BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 18th September 2020)-A road maintenance worker has died after being flung from a vehicle while five others were left hurt in the aftermath of a recent traffic accident in Saddlers involving a motor truck and motorcycle.

Dead is 28-year-old Jimmy Jules of St.Paul’s who carried the nickname ‘JoJo’.

This media understands that the deceased was employed at the Public Works Department and was a well-known worker in the road works field.

Police are investigating the road fatality that occurred on Saturday 12th September 2020 which involved motor truck P8191 which is owned and was being driven by Vincent Richards of Cayon and motorcycle P9391 which is owned and was being driven by O’Neil Doyling of Saddlers.

Circumstances are that at about 4:40 p.m., Richards was traveling along the Island Main Road from Saddlers to St. Paul’s. As reported further, when he got in the vicinity of the public bath, Doyling came out of a side road by the bath in front of the truck and continued driving. Richards swerved and lost control of the vehicle which caused it to run into a nearby shed and flip on its side.

Jules, who was a passenger on the back of the truck, was flung from the vehicle as a result. He was pronounced dead on the scene by the District Medical Officer.

Police say four other passengers and Richards were taken to the JNF General hospital via ambulance.

Reportedly, Maverick Morris of St. Paul’s sustained a broken arm, and was treated and discharged along with Richards and one other passenger while Akimba Francis of St. Paul’s and Omar Browne of Dieppe Bay were warded at the hospital with bruises about their bodies.

Doyling is being sought by Police to assist with the investigation into the matter which is ongoing. He is asked to report to the Dieppe Bay Police Station or the nearest Police Station.

Up to press time on Thursday 17th September, there was no further update regarding Doyling.

Information reaching this media house indicates that a candlelight ceremony for Jules is slated to take place on Wednesday 23rd September in Saddlers Village at 5:30PM at the accident spot.

Individuals who will be attending are asked to wear “all happy colours” or red, green and gold combined as Jules did not like the colour black.

Photo: Deceased- Jimmy ‘JoJo’ Jules

Basseterre, St. Kitts (September 9^th, 2020)—Five awardees have been chosen for the inaugural Ward-Hanley Scholarship and Mentorship program scholarship provided by the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA).  The award ceremony was held on Tuesday 8th September, 2020 at the Innovation Hub at the National Information and Communications (ICT) Centre. These students are Kervin Fahie, Dequandre Liburd and Joshua Edgar of the Cayon High School, Jonesh Rogers of the Washington Archibald High School and Anaya Rouse of the Charles E. Mills Secondary School.

These new high school students will receive a back-to-school material package which comprises of school uniforms, backpack with school supplies, three hundred and fifty dollars to cover additional school expenses and 1 year mentorship from members of the Association to aid in their transition to high school.

Dr. the Honourable Geoffrey Hanley provided brief remarks at the ceremony and encouraged parents to support their children in whatever they do and urged the five awardees to take responsibility in charging their own destiny.

President Harris extends heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors that made this scholarship possible, these sponsors included Sir S W Tapley Seaton GMCG, CVO, QC, JP, LLD, Deputy Prime Minister Honourable Shawn Richards, Dr. the Honourable Geoffrey Hanley, Honourable Akilah Byron, Sun Island Clothes, Mr. Clement Williams, Mr. Azard Gumbs, Mr. Calvin Duggins, Ms. Markysa O’Loughlin and Ms. JeNise Carty.

 The scholarship is named after the Association’s founding fathers and honorary members, the Late Desmond E Ward (founding member) and Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley (founding member) for their work in youth development. SKNYPA is preparing to celebrate its 19th anniversary and saw it fit to give back to the nation’s youth especially in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.

 More About SKNYPA

SKNYPA is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-partisan youth organization launched on September 13th 2001 under the motto “Equality and Justice in Nation Building”. The impetus to form an association was born in 1999, after Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, an officer in the Department of Youth Affairs, had earlier that year attended a regional Youth Parliament Sitting in the Bahamas. Upon his return, he held meetings with his ministerial heads and came up with the idea for the formulation of a local Youth Parliament that would continually debate issues of youth interest in the National Assembly Chambers and then participate in regional and international forums with more experience and skill. He collaborated with the late Desmond Ward, then Parliamentary Coordinator, who endorsed the idea and lent his expertise and experiences in Parliamentary procedures. SKNYPA can be found at our Headquarters in the Charles Wilkin Building, Church Street (next to Masses House). Our social media handles are St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (Facebook), SKNYPA (Instagram) and SKNYPA (Twitter).

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 11th September 2020) – With challenges brought on by the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) including the loss of jobs, two parents of two recipients of the 2020 Warren C Tyson Memorial Scholarship Programme, provided by TDC Group of Companies Ltd , in speaking to this media house, have expressed relief for such assistance at this time.

On Saturday 5th September, the 39th annual induction ceremony was held at the TDC Training Room at its head office located on Fort Street.

Eight new high school students in St. Kitts-Nevis were inducted into the Warren C. Tyson Memorial Scholarship Award Programme provided by TDC Group of Companies Ltd while eight others were recognized as the runners-up for the TDC Financial Services Academic Excellence Award.

The awardees are as follows:  Zeleequa Rivers (Charlestown Primary) – Charlestown Secondary School , Victoria Jarrett (Joycelyn Liburd Primary)- Gingerland Secondary School from Nevis as well as Shaville Hodge (Dr. William Connor)- Basseterre High School, Devonje Stokes (Cayon Primary)- Cayon High School, Jovin Leader (St. Paul’s Primary)- Charles E. Mills Secondary  School, Kizora Richardson (Estridge Primary)-Saddlers Secondary School, K’Shaun Howe( Tyrell Williams Primary)- Verchilds High School and Amandeus Woodley (Beach Allen Primary)-Washington Archibald High School.

The Runners-up are: Dekoia Mills (Ivor Walters Primary)-Charlestown Secondary School, Taliah Claxton (Joycelyn Liburd Primary)- Gingerland Secondary School from Nevis and also Adamina Kelly (Deane-Glasford Primary)- Basseterre High School, Arianha Mitchum (Violet Petty Primary)-Cayon High School, Devante Walters (Newton Ground Primary)- Charles E. Mills Secondary  School, Lavonna Boddie (Edgar T. Morris Primary), Josiah James (Bronte Welsh Primary)- Verchilds High School and Tanijah Brazier (Dr. William Connor Primary)- Washington Archibald High School.

Following the ceremony, this media house spoke with the two parents who happened to have been employed in the tourism sector.

Here is what they had to say:

Shelita Richards (Mother of 12-year-old K’Shaun Howe) -“I’m feeling excited because he has never had this opportunity to win a scholarship. I feel excited, proud, and happy because I never really had this moment here so I’m thankful for it for my son. To be honest although he is my child, I can say proudly that he is a good fellow. He has graduated from primary school and is going off to high school now and he’s going to be among a lot of different children. I just don’t want him to lead astray; I want him to have his own mind and be a leader and not a follower with a great concept of what he wants in life and school and I just want him to keep up the good work.  A big shout out to TDC; kudos to you guys! I’m unemployed at the moment and this has really taken a strain off my shoulders and…I could put that money towards something else.”

Ellery Rivers (Father of 11-year-old Zeleequa Rivers) – I’m very much excited. I mean  these are hard times so this assistance from TDC will definitely level my playing field at this moment because I’m a taxi driver and I’m out of work since March so this definitely lift a burden off my chest. My daughter is very quiet and she is very passionate as well. I’ve been around her from inception until now and once I’m there, she’s willing to go the extra mile. I’m very grateful to TDC but nonetheless I always shop at TDC so this is like a win-win but again I’m very, very grateful.

When further asked what advice he has for other fathers, he shared: “My advice to other fathers is just be there. Whatever is happening whether it’s a school event or sport event, just show up; your presence is needed definitely. I’ve been doing it from day one and I wouldn’t stop even if I have to cut my job short, I will definitely be there for my kids.”

Meanwhile Group Senior Human Resources Officer Gloria Esdaille, during an interview with this publication, commented on the company’s focus to continue its programme despite challenges brought on by the pandemic. 

“The standard remains the same for our new inductees for the 2020 scholarship year. While it has been a challenging year COVID-19 has brought many changes…TDC group has committed  to continuing to support our nation’s youth and today’s ceremony was more than significant of that commitment  to our countries . Furtherance of our youth country’s development; a commitment to see the next generation of talents being developed.”

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 4th September 2020)- A ‘Solution To Pollution’ exhibition is currently being hosted  to spotlight items locally made from reused plastic material collectively fitting the categories of Visual Arts, Household Items and Beauty/Accessories.

Chair of the Sustainable Destination Council Diannille Taylor-Williams, during an interview with the media house, said that the ‘Plastic Repurposing Contest Exhibition’ is being housed near the entrance of the Gift Shop of the National Museum located on the Bay Road in Basseterre, and was opened on July 21st and runs until 18th September 2020.

It is being held under the theme: ‘If you can’t refuse it, reuse it.’

She encourages individuals to explore the opportunities that exist in the area of making repurposed items.

According to her, such applies especially in light if the current crisis amidst financially challenging times as some individuals are currently out of a job. Taylor-Williams went on to point out that sustainable development does not only deal with environmental issues but social and economic issues as well.

She expressed hope that locals will visit the gift shop also and buy items as she noted the importance that residents realise and understand that such shopping is not meant only for tourists who visit the Federation.

Winner of the ‘Visual Arts’ for the 2020 Plastic Repurposing Contest 2020-held as past of the fourth annual ‘Plastic Free July’ campaign  was Queana Grant and there were no other entries to capture the second and third spots.

Winner of the ‘Household’ grouping was Kelron Liburd followed by Junaiya France and Queana Grant in second and third positions, respectively while ‘Beauty/Accessories’, Amani-Pearl Primus won and Queana Grant placed second, and no third place taken since there were no other entries.’

For the Children and Adults – Aged 13 and over, Vincia Collins won first place in the three categories.

Second spot in the ‘Visual Arts’ went to Maurice Knight Jr. while Chantelle Warner grabbed third place. For ‘Household Items’, Jenifer Liburd placed second and Chantelle Warner came third while for the ‘Beauty/Accessories’ contest, Erslyn Bridgewater took second spot and Kelsia Liburd emerged third.

Sponsors of the 2020 contest included Heart of St.Kitts Foundation, Sustainable Destination Council First Federal Cooperative Credit Union, Pharmcare Pharmacy, Development Bank of St.Kitts and Nevis.

Taylor-Williams who expressed gratitude to all sponsors said this year’s contest saw the most entries and pieces in its third year noting that there were nineteen (19) entrants and forty-five (45) pieces.

Prizes, she said, were practical in nature, noting that adults received reusable bags and stainless steel cups, cash and food vouchers while children got reusable stainless steel straws and reusable cups as well as vouchers for school supplies.

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 4th September 2020) – A 17-year-old teenager has died after experiencing difficulty at sea in Nevis, and police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

Investigations so far, however, have revealed that sometime after 2 p.m. on Monday 31st August 2020, the teenager was at Gallows Bay in Charlestown when he experienced difficulties at sea.

Efforts by members of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. The District Medical Doctor arrived at the scene and pronounced him dead. Personnel from the Forensic Services Unit processed the area.

 An autopsy will be performed shortly to determine the exact cause of death.

Up to press time on Thursday 3^rd September, there was no further update coming from police.

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 4th September 2020)- Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris has announced that there will be no 2020 Independence Parade for the occasion of the 37^th anniversary due to  health and safety measures in place concerning COVID-19.

“In keeping with the new norms and to continue our leadership on the matter, Cabinet yesterday determined that: There will be no Independence Parade this year.  This is to reduce the probability of the spread of the virus with thousands of participants attending the Independence Parade,” he said in a statement on the weekly Leadership Matters programme aired on Tuesday 1^st September.

“This decision was a painful one, given the seminal importance of Independence at the fulcrum of our sovereign state.  We encourage persons to wear national colours, carry their national flags with them and display their flags at their homes and premises. We encourage the visible display of national pride, patriotism and the showcasing of our emblems of nationhood.  We encourage community activities to mark the day, mindful to comply with our COVID-19 Regulations,” he added.

Scheduled to take place, however, are a National Heroes Day commemorative event and the Prime Minister’s Lecture Series while the usual Governor General’s cocktail reception on Independence night has been crossed off the events calendar this time around.

“In sum, Independence events in the context of COVID-19 have been modified to minimize health risks to everyone.  As a consequence, some events have been cancelled, scaled back or will be delivered virtually,” Dr. Harris commented.

According to him: “The usual cocktail reception hosted by our esteemed Governor General Sir S. W. Tapley Seaton on Independence night will not take place this year.  This event would attract thousands of persons from all walks of life. Our National Heroes Day commemorative event will take place at the National Heroes Park, with social distancing and wearing of masks being observed.  The programme will be curtailed.  Members of the public are invited; the dignitaries and family members will also be involved in the ceremony. The Prime Minister’s Lecture Series will be delivered this year by one of our citizens in an environment which will be more compliant with the new norms of COVID-19.” 

Dr. Harris said Independence celebrations, this year, are taking place at the peak of the Hurricane Season and at a time when COVID-19 continues its rampage around the world. 

He noted that globally there are 25,327,098 cases, with 848,255 deaths recorded and 208,215 newly diagnosed cases within the last 24 hours. 

“Far from being gone, COVID-19 is still with us and is doing great harm to our bodies, our economies and societies. St. Kitts and Nevis’ infection and mortality rates are among the lowest in the world.  We thank God for sparing us from the deaths and containing the number of cases here to 17: the lowest number of all independent member states in the OECS, the Caribbean and the Americas,” he expressed.

“We, however, must never be lulled into complacency, but we must continue to utilize the non-pharmaceutical measures such as the frequent washing of our hands with soap, wearing of masks, boosting our immune system and observing physical distancing all in our effort to keep COVID-19 at bay and far away,” he encouraged.

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 4th September 2020) – The Advance Cargo Information Bill, 2020 -which is generally geared towards border control in the area of risk management- has been passed in the parliament of St.Kitts-Nevis.

On Thursday 3rd September 2020, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Timothy Harris, during a presentation for the bill that  introduced and read for the the time, commented on its benefit saying: “Mr. Speaker, when the bill passes it is anticipated that the information provided by the advance cargo information system, would help to ensure that the customs and Excise Department would be better placed to protect the Federation and the region from threats emanating from international trade.”

He has explained that the lack of information has posed a significant challenge for the customs and Excise Department to be able to identify to a sufficient degree of certainty the threats posed by incoming consignments to the Federation.

The National Security Minister continued: “This in turn has hindered the Department in its ability to effectively implement a proper risk management system. The department has therefore found that the information derived from the manifest system has proven to be inadequate for our contemporary framework and the complex challenges now faced by border control, and of course this has to do with the importation of illicit goods into the Federation whether they be drugs, contraband, counterfeit; whatever it is those are now some of the security threats which border control all over have to relate to and respond to.”

According to him, it is anticipated that this proposed Advance Cargo Information system would come at no significant cost to the cargo reporters. He said cargo reporters would now be able to access the system using a secure web page and they will not require specialized equipment or software to make submissions into the system.

 
 
“Additionally, Mr. Speaker, Cargo reporters, businesses and consumers would benefit from improved facilitation of legitimate cargo. At the fulcrum of this, we are attempting to ensure only legitimate cargo enters the territorial space of St. Kitts and Nevis. This improvement would flow from the expected increase in efficiency of cargo reporting having one system for submissions for multiple jurisdictions. So, once you enter one, you need not enter for each destination you would go. And, of course, the anticipated reduction of clearance times by the use of the risk assessment and the improved quality assurance.”

Dr. Harris said the Advance Cargo Information System forms a critical part of the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards and therefore, assisting participating countries to standardize and harmonize their electronic cargo information all in support of regional and international trade.

 “Access to regional and international intelligence databases – which is what IMPACS [Implementation Agency for Crime and Security] would provide, through the receipt of real-time notification and pre-alerts improves the sharing of information between Customs Departments all over.”