLEC Unveils Long-Awaited New Generator By Kenan Dudley arrived June 27 and chance of feed inter- underwent months of ruption.” Ministers and country- testing before being men alike met at the declared officially Feed interruptions Prospect Power open for power pro- were frequently expe- Station parking lot duction. This process rienced as the Wartsila Sept. 12 to officially was occurring simulta- generator was being welcome the 3.85 neously as Nevisians introduced to the Megawatt Wartsila endured frequent power system. The generator as a new planned and generator and installa- baseload generator for unplanned power out- tion equipment togeth- the island of Nevis. It ages, which were due er weighed more than marks the end of 10 to the aging infrastruc- 140 tons, which meant months of logistical ture of the plant, a tough two months of work and years of dis- according to installation before the cussions and fundrais- NEVLEC’s acting generator was ready. ing amidst rampant general manager, NEVLEC testing pro- criticism of the power Jervan Swanston. cedures began on Aug. plants state. 25 and continued “The effective capaci- through Aug. 30. A long list of speakers ty of the plant has been The new 3.85 megawatt Wӓrtsilӓ generator commissioned at the Nevis and entertainers 80 percent of the Generation Manager Electricity Limited’s Power Plant at Prospect marked the ceremony, installed capacity, as Earl Springette has which was deemed by most of the sets have been in the middle of several ministers as a all of those plans and battering on social thanks to the hard- other Caribbean power been deteriorating sig- media can compare to working generation agencies have retired historic day for Nevis. nificantly,” Swanston preparations. He is ecstatic to see the pro- circumstances we staff for working the generators that said. “This meant endured in the plant under such tremen- were the base for The first Wartsila gen- insufficient resolved ject finally come into erator was installed in fruition. for the number of dously stressful situa- power production on generation capacity years in trying to sup- tions for a number of Nevis. With the acqui- 2001, and more were available to us to per- scheduled to be “This event climaxes ply reliable power years.” sition of this new base form any any planned while we awaited pro- load generator, much installed in the years or unplanned mainte- the many years of dis- following, but no cussion regarding the curement of this base- There are now nine needed work and nance, as removal of load generation set. I generation engines at repairs can be done on plans came to fruition. any of our generators procurement of a base- Now, 16 years later, load generator,” want to express my the Prospect Power older units. from service would appreciation and Plant, some of which the new generator result in a 95 percent Springette said. “No are 34 years old. Many Continued on page 22

C M Y K INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 Page 13 Nevis Independence 10K/3K Race Postponed By Kenan Dudley The Independence/Heroes Day Nevis 10k/3k, originally scheduled for Friday, Sept. 15, has been postponed to a later date. The decision was made due to hurricane activity experienced across the federation last week, as the coordinator for the event, Lester Blackett, explained to the Observer. “Basically because of the hurricane, we lost a week in terms of the preparation and promotion of the event,” Blackett said. “So, we decided that we would redo it probably in October.” Blackett also noted that October is an estimated timeframe at the moment, and they are still figuring out the details on which day the event will be held. As soon as they have trophies and cash prizes for competi- following the 10K. 2017. announced a new date for the race, tors in both the 10k and the 3k. registration will re-open and the This year’s run is in honor of Lydia “She was one of the top athletes for forms will be available at the Nevis For the first time, organisers hope to Jacobs-Pemberton, a former champi- Nevis and on the Leeward Islands Youth and Sports department in use photo and video technology to on at the Charlestown Secondary level,” Blackett said. “We thought it Charlestown. enhance the race. An automated School, who competed nationally for would be a nice gesture to honor her photo finish will be available, allow- Nevis at Leeward Islands competi- by having the run in her name.” The event has become an annual ing runners to have their individual tions in sprint events ranging from aspect of the independence celebra- times tracked more accurately. For the 100m to the 400m race. Jacobs For more information about what tions across St. Kitts and Nevis, as a spectators, there will be three sepa- was a fighter even after she left the date the run will be postponed to, joint collaboration between the Nevis rate Facebook Live broadcasts of the track, as she won a hard fought battle readers can follow along on the Nevis Youth and Sports Department and the event; one showing the finish line, with a kidney disorder in 2010 before Athletics Facebook Page for all Nevis Island Administration. This one following the 3K runners and one being tragically murdered in June announcements about the race. year, there is more than EC$10,000 in

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE

A Nation Bound TogetherTogether Sagicor is proud to celebrate with the he people of St. Kitts & Nevis on 34 years of indeppendence.

Sagicor Life Inc is rated “ A-” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Rating Company.

C M Y K Page 14 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL Nevis to Participate in International Coastal Cleanup for the 25th Year By Monique Washington Historical and and in 100 percent of Conservation Society, sea turtle species,” its Hundreds are expected the host for the website reported. “A to flood the coastline cleanup, note that last problem as big as plas- in Nevis Sept. 23 for year more than 4,200 tic in the ocean the Annual pounds of trash were requires a big International Coastal removed from one response! By partici- Cleanup under the water-based and 17 pating in the theme “Harnessing the land-based sites. International Coastal Power of People to Removed items Cleanup, you can Fight Ocean Trash.” included clothes, nets, make a difference.” fishing lines, foam This year marks the food containers and a This year, the event 25th year Nevis has huge number of plastic will be held Sept. 23 been involved with the bottles. One group from 7 a.m. to noon at International Coastal reported collecting various locations Cleanup initiative, 210 plastic bottles in throughout the which began 32 years less than one-quarter island. Volunteers and ago under the sponsor- mile of coastline. social groups will join ship of the Ocean the NHCS members to Conservatory. The According to the clean the debris from cleanup was held International Coastal wide stretches of our thousands of people cant role the ocean Charlestown. around-the-world Cleanup site, nearly 12 shorelines, borders worldwide to volun- plays in the health of Volunteers will receiv- Sept. 16, but in St. million people and and other popular teer and take part in a the environment, the er gloves, a clip board, Kitts and Nevis, the counting have been areas in an effort to worthwhile marine economy and liveli- bags and a data sheet effort was scheduled part of the world’s reduce significant stewardship event,” a hoods.” to record collected to avoid conflicting biggest volunteer debris from entering NHCS release states. items. A picnic lunch with National Heroes’ effort to protect the our oceans. “Coming directly after An official at the will be held for all vol- Day Sept. 16 and the ocean. we celebrate our NHCS told the unteers at the Independence “The annual Nevis nation’s independence Observe all interested Alexander Museum Celebration Sept. 19. “Today, plastic has Coastal Cleanup is an this September, let us volunteers can sign up grounds at noon. been found in 62 per- excellent opportunity use this opportunity to at the Alexander Officials at the Nevis cent of all sea birds for all residents to join highlight the signifi- Museum in

C M Y K INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 Page 15 PM Hails Volunteerism, Calls for More in Wake of Passing Storm Molineaux.” that he received mes- out and for making sages from a former their service avail- The prime minister minister in the last able.” further highlighted administration of its how thankful the fed- willingness to help out The prime minister eration has been after in whatever way it can. also stated his admin- they were spared the istration remains one ravages of the storm “I want to thank many of inclusion of all citi- that battered other of our citizens, some zens in St. Kitts and nearby territories. whom will remain Nevis. nameless for a while, “We ourselves have but who reached out to “That is one of the dis- been and how thankful me, notwithstanding tinguishing feature of we are of the efforts of the membership and Team Unity – that we those who facilitated,” affiliation with parties are all-inclusive and he said. “We want to in opposition to the we want all of our peo- move forward in love, government,” Harris ple to make their con- we want to move for- said. “They say, tribution irrespective ward as a united ‘Listen, this is a of party affiliation,” he nation, we want to go moment for national said. “That will have forward, joined at the engagement and I its own time. What we talents and the abilities want to be part of it, want in the country is of all of our people. how can I help?’ And a robust contest of And so my invitation we had discussions ideas for the advance- is for us to work about that. Some of ment of the country together as one to put them had been former and we will content on aside the party politics ministers in the last those ideas [that] we in the interest of nation administration, and I believe are in the best building.” want to say thank you interest of the coun- to them for reaching try.” Harris also claimed

The prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Timothy Harris

By Loshaun Dixon and brighter in our and safety services. outlook; better in Basseterre, St. Kitts – terms of our own com- “I want to give a big The prime minister of passion one to another, thank you to our secu- St. Kitts and Nevis, our respect and con- rity forces in particu- Dr. Timothy Harris, cern for the elderly, for lar, who kept the has hailed the volun- those who are less for- streets safe in midst teerism of nationals tunate and our willing- and aftermath of the and residents and has ness to use our ener- storm,” he said. “I implored for even gies for the greater want to hail and to more as the federation national good,” he commend the selfless continues to recover said. service of those in our from the damages that security forces who remain following the He added that with dared rough weather, passage from reparation work still stormy weather, and Hurricane Irma. necessary, there are indeed dangerous opportunities for vol- weather to be out in Speaking earlier this unteerism to come to the streets making week on national the forefront, as was themselves available radio, Harris urged cit- shown during and for rescue efforts, for izens and residents to immediately after the evacuation of those use the experience as a passage of Irma. He whose homes were motivator. hailed the service of compromised in Keys, those in the security in Conaree, in “Let us emerge better

C M Y K Page 16 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 INDEPENDENCE SPECIAL First Independence Address By Sir Kennedy Simons From page 9 lie ahead. Ours is the as we seek to learn and be shared by the committed to achieve task of developing use technologies world’s people. their national objec- from our slender developed by others resources a heritage to which are suited to our I know that our own tives with a unity of people gathered purpose; be enjoyed by the pre- special needs. Our cre- sent generation and by ativity will be fully tonight, like me, are This epitomises the generations yet tested as we ourselves overcome by countless character and ideals of unborn. We must com- seek to develop tech- competing emotions, our nation. We call mit ourselves I to work nologies appropriate to among them awe, upon our citizens to be harder and be more our needs. pride, humility, and loyal to this nation productive. We must joy in that moment which belongs to us make our hills and val- We must be united in when we saw our own all. Our concept of leys produce the food our objectives and pur- flag rise for the first loyalty does not pre- we need for our own poseful in seeking to [time and heard our clude healthy differ- use and for the needs bring a better quality anthem. It is an ences of opinion polit- of industry and of life to all our peo- anthem which captures ical or otherwise. It, tourism. The sea ple. and epitomises the however, expects each around us must be ble of, and we must all sobriety, we savour the innate character of our As St Paul said – Now land and people. It and every one of us to made to give of its are they many mem- be prepared to recog- joy of our indepen- place ‘Country above bounty, whether it be nise the value of the dence fully aware of lyricises in eloquent bers, yet but one body. terms of – Self’. Let us direct our animal, plant or miner- And the eye cannot contribution of each the reality of the inter- energies in concert as al. say unto the hand, I one of us. dependence of all This land of beauty! a people to keep our mankind. We cannot achieve have no need of thee: Loyalty, productivity land stable, and pro- nor again the head to ductive. these objectives with- and unity can better be We in this country out effort and sacri- the feet, I have no need achieved where mutu- have always supported Our Country where Today as we, the peo- fice. This period in our of you.’ al respect and equal the joy of our regional peace abounds ple of St Kitts and history is not a time The lesson must not be justice for all pervade integration in CARI- Nevis proudly take our Thy children stand for sluggards. It is a lost on us. Each one of the society. We have COM and the OECS. I free independence with time for the intelli- us, no matter what our worked towards the reiterate our full com- eager, and outstretched gence, initiative and abilities may be, must creation of a totally mitment to these ideals On the strength of will arms, let not the joy creativity of our peo- contribute to the suc- just society. We will and these organisa- and love. and euphoria of the ple to blossom forth in strive with more fer- tions. cess of this nation. It is With God in all our moment numb our all its fullness. our duty to do well vent endeavour senses to the arduous Intelligence and initia- towards this end. We Now we launch out struggles, whatever we are capa- into waters further responsibilities which tive will be necessary do not seek for a legal St Kitts and Nevis be justice, but economic afield as we become and social justice as members of the A nation bound togeth- well. Commonwealth and er the United Nations. There must be eco- With a common des- nomic justice which I will say to my inter- tiny recognises that the national brothers and worker is worthy of sisters that we join As stalwarts we stand your ranks fully his hire, and must For justice and liberty. share adequately in the respecting the sover- fruits of his labour. I eignty of every nation, With wisdom and truth call for greater under- and insisting upon the same respect in return. We will serve and hon- standing and willing- our thee. ness to compromise It is our firm belief between employer and that respect for human No sword nor spear employee. I trust they rights, human dignity can conquer, will both recognise and human life must that they will succeed play a greater role in For God will sure in their endeavours the conduct of interna- defend, tional relationships. only to the extent that His blessings shall for- the country succeeds. These principles we hold dear, because, by ever This country is further adherence to them we To posterity extend. committed to social can settle our disputes justice which without resort to the Let history record, embraces the elimina- needless violence of Your Royal Highness, tion of discrimination war. We are prepared the gratitude of the on grounds of sex, to be friends of all, and people of St Kitts and race, religion, political we seek no ideological Nevis for your partici- opinion, accident of converts, and the con- pation in this moving birth or any other divi- verse also holds true moment of history. sive precept. We seek You have ushered in to provide the widest We will work for the for us, in symbolic possible educational establishment of a manner, the dawn of a opportunities for all, world where, in our new day. We must now so that we may first time implements of go forward together, develop the people and war can be turned into one people, one coun- they, in turn, will instruments of produc- try, one destiny. With develop the country. tion, and where all God’s help, we shall men recognise that the overcome. Today, in humility and world’s bounty should

C M Y K LOCAL NEWS The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 Page 17 SKN Breaths Sigh of Relief After Passing of Irma and Jose By Kenan Dudley tion received US$2,294,603 as part A tumultuous week of an insurance pay out saw two hurricanes, by the organisation, Irma and Jose, threaten which was established St. Kitts and Nevis. as a regional catastro- Irma’s wrath was not phe fund for Caribbean brought down in full governments. force on the federation, and Jose swung After damages on the northwest and now sits islands were assessed, out of harm’s way as a it was made clear that tropical storm in the St. Kitts and Nevis Atlantic. After citizens were spared the horror hunkered down in that many of the safety and the storms island’s neighbors passed through, the endured. Relief efforts recovery efforts began. have been initiated in both the public and The majority of issues private sectors, which faced in the federation revolve around getting revolved around much needed food and downed power lines aid to those in affected on St. Kitts. Residents areas. Many islands of Nevis saw their cur- have almost nothing rent back up and run- left, and a week with- ning, despite a few out power, cell service hiccups, by Thursday, or water is just the Sept. 7. beginning of a long road to recovery. On St. Kitts, a five- member crew sent by The federal cabinet has the government of St. met to assess relief Lucia and LUCELEC efforts for St. Kitts and (St. Lucia Electricity Nevis’ nationals living Company) assisted to in affected areas. assess damages and Governmental visits restore power lines to have been paid to BVI, affected areas. Skelec the USVI, Anguilla has been working and St. Maarten to throughout the week to meet with the federa- restore power across tions nationals strand- parishes on St. Kitts in ed there and assess a manner as timely as their needs. possible. Skelec management apologized A national service of for any areas that are prayer, praise and still without electricity thanksgiving service and guaranteed that was held Sept. 12 at they are doing every- the Wesley Methodist thing they can to get Church on St. Kitts power restored as and the Charlestown quickly and safely as Methodist Church on possible, according to Nevis. These cere- a press release. In their monies revolved last announcement fol- around giving thanks lowing a governmental that the twin-island cabinet meeting on nation was spared Sept. 11, those areas from the worst of were Bayfords, parts Hurricane Irma. of Keys, Ottley’s Level and Bellevue to As power continues to Newton Ground. be restored, life on the federation begins to The relief efforts on move on as usual, a the island have been practical miracle one bolstered by an insur- week after a hurricane ance payout from the that claimed at least 31 Caribbean Catastrophe lives and caused more Risk Insurance than US$10 billion in Facility. The federa- damages.

C M Y K Page 18 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 LOCAL NEWS $53M in Damages Following Irma By Loshaun Dixon Basseterre, St. Kitts – The prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Timothy Harris, reports that a preliminary report of the damages caused by Hurricane Irma to St. Kitts and Nevis has been estimated at EC$53.2 million. Harris noted that though the federation was spared of a direct hit and loss of life, Irma’s passage still came with some challenges. “While we fared better than most, we are not without our own share of difficulties and challenges,” Harris said. “The preliminary damage and assessment report for St. Kitts had been prepared by Cromwell Williams and he served as chairman of Prime Minister Harris out during clean-up and recovery works

the damage assess- the estimates are only hit…that has been put ment and recovery preliminary, as the at $10.5 million, committee of NEMA.” work is still continu- coastal damage has ing. been estimated at $11 Harris added that a million, forest damage similar report was pre- “In the context of the at $5.5 million. pared by the Nevis high standard of Sporting facilities suf- Island administration accountability we fered damage at $1.6 and revealed damage have established as a million and, of course, in both islands above government, we these sporting facili- $50 million. thought that it was ties include the pavil- about the right time to ion, which [lost its] “An estimate of dam- give the country a roof in Mansion. In St. age to St. Kitts and clearer sense of the Paul’s, there were Nevis on these two damage that we have reports of damage to reports has been con- experienced,” he said. the sporting facilities servatively put at “The water depart- there and there are oth- EC$53.2 million,” He ment has put their esti- ers. SCASPA has put said. “The Nevis mate in St. Kitts at in a figure of $900,000 Island Administration $1.3 million. The elec- and NEMA at estimates the damage tricity department has $200,000 for a total of at approximately brought in an estimate $41,173,300 in St. $12M and on the of $3.6 million; roads Kitts.” island of St. Kitts our at a half a million; res- estimates is about $41 idential housing suf- On Nevis, Harris million.” fered a high $5.9 mil- reported “social sec- lion; other government tors were estimated at He noted that these building have been $5.9 million, infra- estimates reflect dam- quoted at about a quar- structure at $4.7 mil- age mostly in the pub- ter of a million. lion and economic lic sector and they are sectors $1.3 million, still awaiting reports “The agricultural sec- for a total from the private sector had a heavy $12,021,588.29.” tor. Harris added that Using your phone while driving is dangerous... Don’t take a chance on someone else’s life. Drive with others in Mind Drive Safely! LOCAL NEWS The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 Page 19 Brother, Sister Ready for Trial; Girlfriend Says No sion of cannabis with before th Magistrate that he, too, was ready intent to supply after Yasmine Clarke at the for their case to be members of the Royal Magistrate Court in heard without an attor- St. Christopher and Nevis to answer to the ney. Nevis Police Force charge of possession obtained a search war- of cannabis with intent On the other hand, rant on the Freemans’ to supply. Sister and Brown said that she home and found a brother informed the would not like the case 9mm pistol, eight court that their attor- to be heard without rounds of ammunition ney was unable to legal representation. and a sizable amount make it to court and The siblings urged the of cannabis. requested for their trail magistrate to let their to be heard anyway. case be heard on that Since their arrest, both The magistrate ques- day, but the magistrate women were granted tioned Natasha informed them that all bail, while Dwayne Freeman on whether three of them were Freeman was further she was sure she could jointly charged and all remanded to Her defend herself and three must be prose- Majesty’s Prison in St. understood the law. cuted together. The Kitts. She answered yes. magistrate said that Dwayne Freeman said The trio appeared Continued on page 22

Left: Watisha Brown, right; Dwayne ‘Fireman’ Freeman

By Monique Sept. 12, but one said Brown, were jointly Washington she was not ready to charged in July with be prosecuted. the offences of posses- The trio in Nevis sion of firearm, pos- charged with a number Dwayne Freeman, his session of ammuni- a drug, gun and sister, Natasha tion, smuggling of a ammunition offences Freeman, and his girl- firearm, possession of faced the magistrate friend, Watisha cannabis and posses- Page 20 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 LOCAL NEWS Patriots Suffer Heartbreak in Nail-Biting Loss at CPL Finals was joined by Cooper The third ball of the chise, thank you,” he knew they would be in a partnership that over was then smoked said. “To make it to the destined for greatness. proved critical in the for six and called a no final – it’s something outcome of the finals, ball, resulting in seven superb. Both me and “I just wanted the boys with their side at the runs and the ball need- Lewis did not get off to give their best and time struggling at 90- ing to be bowled over. to a flying start today stick to the plan,” he 7. The next two balls and I can easily say we said. “When you are were despatched for were 20 runs short. destined for greatness, The pair consolidated four each and leaving But Cooper and it will happen. This the innings and nar- two runs needed from Ramdin held their team is destined for rowed the target to 28 eight balls. Cooper nerve. I can’t fault the greatness. We are a off 13 delivering when then got a single guys for the effort. It is family.” Cooper smoked the before Ramdin hit the a tough pill to swal-

By Loshaun Dixon Basseterre, St. Kitts – The St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots and fans were left heartbroken after their nail-biting Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final fell short to the Trinbago Knightriders at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad. Having been asked to bat first, the Patriots got off to the worst possible start, first losing captain Chris Gayle and then Evin Lewis for a run a ball 16, and found themselves struggling 37-3. Kevon Cooper then removed Brandon King and Devon Thomas in successive overs to further pile on Bravo to Sheldon Cottrell in the second final delivery of the winning run to hand low, but such is life.” He also hailed Cooper the misery to the 18th over in the stands, for his heroics. Patriots’ innings as over and were in early the franchise their sec- trouble at 12-2. The leaving the home side ond CPL title. He also explained the “Kevon Cooper, we they were restricted to needing 22 of the last difficulty they had always back him,” he 65-5 off 13 overs. innings was consolidated by Colin Munro two overs. Cooper was named throughout the entire said. “At some point, you’ve got to come A 49-run stand and Hamza Tariq, who Man of the Match for bowling effort. “The put on 45 for the third The penultimate over his heroics with both dew came into play, good. Before, we did between Carlos was bowled by the not need him much. Brathwaite and wicket. bat and ball. and the ball was very experienced Australian wet,” he added. “I had Today, he came to the Jonathon Carter stead- fast bowler Ben Speaking after the party. Trinidad and ied the Patriots innings When Munro was dis- to use a fast bowler missed for 29, the Hilfenhaus, who up game, the Patriots cap- and Cooper went Tobago, this is for s o m e w h a t . until then had strug- tain congratulated the you.” Mohammed Nabi then wicket of Darren berserk. Hopefully, Bravo quickly fol- gled to find a bowling Knight Riders for their this takes us forward. took 21 off the last rhythm leading up to successful CPL cam- Patriots’ Fabian Allen over bowled by lowed. Losing Tariq This is a young team and Dan Christian the final. paign. “First let me say and we see what the won the prize for the Dwayne Bravo, who congratulations to catch of the tourna- was struggling with a shortly after with the future holds.” score on 77-6 with The first delivery of Dwayne Bravo,” he ment with his effort in hamstring injury to the over, Ramdin got a said. “They finished He also hailed Florida, while Evin power the Patriots to a eight over remaining put the Patriots in the single that handed on top and finished Patriots’ coach Phil Lewis captured the respectable 135-7 off Cooper the strike that with the title.” Simmons, but claimed fastest fifty award and their 20 overs. driver seat. With Ramdin at the crease, was then followed by the team has to move won the hero maxi- two wides from Gayle also hailed the mum race for hitting Top scoring for the the Trinbago team on from the loss. always felt it had a Hilfenhaus. Cooper people of St. Kitts and the most 6’s. Patriots was then got two runs after Nevis as well as the Successful captain Brathwaite with 30. chance once he stayed Player of the tourna- to the very end. his miscue was fielded franchise for efforts of Dwayne Bravo indi- in the deep, leaving the team through the cated that all he want- ment went to In response, the Chadwick Walton of Knightriders lost two Following the depar- them need 17 runs entire tournament. “To ed from his team was ture of Javon Searles from 10 balls. the St. Kitts and Nevis to stick to the game the Guyana Amazon early wickets in Sunil Warriors. Narine and Dwayne for just two, Ramdin people and the fran- plan and he always

C M Y K INTERNATIONAL NEWS The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 Page 21

International Merjon Jay Richardson MBA Commodity Trading Advisor, Investment Advisor and Forex News Wrap Notable job experiences throughout my entire career (6+ years of experience in the Finance Industry) The Observer brings our effort to combat the food readers a weekly brief- shortages. Financial Advisor -Conducted in-depth reviews of client’s financial circumstances, cur- ing of world news that rent provisions and future aims. may affect the people of Europe – Current inter- Designed financial strategies best suited to individual client needs. St. Kitts and Nevis. national disaster legisla- tion in the U.K. has Conducted risk analysis of various financial scenarios. North America – proven inefficient at Store Manager (Financial Institution)- Coordinated the day-to-day operations of the Canada and the United combating natural disas- store. States are reeling in an ters, leading the U.K.’s Established and maintained relationships with individual customers. ever worsening Opioid international develop- Prepared operational and risk reports for District Manager analysis. crisis. The number of ment secretary, Priti Evaluated data pertaining to cost to plan budget. hospitalizations from the Patel, to express the epidemic have increased need to rewrite the legis- every year, and in 2017 a lation. The realization DEGREES 53 percent increase in came after Hurricane people being hospital- Irma hit areas owned by Master of Business (MBA) in Finance, Keller Graduate School of Business USA, 2011 ized has been reported in the U.K., and it was Canada, with more than declared that Anguilla, Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) in Economics, Midwestern State 16 people a day being Turks and Caicos and University, USA, 2009 admitted as a result of the British Virgin Islands Opioid poisonings. The are too wealthy to quali- LICENSES issue is worsened by the fy for assistance. The fact that healthcare sys- U.K. has 13 billion tems are reliant on these pounds set aside for aid Series 66-The Uniform Combined State Law Examination, Financial Industry drugs as a pain relief money that they are Regulatory Authority, USA, 2017 tool, and over-prescrip- unable to use under the tion of these medications current international Series 34- Retail off Exchange Forex, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, USA, 2017 are a large cause of the laws. Almost 13,000 addiction. The United Russian troops entered Series 31-Futures Managed Funds, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, USA, 2017 States is continuing Belarus after the two threats to pull out of the countries launched “war Series 7- General Securities Representative, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, USA, 2016 North Atlantic Free games” as a joint mili- Trade Agreement, origi- tary exercise. NATO Series 3- National Commodities Futures, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, USA, 2017 nally established in organizations have 1994. The agreement is raised concern over between the govern- whether or not the CERTIFICATES ments of the United Russian troops will leave States, Canada and Belarus once the military Graduate Certificate in Accounting, Keller Graduate School of Management, USA, 2011 Mexico that eliminated exercises have conclud- tariffs and established ed. Certified Basel III Professional (CBiiiPro); Basel ii Compliance Professional, USA, 2015 open borders for trade among the nations. If the Asia – The Republic of China (Taiwan) has Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP) agreement is disbanded, International Association of Risk and Compliance Professional (IARCP), USA, 2015 it would lead to an launched an internation- increase in prices for al campaign to receive most traded goods that recognition by the Certified Stress Test Expert (CTSE); Basel ii Compliance Professional Association, USA, 2015 come in contact with United Nations. Taiwan, these nations. one of St. Kitts and Foundations of Banking Risk (FBR); Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), USA, 2013 Nevis’ closest allies, has South America – An requested that the nation International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS), USA 2017 alleged mafia boss have a seat at the largest named Rocco Morabito international table in was arrested in Uruguay terms of its inclusion in REGULATORY INSTITUTION MEMBERSHIP after being on the run for funds, programs and 13 years. Morabito is an specialized agencies Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), USA, 2017 alleged member of an worldwide. Taiwan was organized crime syndi- removed from the gener- National Futures Association (NFA), USA, 2017 cate known as the al assembly in 1971 ‘Ndrangheta mafia, when the UN chose to Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), USA, 2016 which is responsible for recognize the People’s smuggling millions of Republic of China as the dollars of cocaine a year governing body for all of ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSHIP from Latin America to China. North Korea con- various parts of the tinues to spar with world Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), USA, 2014 world. Their power had leaders. The UN led Morabito to be Security Council recent- SKILLS known as ‘”he king of ly ratified new sanctions cocaine.” Venezuela’s against the nation in Excel: Pivot Table, Vlookup and Hlookup growing political crisis response to their increas- has turned toward one of ing threat of using hunger as well. Political nuclear weapons. North Citizenship: St. Kitts and Nevis. Current position: Financial Advisor. unrest in the nation has Korea’s ambassador to I can be reached at [email protected] to discuss how my skill set would be of led to record levels of the UN, Han Tae Song, the greatest benefit to your company. child malnutrition and responded to the sanc- food shortages nation- tions by saying that PLEASE NOTE emails MUST be sent from a company email. The email must contain wide. President Nicolas North Korea is ready to name of author, title of author, telephone number of author, name of company, physi- Maduro has purposed respond and will “use a cal address of company, telephone number and website address of company. Venezuelans to breed form of ultimate means.” rabbits as a source of Thank you for reading my Advertisement! animal protein in an Continued on page 22

C M Y K Page 22 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 LOCAL NEWS

From page 21 imposing the blockade bombing attacks in Iraq International News Wrap in Cairo on Sept. 12 in near the city of Africa – Uhuru resolved, while Kenyatta were recently freed after girls who were kid- an attempt at discussion Nasiriyah. This attack is Kenyatta, current presi- said until a new presi- being kidnapped by ter- napped in 2014 still that ended in aggression. significant as it occurs in dent of Kenya, convened dent is named, he has the rorist group Boko remain in captivity. Ahmed al-Kattan, Saudi an area far outside of the parliament in the midst power to convene parlia- Haram. The girls were Arabian envoy, provinces believed to be of a re-election cam- ment. It raises questions returned to government Middle East – Qatar, expressed anger when in ISIS control. ISIS paign that followed of presidential power, control in May, but were one of St. Kitts and Qatar acknowledged an claimed responsibility claims of a fraudulent especially during the reunited with their fami- Nevis’ newest allies, is improvement in the rela- for the bombing, which election last month. lame-duck period lies earlier this week still in the midst of a rift tionship between them- also involved gunmen Opposition members between the election after undergoing exten- with its neighbors. selves and Iran, and told opening fire at a restau- argue that parliament period and a victor being sive therapy following Members of Qatar’s Qatar they “will regret rant about 320 km south- should not meet until the declared. More than 100 three years in custody. diplomatic team met it.” Almost 75 people are east of Baghdad. election has been young Nigerian women More than 100 school- with the four nations dead in apparent suicide NEVLEC Unveils Long-Awaited New Generator From page 12 generator that NEVLEC needs. between the NIA, the federal gov- that the difficulties we encountered ernment and the SIDF as the Hon. over the last three to four months “It is important to note that the “Today is a day of transition [that] Dr. Timothy Harris and Dr. are not repeated on the island of commission of this new set today will take us one step closer to mod- Robertine Chaderton, representa- Nevis. We owe it to our citizens. does not mean we are out of the ernization of generation here on the tive from the SIDF, looked on. Working together, in the partner- woods,” Swanston said. “There are island of Nevis,” Jeffers said. Skelec is exploring the possibility ship we have fostered today, will major maintenance and inspection “Many may say this is a step that is of acquiring a Wartsila generator ensure that we fulfill our require- to be performed on the older sets long overdue, but, of course, addi- for themselves and Jeffers hoped ment to our people.” that have been running continuous- tional steps will have to be taken if that NEVLEC could be apart of ly.” NEVLEC is to regain and maintain those talks to acquire an additional The mandate Jeffers is referring to its position as one of the most effi- generator themselves. is the responsibility of NEVLEC to The minister responsible for public ciently and effectively run compa- provide power to the people, a utilities on Nevis, the Honourable nies within the region.” “Let’s look forward to bigger and mandate that was strained due to Alexis Jeffers, reiterated those better things in the future,” Jeffers aging infrastructure. The message remarks and emphasized the work Those steps involve working close- said. “One more generator would from the government at this cere- to be done. He called upon the peo- ly with the federal government, as set us sound for the next 50 years, mony echoed that mandate, and ple of Nevis to ensure that they pay US$5 million needed for this pro- and we want to be able to fulfill our provided the promise of a powerful their power bills, which will help ject was provided by the SIDF. mandate. We want to make sure future. with the purchase of the next new Jeffers praised the relationship Students at Gingerland Secondary School to be Placed on Rotation From page 7 extended period that is Sept. 11. “What you are going did not have. We are small washroom for up to Sept. 8, so that to have downstairs is a hoping that the confer- the principal and…we our children can attend At the Gingerland reception area and a ence room would have are going to have a “the contractors, as I school in safety from Secondary School, store, filing and copy audio visual facilities. bathroom downstairs.” have said, have been the 11th.” Raoul Pemberton of room with an informa- There is the secretary’s given firm instructions public works said the tion technology room area, a waiting area, Also closed for con- to ensure that the work The students at the new addition would in one,” he said. the principal and vice struction is the for which they had Charlestown amplify the footprint “Upstairs you have a principal’s office, Gingerland Preschool, been contracted is Secondary School of the building and add conference room, there’s also a bath- as it adds a major addi- completed during this returned to school another floor. something the school room upstairs... a tion to the facility. Brother, Sister Ready for Trial; Girlfriend Says No From page 19 the charges laid by police in attempted to clear customs at the court. The magistrate then told the February for possession of cocaine, airport. prosecutor to try and get them to she will be going on vacation and possession of cocaine with intent to court by 2 p.m. on that day so that she might not be able to sit on their supply, and importation of cocaine. On Tuesday, she appeared in the case can proceed. Yet, the mem- case, as a visiting magistrate might Other charges had been subse- Magistrate Court with her attorney ber of customs did not appear and have to hear the matter on a date to quently laid on Peets by the St. O’Grenville Browne. However, the the case has been pushed to a date be announced. Kitts and Nevis Customs Service. police prosecution, lead by acting to be announced. Police Prosecutor Inspector Joel Also appearing in court to have her In February, Peets was arrested by Caines, quickly requested for the Peets was further remanded to Her case heard was Dominican officials after they allegedly found case be pushed to October as his Majesty’s Prison as she has been Republic national Britany Paola .5 kilos of cocaine in her luggage main witness from the customs unable to make $25,000 bail. Peets. Peets was ready to answer to after her arrival in Nevis when she department did not show up in Minister of Education to Address Below-Par CSEC Pass Rate From page 8 Hodge acknowledged equipped to deliver upgrade their skills in passed mathematics as some subject areas that a greater effort is those two subjects and the content area, espe- a subject,” he said. were announced, with them an opportunity to needed to better I think we are doing a cially in the primary “Since then, the min- the federation achiev- write exams, but you equipped teachers to really good job,” he schools. istry has taken steps to ing a below 50 percent give them a fair oppor- deliver in English A said. prevent this right now; pass rate in mathemat- tunity to pass these and mathematics. “Over the years, we [people] must have ics, with 46.96 percent exams.” He added that the min- recognized we had English and maths as pass rate. English “We defiantly have to istry has paid for a [people] employed as qualifications.” Literature had a 48.88, Permanent Secretary put more in getting our mathematics class to primary school teach- and 63.65 percent pass in the Ministry of teachers better help some teachers to ers without having The pass rates for rate in English A. E d u c a t i o n

C M Y K The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 Page 23 Geothermal Project ‘to begin,’ but CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS Powell says it’s all Smoke and Mirrors REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT REAL Visual & Lighting System Ltd VACANCY From page 11 almost five years ago when this seeking one Electrician. One (1) Cook incompetent government took For more details please contact For more information Call: ly has been promised again to come office,” he said. 668-2018/762-2145 664-5623 to Nevis next month, when drilling will start? What are they going to Powell noted that if the NRP takes Captains Hideaway is seeking find when they do the production office after the next NIA election one female with cooking and Tastee Jamaican Bakery is seeking wells? When they flow the produc- due in just a couple of months, the bartender experience. 1 Day Pastry Chef and 1 OverNight tion wells, will they find their geothermal project will have to be Pastry Chef Contact 869-660-6196 resources in such quantities that “reevaluated. We would need a Contact 668-9922 they will now be able to give peo- complete reevaluation of where we ple geothermal in such a short are and of the contract and the VJ’s Snackette - Need One Night Manager needed at order? And now they expect people terms and the condition with Nevis Construction Worker Mount Nevis Hotel for to be fooled that they will be Renewable Energy Ltd.,” he said. more info call 469-9373 drilling wells and shortly thereafter “I am firmly of the opinion based 665-4281 production will start?” on the lack of activity you have enough grounds to get out of few years ago. That is the simple LIQUOR LICENCES Powell pointed out that the island arrangement that they have, but the reality. Should we abandon it? No. ORDINANCE, 1906 of Nevis and the people of Nevis legal department will have to Geothermal must be pursued. But it SCHEDULE A need geothermal but the NIA is no decide on that.” has to be done in a calculated real- closer to bringing it to fruition . istic fashion.” To the Magistrate District ‘C’ He said that the geothermal venture To the Superintendent of Police “It is something that we need, but is a very costly one. Powell indicated other forms of the people of Nevis need to hold renewable energy that Nevis can I, George Hicks the government to account, they “When the NRP forms the next expand and begin in the near Now Residing in Newcastle Village must ask them to be honest and government in Nevis, we would future. “Go after expansion of wind Street in the Village of Newcastle do truthful. They must ask them to definitely want to continue with farm, solar energy, take another hereby give you notice. explain why they have missed their geothermal, but the problem is that look at waste to energy because That it is my intention to apply on deadlines since this deal was we will have to look at funding for those are easier than geothermal at 25th Day of August 2017 next to the announced with Nevis Renewable geothermal; it is an expensive ven- the present moment,” he said. District Magistrate at Charlestown for Energy so many years ago .I want ture,” he said. “I don’t think people “Some people might not like it, but a Liquor Licence in respect of my the government to sit down, take a are out there lining up to invest in that is the honest truth. Geothermal premises Nisbett Settlement Street, in step back and just be honest with geothermal in Nevis or any of the will take some time and the present St. James Parish, Nevis the people of Nevis on the matter of islands around here because the government has found out that it is Dated this 25th day of May 2017 geothermal. They are no closer to price of oil right now doesn’t make not fairly as easy as they thought.” delivering geothermal now than geothermal as attractive as it was a Signed: George Hicks.

C M Y K Page 24 The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer. Friday September 15, 2017 LOCAL NEWS

Printed and Published by The St. Kitts-Nevis Printing and Publishing Association, 1 Observer Plaza, #1 Observer Drive, Hamilton Estate, Nevis, Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Tel: 1(869)469-5907, Fax: 1(869)469-5891

C M Y K