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Grant, Powell Appealing Client Money Alleged Fraud Matter

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Grant, Powell Appealing Client Money Alleged Fraud Matter

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 15th November 2019)-Well-known public figures Lindsay Grant and Jonel Powell, who are both lawyers of the law firm Grant, Powell & Co. caught up in the December 2017 misappropriating client’s funds filed matter, want to get a decision reversed after a 28th October  2019 dated document ruling by Justice Eddy Ventose at the high court has not gone in their favour.

Such latest details concerning this matter has been publicised this week, causing widespread debate.

Both men (Grant and Powell-the defendants) are claiming innocence in the case with plans to appeal the judge’s decision which involves claimant Tanzania Tobing Tanzil whom they have been ordered to pay $750 in costs within a 14-day period while the hearing for the assessment of damages is slated take place on 12th December 2019.

A press statement issued by VhCommunications on behalf of Powell, Grant & Co. on Wednesday 13th November reads: “We, the partners of Grant, Powell & Co., Mr. Lindsay Grant (on sabbatical) and Mr. Jonel Powell comprehensively deny all and every allegation of wrong doing in the above cited claim. We continue to vigorously defend this matter and will do so to the full extent of the law. The recent judgement in default in this matter is being appealed. As this matter remains in the jurisdiction of the Court it would be inappropriate to make any further statement in the circumstances, save to say that we expect to be fully vindicated at the end of this process. Grant, Powell & Co. always serves its clients with the highest levels ethics and professionalism in the pursuit of the rule of law and continues to do so.”

At the end of the letter, the individual signatures of Powell and Grant are included.

As understood from official court document details, the matter surrounds that which the Claimant on 22 December 2017 filed a claim against the Defendants seeking an  order that the Defendants have breached their fiduciary duty and/or their duty of trust owed to the Claimant as his Solicitors and escrow agents and/or acted fraudulently in receiving, using and/or failing to account for the sum of US$460,000.00 which was transferred to the Defendants’ bank account at First Caribbean International Bank (Barbados) Limited, Basseterre branch in Saint Kitts, in or about May 2013, for the specific purpose namely, to purchase a condominium unit under the Citizenship By Investment Programme, and secure title to the property.

As further gleaned from the documents: On 16 October 2018, the Defendants filed an application with supporting affidavit to set aside the default judgment. On 11 February 2019, the court determined the terms of the default judgment and ordered the Defendants to pay damages to be assessed by the court. The Defendants filed an application with supporting affidavit to stay the court order of 11 February 2019. On 19 July 2019, the court gave directions for filing submissions and authorities on the application to set aside default judgment with a hearing date of 26 September 2019.

Justice Ventose, as part of his orders in the matter, has indicated that: The application to set aside default judgment is hereby refused, The Claimant shall file and serve witness statements, submissions and authorities in respect of the assessment of damages within 21 days of today’s date, The Defendants, if interested in participating in the assessment of damages, shall file and serve Form 31 within 7 days of service by the Claimant and shall comply with CPR 12.13 and 16.2 and The hearing of the assessment of damages shall take place on 12 December 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

Representing Tanzil in this court matter were Sylvester Anthony, Angelina Gracey Sookoo Bobb and Renal Edwards while the legal counsel for the Grant, Powell & Co. pair was Brian Barnes.

Occupational Safety and Health

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Occupational Safety and Health

Workers (People), on Sunday 27th October, delegates of the St.Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union gathered at Masses House for the 80th annual conference, and the theme (main topic of discussion) was ‘All Hands On Deck In Securing Our Future’ which is appropriate, and I love it to my heart.

This Union always says to speak the truth quietly and clearly and also to listen to others, even those of a different mindset for they too have their story.

Let me move on and say something about physical work again. Any kind of physical work requires the worker to generate energy by muscle action. Most of this energy eventually appears as heat within the body. This is why physical work always warming. The heat which generated inside the body in this way combines with the heat coming from the environment and from machine to actually raise the body temperature.

Hello! This leads immediately to discomfort and can quickly become dangerous because the body is meant to be more or less a constant temperature. To protect the body, there will be natural tendency to slow the rate of work and movement so as to reduce the possibility of excessive heat stress. Now worker (people), let me ask you this question, and surely you can have a discussion with your co-workers.

Why is heat stress undesirable? My answer to the question is sweating. When any liquid evaporates, there is a cooling effect. This is why the skin or porous pots containing water keep cooler than metal containers. Water that can leak through to a surface will evaporate and cause cooling. This is the same way the body cools itself. Water comes through the skin and evaporates.

Note that this sweat contains salt which is why sweat has a salty taste. If there is a lot of sweating, this salt has to be replaced by adding more salt to the food or taking salt tablets. If you get cramp in muscles regularly, this might be due to a shortage of salt.

Hello, this is part of this trade union’s education by writing in this newspaper, and so I would encourage you to continue to read.              “

*Note Well* Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said these words: “We must build dikes (dagger) of courage to hold back the flood of fear.”

Thank you for reading.

Community Residents Spot Boat With $12 Million In Cocaine

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Community Residents Spot Boat With $12 Million In Cocaine

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 8th November 2019)-Earlier this week, a boat was found in the Sandy Point community with close to 300 pounds of cocaine worth more than EC $12 million, police say.

It has been reported that members of the security forces seized the 136 kilos of drugs following a search carried out on a yacht that ran aground on Sunday 3rd November 2019.

The yacht on which the packages of cocaine were found earlier this week (police photo)

Reportedly, the street value of the cocaine is estimated at over $12 million Eastern Caribbean Dollars.

According to the local authorities, the yacht, which was taken to the Coast Guard base, was searched by members of the security forces the next day (Monday) and just over 120 packages of cocaine had been discovered.

A source at the Police Public Relations Department has informed that: “The find was only possible because members of the public said something when they saw something out-of-the-norm. A joint response was made following a report that a yacht had run aground at Pump Bay, Sandy Point.”

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) with responsibility for Operations Adolph Adams thanks the community residents for their vigilance in what has been described as one of the largest seizures in St.Kitts-Nevis.

 “I would like to commend our officers in the Anti-Narcotics Unit, the Special Services Unit (SSU), Customs, and the Defence Force and Coast Guard for their courageous effort in effecting this operation. In recent times, we’ve had a number of reports of vessels entering the waters of the federation and conducting illegal transactions. We have to be relentless and aggressive in protecting our borders as best as we can. We have to thank the members of the Sandy Point community for being forthcoming with the information that led to the seizure which I am told is one of the largest cocaine busts in the federation. Presently, a suspect is at large and being sought by the police as investigations into this matter are ongoing. Anyone having any useful information in relation to this matter are asked to call anonymously,” ACP Adams said.

Persons with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Sandy Point Police Station at 465-6261, the nearest Police Station or the crime hotline at 707.

Men Charged For Rape, Another For Sex With Minors

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Men Charged For Rape, Another For Sex With Minors

BASSETERRE, ST.KITTS (Friday 8th November 2019)- Police on St.Kitts have charged three men for sexual offences which have seen two men accused of rape in one instance and a man accused of having sex with minors in the other matter.

Police say a man from St. Kitts was charged for two (2) counts of Unlawful Carnal Knowledge on Wednesday 23rd October 2019.

Reportedly, the offences were committed in November 2018 and between February and March 2019.

Concerning the alleged rape, two males from the Basseterre area were on Friday 25th October 2019 formally charged by police for the offence said to have occurred on Monday 12th August 2019.

Reportedly, the individuals are in police custody.

Bullied Contestant Wins

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Bullied Contestant Wins

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 8th November 2019) –She was laughed at on social media after going viral locally for speech blunders made during on stage during a promotional appearance for the show but in a turn of events, 18-year-old Leonna Brookes was crowned Queen of the St. Peter’s Festival Pageant over the past weekend, and her winning talent performance was a direct response to her critics.

With a score of 741 points, she outshone her other three competitors before a packed audience gathered at the St. Peter’s Basketball Court venue on Friday 1st November 2019 as she captured two out of the four judged segments namely Best Speech (227 points) and Best Talent (255 points). Additionally, she copped the Miss Popular award.

16-year-old Tresjeur Dedier got the first runner-up spot with 717 points.

Best Creative Wear was won by 14-year-old Jewvonna Morson with 126 points for a dress made out of plastic spoons. She was also the recipient of the Miss Photogenic award.

20-year-old Tamia Martin walked away Best Evening Wear with 161 points in a red floor-length gown; shimmery at the top and feathery at the lower portion.

In the promotional speech segment, contestants did presentations about community icons of their choice.

For her presentation, Brookes-contestant #4 spoke about popular community milk man Elbert Bass (her grandfather) who provided door to door milk delivery service before milk was sold in shops.

 “Imagine the days of old when the village shops were our malls and the footprints of donkeys horses could be tracked from stall to stall. You know these times better than I do but what is so familiarly to me is the days of the Milk Man. The days when the Milk Man travelled from door to door delivering milk more and more. My grandfather Mr. Elbert Bass is famously known as the Milk Man in this little village we call home…Many of you can recall his early morning trips and the sound of his engine paired with that of the crickets and the crowing of the roosters. From 5AM, grandad Bass was up and about..,” was part of what the teen queen shared in her speech.

In a comical dramatisation complemented with talking and singing, she told the audience that she was hesitant when she was asked to enter the pageant “because dem aint me tings” but still decided to give it a try.

Before getting fully into her humourous talent which had the audience roaring in laughter, she told: “I know in here full ah people just because aryou want see me fail in here tonight! Main want laugh you know but ah know aryou member dem videos aint it? Ah kno aryou remember dem. Seriously speaking though ah got something ah want say. Judges I’m not sure if dis is a talent but I got something I want say.”

Brookes opened up about the challenges she encountered and her decision to push on despite such obstacles.

“Ah try de first time an a fail; ah say oh den but then de second time ah drop harder dan de first time and ah say ‘No no no tek me out!’…but while I was there Etana (song called ‘People Talk’)  pop in me head… after dat a say ‘Leonna push tru, push tru!’ ‘Never let them get you down, never let them see you frown, never let them take away your livity, live your life and be free’.”

The young mother went on to say: “Ah practice morning noon and night. Me child in me hand, he bottle in he mouth and ah saying me speech over and over ‘Fresh  milk, fresh milk!’ because  I mean the next time aryou laugh is when I want aryou too! Through this journey, I realise who was for me, and people who didn’t even know me had de most to say! But I can’t forget those who lifted me up an say ‘Leonna, you got this! And that is the reason why I’m on stage tonight!”

In sending a direct message to the bullies, she stated: “Ah just want to tell all the bullies out there that it aint easy being onstage and especially when trying something new! It takes all (out) of you! Ah mean some learn faster than some and others just need a lil while to catch on. Stop stamping us to the ground! Lift us up! Cheers us on!”

At the end of her talent performance, she had members of the audience laughing and applauding her witty yet though-provoking delivery.

In speaking exclusively with this reporter after the pageant, when asked how she was feeling, Brookes replied: “I feel a lot better. At first, I didn’t think I could do it and that is why I did what I had to do to prove people wrong.”

In offering advice to others who might be bothered by public criticism, the newly-crowned teen advises to “Don’t give up at all; just keep trying.”

Her chaperon 19-year-old Danecia ‘GG’ Henry of GUCCI (Glowing Unique Confident Creative and Inspiring) Model Agency, talked about the journey to crown and how the public negativity was used to boost her client’s self-confidence and determination.

“We had to use the bad stuff as a cushion to show that something positive could come from something negative and don’t judge a book by its cover. We used everything bad that people were saying about her and despite the mishaps, we still pushed through. She messed up two times and people were sending around those videos. A lot of people who saw the videos reacted and called her ‘pretty dumb’, even some people who are popular on Facebook.”

According to Henry, preparations in light of public mockery were challenging behind the scenes “but I just continued pushing and eventually it paid off.”

She too has some encouraging words for individuals in facing obstacles in life.

“ In life, there are always going to be obstacles; some greater than some but you shouldn’t see it as negative life-altering obstacle but rather, you should always try see it as something that you can become stronger and confident,” she admonishes.

Environment Enthusiasts Ready To Be Change Agents Following Leadership Course

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Environment Enthusiasts Ready To Be Change Agents Following Leadership Course

BASSETERRE, ST.KITTS (Friday 8th November 2019)- Environment enthusiasts who have successfully participated in an Environmental Sustainability and Conservation Leadership Training course-held over the period of February to October 2019- have signaled their readiness to be change agents and encourage responsible behaviour as it relates to protecting the natural surroundings of St.Kitts-Nevis.

A closing ceremony was held on Wednesday 23rd October 2019 at the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine whereby more than  ten (10) individuals each receiving a certificate along with a pack of six reusable grocery shopping bags as well as a reusable glass bowl with plastic cover lid.

An infomercial put together dubbed ‘Conservation is Everybody’s Business’ has been one of the biggest highlights coming out of the training course which involved in-classroom and outdoorsy activities such snorkeling and a catamaran tour to explore the Narrows of the Federation and discussions on the topic of Strategic Approaches To Inspire Action and Building Your Own Harm Reduction Team.  

Lead facilitator was Luis Cruz, a Ross University professor and Researcher of Human Behaviour.

According to the details of the certificate, participants have been collectively recognised “For your contribution to our team effort in helping to create a green mindset in St.Kitts-Nevis.”

Funding for the course was provided through a grant received from the US Fish and Wildlife Service in collaboration with the USAID (United States Agency for International Development). 

Ross University, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Canadian Wildlife Health Corporation, Caribbean Youth Environment Network/Ripple Institute SKN, Department of Environment, Department of Marine Resources, Department of Agriculture, Department of Youth Empowerment, Department of Tourism and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) were some of the participating groups.

Participants display certificates with Lead facilitator Luis Cruz and Project Coordinator Sheryl Bass (seen middle at back) among those sharing in the moment

Acting Director of Youth Empowerment Pierre Liburd has encouraged participants of the leadership course “to give into the wealth of knowledge that was shared with you during the course of this programme and encourage your peers, family members and friends to take a more critical look at their personal actions, their consumption habits and its impact on the environment and let us all take and maintain that pledge to have a change to commit to a more cleanly, health friendly and perpetually beautiful St.Kitts and Nevis.”

Here is what some of the participants had to say:

Breanna Hutchinson (CFBC Student)

On behalf of the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College students who were a part of the Environmental and Conservation Leadership Project, we found it to be a very informative, interactive and it was very educational, and we gained a lot from being a part of this programme.

Lynelle Bonaparte (CYEN-Caribbean Youth Environment Network)

It was very interactive and I appreciate it and from this, I will like to see behavourial changes in our lives so when we go to the supermarkets, let us carry our bags. Many of us, we want to see other people and to tell them that these are the ways to conserve and protect marine species and all but we are not changing our behaviour. From today, I want us to make a pledge that we are going to do something whether it is not to litter or not to use styrofoam containers. Let us be serious and let us try to change so that when we talk to people, they can say look at us and be inspired. When we go with our bags and. Let us be the change… 

Joshua Salters (Department of Environment)

It’s very important, of course, that we are involved in this process. It was a very good workshop. I particularly liked how engaging it was; it wasn’t a situation where Luis just got up and was just talking off of a slide, it was engaging and very interactive the different things that you actually implemented in order to get us proactive and get us engaged and I think it was really effective. Regarding the plastic situation in St.Kitts and Nevis… unfortunately, we are one of the last Caribbean countries to do something significant about plastic and it’s really something that needs to be done especially single use plastics because all of us know that it’s a very big problem for the marine environment and being an island who depends so heavily on tourism, we can’t just be littering everywhere…We all need to make the effort to keep our country clean…

Fingerprint Workshop to Further Sharpen Skills of Crime Scene Technicians

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Fingerprint Workshop to Further Sharpen Skills of Crime Scene Technicians


Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 05, 2019 (RSCNPF): A two-week Fingerprint Crime Scene Workshop is underway as part of continued training for the members of staff in the Forensics Department. The training will further develop their skills and knowledge in fingerprint analysis. 

The course commenced on Monday (November 04) and is being held at the Police Training School.  It will conclude on November 15. Topics to be covered include fingerprint patterns and premises, note taking and proper documentation, digital capture and fingerprint, as well as crime scene processing. The participants will also have practical sessions at the Forensics Lab in Tabernacle.  

At the opening ceremony, Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for the Crime Directorate, Andre Mitchell, declared the workshop open.  He encouraged the participants to absorb the information that will be disseminated.

“For the next two weeks you will be focused on the area of fingerprints where the records show some gaps exists…we are seeking to close the gap so at the end of the day your all-around efforts can be more robust. I want to wish you every success in your training and urge that you give it your fullest attention and commitment…pay full attention to what will be disseminated so that the end of the day your skills will be sharpened and your knowledge based improved.”

He also thanked course facilitator, Inspector Elvis Cordice from The Royal Antigua and Barbuda Police force for taking time out of his busy schedule to facilitate this important course.

Director of Forensics, Latoya Lake-Marshall, said that courses such as this will continue to modernize the services offered by the department. She thanked Inspector Cordice and the High Command for making the course possible.

“Policing now has stepped up, it is no longer the old-time method alone. It has to be merged with technology and in order for us to fight crime, we have to work as a team,” she said. 

Fire Officers Urge Visitors and Residents to Take Proper Safety Measures When Hiking

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Fire Officers Urge Visitors and Residents to Take Proper Safety Measures When Hiking

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 06, 2019 (RSCNPF):  Residents and visitors are urged to have a guide and take proper security measures to ensure their safety when hiking.

Fire Sub-Station Officers Rommel Williams and Timothy Martin, while appearing on a recent “Policing With You”, made this appeal to the public as a result of recent incidents that have taken place involving hikers.

FSSO Martin said that it is important that hikers inform at least one other person when they are going hiking.

“The specifics are important…it would be important that you let persons know which trail you are taking…If traveling in groups, be sure that at least one person knows basic first aid. This is life-saving knowledge and it would be good that at least one person knows,” implored FSSO Martin.

“We mainly respond to missing persons reports and hikers who would have gone on the mountain trail who would have gotten injured or fell ill somewhere along the route…It is important to walk with a guide. Too many times we have seen visitors or even persons who are from here, go up into the mountains not having a qualified guide with them and then we have to go and rescue them,” he said.

Officer Martin commended a local guide for his practices when taking persons hiking and encouraged other guides to adopt the same.

“We have a guide and whenever he goes to the trails, he informs us that he is going and how many persons he is taking with him and what time they are expected back…if his plans change, he will also notify us of change of plans so I want to commend him very much.”

FSSO Williams noted that rescues can be difficult. Factors that pose a challenge to first-responders include the terrain, the topography of the land, and the weight of the person.

“We would want to consider the time of day that we receive these calls…When it comes to the evening, it gets really dark so that will hinder our rescue operations. We also have to consider weather conditions, if it’s raining, you know that it becomes really slippery, so it poses another challenge for stability in venturing down or up these trails.”

He added that, “We believe that hikes should be done early [in the] morning, so it gives you the opportunity to get down in a reasonable time and not let night fall on you while you are up there… If you know you have a particular ailment that requires specific medication, walk with your medication…you never can tell when you will be affected up at these trails.”

Schools’ Agriculture Programme Grows Regionally

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Schools’ Agriculture Programme Grows Regionally

Bridgetown, October 31, 2019 – Scores of students in St. Kitts & Nevis will soon be participating in the Regional Entrepreneurship and Agriculture Programme (REAP), which is aimed at promoting a culture of agriculture and agri-business in the Caribbean.

Ms. Sonia Mahon, a member of the Board of Trustees of Youth Equipped to Achieve (YEA), which is in the forefront of propelling REAP, said that over 21 teachers and volunteers in the Federation had undergone the training necessary to coordinate the project. 

Ms. Mahon explained that REAP was started six years ago in Barbados by YEA as ‘The Garden Project,’ and was financed with seed money from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). She said the project in Barbados was within sight of reaching its goal of expanding to 50 schools. It is also registering growth horizontally as schools are looking at commercialisation, producing secondary products and considering projects using the island’s gullies.

Ms. Mahon noted that a growth spurt was made possible last year when FirstCaribbean International Bank’s Comtrust Foundation and CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank added their financial support allowing the project to take root further into the region starting with Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as to ensure sustainability in Barbados.

She was giving an update on the project recently when Permanent Secretary in St. Kitts/ Nevis’ Ministry of Education, Mr. William Hodge paid a courtesy call on CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Ms. Colette Delaney. The meeting was also attended by Mr. David Bynoe, National Coordinator of the UNDP’s GEF Small Grants Programme, and Mrs. Debra King, the bank’s Director of Corporate Communications.

Mr. Hodge expressed thanks on his country’s behalf to the parties who were helping the project to thrive. He said REAP had the potential to bridge theory and practice and was compatible with his country’s vision to see the growth of agriculture and agri-business.

REAP was also highlighted as a tool which could help countries to achieve their Millennium Development Goals. In this respect, Mr. Bynoe pointed to the goals associated with eradicating poverty and hunger as well as health and well-being. He added that its structure, which involved partnerships between the private sector, civic society, government and intergovernmental organisation, was a good model for development.

Ms. Delaney said that the bank was delighted to be part of educational projects and always encouraged staff volunteerism in these outreach programmes and REAP included many of these objectives.

Performing Artiste Lightning Storm gives back to the Federation

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Performing Artiste Lightning Storm gives back to the Federation

Basseterre, St. Kitts: Performing Artiste Lightning Storm, who was born in St Maarten, is giving back to the children of St Kitts and Nevis. 

More known for his basketball skills, he shocked everyone, when he transitioned to music. Lightning Storm’s musical career catapulted when he graced the stage on the Buju Banton show in 2007, at Festival Village in St Maarten. Since then, he is based in Holland.

He was raised by his great grandmother and aunt in Newtown, St. Kitts and also his grandmother in Charlestown, Nevis. He also attended school in the Federation. As his roots are from St Kitts and Nevis, he has decided to give back. 

He has teamed up with local author Mosi Mandisa, to be the brand ambassador of the Caribbean Vybes Children Series using the title TEAM LSM. 

Team LSM has committed to donating Book 1 in the Series, Cari and the Talking Bird, to all primary schools in the Federation. Team LSM has partnered with businesses, such as National Caribbean Insurance to expand the donation.

Additionally, he has co-authored Book 2 in the Series. The title of the book is Cari, BB and the Lost Artifact. 

Team LSM thanks Mr. Cedric Jeffers and staff for supporting the vision. For individuals and businesses who want to purchase or donate books, contact Team LSM at (869) 764-9669.

Furthermore, Team LSM will be initiating a reading program called Launching Strong Minds for slow but capable readers, in an effort to brighten minds. 

For more information about Lightning Storm and to see his videos, visit the YouTube links below. He is also getting ready to release his single “Hypocrite Dem (All Fall Down)”.

YouTube 

Selassie I Save Me: https://youtu.be/vjGnNNlI6mw

Mama’s Baby: https://youtu.be/2JVKpv9YHc8

Girls I Love You: https://youtu.be/xad1dnC3kYc

Facebook page: Lightning Storm DQG

Instagram: lightning_storm_muzic

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