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News
www.caribbeantimesinternational.com |
week ending december 12, 2013
Guyanese Head of State extends Controversial EC$1.9 million condolences to President hotel on the cards for Barbuda Zuma on passing of Mandela
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n extending condolences to the President of South Africa Jacob Zuma, on the passing of former President Nelson Mandela, Guyana’s Head of State Donald Ramotar noted that the loss is not just one for the people of South Africa, but for Africa as a whole, and the world at large. “Nelson Mandela was a giant in defence of human rights and for a free and just society, not only for his beloved South Africans, but for the oppressed the world over. The world is much poorer after his passing for he was one of the most outstanding statesmen of all time,” Ramotar said in his message to Zuma. The Guyanese president added that, “the struggle he led with other distinguished antiapartheid fighters has entered into the annals of world history as one of the most defining periods in our world. However, it was not only the struggle, but the manner in which it was conducted which will always remain an example and an inspiration for others working for social and economic justice everywhere. “He was truly the Father of his Nation, tirelessly devoting his
The Cedar Tree Point falls within the Codrington Lagoon National Park and is considered a sensitive area. Some residents are concerned about the Barbuda Council’s decision not to hold consultations on the EC$1.9 million project. (Antigua Observer photo)
Guyana’s Head of State Donald Ramotar (Guyana Times file photo)
life to serving the people of South Africa with humility and dignity in leadership and an unwavering commitment to preserving that hard won unity and the pride of liberation. “Highly loved and respected the world over, his memory will forever be cherished. For Guyana, this is particularly so, as we recall the strength of character which he continually displayed during those long, dark years of incarceration, a grave injustice. As we mourn now with South Africa, we re-
joiced then, when he won his freedom and took his rightful place as leader of his country.” Ramotar, who joined over 100 world leaders in Johannesburg Tuesday for Mandela’s memorial service, noted that “Mr Mandela’s name and work will endure throughout the ages. I would ask that you convey our sympathy to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time. Please accept Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Jamaican-American Congresswoman urges U.S. to end deportations
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amaican-American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, has called on President Barack Obama to stop the deportation of Caribbean and other immigrants who lack legal status in the United States. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the largely Caribbean 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, said her appeal would help to “prevent the continued dislocation of families and children". “There are thousands and thousands of family in the community I represent who are threatened with deportation,” said Clarke, who is the Ranking Member of the U.S. House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. “These are real families–mothers and fathers, sons and daughters–who are living with
U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (Jamaica Gleaner file photo)
the risk of separation, in some instances, permanent separation,” she said. “Until we have comprehensive reform of a failed system of immigration, we cannot in good faith allow the often irrevocable harm of deportation to continue,” she continued. “With each day, we deport more than one thousand people who could potentially become citizens,” Clarke argued. Clarke noted that, in July, the U.S. Senate passed an immigration
reform bill that would allow most of the victims of “our failed system of immigration to obtain status as legal permanent residents and, eventually, to become citizens.” She said Republican leaders in the House of Representatives have “refused, however, to allow a vote on the bill. “The people we represent have a right to expect that Congress will enact comprehensive immigration reform based on our values, particularly the belief that families should be protected from dislocation,” Clarke said. “In the meantime, we should prevent the unnecessary separation of family members,” she added. According to estimates by the Washington-based Pew Research Center's Hispanic Trends Project, about 11.7 million undocumented immigrants were in the U.S. last year, up from 11.5 million in 2011. (Caribbean News)
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arbuda Council Chairman Arthur Nibbs, has said he is determined to push through a proposed EC$1.9 million hotel development at Cedar Tree Point and has dismissed concerns surrounding the project. Environmentalist John Mussington first alleged that Nibbs was failing to follow requirements under the Barbuda Land Act to hold consultations for “major developments.” But Nibbs pointed out that a major development is defined in the Barbuda Land Act as one costing more than EC$5.4 million or one which the council or cabinet deems likely to have a considerable economic, environmental or social impact. “The Cedar Tree development proposal does not cost EC$5 mil-
lion, so there is no reason and no need to go to the people,” said the head of the Antigua Labour Party (ALP)-led council. But Former council chairman Fabian Jones, who is a member of the recently defeated Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), argued that whatever the size of the project, consultations are needed. “The people need to know what is going to happen…people need to be consulted, if not to get their consent, but to let them know what’s happening,” said Jones. Nibbs has revealed the hotel will include 15 bungalows, a clubhouse, restaurant, and beach bar on 21 acres of land to be leased by an unidentified St Maarten couple through the recently established Barbuda Bell Limited.
Nibbs also responded to concerns that Cedar Tree falls within the Codrington Lagoon National Park, saying there was a sizeable distance between the bird sanctuary and the development site and there was nothing to stoop hotel developments in a national park. Last Thursday, the Barbuda Council, Environment Division, and the Development Control Authority (DCA) visited the 21acre site geared towards seeking what Nibbs termed “planning permission.” The council chairman revealed a target to have the hotel open and running by the start of the next tourism season, but said the central government was delaying the granting of a lease to the developers. (Antigua Observer)
Bahamas acting PM robbed at home
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cting Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis was robbed at gunpoint in his home in The Bahamas early Monday morning, Caribbean media has reported. Police said three masked men entered his home around 7 am after they assaulted and robbed Davis's chauffeur. Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade, who was on the scene, said neither Davis nor his wife, Anne Marie, was injured during the hold up. The masked men entered the property through the gate and forced the chauffeur to take them into Davis's house, Greenslade said. The commissioner said police believe it was a crime of opportunity. The assailants made their getaway in a silver Honda. Greenslade said police believe the
Acting Prime Minister of The Bahamas Philip ‘Brave’ Davis (File photo)
crime is connected to a car theft that took place around 1 am on Monday in the western district. Plans were immediately put in place to strengthen the security surrounding Davis's home. National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage and Minister of State for National Security Keith Bell
were on the scene, but neither of them gave a statement. Davis was at the time, acting as prime minister, as Prime Minister Perry Christie left the country to attend a memorial for former South African President Nelson Mandela, who died last Thursday. (Caribbean News Now)