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SKN Represents At National Day In Taiwan

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SKN Represents At National Day In Taiwan

TAIPEI, Taiwan (Friday 11th October 2019)– A St.Kitts-Nevis folklore delegation featuring masqueraders and clowns were among participating countries who performed on the streets of Tapei in the Republic on China (Taiwan) on the occasion of the 108th National Day celebration ceremony held on the morning of Thursday 10th October.

This year has been dubbed the Double Tenth to highlight the anniversary on the tenth of the tenth month.

Scores of Taiwanese nationals attended; many wearing the patriotic colours of their country’s flag-red, blue and white.

President Tsai Ing-wen, who was seated among colleagues and other officials, looked at the ceremony from a plaza within the vicinity of the Presidential Office Building.

This media house has been able to provide first-hand coverage of the event  through the Acting Editor of this publication, Precious Mills, facilitated via Double Tenth International Press Tour (5th-11th October) organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan. 

Acting Editor of the Labour Spokesman Precious Mills takes a photo following the National Day ceremony (Photo by Roberson Alphonse)

Russia, Colombia, Haiti, Singapore, Japan, Korea, South Africa and Swaziland are included on the list of the countries of media personnel.

Ahead of the ceremony that morning, the visiting press group was invited to the Office of the President whereby those media workers had the opportunity, along with diplomats and other guests, to have a handshake audience with President Tsai.

Notably, the countries, names and organisations of the media representatives were read before the meet and greet session conducted at President Hall which also saw Vice President Chen Chen-jen among the welcoming party.

To the St.Kitts-Nevis representative, President  Tsai said “welcome” to which Mills replied “Thank you.”

In addressing the outlook for the future of the Republic of China (Taiwan), -in her speech (translated from Madarin) entitled ‘Nation of Resilience, Forward Into the World’-  she (President Tsai) expressed: “Our future path is clear as are our goals.

She then went on to outline three focus areas.

“First, we must ensure that the people continue to remain United under the banner of freedom and democracy to defend our sovereignty. Second, we must continue to build a stronger Taiwan and bolster our economic capabilities to create a prosperous society and powerful country.Third, we must actively engage with the world and overcome challenges so that the Republic of China (Taiwan) can hold its head high on the  international stage with bravery and confidence.”

She pointed out that: “Last quarter, we reclaimed the top spot among the Four Asian Tigers for the GDP growth. The World Economic Forum ranked us as one of the world’s top four ‘superior innovators’ and our Hi-Tech and innovative industries are world-leading.”

In further talking about the country’s achievements, she told: “Taiwan’s athletes, skills, competitors and countless creative designers and artists are shining on the international stage and bringing honour and pride to Taiwan.”

She also disclosed that Taiwan’s self-developed FORMOSAT-5 and FORMOSAT-7 have both been launched into space, a testament to our prowess in aerospace technology noting that a team of scientists from Taiwan also contributed to capturing the world’s first images of a black hole. 

“If we can go into space and see a black hole 55 million light-years away, how could we not have the courage to face the challenges ahead? Our resilience has transformed history’s trials into the power to grow and evolve,” she commented.

According to President Tsai: “Our efforts have transformed natural disasters into opportunities for rebirth. Each day, our Homeland is made better thanks to the efforts of all who call this place home.”

At the start of her speech, she thanked “all of our friends from around the world who have come to commemorate this day with us.”

President Tsai recently visited St.Kitts-Nevis in July this year .

The Republic of China (Taiwan) was the first diplomatic friend of the Federation following the Independence attained on 19th September 1983.

The St.Kitts-Nevis delegation performs on the occasion of the 108th National Day in the Republic of China (Taiwan) this week. (Spokesman Snaps)

Mills, in speaking about the ceremony event coverage, stated: “I have covered the National Day receptions put on by the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) back home but to have the opportunity to be here during the celebration was exciting to witness. When I saw the delegation from St.Kitts-Nevis, I got up  from my seat and drew closer to capture the moment. I got goosebumps; they performed well!”

She went on to say: “The visiting media group was treated special. It was a packed schedule but it was an enjoyable experience filled with educational presentations and discussions.”

Mills has extended gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan)and by extension the government of Taiwan for the media tour invitation.

Opposition Taking Electoral Office Matters To Court

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Opposition Taking Electoral Office Matters To Court

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 4th October 2019) – “I would like to report that we have recently initiated court action against the supervisor of elections and the electoral office in these matters.”

So said Deputy Leader of the Opposition St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), Marcella Liburd, at the party’s monthly press conference on Wednesday 2nd October at the Galaxy on Port Zante.

She alleged that “The supervisor of elections Mr. Elvin Bailey has been conspiring with others not just to remove the names of persons who have been registered for many years but the names of newly registered voters on a monthly basis; persons in Constituency number four who have been registered as first time voters have had their names removed by the electoral office without due process.

Liburd who is the Parliamentary Representative of Constituency Two (Central Basseterre) claimed that “In Constituency number two, we have seen similar efforts.”

The SKNLP top official said the evidence collected in the matter so far is overwhelming.

“The evidence we have collected so far is overwhelming and it is truly appalling to see flagrant illegalities and corrupt practices taking place at the electoral office. We will intensify or push back through more court action and we will take all the necessary steps to bring the subversive actions of the electoral office to light.”

She added: “The Supervisor of Elections continues to play a very dangerous game. We have written to the supervisor of elections requesting in accordance with the law to receive and review copies of the records of objections… registration of voters. These letters were written on June this year and up to date we have not received so much as a response to our requests. We have had nothing but deliberately misleading statements and non-answers from the electoral office on this very serious subject matter.”

Liburd bashed the government for not making good on the good governance promised.

“It is most disappointing and indeed appalling that a government that campaigned on a platform on good governance including electoral reform has become guilty of committing the most outrageous offences against the principles and tenants of good governance. At the heart and soul of the system of democracy and the system of governance, is an electoral system. The mandate to govern emanates from the results of free and fair elections in which all of our citizens are entitled to vote are given an opportunity to elect a government of their choice. Without free and fair elections, government is not legitimate, without free and fair elections, the right to pass laws and make policies to govern our country does not exist.

She continued: “Over the last four and a half years the Timothy Harris – led regime has made a mockery of our electoral system but even more damning than that, the evidence of corruption and fraud in the electoral office continue to mount. We are now at a stage after four and a half years of this Harris regime where the legitimacy of our elections is at stake. The stability of our system of government is being seriously threatened and urgent action is required to prevent our country from falling into chaos, disorder and complete dictatorship. Over the last four and half years we have witnessed complete politicisation and corruption of the electoral office.”

Young Education Enthusiast Graduates After Conquering Challenges

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Young Education Enthusiast Graduates After Conquering Challenges

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 4th October 2019) –Just one day after the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis observed its 36th Independence Anniversary, a nurtured daughter of the soil, 24-year-old Alemia Thetel Tudy Caesar,graduated with her Masters and title of Bachelor of Science Technology Management Cum Laude on  Friday 20th September 2019 from Herzing University.

Included on her futuristic wish list are dreams to become a methodologist and a business owner.

Born 17th October 1994 on St. Croix in the Virgin Islands , she is the daughter of Winston Ebro Caesar and Verna Yvette Archibald of St.Kitts. Ceasar migrated to Cayon- the home community of her parents- in St.Kitts in 1996.

At age 11, she was awarded valedictorian at the Cayon Primary School and moved to the St. Christopher Preparatory where she achieved the highest marks and most subjects passed the age of 16.

She then migrated to St. Croix and attended the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) for the first year but was unable to continue because of financial challenges and unfortunately did not receive scholarship funding to address the issue at the time.

Driven by her determination and passion for academic progress, however, Ceasar then took courses online to finish her studies.

Commenting on her personality and attitude towards education, her mom (Verna Archibald) told during an interview with this media house: “She was a quiet baby. In preschool, she never talked plenty and then moving on to primary school and high school she applied the same attitude but she read plenty. If she went to the bathroom, she carried a book with her. She believes a lot in education. She always wants to know that she is helping somebody so she is very helpful when it comes to educational affairs.

She continued: “She is kind-hearted and she will put her whole heart out to help anybody. She always says ‘You never stop learning’ and ‘Don’t ever give up. If you fail now try again and try harder’.”

Additionally, Archibald informed that her daughter has helped and inspired individuals close to her- including a former classmate- to make a positive turn around with regard to their academic goals and career/ business interests.

SKN To Participate In Media Tour To Taiwan For Double Tenth National Day Celebration

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SKN To Participate In Media Tour To Taiwan For Double Tenth National Day Celebration

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 4th October 2019)-Come next week, The Republic of China (Taiwan) will observe its 108th National Day on the 10th of the tenth month, and as part of the grand celebration is a Double Tenth National Day Press Tour that will see reporters from around the globe visiting East Asia, including a representative from St.Kitts and Nevis.

 “I am grateful for the opportunity to provide such coverage for the special occasion and I look forward to writing and sharing the stories to follow ,” says well-known media professional Precious Mills who is slated to depart the Federation today (Friday).

As gathered, from the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) based in St.Kitts-Nevis: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has been regularly organizing tours of different themes for media professionals across the world.  One of the main objectives is to introduce Taiwan to the world through the first-hand stories of the participating reporters and thus to promote the understanding between the peoples of their respective countries and the Republic of China (Taiwan).”

It was further shared that: “The main focus of the Double Tenth National Day Press Tour is of course the celebrations of our 108th National Day on Oct. 10.  The programme also aims to provide updates on current and overall developments in Taiwan.  Highlights of the programme include, for example, visits to the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF), Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Central Taiwan Science Park, Council of Agriculture and also popular cultural venues and attractions in Taiwan.”

The Embassy is delighted to that St.Kitts-Nevis will be represented on the tour.

“St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan) established diplomatic tie in 1983.  The Republic of China (Taiwan) was the first country that recognized St. Kitts and Nevis.  President Tsai was delighted with her first visit to St. Kitts and Nevis in July.  Her visit also successfully raised the profile of St. Kitts and Nevis among the general public in Taiwan.  We are glad St. Kitts and Nevis is represented in the Double Tenth National Day Press Tour programme this year.  We believe Ms. Mills’ first-hand stories about this tour will attract the interests of the readers of The Labour Spokesman [of which she is the Acting Editor] and further promote the understanding between the peoples of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan).”

Each media tour programme usually consist of 10-15 participants.  For the Double Tenth National Day Press Tour, it will be around 20 participants as this programme tends to attract more applicants from journalists around the world.

Earlier this year in May, St.Kitts and Nevis was part of a media tour, represented by well-known news presenter Chaïra Flanders of ZIZ.

Notably, the annual reception in celebration of the 108th National Day in St.Kitts and Nevis-to be hosted by resident Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Chih Chiang Lee- is slated to take on Wednesday 9th October at the Marriott Resort.

Man Charged For Sex Crime Involving Another Man

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Man Charged For Sex Crime Involving Another Man

BASSETERRE,St.Kitts (Monday 30th September 2019)- Information coming from the police public relations department reveals that today (Monday), a man was formally charged for three offences which include a sex crime committed against another male.

The offences are Burglary, Rape and Buggery. 

Reportedly, the offences were committed on Tuesday 4th June 2019. 

The individual remains in police custody.

Wrensford Responds To ‘No Damage’ From Contractor

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Wrensford Responds To ‘No Damage’ From Contractor

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 27th September 2019) – Claims by the Chief Executive Officer of Rock & Dirt Limited, Alexes Hazel (local contractor), that there has been “zero damage” to the Old Road Bay Rehabilitation Project following the recent passing of Tropical Storm Karen has been labelled “not true” by the Opposition St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party candidate for Constituency Four, Steve Wrensford.

He expressed such sentiments yesterday (Thursday) during an exclusive interview with the media house surrounding a press release issued that day from the Office of the Prime Minister refuting recent statements from an online article regarding an “opposition candidate” saying that “significant” damage was done.

 “Once you’re doing a project of this nature what you want to happen is that you want to get a test to get a better feel of how the design is going to react to what we are trying to accomplish here and the design held up perfectly. The reason why I am saying that is because with this rough water we had for two day I had absolutely zero damage,” remarked Hazel in the government’s press statement.
 
However, according to Wrensford: “The question is whether they had done an EIA[Environment Impact Assessment]. Had you done an EIA, you would have been able to design the project in a way that would mitigate against those flooding in the low lying areas along the coast line going towards the Sandy Point area  because that area is already under siege when it comes to the weather. Saying no damage was done is a statement that is not true. Some persons who passed would have seen that there has been damage, that there was damage. The area is not finished and once the water comes it will take away from the soil and it’s going to move from the rocks…”

He continued: “For me the larger question is whether the government intends to compensate persons when their houses are damaged or is the government going to relocate people from those areas so that they don’t be placed in increased danger based on the more serious hurricanes that are coming fast and furious nowadays.”

Hazel is also quoted for having commented on the purported threat to other coastal areas created by the revetment work on the Old Road Bay Road project in saying: “This is like a drop in the bucket. If you push back the Old Road Bay water about 30 feet out, you’re also cushioning the sea that comes to it and so you’re not really forcing the water around to Halfway Tree and others because we are not claiming back acres of land, you’re just doing some revetment work on the coastal area. So you’re really not putting any pressure back on Sandy Point and Halfway Tree as some people would think.”

Wrensford, during the interview, stated that he has a problem with the design and not the project itself.

“They had a chance to correct the design taking into consideration persons along the coastline. I have no problem with the project; I have a problem with the way it is designed and we don’t have any information about whether they’ll be any mitigation correction along the coastline so that those persons who live along the coastline-in Middle Island, Verchilds and Half Way Tree… Are we going to wait until a hurricane gets here and does damage along the coastline for us to take stock as to what mitigating remedies we can put in those areas? Because the water must find somewhere to go. The water is being pushed out so it has less space than it had before so it has to find some avenue in where it can relieve itself and always it’s going to be along the low lying areas of the coastline.”

The Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Four Lindsay Grant-in the government’s press release- commended Rock and Dirt Ltd. for the job they are doing.
 
“I’m happy that Rock and Dirt – they are the main contractors – could have come and explain exactly what had transpired and I think significant from what he said is the fact that what the rains and the winds and the gusts that we had recently from Tropical Storm Karen is really a test for this project. Obviously this is a major project. It’s $31 million dollars by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of China (Taiwan); it’s the most significant capital investment in this constituency and so we need persons yes to be critical but critical with information,” he said.

Front Page Photo: Local contractor Chief Executive Officer of Rock & Dirt Limited Alexes Hazel (left) seen with the Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Four Lindsay Grant looking at a layout of the Old Road Bay Rehabilitation Project in this SKNIS snap. 

National Olympic Committee Praises the SKNFA’s Stewardship of Sport

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National Olympic Committee Praises the SKNFA’s Stewardship of Sport

St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association (SKNFA) was highly praised for their progressive management of the sport, which has warranted the support of the St. Kitts and Nevis National Olympic Committee. General Secretary of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) Glenville Jeffers on Saturday at a football press conference at Football House sang the praises of the SKNFA in the development of youth football in St. Kitts and Nevis. “The collaboration from the administrative perspective in terms of the FA Executive and the NOC Executive, has been quite good….if we don’t have that good collaboration, the financial assistance and the other things would not fall in line,” Jeffers said.

He noted that the SKNFA has been showing growth in the progress of their respective teams every year. “We have been working with them since the Under 17 team. I see players coming up through the development pipeline. We have seen the Under 20 (football team) in Tampa last year and we know we have a core team that can move forward through to the U-23 level,” he said. Mr. Jeffers pointed out that it is not an overnight success as it takes time to develop a team and get them to the point of Olympic qualification. “I have indicated to President (Anthony) Johnson many times, that this team is going to be your senior national team because of the development the FA has been putting from Grassroots (level) come right through…it takes times,” he said.

Mr. Jeffers’ praises come at on the heels of a good run by the St. Kitts and Nevis U-23 Men’s Football Team, which got beyond a tough group featuring Caribbean powerhouses Jamaica before facing the Dominican Republic last weekend.

Supporting Mr. Jeffers’ sentiments about the SKNFA was Mr. Lester Hanley, the Chef de Mission from the National Olympic Committee for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Team. “One of the things we are very concerned about at the NOC is…the administration of sports. We have seen in one or two of the national federations, where you have a structured administration, a structured team surrounding the federation. We have seen good things. And part of our strategic plan is to help all sports in St. Kitts to develop that foundation,” Hanley said. He praised the support staff of the SKNFA working with the U-23 players and the camaraderie and chemistry shown by the support team in the background. “The administrative support and the ancillary support that comes along with it are very important to get a team to this level,” Hanley said.

The NOC has given in excess of US$60,000 to assist the SKNFA in preparing the U-23 team and has pledged to continue to supporting all sporting federations on St. Kitts and Nevis that have shown a propensity in developing their sport. SKNFA President Anthony Johnson and Head Coach of the U-23 team both echoed their gratitude to the NOC for their support of the U-23 team as it attempted to qualify for the Olympics. Mr. Johnson noted: “The St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee contributed some $US50, 000 towards our preparation for the first stage of the competition, which we won in Jamaica. Just recently, we played a friendly game against Barbados, which we won 3-0, which the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee contributed significantly in the sum of US$10,000 toward that trip,” he further disclosed.

The NOC, the SKNFA President added, also covered the airline and hotel accommodation costs for overseas-based St. Kitts and Nevis U-23 players who returned to the country last weekend to compete in the match against the Dominican Republic. “The St. Kitts Nevis Olympic Committee is a true partner of the St. Kitts Nevis Football Association and I want to thank them again publicly for their assistance,” Johnson said.

Young Man Blamed For Trying To Kill Older Village Visitor

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Young Man Blamed For Trying To Kill Older Village Visitor

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 25th September 2019)-A young man in his 20s has been charged for trying to kill an older man who was in his community at the time.

Police have informed that on Monday 23rd September, 29-year-old Jason Henderson of Keys Village was charged for the attempted murder of Ivan Dunrod five days after a shooting incident took place in that village on the eve of Independence Day (18th September).

53-year-old Ivan Dunrod of West Bourne Ghaut in Basseterre was wounded.

Investigations so far have revealed that sometime after 5 PM on the day in question, Dunrod was by a shop in Keys Village when he was approached and shot by an assailant.

Reportedly, Dunrod ran from the scene and met a police officer who was in the area. The officer transported him to the JNF Hospital in the Police vehicle. He was treated for injuries to his arm and is listed as being in a stable condition.

Members from the Crime Scene Unit visited and processed the scene.

Teen Still On Run for 2017 Murder, Attempted Murder

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Teen Still On Run for 2017 Murder, Attempted Murder

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 25th September 2019)- Police have issued a second wanted poster for a 19-year-old male from St.Kitts who remains on the run concerning one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder  committed in June 2017.

 “T’quan Murray is still at large and wanted by the police…,” according to information shared today (Wednesday) by the police public relations department. A wanted bulletin was sent out last month (August).

 The local authorities say multiple warrants exist for the arrest of the Fig Tree resident for one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder committed on June 06, 2017 in St. Paul’s.

He is described to be light brown in complexion and having black hair and brown eyes. Additionally, he is said to be 5ft 10” in height with a slim built and 142 lbs.

Anyone who sees him or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact the violent crimes unit at 465-1887, the nearest police station or the crime hotline at 707.

It is unclear at this time what transpired leading to the young man’s whereabouts being unknown to police as it is understood that he was taken into police custody following the shooting incident.

One day after the shooting incident (7th June), a 17-year-old juvenile was reportedly taken into police custody for questioning and then two days after, police informed via a press release- dated Friday 9th June- that a suspect taken into custody on suspicion was arrested, formally charged and cautioned.

On the day in question, investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the shooting incident that was reported shortly after 12.00 PM that day in Rawlins Ground leaving three persons injured; one of whom was later pronounced dead at the Joseph N. France General Hospital.

Killed was 32-year-old Jahma Francis of Willet’s Project while left injured were an 18- year- old resident of Willet’s Project also and a 22- year- old resident of Willet’s Estate.

Police said the Juvenile who hailed “from the western area of St. Kitts” had also been charged with two (2) counts of attempted murder.

Mixed Views From Citizens, Residents and Tourists For Independence 36

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Mixed Views From Citizens, Residents and Tourists For Independence 36

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Wednesday 25th September 2019)-On the occasion of the 36th Independence celebration for St.Kitts and Nevis, this media house-for yet another year- took to the streets during the annual parade (Thursday 19 September) to interact with citizens, residents and visitors to get their take on the annual celebration and the patriotic/festive feeling in general.

Here are the responses:

Roger

So we’re here from the United States. We’ve been here for (almost) a week and we heard that today is Independence Day and so we wanted to come see the parade and to celebrate it along with the local people and just see what the culture is like more on the Independence Day and it’s very impressive how patriotic everyone is; everyone seems to have the local shirts with the flag on the shirts and it just seems like a very nice day and everyone was very polite.

Roger

Vince

Today’s Independence Day parade was indeed a specular one. It was colourful, it was lively and the turnout was excellent both the persons who came to look at the parade and the persons who were actually on parade. I was especially amazed by the Explorer’s [Youth Club] and all their different colours. They marched well and it seems as if they had a good time. Independence 36 parade was truly indeed a remarkable experience.

Vince

Glenroy Bartley with his wife Joyce (from Jamaica and Guyana)

Independence in St.Kitts and Nevis means a lot to me as one of the smallest country in the world to celebrate Independence in such a big way. I like the colours and the fact that everybody is dressed up with the flag and get together and have fun; I really like it, and so I come out this morning to support Independence Day in a big way just as everybody.

The Bartleys

Jahmaiya Johnson

It’s good. I enjoyed the marching and so on. I always look forward to coming into town to watch the parade. I like the colours of our national flag; I like attractive colours that why I decided to show the colours using bows for Independence celebration.

Jahmaiya Johnson

Emelita Warner-Paul

I enjoyed the parade today as I have enjoyed it since I was a child so whether it was the Queen’s birthday or whatever, parades have always meant as much to me. I was born by the police station and so I’ve always enjoyed the Independence Day parade and all other parades.

Emelita Warner-Paul

Daren Thomas (Saddlers Secondary School)

Independence means to me that this country is celebrating its birthday and it’s a good thing for us from slavery [and colonialism].

Daren Thompson and students of the Saddlers Secondary School

Ingrid Farrell

It’s our history and we’re celebrating 36 years and we’re enjoying it for an Independence Day celebration and I hope with the next Independence, Dr. Denzil Douglas will be the next Prime Minister.

Ingrid Farrell

Curtis Crooke

We are very restricted to a lot of stuff; you have be careful of what you say so it’s good to say that we’re independent but from 2015 to 2019, are we fully independent as a nation and as a people based on the situation that is happening in our country today? People are not fully free to express themselves; I’m an example of the whole situation, we’re not fully free to express because a lot of fear is in people’s hearts, a lot of fear is in people to express themselves; you are not free to do what you want respectfully and that to me does not signify the full meaning of Independence.

Curtis Crooke
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