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Opposition: PM Harris Refuses To Accept Election Petitions Served By Courthouse Worker

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Opposition: PM Harris Refuses To Accept Election Petitions Served By Courthouse Worker

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 17th July 2020)-  The opposition St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) says  Prime Minister Dr. Harris and other colleagues have refused to accept the Election Petitions that were served upon them by the Bailiff.

This news came via a press release issued on Friday 10th July 2020 -received by this media house at 11:19 AM- on the day when the first hearing of the matter was scheduled to take place but pushed back.

“The hearing in the Civil Court, which was expected to discuss the procedures and the case management of the petitions, was set to go before His Lordship Mr. Justice Trevor Ward, QC, today, June 10, 2020. Most regrettably, the preliminary proceeding in relation to the hearing of the six Election Petitions has been rescheduled for Friday, July 17, 2020. What will the Harris regime do next to delay matters further?” The SKNLP stated.

According to Opposition Leader and elected Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Six Dr. Denzil L. Douglas: “The long arm of Justice will hold them to account regardless of how much they resist.”

“If Harris and Powell have nothing to hide then why are they engaging in kangaroo tactics to avoid facing the music in the courts? Come hell or high water, Harris, [Jonel] Powell and others will have to answer the petitions,” he said.

The Opposition body is of the view that: “In an effort to avoid the court proceedings brought on by allegations of widespread electoral fraud and corruption, Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as other members of his regime have deliberately refused to accept the Election Petitions that were served upon them by the Bailiff.”

On Friday 26th June 2020, SKNLP candidates filed six election petitions at the high court to challenge matters surround the seats lost in the 5th June 2020 General Elections namely: Marcella Liburd, St Christopher 2 (Central Basseterre); Konris Maynard, St Christopher 3 (West Basseterre); Steve Wrensford, (St Christopher 4); Kenneth Douglas (St Christopher 5); Leon Natta-Nelson (St Christopher 7) and Dr. Terrance Drew (St Christopher 8).

The SKNLP is putting forth that: “Court action was taken following a thorough investigation based on reports submitted by polling agents of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party as well as independent eye-witness accounts which exposed massive corruption, illegalities, irregularities and stunning allegations of bribery. Taken together, the SKNLP is of the conviction that the results of the June 5th General Elections do not reflect the will of the people and therefore must be challenged.”

Birthday Visitor Gets First Photo Shoot After Black Rocks Viewing Deck Officially Opens

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Birthday Visitor Gets First Photo Shoot After Black Rocks Viewing Deck Officially Opens

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 17th July 2020)–Having seen the local buzz of social media excitement featuring photos taken at the Viewing Decks at Black Rocks in the Belle Vue community, Orencea Bussue has become the first individual to have a personal arranged photoshoot moment immediately after dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony held Wednesday 15th July 2020 on the occasion of her 25th birthday.

All dolled up and carrying balloons for the celebrative day, she arrived to the venue not knowing the ceremony was scheduled to take place. She then chose to relax and wait for the start and finish of the event, and is thankful that the sunset ambiance actually worked to her advantage in capturing her special images.

Speaking exclusively to this media house Bussue who hails from the Cotton Ground community in Nevis, shared that it was her second visit to that popular local historic place of interest in recalling a school field trip when she attended the St.Thomas’ Primary School.

“I haven’t been here since I was a little girl in primary school during a field trip…This is a whole different scenery.”

Asked why she chose the Viewing Decks at Black Rocks, she had this to say: “I saw venue on Facebook with other photos and I said it’s beautiful compared to the last time I remember being here. I don’t even remember seeing this part of it because as kids we were scared to look over.”

As to what she thinks about her chosen photo shoot spot: “It’s very beautiful. I will be posting later.”

Chief Executive Office and Managing Director of the White Gate Development Corporation Ellis Hazel during the ceremony stated: “Since the completion of the viewing platforms, I have witnessed droves of individuals and groups taking pictures and enjoying the scenery; most not knowing that all this was taking place.”

He went on to say “I have seen people romanticizing during the high noon, a mother breastfeeding her infant on one of the lower decks, fellas having a beer and relaxing-We call it ‘liming’, oh!-a viral photo of a young man popping the question to his fiancé on her birthday. Such are the pleasures that the construction of this magnificent infrastructure intended.”

Hazel labelled the project as being a “significant investment government has made in improving Black Rocks for the benefit of our people primarily and secondarily for the enjoyment of guests.”

He explained that the vision for Black Rocks is a multi-use space, an artisan village set in a historic landscape during the day and an avenue for entertainment for leisure and relaxation during the evening, night time and weekends.

Hazel spoke about the features at Black Rocks including improved pasture, barbecue pavilion, walkway with wheelchair access from the parking lot.

“…and the beauty about it is the majestic viewing platforms that have drawn us all here today.”

He told that the work done at Black Rocks is based on a partnership with stakeholders including taxi operators, vendors and people of Belle Vue. All were thanked for their comments and input.

Meanwhile Dr. Timothy Harris, described the moment as be proud one for him both as Prime Minister and the elected representative for Constituency Seven.

“This multitier open air observation platform is a significant investment  in the improvement of the Black Rocks visitor experience as it enables tourists and locals alike to safely and comfortably view the dramatic jagged black cliffs  that were formed by lava eruptions  from the now dormant 3792 feet Mount Liamuiga.”

He continued: “Indeed this stunning new amenity signals that Black Rocks is being taken seriously as a world-class land mark and one that has the potential to extend the benefits of tourism in this community and those within its vicinity. These viewing decks form part of a wide range rehabilitation project being built out between joint partnership between the government of St.Kitts and Nevis and in particular the Ministry of Tourism and the White Gate Development Corporation.”

He talked about Black Rocks coming alive each year on Good Friday with the kite flying competition and family fun day featuring other events like cricket, domino competition and tug of war and fashion shows.

Pointing to the addition of the decks, he commented: “We want it to become a year round destination and commercial district. It has also become even more popular; as we’ve heard for taking wedding photos, jogging, walking and watching the sunset or just having an afternoon line in the company of good friends or new acquaintances.”

According to him: “With its upgraded ambiance Black Rocks adds to the list of places to go on the island of St.Kitts not just on holidays or on special occasions but just because there are more features now  to enjoy and local vendors here  to support  at this iconic, historical  now historic site.” 

POLICE LINEAGE RUNS DEEP IN THE GRADUATES OF COURSE #44

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POLICE LINEAGE RUNS DEEP IN THE GRADUATES OF COURSE #44

Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 11, 2020 (SKNIS): Twenty-five young men and women graduated from the Police Training School on Thursday, July 09, 2020, embarking on a career in law enforcement with a pledge to serve and protect.

An intriguing statistic from Course #44 points to a very positive trend for the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force and the country. Eight of the new officers have at least one parent or a sibling who are members or former members of the RSCNPF.

They are as follows, #388 Woman Constable Chieyenne Clarke – her father has 28 years and counting in the force while her mother served for some 12 and a half years; #392 Zomiah Hutchinson – his father is an officer for 27 years; #398 Constable Dashan Jacobs – his father is an officer for 21 years, his mother 22 years, and his brother 10 years, while #403 Woman Constable Laricia Ottley – her father served more than 18 years. There is also #405 Constable Zedan Clarke-Lake – his mother is an officer for 22 years, #406 Shane Clarke – his sister has six years under her belt; #409 Therese Gordon – has a father who served more than 15 years, and #415 Kelly-Ann Francis has a brother who continues to serve after 13 years.

 #415 Kelly-Ann Francis (left) and #409 Therese Gordon
 

PC Hutchinson and WPC Clarke said that they were inspired to join the force because of the actions of their loved ones.

“He is always polite, always very professional,” Hutchinson said of his father’s positive attitude. “I looked up to that, and it was a deciding factor in me joining the police force.” The 20-year-old added that he tries to emulate his father’s actions, whether he is on or off duty.

WPC Clarke stated that her father is well respected in the community and commands respect. She said, “I want to make certain people respect police again.” This is based on several incidences at the ferry terminal where some persons would openly swear in spite of the presence of a police officer. The 24-year-old said that this was unacceptable and after experiencing such, intervened and spoke to the individuals. “One person can make a difference,” Clarke said, adding that she will be a force for good.

Constables Clarke-Lake and Jacobs are excited by the opportunities for personal and professional growth that comes along with being a police officer. Clarke-Lake is 19-years-old and has represented St. Kitts and Nevis overseas as a member of the junior volleyball team. He explained that he is interested in pursuing a career in ballistics, which may lead to advanced training overseas.

Jacobs, 18, said that he spoke to his mother about the opportunities for professional development and is convinced that the experience will help to further his desire to learn more about technical engineering. He added that he is committed to the RSCNPF and is excited to serve.

Constable S. Clarke joined the Cadets in 2011, and it lead to him joining the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force in 2017. While there, he worked alongside the police on joint patrols and felt compelled to transfer his service.

“I just like helping people,” he stated, adding that a police officer interacts directly with the public daily. The 20-year-old added, “I love the tactical operations, and I am ready to make a difference.”

Clarke noted that police training has made him mentally tough, and he is prepared to help de-escalate and defuse challenging situations. WPC Ottley shared similar sentiments.

“Training school was challenging and hectic, but I was motivated to learn,” the 23-year-old said. “Now that I have graduated, my intention is to climb the ladder. I still have a lot to learn, and each day that I am out there will be a new experience to learn. I want to be out there to assist residents and help them to be comfortable around the police.”

Inspector Shorna Edwards, Commandant of the Police Training School, said that to her knowledge this is the first time that so many persons with such a direct lineage to policing have been a part of the same course. Incidentally, there were other recruits who had uncles, aunts and cousins in the force.

“We (individuals) model what we see,” Inspector Edwards indicated, noting the positive influences that motivated the recruits to join the police force. She said that “it means that they have a lot to contribute to society.”

Inspector Edwards noted that she has high hopes for the graduates of Course #44.

Coronavirus SKN: Illness Hits Health Care Worker

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Coronavirus SKN: Illness Hits Health Care Worker

By:Spokesman Newsroom BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 10th July 2020)– A health care worker in St.Kitts-Nevis has fallen ill with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) after being exposed in a front line capacity while providing care for a patient, and now all contacts of these only two recorded active cases require testing.

Such information was announced on Friday 10th July 2020 by Minister of Health Akilah Byron-Nisbett in a statement made at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) as an update on COVID-19 which came ahead of the daily briefing.

“Today, Friday 10th July 2020, St.Kitts and Nevis recorded one additional case of COVID-19. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 17.  The patient is a frontline healthcare worker who would have provided care to the previously announced case.”

Notably, to date, 15 individuals have recovered while these latest updates represent two active cases, coming more than 70 days since the 15th recorded case was announced.

She explained that now that confirmation of COVID-19 has been received, the patient is subjected to mandatory isolation in order to limit the likelihood of transmission to others. All of the contacts of patients would be subject to strict quarantine and testing.”

This latest update comes less than one week after a fresh coronavirus case was recorded on Saturday 4th July.

Distribution of confirmed COVI-19 cases in the Federation stands at: 13 on St.Kitts and 4 on Nevis.

Individuals who may have any questions or concerns are asked to call the Ministry of Health at 869-476-1172/ 1108 or the COVID-19 hotline at 311.

Opposition: PM Harris Refuses To Accept Election Petitions Served By Courthouse Worker

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Opposition: PM Harris Refuses To Accept Election Petitions Served By Courthouse Worker

By: Spokesman Newsroom

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 10th July 2020)-  The opposition St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) says  Prime Minister Dr. Harris and other colleagues have refused to accept the Election Petitions that were served upon them by the Bailiff.


This news came via a press release issued on Friday 10th July 2020 -received by this media house at 11:19 AM- on the day when the first hearing of the matter was scheduled to take place but pushed back.

“The hearing in the Civil Court, which was expected to discuss the procedures and the case management of the petitions, was set to go before His Lordship Mr. Justice Trevor Ward, QC, today, June 10, 2020. Most regrettably, the preliminary proceeding in relation to the hearing of the six Election Petitions has been rescheduled for Friday, July 17, 2020. What will the Harris regime do next to delay matters further?” The SKNLP stated.


According to Opposition Leader and elected Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Six Dr. Denzil L. Douglas: “The long arm of Justice will hold them to account regardless of how much they resist.”

“If Harris and Powell have nothing to hide then why are they engaging in kangaroo tactics to avoid facing the music in the courts? Come hell or high water, Harris, [Jonel] Powell and others will have to answer the petitions,” he says.


The Opposition body is of the view that: “In an effort to avoid the court proceedings brought on by allegations of widespread electoral fraud and corruption, Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as other members of his regime have deliberately refused to accept the Election Petitions that were served upon them by the Bailiff.”


On Friday 26th June 2020, SKNLP candidates filed six election petitions at the high court to challenge matters surround the seats lost in the 5th June 2020 General Elections namely: Marcella Liburd, St Christopher 2 (Central Basseterre); Konris Maynard, St Christopher 3 (West Basseterre); Steve Wrensford, (St Christopher 4); Kenneth Douglas (St Christopher 5); Leon Natta-Nelson (St Christopher 7) and Dr. Terrance Drew (St Christopher 8).


The SKNLP is putting forth that: “Court action was taken following a thorough investigation based on reports submitted by polling agents of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party as well as independent eye-witness accounts which exposed massive corruption, illegalities, irregularities and stunning allegations of bribery. Taken together, the SKNLP is of the conviction that the results of the June 5th General Elections do not reflect the will of the people and therefore must be challenged.”

Opposition Protest Alleged Election Unfairness With No-Show At National Assembly Opening

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Opposition Protest Alleged Election Unfairness With No-Show At National Assembly Opening

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts-Nevis (Friday 10th July 2020)- On Wednesday 8th July for the scheduled opening of Parliament in St.Kitts-Nevis, the opposition St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) was a no-show with reason given in protest of the alleged unfairness of the 5th June 2020 General Elections.

Hence, elected parliamentarians- Opposition Leader Dr. Denzil Douglas of St. Christopher Six and newcomer Dr. Geoffrey Hanley of Constituency One (East Basseterre) were not present.

Via press release that day received by this media house at 7:31 AM, the party informed that “As people of conscience, the leadership of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party has taken the decision not to attend the official Opening of the National Assembly that is set to take place at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 8, 2020.”

It was further stated that: “This decision was taken after thoughtful and careful deliberation based on the assessment of the massive malpractices that tarnished the political environment of the June 5, 2020 General Election, which in our view, was neither free, fair nor just. However, the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party remains unswervingly committed to representing the people’s concerns, desires and aspirations throughout the Federation. The elected Representatives of the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party refuse to be complicit in sanctioning a system of apparent election-rigging and voter suppression that has been established, promoted and protected by the illegitimate Harris-led coalition regime. In the face of the rampant corruption, massive fraud, widespread irregularities and allegations of bribery, the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party intends to send a strong message that “Democracy Matters” and we will not stand by and allow such practices to become the norm in our voting and election processes here in St. Kitts and Nevis.”

It was highlighted that Party Leader Dr. Douglas, following an audience with Governor General Sir Tapley Seaton, is still awaiting the settling of certain outstanding matters relating to the effective operations of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.

“These matters were not resolved during the last Parliamentary Session and must be addressed and corrected if the Office of the Leader of the Opposition is to function effectively. The St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party, as a single Party, with a clear vision, still commands the majority of votes vis-à-vis other political parties and, as such, must ensure that the people’s representation is not compromised. In order to adequately and successfully represent the interests of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Parliamentary Opposition must be furnished with a well-financed and functional Office of the Leader of the Opposition,” the release read.

The opening of Parliament was labelled as one that will “mark the beginning of the reign of an oppressive and illegitimate regime.”

A commitment has been given that “The SKNLP will not rest until the will of the people prevails and democracy is restored to our blessed Federation. We guarantee this!”

SKN Imports New COVID-19 Patient After Months Of No Active Cases

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SKN Imports New COVID-19 Patient After Months Of No Active Cases

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts-Nevis (Friday 10th July 2020)- After more than seventy (70) days without any active case announcement, the Federation of St.Kitts-Nevis has recorded a new patient having the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) after a citizen returned home from the United States of America.

New Minister of Health Akilah Byron-Nisbett, in speaking at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) COVID-19 Briefing held on Saturday 4th July 2020, informed about the one additional case of COVID-19 which brings to total the number of cases to 16.

She informed that the patient is a returning national who landed on 19th June 2020 from Washington DC in the USA.

“The patient has been in quarantine since arrival. Today marks the 76th time since we would have announced the fifteenth case of COVID-19. Now that conformation of COVID-19 has been received by the patient, the patient will be subjected to a compulsory isolation in order to limit the likelihood of transmission to others. The distribution of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Federation is now as follows- 12 in St.Kitts and 4 in Nevis.”

Byron-Nisbett advised that the Federal Ministry of health reminds citizens and residents of individual and collective responsibility to adhere to the COVID-19 prevention measures that include physical distancing , remaining six feet from other persons , wearing of face masks in public, hand hygiene, washing hands after touching high touched surfaces which may be contaminated and social distancing in avoiding mass gathering .

“These non-pharmaceutical measures will reduce your risk of exposure to the virus,” she noted.

Individuals are also reminded that the federal ministry remains the only official source of COVID-19 relative to St.Kitts-Nevis.

SKNLP Chairman Claims Court Evidence in Election Petitions Will Shock People

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SKNLP Chairman Claims Court Evidence in Election Petitions Will Shock People

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts-Nevis (Friday 10th July 2020)-Chairman of the Opposition St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Dr. Terrance Drew is of the opinion that individuals will be shocked by evidence of alleged wrongdoing that took place during the June 2020 general elections.

The first hearing of the six election petitions recently filed at the high court by the party is scheduled to take place on Friday 10th July.

“With respect to what would have taken place also in the last elections, when it came to the irregularities and to the illegalities that would have taken place, I think that people would be shocked and are going to be shocked when they understand what took place in the last elections,” commented Dr. Drew while speaking on the party-sponsored ‘Issues’ programme aired on Wednesday 8th July.

Linked to the issue, he voiced support of opposition parliamentarians’ decision not to attend the opening of the National Assembly held that day as informed via an official SKNLP press statement.

In further addressing such alleged instances of irregularities and to the illegalities, Dr. Drew, party representative for Constituency Eight said: “People saw it for themselves. When people went in to vote and they saw a plastic bin that you can easily see through and recognize that their vote could not be secret, people were appalled, and asked ‘how is this possible?’ When people saw boxes that could not be locked when they know that in the [General Elections] Act that the boxes have to be something that could be locked and the key should be secured with the returning officers and so forth, and realized that all of these things were violated.”

Additionally, he talked about the days of closure at the Electoral Office during the week of election whereby people could not go in to get their cards and verify their names on the voters’ list.

The absence of international observers was also noted by him.

“That is why we are saying as a party, we cannot accept this. This cannot be the norm. So it has nothing to do with just winning an election. It has to do with the preservation of democracy. We have to draw standards as the type of people that who can stand for the elections, and we have to have standards when we conduct our elections and not violate all these acts and statutes that are in place in order to the preserve the integrity of the vote and hence preserve our democracy.”

“I want to ask the people of St.Kitts and Nevis: Is this the type of democracy that we must accept? Is this the type of election that we must accept?, and so this has nothing to do with losing an election or being a sore loser.” Dr. Drew remarked.

The SKNLP official and election candidate, further bashed the conduct of the 2020 general elections and touched on the filing of the election petitions.

“…that is why we are saying in the petitions that all these things will be highlighted and we’re asking the court of course on the decision ….there are much more …in these petitions and Friday is the first hearing and we will of course bring more information to the people in St.Kitts and Nevis but the stance to boycott today I agree with because people need to know all the irregularities and illegalities that took place in the last election, and to have two parliamentarians who would have been found guilty of misappropriation of funds and are going to be sworn in as honourable men and have access to my tax payer’s money, a stance must be taken…”

Dr. Drew indicated that his comments are not a personal attack “but we’re supposed to have some minimal standards in St.Kitts and Nevis and this of course cannot be accepted.”

In a judgement handed down by the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court this week, an appeal regarding a misappropriation of client’s fund matter did not go in favour of the defendants- government ministers Lindsay Grant and Jonel Powell who are both lawyers by profession.

Taiwan, SKN Team Up To Further Tackle Health Diseases Affecting Population

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Taiwan, SKN Team Up To Further Tackle Health Diseases Affecting Population

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts-Nevis (Friday 10th July 2020)- New minister of Health Akilah Byron-Nisbett and resident Taiwanese Ambassador Tom Lee on Tuesday 7th July 2020 affixed their signatures to documents geared towards a Capacity Building Project for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Metabolic Disease.

The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Health located at Bladen Commercial Development in St.Kitts, marking the start of the new project expected to span a period of four years.

Taiwan ICDF Manager Mr. Feng-Da Tsai said the project “aims at tackling health issues that are seriously affecting the people of St.Kitts and Nevis and further the health assistance of the Federation.”

Such health issues, he said, include diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

Ambassador Lee said the Taiwan Embassy will continue to work with Taiwan ICDF and Taipei’s Veterans General Hospital and the Ministry of Health in St.Kitts and Nevis to implement the project.

“We all know that major causes of death in St.Kitts-Nevis are chronic diseases and as a true friend and ally of St.Kitts and Nevis, Taiwan of course cares our friend’s health and want to help them improve their health and stay healthy. That’s why four years ago, our Embassy with the Ministry of health started the previous project which ended three months ago,” he commented.

He said the objective of this project is to help the government of St.Kitts and Nevis strengthen its prevention and control systems for chronic diseases noting that his government is the sole sponsor for the project while the St.Kitts-Nevis government also contributes some of the funding.

New Minister of Health Akilah Byron-Nisbett spoke about the high percentage of death in St.Kitts-Nevis regarding chronic diseases which needs to get under control.

“We have been hearing time and time again of that very high percentage 83% of our mortality rate is due to chronic diseases, and that is something that we need to get under control in St.Kitts and Nevis. It is a burden on our health system and it is something that we keep talking about as being important in order for us to be able to find ways for us to prevent and control some of the illnesses and death associated with it.”

She also talked about the recently ended project which dealt with kidney diseases in particular.

“In that project, it was found that the main cause of some of these disease are through metabolic diseases and so now this project is going to get at the root of those problems and how can we build capacity, how can we build persons’ awareness of control of these different diseases. It’s a way of controlling our obesity rates, it’s a way of controlling our hypertension rates and controlling our cardiovascular disease rates and so this is timely and necessary and as we continue to speak about controlling our NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases), this comes at a time where that’s going to be important for us to be able to meet these objectives.”

New Carnival Chairperson Talks 2020 Entertainment Amidst COVID-19

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New Carnival Chairperson Talks 2020 Entertainment Amidst COVID-19

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts-Nevis (Friday 10th July 2020) –She is no stranger to Sugar Mas fun and excitement-both professionally and personally- and with her return as newly appointed chairperson of the St.Kitts-Nevis National Carnival Committee, Shannon Hawley is entertaining the idea of virtual and otherwise cheerfulness for Sugar Mas 2020 as the world copes with the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic.

newly appointed chairperson of the St.Kitts-Nevis National Carnival Committee, Shannon Hawley

In a sit -down interview with ZIZ TV’s Chaira Flanders aired on Saturday 4th July, she (Hawley) shared that “there is hope” on the subject matter when asked about the possibility of hosting Sugar Mas 49 amidst COVID-19.

“The decision regarding Carnival and its direction will be ultimately made by the Minister of Culture, the Hon. Jonel Powell. However, what I can say is that yesterday we had our first meeting with the NEOC [National Emergency Operations Center]. We know that individuals are yearning for recreation. I mean you look at the strip on a Friday night for the past two Fridays and you realize that individuals are desperate. I mean it’s about our mental health.”

According to her, “the discussions were fruitful and there is hope, there is hope and of course in this time of the pandemic, of course it would not be business as usual so we now have to come up with creative ways, innovative ways of maybe not a full scale carnival per say but I think we-when I say we I mean the stakeholders and the stakeholders will be hearing from us soon-, we have to come up with innovative ways in which we can hopefully host a carnival; make it just as enjoyable and exciting as it has been in the past years but of course taking into consideration the restrictions as it relates to COVID …the social distancing, the physical distancing , ensuring sanitization etc.”

Hawley addressed the curiosity of those wondering about the possibility of such.

“Now some people might say ‘How on earth are we going to do this when carnival is about fete, splendor, jamming close?’ but I don’t think it’s impossible. As I’ve said it’s about coming up with creative ways, innovative ways to have fun and do it in a safe environment. So the plan is that we will continue our discussions with the NEOC. then the NEOC will then make a presentation to Cabinet and the Minister of Culture, and then the Minister of Culture along with Cabinet will make a decision as to the way forward with carnival but as I said it’s about out mental health and we’re yearning for the recreation; we missed Music Festival,…we have six months to go to carnival. We don’t know where the six months will lead us, however, we have to make the necessary arrangements whether it’s going to be virtual, whether it’s gonna be a carnival small scale, large scale. However it is, we have to take the nation’s health first and foremost.”

While the new Carnival Chairperson indicated to the interviewer that it is too early for her to share her ideas and plans to build on the successful carnival to date in general, she did, however, say “the intention is to move carnival to a bigger, better international product. Of course it will not happen this year because of the restrictions with COVID but the intention is to move carnival to a bigger better product.”

The announcement of Hawley’s appointment came about on Thursday 2nd July via a press release issued by the Ministry of Culture.

In 2011, for the occasion of the 40th anniversary of National Carnival, she was first appointed as chairperson and was the first female to take up the position.

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