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DPP Accused Of Blocking Court Case Involving Drew

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DPP Accused Of Blocking Court Case Involving Drew

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 30th April 2021) – Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Valston Graham is being accused by Chairman of the St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) and candidate for Constituency Eight Dr. Terrance Drew of blocking a case from moving forward, relating to a private criminal complaint brought against elected government minister Eugene Hamilton of the People’s Action Movement (PAM) for Constituency Eight on allegations of bribery and treating stemming from the June 2020 General Elections.

Appearing on Freedom FM’s ‘Issues’ programme aired live on Thursday 29th April 2021, Dr. Drew said in part: “He has blocked the case from being heard. He has blocked the case. If he didn’t get in the way, the case would have been heard… [the DPP] cannot throw out a case; he is a prosecutor. He has blocked my case form going forward.”

Dr. Drew’s appearance was slated to respond to the media statements by the DPP after the case was discontinued by him (Graham) on Monday 26th April 2021 at a magistrate court.

According to Dr. Drew: “ if he [the DPP] knows that he has all of these affiliations and so forth that are now surfacing in the public where perceived bias is now becoming a real question then I have my lawyers, Eugene Hamilton has his. I have my evidence [so] let a magistrate and the court determine. That is all I’m saying that this should have been determined by a magistrate or by a court, and not by the DPP’s office.”

He expressed being in “total disagreement” with the decision of the DPP to discontinue the case.

“How can he come to a conclusion without speaking to the witness [me] and without doing an independent investigation?” Dr. Drew questioned during his presentation.

Additionally, he recalled an “appalling” press conference held by the DPP in February 2021 which showed “perceived bias”.

“He (the DPP) had not seen my evidence but he said there’s no evidence, commenting on evidence that he had not seen since January 2021 so it was quite interesting that he had a press conference talking about my evidence and referring to my evidence after he would have taken over the case and he had not seen the evidence

“That is when I knew deep down that he has already made up his mind …the way he took over the case after Eddy recused himself and having a press conference commenting on evidence without seeing such evidence…Those are two instances that say there is perceived bias on the part of the DPP,” Dr. Drew said.

As it relates to the future of the matter which was initially filed in November 2020, Dr. Drew has stated that “there are options and we are weighing those options because what has happened here, this has really delayed the time…”

Speaking to media workers on Monday 26th April, DPP Graham gave his reasoning as to why the case was discontinued that day.

As understood, Queen’s Counsel Delano Bart-on behalf of Dr. Drew provided statements of the Evidence which founded two prosecutions and that he had previously written to ask the DPP to give consideration of independent conduct of the prosecutions from his office.

According to Graham, and that along those lines, he (the DPP) sought the opinion of two independent criminal prosecutors namely Queen’s Counsel Henry Brown DPP Montserrat Garnett Thompson.

“I received their independent opinions. Their opinions were presented unknown to each other. Based on the opinion that they would have given to me, my own review and of the law and of the evidence , I came to the conclusion that the charge of bribery  and the charge of treating  against Mr. Hamilton had no realistic prospect of success [and] in that regard I discontinued the matters before the magistrate.”

According to Dr. Drew in responding to such a statement on Freedom FM: “He (the DPP) said that he consulted two independent QCs. I have consulted two independent QCs who have reached different conclusions.”

St. Kitts Relaunches Sustainability Charter Program

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St. Kitts Relaunches Sustainability Charter Program

Local businesses are encouraged to sign up to participate in the program

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (20th April, 2021): St. Kitts is relaunching its Heart of St. Kitts Sustainability Charter program in an effort to promote a responsible restart of tourism on the island. The Sustainability Charter provides a framework of best practices for the local tourism industry and is led by the St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council in partnership with the St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to update the program which was originally developed in 2017. Over the past few months, the Charter was revised with support from the global NGO Sustainable Travel International and input from more than 30 local businesses. The Charter outlines key areas of sustainability, such as waste management and community development, and lists concrete actions that businesses can take to improve their performance within each. The revised Charter addresses new best practices and pressing issues – such as the climate crisis, equity and inclusion, and health and safety – to pave the way for a sustainable recovery of tourism. The program was also expanded to offer more robust benefits and resources for participating businesses that will help them implement sustainability practices and showcase their unique sustainability story.

St. Kitts and Nevis is one of the most tourism dependent nations in the world: in 2019, the industry directly contributed over 25% of the country’s GDP and employed one in four residents. As the island gradually reopens its borders to tourists, St. Kitts’ is focused on bolstering its resilience to future disruptions by enhancing the sustainability of its tourism industry.
 
“Visitors come from all over the world to explore our island’s natural beauty and immerse themselves in our vibrant Kittitian culture. The success of our tourism industry depends on the quality and authenticity of the visitor experience.” said Diannille Taylor-Williams, Chairperson of the St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council (SDC). “Going forward, we must prioritize sustainable tourism practices that preserve the integrity of our beaches, waters, heritage sites, cultural traditions, and other tourism assets. In doing so we can strengthen the competitiveness of our beautiful destination, ensure the prosperity of our tourism industry, and augment community satisfaction.”
 
“In recent years, we’ve witnessed a shift in consumer preferences and an increasing demand for responsible travel experiences.” said Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International. “By participating in the Sustainability Charter, and strengthening their sustainability practices, businesses can cater to this expanding market of conscious travelers. At the same time, this commitment to sustainability will preserve the natural and cultural resources their business depends on and improve the quality of life for all residents.”
 
Tourism businesses of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to sign on to the Sustainability Charter, including but not limited to hotels, tour operators, transport providers, attractions, vendors, and food and beverage providers. To date, more than five businesses have signed on to the revised Sustainability Charter, including: Ital Creations, Blue Water Safaris Limited, Creative Cultured Creations (3Cs), Digital Print Plus and St. Kitts Eco-Park.
 
To learn more about the Heart of St. Kitts Sustainability Charter, please contact info@heartofstkitts.org.
St. Kitts Sustainable Destination CouncilThe St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council is a cross-sector body that consists of representatives from government agencies and sustainable tourism-related enterprises, as well as other like-minded individuals or organizations. We facilitate collaboration around sustainable tourism to ensure that development preserves and benefits St. Kitts’ environments, cultural heritage, and community livelihoods. Together, we are working towards a future where community members actively contribute to destination health, while promoting the island’s distinctive identity.
 Sustainable Travel InternationalSustainable Travel International is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and conserving our planet’s most vulnerable destinations. We are transforming tourism’s impact on nature and people by working alongside local communities, engaging travelers and businesses in responsible practices, and strengthening destination management. Through our work, we aim to safeguard nature, combat climate change, and empower communities to preserve the integrity of destinations around the globe. Sustainable Travel International has implemented sustainability projects in more than 100 destinations around the world and has partnered with the St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism to advance sustainable tourism on the island since 2012. To learn more visit www.sustainabletravel.org
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Montraville Farms CleanRite Old Road United Jets Launch Free WiFi

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Montraville Farms CleanRite Old Road United Jets Launch Free WiFi

PRESS RELEASE

BASSETERE, St. Kitts, 27th April 2021 – In celebration of their newly formed partnership with the Old Road United Jets Football Club, corporate partners Montraville Farms & CleanRite announced the installation of a free Wi-Fi hotspot on the main street between Hermitage Road and Wingfield Road. 

“Never before has there been so much excitement in the Old Road community surrounding the performance of the team.” Samal Duggins, owner of Montraville Farms, explained. “During this extraordinary time we recognize the importance of keeping the fans and the entire community connected particularly since they cannot attend games. Therefore the best way to continue to boost support was to provide an avenue which would allow businesses and fans to stream the games live.” 

Quasim Walker, owner of CleanRite added, “At a time like this it is our belief that we ought to step up and give back to a community that has given us so much. Whether it’s for business, school or personal use internet access is vital.“

The partnership was made official on Thursday, 22nd April at a lavish ceremony at the popular Sprat Net Bar and Restaurant in Old Road. The event saw the launch of the new club uniforms, team song and the signing of the partnership agreement.

The Montraville Farms-CleanRite Old Road United Jets continue to perform well in the SKNFA Premier League and one of their young stars, 19-year-old Tiquanny Williams, currently leads the league in goals.

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INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO HUMAN REMAINS FOUND AT NEEDSMUST

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INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED INTO HUMAN REMAINS FOUND AT NEEDSMUST

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 27, 2021 (RSCNPF): The Police have launched an investigation following confirmation by the Forensic Department that remains found in the Needsmust area are that of a human. The Department is now undertaking the process of trying to ascertain the identity of the remains.

Acting on information received, at about 11 a.m. on April 23, 2021, a Soldier from the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force conducted a patrol in the Needsmust area and found bones which appeared to be that of a human. The Police were subsequently contacted and Officers responded to the scene. Personnel from the Forensic Department visited the scene and collected the remains and pieces of clothing that were also found in the area.

Persons with information regarding this matter are urged to contact the Violent Crime Unit by dialling 467-1887, 467-1888, 662-3468, their nearest Police Station or the Crime Hotline at 707 where information can be given anonymously.

Acting on information received, at about 11 a.m. on April 23, 2021, a Soldier from the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force conducted a patrol in the Needsmust area and found bones which appeared to be that of a human. The Police were subsequently contacted and Officers responded to the scene. Personnel from the Forensic Department visited the scene and collected the remains and pieces of clothing that were also found in the area.

Persons with information regarding this matter are urged to contact the Violent Crime Unit by dialling 467-1887, 467-1888, 662-3468, their nearest Police Station or the Crime Hotline at 707 where information can be given anonymously.

CMO: Shelf Life Of Vaccine Is Short

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CMO: Shelf Life Of Vaccine Is Short

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 23rd April 2021)-Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws says the current supply of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine available in St.Kitts-Nevis has to be used by June 2021.
She made the disclosure while speaking at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) COVID-19 Briefing held on Wednesday 21st April 2021.

Dr. Laws informed that to date, the Federation would have received a total of 41,600 doses which is being offered to adults age 18 and over.
 
“So initially, we received 20,000 and then on April 7th we received an additional 21, 600 doses. Now ladies and gentlemen, the shelf life for these vaccines is quite short and so we have to utilize, we have to use up all these vaccines by the end of June this year. So persons saying ‘ I’m gonna wait’…please note that the shelf life of the vaccines is quite short and they must be utilized before on or before the end of June this year.”
 
She reminded that St.Kitts-Nevis’ aim is to attain the herd immunity threshold. 
 
“Now the science tells us that   this is anywhere between 70 to 90% of our population but in our situation, based on our last census, the adults in St.Kitts comprise of about a little over 70% of our population and so our aim is to vaccinate 70% of our population, the adults in our population and based on the rate at which we are vaccinating, we hope to achieve this goal by about September of this year, and so we are hoping that most of the adults would come onboard in terms of accepting this vaccine.”
 
According to her, as of that afternoon after the health centres were closed, some 11,848 doses were administered since the vaccine rollout awareness campaign began on Monday 22nd February 2021.
 
“In other words, we would have covered 35.86 % of the target population with at least the first dose of this vaccine.”
 
The breakdown, she reported, was 8,935 in St.Kitts and 2,913 doses in Nevis.
 
The CMO urged individuals to get vaccinated.
 
“Protect yourself against COVID-19, choose to vaccinate because in so doing you will be protecting yourself as I said before, once you are fully vaccinated  you would have an 83% risk reduction in picking up the virus; very, very small risk. So in other words, let’s put it in ordinary terms, if perchance we have clusters cases of COVID-19 if we go into community transmission  and the virus is spreading,  once you are fully vaccinated the risk of your contracting disease is very slim and perchance you do, it prevents you from becoming very ill (and) it prevents death.”
 
 “Once you are fully vaccinated, and full vaccination means you would have received the two doses of this vaccine and we are administering the doses 10 weeks apart,” she told.
 
As understood, this particular vaccine (Oxford/AstraZeneca) is stored in fridge 2C to 8C unto six months
 
Dr. Laws explained that the World Health Organization (WHO) “advises us that if you administer these two doses, 8 to 12 weeks apart, the individual who is fully vaccinated can enjoy an 83% risk reduction in contracting COVID-19.” 
 
“And please note that this vaccine provides good protection against the SARS COVID 2 variant identified in the United Kingdom and also based on the latest science coming out, this vaccine also provides some protection against the SARS 2 COVID variant identified in South Africa and Brazil,” she pointed out.

PM Harris Responds To 43-Page Document About Stopping Vaccination Programme In SKN

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PM Harris Responds To 43-Page Document About Stopping Vaccination Programme In SKN

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 23rd April 2021)- St.Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris has labelled “fake news” a 43-page document  circulating via social media addressed to him from the International Tribunal related to an order to  “cease and desist” COVID vaccinations, dated 18th March 2021.
 
A statement published by the government’s media outlet SKNIS (St.Kitts Information Services) on Wednesday 21st April 2021 highlighted his response on this matter which the document claimed was an “emergency injunction.”
 
Part of the document read: “Pursuant to the Tribunal’s final Order of November 29, 2020 and its Universal Jurisdiction under Natural and Common Law, under articles 6 and 7 of the International Criminal Court Statute banning Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity, and under 18 USC 1091.”
 
According to PM Harris: “We have no matter before the ICC neither are we a party to any matter therefore no judgment nor order can be given with regard to St.Kitts-Nevis. The Benavides of the purported ICC document currently in circulation on social media has yet to be confirmed. The office of the Prime Minister is not in receipt of or has officially been made aware of any document related to this matter. Further, the World Health Organisation, the relevant international body which oversees all health- related matters in the UN has approved the use and administering of the AstraZeneca vaccine since April 2021.”

He continued: “It must be highlighted that the document in circulation speaks to a judgment or order in November 2020 at a time when no country in the hemisphere was engaged in any COVID-19 vaccination programme. This significantly diminishes the credibility of the purported document. I would encourage all to check and verify before accepting as facts, these types of information being peddled in this era of fake news.”
Photo: Screenshot image of the document

Police Concern Over Normal Partying During COVID-19

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Police Concern Over Normal Partying During COVID-19

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 23rd April 2021)-“We continue to see complacency setting in, and persons getting a false sense of health security. We see this happening very frequently at parties, bars and other similar social activities.”
Such was reported by member of the COVID-19 National Task Force Superintendent Cromwell Henry when he spoke at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) COVID-19 Briefing held on Wednesday 21st April 2021.

He reminded members of the public that COVID-19 “remains a health threat to the Federation.”In addressing concern over the nature of interactions at social events, he went on to say: “These types of events and their very nature facilitate very easy spread of the virus should someone who is infected be present. Persons in these environments do not wear masks, they do not observe physical distancing, they do not practice good hand hygiene. Instead, they interact dangerously close with other persons who are not from their circle.

“Somehow persons are of the notion that everyone who enters the country are in quarantine so it is ok to socialize and ignore the protocols. While we do our best to ensure that persons who should be in quarantine are in fact in quarantine,  we’ve had instances in the past and some of these instances were well publicized  where persons whom we considered high risk found themselves socializing at crowded events,” Cromwell added.

Furthermore, he called on all individuals to do their part in helping to keep the country safe. “We continue our best to keep the country safe. However, we need you to be responsible by doing your part to help us keep us all safe. All that we are asking is that you follow the basic protocols that are prescribed in the COVID-19 regulations and they have kept us safe thus far. We have asked when in public avoid crowds and crowded events, practice good hand hygiene and maintain physical distance of six feet from others persons.”

Cromwell, encouraged individuals to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are now in the vaccination phase of our journey to full opening or near normalcy. We encourage all to take advantage of this opportunity to be vaccinated and do your part to ensure that we have a safe and prosperous country.”

As of Wednesday 21st April, there were 44 recovered COVID-19 patients and zero in isolation along with 13,526 persons tested for the virus, 7869 released from quarantine, 229 released from quarantine and 3 in pre approved quarantine at home.

MEETING: Agricultural Producer and Livestock Vendors

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MEETING: Agricultural Producer and Livestock Vendors

The Ministry of Agriculture invites all Agricultural Producer and Livestock Vendors to attend a meeting to address opportunities for vending at the Basseterre Public Market and other issues including challenges of street vending and registration of vendors. This meeting will be held on Thursday 22nd April, 2021 at 6:00pm, at the Agriculture large Conference Room, Department of Agriculture, La Guerite. The attendance of all concerned is kindly requested.

Community Notice

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Community Notice

The Antioch Baptist Church invites members of the general public to attend a Forum on Estate Planning on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at 5 p.m.

Lawyer Alethea Gumbs will present on a number of areas including; What is a Will? Is A Will Necessary? Can Young Persons Have a Will? and more.

This interactive informational session will be held at the Antioch Baptist Church Sanctuary at Lime Kiln Commercial Development. It will also be streamed online on the ABC SKN App, as well as the church’s Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

Dr. Terrance Drew Starts CARE Foundation

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Dr. Terrance Drew Starts CARE Foundation

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Tuesday 20th April 2021)-Well-Known community activist and medical practitioner specialized in Internal Medicine Dr. Terrance Drew has officially launched a non-profit charitable organization called the  CARE Foundation (Compassionate Action to Reach and Empower) of which he is the founder.

Held under the theme ‘We are Stronger When We CARE’, a ceremony was held on Saturday 17th April 2020 at Carambola Beach Club located at the South East Peninsula.

Dr. Drew shared an experience which helped to inspire his commitment to serve having seen an elderly woman trapped in her house near a running ghaut in his childhood community of Upper Monkey Hill, St. Peter’s.

“All of us have stories that we will never ever forget. I can never ever forget that 80-year- old in a little wooden house screaming for help and the ambulance could not pass because the ghaut was running and the bridge was damaged and then some men rushed to the house…getting over the ghaut into that house to get her to the hospital.  I thought then that she deserved better and that she deserved. That to a great extent inspired in me my commitment to serve the best I can  and to ask others  to give of themselves and the best of themselves so that as a community, as a country and as humanity in general that together we can overcome the difficulties that we face and so that story is etched in my soul and you have your own stories that are etched in your souls but I think there’s a common humanity or common stream of stories that connect us all and those stories really pull at us to say always seek to give  and to give the best that you can,” he highlighted.

The five (5) main pillars of the organization are: Poverty Alleviation, Disaster Response, Health, Wellness and Nutrition Empowerment & Education and Community Enhancement.

Dr. Drew said when he first conceptualized the establishment of the CARE Foundation, never would he have “imagined or anticipated how quickly and strongly so many of you and what a diverse group of you would have immediately connected and aligned with the vision and expressed your support financially and materially to our cause.”

“This has been a very humbling experience and an incredibly affirming one as well,” he added.

According to Dr. Drew, the launch of the CARE Foundation will mark a defining moment in our national story.  

“It will mark the day when a movement spread kindness, love and light throughout our Federation. It will mark the day, when the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, as sampled here in this audience and those watching online, decided that they will not be defeated by all the national challenges but they will be inspired and empowered.”

The other members on the Board of Councillors of the CARE Foundation are Ms.Nerys Dockery (President)  Anthony Johnson ( Secretary), Mr. Jonathan Bass, Dr. Christine Walwyn, Mr. Dominic Stephens, Ms. Lauretta Evelyn, Ms. Lanein Blanchette, Ms. Mary Clarke and Ms. Kelvina Salters.

The C.A.R.E. Foundation is fully described to be a non- sectarian, non-profit charitable organization that was established on February 22, 2021.

Furthermore, it is said to be a humanitarian organization focused on community outreach across St. Kitts and Nevis to do good and to serve wherever there is a need.

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