Friday, June 14, 2013
Page g 1 Today’s Scripture
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The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden. - Isaiah 58:11 (NRSV)
Public Servants Vol. XXVIII No. 19
Week Ending Friday, June 14, 2013
Price $2.00
to pay for
“carelessness”
by Bennette Roach
Continued questions on abuse of the Procurement Regulations have resulted in His Excellency Governor Adrian Davis cautioning that civil servants who leave the government exposed to action in the court could be surcharged. He beseeched public servants to adhere to procurement rules while addressing the issue at his overdue monthly press conference on Wednesday, June 12, 2013. In their February 2103 Aide Memoire, that delayed the approval of the UK De-
Put an end to abuse of procurement rules - a problem
Governor Davis at Wednesday’s press conference
The four-project development underway at the marine village in Little Bay partment For International Development’s (DFID) budgetary aid support, and which impacted the budget presentation in March, DFID had accused, “There appears to be problems with, (i) the adequacy of the procurement regulations; (ii) the lack of procurement and contract management guidelines; and, (iii) limited technical expertise in GoM resulting in misinterpretation of the existing regulations.
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Headlines...
They noted problems then, A number of procurement and contract management issues arose in year which significantly affected the delivery of both capital projects and government services. They cited, “delays to Lookout School and the A1 road upgrade,” which was eventually suspended. By that time also there were investigations ongoing regarding the Public Works Department (PWD) workshop, which also was recently closed.
cont’d. on page 12
Interact Club gives back...pg 2
RMPS’ new recruits - pg 5
Agriculture is about dollars and cents...pg 3
Woman killed by propeller...pg 9
Elements of Good Governane...pg 4
LIAT gets new aircraft...pg 10
PURCHASE YOUR DREAM VEHICLE Bank of Montserrat Your Bank. Your Future.
www.bankofmontserrat.ms (664) 491-3843
WITH LOW INTEREST RATES Enquire about interest rates from our Loans Department.
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Friday, June 14, 2013
Interact Club (MSS) donates to Day Care centre
Police Traffic Notice The following is a PUBLIC NOTIFICATION of prohibited vehicle parking and stopping locations as required according to Section 75 of the Road Traffic Act. Note: Two parallel yellow lines – No Stopping at any time (whether or not vehicle is occupied) Note: One yellow line – No Parking at any time (vehicle cannot be left unoccupied) NOTICE OF INTENDED PROSECUTION: Any drivers found Parking or Stopping in these designated areas will receive a Notice of Prosecution. Any unattended vehicles found left in these No Stopping, No Parking designated areas could be removed at the owners expense, plus the owner will receive a Notice of Prosecution.
Rotaract Club provided the following information that` the Interact Club of the Montserrat Secondary School made a donation to the St. John’s Day Care Centre on Friday, June 6, 2013. This donation coincided with the Centre’s Family Week of activities, taking place during the celebrations
of Early Childhood Month. The donation comprised of learning aids, crayons, eating ware and building blocks. This is the Club’s second service project for the 2012-13 Rotary year. In March, the students cleaned and painted the MSS Library.
Interact is part of the Rotary family and is for young persons between the ages of 13 and 18. Interact Clubs are required to carry out at least one service project during a school year. The club was finally installed last year after several attempts by the Rotary Club.
Inspector Semper leaves for RBPS on attachment (RBPS) throughout the course of this year. RMPS Deputy commissioner Bradley Siddell announced this week that the primary purpose of the assignment is to give the Inspectors live operations experience for serious crime investigation. He said the arrangements are in place for Inspector Semper to work in the serious crimes section plus other units in the BPS. Miss Semper is the first to leave for Bermuda and is scheduled to do so this weekend. During her time in Bermuda inspector Semper will be placed in the Inspector Derona Semper is the first field, she will be on call to work alongside of The Royal Montserrat Police Service other officers on various crimes,v work(RMPS) Inspectors who will serve on an at- ing also as part of the investigative team. tachment at the Royal Bermuda Police Service (cont’d on page 6)
» » » » » » » » » » » » »
No STOPPING, WAITING, or PARKING Zones: Vicinity of Carrs Bay Road / Little Bay Junction; Davy Hill Vicinity Government Complex Access Road; Brades St. John’s Road / Sweeny’s Junction at LIME; St. John’s Vicinity of Challenger Road / Hospital Junction; St. John’s Collins Ghaunt & Bamba Hill Roads/ Judy Piece Junction; St. John’s Brade’s & Baker Hill Roads / Cudjoe Head Junction; Cudjoe Head Vicinity of Fenton’s Bar; St. John’s Vicinity of Peters Bakery; St. John’s Junction of Western Union to the Bamboo Restaurant; Sweeney’s Vicinity of Agriculture Department workshop; Brades Vicinity of Beauty Salon and V’s Bar; Cudjoe Head Vicinity of Desert Storm to Mezer’s Bar; Salem Vicinity of Glebe Junction; Salem
No STOPPING, WAITING, or PARKING at Pedestrian Crossings
No PARKING Zones » Vicinity of Tropical Mansion Suites; Sweney’s » Vicinity of Nadine Grocery Shop; Sweeney’s » Deepak Grocery shop Junction and Arrows Manshop; Sweeney’s » Vicinity of Fred Warner’s Shop; Carr’s Bay » Vicinity of Chit Chat restaurant to Sups Bar; Brades » Vicinity of Tina’s Restaurant; Brades » Vicinity of Cudjoe Head Centre; Cudjoe Head » Vicinity of Lidia’s Bar; Cudjoe Head » Vicinity of Hon David Osborne’s business; Cudjoe Head » Vicinity of Silver Linings Bar; St. Peter’s » Vicinity of Mc Phoys residence; Salem **NOTE: Check back on this page often for updates…
Section 75 Road Traffic Act
Vacancy Notice - Printing Clerk A vacancy exists at Montserrat Printing & Publishing, Inc. Interested parties are asked to write, call or email: The Manager Montserrat Printing & Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 306 Davy Hill, Montserrat Tel: 664-491-2233 Email: monp_p@candw.ms
The Traffic Commissioner may by notice published in the Gazette or in a newspaper published in Montserrat make orders as to the line to be kept by persons driving or riding any vehicle or animal on any road and as to the manner in which vehicles of any description shall be drawn up while waiting on any road and as to the route to be observed by all vehicles, horses, and persons, and for preventing obstructions on any road, in any case where such a road is liable to be thronged or obstructed; and also may give directions to police officers for the purpose of regulating traffic in the neighbourhood of Courts of Law, public offices, hospitals, churches, theatres, and other places of public resort; and any person who, after being made acquainted with any orders made or directions given under this section, shall contravene or fail to comply with such orders or directions shall be guilty of an offence.
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Agriculture ‘is about dollars and cents’ Farmers can no longer be in agriculture simply for the love of it. ‘If you are to be successful, it must be about dollars and cents; you must see it as a business’, so says Mr. Carlos Dillon, President of the sixty-five member strong Trinidad and Tobago Tropical Growers Association and a member of the Tobago District of the Agriculture Society of Trinidad and Tobago. ‘This Workshop identifies the challenges in forming a group and gives you the opportunity to strengthen your
organisation’. He was speaking at the recently concluded two-day EUfunded Group Dynamics Symposium, facilitated by the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), held on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th June, 2013 at the Student Administration Building, UWI St Augustine Campus. The Symposium, titled ‘Improving the viability and competitiveness of agricultural industry through stronger farmers groups’ saw the active participa-
tion of some twenty-five agricultural stakeholders. Mr. Mahadeo Rambharose, President of the seven year old Mayaro Greenhouse Growers Association, a fifteen member strong group, said of the Symposium, ‘It is really important in helping us as a group to clear the path in terms of helping us to understand the business of agriculture’. Mr. Rambharose is a career farmer of more than forty-five years and decided to take the plunge into protected agriculture and now
ECCB Establishes ECCU Working Group on US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has spearheaded the establishment of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union Working Group on the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) to ensure that financial institutions which operate within the ECCU are prepared to the comply with the requirements of FATCA. FAT C A , w h i c h t h e US Government enacted in March 2010, seeks to
combat tax evasion by US citizens and resident noncitizens with US-sourced income in Foreign Financial Institutions (FFIs) outside of the US. FATCA requires the FFIs to report information to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on assets held by US taxpayers, or by foreign entities in which US taxpayers hold substantial ownership interest. The ECCU Working Group on FATCA comprises representatives from the At-
torneys General Chambers, Inland Revenue Departments, Single Regulatory Units/Financial Services Authorities, and Ministries of Finance of the ECCU member countries, and representatives from the financial services industry and the ECCB. The Working Group is charged with making recommendations to the respective member governments on the appropriate approach for ECCU FATCA compliance, including the development
ST PATRICKS CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT UNION LTD VACANCY NOTICE FINANCE & ACCOUNTING OFFICER Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of Finance & Accounting Officer. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The applicants should possess the following qualifications: • • • • • • •
Have a minimum of a Bachelors of Science Degree (BSc) in Accounting and/ or Finance. Professional Qualifications in Accounting such as a CPA/ CGA/ ACCA will be an asset Previous experience working in a financial or accounting environment will be an asset. Be computer literate with basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Customer oriented with a pleasant disposition. Have excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills. Be a strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
Applications, accompanied by curriculum vitae, should be address to the: The General Manager St Patricks Co-operative Credit Union Ltd P.O. Box 337 Brades, Montserrat West Indies Fax: 1-664-491-6566 E-mail: info@spccu.ms Deadline for submission of application is June 28, 2013
his Association enjoys a long-term contract to supply sweet peppers to a local processor. Building cohesion within farming groups represents a critical step for developing viable and competitive industries within the agricultural sector. Specifically, stronger groups assist farmers to collectively position themselves to capitalize on opportunities as it relates to effective production and marketing and hence increases the potential for livelihood improvement. Moreover, stronger groups allow for greater advocacy for policy development and strategic alignment of the value chains. Dr. Janet Lawrence,
Head of the CARDI Trinidad Unit says that this programme was welcomed by all participants, and is demonstrable evidence of CARDI’s commitment to ‘building the capacity of farmers groups, to ensure sustainability and profitability’. The objectives of the Symposium were to introduce participants to the principles and practices of “good” group management and performance; provide participants with practical tools and techniques to develop group cohesion and alleviate common problems/issues which may arise in the group development process; and highlight the role and function
of groups in the development of agri-business clusters. With key outcomes for the participants to have a clearer understanding of the fundamentals of group dynamics; understand the basics for mediation of conflict and key techniques for sustaining groups; and understand the role of groups in the development of sustainable industries. Presenters included Mr Robert Reid, Specialist in Agribusiness and Commercialization, IICA; Dr Ronald Dyer, CARDI CFC Group dynamics Specialist/Consultant, Trinidad; and Ms Kaye Trotman, CARDI CFC Group dynamics Specialist/Consultant, Tobago.
Workshops to Strengthen the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the E C Hailed a Success
The Business Plan which would facilitate the sustainable growth and development of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (ICAEC) has been finalised and over 70 executive members from all the branches of the ICAEC are now fully trained in the understanding and application of the International Standard on Quality Assurance 1 (ISQC1). This follows the completion of the Joint ICAEC/ World Bank workshops for accounting and audit professionals in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union
of a harmonised legislative and regulatory compliance framework, and monitoring the compliance status of the respective territories and financial institutions.
(ECCU) which was held at the ECCB Headquarters, St Kitts and Nevis from 27 – 31 May. The workshops were part of a World Bank sponsored project to strengthen accounting and accountability in the region. Emanating from the workshops it was agreed that the final changes to the Business Plan, based on feedback received at the workshop, will be made and the plan disseminated to members of the institute by the end of July 2013. With respect to the Operations and Quality Assurance Manual, the participants concluded that the manual would raise the standard of the profession in the Eastern Caribbean and would serve as a working document to guide practition-
ers as they prepare and audit financial statements. The ISQC1 workshop addressed the standard for accounting and audit practitioners in the performance of audits and reviews of financial statements, and other assurance and related services engagements. The areas covered included: the System of Quality Control, Relevant Ethical and Human Resources Requirements and Standards for Engagement Performance. The participants expressed a great sense of satisfaction with the quality of the workshops and the value that was added to their professional capacity in their thrust to enhance corporate governance and in the conduct of business in the ECCU.
LEGAL NOTICE IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION In the Estate of CHARLES EDWARD BLAKE, deceased NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen (14) days from the date of this notice, an application will be made in the Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Probate in the Estate of CHARLES EDWARD BLAKE late of Flat A 40 Parkside, Crescent, Islington, London N4, who died on the 9 April 2008, be granted to KATHLEEN MARGARET BLAKE and SHARON ELIZABETH ROSE BLAKE the sole Executrices named in the Will of the deceased. ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the estate are requested forthwith to send written particulars thereof to me the undersigned within 14 days from the date of this Notice. FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of a grant to the Applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice not later than (14) days from the date of this Notice. Dated this 12th day of June, 2013. BRANDT & ASSOCIATES Attorneys-at-Law
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Friday, June 14, 2013
Letters/Opinion
EDITORIAL
Elements of Good Governance How much do we all understand about good governance? There are eight pointers on what should constitute good governance. Anyone can determine how the UK and Montserrat stack up. See how it matches the understandings you and your friends have. Good governance has eight (8) major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law. Good governance is responsive to the present and future needs of the organization, exercises prudence in policy-setting and decision-making, and that the best interests of all stakeholders are taken into account. 1. Rule of Law Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced by an impartial regulatory body, for the full protection of stakeholders. 2. Transparency Transparency means that information should be provided in easily understandable forms and media; that it should be freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by governance policies and practices, as well as the outcomes resulting therefrom; and that any decisions taken and their enforcement are in compliance with established rules and regulations. 3. Responsiveness Good governance requires that organizations and their processes are designed to serve the best interests of stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe. 4. Consensus Oriented Good governance requires consultation to understand the different interests of stakeholders in order to reach a broad consensus of what is in the best interest of the entire stakeholder group and how this can be achieved in a sustainable and prudent manner. 5. Equity and Inclusiveness The organization that provides the opportunity for its stakeholders to maintain, enhance, or generally improve their well-being provides the most compelling message regarding its reason for existence and value to society. 6. Effectiveness and Efficiency Good governance means that the processes implemented by the organization to produce favorable results meet the needs of its stakeholders, while making the best use of resources – human, technological, financial, natural and environmental – at its disposal. 7. Accountability Accountability is a key tenet of good governance. Who is accountable for what should be documented in policy statements. In general, an organization is accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions as well as the applicable rules of law. 8. Participation Participation by both men and women, either directly or through legitimate representatives, is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation needs to be informed and organized, including freedom of expression and assiduous concern for the best interests of the organization and society in general. Towards Improved Governance: Good governance is an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality. Governance typically involves well-intentioned people who bring their ideas, experiences, preferences and other human strengths and shortcomings to the policy-making table. Good governance is achieved through an on-going discourse that attempts to capture all of the considerations involved in assuring that stakeholder interests are addressed and reflected in policy initiatives.
The Montserrat Reporter Published by: Montserrat Printing & Publishing, Inc. - Editor: Bennette Roach Office: Davy Hill, Mailing Address: P.O. Box 306, Davy Hill, Montserrat, W.I. Typeset and Printed by Montserrat Printing & Publishing, Inc. - monp_p@candw.ms. Tel. (664) 491-4715 Fax: (664) 491-2430 E-mail: editor@themontserratreporter.com or monrep@candw.ms - Web Site: http://www.themontserratreporter.com
Letter: Get Involved
The following letter as captioned above appeared last week in CaribbeanNewsNow and is apparently written from Grenada. The contents when read refl ect very much the conversations that take place among individuals whether in a small group, in the clubs, the bars, just on the corner, at meetings, everywhere. The complaint, admitted by those making them, is: “everyone is afraid to speak out.”Read on: Dear Sir: Political decisions impact upon the choices that almost all citizens must make in their daily lives; many minor, seemingly trivial, but the cumulative effect may be enormous. The writer makes the generalization that people like stable lives and would therefore prefer not to be labeled, “troublemakers”. The political establishment is keenly aware of this and “milks” it for all it’s worth. Hardliners in particular, unable to justify their positions, go for the jugular with the “guilt trip.” People who express opinions contrary to party dictum are the troublemakers, “social outcasts.” To question and oppose leaders, who pontificate, is a crime of high treason – where is your patriotism? The appeal to patriotism, the panacea, softens your stance; love for country cannot be compromised, and the “guilt trip” scores yet another victory. Intuitively, you know you have caved in. Justifying your retreat you rationalize: I am not getting involved in politics, it’s not my business, and one person cannot
change the system; my family is not affected, let others fight their own battle. The sophistry is amazing. Legal and constitutional violations are often overlooked when injustice is rained upon “social outcasts.” They are seen as menaces -- obstacles to progress -- that have no real purpose in life; they should have no rights. They make life uncomfortable; they ask too many questions. The “insignificant” little violations over time desensitize the citizenry to breaches in the rule of law -- many go unnoticed. If the undeniable truth be told, when the rights of outcasts are infringed, the rights of all Grenadians are violated – trampled upon! An unfortunate consequence of a lopsided political mandate is the tendency to restrict the rights of citizens: subvert constitutional restraints placed on those whom the people entrust the seat of power; usurp the authority of the judiciary and coerce the legislature into making laws that contravene the constitution. Pains must therefore be taken to assure that this does not lead to purging independent thought -- the standardization of ideas (all marching to the same ideological band) by legislators, courts, or dominant political or community groups. Enshrined in the sacred institution of democracy is the fundamental tenet -protecting the rights of the minority against the tyranny of the majority – the lone voice in the multitude shall be given due reverence. Checks and balances in
place work, but only when citizens, the purveyors of power, remain proactive, signaling disapproval of a leader’s despicable conduct and showing positive intent, if necessary, to remove her/ him from office. Corruption, inflation, oppressive taxation, inept leadership capable of sound intellectual policy in domestic and foreign affairs, and injustice are the “conspirators” that lead to the fall of Governments. This writer thinks that Grenadians are faced with a conundrum. Firstly, they feel threatened by the upper echelons of political power and seem afraid to speak out – freedom of speech has a preferred position among constitutional safeguards; secondly, the daunting label, troublemaker, is too burdensome to carry. So they sit subdued and patient while those in the seat of government bask in political iniquity. Comfortable in their protective cocoons and contemptuous of the hapless “social outcasts,” Grenadians who have gained the respect of the wider community and have been endowed with the ability to significantly change the course of repugnant political conduct are, all too frequently, reluctant to get involved. The negativism is inexplicable; many successful and influential members of Grenadian society rose from the ranks of those whose rights lie in limbo awaiting the heavenly train. Time to call in St Peter?
cont’d. on page 5
Our Scripture Verse Today The Gardner
The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden. - Isaiah 58:11 (NRSV) Gardening is my husbandÊs favorite hobby. He especially loves bringing home sick or dying plants that his co-workers have thrown away. He nur tures them by giving one extra water, another fertilizer. He trims off diseased leaves. Over time, he carefully restores these withered brown plants to life. Sometimes they even surprise us
with blooms. I used to grumble about the ugly plants cluttering our windowsill. Then one day as I watched my husband working with these sick and dying plants, I saw instead ChristÊs hands gently caring for me. I was broken and sick when Christ took me in. Many of us are. But he provides each of us what we need to grow. He doesnÊt care if we are sickly. He restores us to life, abundant life. Christ sees the promise in us when no one else does, and through his tender care, we can bloom. Heidi Gaul (Oregon, USA)
Friday, June 14, 2013
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It’s the fifth time, RMPS conducts the basic police course for recruits The Royal Montserrat Police Service (RMPS) ceremoniously introduced five recruits, two women and three men, on Monday June 10, 2013, to begin a 21-week programme in Basic Police Training. They are Shamoya Grant, Delbert Williams, Sophia Bruno, Leon Campbell and Junior Turton. The event which marks the beginning of the fifth (5th) basic police training course took place at the Brades Police Headquarters conference room, where Bishop Dr. Melroy Meade opened with an impressively fitting prayer, as he prayed,” Sgt. Rasool chaired the proceedings and next called on Deputy Commissioner Bradley Siddell, the Director of Training, who in delivering the rudiments of the course, explained that it is delivered by way of lectures supported by teaching aids, group work, practical exercises involving scenarios and discussion for feedback as well as tutorial sessions. He added that the recruits would be exposed to the concept of community policing which is intertwined throughout. He pointed out the course covers a wide range of police related subjects with special emphasis on skills-based practical exercises and problem solving and conflict resolution. This covers five (5) core modules: Orientation, Beat Duties, Crimes against property, Crimes against people, and Multi-Discipline. Over 70 topics will be covered within the five modules throughout the training. Siddell told the recruits Be passionate, Be steadfast, Be motivated, Be patient, reminding them, “you are a police officer 24 hours a day 7 days a week; and, never stop learning because you won’t’ be able to know everything there is to
Photo caption: Commissioner of Police Steve Foster (left) and Deputy Commissioner Bradley Siddell (right) flank the five new recruits know about policing overnight.” Police Commissioner Steve Foster while reiterating Sidell’s encouragement and instructions to the recruits adding a few of his own, officially declared the training open encouraging the officers to be team players and to set high moral standards. Meanwhile Chief Instructor Recruitment Training, Inspector Derona Semper who will be away for six weeks at the start of the course, told TMR, “The programme is very intensive and requires a high level of commitment, dedica-
tion and discipline. Drills complement the curriculum as a form of discipline.” “More so,” she said, “the role of a police officer is both physically and mentally challenging, requiring a level of physical competence that ensures duties are carried out effectively and safely, without undue stress or risk of injury.” Miss Semper gave the vote of thanks to close the opening of the course. (Cont on page 7)
Edward Snowden: is a ‘traitor’ and possible spy for China - Dick Cheney
The 29-year-old source behind the biggest intelligence leak in the NSA's history explains his motives, his uncertain future and why he never intended on hiding in the shadows • Q&A with NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden: 'I do not expect to see home again' • Glenn Greenwald, Ewen MacAskill and Laura Poitras in Hong Kong • The Guardian, Monday, 10 June 2013 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/09/edwardsnowden-nsa-whistleblower-surveillance. rt: Edward Snowden
Get involved cont’d. from page 4 Grenadians are proud to be an independent nation and would stalwartly defend their country with the last drop of blood – that’s the writer’s impression. However, why they surrender that independence in matters political is mystifying. It seems a contradiction to be so fiercely independent on the one hand and totally surrender to the dictates of political demagogues on the other.
Former vice-president tells Fox he is ‘suspicious because he went to China’ as senior figures discuss surveillance leaksSenior officials from the current and previous US administrations lined up on Sunday to defend the governAre we content to turn ment sweep of phone and internet records and condemn the away pretending that we are whistleblower who revealed the secret surveillance powerless to make changes? programmes. The tide has changed chamThe White House chief of staff, Denis McDonough, pioned by our often maligned said President Barack Obama was of the mind that the no “YOUTH” who had the guts violations of privacy had taken place in regards to the data to be selfless activists, drivcollections, the existence of which have been the subject ing political debate on deciof a series of Guardian reports. sions that impact the lives of Dick Cheney, vice-president under George W Bush all Grenadians. and a key figure in the post-September 11 revamping of US They ran to and not from the ballot box -- they national security, also defended the system. He told Fox get involved, let’s learn from News Sunday that it was needed to “gather intelligence on them! your enemies and stop the attack before it is launched”. He Kit Stonewalling went on to condemn the man behind the series of explosive
leaks regarding. Having described Edward Snowden as a “traitor”, Cheney went on to cast aspersions over the 29-year-old’s decision to travel to Hong Kong, suggesting that he could be a spy for China. “I’m suspicious because he went to China. That’s not a place where you would ordinarily want to go if you are interested in freedom, liberty and so forth,” Cheney said, adding: “It raises questions whether or not he had that kind of connection before he did this.” Cheney suggested that Snowden could still be in possession of confidential data and that the Chinese would “probably be willing to provide immunity for him or sanctuary for him in exchange for what he presumably knows or doesn’t know”. McDonough refused to speculate over Snowden’s motives, but disputed claims that the former contract
worker for the National Security Agency made to the Guardian concerning being
able wiretap anyone, including the president. “That’s incorrect,” the White House’s most senior staffer told CBS’s Face the Nation. He added that Obama did not believe that the surveillance system amounted to a government overreach. “We have to find the right balance of protecting our privacy – which is sacrosanct in the president’s views – and protecting the country from the very real risk and threats that it faces.” McDonough’s comments come a day after US intelligence chiefs wrote to Congress defending the legality and usefullness of the surveillance programmes that were first revealed by the Guardian and the Washington Post. The briefing document claimed that the
cont’d. on page 9
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Friday, June 14, 2013
OECS discuss challenges in setting up Labour Market Information Systems (LMIS) Procuremet Rules Excerpts
Here are some useful excerpts come from the Public Finance (Management and Accountability) (Procurement) Regulations 2011. Interpretation 2.
“procurement” means the acquisition of goods by any means including purchase, rental, lease or hire-purchase, and the acquisition of
- Permanent Secretary in the Ministry responsible for Labour, Mr. Elvis Newton and Labour Commissioner, Mr. Spencer Amory were among officials who participated in an OECS meeting of Permanent Secretaries and Labour Commissioners in St. Lucia. Mrs. Denise Phillips, Labour Commissioner represented Montserrat at the meeting. The OECS Secretariat convened the meeting to discuss and resolve the various challenges confronting the OECS- Departments of Labour in setting up Labour Market Information Systems (LMIS) in their respective countries. The International Labour Department provided technical assistance for the meeting following the completion of the pilot phase of
OECS participants: Right in first row: Montserrat Labour Commissioner, Denise Phillips the computerisation of the timely and internationally OECS-DoLs in St. Vincent comparable labour Market and the Grenadines. information for use at the St. Kitts and Nevis is national level. among other countries where The system will also the system was subsequently foster closer collaboration installed. Work is ongoing among employers, trade in St. Kitts and Nevis to in- unions, education and traintegrate the software into the ing institutions and policy normal work plan with a view makers in the production, use to setting up of stakeholders and dissemination of labour who will own and operate market information. the national labour market The Government of St. information system. Kitts and Nevis is committed Installation of the system to the full implementation at the Labour Department and use of this system which was achieved through col- will contribute to more effeclaboration with the Ministry tive labour, employment and of Information Technology labour market policies in the and the International Labour Federation. Organisation which provided This is a necessity if the initial training for personnel Federation is to better rewho will utilise the system. spond to the new challenges When fully operational, affecting the country’s efthe Labour Market Informa- forts to pursue economic tion System will enhance programmes which require the Department’s capacity competent, reliable and adto generate more reliable, equate numbers of human resources. The same is true for Montserrat and other territories in the region.
Semper on attachment in Bermuda cont’d from page 2 Deputy Com Siddell says further, that the attachment will be a refresher, which will allow the participants to apply their skills while gaining additional knowledge that they will bring back to the RMPS and use should the need arise. He expects their confidence
levels will be boosted that would result in them being able to react confidently if there is a serious crime. Inspector Semper is the Chief Instructor Recruitment Training. She leaves a week after the beginning o the fifth (5th) basic police training course, in which five recruits, two women and three men will participate.
Inspector Derona Semper
“procuring entity” means any ministry, department, agency or other unit, or any subdivision of the Government or a public organisation that engages in procurement;
In these Regulations — “Minister” means the Minister with responsibility for finance; and “Ministry” shall be construed accordingly;
written by Caricom News Network
construction, consulting and other services;
Application 3
(1) These Regulations apply to all procurement by a procuring entity unless – (a)
the procurement is
cont’d on back page
Friday, June 14, 2013
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Theft charges against former Cayman Premier dropped Five theft charges filed against former Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush earlier this year were dropped on Wednesday, 5 June, according to his attorney. However, other charges against Mr. Bush alleging “misconduct in a public office contrary to common law” have been brought, Michael Alberga confirmed Tuesday. To read the indictment, please go here : (http://www.caricomnews.net/index.php/ caricom/caricom-news/ regional-news/2742-theftcharges-against-former-cayman-premier-dropped) Mr. Alberga said the theft charges, which had formed a part of the case against Mr. Bush, were discontinued. However, Mr. Bush is still facing six mis-
conduct charges in Grand Court as well as five charges of breach of trust under the Anti-Corruption Law. The case is set for mention again in Grand Court on 28 June. Contacted by phone Tuesday, Mr. Bush declined to comment on the matter and directed calls about the case to Mr. Alberga. Mr. Alberga said the five theft charges against Mr. Bush had been dropped because they were “completely unsustainable”. The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service did not respond to requests for comment by press time Tuesday. Late Tuesday, the police service published a statement, attributed to an unnamed spokesperson: “The case against Mr. Bush is
Edward Snowden forward a bill that would
cont’d. from page 5
now in the courts system and the issues therein may be considered subjudice. It should also be noted that any decision made in relation to charges and the framing of indictments is a matter for the Director of Public Prosecutions’s office. “The RCIPS understands that no charges have been
monitoring of metadata had helped prevent potential terror attacks in the US and in more than 20 countries around the world. Some have complained that this claim is unproven. Meanwhile, sceptics in Congress have complained that the surveillance programme does not come with sufficient checks to protect innocent individuals. Senator Mark Udall, a leading critic of the secret programme, said that collection of data does not have to be “all or nothing”. He intends to put
dropped, but that consideration has been given to consolidating some of the charges. You will be aware that any confirmation of such action, or any comment relating to it, must be made by the DPP’s office and matter.” not the RCIPS. It would be The Caymanian Cominappropriate for the RCIPS pass has obtained a copy of to comment further on this the indictment filed against
limit the scope of what is allowed under the Patriot Act. Udall told NBC’s Meet the Press: “We owe it to the American people to have a debate in the open about the extent of this programme – you have a law that has been interpreted secretly by a secret court that then issues secret orders to generate a secret programme.” Udall added that the way the system operated at present wasn’t “an American approach” to the problem of balancing privacy with threat reduction. Mr. Bush on 5 June and there are no theft charges
w
cont’d. on back page
RMPS opening ceremony of the
fifth basic police course for recruits MONTSERRAT THE REGISTERED LAND ACT (CAP. 8.01) REGISTRATION SECTION
BLOCK
PARCEL
ST. JOHN’S
14/21
015
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if you object to the granting of the application you must within six (6) weeks of the First Publication of this notice in the newspaper lodge an objection setting out the grounds of your objection. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if you fail to make any objection to the said application, the Registrar of Lands may proceed to grant the application for Prescriptive Title without further notice. The said Application may be inspected by any interested party at the Land Registry from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:00am – 4.00 pm. SCHEDULE ALL THAT piece or parcel of land registered as Block 14/21 Parcel 015 in the Barzey’s Registration Section in Montserrat and butted and bounded as follows: On the North by Block 14/21 Parcel 016 registered to Edgar Mortimer Allen; On the South by Block 14/21 Parcel 014 registered to Mary Ann Florabelle Allen; On the North West by Block 14/20 Parcel 002 registered to Ellen Galloway; and On the North East and South East by the access road. Dated the 6th day of June 2013. ………………………………… Jamiel M. Greenaway Registrar of Lands
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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PRESCRIPTIVE TITLE TAKE NOTICE that an Application was filed on the 17th day of December 2012 by Jean E. H. Kelsick, Attorney-at-Law of Kelsick & Kelsick, Brades, Montserrat, on behalf of Mary Ann Florabelle Allen, the Applicant herein for a Prescriptive Title for the above-mentioned parcel of land more particularly described in the Schedule hereto and presently registered in the name of Edgar Mortimer Allen of Dyer Piece, Montserrat, by virtue of section 135 of the Registered Land Act, (Cap. 8.01).
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Above: Bishop Melroy Meade opens with prayer - rt. Sgt. Benjamin Rasool Below: Recruits in front - witnessing audience and other officials Bottom: head table of Com of Police Foster, Dep Com Siddell,’Bishop Meade and Supt. C. Thompson
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Kids time - In your own korner Hello everyone – It is kid’s time with Auntie Lyka “In Your Own Korner”. Some of you are still writting exams. I wish you all the best during this time. I hope you use your time wisely. Monday is a holiday. It’s Queen’s birthday. All of you who will be taking part in the parade on Saturday I wish you well. I know you will all look smart in your various uniforms.
“Quick! Distract the monster and get the energy shields!” Micky shouted. “Energy shields activated!” his twin brother Ricky announced. “Just one more obstacle and we’ll be level 9 champions.” Micky and Ricky both did a little jig as they anticipated the leader board ratings they would surely get for clearing one of the most difficult rounds in their favourite Internet game. They had never made it this far before, and they had been playing all summer. Micky returned to the computer, rubbed his hands together, and began his turn at clearing the last obstacle course in the game. They had discovered a long time ago that they played the game better together than on their own. Ricky was so excited that he stood, hands in mid-air with fists closed, ready to celebrate. Victory was only a moment away. “Now, Micky! Now! Fire the cannonball now! ” “Boys!” Grandpa called from the living room where he was watching television. “Too loud! Keep it down a little.” Grandpa had come up from the country to stay with them for two weeks. The boys were glad that they could get to spend more time at home, and with Grandpa. Usually they would have been at the Big Kids Day Care as both their mom and dad worked during the daytime. “Ok Grandpa!” Ricky answered. He then whispered to his twin brother, “Micky! Fire the cannonball now! ” Before Micky could proceed, the place went eerily silent. Micky and Ricky gasped in horror. The computer screen was black. There were no sounds coming from the television in the living room. The timer on the electric stove was no longer showing. The fan stopped whirring. They looked at each other in disbelief. “Power’s gone, boys”, Grandpa confirmed. “Nooooooooo!” they both shouted at the same time. But it was true. The power was off. Despair settled on their faces so much that Grandpa tried to let them feel better. “Maybe it will come back soon. Sometimes the power doesn’t stay off for very long.” “It doesn’t matter, Grandpa”, Micky sulked. “Even if the power comes back now, we still would have to start our game all over again.” “Yeah”, agreed Ricky, “and we’ve been playing all morning so it would take us a very long time to get to that level again.” “Yeah”, Micky said. “Hmmm”, replied Grandpa. “Well, you know boys, you could find something else to do.” “But what can we do?” asked Micky. “There’s no
Power’s back, Grandpa by Lisa Shaw tv to watch...” “No CD’s to listen to”, added Ricky, “and the DS isn’t charged.” “Well then”, said Grandpa. “Aren’t you guys in a bind! How about some schoolwork?” “But it’s summer! That’s why we get holidays – no school!” protested Ricky. “You could go outside to play”, Grandpa tried again. “But there’s nothing to do outside”, they wailed. “Hmmm...”. Grandpa rubbed his chin. “Ok, how about a game of marbles?” “We don’t have any marbles”, Ricky responded. “You guys wouldn’t happen to have a gig, would you?” Grandpa asked. “A what?” Micky asked. “Gig”, repeated Grandpa. “Know what that is?” “No”, they said. “It’s also called a top…” “Oh! And you spin it round and round. We know what you mean now. But we don’t have any”, Micky said. “Do you boys have a kite?” “The last one we bought got torn. “Bought?” Grandpa roared with laughter. After he finished laughing, he shook his head. “You boys really don’t make things anymore – those kites that we used to make with the branches of the coconut tree were very strong.” “Really, Grandpa? But how did you get the designs, like the dragon, the bird, the butterfly…”, a curious Micky asked. “Well, our kites weren’t so fancy back then but guess what? We had fun making them. Most times all you needed was paper, the spine of the coconut leaves for the frame, a piece of ribbon for the tail and some strong cord.” “Sounds like fun, Grandpa”, said Micky, with his hands resting on his cheek. “Maybe we could try to make our own kite someday, right Ricky?” “Maybe.” “How about elastic bands?” Grandpa asked, “there are a lot of games we could play with those – Bounce Back, Chinese Skip…” “We had some once”, Ricky said, “don’t know what we did with them, though…” “I think I know where they are, Ricky! I’ll go get them!” Minutes later Micky emerged from the bedroom
by Janiene Facey with a box of varying sized elastic bands. He gave them to Grandpa, who counted out an equal number for all of them. The boys went with Grandpa to the living room wall and watched as Grandpa showed them how to bounce the elastic band off the wall, so as to have it land on the other bands already on the floor. Curiosity gave way to enjoyment and minutes later the boys were rolling in laughter on the ground. “That was fun! Now all my elastic bands are gone”, Micky said. “So, what else did you do for fun, Grandpa?” “Oh, lots of things – we used to make our own cricket bat and catapult, roll an old car tyre with two pieces of stick in it, climb trees – even your mother used to climb trees!”, Grandpa laughed. The boys gasped and looked at each other in giggling amusement. Suddenly they couldn’t wait for their mom to come home! “You boys should come and spend some time in the country next summer. This apartment is too stifling for you. I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourselves.” Just then, the boys heard the familiar sound of the whirring fan and the hum of the computer. The television was back on, and so too were the other gadgets that were plugged in. “Power’s back, Grandpa!!” they shouted. “Let’s go back to the game!!! Level 9 champions, here we come!” Grandpa shook his head and smiled at the two figures huddled around the computer. It had felt good sharing all those things he used to do when he was much younger. Now it was time to go back to watching his television show. “Power’s back, indeed.”
Pre-School Corner
Hello to you my preschool friends. Today we will look at counting our colours.
Find the missing number
See you next week right here
Where we will have fun Kids write your stories, tell us about yourselves. Email or post - Write to Aunty Lyka, at P.O. Box 306, Davy Hill, or send email to: kidstime@themontserratreporter.com
Brain Teaser
On my way to St. Ives I saw a man with 7 wives. Each wife had 7 sacks. Each sack had 7 cats. Each cat had 7 kittens. Kitten, cats, sacks, wives. How many were going to St. Ives? Ans: only me
In Your Own Korner.
Friday, June 14, 2013
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Calls for St Kitts Nevis unity Tobago police operation nets multimillion dollar drug haul government described as “act of desperation” Caribbean360
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas has described as “an act of desperation” efforts by the opposition, including two former government ministers, to form a government of unity if they are successful in the next general elections. Dr. Douglas told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that he is confident that his ruling St. Kitts Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) would be returned to office and “the recent posturing by the opposition has brought to the fore the need for the Labour party to prepare to deal with any election”. Former deputy prime minister Sam Condor and former senior minister Dr. Timothy Harris have already indicated their support for a unity government with the other opposition parties including the main People’s Action Movement (PAM). The opposition, which now controls six of the 11 elected seats in the Parliament, has gone to the courts to force the Parliament to debate a motion of no confidence in the Douglas administration. But Prime Minister Douglas told CMC that he the debate
would have to be undertaken in accordance with the agenda for the Parliament and more so, the recent court action has delayed the matter coming before the legislative body. Dr. Douglas insists that he would await the court ruling before the motion is debated, adding “nevertheless we have to be prepared and to be able to treat with the issues". The veteran St. Kitts-Nevis politician said that while he agrees that the concept of "unity" he believes the current arrangement being discussed by the opposition is tantamount to “an act of desperation”. He said the idea of the no confidence motion “is a conspiracy between the elected members of parliament on the Opposition side and the two Labour members" with the aim of two possible outcomes. “One is the possible resignation of the Prime Minister and secondly the dissolution of the House of the National Assembly of the Parliament," Douglas said, adding that the "conspiracy went even beyond that. "It went beyond that to the point where the four mem-
SCARBOROUGH, Tobago, Thursday June 13, 2013 – Police say they have seized more than bers on the opposition and the TT$12 million (One TT dollar = members who were elected on US$0.16 cents) in marijuana and the lLabour party ticket began are searching for two men who to articulate that they wished escaped during two coordinated to support each other with a exercises on Wednesday. unity government. This of course gives them a majority of six against the five of the Labour party." Dr. Douglas said the opposition has been very consistent in articulating this unity concept since December, but the Labour party has also been consistent in pointing out that coalition governments are generally unstable and that in the current circumstance, the ruling party records of stability is important to note. ‘I am guided by the ConferHe described as “political ence of Delegates, who only two prostitution” the unity arrange- weeks ago unanimously removed ment being discussed by the Harris and Condor from positions opposition, adding that there they have held with the party is no common agenda but just and I have asked the leadership a desire to remove the SKNLP of the party to pay close attenfrom office. tion to the various articles of the He said the SKNLP has constitution of the party and if “taken very strong positions possible, have them expelled,” against those in the past who he told CMC. have practiced treachery, hyMeanwhile, the political pocrisy and ingratitude” and parties that have committed to that “within the party there are forming a unity government say examples of persons who have they will most likely issue a joint behaved that way and have not manifesto. been rewarded.
Caribbean360 GEORGETOWN, Guyana – CMC: The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA) says it will conduct an investigation into an inci-
dent in which a 22-year-old woman was killed after she was struck by the propeller of single engine Cessna 172 aircraft late Wednesday. The GCCA said the inci-
dent occurred “on the ground at Ekereku bottom, Region Seven” and that officials will travel to the area on Thursday to “conduct an investigation into the incident.
The police acting on a tip off, said they seized 10 bags of marijuana weighing 168 kilogrammes at Bel Garden and a further 11 bags weighing 200 kilogrammes at English Man Bay in coordinated exercises in Tobago. They said two men fled from a vehicle that had been stopped in
English Bay Gardens. The vehicle has since been seized. Meantime, police in Trinidad say they have recovered one million dollars worth of marijuana during an exercise along the old Toco road, south of here. They said two men are assisting their investigations. Read more: http://www. caribbean360.com/index. php/news/trinidad_tobago_ news/776940.html?utm_sourc e=Caribbean360+Newsletters &utm_campaign=7ce5fb463cVol_8_Issue_111_ News6_13_2013&utm_ medium=email&utm_ term=0_350247989a-7ce5fb463c-39367469#ixzz2WC834RJq
“We do intend to have joint festo instead of having separate public meetings. In terms of a manifestos,” said PAM leader manifesto, the thinking at this Shawn Richards. “I know that the public time is to have one joint manihas been asking quite a number of questions as to when they’re going to see us together in these particular forums. But it will happen and so we’re saying it’s just a matter of timing when St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. we would do so,” Richards told Denzil Douglas said that while he Winn FM radio. Political observers believe agrees that the concept of "unity" he believes the current arrangement being that Prime Minister Douglas will discussed by the opposition is tanta- call an early general election, mount to “an act of desperation”. possibly this year.
Woman struck, killed by plane propeller on Guyana air strip
ISLAND OF MONTSERRAT A.D.2013 [PROBATE DIVISION] LEGAL NOTICE In the Estate of LILIAN ELIZABETH WILLOCK, deceased NOTICE is hereby given that after the expiration of 14 days from the date of this notice, an application will be filed at the Registry, High Court of Justice for a Grant of Letters of Administration of the Estate of LILIAN ELIZABETH WILLOCK deceased, late of 68 Dynevor Road, London, N16 who died on the 29th day of October 2012 be issued to ANDREA DEBORAH MARSHALL, daughter of the deceased and the sole person entitled to share in the Estate. ALL persons claiming to be beneficially interested in the Estate are requested to send written particulars thereof to the undersigned within 14 days from the date of this notice. FURTHER any person objecting to the issuance of a Grant of Letters of Administration to the said applicant should notify the Registrar of the High Court of Justice whose address is: Office of the Registrar General, Brades, Montserrat not later than fourteen (14) days from the publication of this notice. Dated the 13th day of June 2013 Marcelle E.M. Watts Attorney at law for the Applicant
The Guyana Police Force in a statement said that Raquel Joseph, was killed when she ended up in the path of the propeller of the single-engine Cessna that had just landed at the Ekereku Airstrip on Wednesday afternoon. The police said that the circumstances were still unclear and that investigations were underway.
FA C T S H E E T Hot Pepper varieties in the Caribbean
May, 2013: Hot peppers may have various shapes, sizes and colours in order to meet demands of a diverse local, regional and international market. Farmers and producers will cultivate different types according to market preference and productivity. There are four distinct categories of hot peppers, according to standard scientific classification. They are:
• Pure line variety – a population of plants with a constantly similar set of characteristics such as, colour, shape and taste. Breeders must isolate pure line cultivations in order to obtain uniformity and prevent crossing. Producers may replant in a future cultivation. These plants are usually developed by institutions, such as, the Caribbean Agricultural Development and Research Institute (CARDI) and seed
companies • Hybrid variety – a population of plants with a constantly similar set of characteristics such as colour, shape and taste. However, hybrids are crosses between pure line varieties and producers may not replant seeds. Hybrids do not produce similar plants in the future; however, they are generally avail-
cont’d. on page 12
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Friday, June 14, 2013
LIAT takes first of eight new ATR 600-series Turboprops The following is a release dated yesterday, 13 June, 2013, directly from LIAT on their fleet upgrade with the first new ATR 72-600 aircraft. Regional airline LIAT Limited has started its fleet upgrade with the first new ATR 72-600 aircraft delivered today. This first ATR in LIAT’s fleet is being leased from the lessor GECAS (GE Capital Aviation Services). This is the first of a total of eight ATRs (four 68-seat ATR 72-600 and four 48-seat ATR 42-600s) that will be introduced into LIAT’s fleet. The introduction of these brand new ATR -600s in LIAT’s current fleet of 14 aircraft is a
part of the airline’s restructuring plans aiming at fleet modernization and network improvements. By progressively replacing its current fleet of former turboprop aircraft with the modern and fuel efficient ATRs, the airline will significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs, gain further in profitability and offer more comfort to its passengers due to its enhanced seats design. The line-up of the full new generation ATR model range will allow LIAT to optimize their fleet on their pan-Caribbean network with aircraft of one same family, offering both 50 and 70 seat capacity. “LIAT currently connects 21 destinations throughout the
Caribbean with most routes under 100 Nm, like Grenada to Trinidad, or Dominica to Antigua. The 68seat ATR 72-600s are perfectly adapted to many of our existing and potential routes,” says Ian Brunton, Chief Executive Officer of LIAT. “By renewing our fleet our customers will enjoy more efficiency and better travel experience. The ATR 72-600 perfectly fits with our requirements in terms of low operating costs, most updated technologies and optimal comfort. This is the most-recently certified turboprop aircraft on the market, and we are proud to start our operations with such a modern, successful and well-reputed aircraft”.
It is anticipated that the first ATR 72-600 would be pressed into service before the end of June, with the remaining aircraft expected for delivery during 2013 and 2014. Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, declared: “The delivery of the very first ATR 72-600 to LIAT marks continued development for ATR in the Caribbean region and is an important milestone. Today LIAT joins a group of world class airlines that are redefining onboard comfort and achieving an unrivalled level of cost efficiency. With the new ATR -600s, LIAT carries on its approach of continuous improvement and meeting the
the first of eight new ATR 600-series turboprops
challenging strong growth in air travel in the Caribbean region in the most cost-effective way possible.” The ATR -600 series aircraft perfectly match the requirements of the airlines operating
inter-island flights. Today, ATRs successfully fly in many island environments, including the Caribbean, French Polynesia and the South Pacific, the Philippines, the Canary Islands, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Guyana government defends electricity rate hike
Caribbean360 CMC: Guyana– The Guyana government has defended the decision to increase electricity rates by nearly 27 per cent, saying that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc., has been experiencing constraints over the past few years as a result of high technical and commercial losses.
In addition, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds says here the financial position has been compounded by the decision of the opposition to slash GUY$5.2 billion (One Guyana dollar = US$0.01 cents) subsidy from the 2013 national budget. The GPL has submitted its proposal for the tariff increase to the Pub-
lic Utilities Commission (PUC). P r i m e Minister Hinds today called on consumers to view the proposed tariff increase as one that is coming after five years of no adjustment during which time oil prices had risen by about 60 per cent. He said the cost of oil constitutes about 80 per cent of the total cost of providing electricity. At present, the average price per
Trinidad and Tobago accepts US$3 billion loan from China PORT OF SPAIN, (BERNAMANNN-PRENSA LATINA) - Trinidad and Tobago's administration will accept the US$3 billion loan with preferential conditions that the Chinese Government offered Caribbean islands, official sources said Wednesday. "That will boost the development of trade, businesses and industrial parks," said Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar quoted by Caribbean News Now. In his recent visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Chinese President Xi Jinping also agreed with Trinidad and Tobago's authorities to send hundreds of doctors and provide grants for young people to
study in China. Nearly US$1.5 billion will be allocated to support infrastructure projects such as airports and tourist facilities and a similar number to support other development projects. Among the proposed projects are the construction of a hospital for children in Trinidad and Tobago, with an estimated cost of US$150,000,000, to be ready in 2015. During the meeting, both administrations signed different agreements on economic cooperation and cultural exchange.
kilowatt hour is GUY$63 and with the 26.7 percent increase the new rate will be about GUY$80 per kilowatt hour. Prime Minister Hinds, who has responsibility for the electricity sector, acknowledged that the increase will be very demanding on consumers. “This 26.7 percent is a
big step, but it comes after five years of no increases and five years of greatly increased cost, especially for oil…the alternative for the future is for the annual review to be put into effect, in which case one would probably see increases of no more than five percent per year,” he said. The Prime Minister said that the utility needs to have
enough money to keep its operations running, and if this tariff is suppressed then ultimately, the level and quality of service will be degraded. He rejected the claims made by the opposition and other political commentators that the company is not being properly managed and said that the big cost factor is technical and commercial losses.
CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK JOB OPPORTUNITY DIRECTOR, PROJECTS DEPARTMENT The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is seeking to recruit a dynamic professional as Director, Projects Department to work at its headquarters located in Barbados. The Director, Projects Department, is accountable for the management, pipeline development, appraisal and implementation, of the Bank’s lending and Technical Assistance programmes in all the sectors in which the Bank operates. The successful candidate should have: Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in business administration, operations management or other related Social or Natural Science fields. Sound understanding of development financing, and the development challenges, opportunities and cultural nuances of CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries, and the Region as a whole. Significant directly-related work experience with technical and management responsibility in the application of economic development strategy and policy in regional and/or international organisations. At least eight years’ experience at a senior management level, with responsibility for managing and mentoring multidisciplinary teams of professionals. Candidates must be nationals of one of CDB’s Member Countries. APPLICATIONS Full details of the job opportunity, guidelines for the submission of applications and general information about the Caribbean Development Bank may be obtained from the Bank’s website at http://www.caribank.org. The closing date for applications is June 28, 2013. CDB is a multilateral development bank that collaborates with its Borrowing Member Countries to promote sustainable social and economic development, economic cooperation and regional integration.
Friday, June 14, 2013
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Public servants to pay ... Governor calls for better training!!
cont’d. from front page The Aide Memoire said that, “GoM agreed that an ‘across the board’ review of procurement regulations and guidelines, accompanied by staff training, is a priority,” DFID offering, “This work could be assisted by Short Term Technical Corporation (STTC) and will be supported by DFID if a request is made.” Meanwhile affected members in the community had written letters on the procurement issues to GoM and to the Foreign Commonwealth Office. By the end of May, there were further questions this time with the Montserrat Development Corporation (MDC) and its program of works at Little Bay, which saw questions arising in the Legislative Assembly by the Opposition Leader, Donaldson Romeo. He had also written letters to the Governor and the MDC board on related issues.
The press had also taken up some of the issues with the Premier at press conference around the same time the Opposition Leader was carrying out his investigations. (see: http://tinyurl. com/l4d2hsb and http:// tinyurl.com/ktkt5fa. On Wednesday, Governor Davis responded to questions about his response to letters written to him on the procurement issues. He puts down the evolving problems to “carelessness”, but at the same time advising that GoM are in the making plans to have public (civil) servants be accountable and pay for their “carelessness”, when Government becomes exposed. It should be noted that all government bodies and organisations including the MDC and statutory bodies are bound by the 2012 Procurement Act. Governor Davis: “There have been problems of officials not following procurement rules and that
has led to problems with me PWD workshop contract, the Lookout school, he said. “So far it seems to be carelessness rather than anything else and it is absolutely clear that procurements in Montserrat is a potential minefield which will open us up to legal challenges if we don’t follow the rules.” The Governor had later noted that he felt Montserratians were quick to seek the court intervention on matters, but in discussion the press pointed out this was because of the prevalence of what he referred to as carelessness which seriously affected people. He said further, “We have to follow the rules and where we haven’t we have to find out why and be determined not for it to happen again,” qualifying, “but so far everything I have seen, suggest that where rules have not been followed,
it has primarily been as a result of carelessness which cannot and should not be condoned.” He then expressed government’s intention to take action that might abate the problems. “…it was several months ago the Attorney General and Cabinet agreed
cont’d. from page 97
no-confidence vote by a majority of lawmakers. He is now the Cayman Islands opposition party leader. All of the current 11 criminal charges facing Mr. Bush relate to his use of government credit cards. Police have released Mr. Bush from bail in relation to an ongoing investigation into the importation of explosives without a valid licence. Mr. Bush was released from police bail in April and was not re-bailed to return for further questioning in the investigation, according to local police.
Businessmen Suresh Prasad, who was arrested on the same day as Mr. Bush in December 2012 in relation to the explosives importation investigation, has also been released from police bail. Neither man has been charged with any offences relating to the explosives importation probe. However, police said the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the importation of explosive substances without valid permits, on or before February 2012, was still ongoing.
JUS WONDERIN
J u s Wo n d e r i n I f w e h a v e a “MOSSIE£ problem why has there been no “FOGGING”? Jus Wonderin how a small building Contractor with limited experience can be given a MAJOR road contract. Jus Wonderin if the Min of AG “ Sleep Dart” medicine is no good. J u s Wo n d e r i n i f t h e y D o n ’t know its kept in the fridge. Jus Wonderin when our leaders will realise that the laws of the land apply to them as well. Jus wonderin if MDC is not a private company and is funded using government monies.
Jus wonderin If Mr Editor has lost his marbles regarding the new taxes, if not he better send the 31/5 tax list to Nice Mr Cameron and see how many of these “NEW” taxes would be enacted in THE U.K. answer NIL if he is hoping to get re-elected. Jus wonderin if our Premier did take the list with him. Jus wonderin who grows tomatoes in Nixons under drip irrigation, has access to hospital cooler facilities, to sell to the same facility when the other tomato growers have to throw away theirs that rot without the facility.
carrot, which is about better training of civil servants but they really must understand that this is one of the most important things they have to deal with - that procurements are open to all sorts of challenges, and rightly to challenge if we don’t follow the rules,” he concluded.
Work on the A1 road project seemed to take forever - pipe and duct laying
Cayman Premier theft charges dropped against the former premier contained in it. The number of charges, 11 in total, is the exact same number as what previously faced Mr. Bush. However, those charges now consist only of misconduct in a public office contrary to common law and breach of trust contrary to the AntiCorruption Law.* Mr. Bush, the longestserving member of the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly, was re-elected on 22 May following his removal as premier via a
that where civil servants or anybody else, but civil servants I suppose, who left the government exposed to action in the court, they could be surcharged for that action,” he said. “That’s a fairly powerful stake,” he said, adding, “ I would like also to imply a
Procurement Rules from page 6 for purposes of national defence, national emergency or national
security; or (b) the regulations conflict with a provision of an international agreement. PLEASE STAY TUNED
Pepper varieties
cont’d. from page 9
able from seed companies • Landrace variety and Improved Landrace variety – a population of plants which farmers and ultimately, scientists select for important agronomic and economic features. Producers will make their selections during repeated cultivation cycles CARDI reviews these varieties, confirms their suitability and establishes uniformity for future cultivations. Quick tips of selecting quality seeds and seedlings: • Look for vigorous growth and seeds without soil borne diseases. Test a small quantity of seeds for these qualities • Select seeds that are tolerant to diseases that affect the crop • Select strong seedlings from reputable sources • Secure adequate knowledge about the production potential of the seedlings • Select a variety that is suitable to your climatic and other environmental conditions
Three major factors in choosing a variety: 1. The fresh fruit market prefers a large fruit, greater than 10 g with a thick flesh, a deep green colour when immature which turns dark red when ripe. The fruit should be of medium-to-high pungency with a strong flavour and aroma. 2. The export market looks for a large, round, smooth and attractive fruit 3. The processing market prefers a fruit with high aroma, high pungency and deep pigmentation Reports indicate a variable range of crop yields from 2,250 to 27,000 kg/hectare (5,000 to 60,000 lbs per acre). There are several production factors which affect the eventual yield of hot peppers. Some useful advice in pepper cultivation: • Use adequate supplies of irrigated water, especially during periods of drought • Control pests and diseases • Use the correct spacing for the selected variety and its production system • Ensure the soil is fertile Since 2003, CARDI, the Uni-
versity of the West Indies, lead farmers and other supporting institutions have identified suitable types of hot pepper plants for cultivation in the Caribbean Region. These include Yellow Scotch Bonnet, West Indies Red, CARDI Green, Habanero, Big Sun, Tiger Teeth, Cayenne Pepper, Wirri Wirri, CARDI Moruga Red, and CARDI Congo Pepper. There are several other commonly grown commercial landraces which are popular in the Caribbean islands. For example, Peggy Mouth in Antigua; Goat Pepper in Bahamas; Bonnie Pepper in Barbados; and Bonda Majaque in Dominica and St Lucia. There currently exists regional germplasm collections of over one hundred (100) accessions housed by CARDI in Barbados and by the University of the West Indies in Trinidad. CARDI … presenting the ‘facts on agriculture and research for development’. The Research Institute periodically prepares Fact Sheets on related and topical regional agriculture research issues. Contact: CARDI’s Office|868|645|1205