issue #1228 icomos says no to - the st kitts nevis ......the patsy allers playing field head of the...

CMYK

The Federation’s Politically Independent News SourceFriday May 11th, 2018 Issue #1228

ICOMOS SAYS NO TO CHARMING CHARLESTOWN

STORY ON

PAGE 15...

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION LEGISLATION PASSESBy Loshaun Dixon

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis last week fulfilled one of their legislative promises with the pas-sage of Freedom of Information bill in the National Assembly last week.

The bill was moved by Minister of Information and Attorney General the Hon. Vincent Byron Jr. who indi-cated the legislation would improve

good governance and transparency in the Federation.

“The bill today is intended to usher in what is anticipated would be a new level of openness and transpar-ency. In that vein, the enactment of Freedom of Information Law to provide for a regulatory framework for public access to certain informa-tion is important at this juncture,” he said.

QUEELEY: ATTACK ON ONE OFFICER,

ATTACK 0N ALL

STORY ON PAGE 11...

STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 12...

The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday May 11th, 2018 LOCAL NEWSPage:2

NIA to Enhance Safety for Swimmers

at Pinney’s Beach

By Monique Washington

The Premier of Nevis Hon. Mark Brantley has announced plans to increase the safety for swimmers and boaters at Pinney’s Beach fol-lowing a boat accident that left one French tourist dead.

In February Keryan Grimault Queret, 24, a French visitor to the island travelled to Pinney’s Beach where he swam alone beyond the swimming marks with an intention to snorkel.

A boat which was driv-en by one of Islander Water Sports employees allegedly unknowingly hit the young man in the water. After a search was conducted the body

Queret was later recov-ered with apparent trau-ma to the face and head.

Queret was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy determined the cause of death was due to traumatic shock with multiple traumatic inju-ries as a result of a colli-sion with a boat. To date no one has been charged in relation to his death.

At the time of Queret’s tragic death ,proper demarcations were not established at Pinney’s Beach. Now Premier Brantley says the Department of Tourism in the Nevis Island Administration is doing some considerable work at Pinneys beach.

“We wanted to do more. Want to make sure that these types

of accidents will never re-occur. We have ap-pointed lifeguards at Pinneys. We have now engaged in the demar-cation of the swim zone and boat channels from Pinney’s Beach Hotel to Paradise Beach. Currently we are in the process of building a life guard tower down there,” Brantley said.

In continuing he said he hopes the efforts “that we have engaged in will enhance the safety in security for users of Pinney’s Beach.” Brantley called on the cooperation of swim-mers using the area in not swimming outside the marked zone and the cooperation of boat-ers in not bringing their boats or jet skies inside the swim zone.


Up in smoke

We know how Dr. Harris feels about the legalization of marijuana. He told us so from the most powerful pulpits in the land; the office of the Prime Minister and from Parliament. While his view must be respected as PM and as a citi-zen, at the end of the day, he is really one voice out of many. That is why he has done the right thing to commission a team to get the view of the public. We suggest that he goes one step further and hold a referendum on the matter so that each voice can he heard and counted. Right now, it is only the loudest voices that we are hearing.The debate about marijuana is a complicated debate. Can it be legalized for medicinal use but not for recreational use? Can it be illegal to possess more than a certain amount per unit of time? Which cultivar should be legalized and which shouldn’t? See, there is marijuana that has been bred for its “good” compounds and marijuana that is high in bad contents. In that regard, it’s a bit like cholesterol, except that our body does not make it. Without re-hashing them here, let us admit that both sides will have strong compelling arguments. If we follow the history of mankind, we would realise that in its early intro-duction to the western world, coffee was a banned substance. Now it is all over the world and in various forms. This may well be the future of marijuana.The difference between rum brewed as Hammon and rum brewed as Appleton, for example, is a matter of standards. Appleton is done under controlled hy-gienic conditions, and to a specific alcohol content. With Hammon, there is a certain level of uncertainty about the product while with Appleton there is ISO controls. But both are alcohol! It’s only a matter of time before the international world pressures us into change. Thus, we ought to be pro-active rather than reactive. The key to this debate may be to control the product rather than outright banning. Let us have the consultations. Let us have the information. Let us have a campaign and then let us vote on the matter.Set the rules up front. We will need more than 50% of the eligible population to vote for the results to be binding. Anything less must be interpreted as a call for more education on the matter.

EDITORIAL

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Kenneth Williams

Website: newstkittsnevisobserver.com

Editorial Policy: The Observer reserves the right to edit, rewrite, summa-rise or reject any unsolicited material. We will assume that all letters ad-dressed to The Observer or its staff are intended for publication unless oth-erwise stated. Letter writers are required to sign their names and are asked to include a telephone number to allow verification. Views expressed in letters, commentaries or personal columns do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of this newspaper. Limit submissions to 1000 words

St. Kitts NevisPOB 657, Lower Market Street #1 Observer Plaza, Observer DriveBasseterre, St. Kitts, W.I. Charlestown, Nevis, W.I.Tel.: (869) 466-4994 Tel.: (869) 469-5907Fax: (869) 466-4995 Fax: (869) 469-5891Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected]

The Federation’s Politically Independent News Source

The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday May 11th, 2018LOCAL NEWS Page:3

Workers’ Rights

Recognized with Labour

Day ActivitiesBy Loshaun Dixon

Hundreds of placard waiving citizens marched through the streets of Basseterre with the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union and the St. Kitts-Nevis during the an-nual Labour Day march. The common theme of the day’s varied activities was the promotion work-er’s rights.

Speaking at a rally held at the Patsy Allers Playing Field head of the Trades and Labour Union Joseph O’Flaherty said that the march recognized value of the workers individ-ual and collective skills. “Today we marched in solidarity for each other and recognized the value of our individual and col-lective skills, talents and expertise that contribute to economic and social advancement of this country our families.”

He implored the marchers to remember the sacrifices that were made for them to obtain working condi-tions they now enjoy. “It is my hope that each of you take some time to re-flect on the achievements

made for workers over the years that are very much enjoyed by every man and woman that are working in this nation. The rights of workers you enjoy today did not hap-pen overnight, rather the journey was long and re-quired steadfast advocacy sometimes protest dia-logue and some degree of militancy at some points in our history.”

Leader of the Labour Part the Rt. Hon. Dr Denzil Douglas hailed the marchers noting that they have spoken loudly with their feet. “They have spoken loudly as they came into this playing field this afternoon. The people are fed up with this government which has no respect for the workers of this country.”

He added that all of the support systems that la-bour had put in place for workers have been dis-mantled by “an uncaring coalition government led by Timothy Harris.”

He said, “Look at the situation in the health sector, our nurses who put their lives on the line everyday working extra

hours totally disoriented because of the large num-ber of nurses who have left the system. Instead of encouraging them the Ministry of Health has no respect for them. That is why the people punched the heavens with their fist and held their heads high.”

Also hosting Labour Day events at their head-quarters was the Peoples Action Movement (PAM).

Party Chairman Jonel Powell indicated the ac-tivites that featured social-izing with Government Ministers and party lead-ers was all for workers. “We started the morning off with breakfast and we will go straight through until night time. It is our opportunity to bring workers of the country here to our home at PAM headquarters and for them to be able to interact with the members of the party.”

He added that the party hope to show that they

appreciate the workers in the Federation. “The message is that we must appreciate the workers of the country and this is a reminder of the respon-sibility that we have not just in Government but even outside of govern-ment, to ensure that our workers are in the best position possible. It is an opportunity to talk to the workers and things like this are meant for you to sit and talk to the people of the country.”

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris in a state-ment noted that the people of the Federation are in the workforce in the largest numbers ever. “Indeed, the Federation and its Workers are enjoying unparalleled progress on almost every front under my Government’s steady stewardship.”

He reminded the people the first three years of his administration has set impressive records. “Witnessing the high-est annual Wage Bill, the most Business Licenses

issued in a year, and the largest numbers of Jobs, workers and Social Security contributors. All of this translates to more money for you and your families, as well as greater security, well being and opportunities. “

He also addressed op-portunities for women in the workforce. “Women – who head up more than 50 percent of our Nation’s households – have made great strides in the workplace. Under my administration, fe-male representation on boards and in top-level government and deci-sion-making positions increased, with well-qual-ified women also having been appointed and pro-moted to become the first women named to several prestigious posts. Last year, females comprised 53 percent of the total number of workers in the country.”

Dr. Harris reminded that during his coalition’s short stint in office they have cleared more than

80 percent of the full backlog of severance and long service gratuity claims, which extends as far back as 2009 due to the previous administra-tion’s mismanagement.

“My Team Unity admin-istration brought relief to 386 severance claimants last year, having made payments to them dur-ing the period January to December 2017, amount-ing to EC$4,744,866.89. Moreover, 113 long ser-vice gratuity claimants received payments dur-ing the period January to December 2017, amount-ing to EC$3,052,752.66.”

He added that his admin-istration is working to consecrate the future for non-establishment work-ers, too. Of these people Dr. Harris said, “Who since 2012 were misled and disadvantaged by the Denzil Douglas admin-istration. The Douglas administration refused to fulfil its promise to non-establishment workers to make them part of the pen-sionable establishment. “


From the Supervisor of Elections: Issue No 54 - Petitions and Recalls

A blog appeared on facebook last week, stating that Mr. E. Robelto Hector is withdrawing his election petition be-cause his party has not been fi nancially supportive. There is really no surprise here, because even if the petitioner had prevailed, his party would still have been in Opposition, although, theoretically, the petitioner could have been crowned Leader of the Opposition. Besides, by his own admission, Hector knew that the exercise would be expensive. But that is not what I wish to discuss.

Readers would recall that in the 2013 elections, the former parliamentarian in District 1 was rejected at the polls by 11 votes, having previously won the seat in the previous election by 91 votes. That candidate challenged the results in the High Court, claiming that people who shouldn’t have been eligible to vote were allowed to vote, that persons who should have been allowed to vote were denied the right and that the conduct of the elections was arbitrary.

Clearly, Mr. Hector was well within his rights to bring a petition. Here is what the law says about who can bring a petition:

A petition complaining of an undue re-turn or undue election of a member of the National Assembly (also of the Nevis House of Assembly) may be presented to the High Court by any one or more of the following persons, that is to say, (a) some person who voted or had a right to vote at the election to which the petition relates; (b)some person claiming to have had a right to be returned at such elec-tion; c) some person alleging himself or herself to have been a candidate at such election. They can be one and the same person.

Election petitions are very serious mat-ters. They call the integrity of offi cials into question and so the threshold of proof and of defense is very high. As such, they require deep expertise, and deep expertise require deep pockets. In the Brantley petition of 2011, the winner was awarded costs, and we are talking here about sums as high as EC$2.15M. Similarly, Grant is facing costs of al-most $800K. At the time of the fi ling a petition, or within three days afterwards, the petitioner has to submit security for the payment of all costs, charges and expenses that may become payable by

the petitioner to: (a) to any person sum-moned as a witness on his or her behalf, or b) to the member whose election or return is complained of, or to any other person named as a respondent in the pe-tition. The security shall be to an amount of twelve hundred dollars and shall be given by recognizance to be entered into by any number of sureties not exceeding four approved by the Registrar of the High Court, or by deposit of money in the High Court, or partly in one way and partly in the other.

This particular petition had 4 sureties, who put up $5,000.00 each. I cannot ex-plain what will happen to these sureties nor to their goods and chattels, lands and tenements, if the petitioner does not pay any and all costs that are assigned to him by the Court. It is my understanding that the petitioner cannot walk away just so.

Witnesses are subject to penalties for perjury. Some of the affi ants in the December 2017 Court case should take note of this and count themselves fortunate. During the electoral reform consultations of 2006, the public didn’t comment on petitions. In fact,

they had never heard of them before. What they offered instead was a recall of parliamentarians. They said that constituents should have the opportu-nity to recall an elected representative, who, in their opinion is not functioning properly. The process, they said, should be initiated by a petition that is signed by a certain number of constituents in order for action to be taken. They didn’t say what percentage should trigger the recall. A Wikipedia search shows that 11 countries have had recall petitions in recent times, the closest to us being the USA and Venezuela; with 150 in the US alone in 2011. That is a lot of discontent! But yet, they are so much cheaper than mounting an election petition. In most of the jurisdictions I read of, a minimum of 40% of the constituent signatures was required to trigger a recall.

We maintain that during the elections, we made every effort to facilitate, and we would have relished our opportunity to defend ourselves. In fact, all we were trying to do then and will continue to aim for in the next elections, is to ensure one man, one vote, in the right place, and fairness to all.


Mother and Daughter

Winners of New SUV thanks to

Indian Castle Fisher Folks Association

By Loshaun Dixon

A mother and daughter duo Jenalia and Deborah Audian from St. Kitts are the winners of the Indian Castle Fisher Folk Association 2018 raffl e

with the prize being a brand new Hyundai SUV.

President of the Indian Castle Fisher Folks Association Stephen Moore indicated that on Labour Day 2018 the

Nevis based group had its annual fi shing tourna-ment and car raffl e. “Due to inclement weather the fi shing tournament did not happen, but we were committed to have the raffl e and so we did after

tickets were sold in St. Kitts and in Nevis.“ He added that they started selling tickets in January and he remembered ap-proaching the eventual winners. “I remembered when I approached them some weeks ago they were very apprehensive in buying the tickets, but due to persuasion they eventually bought the ticket.”

Moore, continued, “I am pleased to announce that they (the Audians) are now the 2018 winner of the car raffl e of a 2018 Hyundai Creta.”

He then handed over the documents and the key to make them the offi cial of

the new SUV.

The younger and bash-ful Audian said she was thankful and overjoyed having won the brand new SUV. While her mother thanked God for blessing them with the new vehicle.

Moore however thanked all who made the raffl e possible. “I wanted to thank you all for partici-pating next year we will do the same and I am looking forward to seeing you supporting us again in the future.

I want to thank S.L Hosford for making this possible and partnering with the Indian Castle Fisher Folk. I also want

to thank Paradise Sun for helping make this possible.

He also thanked the Indian Castle Fisher Folk Members for the tireless work and work to make the raffl e possible.“They worked day in day out selling tickets, working the phones and on the internet to make it the success that it was. I want to thank everyone that participated they are all winners because they help us to do our social agenda which is to pro-mote fi shing.”He added that part of their agenda was providing support to elderly groups on Nevis.


MP Liburd Says Yes to Marijuana Decriminalization

By Loshaun Dixon

Labour Parliamentarian and former Health Minister the Hon. Marcella Liburd says it’s time for the decriminal-ization of Marijuana in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Liburd was commenting on the issue following Prime Minister Timothy Harris saying he was against the decriminaliza-tion of Marijuana.

She said it was time for marijuana decriminaliza-tion explaining many young lives who had been ruined by having crimi-nal records after being convicted of possessing small quantities of the plant..

“We can have a discus-sion on the details of what that entails and we can save our young men from jail and from becoming criminals from a ‘spliff’. Too many of our young people’s lives are being destroyed because of the ‘spliff’.

“They get a criminal record which in turns makes it diffi cult for them to get a job, visa and in many instances it turns them into criminals when they become frustrated. We are saying we must put an end to this and give our young men a chance.”

She reminded Parliament that the regional com-mission on marijuana was establish by the 25th Intercessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in March of 2014 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “If the marijuana issue reached the Heads of Government, you would know how important of an issue it is for the heads and certainly the people of the Caribbean.

Liburd indicated that re-gional heads mandated the establishment of a

regional commission to address the issues identi-fi ed and any other deemed relevant in order to pro-vide clear guidance to the conference in regard to the decisions taken.

”The objective was to conduct rigorous enquiry into the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding marijuana use in the Caribbean with a view toward recom-mending whether there should be changes in the classifi cation of marijua-na,” Liburd said.

The former government minister explained that following a visit to St. Kitts and Nevis by the regional commission, a local commission was organised headed by Dr. Hazel Laws to carry out consultations throughout the Federation and report on their fi ndings to the Cabinet.

“The commission started on its course and held several consultations with thousands of per-sons from all walks of life and that mission is still

not complete. The whole point of the report is to inform policy because the commission cannot make policy,”she said.

She then slammed Dr. Harris’ comments indi-cating he undermined the work of the commission. “You could understand therefore the shock from the commission and the people of St. Kitts and Nevis when they heard how the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis hijacked the work of the commission last Friday and laid down his own policy.”

She described the Prime Minister’s com-ments as a one-sided rant. “There was noth-ing neutral about it was extremely one sided. He could not even wait for the commission to finish its work he just hijacks it. I am sure not even his own Cabinet members knew that this was something that was going to be said. “

She continued, “It

was very disrespect-ful to the CARICOM Commission, the local commission and to all groups who genuinely thought their view will be heard when the commission had its consultations.”

Liburd said the Prime Minister ought to have waited on the report before making public his comments.

“The point is when the report is presented to Cabinet you don’t have to agree or accept it but at least have to com-mon decency to wait on the report. Marijuana like alcohol, like pre-scription drugs has its pros and cons but we believe that the time has come to decrimi-nalize marijuana.”


Nevis to Host Masters Cricket

Tournament May 17


Nevis Master Cricket team is ready to host this year’s annual Leeward Island Master’s Tournament slated for May 17 with hopes of regaining the Championship.

The Master Cricket Teams involves male cricketers over the age of 40. Nevis captured the champion-ship in 2014 and 2015.

The tournament has been running for more than 30 years and every year a different island hosts the event. Last year the event was staged in St. Thomas. Next year the event will be held in Antigua.

The tournament officially kicks off Thursday May 17 with an Opening ceremony and cocktail party with play beginning May 18.. Six teams, which in-clude Antigua, St. Kitts, Nevis, St Martin, Anguilla, St Croix with try to dethrone the current Master’s Champions team St. Thomas. The Observer spoke the President of the Nevis Masters Cricket team Franklyn “Cut” Daniel who said that the players that you find in Masters team are “mostly guys that would have finished the First Class Games” .“You find people like Carl Tuckett ( Leeward Islands and West Indies all-rounded), Stuart Williams (Former West Indian cricketer), Derrick Parry (West Indies one day Cricketer) . You find the finest cricketers that you would have in the past that people would have heard about. You are able to see them in their true colours. You would find the more experience guys in the Master’s games,” Daniel said.

He noted that matches will be hosted atHe noted that matches will be hosted at three venues. The Elquemedo Tonito Willett, ET Willet Park; The VOJN grounds and the Brown Hill Recreation Grounds. He added that that the matches will be played in the 20-overs format and two matches will be played per day at three venues.

Matches will begin on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 am and second match will begin at 2 pm. The tournament has been divided into two sec-tions. Champion team, St. Thomas will head Zone A and the Second placed team Antigua & Barbuda will head zone B. On Sunday the two top teams will square off.

Daniel said that there is no entrance fee and musi-cal entertained will be provided at the ETW park.

Daniel encouraged everyone to come out and expe-rience “Very competitive cricket.”

The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday May 11th, 2018LOCAL NEWS Page:9LOCAL NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS C

LIQUOR LICENCES

ORDINANCE, 1906

SCHEDULE A

To the Magistrate District ‘’C’’

To the Superintendent of Police.

I, Avinash Bhagwandeen

Now residing in Craddock Road Street in the town or village

Village of Craddock Road do hereby give you notice

That it is my intention to apply on 30th

Day of April 2018 next to District Magistrate

At Charlestown for a Retail Licence in respect of my

Premises in Craddock Road Street in Craddock Road

Dated this 30th day of April 2018

Signed: A Bhagwanden

Vacancy

Smile Care Dental Clinic is Seeking an Edodontist/General Dentist Please contact 661-7170 Email:[email protected]

Vacancy

Chirianela Bar

Government Road

Contact: 665-4613

Vacancy

Judith Catering / Tastation Needs One Caterer

Vacancy

Roy Construction Two Mason Helper

Contact: 667 -6077

Vacancy

Champion Bar

Mixologist

Telephone: 6658162

Vacancy

Flagkah Yis BaberShop

Need One Barber

Tel: 663-3635

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine

Hosts Laboratory Professional Career Fair

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) held their second Medical Laboratory Professionals Week (MLPW) on campus April 22-28. The event, hosted by the RUSVM Laboratory Services Department, welcomed 148 students from lo-cal schools across the federation to campus to learn about health careers.

Now in its 43rd year, MLPW seeks to increase public understanding of and appreciation for clinical laboratory pro-fessionals. The open day was designed in part, as a celebration of lab week and to educate the students of St. Kitts and Nevis about the role that RUSVM’s labora-tory professionals play in the detection and prevention of disease. This year’s theme was “Helping Patients Live Long and Prosper.”

“MLPW gives us an opportunity to gen-erate awareness and excitement about the laboratory profession by getting the word out to our schools, local community, and fellow

healthcare colleagues. We strive to help every-one understand and ap-preciate the importance of the work we do,” said Ms. Patrice Bernier, RUSVM Senior Lab Services Technician.

This year, local labs such as Avalon Laboratories, MediServ, and St. Kitts Biomedical Research Foundation also joined RUSVM lab professionals, from the Biomedical Services Department, for the student career fair on

the RUSVM campus. Students from across 7 secondary schools and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College visited different interactive sta-tions where students had the opportunity to talk to these lab profession-als about their careers.

“Both students and teachers provided lots of positive feedback about the quality of the information dis-played and expressed tremendous excite-ment over the wealth

of knowledge gained,” said Ms. Bernier.

A continuing educa-tion session on campus “Handling Stress in the Workplace” was pre-sented by Dr. Joylette Woodley. Dr. Woodley is a Cuban-trained gen-eral surgeon and was the first local female general surgeon to re-turn to the Federation. The week concluded with a health walk for participants from Cedar Grove to Sofa Stone.


Government Passes Freedom of Information Legislation

Byron indicated that the government is well on its way to achieving its legislative goals.

“There is undoubtedly an increased emphasis on issues of good gover-nance, transparency, and accountability in recent times in our Federation. The enactment, the implementation, and application of the Freedom of Information legislation would mark a new era of openness and greater transpar-ency in our country. It represents a paradigm shift in governance that would better ensure that citizens of St Kitts and Nevis can more effec-tively enjoy the right to access information.”

Byron indicated that the new legislation would be critical in in promoting govern-ment accountability. “It should also be a very powerful tool in the fi ght against corrup-tion, it should also be issuing this new sense of openness hence the bill should more effec-tively facilitate public participation in national

decision making and debates while it enhanc-es the credibility of the government.”

Although the bill had all three readings and passed, Byron noted that it may be years before it can come into full effect with more amendments

possible. Opposition MP Konris Maynard however, was doubtful of the Government’s se-riousness of streamlin-ing the legislation and claimed that it would not be in place ahead of the next general elections due in 2020. He said, “I don’t believe that, and

that is why it is so impor-tant to appreciate that we could have been having this debate in February of 2016. Do you think the member from number seven wants a whistle-blower on unauthorized use of public funds, or corruption and dishones-ty, or serious maladminis-tration? That is why I say to the general public and to this house that under no circumstance will this bit of legislation becomes active before the next general election. Will not happen! Can’t happen.”

He reminded the govern-ment there was also the Integrity in Public Life legislation passed in 2013 by the Denzil Douglas Administration that had yet to be enacted.

“Just like we have legisla-tion already for integrity in public life we are just waiting for the minis-ter to say activate, but they’re not going to want to do that. And so all the hullabaloo about these bits of good governance

legislation, none of them will see the light of day before a next general election.”

Leader of the Opposition the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas slammed the move to pass the legisla-tion as window dressing ahead of the next general election.

“One wonders, serious-ness on the part of this government to ever implement this piece of legislation that is be-ing presented to us here. Again, part of the window dressing, debating in it in this parliament on no oth-er day than International Press Freedom Day which is a mockery.

He then slammed amend-ments to the bill made with respect to extend the time in accessing any information. “Then there has been the con-cern that has been raised with regard to… you have access and infor-mation should come in a relatively short period of time because it is im-portant to have informa-tion that is being sought. But then you see an amendment that moves the time of waiting for the information to be gleaned from 48 hours to seven days.

“This kind of tamper-ing with what is being given by pulling it back it’s not going to help us. So moving the goalposts from 48 hours which is two days to seven days it raises suspicions in one’s mind as to whether it is not a tool of frustra-tion that is being used by the executive in bring-ing to the citizens of this country their right to ac-cess information.”

He continued, “Again as I said given the nature of this administration it would appear they are just simply paying lip-service, and one, therefore, is forced to

question the integrity and the real intention of the administration in making these changes to the legislation that was intended some three years ago.”

Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris responded to the Opposition claims by re-minding the leader that they held offi ce for 20 years to pass such leg-islation and noted that it was insincere for them to criticize his govern-ment’s efforts to do so.

“We said what we will do and we are doing what we will say we will do. How dare the Opposition who spent 20 years in government come into this honour-able house to chastise a young government for performing and out per-forming it.”

He continued, “For twenty long years the Douglas Administration could not do it to ad-vance freedom of infor-mation and all it entails to improve the access of things of government in the country.”

Dr. Harris highlighted that the passing of the bill coincided with World Press Freedom Day, with it giving jour-nalists and the public more access to public information.

“What better way to express our support for media freedom than to come in the hallowed chambers of the national assembly to enhance their access to public in-formation. This is a good deed because we have nothing to hide and we have come to this par-liament to make offi cial information more freely available and to provide for the proper access by each person to offi cial information that is what we are doing.

CONT’D FROM PAGE 1


Queeley: Attack On One Officer Attack On All

By Loshaun Dixon

Commissioner of Police Ian Queeley has con-demned the killing last week of police officer Sergeant Dwight Davis indicating that an attack on one officer is an at-tack on all. No suspects in the murder have yet been found or identified.Queeley, in a national address flanked by his deputies, indicated at the time of the killing he was attending the Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) in Jamaica.

There and then he was elected President of that organisation, a high point that was dashed when he heard the tragic news from St. Kitts. “Receiving that kind of news was tough to deal with, and not being here with my fel-low officers during such a difficult time made it even harder, the Queeley said.

He added that he has been in communication the Davis’ family and support is being made available to the family members, close friends and members of the force with counselling and emotional support.

“ I want to encourage his family and every Police Officer to utilize this ser-vice and to be strong. As we reflect on his life, let us use our fondest memories of him to carry us through each day. He would have wanted nothing less.”

Queeley speaking on Davis’ career said that the Police has lost a dedicated officer. “Sergeant Dwight Davis had a passion for policing and was commit-ted to his profession. He often went the extra mile to ensure that the task at hand was completed. He accepted the challenges of policing and was fear-less in the execution of

his duties. And, he did so diligently and in a profes-sional manner. The void created by his death will certainly be hard to fill.But he noted the incident may be an isolated case. “The investigative team is working tirelessly on this case and while the evidence to date suggests that this might be an iso-lated case, let me make it very clear that an attack on one Police Officer is an attack on the entire or-ganization, and by exten-sion the State.”

As mentioned previ-ously in a statement that the Force issued, the men and women of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force place their lives on the line daily.

The Commissioner con-tinued, “They have com-mitted themselves to keeping the public safe and the risks they face are unlike those in any other profession. As they serve and protect others, the Police Force will not tolerate any act of vio-lence against them. We are determined to ensure that the matter involv-ing Sergeant Davis is

addressed swiftly, and in so doing, no stone will be left unturned.”

Queeley disclosed that the police force will use all resources available at its disposal to bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to justice. “I am therefore appealing to the persons responsible for the death of Sergeant Davis to turn themselves in to the near-est Police Station. In my new capacity as President of the ACCP, I will also leverage that post to reach out to any other agency that can assist.

“Holding that post also means that I am the International Vice President of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and that post should allow us access to even greater resources should the need arise in this and any other case. As indicated earlier, no efforts will be spared.”

He also called on the pub-lic to shun this kind of behaviour. “I am urging you to come forward with every bit of information no matter how little or insignificant it may seem. You are reminded that

your role in solving this and any other crime is a

critical one.”

The Police force head also urged the public to be sensitive in dealing with this particular mat-ter. “I am also asking the public to be responsible and sensitive to the needs of his family in this their most difficult hour as they grieve the loss of their loved one. There are rumours that are be-ing circulated and these might negatively affect the investigation and, even worse, negatively impact his family. So, please refrain from en-gaging in such acts.

“We will continue our efforts to root out the criminal elements in our society wherever they may be hiding and we will not rest until we are satisfied that our commu-nities are safe,” he said.

On Thursday the The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force announced that it was offering a reward in the sum of EC $50,000 in an effort to solicit infor-mation that may lead to the arrest and success-ful prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the death of Police Sergeant Dwight Davis.

Davis’ lifeless body was found May 03 on a dirt road in the vicinity of the railway line in Dieppe Bay by two by-passers. Several Police Units responded and found 37-year-old Sergeant Dwight Davis lying on the ground with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. An au-topsy later confirmed that he died as a result of gun-shot injuries.

The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday May 11th, 2018 LOCAL NEWSPage:14 LOCAL NEWSPage:14


Cayon Adds FA Cup to Trophy CabinetBy Loshaun Dixon

Defending Premier League Champs Flow 4g Cayon Rockets preserved its title after a nail biting penalty shoot-out with Sol Island Auto Conaree Sunday in the Cup finals of the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association.

The game had its tense moments and finished 1-1 at the end of regula-tion and extra time. This was after Alex Charles’ effort from a rebound gave the Premier League Champions the lead in the 17th minute.

However, just before half-time Conaree equalised through a smart finish from Kadeen Lewis. The deadlock between both teams was unable to be broken in the second half which had its fair share

of physicality from both sides.

The second half had both teams with opportunities to put the game to bed but a combination of poor striking and brilliant goal-keeping prevented that.

The game had to be de-termined via a penalty shoot-out that had Cayon scoring through Kurt Morton, Carlos Bertie, Malik Hendrickson and Joel Jeffers while Conaree only managed to score two through Kadeen Lewis and Orlando Mitcham.

Speaking of their tri-umph Cayon’s captain and goalkeeper Adolphus Jones told media person-nel that the game was very competitive but his teams focus was what separated the two teams. “It was a very exciting

game with end to end action. Conaree is a very physical team…we kept our focus completed the task and came out victorious.”

He said he was never in doubt of his team’s abil-ity to pull off the victory despite the game at mo-ments seemingly getting

out of hand. “Everybody got emotions, the good thing is that we kept it together. We played as a team, the game went down to the wire and then we executed in the penalties.”

Jones added that this title will help the team in defending its Premier

League title as they cur-rently sit fifth and will be aiming to get into the top four to make the playoffs. “It is a motivational fac-tor for us we have some fast games coming up so we need this high to keep the guys focus and positive.”

Jones also spoke to

their experience at the Caribbean Club shield where the team failed to win a game, but he noted the experience has as-sisted the team. “It was big thing for us people were saying we got a lot of licks but we took those and came back and now sharing our licks.”

Conaree Alexis Morris said that the loss was disappointing, but they will hold their heads high as they continue in the rest of the league. “Unfortunately we were unable to get the go ahead goal in regulation time and the extra time and you saw what hap-pened in the penalty situ-ation. You don’t score, you don’t win.

He added that he will be seeking silverware for the remainder of the season.

Red House upsets favourite Gold House in Tabernacle Day Care Centre’s Mini Sports

(PLP PR Media Inc.)

When the crowds that included their parents, siblings, neighbours, and even people they would never have seen before turned out, children from Red House rose to the oc-casion. They overcame their shyness and beat the pre-competition hot favourites Gold House in the epic Tabernacle Day Care Centre’s Mini Sports and Fun Day held on Saturday May 5.

Ms Javelle Mills, Supervisor Tabernacle Day Care Centre, said that children had been train-ing long before the mini sports day to expose them to competitiveness. Gold House always emerged at the top, beating the other two houses Red and Blue. The school compound was used for the training and when that happened, only teachers and their

fellow pupils would be present.

But when the actual event came about, children from Gold House pan-icked when they saw the large crowds and some even started crying. This did not happen with those from Red House as they gallantly fought their way and carried the day, with Blue House taking the second position. When the children were prac-tising they did not have a finish line tape. It was therefore observed that when some of the win-ners got to the tape, they just stopped before it.

The event, which was a fundraiser, was well supported by corporate entities and members of the local community in-cluding Prime Minister, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris who is the lo-cal area Parliamentary Representative. “The

support we received was great,” said Supervisor Mills. “It was so much more than we expected. We asked and yes, we received.”

Ms Mills noted that while they had antici-pated holding a sports event only, they realised that with the small com-pound they have at the centre, they would not hold many events to have the event going. They ended up holding mini races. That being the case they introduced other fun games where lots of prizes were at stake. Treasure hunt was a marvel as older siblings of the day care pupils ran all over the classrooms looking for the hidden treasure.

“What a community!” exclaimed Ms Mills. “They came out in their numbers whether they have a child here or not,

because they heard the news. They wanted to know what was going on and so they came in their numbers and that is something, we as the staff at the Tabernacle Day Care Centre, greatly appreciate.”

She was however

disappointed when fa-thers shied away when asked to take part in a fathers’ race, forcing the mothers to compete twice. “If I am having a parents’ meeting, and when I see my fa-thers it just warms my heart, because it shows that they support their

children, small as they are,” observed Ms Mills. “But I do not know if they were too shy or whatever be-cause you know how persons are. That is why the mothers de-cided they were going to dominate it.”


Hospital Project

Still Up in the Air?


Construction work on the Alexandra Hospital upgrade has yet to begin two weeks after it was supposed to begin.

Delays in the project was attributed to the fact there has been no proj-ect manager form some weeks. This after the former project manager Spencer Brand left the job when he was elected as the Concerned Citizens Movement representa-tive for St. Paul in Nevis Island Assembly.

Since thyen Billy Claxton was hired as the project manager while Contractors for the proj-ect are Clive Evelyn and Edrick “Wedge” Pemberton.

The Observer visited the site,Thursday and noted it was partially enclosed with no sign of any work being done.

The Observer made an attempt to contact the Jr Minister Hon Hazel –Brandy Williams but was told she would be out offi ce for the rest of the day. Several attempts to contact other offi cials proved unfruitful, with the appearance of being given the run-around

The Junior Minister

with responsibility for Health Hazel Brandy-Williams announced that work would commence on May1. A statement from the Nevis Island Administration said that after the erection of protective barriers con-struction is expected to commence. However it has not.

The multimillion dollar medical facility upgrade will take between 18- 24 months to be complete and will be a two-level facility. The ground fl oor will house a dialysis unit, radiology unit, phys-iotherapy unit, labora-tory and the paediatric Isolation area while the second fl oor will house private wards, a confer-ence room and some other facilities.

The NIA broke ground in May 2017 for the project . The upgrade is funded by the Sugar Industry Diversifi cation Fund (SIDF) and the NIA. The fi rst phase of the project is $12 million, with a $7 million grant from the SIDF. The second phase is estimated to cost $7 million.

The fi rst and second phas-es of the project entailed mobilizing the contrac-tors and purchasing the building’s steel frame.


SKNFA Clubs Get Financial and Equipment Support

By Loshaun Dixon

St. Kitts- Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) clubs have been involved in the 2018 Club Licensing Incentive Programme and received equip-ment, consisting of balls cones and bibs to assist them in their development programmes.

In addition some fi-nancial assistance was also offered.

SKNFA First Vice President Don Grant indicated the pro-gramme forms part of a promise made to clubs at the last SKNFA con-gress. “Last election we made a promise to the clubs of proper sys-tems which includes $5,000 to the Premier League Teams and $2,500 to first division teams.”

He explained that in order for the club to be eligible they had to

adhere to a club licens-ing policy.

“This year, according to where they were, the Premier Teams had to have a junior team, a female team, a grass roots programme and a coach. We have various sporting programmes, therefore they will get the $5,000 plus equipment.”

He explained all the clubs will get the same amount of equipment but they have been ranked based on where they were in the club licensing process. “It continues because it is an ongoing process. We are also going to start distributing half of that money to all the clubs of the Premier League and to the Division One.”

Grant noted that this forms part of their ef-forts to try and improve the football product in the Federation. “We are doing this so that we can build the product

because we are looking now at CONCACAF and FIFA talking about school programmes where school com-pete against school in the island so we want to build from a grass roots level and up.”

He also disclosed how the SKNFA was able to finance the pro-gramme. “We just in-creased the entrance price for Premier League from $10 to $15, part of that goes to administrative costs. We would have made part of that money and some of it came from CONCACAF. It is something we worked together on in a collab-orative effort to make sure we grow the prod-uct from grass roots to international stage.”

There are three main categories which are used to determine a club’s tier designation of either Gold, Silver or Bronze. The catego-ries are Youth Football, Women’s Football and

Social Responsibility. The aim of the pro-gramme is to incen-tivize the clubs to fulfil all the require-ments under the Club Licensing Criteria.

Gold Tier the clubs must comply with all three of the following categories: Women’s Football, Youth Football and Social Responsibility.

Silver Tier the Clubs must comply with two of the following three categories: Women’s Football, Youth Football and Social Responsibility.

Bronze Tier- Clubs must comply with one of the following three categories: Women’s Football, Youth Football and Social Responsibility.

Representatives of some of the clubs re-ceived their equipment on Sunday evening during the finals of the FA cup.


Monuments Council Nixes Charming Charlestown as World Heritage Site


The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) has said NO to Charming Charlestown as one of World Heritage sites by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Officials from ICOMOS visited Nevis in January and in April they re-leased their report of the ICOMOS Upstream process for the city of Charlestown, Nevis.

The ICOMOS notes that “on this basis of the findings of the mission and opinions expressed by the Desk Reviewers ICOMOS has come to the conclusion that the historic town of Charlestown as identi-fied by the state part in its briefing report does

not meet the require-ments for the inscription of cultural properties on world heritage list.”

The Observer con-tacted Nevis World Heritage committee and chaired by Evelyn Henville who noted that she will be making a statement after the syn-opsis of the ICOMOS reported is presented to Nevis Premier Mark Brantley.

Henville previously told the Observer how im-portant it is for Nevis to be designated as a World Heritage site.

“The designation of World Heritage sites by UNESCO will not con-tinue forever,” she said. “Nevis now has the op-portunity to get into this elite list of countries be-fore the designation is discontinued. We have one of the most im-portant histories in the

Caribbean. Our coun-try, as small as it is, has made one of the biggest impacts on world his-tory. That is one of the main criteria you have to show: universal value to the rest of the world. When we look at the history of Nevis, it is so overwhelmingly strong and connected to the rest of the world, we have no choice but to seek world heritage status.”

She said that if Charlestown is suc-cessful in becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is ex-pected to impact tourism in Nevis and the island as a whole.

In viewing the report the Observer noted very de-tailed and captioned pho-tos. One photo showed the Slaves Market which was captioned “Slave Market. The grass is currently covering all archaeological remains

that were discovered.” Another showed the for-mer Selkridge House on the bottom of Craddock Road captioned “ the former Selkridge hose and in critical state of conservation”.

The report addressed amongst other issues that of lack of historic preservation guideline enforcement.

“The governmental au-thorities do not have the legal tools necessary to fully enforce their own historic preservation guidelines. As a result there a number of impor-tant historic buildings that have been inter-vened in ways that have affected their authentic and integrity from the outside”

Another part of the re-port noted that “In spite of the commendable work done under the Charlestown Project and

other research and inven-tory efforts. It should be concluded that the cul-tural heritage of Nevis lacks legal protection and that no effective management and perse-veration of this heritage can be enforced.

“There is no formal inventory of the cul-tural heritage, no pro-tected area has been established and the department of Physical Planning has not com-plied a list of historical monument. The islands development plan is in the draft phase and the subsequent action plan for Charlestown that would come closest to a master plan remains to be developed. The de-partment does not have the power to enforce the so-called guidelines,” it reads. ICOMOS in its report also said that “The mission ALSO considered whether per-haps the wider landscape

and territorial histori-cal appropriation of the island could perhaps be explored but even here, the issue of integrity and authenticity remain an extremely critical area of concerns for sugar plan-tation houses, related industrial structures and agricultural landscapes”

The reported gave its recommendations.

“Although ICOMOS cannot recommend for Charlestown be further explored, it does nev-ertheless consider that what remains of the built heritage should be bet-ter protected, conserved and managed as a na-tional and local asset for the benefits of people now and for the future generations.”

No government com-ment on the report has yet been made.


Ten Schools to Participate in Family Book Feud


In an effort to get families to read, the Department of Education through school li-brarians will be hosting its 9th annual Warner’s One Stop Family Book Feud.

Last year seven schools par-ticipated in the event and Charlestown Secondary School emerged the winner .This year 10 schools will be participating in the competition set for May

19 at the Nevis Performing Arts Theater NEPAC at 6:30 pm.

The 10 schools participating are, Violet O Jeffers Nicholls VOJN, Charlestown, Joycelyn Liburd, Montessori Academy, St. James, St. Thomas, Elizabeth Pemberton, Ivor Walter Primary Schools, the Maude Cross Preparatory and the Charlestown Secondary School. The Observer spoke to the Library Coordinator at the Department of Education Londa Browne who noted that

the event will be a fun family activity and a great opportunity to come out and support the various schools. She said that their main focus is “to get fami-lies reading together and spend-ing time with each other.”

“The best way to encourage our students to read is through ex-ample so we have devised this competition and every year we find people who are willing to participate in the competition to demonstrate that it makes a difference if families do it

together,” she said.

She revealed five topics: Nevisian history with a focus on sports icons, science with a focus on natural disasters, fic-tional stories, bible stories and nursery rhythms. Each round will consist of two questions each.

She said that at the end of the competition all participants will receive a trophy and gifts the top three schools will receive a trophy and other prizes Browne

thanked all the sponsors who are on board or will be on board for the event, and gave a special thanks to Warner’s One Stop and the Nevis Association of South Florida who have been with the competition from its inception.

“Everyone will be a winner. Once the families participate they would have accomplished one of our goals which is spending time together read-ing,” Brown said.

The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday May 11th, 2018 LOCAL NEWSPage:24 ADVERTISEMENT

CMYK

Printed and Published by The St. Kitts-Nevis Printing and Publishing Association, 1 Observer Plaza, #1 Observer Drive, Hamilton Estate, Nevis, Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Tel: 1(869)469-5907, Fax: 1(869)469-5891

issue #1228 icomos says no to - the st kitts nevis ......the patsy allers playing field head of the...

Documents