Duke slams PDP-led THA for not helping Roxborough group in New York

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

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Screenshot from a video Deputy Chief Secretary Watson Duke published on his Facebook page requesting aid for 27 Tobagonians from the Roxborough folk group who are currently in Brooklyn.

Deputy Chief Secretary Watson Duke has slammed the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP)-led THA administration for not providing funding for members of the Roxborough Folk Performers who were due to perform at several cultural events in New York, US.

As a result, he claimed the members of the group are stranded and hungry.

Duke is the PDP’s political leader and assemblyman for the Roxborough/Argyle electoral district.

In a video on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Duke said, “I have come here to the aid of some 27 Tobagonians from Roxborough folk group that came to Brooklyn with the aid of the THA to perform and to represent Tobago and our culture.”

Duke claimed that apart from airline tickets, the THA did not provide the group with additional funds for expenses in New York..

“Beyond the ticket when they land they were treated as thieves, as slaves, as castaways. There were no transportation to rally them and take them from the airport to a chosen specific destination. They came on the streets of New York, trying to finds a place to sleep, tired, weary, feeling emasculated and mentally broke.”

He claimed they stayed in a basement for several days “with dead rats, hungry and forgotten by the THA.

“I say forgotten because (although) calls were made to the base, the THA, stating things not so all right, what can be done? Nothing has been done.”

Duke said a Tobagonian living in New York help the group with temporary accommodation at a hotel.

He demanded that the THA send money for them for food and shelter.

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Two ECU managers unemployed after internal probe

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

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File Photo

TWO senior Eastern Credit Union (ECU) employees have had their employment ended after the board investigated allegations that executive members were colluding to undermine the institution.

At a media conference at the La Joya head office on Wednesday, deputy CEO Kester Lashley said the two had had their employment ended, but refused to clarify whether they were fired, asked to resign or quit.

In June Lashley claimed someone was hired at the Commissioner for Co-operatives’ office at the behest of a high-ranking government official to investigate the credit union and undermine its leadership. He added then that there were employees working with the government employee against the company.

On Wednesday he said, “As a consequence, the tenure of two senior employees who were leading figures in the subversive team who colluded with an employee of the commissioner’s office has been brought to an end.

“At this time, we are fairly confident that this brings to an end this chapter. And I again want to thank those executive managers who resisted these subversive influences,”

He said for reasons of confidentiality he could not say when the workers’ last day of employment was, their positions or their names.

He also could not say what was the political gain, if any, from the supposed supplanting. He said the investigation was done in keeping with standards of the company, and it was prepared for any lawsuits.

As at the media conference in June, ECU’s president Richard Noray was absent on Wednesday. Lashley said Noray was dealing with his doctoral studies and that was the reason for his absence.

The Commissioner of Co-operatives in June said it was investigating ECU after its CEO and a director were dismissed and two other directors suspended within the past year.

In June the ECU removed itself from under the purview of the Central Bank.

The ECU’s attorney Lloyd Robinson said the company was reviewing its agreement with regional rating agency Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Ltd (CariCRIS) to determine if there had been any breaches in their agreement.

This after CariCRIS expressed concerns over ECU’s future. In August CariCRIS claimed ECU was uncooperative and was not providing information to complete its surveillance report and was given a rating of Developing.

Since then, the two entities had been at odds with each other, with the Co-operative Credit Union League jumping in to defend the ECU, saying CariCRIS was not a regulatory body for credit unions.

Robinson said after reviewing the documents signed between the two, the opinion will be shared with the CEO, who will determine what is done with the information.

Lashley said the credit union is continuously growing and to continue its trajectory it established the micro, small and medium enterprise unit to “nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of our members.”

“At each of our nine branch locations, a library corner has been established as a means of creating opportunities for learning to support diversity, and inclusion and to foster the beginnings of ingenuity and innovation.

“We will also be adopting the EMV chip card whereby all members will have increased security and the option to shop online.”

The card is expected to be launched next year, he said.

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$11.8B in contracts signed for construction of Schoonord to Crane 4-lane highway

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana

Just over $11.8 billion in contracts for the construction of the Schoonord, West Bank Demerara to Crane, West Coast Demerara four-lane highway were signed earlier today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Present were Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Andre Ally; Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), Dr. Emanuel Cummings; Chief Executive Officer of CHPA, Sherwyn Greaves; CHPA Director of Projects,  Omar Narine; and Deputy Director, Intakab Indarjeet.

Minister Collin Croal and other officials of the Housing and Water Ministry along with contractors after the signing

Greaves in outlining the project scope stated that the highway features 4.1 kilometres of a dual carriageway reinforced concrete road with an emergency lane and medians.

Works also include the rehabilitation of 2.4 kilometres of roadways and the construction of 2 roundabouts, 11 reinforced concrete box culverts, 36 pre-stressed bridges, and road signage and markings.

The Chairman of the Board underscored the importance of the project, as it will ease traffic congestion for thousands of Region Three commuters and improve access to housing schemes along the route.

Meanwhile, Minister Croal further stated that the project will energise economic activities in the region by creating job opportunities, aiding the expansion of the agriculture industry and processing facilities and the construction of industrial complexes such as the Wales Development Project and the multi-billion-dollar ‘Port of Vreed-en-Hoop’. (MOH&W)

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Gov’t delivers relief to Bare Root, Dazzell families affected by windstorm

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana

The government through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) delivered immediate assistance to families of Bare Root and Dazzell Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara who have been severely affected by a windstorm.

Following the incident on Monday, the CDC immediately dispatched officers into the communities to conduct an assessment of the damages, to effectively provide relief.

To this end, it was noted that the families needed building materials since some houses were completely damaged, while the roofs of several homes were removed.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton and Civil Defence Commission, Director General, Colonel Hussain delivering relief in Dazzell Housing Scheme

On Thursday, Ministers of Health, Labour and Housing and Water accompanied CDC officials to deliver building materials including zinc sheets, nails and hampers containing essential food items and cleaning supplies to the affected families.

While there, the ministers committed to offering further support through their respective ministries.

Health minister, Dr Frank Anthony said following the assessment, the government was able to intervene promptly to address the needs of the affected persons. Further, the minister has committed to providing medical aid to those who suffered injuries during the incident.

“What we are doing today is after that assessment, we were able to get building materials for these residents. We are going to see how else we can assist; I have been able to see a few persons who would’ve sustained medical injuries, so we are going to help those persons as well, and this is what the government does, we try to respond to people in need,” he stated.

CDC delivering Housing Materials

Labour Minister, Joseph Hamilton responded to the allegations made by the opposition stating that a responsible government assesses first so that it can effectively assist its citizens.

“You can only do something after you assess it so doing is based on assessment because you might bring the wrong thing for the people and therefore the CDC has a role in this. You know what an opposition that is responsible do? While they are saying the government is not doing anything they should be in here doing something, but the people know differently.”

Further, Minister Hamilton said his ministry will soon bring technical and vocational training to the two communities.

“Coming out of all of these, other things are happening, I have been engaged by people who think it might be a useful thing to bring training programmes into the community and so I will have the technical officer for the East Coast follow up on that.”

Minister Hamilton said the intention is not only to deliver relief to the residents but implement measures so that the community can benefit from economic development.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues reiterated the PPP/C Administration’s commitment to providing support to all Guyanese despite the narrative being peddled by the opposition.

“We are always on the ground and the opposition tries as much as possible to deflect and play the race card because this is a predominantly Afro-Guyanese community, but that won’t stop us from coming into these communities. The assistance that we give is across the board and I believe our actions properly demonstrate that and we will go into any community and assist any family because that is how we operate and execute initiatives.”

In addition, those affected by the storm will be provided with more building materials and infrastructural support from the housing ministry

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First Lady champions gender equality at International Youth Summit

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana

First Lady Her Excellency Arya Ali on Wednesday joined more than 2,000 young leaders from across the globe at the One Young World 2022 Summit in Manchester, United Kingdom, where she participated in a panel discussion on education, gender equality, and women in leadership.

Earlier in the week, Mrs. Ali joined the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markel, along with other political and business leaders at the opening ceremony.

On Wednesday, the First Lady shared the stage with former First Lady of Colombia, María Juliana Ruiz, for a First Lady’s Session which focused on global challenges which disproportionately affect women and girls.

Mrs. Ali and Mrs. Ruiz are founding members of the Global Network of First Spouses which works closely with the One Young World group to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In the area of gender equality, Mrs. Ali underscored the need for women to be economically empowered to lead independent lives.

“One of the reasons gender-based violence exists is because of an imbalance in power relations between men and women and this often time happens because women do not have equal access to the same economic opportunities as men,” she said.

To support the economic advancement of women, the First Lady shared that her office has been providing fully funded academic and technical skills training scholarships to victims of domestic violence who are in institutional care.

One Young World 2022 Summit in Manchester, United Kingdom

She also brought into the spotlight, her groundbreaking period poverty project – dubbed the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative – noting that it has been one of the barriers to girls receiving a quality education.

Referencing a recent study by the Ministry of Education which shows that girls are at a high risk of experiencing learning loss or dropping out of school altogether because of their inability to afford or access sanitary pads, Mrs. Ali told the gathering of more than 2,000 young people that she could not sit by and not do anything about it.

“This is why I embarked on an ambitious initiative… which aims to provide every school-aged girl free sanitary pads at no cost to them. This provides our girls equal access to educational opportunities. Better education for our girls will mean better economic opportunities for them,” she stated.

Shifting her attention to women in leadership, Mrs. Ali dismissed the idea that women ought to prove that they deserve a seat at decision-making tables.

“Defending why the representation of women in leadership positions matters is akin to defending someone’s right to live. The fact that women make up just about half of the world’s population is sufficient enough a reason for us to be represented equally at all levels of decision making,” Mrs. Ali said to a thunderous round of applause.

She went on to add that for too long women have sat on the sidelines and watched men make decisions that impact their personal and professional lives and they have had little to no input.“No longer will we be complicit. No longer will it be a man’s world,” she said, to another round of applause.

The One Young World Summit brings together youths from all over the world who are actively working to positively transform the socio-political landscape in the areas of human rights, the environment, gender equality, discrimination, and injustice. (Office of the First Lady)

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VIDEO: Avión con miembros de la familia real británica ha aterrizado en Escocia

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

El avión que transportaba al príncipe Guillermo, el príncipe Andrés, el príncipe Eduardo y Sofía de Wessex ha aterrizado en el aeropuerto de Aberdeen.

Este jueves, desde el palacio de Buckingham, comunicaron que los doctores de la reina, de 96 años, están preocupados por su estado de salud y le aconsejaron permanecer bajo supervisión médica.

En medio de estas noticias, el príncipe Carlos de Gales, su esposa, Camila de Cornualles, y el príncipe Guillermo han viajado a la residencia actual de la reina. Asimismo, el príncipe Enrique, Meghan Markle y otros miembros de la familia real viajarán a Escocia para estar con Isabel II.

Video obtenido de RT en Español

Noticia original de RT en Español.

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Anuncian cierre temporero del puente Teodoro Moscoso

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

Autopistas de Puerto Rico, empresa que tiene a su cargo la administración del puente Teodoro Moscoso, anunció hoy, jueves, el cierre temporero del puente, en ambas direcciones, este sábado, 10 de septiembre, comenzando desde las 6:00 de la mañana hasta las 6:00 de la tarde, debido a la filmación de una producción audiovisual.

Se exhorta a los conductores a tomar vías alternas como la PR-26 para rutas entre San Juan y Carolina, y el Ramal 8 si conduce entre Río Piedras y Carolina.

Se exhorta a los conductores a estar atentos a los mensajes variables ubicados antes de las entradas al puente.

El Puente Teodoro Moscoso es una infraestructura que conecta San Juan con Isla Verde desde 1994.

Nota relacionada: Anuncian cierre temporero del puente Teodoro Moscoso

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Anuncian cierre temporero del puente Teodoro Moscoso

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

Autopistas de Puerto Rico, empresa que tiene a su cargo la administración del puente Teodoro Moscoso, anunció hoy, jueves, el cierre temporero del puente, en ambas direcciones, este sábado, 10 de septiembre, comenzando desde las 6:00 de la mañana hasta las 6:00 de la tarde, debido a la filmación de una producción audiovisual.

Se exhorta a los conductores a tomar vías alternas como la PR-26 para rutas entre San Juan y Carolina, y el Ramal 8 si conduce entre Río Piedras y Carolina.

Se exhorta a los conductores a estar atentos a los mensajes variables ubicados antes de las entradas al puente.

El Puente Teodoro Moscoso es una infraestructura que conecta San Juan con Isla Verde desde 1994.

Nota relacionada: Anuncian cierre temporero del puente Teodoro Moscoso

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Toa Alta establece centro fijo durante septiembre para administrar pruebas que detecten COVID-19

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

El alcalde de Toa Alta, Clemente “Chito” Agosto, anunció que a partir de mañana, viernes 9 de septiembre, y durante todos los viernes del mes, habrá un centro fijo, en el Coliseo Lauro Dávila, de pruebas para detectar el coronavirus.

“Es importante mantenerse cuidando ante los casos de COVID-19 que siguen reportándose en el país. Exhortamos a los ciudadanos a realizarse las pruebas para detectar el virus y así cortar las cadenas de contagio”, expresó el primer ejecutivo municipal.

Las pruebas se realizarán los viernes 9,16, 26 y 30 de septiembre, desde las 8:00 a.m. hasta las 12:00 p.m. mientras duren. Asimismo, se informó que el servicio estará disponible para residentes en Toa Alta y pueblos limítrofes. 

La iniciativa es posible gracias a una colaboración del programa SAMYR (Servicios de Ayuda, Monitoreo y Rastreo de COVID-19) y el Departamento de Salud, según el comunicado.

Esta mañana, Salud reportó nueve muertes por COVID-19, por lo que la cifra se ubica en 5,016 desde que llegó la enfermedad a la isla en marzo de 2020. Además, registraron 294 personas hospitalizadas

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North-western districts to be affected by flash flooding Loop Barbados

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Barbados News

A flash flood watch is in effect for the north-western districts of Barbados.

The Barbados Meteorological Services reports that a light south-easterly wind regime, adequate moisture and daytime heating are generating localised activity across north-western districts of the island. Accumulation of one to two inches of rainfall are forecast, which could result in flooding in the area.

Residents and visitors should be prepared for strong runoff from higher elevations. Soil erosion likely on bared or scarred land surfaces, and debris such as small rocks, mud and tree foliage could end up on roads and property. Traffic delays are likely.

Flooding at the foot of hillsides and coastal roads is also possible.

The watch will be terminated at 6 pm today, Thursday, September 8 or sooner if conditions warrant.

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