Nevis Co-operative Credit Union Pays Homage to Its Pioneers and Volunteers

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

Charlestown, Nevis, August 1, 2022 (MMS-SKN) — The Nevis Co-operative Credit Union (NCCU) Limited, Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis’ oldest credit union, on Wednesday, July 27 held an appreciation cocktail for pioneers and volunteers who laboured during the institution’s infancy to make it the financial giant it is today.

“As we reflect on the journey to 50, it is important for us to remember the persons who made all of this possible,” said President of the NCCU Board of Directors, Mr Kris Liburd, at the cocktail reception which was held at the Riviere House Restaurant on Government Road in Charlestown, Nevis. “When we think of the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union Limited, we cannot help but think of our founder, the late Wilbert Edmund Ingle Blackett OBE.”

The Nevis-based credit union, which was registered on July 25, 1972, is observing year-long 50th Anniversary celebrations under the theme ‘Consistency, Financial Security & Serving the Community – 50 years of Development and Prosperity’. According to Mr Liburd, the appreciation cocktail was to show appreciation to the pioneers and volunteers for the contribution they made to the institution.

He observed that the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union Limited had set a bold example for financial institutions not just in Nevis, but in the Federation and in the region. While a number of financial institutions would have graced the shores of Nevis, he wondered how many of them can boast that they have celebrated a golden jubilee.

“Over the years we have witnessed several acquisitions and closures, but standing strong is the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union Limited, and that is no easy feat,” said Mr Liburd. “So tonight, as I said earlier, it is about showing appreciation to those who gave up their time and their talent day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, to ensure that the ship that Mr Blackett built so many years ago still stays afloat, and it is always a good thing to show gratitude wherever it is due.”

A former Director of the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union Limited, and also former Deputy Premier of Nevis, Mr Hensley Daniel, gave feature remarks where he reflected on the Role of the NCCU in the post 1970 Era.

“I am happy to be here because any local institution that withstands the troubles of 50 years deserves our greatest commendation,” said Mr Daniel. He gave his remarks in the context of Nevis in 1972 which was just two years after the sinking of the Christena when fear, despondence, and a total lack of confidence in the future, had forced a number of bright and talented people to migrate,

The arrival of the Nevis Co-operative Credit Union Limited on the scene helped to lift people’s spirits and confidence in putting the little money they had in 1972, in the bank. He noted that while the Credit Union had an asset base of $4,000 in 1972 that was a lot of money by the standards of those days.

“It was left with the people in Nevis who had the confidence, and that is why I had to ask you to give a special round of applause for the pioneers for believing that this could happen,” said Mr Daniel. “The good thing about this national institution is it is owned by a set of ordinary, regular people and also it cannot and should not and must not be sold to anybody. I hope the bylaw says that it can’t.”

Chair of Appreciation NCCU’s 50th Anniversary Cocktail for Pioneers and Volunteers subcommittee, Member Services and Human Resources Manager Ms Julet Chiverton, noted that pioneers were the persons who pushed the credit union initiatives by promoting the credit union ideas in the 1970s and early 1980s. Some were volunteers and others were employees.

“They also took the initiative to educate the general public as they recruited members,” observed Ms Chiverton. “They are the ones who picked up on the idea and ran with it trying to get persons involved and recruit membership during the 1970s. They used to walk house to house as they recruited members for the credit union. In the same vein they promoted financial literacy while encouraging the members to borrow small loans.”

While not all were present as some are based overseas and others had prior engagements, nine surviving pioneers, Mrs Carmella Hanley, Mr Edred Ward, Mrs Eugenie Hector, Mrs Georgette Hanley, Ms Jannette Claxton, Ms Jeannette Grell-Hull, Mr Joseph Parry, Mr Ellery Warner Riviere, and Mr Randolph Moving were honoured.

Making the presentation of awards were General Manager Mr Sydney Newton, Accounting and Finance Manager Ms Londy Esdaille, and General Manager’s Executive Officer Ms Patulia Huggins.

A total of 90 volunteers were honoured, and making the presentation done in three batches were Mr Sydney Newton, Ms Londy Esdaille, and Ms Patulia Huggins for the first batch; and Administration Assistant Ms Tamara Johnson, Credit Control and Recoveries Officer Ms Candace Pinney; and Internal Auditor Ms Zahvelisia Claxton for the second batch.

Making presentations to volunteers in the third batch were Senior Accountant Mrs Jacqueline Liburd, Credit Administration and Securities Officer Ms Earther Scarborough, and Administration, Member Services and Human Resources Manager Ms Julet Chiverton.

Names of past Presidents were revealed, starting with Father John Wagland (1972-1973); Mr Anthony Horner (1973-1975); Mr Ellery Warner Riviere (1975-1978); Mr Arthur Evelyn (1978-1980); Pastor Eversley Pemberton (1980-1984); Mr Anthony Horner (1984-1985); Mr Ellery Warner Riviere (1985-1986); Mrs Olvis Dyer (1986-1988); and Mr Andy Liburd (1988-1991).

Others were Mr Sydney Newton (1991-1994); Mr Daniel Arthurton (1994-1997); Mr Ernie Stapleton (1997-2001); Mr Edson Elliott (2001-2004); Mr Dwight Morton (2004-2008); Mr Steadroy Pemberton (2008-2010); Mr Andy Liburd (2010-2015); Mr Collin Walwyn (2015-2019); Mrs Vernesia Walters (2019-2022); and the current President Mr Kris Liburd (2022-).

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Rotarians Remember the Emancipation Experience

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 3, 2022 (RCL) — Emancipation Day in St. Kitts and Nevis is celebrated on the first Monday in August annually to commemorate the end of the Atlantic Slave Trade. 

This year, the Rotary Club of Liamuiga recalled the journey to Emancipation Day, August 1, 1834, with a presentation by Ms Laverne Brookes, Dean of the Division of the Arts, Sciences and General Studies and History and Caribbean Studies lecturer at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC).

Ms Brookes’ interactive and informative discussion chronicled the over two-hundred-year history of a movement that started in 1636 and eventually led to a struggle for existence from the earlier inhabitants, through indentureship, and the hardships and survival of Africans, who were forced to travel beyond their own civilizations to toil on tobacco and later sugar plantations across the islands.

Describing what was more than just a journey, the educator spoke of how Christianity was used as a tool to influence and control, to achieve enormous wealth and social standing, and how chattel slavery imprisoned more than just humanity. 

“The European settlers used the ‘curse of Hamm’, twisting this Bible story to justice enslaving dark-skinned people – African,” highlighted Dean Brookes. “But by the early 1800s, they then used Christianity to now say slavery was immoral and against the word of God.” 

She also made mention of the local and regional heroes, like Robert Bradshaw, Bustamante, and Eric Williams, who fought long and hard for freedom, democracy, an end to colonization, and for the efforts their contributions made to pave the way for independence. 

In closing, Dean Brookes left Rotarians with food for thought with the question, “Did we get emancipation? Were we given emancipation? Are we truly emancipated?”

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More mobile units, quick response teams coming as serious crimes spike Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

The police are reporting that serious crimes such as murder, robbery and break-ins are up for the first seven months of the year when compared to the same period last year.

Speaking at the Jamaica Constabulary Force monthly press conference Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson said that robberies have gone back to pre-COVID figures.

Murder is up by 4 per cent, robbery is up by 11 per cent and break-ins are up by 4 per cent when compared to the January to July 25 period last year.

Anderson said that domestic and gang-related issues featured significantly as the motive for murders.

On the other hand, Anderson said rape and shooting have been down by 16 and 8 per cent respectively.

The commissioner said that the police are pushing back on serious crimes, especially murders and robbers. To that end, he said that more mobile units and quick response teams would be delivered to police divisions.

“We will be asking divisional commanders to review their anti-robbery strategies,” he said.

Meanwhile, the commissioner appealed to persons to utilise the Domestic Violence Intervention Centres that are located across the country.

“I am asking you report disputes before they become violent,” he said.

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No applause for cops after suspect in Donna-Lee’s case charged Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

Mixed reaction from missing social media influencer’s family

Loop News

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No applause for cops after suspect in Donna-Lee’s case charged

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While the relatives of social media influencer Donna-Lee Donaldson have welcomed the news of her boyfriend, Noel Maitland, being charged with her murder, there are no high praises for the police in the matter.

Donaldson’s uncle, Neil Lugg, reacted on Tuesday following the announcement by the police that Constable Maitland had been charged.

Maitland was arrested last week Wednesday in relation to Donaldson’s disappearance on July 13, following a case review by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and other stakeholders. He was charged on Tuesday. The police officer is maintaining his innocence and wants to have his day in court.

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Lugg is of the view that the police investigating the disappearance of his niece did everything on their own time.

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Lovell stresses the importance of changing the Administration at next elections and promises collaboration with the people

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

The country will be plunged into a downward spiral should the Gaston Browne Administration be returned to office come the next general elections, predicts Political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) Harold Lovell.

However, Lovell says he is confident that the people will make the right choice next Election Day, since there has been an obvious shift away from the Labour Party Government.

At present, the country is facing a number of economic challenges, which many believe are made worse by the Government’s absence of plans to assist the poor and vulnerable.

Accordingly, Lovell is asking the Nation to make the change if it wishes to see Antigua and Barbuda move forward.

Meanwhile, Lovell says his Party’s approach to governance and his style of leadership will be all-inclusive and will take into account the recommendations proffered by the people. (REAL NEWS)

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Latest Consumer Price Index confirms price increases in all areas

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
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Consumer Price Index (CPI) June-2022

The Statistics Division, under the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance releases the CPI for Jun 2022

Year-on-Year Analysis

All Items Index rose 10.5% for the twelve months ending June 2022.

The Food Index rose 10.3% over the last twelve months with all nine sub-categories increasing over the period. Eight of the nine sub-categories rose more than five percent.

The index for Meat and Meat Products rose 16.9% with the index for Poultry increasing 25.1%.

The remaining groups had increases ranging from 1.3% (Fruits) to 23.3% (Oils and Fats). The index for Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased by 9.3% with the index for Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa increasing by 19.4%.

The index for Soft Drinks and Concentrates rose 15.0%.

The index for Transport rose 27.6% which was attributed to increases in airlines fares (+42.7%) and Operations of personal Transport equipment (+25.9%).

The Energy Index increased 17.1% over the last twelve months. The gasoline index increased 40.0% with the price per gallon increasing from $12.50 to $17.50.

The diesel price rose 41.3% with the price per gallon increasing from $12.20 to $17.25.

The Index for All Items Less Food and Energy rose 9.9% over the last twelve months. The increase was reflected in all major components over the period.

The Index for Miscellaneous Goods and Services rose 17.5%. The index for Furnishings, Household Equipment, and Routine Household Maintenance increased by 14.9%.

Month-to-Month Price Changes

The Monthly Consumer Price Index increased by 2.8% for the month ending June 2022.

The Food Index rose 0.6% in June 2022 following a 1.8% increase the following month. Five of the nine major sub-categories recorded increases in June.

The index for Meats and Meat Products rose 5.2% with increases in the indexes for Pork (+11.2%) and Poultry (+7.2%). The index for Sugar, Jams, Honey, Chocolate, and Confectionery rose 2.2% over the one month.

The Energy Index rose 7.2% after declining 1.6% in May.

The gasoline index rose 15.5% as prices at the pump increased from $15.15.to $15.70 per gallon in June after declining 3.5% in May.

The diesel index rose 12.5% as prices rose from $15.33 to $17.25 per gallon at the pump.

The Index for All Items Less Food and Energy rose 2.8% in June.

The index for Transport Services rose 33.2% with the index for Transport by Air increasing 38.7%. The index for Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco, and Narcotics increased by 0.7%.

Methodology

What is the consumer price index (CPI) measuring and how is it done?

The All Items Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the main measure of what is commonly called inflation, or headline inflation. It measures the change in prices, on average, from month to month, and from year to year of the goods and services bought by most households.

Prices are collected monthly and quarterly from supermarkets and other suppliers of goods and services. The pattern of household expenditure on these goods and services is derived from a regular household budget (or expenditure) survey (HBS).

The prices and spending patterns (known as weights) are then combined to calculate the price indices for groups of goods and services and for the All Items index. These indices are based on expenditure patterns in 2006.

The All Items (or overall) index, with all of its twelve (12) component indices, is published each month.

For a detailed account of the methodology used in calculating the CPI, please call the Statistics Division.

Copies of the CPI for Jun 2022 can be accessed on the Division’s official website www.statistics.gov.ag

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OECS Council Of Ministers Issues Statement On Regional Travel – St. Lucia Times News

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

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The Council of Ministers of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) met in the Commonwealth of Dominica on Thursday, July 21, 2022 and issued the following statement:

The OECS Council of Ministers [on Tourism], recognizes the OECS region has been plagued by high airfares and poor intra-regional connectivity.

This situation has been further intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.The Council of Ministers [on Tourism], recognises that limited connectivity has contributed to the high cost of intra-regional travel, at a time when there is pent-up travel demand. This is resulting in the loss of economic opportunities in the travel and trade sectors.

We recognise that having a regional carrier is of utmost importance for OECS Member States as intra-regional travel has accounted for at least 25% of arrivals across the OECS region, more so in the second half of the year when OECS Member States stage major festivals and events.

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The Council of Ministers wishes to emphasise the significant direct, indirect and induced contributions that travel and tourism have on our economies, employment and government revenue.

In this regard, the OECS Council of Ministers: Tourism recognizing that regional travel is a strategic pillar for sustainable economic development has agreed to the following:Recommitting efforts to advocate for a regional carrier, as a matter of urgency, to facilitate the demand for intra-regional travel;
Acknowledging the important role of the CARICOM’s Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA) in the development of intra-regional travel, and the need for Member States to facilitate interline opportunities between air carriers by applying the MASA as a means of improving air connectivity within the region; and
Committing to exploring with the private sector a financially viable inter-island fast ferry service which would also facilitate the movement of goods, services and people, at a more cost-effective rate whilst advancing the OECS Free Movement Regime.

Source: Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States

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CARIBBEAN-TRANSPORT-Regional leaders discuss air transportation

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Cana News Business

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OAS to Observe General Elections in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

August 3, 2022 (OAS) — Following an invitation from the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, received on July 26, 2022, the Organization of American States (OAS) will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the General Elections in that country, scheduled for August 5, 2022.

The Mission, which is headed by former Prime Minister of Jamaica Bruce Golding, is comprised of 11 experts and observers from 9 different countries of the region and will work in person and remotely to observe areas such as electoral organization and technology, electoral justice, political finance and the political participation of women.

The Mission begins its initial deployment today, July 30. The Chief of Mission will arrive on Tuesday, August 2 and will meet with government officials, electoral authorities, political leaders, candidates, representatives of civil society and other relevant stakeholders.

This is the fourth time that the OAS will deploy an EOM in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Following the elections, the Mission will present a preliminary report with its observations, along with recommendations that will seek to support the continued strengthening of the electoral process in the country.

This OAS Mission is possible thanks to the financial contributions of the United States, Italy, and The Netherlands.

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Completed Christena Monument in Basseterre to Be Commissioned at a Later Date

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

Basseterre, St. Kitts, July 31, 2022 (SKNIS): Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, on the 50th anniversary of the MV Christena disaster at a special sitting of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), made the announcement that it was fitting to erect a suitable memorial in Basseterre, similar to the memorial in Charlestown, Nevis, in recognition of those who had lost their lives in the tragic disaster of August 1, 1970.

“I want to pledge further that my government will, before the next commemorative event, next year, properly establish an appropriate memorial, in honour of the memory of those who perished,” Prime Minister Harris said at the special sitting of the NIA in 2020.

Mr. Calvin Pemberton was tasked with undertaking the project, plans were put in place and discussions were held with survivors of the disaster, the management team of the Heritage Society and the Urban Development Corporation. The site chosen was deemed most appropriate, having regard to historical factors and the construction of the monument began. However, the completion of the monument was curtailed because of the COVID-19 pandemic that interfered with labour and the sourcing of materials for the project. Commendations and gratitude are extended to those workers who executed the project.

Prime Minister Harris and his Cabinet respect and honour the memory of those who perished in the disaster and offer condolences to the families who are still mourning the loss of their loved ones.

The MV Christena disaster is the single greatest catastrophe to have occurred in St. Kitts and Nevis. On August 1, 1970, the MV Christena sank in the Narrows between the islands of St. Kitts and Nevis after encountering difficulty. 233 persons died and 90 survived.

The Christena monument is completed but will be commissioned at a later date.

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