Establishment of the Caribbean Center of Excellence at CFBC to Boost St. Kitts and Nevis’ Sustainable Development
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, April 09, 2024 (SKNIS) – The Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC), and by extension the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, took a major step towards sustainability and green energy transition today, April 9, 2024, through the launch of the pioneering Caribbean Center of Excellence in Research, Innovation and Workforce Training (CRIWT) project.
The CRIWT Project is being implemented under an agreement between the CFBC and the Green Solution International SKN Incorporated (GSI), which is a non-governmental organisation that supports the region’s transition to renewable energy sources, and promotes environmental sustainability and resilience against climate change. Funding for the project is being provided through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.
The Caribbean Center of Excellence in Research, Innovation and Workforce Training is expected to be a leading facility for training in Solar PV installation and electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and repairs, helping to transition the Federation into a hub for sustainable research in the field of green energy, innovation, and 21st-century workforce development.
Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew lauded CFBC and its partners for embarking on this bold initiative that aligns with the government’s own goals towards creating a sustainable future through the promotion of the use of renewable energy resources.
He stated further that his administration fully understands and appreciates that renewable energy is the gateway to the Federation’s economic and financial freedom. This, he said, is the reason why the government is moving swiftly and aggressively with its sustainable island state agenda, which has green energy transition as one of its pillars.
“In our sustainable island state plan, there are seven pillars and at the centre of it is energy and [through] that plan, which is so thought out, if we resolve the energy issue which is at the centre of the wheel…then all the others fall in line,” Dr. Drew said.
The six other pillars guiding the sustainable island state agenda are food security, economic diversification, sustainable industries, the Creative Economy, COVID-19 recovery, and social protection.
Moreover, Dr. Drew stated that the establishment of the Caribbean Center of Excellence in Research, Innovation and Workforce Training complements other initiatives being implemented by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis in the area of green energy, pointing specifically to the build-out of the solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage plant.
“If we are going to create a solar farm that is so large, and if we are saying to the world that we are going to become the first sustainable island state and we have taken that bold step, then we have to take the other bold step, which is to create the largest certification programme here in the OECS [Organization of Eastern Caribbean States] so that our people can be trained for those jobs. So we are going to take them right from the college to the job site so that they can see the purpose and essence of their work,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew said, noting that this conversation has already taken place with the principles of the solar farm.
The CRIWT project commences with a six-week train-the-trainer workshop. Through this workshop, participants will be engaged in five weeks of online, self-paced instruction and a one-week face-to-face practical component.
CCCU Donates Smart Electronic Item to Cradles Learning Centre
Basseterre, St. Kitts, Monday, April 08, 2024: In a gesture aimed at enhancing early childhood education, the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) has generously donated a Smart Board to the Cradles Learning Centre. The brief ceremony which took place on Monday, April 08, marked a significant contribution to the educational development of young learners.
Ms. Denise Garfield, General Manager of CCCU, highlighted the importance of listening to the needs of the community and taking proactive steps to address them.
“Last year the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions took a decision to get more involved in the community that we are physically based in. We met with the team at Cradles, we asked them what their needs and priorities were and one of those priorities was getting a Smart Board to teach the children. As such, we are grateful to present the Smart Board to the Cradles Learning Centre this morning.”
Ms. Kimona Browne, director of Early Childhood Development Unit (ECDU), extended sincere appreciation to CCCU for its inestimable contribution.
“Today, we gather not only to celebrate the growth and progress of this centre, but also to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions, for their invaluable contribution. This generous donation has arrived at a crucial time, enabling us to enhance the learning environment for our young leaners. This support reaffirms the power of collaboration, and highlights the importance of community partnerships, in nurturing the potential of our children.”
Gratitude to was expressed to CCCU by Ms. Khadijah Mulley, teacher at Cradles Learning Centre,
“To the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions, we sincerely appreciate your kind and generous donation to the children. This 55-inch interactive white board enables us to further engage our students in active participation in, not only learning concepts but as we integrate technology in the classroom. Our future leaders will be equipped with the skills necessary to
navigate a world that is becoming more effective and efficient in productivity driven by advances in technology.”
The donation from the CCCU represents a significant milestone in the journey of Cradles Nursery towards excellence in education. It serves as a testament to the transformative power of partnerships in driving positive change within communities and empowering young minds to reach their full potential.
Shawn Richards: ‘I Am Stepping Aside, Not Away’
By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 4th April 2024)-“In stepping aside, I make room for that leadership to take the helm and carry forward the torches of progress, innovation, and unity. Let me be clear. Stepping aside does not mean stepping away. I remain committed to the People’s Action Movement’s ideals and St. Kitts and Nevis’ future goals.”
So said the soon-to-be former Political Leader of the People’s Action Movement Shawn Richards (PAM) who revealed during a live party media conference held on Thursday 4th April 2024, that he has decided not to seek leadership at PAM’s next convention when the current three-year term ends.
Notably, the last convention was held in April 2021 which saw him (the sitting Deputy Prime Minister at the time) being reelected unopposed as the party’s political leader.
“This morning, I stand at [a] crossroads in my career and our party’s journey. After deep reflection on our collective achievements and the path ahead, I have made a decision born from love for our party and belief in the principles of leadership renewal. With a heart full of gratitude and hope, I sit before you today to humbly announce my decision not to seek leadership at our next convention when this current three-year term comes to an end. Therefore, I am officially stepping down as the leader of the People’s Action Movement,” stated at the press conference,
He went on to say that “After careful contemplation and many heartfelt prayers, I am at peace with this decision. For, as the scripture reminds us, to everything there is a season-Ecclesiastes 3, verse 1.”
According to Richards: “This decision was not made lightly, but from a conviction that for our movement to thrive, for our nation to reach new heights, we must embrace transformative change. Change that ushers in new perspectives, ideas, and vibrant energy of fresh leadership.”
The outgoing PAM Political Leader pledged his “full support to the transition, offering counsel to ensure a smooth, effective handover.”
He pointed out that this movement calls on all party members and supporters to unite behind a momentary leader whoever he or she may be.
“Unity has always been PAM’s strength and as we embark on this transition, see how it is possible to stand together in reforming our shared principles and goals is paramount. Let us approach this change with the same spirit of collaboration, dedication and passion that defines us. Let us rally behind new leadership with encouragement and a unified vision for the future. Together, we will continue building upon the foundation’s lead, forging a path toward an even brighter, more prosperous St. Kitts and Nevis.”
“The road ahead will be long but our party’s mission remains unshaken. To uplift the downtrodden, empower the next generation, and work tirelessly to leave our nation’s vineyard even more bountiful than how it was before,” he added.
When questioned by a local reporter whether he would be stepping down as Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Five, Richards had this to say: “
“As I indicated in my remarks that though I’m stepping down from this role, my commitment to PAM endures. My service as the elected representative for constituency number five.”
Why Litter?
Unfortunately in some people’s minds, littering seems to be a minor offense or just not a big deal to be fussing about.
However, if a lot of people think in such a way then we could automatically see how and why it is in fact a major issue to just carelessly dump garbage whether openly or in areas which prohibit illegal dumping.
No doubt, many of us have come across a dirty area or seen garbage thrown away carelessly which brings about the thought: ‘Couldn’t he or she find a garbage can somewhere.’
But apart from being mindful about not spoiling the beauty of our communities and by extension our country, we must first and foremost think about protecting and caring for our natural environment as our personal responsibility which comes about to be a collective approach.
In efforts to address littering, it goes without saying that one of the most powerful tools is teaching our children about the personal responsibility of instilling such values for generations to come.
And into adulthood, we must not depart from protecting and caring for our environment. As adults, it is our responsibility to lead by example thus incorporating lessons about recycling and up cycling too.
Together, each of us has a role to play in combating littering such as properly discarding our waste and even picking up litter which includes partaking in beach and street cleanups.
Why be a litterbug? Don’t you care about OUR environment?
SWMC Official Talks about Reckless Illegal Dumping At Aquifer
By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Tuesday 2nd April 2024)-General Manager of the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC) Nelvin Maynard says illegal dumping is currently a pressing issue.
‘..today I stand before you to bring your attention to a very pressing issue that has been affecting the health, the beauty, and the overall sustainability of our community- Illegal dumping,” he stated during a video posted on the corporation’s official Facebook page on Saturday 30th March 2024 while out in the field of work, on the occasion of The International Day of Zero Waste.
“We are here at the Basseterre Valley Aquifer and it is disheartening to witness the increasing instances of illegal dumping in this area. The Aquifer is where water is issued to Basseterre and its surrounding areas, particularly Newtown… the Seventh-day Adventist family school.”
Maynard added: “So it’s really bothersome to see the reckless actions of individuals who choose to dump illegally in this area. Some of the items that we discovered this morning are what we accept at the landfill only at a small rate of five EC dollars.”
“I’m talking about washing machines, stoves, mattresses, vehicle parts, household items, green waste; we all accept these at the landfill. So, they’re not to be thrown here at the Aquifer. So, we are urging the public to desist from illegal dumping in this area,” he noted.
At the end of the public awareness video, the SWMC General Manager is seen in work mode with SWMC frontline workers as he expresses: “So we must act swiftly and decisively to protect our environment” while they all give a reminder that “Waste Matters. You Matter Most!”
SKN Nationals In Taiwan Safe Following Biggest Earthquake In 25 Years
By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE St.Kitts (Thursday 4th April 2024)- Described to be the biggest earthquake in Taiwan (Republic of China) in at least twenty-five (25) years at a 7.2 magnitude resulting in deaths, injuries and missing persons reports, concerns over the safety of St.Kitts-Nevis nationals were put to rest following official word that everyone is accounted for and safe.
Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Terrance Drew, via his official Facebook page, said in part: “I know it’s after 3 in the morning but I had to call our Ambassador to Taiwan, HE Donya Francis, to enquire about our citizens there. He reported that all are well.”
Dr. Drew encouraged to keep our SKN national in prayers as well as to also pray for all of the people of Taiwan and wish them well.
Media reports- up to press time for this media house- indicated that there had been at least nine (9) deaths and over 900 people injured while a minibus carrying fifty (50) workers was missing.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts) and Nevis in Taiwan, R.O.C via a statement issued informed that all St.Kitts-Nevis National in the country were all accounted for and safe.
“We wish to inform our family members, friends, and well- wishers that ALL nationals of Saint Kitts and Nevis who are currently in the Republic of China (Taiwan) are safe and accounted for after the earthquake that occurred this morning (7:58 am Taiwan time) on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024.”
Furthermore, it was also stated that: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people and government of Taiwan during their time of recovery. We have faith in their resilience and tenacity. We extend our deepest sympathy and solidarity to the families of those who have sadly passed away, and to the injured.”
The Embassy advises the nationals in Taiwan to adhere to the advisories of Taiwanese authorities and contact the Embassy for assistance if needed whilst giving the ‘dch’ safety reminder used in public caution when it comes to such a natural disaster occurrence: “Remember to keep safe and drop, cover, and hold on.”
