Friday, September 25, 2015
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Today’s Scripture
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The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. - Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
Lawyer Brandt on sexually related charges Vol. XXX No. 30
Week Ending Friday, September 25, 2015 Price $3.00
Attorney-at-Law David S. Brandt, a former chief minister of Montserrat was released on $20,000 bail on Monday, September 21, 2015, after he appeared in court on sexually related charges allegedly involving minors dating back to 2010. He was known as ‘the man of the people’ and still popularly referred to politically as, ‘The Heavy Roller’. That was during his service as a legislator, elected in 1983 until he opted not to contest the elections 2001 under a new system in 2001; then again from 2006 to 2009 when Chief Minister Dr. Lowell Lewis asked for elections to give the government a new start. Lawyer David S. Brandt, served as chief minister of this British Overseas territory from 1997-2001, and in recent times considered the most prominent attorney in Montserrat, but early on Friday, he was arrested on suspicion of sexually related matters and held on until Monday morning when he was charged with one count of conspiracy to have unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of sixteen years based on developments that took place between April and September of 2015; and another count with having unlawful sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of sixteen years in 2010, both being indictable offences. Brandt is represented by Attorneys Kharl Markham and Marcelle Watts. The prominent attorney who had majored in commercial law before emerging as a full practicing attorney in 1978, a former chief Minister, now holds the position of the third longest serving legislator behind former Chief Ministers John Osborne, deceased and Reuben T.Meade who still serves from 1991 and currently is leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition, having a year ago lost his government in general elections to the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM). Brandt was released on EC$10,000 on each count and as part of the bail conditions he is restricted from making any contact with any of the witnesses in the case either in person, or through any of his servants or agents. Reports on Friday said that law enforcement officials from Britain’s Scotland Yard had arrived in connection with the investigations leading to the arrest, but this was denied by the Royal Montserrat Police Force who had escorted the attorney from his home early Friday morning. What is correct is that they were assisted, not for the first time, by members of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service who it was also reported arrived only the day before on the island as part of a multi-jurisdictional investigative team probing the allegations against Brandt. Upon his release ZJB reported that on interview with the attorney
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from his home in Olveston, where he and his wife are neighbours to Attorney Warren Cassell, former Premier Reuben Meade and TMR Editor Bennette Roach, he spoke briefly about his arrest and the charges. “I have to tell Radio Montserrat (ZJB) that I am not guilty, and in the fullness of time it would be shown that I am not guilty,” he said, adding that he cannot add, “anymore on anything.” He said further however, “They arrested me on suspicion on Friday morning. They questioned me on Friday night and kept me until this morning (Monday) without asking me any other question or anything like that; and this morning the lord said they had to charge me which they did and took me before the court but I’m not guilty of anything.” In other reports suggesting that other off-shore investigators had arrived on island and may well be looking into other matters besides the charges that were laid against him, Brandt, when asked about this possibility, said that any other matters which they may allegedly be looking into are of no concern to him, as he has nothing to hide from the authorities. These suggestions followed reports that the lawyer’s office, so too his home, were searched and items such as files and computers removed, along with decades of speculation with no direct accusations or allegations that Brandt has somehow been involved in doubtful off shore banking activities, less so than rumours which surfaced back in 2010 and for which he is now likely charged. On the conditions of his bail, Brandt himself in another report said that the bail conditions were put in place to prevent him from coming into contact with anyone
cont’d. on page 6
Feature: Safe Hands...pg 2
ECCB Financial Month starts...pg 4
Hospital not approved...pg 2
SKB Independence...pg 5
The alphabet in action...pg. 3
Gonsalves justifies airport loan...pg 6
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Friday, September 25, 2015
FEATURE: Safe Hands De ole dawg (still got teets)
BRADES, Montserrat– Seven weeks ago, during her acceptance speech HE, incoming Governor Elizabeth Carriere spoke of “Good Governance” five times, and of a “partnership” three times. For example, she said: I want to foster this notion of partnership, of shared responsibility and mutual commitment, and help to promote a mature relationship between the Government of Montserrat and the Government of the United Kingdom. Effectively addressing the serious issues of safety, security and good governance is central to this relationship. She also drew attention to the FCO 2012 OT White Paper’s declaration that the Overseas Territories are ‘an integral part of Britain’s life and history’. Thirdly, she spoke to some specific points: I am happy to say that plans for fibre-optic connectivity are moving forward . . . . there is work now underway to improve schooling and housing, and great hopes of building a new hospital . . . . children and other vulnerable people need care and attention and protection - so they can feel safe and empowered to develop their potential and to contribute to the present and future of the Island. This is something I will be paying a great deal of attention to. [ H’mm: seven weeks later . . . ] All of this requires and underpins a vibrant economy. They are mutually important and beneficial. Poised as it is to grow economically again - there are barriers and setbacks to Montserrat’s growth that need to be addressed realistically . . . But we all know one thing for certain - none of this will succeed if the conditions for business are not sound. This is about good governance - a well functioning and efficient civil service, sound legal practices, probity, transparency and accountability, good and well-functioning systems for financial and material investments and a safe and secure environment in which to flourish . . . . Without safety, security and good governance, investors (the right kind) will not come, infrastructure will be poorly built and maintained, businesses will fail, and Montserrat will not be able to promote itself as a sound place to do business. Without such a reputation – investment, energy, enthusiasm, ideas and talent will not yield productive and sustainable results. All true, and all vital. However, there is another, less well known document. One, that Hon. Premier Donaldson Romeo mentioned during his recent press conference with HE Governor Carriere. The May 2012 St Helena yardstick declaration: Let’s track this down, step by step: 1 → Due to the UK’s legal obligation under the UN Charter Article 73, the first call on DFID’s budget is to see to the well being of the people in Montserrat and the other OT’s.
A new hospital to break ground in six - nine months
2 → Three territories are on regular budgetary aid, “Montserrat, Pitcairn and St Helena.” 3 → If there is good reason to see that a Territory can become self sufficient, HMG is willing to invest in key breakthrough initiatives able to spark private sector led economic growth, “such as the construction of an airport in St Helena.” 4 → That’s the yardstick we can use to measure our (lack of) progress over these twenty years since the volcano began erupting on July 18, 1995. 5 → As our side of the bargain, the OT government must undertake associated reforms to promote economic growth. 6 → Now, Pitcairn has 50 people living there and has no hope for becoming self sufficient. 7 → By 2012, HMG has already invested about £ 250 millions in St Helena, and the new 5,000 ft airport is expected to open in 2016. 8 → Three on the list, one is the yardstick, one is just not able. 9 → That leaves just one territory on the list: Montserrat. By logical elimination, DFID has given us a big hint that if we can put together a good proposal for development, if we can show it is economically viable in the long run and if we can undertake appropriate good governance reforms, they will fund the development. And, here, we can see that DFID is not arguing as to how different we are from St Helena, but how similar we are. Is there money to make an investment like that? Yes, from 2006 to 2011, DFID’s budget rose from £ 5 billions to £ 7.7 billions, right through the heart of the recession. Since 2011/12, the budget has now gone beyond £ 10 billions, and is to rise further. Indeed, as HE Governor Adrian Davis told us in his farewell speech, the 0.7% of GDP commitment to development aid is now UK law, and the OT’s have first call on that budget for reasonable assistance needs. So, what is holding us back? Put yourself in the shoes of a senior DFID Official, maybe visiting Whitehall on a trip from East Kilbride. One of the FCO’s big-wigs asks her the same question. She pulls up news stories, official reports and other documents, and says, are these safe hands to trust with a St Helena-style investment? No wonder, Good Governance and Strengthened Partnership are on the table as the top items on the new order of business. Now, let us fast-forward a year or two. The same DFID officer is walking by the Thames, across from Runnymede, and as she muses on MP Andrew Rosindell’s remarks in the Commons, that “British is British is British, “ she glances across and remembers how the notorious King John, in June 1215, was forced by the Barons to sign to the Magna Carta, including the declaration, “To no one will we refuse, to no one will we delay, right and justice.” What can we put on the table and on the ground in the next two years, so that when she turns back to thinking on the meeting in Whitehall later that day, she can confidently answer yes, they have shown they are serious, safe hands; Montserrat is now more than ready to move ahead? That is the agenda we must pursue – if, we are to make real progress.
But there was no approved project in August last year The issue of the construction of the establishment of a new hospital in Montserrat was among the featured discussions last week to the exasperation of residents in Montserrat. They were overshadowed by dramatic events towards the end of the week, none of which had anything, we say hesitatingly with the exasperation people feel about activities to improve the economic woes and jobs for those badly in need of them.
The new build hospital was addressed during the Health Minister Hon Delmaude Ryan’s presentation on her stewardship of her first year in government as Minister of a Ministry she says some feel should be split. At the joint and first press conference of Governor Carrier and Premier Romeo with DFID’s Martin Dawson, the Premier knowing this (the hospital issue) to be a recurring topic addressed the matter, said that
A new hospital for Montserrat has been agreed in principle with DFID but the relevant business cases are yet to be finalised. The Premier said: “This is no question about new build that will take place and that we’re working towards it. Montserrat expects to have a hospital built over the next few years starting certainly within the next year or two, so there’s no question about that so let’s dispel what’s happening in the air out there.”
Martin Dawson supported by speaking to the time frame and the process involved and saying that he expected ground break in about six to nine months. “The way the time frame
we’re working to at the moment is panning out is that we were aiming to do the consultancies for the health financing and also the functional review over the next six months,” he said.
He adds, “they’re quite substantial pieces of work, so that would take us into the early spring maybe of the next financial year and we then finish off the busicont’d. on page 6
Friday, September 25, 2015
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Letters/Opinion
EDITORIAL “Montserrat Doesn’t Just Need People, It Needs Many More Montserratians”
REPRINT - Sept 2002 - But is it still relevant today?
When all is said and done, one fact remains: Montserrat is a very small island now, diminished (for the time being) to just about one-third its livable space and population. While it is still a beautiful island, questions may be asked as to whether the people are still the most friendly people in the world. However, if the question about friendliness ever brings a negative answer, a little thought would produce explanation and agreement with one American family still suffering from the trauma of the tragedy from the 9/11 events, who said those events might not compare with what is still being undergone by the people in Montserrat. So the question remains, why is it that it seems so difficult to put things right so the present residents could breathe easily from the burdens of living? Montserrat once enjoyed nearly all the frolic and frills, perhaps more than some of its bigger neighbours in the region, and in many areas was second to none in its ability to support itself. Challenge this all you might but serious study will show that in spite of the slippery and sometimes false economy strength, the base was always there to be made into a fortress. Of course, no fortress could withstand the natural disaster that results from volcanic activity like that experienced since 1995. That said, there are some simple things that need serious attention if we are to improve on the present ratio of nationals and non-nationals currently living on the island, which stands at 50-50. This is so especially when the discussion rages on about a “viable population,” and we hear figures being used like 20,000 – 35,000 to make that a reality. Is any thought being given to what the ratio should be like then, or at any point in our stride towards that goal? Were these matters taken into consideration when we were discussing a new constitution? We’d better be careful what we ask for, and undoubtedly our government knows this only too well, never mind they haven’t told us about that. True, it is suggested that this may not come within the next century, but then the idea becomes moot. That is already so when we talk about the reduction of the population, if we take the ratio of nationals and non-nationals prior to the volcano, we will find that there is a dangerously terrible imbalance. The concentration should, therefore, be a serious effort to woo back home Montserratians and to stop the drain of young people who leave the island week after week. Complex? Is the problem a complex one? Not so complex if the problems are recognized. Serious attention must be paid to how and for what the children are trained in school. It must not be that all we do is try to make academic scholars out of them and not take David Brandt’s recommendation, when he was still Chief Minister, which is to train our people, in addition to their academic requirements, for the requirements of the island. Until we do that, the drain is sure to continue. Exactly 37 years ago a young man by the name of Tom Willis, who was attached to the then Ministry of Social Services, lamented: “…it cannot be said that the present state of youth organizations is altogether happy. That surely applies more so today. He continued, “Anyone with eyes to see knows that many young people have very little to do in the evenings, while club leaders themselves speak of finding new leaders, planning programmes and keeping members in the club.” He made reference to youth organizations such as Anglican Young Peoples Association (AYPA,) Young Christian Workers (YCW) (Catholic), Methodist youth clubs, Pentecostal youth clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Boy’s Brigade, among others, which also included village and district clubs, school clubs and sports clubs, all of which would have an umbrella organization called a “Youth Council.”
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
Antigua Government website hacked
Antigua, CMC – The official website of the Antigua and Barbuda government was restored Saturday after being hacked for several hours A brief statement told people trying to access the website www.ab.gov.ag that the site had been hacked and was re-directing them to a black background featuring a green and white eagle. The new page greeted people with the caption “HaCked by ShinObi H4xOr & Mr.Lonley473.” with a stamp like image below that read “hacked.” Government spokesman Maurice Merchant had earlier told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that he was not yet aware of the hacking but promised to investigate. The site has since been restored.
The alphabet in action
If: A B C D E F G H I J K LM N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Is equal to; 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Then H+A+R+D+W+O+R+K ; 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11=98% K+N+O+W+L+E+D+G+E ; 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5=96% L+O+V+E; 12+15+22+5 = 54% L+U+C+K ; 12+21+3+11 = 47% None of them makes 100%. Then what makes 100% ??? Is it Money? NO !!! M+O+N+E+Y= 13+15+14+5+25=72% Leadership? NO !!! L+E+A+D+E+R+S+H+I+P= 12+5+1+4+5+18+19+8+9+16=97% Every problem has a solution, only if we perhaps change our “ATTITUDE”. cont’d. on page 6
Our Scripture Verse Today A Comforting Companion The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. - Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) My daughter suffered a concussion and needed me to care for her at home for two months. In the middle of the seemingly endless days and nights of caring for her, God helped me learn about the spiritual gift of caregiving: Caregiving is not for the fainthearted; it means being fully present to the one who needs us. A focused heart discerns subtle needs. The care receiver may experience fear, pain, boredom, or
a combination of all the above. The presence of a loving caregiver can make long hours easier for the patient to endure. The road of caregiving is boneweary tiring at times. I know that it was for me. But God sustained me and enabled me to be part of God’s healing for my daughter. My role gave me a new appreciation for the many caregivers who are signs of God’s promise: “[I] will never leave you nor forsake you.” Whenever we reach out to those who are hurting, we are offering assurance of God’s promise. Beth A. Palm (Illinois, USA)
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Friday, September 25, 2015
Symposium to start ECCB’s Financial Information Month
In a brief message accompanied by an invitation, local Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) agency office is reminding businesses and financial institutions that October is Financial Information Month (FIM). “It is that time again when we celebrate Financial Information Month,” the message says, also reminding of the theme which this year is, “ is L E A D – Learn, Empower, Achieve, Develop.” The invitation to ‘business partners’ is to an ‘exciting Symposium’ scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2015, “a rich experience comes to you at no direct cost.” The ECCB is also reminding the Business Community while inviting them to participate in the activities planned for the month.
US Coast Guard seizes over US$11m in drugs in Caribbean Sea
MIAMI, CMC – The United States Coast Guard says it has seized drugs estimated at more than U S $ 11 m i l lion during operations in the Caribbean Sea this month. It said that the drugs including 254 kilograms of cocaine and 3,662 pounds of marijuana were seized as part of Operation Martillo, which is one component in the United States government’s ap-
proach to countering the use of the Central American littorals as transshipment routes for illicit drugs, weapons and cash through the Caribbean Sea. The Coast Guard said
that, on September 3, it boarded a Panamanian flagged vessel, southeast of Nicaragua, after receiving permission from the Panamanian govern-
cont’d. on page 5
Friday, September 25, 2015
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Brandt arrested again along with his wife As if that was not enough to add to the major events of September (to be remembered) in Montserrat, along with the verbal resignation of a leading member of the PDM government, our press time was delayed, with the news that Brandt and his wife were arrested this evening. Reports are that police visited the home of the couple in Olveston, Montserrat earlier today with a search warrant for the second time in seven days. Approximately twelve (12) police officers con-
ducted the search in different groups and even though Mr. and Mrs. Brandt were at the house they were reportedly not able to witness the search in its entirety as the officers divided into multiple small groups and were simultaneously searching different rooms. During the search of a bedroom the police reportedly found a firearm for which there was no license. Mr. Brandt said later he had previously surrendered his licensed firearm when he was ar-
rested last Friday. The former Chief Minister and his wife were surprised at the discovery of the firearm and have denied the charges. Both the wife and Mr. Brandt were released late Friday night. In the meantime the buzz on this occasion by people, are questions about the actions of the police who executed the warrant last Friday (18th) at the same house prior to the arrest of the Attorney-at-law.
Brandt up St. Kitts-Nevon charges is celebrating
cont’d. from page 1
who many stand as witnesses against him. He is restricted from making contact with any of the witnesses in the case, either in person, or via any of his servants or agents. Also, the Attorney is to be granted leave to travel to Antigua, October 9-12, 2015 to receive his Honourary Doctorate,
conferred by the University of the West Indies. Local law enforcement in Antigua must be informed of his location no less than three times daily while he is there. Meanwhile, in developments following the arrest and charges and bail, there is a call on the University of the West Indies to cancel the
Coast Guard nabs smugglers
awarding of an Honorary Doctorate to lawyer David Brandt. The award was announced recently and Mr. Brandt is expected to receive this next month, but so far several persons have supported a launched petition, addressed to the University of the West Indies Vice Chancellor Sir Hillary Beckles.
32 years of political Independence
cont’d. from page 4
ment. It said the boarding team discovered 254 kilograms of cocaine in a hidden compartment worth an estimated wholesale value of US$8.5 million. The suspects were transferred to law enforcement authorities in Tampa, Florida on September 12, the Coast Guard said. Also on September 3, the Coast Guard said it received a report of three people clinging to a capsized vessel and following their rescue, discovered 68 bales of marijuana floating in the water. The Coast Guard said that it recovered 3,600
pounds of marijuana with an estimated wholesale value of US$3.3 million. “These seizures highlight the hard work and dedication of the US Coast Guard and our interagency and international partners in stopping illegal drugs from reaching the streets of the US and those of our Caribbean neighbors,” said Lieutenant Earl Potter, Commanding Officer of the Miami based Coast Guard Cutter Robert Yered. The Coast Guard said these two cases represent “a fraction” of the recent success it has had against maritime drug smuggling.
Sir Kennedy Simmonds (File Photo) BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Sept 19, CMC – St. Kitts-Nevis is celebrated its 32nd anniversary of political independence from Britain on Saturday with the usual military parade and the country recognising its first prime minister as a National Hero. Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris in his Independence Day message said that Sir Kennedy Simmonds, 79, was re-
sponsible for bringing the twin island Federation into nationhood and “oversaw our entry on to the world stage”. He said the former prime minister “remained at the helm steering our country to highest levels of growth in the Hemisphere until we had sufficiently matured to stand on our own, and to be recognized as the world’s smallest and freest nation. “We applaud this only living National Hero who
today serves as an inspiration to us proud citizens engaged in Nation-building,” Harris said. “ S i r Kennedy you have done well for your country. We adore your character and say thank you for your sterling contribution,” Harris said of the founding member of the People›s Action Movement (PAM) and who was first elected to parliament in 1979 when he contested the by-election in Central Basseterre following the death of Premier R o b e r t
Bradshaw. Sir Kennedy, a medical practitioner, quit active politics in 2000, when he lost the general election and in 2004, was appointed a Knight Commander in the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael & Saint George. In his Independence message former prime minister Dr. Denzil Douglas described the past 32 years as a “struggle for self-actualization” paying homage to the many nationals who would have contributed to building the Federation. cont’d. on page 8
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Friday, September 25, 2015
Gonsalves defends multimillion dollar loan for airport St. Vincent, CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015 defended the decision to seek US$16 million for the construction of the Argyle International Airport, saying the funds were contained in the budget that was approved in January. “All I am doing now is getting the approval,” Gonsalves told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) after Opposition Leader Arnhim Eustace expressed concerns about the government’s handling of the airport project, which has been a central plank of the 2005 and 2010 general elections. “We don’t have an account, we are not being told about the amount of money that is being spent so far and those who have not yet been paid who the government owe,” Eustace had said, suggesting also that he does not have all the details about the latest loan. Gonsalves told CMC that the new funds are being borrowed from the United Kingdom government and that under the arrangement, the International Airport Development Company, the state-owned firm responsible for the construction of the airport, is eligible for a refund of US$5.7 million from the US$16 million loan.
He said that half of the loan is for equipment purchased or sourced for the terminal building at the EC$729 million (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) airport is expected to be completed this year, after missing completion deadlines annually since 2011. The other half of the loan will pay for equipment such as the concrete batching plant purchased for the airport. Gonsalves said the equipment for the terminal building was never included in the EC$200 million loan that lawmakers authorized in 2013. Eustace told a town hall meeting of his main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in Mayreau Saturday night about the loan saying “you might not know that Monday morning when the Parliament opens, the Prime Minister is bringing another bill … for 16 million more US dollars for the airport. “We haven›t even seen the document because we left St. Vincent Friday to come down to go to the Grenadines. The document came after we left … but I know some of what is in it, because my secretary called me and I told her to read out for me certain things so I can have an idea,” he said. “That’s a lot of money. There are 61 families whose lands were taken away since 2008 who have not yet get paid for their lands. Sixty-one families. That’s millions of dollars,” he said. “So what I want is an account of all that is taking place because you can’t just approve loan after loan after loan without getting a proper record of what has been spent.” Eustace, however, did not say if opposition lawmakers will support the loan. But Gonsalves said opposition legislators
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves (File Photo) do not read the Estimates of Income and Expenditure. “They go on about all sorts of things but don’t read the Estimates properly,” he told I-Witness News. In his Budget Speech to Parliament in January, Gonsalves said planned expenditure on airport development at Argyle for 2015 totals $74.7 million. He said the estimated cost of the airport’s construction has been put at approximately EC$729 million, about EC$189 million of which represent in-kind contributions. But on Monday night September 22, following a long debate, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines parliament gave the green light to the Ralph Gonsalves government to borrow US$16 million to go towards the Argyle International Airport. By a vote of 12 to six, with all opposition legislators present voting against the measure, the government was able to get a second multi-million dollar loan within six weeks to go towards the completion of the EC$729 million airport. Prime Minister Gonsalves had asked for a division of the Parliament as lawmakers prepared to vote on the measure after hours of debate.
Argyle airport
Alphabet in action Cont’d. on page 3 A+T+T+I+T+U+D+E ; 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100% It is therefore OUR ATTITUDE towards Life and Work that makes OUR Life 100% Successful.. Amazing mathematics ، and thats why I love it cus it’s like our life. Beautiful message! Stay away from Anger.. It hurts ..Only You! If you are right then there is no need to get angry, And if you are wrong then you don’t have any right to get angry. Patience with family is love, Patience with others is respect. Patience with self is confidence and Patience with GOD is faith. Never Think Hard about the PAST, It brings Tears... Don’t think more about the FUTURE, It brings Fear... Live this Moment with a Smile,It brings Cheer. Every test in our life makes us bitter or better, Every problem comes to make us or break us, The choice is ours whether we become victims or victorious. Beautiful things are not always good but good things are always beautiful. Do you know why God created gaps between fingers? So that someone who is special to you comes and fills those. gaps by holding your hand forever. Happiness keeps You Sweet..But being sweet brings happiness. . Do Share it with all the beautiful People In your Life. Who are the 18 Friends u cant forget in ur life ever? Send only to those 18 just like i did. Lets see how many msgs u get back! Start sending, Be honest! Only 18 I value u.
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is inviting suitably qualified Nationals from its Member States, to fill the following positions: 1. General Counsel (closes 23 October, 2015) Applicants can obtain further details from www.oecs.org or URL address: http://www.oecs.org/about-the-oecs/ who-we-are/job-opportunities.
Friday, September 25, 2015
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FIFA president now under criminal investigation over deal with Jack Warner Switzerland, – As the extradition process for former FIFA vice president and corruption accused Jack Warner remains in limbo, the head of football’s world governing body is under criminal investigation in connection with a TV rights deal that he signed with the Trinidad and Tobago football executive 10 years ago. FIFA headquarters was raided, the office of President Sepp Blatter searched and data seized today. And the attorney general subsequently announced that his office had opened criminal proceedings into Blatter, is due to step down from FIFA’s leadership next February,
on suspicion of criminal mismanagement or, alternatively, misappropriation. It is alleged that on September 12, 2005, Blatter signed a contract with the Caribbean Football Union, headed by Warner, which was “unfavorable for FIFA”. “There is a suspicion that, in the implementation of this agreement, Blatter also violated his fiduciary duties and acted against the interest of FIFA and/or FIFA Marketing & TV AG,” a statement issued by the office of the Swiss attorney general said. Additionally, Blatter is suspected of a “disloyal payment” of two million Swiss francs (US$2 million) to President of Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Michel Platini, at the expense of FIFA, which was allegedly made for work performed between January 1999 and June 2002. The payment was made in February 2011.
Sepp Blatter
Blatter, 79, was interrogated today, following a meeting of the FIFA Executive Committee. The attorney general’s statement said Platini was also heard “as a person asked to provide information”.
AG insists UNC court challenge to election PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, – Attorney General Faris Al Rawi Saturday maintained that the move by the opposition United National Congress (UNC) to challenge the results of the September 7 general elections is a waste of time even though a High Court Friday night granted the party leave to challenge a decision by the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) to extend voting by one hour. Al Rawi said that it is “normal procedure” for the courts to courts to grant leave ex-parte and there is nothing to celebrate and the petitions are destined to fail. “As I have said previously, they are perfectly entitled to approach the court. My own view not having seen the papers yet, but from what has been reported is that the substantive application…is destined to fail. “It is without merit and it lacks in any form or
substance. The matter of obtaining leave to appeal is perhaps best described as procedural. It is a very very very low standard. The applications are dealt with on an ex-parte basis,” he said on radio here. Lawyers for the UNC, the biggest partner in the coalition People’s Partnership that had contested the general election, said they had been granted leave to file petitions challenging the results in at least six constituencies. The constituencies include San Fernando West, St. Joseph, Tunapuana, Moruga/ Tableland, La Horquetta/ Talparo, The People’s National Movement (PNM) won the general election by a 23-18 margin, but the UNC had contended that the decision by the EBC to extend the voting period in Trinidad due to the inclement weather was unconstitutional and wrong. Attorney Wayne Sturge told reporters that what transpired in the court “was the leave stage and contrary to what was espoused by the Attorney General and a former attorney general that this was vexatious, frivolous and without merit and so on. “This stage is designed to weed out applications that are vexatious, frivolous and unmeritorious,” Sturge said, adding that “the court has found that there is merit in the application and that we have been given leave to present petitions”. He said the next step will be the presentation of the petitions “and then
we get a date to come to court and argue. “In essence we feel and given past experiences this is something that is usually dealt with expeditiously,” he said, noting that a similar court challenge to the final determination had taken nine months to be completed. “So we expect that in nine months we will know the final outcome, but this is a slap in the face of those who believe that it was vexatious and frivolous and this shows the rule of law prevails. “The EBC is not a law unto itself as one of its officers sought to convey that they had extensive powers under Section 71 (8) of the Constitution. That is wholly wrong, the rule of law prevails and in due course we will get our justice,” he added. The EBC had said that the voting had not been extended in the sister isle of Tobago and that all polling stations there would close at the stipulated 6.00 pm (local time). Chief Elections Officer Ramesh Nanan said the decision to extend the voting in Trinidad was taken to facilitate electors adversely affected by the weather. In a statement, the EBC said that “Section 71 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago which establishes the Elections and Boundaries Commission also mandates its autonomy over the registration of voters and the conduct of elections in every constituency “Additionally, the constitution allows the Commission to exercise their powers in an unfettered manner. Therefore, the decision to extend the hours of the poll finds its basis within the constitutional supervisory jurisdiction of the Commission in all election management matters,” the EBC added. Al Rawi said the real battle begins when both parties will face the courts. “So it is really of no moment that leave has been obtained. It is really a very low standard to cross over and the real battle will certainly be in the ventilation of the substantive petition in the court and I am confident that the UNC is destined to fail in there with its misguided approach to the court.” Attorney General Faris Al Rawi (File Photo)
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No hospital approval
ness case which I anticipate and hope and were aiming to do in July or August of next financial year and then we go straight to tender for the new hospital - I would expect ground breaking to be some six to nine months after that period.” In the mix of those processes is the location for the new hospital which the Premier mentioned as being one of the hurdles that had to be overcome. There are murmurs and whispers that Little Bay is a popular location for the project, while pundits believe that would be a bad idea for several reasons, when considering the many plans for the area in the growth development plan of many years and the climate change threat, among others. No finalized hospital project as of September 2014
Meanwhile, during her reflections on her time in office Minister Ryan thought it fit, still to be convincing some that the hospital project, which already prior to 2009 had some consideration of approval by DFID, was not a final one when she assumed office in September 2014. That hospital issue saw the former Premier (then Chief Minister) advising the new Minister of Health then that there was no need for further deliberations as the plans had already been on the way. Responding to speculations and statements by the previous R T Meade government, the Minister said she met a Healthcare Improvement Project and not an approved or new hospital project when she took office last year. “I met a Health Care Improvement Project and that project comprised various areas that looked at the entire health
SKB Independence cont’d. from page 5
“On this special day, I pray that we are keenly aware of the countless ways in which St. Kitts and Nevis have, for so long, been blessed. I cannot remember a time – in my lifetime - in which there was greater tumult and suffering in the world, with
both man-made catastrophes as well as acts of nature leaving such despair in their wake. “Yet, for so long, we in St. Kitts & Nevis have been the beneficiaries of God’s abundant mercies. May we never take this divine beneficence for granted. May we commit
ourselves to striving even harder to make ourselves, in some small way, worthy. And in a world in which democratic values are more important than ever to ensuring the stability that all humans crave, may we forever commit ourselves to upholding the time-honored values
on which all democracies depend,” he added. Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General Irwin La Rocque in his message commended the impressive strides made by the Federation, adding “St. Kitts and Nevis has been a stalwart in the regional integration movement, always prepared to do its part to strengthen and further the interest of the region”.
...cont’d. from page 2
system., in addition to those areas was the refurbishment of the hospital, there was given a design which did not have any approval…business plan… The project was for $34.53 million; funding was included for those areas such as health financing interventions, non-communicable diseases Interventions, interventions in terms of the elderly care and the functional review of the hospital,” she explained: The health minister noted that a design was presented in August last year for the infrastructural development of the hospital for $60 million, but she said there was no way a brand new hospital could have been built for a number of reasons. She explains further what she met and state of the plan being made mentioning that . ”The Infrastructure side of the hospital which is the existing old St. John’s building only had a portion - a design was presented in August prior to my arrival for a hospital that valued $60 million,” she said continuing. “Given the maths, there is no way that we could have built a brand new hospital. One we were not given approval; two - it was never covered under the project business case and the memorandums in place; three - we did not have the money to build.” The Minister pointed out finally that there were several issues as the project did not meet required standards and procedures. “In addition to that the project was failing as all of the components under it must be performing at a certain level in order for the continuation of the project now under the DFID regulations,” she explained. “Once a project scores B or C consecutively it goes into a six-month-pick that’s a project improvement plan,” she concluded. Hon. Minister of Education and Health, Mrs Delmaude Ryan