July 31st 2020

MOH NOTES AN INCREASE IN THE INCIDENCE OF DENGUE FEVER 

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment has noted an increase in the incidence of dengue fever cases in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in the months of June and July 2020 (as compared to the same period in previous years). 

This was picked up by routine surveillance activities which revealed an overall total of 23 cases of dengue so far for the year. Over the last 7 years, the annual average number of dengue fever cases has been 15. In 2010 and again in 2012 there were outbreaks of Dengue Fever when 218 and 248 cases were recorded respectively. 

Dengue Fever is endemic in St. Vincent and the Grenadines which means that it is normal for there to be some persons in-country with this viral infection that is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito (most probable to be the case during the rainy season). There have been recent surges in the number of dengue cases in many Caribbean countries over the last 12 months, including Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda. 

Common symptoms of dengue fever include: severe headache, joint pains, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, fever and loss of appetite. Dengue Fever is typically a self-limiting infection and though there is no specific cure, treatment includes fever and pain management and staying well hydrated by drinking lots of liquids as tolerated. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAIDS) for pain and fever, such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, should not be used. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol and Tylenol) should be used instead. The most serious form of Dengue Fever is dengue haemorrhagic fever which can be fatal.

The Health Ministry, Wellness and the Environment is urging the public to contact their healthcare providers if they experience any symptoms of Dengue Fever. Early medical care is important to reduce the likelihood of developing serious complications of Dengue fever. 

Reducing the population of mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus is good way to reduce the spread of Dengue Fever. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment will therefore continue to do its part to reduce the number of dengue cases by educating the public, carrying out targeted fogging with insecticides and conducting property inspections to identify and eradicate mosquito breeding sites.

The reduction of mosquito breeding in St. Vincent and the Grenadines is however a shared responsibility. Therefore, home and property owners are urged to also take actions to control the breeding of mosquitoes indoors and outdoors, and therefore reduce their risk of contracting Dengue Fever. 

The public is encouraged to:

• Use screens on windows and doors
• Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in      or near water by covering, emptying and cleaning domestic water storage      containers regularly. These include items such as old tyres, planters, flowerpots      and trash cans. 
• Use mosquito repellent
• Wear clothes that minimise skin  exposure to mosquitoes such as long sleeves shirts and long pants
• 
  

SVG CONFIRMS TWO NEW COVID-19 CASES

St. Vincent and the Grenadines today confirmed two (2) new COVID-19 cases. Both cases arrived on American Airlines (AA) 945 flight on Saturday July 25, 2020 and have been isolated since the receipt of their preliminary positive results. 

Both are doing well and have no symptoms typical of coronavirus. All of the other ninety-three (93) AA 945 passengers who arrived from Miami on Saturday July 25, 2020, have been released from mandatory hotel quarantine, having tested negative for the SARS-CoV-2 virus on day five (5) of quarantine. They will continue in home self-quarantine for nine (9) more days, unless otherwise advised. The Vincentian who arrived on AA 945 on July 18, and had a preliminary positive on day five of quarantine, was determined not to be an active case of COVID-19. That person has been released from isolation. The Air Canada 980 Vincentian passenger who arrived on July 23, 2020, and was classified as a preliminary positive, remains under investigation. Five (5) COVID-19 cases recovered as indicated by two negative results of RT-PCR tests. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has now recorded a total of fifty-four (54) COVID-19 cases, of which forty-four (44) have recovered. There are now ten (10) active COVID-19 cases. The public is urged to work with the health and security services to keep St. Vincent and the Grenadines healthy. This can be achieved, once everyone adheres to all quarantine and isolation orders. 

PRESCHOOL OPERATORS  AND FARMERS TO RECEIVE COVID-19 FINANCIAL RELIEF

Prime Minister Dr Hon Ralph Gonsalves says that the government will be moving to provide some financial relief to owners and operators of preschools as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Dr Gonsalves spoke to this during his regular weekly radio program this week. He also informed that support for the farmers will continue to roll out. The PM said that the seedling distribution program is also ongoing.

LIFTING OF BAN TO PLAY AMPLIFIED MUSIC EXTENDED TO AUGUST 31ST

Members of the general public are hereby notified that the lifting of the ban to play amplified music which came into effect on July 10 and expires on July 31, 2020 has been extended effective August 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020. 

To this end, every person(s) applying for such permission must comply with allof the protocols relating to the prevention/containment of the spread of the COVID -19 virus; including the newly developed and adopted “Recommendations for the Managed Conduct of Mass Gatherings with or without Amplified Music” issued by the Health Services Subcommittee of the National Emergency Committee/COVID 19 Task Force; Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment. Please see protocols attached.

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has declared August 3rdand 4th, 2020 as public holidays. It therefore means that Vincentians will be enjoying an extended weekend. Accordingly, the RSVGPF strongly advises every citizen and visitor, that whatever you choose to do over this long weekend, please do it in a safe and responsible way. When you adhere to the protocols, you are protecting yourself and those around you; thereby helping to contain the spread of the Corona Virus.

REGIONAL 

US ANNOUNCE SANCTIONS AGAINST A LONDON BASED CUBAN BANK

The United States announced sanctions Thursday against Havin Bank LTD, a London-based Cuban entity also known as Havana International Bank, dealing a blow to the Cuban financial system.

The Treasury Department said it had placed the bank on its Office of Foreign Assets Control black list.

The bank has been in operation since August 1973, and is the only one with entirely Cuban capital outside Cuba. Its principal shareholder is the Central Bank of Cuba.

From its perch in London, the bank maintains a network of 400 correspondents around the world that provide banking services for the Cuban market.

The sanctions come just as the island's communist government has allowed the US currency to circulate, permitting some state stores to sell food for dollars. It recently eliminated a 10 per cent tax on dollar transactions.

US President Donald Trump's administration reversed an opening with Cuba initiated by former president Barack Obama, hardening a trade embargo in effect since 1962. In doing so, it has cited human rights violations by Cuba and Havana's support for the socialist government of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela.

July 30th 2020

PM GIVES 2ND QUARTER FISCAL SITUATION FOR SVG

This country’s Prime Minister Dr. Hon Ralph Gonsalves has provided details of the country’s fiscal situation for the second quarter of the year in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic. Dr Gonsalves was at the time speaking on his regular weekly radio program on Wednesday. 

The PM indicated that SVG though it has experienced a decrease in revenues over the comparative period last year, is still performing commendably when compared to other countries in the ECCU. He however warned that there will be challenging times ahead.

150 PRIME APPLICANTS TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE GRANT APPROVAL

Minister of Finance Hon Camillo Gonsalves has indicated that another one hundred and fifty persons are set to receive notifications of PRYME grant approval.

 The Promoting Youth Microenterprises program was implemented   by the government of SVG to encourage youth entrepreneurship. Minister Gonsalves spoke to this during a recent radio program. The Finance Minister noted that a total of 600 applicants have been approved for grants this far. There have been 3,500 applications and 1000 approved grants are expected by the end of the year. 

Mr. Gonsalves said that the program has overwhelmingly attracted young persons for which it was intended and well as women.

WPP HOPING TO RESUME MEDICAL MISSIONS LATER THIS YEAR

The World Pediatric Project, WPP is hoping to resume medical missions to St Vincent and the Grenadines later this year.

According to local reports Executive Director for the Eastern Caribbean, Lauren McIntosh says the organization is currently monitoring the situation in relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Ms. McIntosh also notes that the WPP hopes to welcome their Neonatal Training team to St. Vincent and the Grenadines this year.

SVG OBSERVES WORLD DAY AGAINST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS

St Vincent and the Grenadines today joined the rest of the world in observing World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves in an address to mark the occasion commended all stakeholders who continue to work assiduously to address Human Trafficking in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has maintained its Tier 2 ranking on the United States Annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP report).

The TIP report derives from the Trafficking Victims Protection Act passed in the US Congress in 2000. This act empowers the United States to assess anti-trafficking efforts of 188 countries, including the US. 

Dr Gonsalves made the point that while human trafficking is not a major issue in this country, it continues to be a major problem on the intentional stage with women and children accounting for 71% of all Human trafficking cases. He also outlined some of what St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been doing to combat Human Trafficking.

Meanwhile Commissioner of Police, Collin John said Human Trafficking is a serious issue and the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force continues to place great emphasis on tackling this scourge to ensure that it does not become prevalent in this country.

MECHANIC ON ADDITIONAL CHARGES RELATED TO THEFT OF FUNDS FROM BOSVG

Police have arrested and charged Fitzroy Douglas Jr., 26-year-old Mechanic of Murray Village with additional charges related to the theft of three hundred and eighty-nine thousand one hundred and fifty-five dollars and ninety-five cents ($389,155.95ECC), the property of the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. 

According to investigations carried out, Mr. Douglas was charged for entering into or becoming concern in an arrangement which he knew or suspected, facilitated by whatever means the acquisition, retention, use of control of criminal property by or on behalf of another person to wit the sum of three hundred and eighty-nine thousand one hundred and fifty-five dollars and ninety-five cents ($389,155.95ECC) which was received into the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in his name, which he knew or suspected in whole or in part directly or indirectly represents the proceeds of Criminal Conduct between 01.06.20 and 24.07.20.

He was further charged with having in his possession Criminal Property to wit “a silver Toyota Sprinter Car bearing registration number PS-996” which he knew or suspected in whole or in part, directly or indirectly represents the proceed of Criminal Conduct, at Kingstown between 05.07.20 and 26.07.20. Douglas will appear before the Serious Offences Court to answer the additional charges.

FORESTRY SERVICES ADVICES PROPERTY OWNERS TO CUT TREES WHICH MAY BE OVERHANGING IN THE ROAD

An advisory has been issued by the Forestry Services in the Ministry of Agriculture to property owners to cut trees which may be hanging over their property into the road.

Senior Forestry Supervisor, Cornelius Richards has advised that trees hanging over roads can cause tremendous damage to individuals and vehicles.  He said these trees pose an even greater threat during the Hurricane Season, as they can fall at any time.

REGIONAL 

OPPOSITION NDC SUPPORTER IN GRENADA STAGE PROTEST OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT

Supporters of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC)in Grenada  staged a protest outside the Parliament building on Monday as the party called on the Grenada government to withdraw a controversial piece of legislation it said would infringe upon the rights of citizens.

The Keith Mitchell government has withdrawn the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Control Bill 2020 that was scheduled to be debated on Wednesday. Instead, it said there would be further consultations with stakeholders on the measures that the government said are necessary to help stem the spread of the virus that has infected 23 people here. The ruling New National Party (NNP) controls all 15 seats in the Parliament.

NDP leader, Franka Bernardine, told reporters that the proposed legislation “is oppressive” while the party’s general secretary, Glen Noel, said while the government has indicated it would not be debating the measure now, it has not given an undertaken to completely withdraw the bill.

“We are here simply as a people, and let me make it clear that this gathering…is bipartisan because we are here, the youth movement is here, there are people from the trade unions and there are just concern citizens here,” he said.

“We are all affected by this bill. We are threatened by the intention to pass this bill that seems to be a gross attempt to infringe upon the civil liberties and the rights and freedoms of our people.

‘We don’t think that this bill is necessary, we believe we have sufficient laws that can take care of the current situation. We believe that putting emergency powers in such a reckless government hands for a complete year is unconstitutional and dangerous and therefore we are here to take a stand and to demonstrate our position to get government to withdraw the bill,” Noel told reporters.

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Control Bill, 2020 seeks to regulate the containment of the spread of the coronavirus here “in the interests of public safety, public order, and public health and for the maintenance of a substantial portion of the community and supplies and services essential to the life of the community of the State of Grenada”.  The proposed legislation would also provide for a maximum penalty of EC$25,000 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) in a magistrate court for any person, found guilty of violating any section of the law.

A government statement said that the legislation had been drafted “after nearly four months of managing the SARS-CoV-2 National crisis, and the continuous examination of the medical and scientific information, as well as the experience of the management of the emergency on the ground.

There was a strong police presence at the Parliament building and the protestors, some of whom were wearing masks as part of the protocols governing the virus, were only allowed in the carpark area. 

July 28 2020

FORMER PRIME MINISTER OF BARBADOS THE LATE OWEN ARTHUR DESCRIBED AS A “TITAN”

This country’s Prime Minister and Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Dr Ralph Gonsalves has described the late former Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur as a “titan” who was “deeply committed'” to the deepening of the regional integration movement.

This country’s Prime Minister and Chairman of the Caribbean Community CARICOM, Dr Hon Ralph Gonsalves has issued a statement on the passing of former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur.

Arthur, 70, passed away in the wee hours on Monday morning July 27th at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital where he was awarded at the intensive care unit (ICU) suffering from heart complications. PM Gonsalves described former PM Arthur as distinguished, a titan of regional integration and a most esteemed son of the Caribbean civilization. PM Gonsalves said that our Caribbean, hemisphere, and our world have lost a stateman and intellect of the highest quality.

In a statement issued yesterday Dr Gonsalves noted that our Caribbean, our hemisphere and our world have lost a statesman and intellect of the highest quality. Arthur, 70, an economist, had been hospitalized earlier this month at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital after suffering heart related complications.

He served as prime minister on three occasions: between September 1994 and January 2008.  He was Leader of the Opposition in Barbados from August 1, 1993 to September 6, 1994; and from October 23, 2010 to February 21, 2013.  He led the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to victory in the 1994 general election and won general elections again in 1999 and 2003.

Dr. Gonsalves said that Arthur was the architect of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the 15-member grouping.

PM Gonsalves added that Arthur was deeply committed to making our union in the Caribbean more perfect, the best practicable institutional political and economic expression of the Caribbean civilization and that he is owed an immense debt of gratitude. 

He said he was pleased that after Arthur quit active politics, the University of the West Indies (UWI) “conferred upon him the title and role of Professor of Practice: Economic of Development” saying Arthur was “a top notch student and contributor to the history of ideas and economic thought in our Caribbean.  “He was possessed of a towering intellect and a masterful use of language which he deployed in his economic and political praxis.

“Owen Arthur was a true Caribbean man with a deeply-rooted Barbadianness steeped in our culture and way of life, devoted always to the future ennoblement of our Caribbean civilisation, while at the same time learning from the universalism and well-springs of world civilisation,” Gonsalves said, noting that Arthur came from humble beginnings and retained the “humility and unfussiness of the folk from whom he sprung”.

He said prior to his death, Arthur “deeply agitated about the imminent threat to democracy in Guyana and he reserved some of his finest and most biting barbs against those in that CARICOM member state, who without right, reason or principle verbally abused Mia Mottley and me because of our stance in defense of free and fair elections”.

ANNUAL SUMMER ROAD CLEANING PROGRAM TO COMMENCE SOON

Prime Minister Dr Hon ralph Gonsalves has announced that the annual summer road cleaning program is expected to commence here soon.    PM Gonsalves made the announcement as he spoke on radio last evening. The PM further pointed out that the program of distribution of building materials has been exhausted but arrangements are being made to acquire additional materials for the ongoing program.

The PM confirmed that arrangements are being made to provide financial assistance to seafarers who are affected by the COVID 19.

APPLICATIONS FOR PRYME SURPASSES 3000

Applications for the Promotion of Youth Microenterprises PRYME program is said to have surpassed the 3000 mark so far.    The program was initially introduced with the objective of boosting entrepreneurship among individuals under the age of 40 but has since been expanded to PRYME Plus to include those over the age of 40.

According to Minister of Finance Hon. Camillo Gonsalves the response to program has far exceeded their expectations and more funds will be allocated to the program which will be an ongoing one.

Minister Gonsalves noted that over 3,500 applications have been received so far and 600 grants have been distributed.

MIN OF EDUCATION REVIEWING PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE 2020 CPEA 

The Ministry of Education says that it is currently engaged in the process of reviewing the preliminary results of the 2020 Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) Examinations with assistance from the Caribbean Examinations Council. 

The ministry in a release says that the established policy guideline relating to these examinations provides an opportunity for students to query their grades.

Investigations into reported discrepancies have revealed that the errors discovered relates to the internal component of the assessment that is locally generated. It adds that the Caribbean Examination Council is in no way responsible for the identified discrepancies. The Ministry of Education notes that it will continue to work in the interest of all stakeholders and regrets any inconvenience caused as a consequence of our due diligence exercise.

POLICE NEWS

On 26/07/2020, the Police arrested and jointly charged Yvonne Patterson, 46yrs Bank Clerk of Green Hill and Fitzroy Douglas 27yrs Mechanic of Murray’s Village with the theft of Fifty-three thousand, five hundred and seventy-one dollars and ninety-five cent ($53,571.95 ECC), the property of the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The incident occurred at Kingstown on 18.06.2020.

They were also jointly charged with the theft of three hundred and thirty-five thousand, five hundred and eight-four dollars ($335,584.00 ECC) the property of the aforementioned bank, stolen on 23.07.2020.

Investigations have also led to Patterson being arrested and charged with two (2) counts of false accounting having allegedly falsified the records of a deposit required for accounting purposes in the sum of $53,571.95 ECC on 18.06.2020 and $335,584.00 ECC on 23.07.2020, with a view to cause loss to the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Both accused appeared before the Serious Offences Court on 27.07.2020 to answer the charges. Fitzroy Douglas Jr. plead guilty to the charges and was granted bail in the sum of EC$60,000.00 and was asked to surrender travel documents and to report to the Central Police Station everyday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Yvonne Patterson plead not guilty to the charges and was denied bail. The matter was adjourned to 30.07.2020 for arraignment.  

REGIONAL

T &T PRIME MINISTER SAYS ITS UNLIKELY THE COMMONWEALTH WOULD SEND OBSERVERS TO THE AUGUST 10TH GENERAL ELECTIONS

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley says it is unlikely that the Commonwealth would send observers to Trinidad and Tobago for the August 10 general elections, but that there has been a positive response from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to the invitation.  Rowley, speaking on a People’s National Movement (PNM) “Friday Night Virtual Lime with Dr Rowley” said that he had received communication from the Commonwealth indicating that it had become expensive to undertake the venture given that the observers would have had to be placed in quarantine for a 14 day period as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He said the Commonwealth had also pointed to the fact that there are no commercial flights to the country as a result of the lockdown of the borders due to virus.  He said the government had also explored the possibility of a third party assisting the Commonwealth team in getting to Trinidad and Tobago and is still awaiting a response from those parties.

Regarding the CARICOM observer team, Rowley said he had received communication from the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat indicating that three countries had agreed to provide a team.    But Rowley made it clear that Trinidad and Tobago is not worried at the possibility of no observers being able to arrive here.

On Friday, the leader of the main opposition United National Congress (UNC), Kamala Persad Bissessar said almost two weeks after the government had indicated that invitations had been sent out, there were no public response to the invitations.

July 27 2020

SVG TO RECEIVE MEDICAL SUPPLIES FROM THE UAE

St Vincent and the Grenadines is among regional countries that will benefit from medical supplies donated to regional countries by the United Arab Emirates UAE.  The (UAE) yesterday sent a relief plane with medical supplies including 500,000 test kits to several countries in the region including Jamaica, Dominica, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

In a statement, the UAE's ambassador to Cuba and non-resident ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and St Kitts & Nevis, Badar Alma-trooshi, said approximately 12,500 medical professionals will benefit from the assistance provided.

The ambassador in a statement said that the UAE is a strong supporter of Caribbean governments' efforts to achieve their national priorities and sustainable development goals, particularly in ensuring access to modern, sustainable and affordable energy services. The UAE extends as well its support to these governments in taking urgent action to combat climate change, achieve gender equality, and empower women and girls.

He said that the dispatch of the medical aid aircraft to the Caribbean islands reflects the UAE's ongoing efforts to support their fight against the current pandemic by providing the necessary medical supplies to enhance the capacity of medical workers and provide them with appropriate protection.

PM GONSALVES WELCOMES THE SIGNING OF AN AGREEMENT WITH SANDALS

Prime Minister Dr Hon Ralph Gonsalves has welcomed the signing of an agreement between the Government and Sandals Resorts International, to take over the operations at Buccama Resort.

The ceremony took place last Wednesday July 22nd. It is expected that with the Sandals brand the country’s tourism product will receive a major boost.

Prime minister Dr Hon Ralph Gonsalves said that the project will bring a lot of jobs and further development to ST Vincent and the Grenadines. He urged that farmers begin to get themselves ready to step up to the plate with regards to the increase of the production of quality foods.

The PM also pointed out that several projects and initiatives are already in place in and around the vicinity of where the Sandals Resort will be situated, which will complement such a facility.

SANDALS BRAND WILL AID IN MARKETING SVG

Minister of Tourism Hon Cecil Mc Kie made the point that the Sandals brand will aid in the marketing and promotion of destination St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Tourism Minister spoke to other very important aspects that add up, to help grow and expand the tourism sector as well. He also pointed to the increase in room capacity

Minister Mc Kie informed that they will be looking to develop further the entertainment and cultural aspects of the sector as this will be vital in the marketing and promotion of the tourism brand.

The minister again clamored a call for Vincentians to this year take parts in staycations and enjoy what is truly Vincentian.

REGIONAL

BARBADOS IS OBSERVING 3 DAYS OR MOURNING FOR FORMER PRIME MINISTER OWEN ARTHUR

Barbados is observing three days of national mourning for former Prime Minister Owen Seymour Arthur, 70, who died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital during the early hours of Monday.    Arthur, an economist, had been in the intensive care unit (ICU) suffering from heart complications and died at 12:26 am (local time).    In a brief statement, the government said that “there will be a period of national mourning for three days (and) all flags will be flown at half-mast”.

Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Sir Shridath Ramphal, said Barbados has lost a great son and the regional integration movement “CARICOM has lost a great West Indian. “His last leadership role was to chair the Commonwealth's Observer Mission to the Guyana elections where he distinguished himself for his courage in speaking truth to power. May his memory be honoured in the upholding of his candour,” Sir Shridath said, adding “and may CARICOM for all time be guided by his credo of regional integration that marked his service to Barbados and the Caribbean Community”.

Arthur, Barbados' fifth prime minister, was hospitalised in mid-July with heart complications. The country's longest serving head of government led the country for an unprecedented three consecutive terms from 1994 to 2008, having served as Member of Parliament for the constituency of St Peter from 1984 to 2013.

In 2013, Arthur stepped down from active politics after the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) was defeated by the Democratic Labour Party (DLP).    Following his decision to step away, Arthur was conferred with the title of Professor of Practice: Economics of Development by the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) in November 2018 and in January 2020, was appointed chairman of the Board of the cash-strapped regional airline, LIAT. Arthur is survived by his wife, Julie and daughters Sabrina and Leah.

PM OF ANTIGUA SUCCESSFUL IN PETITION IN THE ECSC TO APPOINT AN ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE RESTRUCTURING OF LIAT

The efforts of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, toward the reorganization of LIAT, advanced further Friday with a successful petition in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.    The petition was for the appointment of an Administrator, who would be charged with taking the lead in restructuring the regional carrier.

Cleveland Seaforth of BDO (an international network of public accounting advisory firms), was the Prime Minister’s nominee – and his appointment led to a stay being granted on the LIAT creditors meeting, which was scheduled for July 31.

Senior Counsel, Anthony Astaphan, led the government’s case in the court.  Astaphan said that it was a petition to begin the process of reorganization by the appointment of an Administrator and a stay on all proceedings against LIAT — civil, liquidation, proceedings by the shareholders, creditors — which would give the Administrator, who was also appointed by the court [the power] to take a deep look at LIAT and to make a recommendation one way or the other.

The next step would be the Administrator assuming control of the assets and management of LIAT. He said the big takeaway from this decision, should be that LIAT is no longer under immediate threat of liquidation. The court made it clear that the stay extends to both the creditors meeting, as well as the shareholder’s agreement to liquidate the company.    LIAT was represented in the court by Attorney, Stacy Roach, who did not object to the petition or the appointment of the Administrator.