September 13th 2019

INDIA’S PRIME MINISTER CONGRATULATE SVG ON BEING THE SMALLEST COUNTRY ELECTED TO THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has noted the close cooperation between India and St incent and the Grenadines including in the international fora and congratulated St. Vincent and Grenadines for the historical achievement of becoming "the smallest country ever" to be elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. 

Prime Minister the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves is currently on a visit to India and participated in the high-level United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD) Symposium, which was held in New Dehli. 

The Leaders agreed to enhance cooperation between the two countries including in the areas of skill development, training, education, finance, culture and disaster management.

 

WORK TO COMMENCE ON MARRIOTT HOTEL SOON

Minister of Finance Hon Camillo Gonsalves has indicated that the signing of the agreement between the government of SVG and the Marriott International to construct a Hotel at Mt Wynne   signals the commencement of actual work soon.

Speaking at the ceremony on Tuesday, Gonsalves said that though it was quite a lengthy process to reach the signing stage, ground is expected to be broken for the commencement of actual work this year. 

Minister Gonsalves indicated that the Argyle International airport has played a major role in positioning the country to commence a mass tourism development.  As part of the development thrust for the area a financial Center will be established in Peter’s Hope.

PERSONS INVITED TO APPLY FOR POSITIONS ON THE GUYANA WORK PROGRAMME

The Department of Labour is inviting persons to apply for available positions on the Guyana Work Programme

A release from the Ministry of Labour says that the available positions are Electrical Engineer, Project Management, Electrician, Plumbers, Welders and Food & Beverage 

Persons are asked to note that only persons with certification including CVQ & TVET certification will be eligible for the positions. Please call 456 2349 for an appointment, persons without appointments will not be accommodated. Please bring with you:  

1. 2 passport sized pictures 

2. National ID/Passport/Drivers License 

3. NIS Card 

4. Names, Address, telephone number, email address and occupation of 2 references. 

5. A prepared resume is welcomed.    

September 12 2019

SVG TOURISM AUTHORITY CEO WELCOMES THE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

Chief Executive Officer of the SVG Tourism Authority Mr. Glen Beache has welcomed the partnership between the government of SVG and Marriott International with regards to the construction of a two hundred and fifty room hotel at Mt Wynne.

A signing ceremony was held here this week at the Private Mt Wynne site. Speaking during the ceremony Mr. Beache said that the coming on stream of the Marriott helps the country a great deal as he expressed anticipation towards working with the company.

Mr. Beache pointed out that the Argyle International plays a major role in bringing investments to the country. The SVGTA CEO indicated that SVG has the most diverse tourism product in the Caribbean and it must be appreciated.

AGRICULTURE MINISTER SABOTO CAESAR IN BAHAMAS PROVIDING SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE 

This country’s Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar is currently in the Bahamas providing support and assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
 

According to local reports the minister has visited affected communities with Hon. Micheal Pintard, his colleague Minister of Agriculture in the Bahamas.  Mr. Ceaser was quoted as saying that it is one region and solidarity in times of a disaster is the least that can be done.
 

Minister Ceaser who also has responsibility for Labour stated that SVG has one of the better trained workforces for disaster recovery in the Caribbean. He reminded that the country has a deep history in recovery and reconstruction, from providing support after Hurricane Ivan in Grenada, Tomas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines -‘Operation Recovery and Reconstruction’ and several national floods, Maria and Irma in Anguilla, BVI and Dominica.

 

RSVGPF HOSTS FIRST EVERY CRIME PREVENTION WORKSHOP

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) recently hosted its first ever Crime Prevention Workshop for Neighbourhood Watch Groups in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

The workshop which was sponsored by GUARDSMAN, SVG Limited and the Insurance Brokers convened on September 3-4, 2019 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room under the theme “Partnering with and Empowering Neighbourhood Watch Groups to function effectively”. 

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Richard Browne, Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibilities for Crime. He informed the participants that one of the ways in which the Police Force achieve its mission is by fostering better police/public relationship through civic and other community groups. He disclosed that Neighbourhood Watch Groups forms part of the RSVGPF thrust in community policing strategy. ACP Browne highlighted to the audience that the police alone cannot fight crime effectively and therefore needs partners to do so. He stated that the police have found one such partner in Neighbourhood Watch Groups. 

The keynote speaker stated that the community expects watch groups to be strong, well organized and properly managed in order to help safeguard the communities in which they operate. ACP Browne pointed out to the participants that some of the objectives of a Neighbourhood Watch Group are to Help residents protect themselves and their properties, Reduce the fear of crime and improve their local environment by improve home security, greater vigilance, fostering a community spirit; and improving the environment in the community.

In closing, ACP Browne warned that Neighbourhood Watch Groups are not “vigilante” groups. He cautioned the group’s members not to take matters into their own hands if and when their life or property is violated. He advised them to report all matters to the police so that the necessary action can be taken.

NEMO TO HOST CONSULTATION AT POLE YARD

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) invite all residents and operators of businesses in Pole Yard and surrounding communities to a meeting at Pole Yard on Thursday 12th September, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.   

The purpose of this community meeting is to sensitize persons to the Tsunami Ready Pilot Project which is being implemented on mainland St. Vincent from Kingstown to Argyle (Parish of St. George). 

The Tsunami inundation map, evacuation routes and installation of tsunami signage within the area will be discussed.   All are asked to make a special effort to attend this community meeting on Thursday 12th September, 2019, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Pole Yard.

REGIONAL

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT SAYS 2500 PERSONS LISTED AS MISSING

The Bahamas government said Wednesday there are 2,500 people on its list of those missing after Hurricane Dorian.    But the names have yet to be checked  against the rosters of people evacuated from the devastated islands or staying in shelters.   Carl Smith, a spokesman for the country's emergency management Agency, said he expects the list to shrink as it is checked.

More than a week after Dorian smashed thousands of homes on the country's Grand Bahama and Abaco islands, the death toll stood at 50 and was expected to rise, with search-and-rescue crews still making their way through the ruins.

While power has returned to much of Grand Bahama, Smith said the electrical infrastructure around Marsh Harbour, Abaco's largest city, was destroyed.

September 11TH 2019

GOVERNMENT OF SVG SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines yesterday held a ceremonial signing for an Agreement with the Marriott International Company as it moves forward with the Mount Wynne Hotel development project.

The Marriott International is an American multinational diversified hospitality company that manages and franchises a broad portfolio of hotels and related lodging facilities. The signing ceremony was held at the Private Mt. Wynne site.

Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves had announced during the month of August that Marriot would be managing the new Hotel at Mount Wynne. Speaking at yesterday’s ceremony Gonsalves indicated that the signing process took about two years to be completed. Mr. Gonsalves further noted that the construction of this hotel at Mt Wynne will be the start of a renaissance in the central leeward area as it will become the central hub of economic growth and development.

The Finance minister also pointed out that a residential development project will come on stream in the area soon. The minister also pointed out that the neighboring town of Layou and Barrouallie will receive a facelift and other enhancement works in preparation to becoming more tourism oriented.

Vice President of the Marriott International Bojan Kumer expressed pleasure at the new development. He described SVG as a unique Caribbean island and noted that the hotel construction is a very important venture for the county.

2NDANNUAL CANDLE FOR SVG PRAYER AND VIGIL TAKES PLACE ON SEPT 15TH

The second annual Candle for SVG Prayer and vigil will take place here this weekend.

The event will take place on Sunday 15th September, 2019 under the theme “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people. It is scheduled to start from 6pm. 

According to coordinator of the event Javelle Frank, the vigil is a symbol of support, love and hope that we have not lost our voice and power as a nation, coming together as one people before Almighty GOD through repentance. 

This vigil includes a panel of God’s Messengers who would intercede through prayer along with an open segment to the public. 

REGIONAL 

BAHAMAS TO RECEIVE US$11M FROM THE REGION’S CATASTROPHE RISK INSURANCE FUND

The Bahamas will get almost US$11 million from the region’s catastrophe risk insurance fund following the passage of Hurricane Dorian that caused widespread devastation in the northern part of the 700-island archipelago. 

CCRIF says the government will receive $10,936,103.

The Bahamas has three tropical cyclone policies with CCRIF, each one covering a section or zone of the archipelago – North West, South East and Central. It is the tropical cyclone policy for the North West Zone – which includes the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama – that was triggered. Dorian made landfall in the north of the archipelago – the Abaco Islands on September 1 and battered Grand Bahama for two days. 

CCRIF’s payouts are made within 14 days of an event, but in this case CCRIF made an advance payment today of 50 per cent of the payout to allow the Government to begin to address its most pressing needs – with the remaining 50 per cent to be paid within the 14-day window for all CCRIF payouts. 

CCRIF CEO Isaac Anthony contacted the Government of The Bahamas to inform of the payout and to express the Facility’s own commiseration for the many lives lost and to pledge support to the Government as it seeks to recover and rebuild not just infrastructure but also lives. 

In acknowledging the destruction and damage wrought on the northern islands of The Bahamas, he expressed some relief that Dorian spared most of the other islands. 

This additional support that could be provided by CCRIF to the Government of The Bahamas will come from the Facility’s corporate social responsibility or technical assistance (TA) programme. 

Over the years, CCRIF has provided resources from its TA Programme to governments to support specific projects after a natural disaster. In fact, The Bahamas was the recipient in 2012 of a TA grant of US$85,000 following the passage of Hurricane Sandy for the construction of a new sea wall at Sandyport Beach. Similar sized grants have been provided over the years, to Jamaica (US$100,000 for the rehabilitation of the Muirton Boys Home following Hurricane Sandy in 2012) and Dominica (US$100,000 for the construction of new fencing at the Douglas-Charles Airport, which was damaged by Tropical Storm Erika in 2016) among others. The CCRIF Board and Management will decide on possible TA support to The Bahamas in collaboration with the Government in the coming weeks. 

“Member governments are appreciative of this rapid infusion of quick liquidity through CCRIF payouts from its parametric insurance policies, which they are able to use to address immediate priorities and to support the most vulnerable in their population,” Anthony said.

“CCRIF, through the parametric insurance products that it provides, is an example of a disaster risk financing tool that is most applicable for high impact low frequency events; and the instrument is designed to allow member governments to reduce their budget volatility and to provide some amount of financial resources for emergency relief such as restoring critical infrastructure and providing assistance to the affected population, thereby assisting to reduce post-disaster resource deficits.”

CCRIF said the rapid payouts are possible because the insurance policies that CCRIF sells are parametric as opposed to indemnity insurance otherwise referred to as traditional insurance. Parametric insurance products are insurance contracts that make payments based on the intensity of an event (for example, hurricane wind speed, earthquake intensity, volume of rainfall) and the amount of loss calculated in a pre-agreed model caused by these events. Therefore, payouts can be made very quickly after a hazard event, making CCRIF’s parametric insurance different from traditional/indemnity insurance that require an on-the-ground assessment of individual losses after an event before a payment can be made – which can take months for a claim to be settled. 

September 10th 2019

GOVERNMENT OF SVG AND MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL CO TO SIGN AGREEMENT TODAY

The government of St Vincent and the Grenadines will today sign an agreement with Marriott International Company to advance plans for the construction of a Hotel at Mt Wynne.

The signing ceremony will take place at 2:30 pm at private Mt Wynne site. An announcement was made earlier this month by Minister of Finance Hon Camillo Gonsalves that the Marriott would be managing the Mt Wynne hotel. The officials from Marriott are also expected to be in the state today to make the formal announcement.

The Marriott International is an American multinational diversified hospitality company. Star Radio will bring live coverage of this afternoon’s ceremony.

SVG HOST CARIFORUM CONSULTATIONS

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is hosting CARIFORUM CONSULTATIONS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND KEY SERVICE SUPPLIERS.

The commitments undertaken by the EU under the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) represents a potentially wide market for CARIFORUM services suppliers. 

The CARIFORUM Directorate, in embarking upon initiatives in accordance with its work programme for 2019-2020 to enhance awareness and knowledge of the market access opportunities available to regional services suppliers under the EPA, is seeking to address the dearth in capacity in CARIFORUM States through the organisation of in-country consultations. 

St. Vincent and the Grenadines as Chair of CARIFORM-EU is this week hosting a series of consultations over a 4-day period from the 10th to 13thSeptember, 2019 at the Beachcombers Hotel Conference Room.

The consultations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines will cover the Second CARIFORUM-EU Meeting on Trade in Services (resumption);

• 11th -12th     September, 2019 - Second CARIFORUM Meeting on the Development of a Mutual      Recognition Agreement for Architectural Services; and
• 13th September, 2019 –      Services Seminar Converting Market Access into Market presence under the      CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. 

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The objectives of the consultations are to sensitize public officials and key services suppliers on the opportunities available under the services and investment provisions of the EPA while addressing the challenges and proposed approaches to them.

The targeting of private officials stems from the need to build capacity amongst the stakeholders. With their enhanced capacity, the stakeholders in turn would be better equipped to engage in discussions on the critical issues impacting on the services sector and leverage the benefits available under the Agreement. The consultation on Friday will therefore examine the market access opportunities for CARIFORUM businesses looking to enter the European Union market. 

RSVGPF HOST WORKSHOP FOR NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH GROUPS

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) hosted its first ever Crime Prevention Workshop for Neighbourhood Watch Groups in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

The workshop which was sponsored by GUARDSMAN, SVG Limited and the Insurance Brokers convened on September 3-4, 2019 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room under the theme “Partnering with and Empowering Neighbourhood Watch Groups to function effectively”. 

Speaking at the official opening ceremony on Tuesday September 3, 2019, coordinator of the workshop, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Junior Simmons told the participants that the hosting of such a workshop is testament of the RSVGPF commitment in engaging community members in meaningful activities not only to improve their personal safety, but that of the entire country. ASP Simmons encouraged residents who have not yet formed a Watch Group to do so because it is one of the ways in which people can make their communities safer. He gave the assurance that the RSVGPF is ready to offer any assistance possible to such persons.

ASP Simmons impressed upon the participants to use the information received to make a positive impact in their communities and to use the workshop to network with members of other Neighbourhood watch groups. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Richard Browne, Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibilities for Crime. He informed the participants that one of the ways in which the Police Force achieve its mission is by fostering better police/public relationship through civic and other community groups. He disclosed that Neighbourhood Watch Groups forms part of the RSVGPF thrust in community policing strategy.

A total of twelve topics were covered during the workshop which included:-

• Neighbourhood Watch: What you      need to know
• Insurance and You: Risky Business
• Identification of Illegal drugs
• Understanding human trafficking
• Crime Prevention: Tips and      Strategies
• Fire Detection and Prevention
• Home Security Management and      Monitoring
• Expanding our watch to virtual      communities (Cyber Monitoring)
• Understanding domestic Violence -      The Role of the Police 
• Sexual offences - Let’s put a      halt to all sexual assaults 
• Safety at Sea
• Road safety and traffic      regulations 
• 
  

POLICE NEWS

· Bentley Francis/Phillips of Rillan Hill who was listed in the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force’s ‘wanted person’ bulletin, yesterday has been captured.

The police in an updated report today announced that the fugitive was detained in Grenada and is presently awaiting deportation to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The police further expressed gratitude to the general public for their usual cooperation, as they continue to partner in the fight against crime. 

· Police are also investigating the shooting death of twenty-two-year-old Rockies resident Tevin Williams. Williams is reported to have received gunshot wounds to his head and neck which resulted in his death. 

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD SVG TO HOST AWARD FORUM ON SEPT 14TH

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, SVG will host an Award Forum on Saturday, 14th September 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the SVG Red Cross Society Headquarters.

The theme for this forum is “Revitalising the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, SVG: The Best Kept Secret Award Programme for Young People”. 

The aim of this Forum is to provide persons with recent updates on the Award Programme and present pins to participants who recently completed the Leaders Programme. The pins will be presented by Her Excellency, Mrs. Susan Dougan, The Governor General of SVG. The Forum will also allow participants who attended the Caribbean Award Sub Regional Council (CASC) Adventurous Journey in St Lucia the opportunity to share their experiences with others. SVG had 18 participants attending CASC 2019, from 26th July to 11th August 2019. 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award offers young people between the ages 14 to 24 years old the opportunity to challenge themselves and impact their communities in many positive ways. 

The Award Programme began in SVG in 1972 and over 2000 young people have benefitted from the programme. The National Award Authority (NAA) of SVG which oversees the programme believes that many more young people can benefit from this experience. 

2NDANNUAL WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE TO BE HOSTED NEXT MONTH

The 2nd Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference hosted by the organization SVG International is set to take place next month. 

The event is slated for October 28th and 29th, and will be held at the Methodist Hall in Kingstown, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Forum will feature six dynamic female speakers, and the Conference platform will focus on the Social and Economic Empowerment of Women, whilst actively initiating programs to ensure their sustainable development. 

The SVG International Organization say it is committed to ensuring equality and justice. It says the hosting of this 2nd Annual Conference is part of an ongoing effort to mentor and support women in their quest to embark on initiatives and break barriers. The speakers at the Conference are drawn from a cadre of First Ladies, Diplomats, Ambassadors, Entrepreneurs, Authors and Media Professionals.

DR ADRIAN FRASER TO LAUNCH HIS LATEST BOOK

Dr. Adrian Fraser, in collaboration with the University of the West Indies Open Campus, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has announced the launching of his latest book entitled, “From Villain to National Hero:Chatoyer and the Early Struggle for Independence of St. Vincent (Yurumein)”.

The launch takes place on Thursday September 19th at 6:00 pm at Frenches House. The book traces the transformation of Chatoyer from villain as seen through colonial texts to his status as this country’s first national hero and makes the point that the early struggle for Independence began with Chatoyer. It therefore broadens the concept and meaning of National Independence and is dedicated to the 40th anniversary of our Independence.

The University of the West Indies Open Campus extends a special invitation to the public and the media to attend the launch. Persons are kindly asked to be seated by 5:45 pm.

REGIONAL 

PAHO REQUEST US$3.5M TO COVER SHORT TERM HEALTH CARE IN THE BAHAMAS

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is requesting an initial US $3.5 million from donors to cover short-term health care and other needs for the population in the Bahamas affected by Hurricane Dorian. 

The devastating category 5 storm made landfall exactly one week ago in northwest Bahamas, and severely affected the health sector, with significant destruction of equipment and medical supplies and electrical and water supplies in Abaco and Grand Bahama. Some 73,000 persons were affected by the storm, and there are hundreds of people in shelters in the disaster zone. While approximately 50 deaths have been officially reported thus far, mass casualty numbers are expected to rise significantly as more areas become accessible and search and rescue operations continue.  

Dr. Ciro Ugarte, PAHO’s Director of Health Emergencies, said that their priority concerns are to restore access to essential health services and continued medical care delivery, to ensure water quality in affected communities and health facilities, and to restore proper hygiene and sanitation.” He said adequate waste management and control of disease-causing vectors such as mosquitoes is key, along with increasing epidemiological surveillance to support early detection and timely management of disease outbreaks. 

The $3.5 million being requested by PAHO is a preliminary estimate to cover short- term healthcare, water and sanitation, epidemiological surveillance and vector-control needs in the Bahamian Islands most affected by Hurricane Dorian for the next six months, Dr. Ugarte said, adding that needs will likely increase as damage assessments are completed. 

PAHO/WHO activated its emergency teams for surge capacity and had pre-deployed Rapid Response Team experts to the Bahamas before Hurricane Dorian struck to support health authorities and humanitarian response as needs were identified. So far, 14 PAHO experts are in the disaster zone to provide surge capacity in logistics, civil and military coordination, information management, epidemiological surveillance, communications, and coordination. 

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis says a national day of mourning must be held to properly mourn those who died as a result of Hurricane Dorian. The count is now at least 50.

 BAHAMIAN GOVERNOR GENERAL SAYS THE COUNTRY FACES ONE OF THE GREATEST CHALLENGES IN HISTORY

The Bahamas faces one of the greatest challenges in its history in trying to rebuild lives and infrastructure in the wake of Hurricane Dorian’s unprecedented destruction, Governor General CA Smith said last night.   Mr. Smith spoke during a national address while Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is expected to address the country tonight.

Mr. Smith said that there is no question that the people and country, have suffered a most grievous blow at the hands of nature. We all know that from time to time throughout our history, we have had encounters with hurricanes of varying magnitudes but none like Dorian. The 1929 hurricane stalled over the Bahamas for an extended time, causing 48 deaths. The 1932 category five hurricane devastated Abaco in particular, killing 16 people in the country. 

The death toll from Dorian stands at 45. The Ministry of Social Services has not said how many people have been reported missing.

Mr. Smith said that his thoughts and prayers are with the thousands of families whose homes and properties have been severely damaged or destroyed and whose lives are now shattered.

POLICE IN BELIZE CONFISCATE 1,210 PARCELS OF COCAINE

Police in Belize say they have confiscated 1, 210 parcels of cocaine on board an aircraft that had landed at an illegal airstrip off the Coastal Road, south of here, in the early hours of Monday.

Police said that six people, including four from Honduras and one each from Mexico and Ecuador, have been held as a result of the operation. The street value of the drugs was not disclosed.

The authorities said they had received prior information that the King Air 12 engine aircraft had taken off from Venezuela and had deployed officers to several of the illegal and legal aerodromes.  They said the plane was allowed to land and officers waited for other key players to appear.

“During the day we received intelligence of a tracked leaving Venezuela. As we would normally do, we mobilized members of the security forces and deployed as different aerodrome, both legal and illegal with the hope that the plane would land,” said Police Commissioner, Chester Williams.

He said the police had observed the aircraft landing on an illegal aerodrome off the Coastal Road. “The security forces who were in the area remained in place and allowed the plane to land properly before making a move. When the plane landed properly and the pilot had turned off the engine. Two vehicles approached the plane with men on board. These men we believe were the ones who were tasked to unload the cargo from the plane. While they were unloading the cargo, the security forces made a move towards them,” Williams said.  He said during the operation, the police became involved in a gun battle with the drug smugglers resulting in two of the traffickers being injured.

September 9th 2019

PRIME MINISTER GONSALVES TO PAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO INDIA

Prime Minister Dr Hon Ralph Gonsalves left the country on Thursday September 5, 2019 on an official visit to the Republic of India that would see him spending five days in that country.  Dr Gonsalves is making this visit to India, in response to two separate activities that he is expected to participate in over the period. 

On the morning of Monday September 9, 2019, Prime Minister Gonsalves will co-chair the High-Level Roundtable discussion on Land, climate change and renewable energy, and later in the afternoon, will address the opening of the High-Level segment of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) at its Conference of the Parties (COP) 14. He would also hold a number of bi-lateral meetings with groups and persons of interests including the United Nations Deputy Secretary General and the Deputy Prime Ministers of Finland and Samoa.

The second part of Dr Gonsalves visit to India has him scheduled to meet with that country’s Prime Minister India Narendra Modi. The Indian Prime Minister had first issued the invitation to Dr Gonsalves back in 2016 at a bi-lateral meeting held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, but conflicting schedules of both leaders made that visit impossible before now. Dr Gonsalves and Prime Minister Modi are expected to discuss a range of issues of interest to both countries intended to deepen cooperation and strengthen the working relationship our countries enjoy bi-laterally as well as multi-laterally. 

The Prime Minister is accompanied by a delegation that includes; Hon Luke Browne, Minister of Health, Wellness and Environment, His Excellency Cenio Lewis, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and non-resident High Commissioner to India, Mr. Fitzgerald Providence, Chief Forestry Officer and Focal Point to the UNCCD and Mrs Cheryl Rodriguez, representing the local Indian Heritage Foundation. Prime Minster Gonsalves is expect to return to the state on Monday September 16, 2019.

GENDER AFFAIRS, NEMO AND UNDRR TO HOST CONSULTATION AND WORKSHOP

The Gender Affairs Division within the Ministry of National Mobilisation, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO), and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), will be hosting a consultation and training workshop on Gender and Vulnerable groups in Early Warning Systems (EWS). 

This activity is scheduled for September 10 – 11, 2019 at the Sunset Shores Hotel Conference Room, commencing at 8:30 am each day. Disasters affect women, girls, boys and men differently as these groups face different exposure, participation, power and vulnerability conditions that influence risk. In addition, gender inequality and social marginalization of vulnerable groups, increases vulnerability to disasters; heightens exposure to risk and restrain capacity. This often results in a gendered post-disaster downward spiral of poverty. 

As a consequence, when gender disaggregated data is collected the research shows that women and girls are disproportionally affected by disasters.  They are more likely to die in disasters, and have different and uneven levels of resilience and capacity to recover. Therefore, gender and vulnerable groups must be considered in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Early Warning Systems (EWS).

The objectives of this workshop are to enable dialogue among different actors working together with either gender or EWS, and to increase the knowledge of gender and EWS at the national level; fill in the gender and vulnerable group gaps in EWS; further define how gender, age and vulnerable groups status affect the four (4) pillars of the EWS in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the Caribbean and to re-identify what is required in order to fill these gaps at the national and regional levels.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS BENEFIT FROM BACK TO SCHOOL TOUR

Four Primary Schools are now more equipped to ensure students have all the necessities for the 2019/20 school year from a recent Back to School Tour held on Thursday 5th Sept , 2019. 

The Back to School Tour hosted by House of Ellis in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Corporate Entities Digicel and LIAT visited the Pamelus Burke Primary, Georgetown Government, Langley Park Government and the Dickson Methodist School and donated packages of school supplies including bookbags, copy paper, books as well as essentials such as pens, pencils, rulers and erasers. 

Members of the team also motivated the students to work hard, achieve their best, gave study tips and even offered some career guidance. They also learned about Regional Airline LIAT: destinations, jobs, and fleet from Corporate Communications Manager Shavar Maloney and the staff of the Pamelus Burke Primary and Georgetown Government Schools received credit from Digicel. 

The Back to School Tour is another initiative by House of Ellis to give back to schools at the beginning of every school term. It also seeks to build relationships with the communities through the schools and give corporate citizens an opportunity to impact the communities they serve.

POLICE NEWS

Police have arrested and charged a 43-year-old resident of Georgetown with seven (7) counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse.
 

According to investigations, the accused allegedly had Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a minor under the age of 15 years old between 31.05.19 and 01.09.19.
 

The accused is expected to appear before the Family Court for arraignment.

REGIONAL 

BAHAMAS HEALTH MINISTRY AND PAHO ASSURES THAT NON OF THE BAHAMIAN ISLANDS ARE UNDER QUARANTINE

The Ministry of Health Bahamas and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) are reassuring the public that none of the islands in the Caribbean country is under quarantine. 

In a statement issued by the ministry and PAHO said while floods can potentially increase the transmission of water-borne and communicable diseases, there is no cholera in the country.

The statement said nevertheless, there have not been any detected cholera cases at the moment, nor any increased number of infectious diseases due to the hurricane. 

The statement said the Ministry of Health and PAHO are urging the population in affected areas to drink and use safe water and also continue to practice good hygiene such as hand washing to prevent water-borne diseases.

Bahamian officials have defended their response to Hurricane Dorian after it devastated parts of the island chain last week, killing at least 43 people.    Residents on the Abaco Islands have accused the government of failing to provide assistance and prevent looting.

Officials denied there had been any cover up of number of deaths. The toll is likely to rise as hundreds, possibly thousands, of people are still missing. Some 70,000 people were in need of food and shelter, the United Nations said. Thousands of residents from the hardest-hit areas in the Abacos have been sent to the country's capital, Nassau, where authorities say they may have to use tents or containers to house the victims.

Health Minister Duane Sands dismissed allegations that the government was covering up the number of victims, saying the priority was not to count the dead but to search for the missing and provide assistance to those in need, according to the Miami Herald newspaper.

In Marsh Harbour on the Abacos, where 90% of infrastructure is damaged or destroyed, search-and-rescue teams were working through the rubble while residents complained that aid had been too slow in arriving.  

Sept 5th 2019

CABINET APPROVES 48 NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS, EXHIBITIONS, SPECIAL AWARDS AND BURSARIES 

This country’s Cabinet on Wednesday, September 04, 2019, approved forty-eight national scholarships, national exhibitions, a special award, and bursaries to students who sat the CAPE and Associate Degree examinations in 2019.

Ten students were awarded national scholarships, eight were awarded national exhibitions, twenty-nine were awarded bursaries and one student received a special award.

The criteria for these awards and the recommendations came from the officials of the Ministry of Education and the Director of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, and accepted by Cabinet.

The ten (1) National Scholars, in order of scholastic performance, for 2019 are:

1. Ianà Ferguson : Prime Minister’s Award;

2. Shane Cadogan : Robert Milton Cato Scholarship;

3. Melissa Adams : George Augustus Mc Inrtosh Scholarship;

4. Christalle Wilson  : Ebenezer Theodore Joshua Scholarship;

5. Rasheed Fontenelle : Dr. J.P. Eustace Scholarship;

6. Karine Sampson : Sir Vincent Beache Scholarship;

7. Jordan Lawrence-Hamlett : Norma Keizer Scholarship;

8. Devron Blugh : Bertram “Timmy” Richards Scholarship;

9. Rachelle Bradshaw : Yvonne Francis-Gibson Scholarship;

10.Aranique Jackson : Alban Henry Scholarship

Ianà Ferguson won the coveted Prime Minister’s Award for the best academic performance. In addition to her full scholarship, she will receive an appropriate medal and an award of $20,000.00. The cash award has been increased for 2019 by 100 percent.

Shane Cadogan, in placing second, is awarded the sum of $10,000 in addition to his full scholarship. This is the first time that a cash award has been added to the benefits of the second-placed academic performance. All National Scholars have their tuition and economic cost (as per University of the West Indies benchmarks) paid by the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines plus a monthly sum adequate for all living expenses (board and lodging) and associated expenses. National Scholarships cover five years’ university education. 

The eight National Exhibition winners in 2019 are:

1. Tiffany      Durrant;
2. Jonathan      Gieowarsingh;
3. Saeed      Bowman;
4. Dominic      Horne;
5. Chiarra      Peniston;
6. Shadia      Williams;
7. K-Tricia      Isaacs; and
8. Miguel      Gonsalves

The first six-named students sat the CAPE examinations. The last two-named students obtained Associate Degrees from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. The National Exhibitions have the same benefits as the National Scholarships, but for three (3) years instead of five years.

The John Horne Memorial Scholarshipis awarded for the first time to the student who best combines academic and cultural excellence, Saeed Bowman, a National Exhibition winner.

Mr. Ronnie Richardson has been granted a Special Award with all the benefits of a National Exhibition winner. He topped the students who obtained Associate Degrees. He obtained his qualification in Teacher Education (Secondary). He is over 21 years of age which is the maximum age, under the rules, for national scholars and national exhibition winners; he was born in 1989.

Bursaries are for three (3) years’ university education with an annual value of $25,000 (up from $20,000). The Cabinet further decided that a Bill will be presented to Parliament to ensure that annually the top ten scholars will be awarded scholarships/exhibitions in the names of the distinguished persons who are listed above; so, too, the John Horne Memorial Scholarship. The Cabinet considers these deceased persons worthy of the continuing memorials. 

The Prime Minister’s Award will continue to top the list. It is open to Cabinet to award other memorial scholarships as the circumstances demand or admit. The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines congratulates all these scholars on their impressive scholastic performances. These scholars make us especially proud in the 40th year of our nation’s independence — Renewal at 40!

FIRST SECONDARY SCHOOL OPENED ON CANOUAN

Nineteen (19) students will go down in history as the first to receive secondary education on the island of Canouan. 

On September 2, the start of the new school year, Minister of Education, St. Clair Jimmy Prince, along with parliamentary representative for the Southern Grenadines, Terrance Ollivierre and Director of Grenadines Affairs, Edwin Snagg, as well as other officials from the Ministry of Education went to Canouan to share the historic moment with the community.

Addressing a brief ceremony held at the temporary location for the school, Mr. Ollivierre said it was a very emotional time for him as for years the people of Canouan have been struggling and pleading for this to happen. He urged the parents to support the children to ensure that the school could be ranked among the best in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the future. He also thanked the government and the investors for making this dream a reality.

Mr. Snagg in his remarks said although pleas were made for years and some may think that it took a long time for secondary education to come to Canouan, he believes that this is the right time. He made special mention of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves for having the political will to take such a bold step. He also commended the investors for partnering with the government in making this a reality.

Minister Prince also described the moment as emotional, adding that it is also historic and significant as it is the first time that the option of receiving secondary education on the island is open to the people of Canouan. Mr. Prince said that the introduction of secondary education on the island of Canouan is part of the education revolution being carried out by the government. The minister said as major stakeholders on the island, they have accepted their corporate responsibility by partnering with the government in assuring that the youngsters on Canouan get a secondary education. According to him, education is a right in this country and government is spending over 130 million dollars this year on education alone and more will be spent as they have nearly 50 scholarships to hand out to students. 

The school building, currently under construction is expected to be completed early next year and will also provide other areas of learning for the general public.

GENDER AFFAIRS DIVISION RECEIVE DONATION FROM FERTILLIS TERRAE ORGANISATION

The Gender Affairs Division within the Ministry of National Mobilization, Social Development is the recipient of items donated by the Fertilis Terrae Organisation, which is a nonpolitical organization that is based on Christian principles of charity and goodwill. 

The donated items would be distributed as care packages to adolescent girls under the teen Mothers programme that is implemented by the Gender Affairs Division. The care packages would include toiletries, school supplies, baby supplies, toys and children books. 

A handing-over ceremony is scheduled for September 6, 2019 at the Ministry of National Mobilisation at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Jennifer Bacchus, SVG Country Director would hand over the items, on behalf of the Fertilis Tarrae Organisation while the Hon Frederick Stephenson would accept on behalf of the ministry and, teen mothers.