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SKN Exits Caribbean Bubble Over Health Concerns

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SKN Exits Caribbean Bubble Over Health Concerns

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 6th November 2020)- For health reasons, St.Kitts and Nevis has exited the ‘Caribbean Bubble’ due to concerns over travel entry requirements of member countries not being as strict as the Federation as well as reports of community spread.

So revealed Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Timothy Harris during an appearance on the weekly ‘Leadership Matters’ aired on ZIZ, Tuesday 3rd November 2020.

“We have taken notes about reports of actual or potential community spread in some member states. We are concerned that the travel entry requirements are also not uniformed as requested by CARPHA [Caribbean Public Health Agency] with a number of member countries having less stringent requirements than those we have put in place in St.Kitts and Nevis to keep the virus at bay,” he highlighted.

According to Dr. Harris: “While we were working on our local entry requirements, we were in discussion with our regional Caribbean neighbours to see if there was a common platform that we could use to enhance travel in the Caribbean region by way of a Caribbean Travel Bubble. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), working with CARICOM countries put together recommendations for a CARICOM Travel Bubble. The regional travel bubble was intended to facilitate low risk intra regional travel of nationals of the Caribbean Community, the movement of essential workers and inter regional travel of visitors to the region in an effort to revive tourism while respecting necessary health precautions.”

He went on to say that the Bubble would have seen persons coming from qualifying Caribbean countries forego the mandatory 14-day quarantine period  once they had a negative PCR test  within 72 hours of arrival  within a member state participating in the Bubble.

Dr. Harris said the borders of St.Kitts and Nevis were still closed on Friday, September 18th when the CARICOM Travel Bubble came into effect and could not participate in the initial launch.

“We, however, indicated our support in principle for the concept. Since the announcement of the formation of the Caribbean Bubble, we have seen a change in the risk level of a number of countries within the Bubble with Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia and Barbados experiencing a resurgence of new cases,” he commented.

In addressing the reasoning behind the government’s choice to exit the Bubble, he shared: “We cannot therefore as a nation with a very low risk category assessment enter a common space or Bubble with countries at a higher risk level because we would be exposing our people to elevated health risks. Similarly, it will be unwise given our low risk status to participate in a Bubble with others with community spread. If we were to do this, we would very quickly see the reintroduction of the virus and possibly the overwhelming of our healthcare system and consequential deaths.”

Dr. Harris informed that night that “Having discussed this matter at length yesterday with the Cabinet and our National COVID-19 Task Force , and having arrived at a consensus, I have to date advised the Secretary General of CARICOM Ambassador Irwin LaRocque  that St.Kitts and Nevis has, in our national interest, albeit for health reasons withdrawn from the effective immediately.”

In making his presentation on that platform, he pointed out that “St.Kitts and Nevis is regarded as a success story that is admired by many regionally and internationally. To our great credit at this time, we have zero active cases, zero hospitalization and zero deaths from COVI-19.”

He reminded that the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recently assessed the Federation of St.Kitts and Nevis as very low risk its recent travel advisory which is one of the lowest risk categories for any country.

Additionally, Dr. Harris told that the Chief Immigration Officer has advised the opening of the borders- on 31st October- has proceeded at pace and without major adverse developments.

“You would recall that in advance of the reopening of our borders, we had put in place protocols and procedures to keep our frontline workers, and by extension our people safe. These protocols are very stringent with the requirement of a pre-arrival PCR testing and a 14-day quarantine or vacation in place experience for 14 days for arriving international passengers,” he pointed out.

To date, the Federation has recorded a total of nineteen (19) COVID-19 patients; all of whom have recovered.

Suspected Drowning Under Investigation

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Suspected Drowning Under Investigation

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Monday 2nd November 2020)-A man in his 50s-60s is dead following a suspected drowning incident in Newtown.

While local authorities have yet to disclose the deceased identity, this media reliably understands that his initials are O.C and that he resided in the New Road community.

A source at the Police Public Relations Department has informed that: “The motionless body of a man was seen floating in the water by a passerby, who brought the body ashore with assistance from another individual. This occurred this morning. The time of the report and identity of the gentleman will be shared soon.”

Night Time Search For Overboard Crew Member Ends In Fatal Find

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Night Time Search For Overboard Crew Member Ends In Fatal Find

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Saturday 31st October 2020)-A search and rescue operation for a teenaged crew member, said to have fallen overboard, has resulted in a deadly discovery.
The incident reportedly took place at about 6:45 PM on Friday 30th October 2020 within the Basseterre Terminal, and the search went on for more than one hour.

Press release details from the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) informed that investigations are underway into a crew member of the Apple Syder Ferry Vessel falling overboard.

It is further shared that the incident occurred approximately 100 yards from the Basseterre Terminal Pier.

The body of a 19-year old male, identified as the Crew member, was discovered at around 8:15pm, following a search and rescue operation conducted by the Coast Guard with assistance from Kenneth Dive Centre. The Crew member was later pronounced dead by a district medical doctor.
 
Photo: A look at the scene that night during the search and rescue operation (Spokesman Snap)

Premier Brantley Addresses Debatable Family Life Planning Advice

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Premier Brantley Addresses Debatable Family Life Planning Advice

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 30th October 2020)- Premier Mark Brantley has addressed what came off as a debatable public topic in relation to recent radio-talk advice given on the topic of responsible family life planning.

 “…this time around it created some controversy but that was not the intention. The intention was to engage in an ongoing conversation about our people trying to be responsible,” he said while responding to a reporter at his monthly press conference held on Thursday 29th October 2020.”
“Part of our role is not to tell people what they want to hear but also to tell people some hard truths which they may not want to hear, and one of those hard truths is that our people continue to behave in some areas irresponsibly,” he noted.

Brantley went on to say: “You talk about people who have children here, there and everywhere. Men, in particular, who feel that it is their right to get as many children as they can without regard as to how those children are going to be supported when we have contraceptives that are available again for free.”

He shared an experience that a gentleman came to him once asking for some assistance because the bailiff was looking for him because he did not pay his child support.

“I was sympathetic but used the opportunity to have a conversation with him to ascertain from him how did you find yourself in this situation?’ thinking that perhaps he’s out of work and fallen on hard times only to  learn that the man has six children from six different women, and his theory on life was …because women like to tell lies and like to say he was not their man so that is why he did  it so that he has proof that he was with this particular female. Now we can debate all day, all night as to why someone would need proof that he was with a particular female but in his mind that was evidence that he was in a relationship with that female; that was his motivating force but I now must put my hand in my pocket to rescue him from the Bailiff,” Brantley stated.

“I spoke to him and I said that I have two children and I try to limit myself to two because that is what I could afford. Here he was having six and bailiff looking for him but the reason why he had six from six different women was as he explained it to me,” he added.

Brantley disclosed that having told the individual that the clinics and Health Promotion Unit to get free condoms to which the man stormed out and accused him of not respecting poor people.

“Now, we must talk about these things, and I’m not gonna shy away because some had hurt feelings. We must talk about these things and perhaps when the Premier speaks, more people might listen; I don’t know, and if it generated some controversy I’m not sure why but perhaps it’s a good thing because see you’ve come this morning to ask me about it again, and people were talking about it.”

He continued: “We cannot get to the type of society we need if we continue to cuddle everybody and when people do things that we know they shouldn’t do, and that they know they shouldn’t do, we tell them they’re right. So I hear people saying a child is a gift from God and children are a blessing. That is true but with that blessing comes a responsibility and that is all I’m saying to people. If you are going to decide to go down a particular road and engage in particular activities.”

Additionally, he alluded that in speaking to some individuals their response is that they are adults.

“Well, that’s ok but if you’re a big man or big woman, be a big man or big woman when your responsibility comes. You can’t be a big man or big woman when are having the fun but when the baby comes now, the baby is somebody else’s responsibility, and people don’t like to hear these things because our people have gotten to a point somehow that you must tell them what they want to hear; make them feel good…tell them that their irresponsible is ok…‘it’s not your fault’.”

Brantley pointed out that some commentaries that he seen some people would want to take him back to the days of slavery and say that such is a legacy of slavery.

“At what point, with all the education we’ve invested in, all the advances in healthcare and technology, at what point does that kick in or we still go back to 200 years ago?” he questioned.

“I don’t accept that. Yes there are problems in society , yes there are things that happen outside the control of persons, yes there are poor people who are taken advantage of including women but we also have to drill into our people’s heads that where you have a choice seek to make the right choice.

Where you’re going to take a decision, understand that that decision might have consequences and as a result of that we hope you will make better decisions because poor choices and poor decisions and irresponsible behavior has an impact for the entire community,” Brantley highlighted.

In further speaking about the feedback he received from his radio presentation, he expressed: “It is not as some say to you that I am preaching to people or I am condescending. I am speaking truth and facts, and I am asking people to listen. If you don’t like it because I’m the messenger that’s ok too perhaps others will hear me and give you the message in a different way that you will like. Even the way I expressed the message because I resorted to Nevisian vernacular and I seem to have offended some people feel that the Premier mustn’t talk ‘bad’ like that. Well, that’s my culture. I said colloquially I’m sure people understood what I was talking about but the point that I was making-and I’m happy you raised it-is that all of us have an obligation to talk about these issues. There are too many social issues that are swept under the rug in our country…There are unpleasant facts of life in our community and you can never deal with a problem by ignoring it. You must always deal with a problem by being open with it and being able to discuss it, and that is all that I sort to do, and this time around it created some controversy but that was not the intention. The intention was to engage in an ongoing conversation about our people trying to be responsible…”
 
Appearing on a recent edition of the weekly ‘On the Mark’ radio programme, Brantley touched the topic of responsible family planning, and the clipping with his comments has been circulating on social media.

Zack Talks Cultural Appreciation Amidst New Normal Times

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Zack Talks Cultural Appreciation Amidst New Normal Times

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 30th October 2020)-Well-known Cultural Preservationist and keeper of the Zack’s Historical- Cultural Library and Museum (located at Buckley’s Estate) Winston ‘Zack’ Nisbett is of the view that changes to the Christmas and Sugar Mas season this time around due to the COVID-19 pandemic presents an opportunity to bring back a deeper appreciation and focus on the cultural aspects of St.Kitts-Nevis.

At a tour at his museum having shown this reporter some exhibition pieces related to the early years of Carnival, he was quizzed about changes in the country’s hosting of Sugar Mas 49 (National Carnival) this year and asked if he is looking forward to the cultural aspects taking the spotlight.
Nisbett, who has had a longstanding relation with the Department of Culture in visiting and teaching cultural art forms in school, talked about plans for the upcoming Christmas and carnival season.

 “We are going to be focusing on traditional sports. That is where the Department of Culture will be heading. Just the other night there were some masquerades practicing at the ‘CEMACO’ parking lot, you’ll be seeing the Bull in its splendor and the real aspect with the full explanations such as the Nearga Business, the Red Cross Regimental…you would be seeing those types of sports.”

He went on to say that the Zack’s International String Band-which features many children musicians- will be doing many home serenading in the villages during the Christmas and Carnival Season “as the old time days were”, and is hoping to start such come Saturday (31st October 2020).
In accordance with Nisbett, judging the impact of the cultural impact, the carnival officials should continue in the years ahead going forward.

“If the effect this year is good then they should go through with it because for one I’m a carnival and cultural person. I prefer the real cultural, folkloric than the ‘wukkin up’. Yes, the ‘wukkin up’ is there because it’s carnival time and people go out there more modernized and everything nowadays but we’re adopting outside ways of doing things. It’s best if we stick to our own thing which is more indigenous and and has more meaning and relevance for people, and get younger people involved rather than wasting time. For example, you can see with the traditional musical workshop I host each year where they have to be disciplined and focused on learning to play their cultural instruments such as the banjo, fife and guitar for which they can make their own dollar honestly.”

Commenting on whether he thinks this ‘New Normal’ period gives the chance for more cultural features, he commented: “Of course! That should have been happening long time ago because many of the persons who look at Carnival and culture, they just see the sports up and down the place without much coordination, and so they don’t see the gist of the significance, and so this is times to dig into it and pay more attention where it would be highlighted. You’ll see the fifers, banjo players…the little children you’ll see them at their very best.”

He further touched on the benefits children participating in upholding the culture of St.Kitts-Nevis, he pointed to his string band as an example.
“The children benefit financially in a big way because they earn money to help buy school uniforms and earn money for themselves and their parents. They go out and they get good tips. We play at certain dignified places like the Governor General residence with him seated there and dine with him, and not only that the hotels that are now coming back on stream and so we will be featured at some of them.”

For the occasion of 37th anniversary of Independence (observed 19th September), Nisbett hosted an exhibition dubbed ‘Emancipation to Independence” which concluded recently.

He said “it was “truly it was a spectacle to be seen” noting that many persons visited in the likes of many notable dignitaries and public servants.
The exhibition has been extended which features photo and information highlights of carnival and Christmas of the yesteryear

Individuals, groups and others who wish to visit are asked to call Nisbett at 664-9016

CMO Laws Outlines Flight Regulations For System Monitoring High, Low Risk Areas

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CMO Laws Outlines Flight Regulations For System Monitoring High, Low Risk Areas

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 30th October 2020)-Travelers who might be thinking about beating entry regulations through connecting flights to ‘Caribbean Bubble’ territory should think again.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws, during her presentation a Border Reopening press conference held on Wednesday 28th October 2020 at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel Ballroom Room in Frigate Bay, explained the monitoring system in place.

“Please note that you should be residing in that ‘Caribbean Bubble’ territory for at least twenty-one (21) days in order for you to be considered as part of this ‘Caribbean Bubble’. So in other words, you cannot come from New York or Miami and go to Anguilla and spend three days and come to St.Kitts and expect to be considered as part of the ‘Caribbean Bubble’. You really should have been residing in Anguilla or Montserrat for at least 21 days then when you come to St.Kitts once you meet the requirements then you would be free to integrate without any period of quarantine or confinement.”
Participating countries of the ‘Caribbean Bubble’ category meeting the criteria of low risk areas  include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and also St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Dr. Laws continued: “So if you come and land at RLB Airport from Anguilla or Montserrat, you would be asked to undergo a focused health screening at the airport so the port health surveillance officer will be asking you series of questions just to make sure that you are not exhibiting any of the COVID like symptoms. Your temperature will also be taken and so once you are not exhibiting symptoms, once your temperature is normal, you would then be free to leave the health counter and move on to immigrations and customs and leave the airport and be allowed to integrate freely into our society.”
Meanwhile, passengers coming in from in-transit flights from St.Martin will be considering as coming from a high risk territory.

“Please note that all arriving passengers from within the ‘Caribbean Bubble’ who have been in -transit in a country outside of the bubble will be included in the second category…For example, if you are leaving Anguilla you happen to you route yourself through St.Martin on route to St.Kitts, you’re going to have little challenge right there because if you rain transit in St.Martin which is a high risk territory, you will not be considered as part of the Caribbean Bubble,” the CMO stated.

As understood, if passenger is found to have symptoms like coughing, sneezing or even exhibiting a temperature or fever, he/she will be directed to one of the three testing booths where a nasopharyngeal sample will be taken and sent to a local laboratory for testing.

Additionally, afterwards, the passenger will be directed to one of the two isolation rooms in the isolation section on the ramp to be isolated, evaluated and triaged by the medical team following which the passenger will then be transferred directly from the isolation room and unit via appropriate transportation either to the COVID ward at out JNF General Hospital or the accommodation sites where they would have appropriate quarantine areas.

All in-bound travelers will be required to complete and submit the Customs, Border and Health Entry form (via www.knatravelform.kn) with required details including evidence of a negative PCR test.
That test to be done at an ISO accredited lab in the traveler’s host country. CMO Laws has advised travelers to Google such information on laboratory locations by putting in home address and search for the closest  in their area so as to access service.

Passengers will be asked to provide the result of a PCR test done within three (3) days of travel before boarding a flight to the Federation.
On arrival at the airport, they will be asked to download the St.Kitts and Nevis COVID-19 app (EXMAPP) because persons will be monitored for the first fourteen (14) days of their stay here in the Federation.

A dry run demonstration is expected to take place on Saturday 31st October 2020; the day that the border is scheduled to be reopen.

An AA flight and British Airways flight are expected to touch down come Saturday 7th November.

SKNT&LU Host Successful 81st Annual Workers’ Conference In ‘New Normal’ Atmosphere

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SKNT&LU Host Successful 81st Annual Workers’ Conference In ‘New Normal’ Atmosphere

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 30th October 2020)- Held under the theme’ Inspiring Trade Union Growth in the New Normal’, workers’ organization, the St.Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union successfully hosted its 81st Annual Conference on Sunday 25th October which saw many workers in attendance.

The event was conducted at the conference room of the Solid Waste Management Corporation located at Taylor’s Range, Basseterre in an effort to properly observe the COVID-19 safety protocols including physical distancing and hand sanitization.
 
President Sydney Bridgewater, during his presentation, talked about the activities of the union’s office amidst COVID-19.
“Visits and phone calls to our office by workers keep our organisation focused and driven. We listen to concerns and complaints where, giving advice and acting on their behalf respectively. As you can imagine, during this period of layoffs, business closure and other related areas, our Union has been busy in relation to workers who reach out to us on matters of concerns such as severance pay calculations and the reasons for being laid off.

He continued: “Our Union members have consulted us and so have other workers who know about the role of the Union. I am happy to report today that the function and effectiveness have encouraged those workers who were not among our membership to join the organisation! I am confident and comforted knowing that they were inspired through personal experience to do so in our handling of grievances. 

Bridgewater encouraged other workers to be part of the Union’s membership.

“We want, however, others to get onboard in the general sense of having formal representation as a worker! That is our role, to listen to your voice and be your voice!

According to him, the organization intends on engaging the public through specific promotional and educational activities in the near future so as to expand its membership.

In speaking about the rights of workers in the Federation of St.Kitts-Nevis, he commented: “The rights of workers did not ‘poof’ into being. The pages of history feature a long list of notable achievements and also specific movers and shakers who are the narrators of such stories of progress over the years.  The scope of the victories of the labour/workers’ movement is local, regional and international. Relative to St.Kitts-Nevis, we can point to the 1935 Buckley’s Riot as one of our pivotal examples for the time period dubbed ‘The Birthplace of Caribbean Democracy.’  Unsatisfied with social and work conditions, history recalls the triumphant efforts of estate labourers during the sugar industry era whereby a strike led to the fight for improved conditions; some of these labourers ended up paying the ultimate sacrifice. Their heroic actions resulted in the priceless accomplishments of the freedom of joining a trade, the minimum wage structure and holiday with pay among other notable accomplishments.”

Fraternal greetings were delivered in person by Political Leader of the St. Kitts and Nevis Labour Party and former Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas while immediate Past General Secretary of the Caribbean Congress of Labour Asokore Beckles General Secretary of the Barbados Workers Union Toni Moore, President of the Workers Institute for Organized Labour (in St. Martin) Theophilus Thompson did so via video presentations while that of  General Secretary of the Antigua-Barbuda Trades and Labour Union Mr. Hugh Joseph  was read at the conference.

Bringing remarks from the Ministry of Labour was the Labour Commissioner Ms. Shernel James while well-known educator Dr. Joyelle Clarke was the guest speaker.

More conference coverage details to be provided in a follow-up report.

Annual Workers’ Conference To Spotlight COVID-19 Lessons

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Annual Workers’ Conference To Spotlight COVID-19 Lessons

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 23rd October 2020) – The 81st Annual Conference of the St.Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union (SKNT&LU), slated to take place on Sunday 25th October 2020 is expected to highlight the challenges and lessons associated with the COVID-19 pandemic linked with the importance and relevance of such a longstanding workers’ organization.

This year’s chosen theme is: ‘Inspiring Trade Union Growth in the New Normal’, and the venue is the Conference Room of the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC) office located at Taylor’s Range in Basseterre, starting at 10:00am.

As customary, the two-fold event will see a public session followed by a business session (after complimentary lunch provided) that will include the election of a new executive body. 

All attendees are being asked to wear a face mask for the health and safety of all gathered in complying with the guidelines related to COVID-19. 

Furthermore, in keeping with general health protocols concerning the virus, physical distancing will be in place along with hand sanitization upon entry.

President Sydney Bridgewater is encouraging individuals who are part of the union membership to make it a priority to attend the upcoming forum, and is appealing to workers and others alike to get onboard also.

Speaking to the challenges experienced by the workforce due to COVID-19, he expressed that the Union remains vigilant and committed to provide assistance in representing the interest of the workers and is pleased that such an organization which speaks to the welfare of workers and can play a key role at this time.

Bridgewater went on to point out that the Union office-located at Masses House on Church Street in Basseterre-  has been particularly busy assisting workers with concerns and complaints brought on by the impact of COVID-19 to the labour market and other related areas.


He is urging workers to remain resilient despite the challenges.
“In the atmosphere of the new normal, let us focus on how resilient of a people we are. We have to challenge ourselves to look towards the future and in so doing mentally prepare yourself to set goals; one of which can be to be part of the St.Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union.”
He pointed out that last year’s conference theme ‘All Hands On Deck in Securing Our Future’ is still relevant and is even applicable in the context of COVID-19 and the work of the Union.

“The collective effort of us all as a nation, including the competent authority is needed. We all have a part of play to ensure that the baton of progress is passed on for the continued safeguarding of the rights of workers. We are facing a very challenging period and so we must be vigilant in tackling the issues, and I wish to say that with God in our vessel we shall smile at the storm.”

Public Shocked After Alert Pedestrian Dies Following Traffic Accident

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Public Shocked After Alert Pedestrian Dies Following Traffic Accident

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 23rd October 2020)- Members of the public are expressing shock after an elderly pedestrian male who was seen looking on as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers tended to him in the aftermath of a recent traffic accident has passed away after being hospitalized.

Dead is 81-year-old Conrade Simon of Wellington Road while motorbike rider 29-year-old Rae Clarke of Mattingley Heights is being blamed by police.

This media house understands that the deceased carried the nickname ‘Jeb’ and is originally from the Cayon community where he was well-known and respected.

An autopsy performed on Monday 19th October by Resident Pathologist Dr. Adrian Nunez concluded that death was due to traumatic shock as a consequence of multiple traumatic injuries due to the traffic accident.

Additionally, on that day, Clarke was arrested and charged for the offence of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving.

In cellphone video footage circulated on social media, Simon can be seen leaning upright while an EMS worker goes about looking after what appears to be a bloody wound to his leg area.

On Thursday 15th October, the fatal traffic accident occurred in the vicinity of the Queen Victoria Roundabout in Basseterre involving motorbike PB 5341.

Preliminary investigations revealed that close to 5pm that day, Clarke was travelling along Cayon Street and Simon had stepped down from the sidewalk into the road in the vicinity of the pedestrian crossing on Pond Road.

Police say when heading east onto Pond Road, Clarke collided with Simon.

Reportedly, Clarke received a cut and minor bruises on his feet.

The EMS transported Simon to the JNF General Hospital where he later died.

Persons with information regarding the traffic accident incident are urged to contact the Traffic Department by calling 465-2241, the nearest Police Station or the crime hotline 707 where information can be given anonymously.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Credit Union Secretary Charged In Payment Fraud Investigation

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Credit Union Secretary Charged In Payment Fraud Investigation

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 23rd October 2020)- A senior ranking police officer who served as the Assistant Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Police Cooperative Credit Union (PCCU) is the sixth individual charged by police in a 2020 money laundering case involving in excess of $1 million of the government’s Severance Payment Fund.
Accused is Sergeant Fitzroy Morton.

As informed by the Police Public Relations Department on Wednesday 21st October, he was formally arrested and charged for the offences of Forgery and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering on Monday 19th October.

Reportedly, Morton’s arrest results from investigations into fraudulent payments made from the Severance Payment Fund to four (4) former employees of the PCCU who were employed during the period in which the offences were committed in 2020 between March 01 and May 13.

Police say further that the sergeant has since been granted bail in the sum of $60,000 with two (2) sureties for his appearance at the Basseterre Magistrate’s Court on December 07, 2020.

Bail conditions are that: (1) he should have no contact with PCCU employees unless it relates to business; (2) he is to surrender his passport; and (3) he is to report to the Cayon Police Station on Mondays and Fridays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The others accused in this matter are Deputy Labour Commissioner Dr. Deon Webb of New Road along with four now PCCU ex-employees; all of who are out on bail as well namely  Mario Wigley of Cayon, Hyacinth Phipps of Garden’s Housing, Chanita Richards of Parray’s Extension and Tisharie Fyfield of Gillard’s Meadows.

They were granted bail on Monday 5th October in the sum of $60,000 with two (2) sureties which came a day after they were all arrested and charged.

An investigation into the activities surrounding payments made from the government’s Severance Payment Fund during May and June 2020 in the amount of EC $1,182,144.38 has led to the developments into this matter.

The National Audit Office on 27th July 2020 requested an investigation by the White Collar Crime Unit into suspected fraudulent payments.

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