Black Immigrant Daily News

The tropical storm watch that has been in effect for Jamaica is being discontinued with immediate effect, as conditions associated with a tropical storm are no longer expected in respect of Tropical Storm Ian, the Met Service said in its latest bulletin issued a short while ago.

“Over the past several hours, the tropical storm has drifted a bit to the south, taking it farther from the coastline and placing the island outside of the projected range of tropical-storm-force winds,” the Met Service said.

At 2pm, the centre of Tropical Storm Ian was located near latitude 14.2 degrees North, longitude 75.8 degrees West, or about 435 kilometres (270 miles) south-southeast of Kingston, or 405 kilometres (251 miles) south of Morant Point, Jamaica.

Ian is now moving towards the west near 26 km/h (16 mph), and this general motion is expected to continue through Saturday night. A turn toward the northwest is forecast on Sunday, followed by a north-northwestward turn on Monday.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 75 km/h (45 mph) with higher gusts; however, significant strengthening is forecast during the next few days.

The Met Service said Ian is expected to become a hurricane late Sunday evening while south-west of Jamaica and moving farther away towards the Cayman Islands. Jamaica is currently well outside of the range of tropical-storm-force winds, which extend outward up to 95 km (60 miles) from the centre.

“On its forecast track, the centre of the tropical storm is forecast to remain south of Jamaica continue moving westward away from the island through Saturday night and Sunday morning. Ian will then pass near or over the Cayman Islands on Sunday night and early Monday before approaching western Cuba on Monday.

“While the tropical storm remains over the west-central Caribbean, it will continue to produce a large area of showers and thunderstorms that could impact the weather over Jamaica through Monday. Locally, heavy rainfall could produce flash floods mainly over low-lying and flood-prone areas of southern and eastern parishes and residents are urged to remain alert,” the Met Service said.

Small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are reminded to remain in safe harbouruntil wind and sea conditions have returned to normal, the Met Service advised.

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Graduates of the Shape programme are presented with certificates of participation on Friday at the PSL building, Couva. – Photo courtesy TTPS

A NUMBER of Venezuelan migrants were among a group of 37 participants who graduated after completing a Sustainable Hydroponics Agricultural Programme for young Entrepreneurs (Shape) on Friday.

The programme initially a venture of the various police youth clubs was expanded with funding from the European Union’s International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Sgt Jacey Small of the Central Division’s Community-Oriented Policing Section directed the programme.

A statement from the police on Saturday said the participants are now poised to become young agricultural entrepreneurs.

It ran from August to September and culminated with the participants getting certificates during a graduation ceremony held at the PSL Building, Couva.

They were trained in hydroponics and traditional agricultural methods, financial management and sales strategy.

Supt Subhash Ramkhelawan said police youth clubs are “still working with young people in the country to have positive change.”

“We understand the importance of proactively working with our young people and we are making a strong commitment to continue working with IOM through our TTPS police youth club organisation which officially started its movement in 1974.”

There are now over 100 established clubs with over 7,000 members.

Small, one of the coordinators, said the project will improve the lives of the participants and the wider communities.

“The project, which will be an ongoing one, is targeting young people in the Central Division, providing alternative avenues to increase their capacity and providing an avenue to be self-sustainable while contributing to the greater good of their communities,” Small said.

“What we are aiming to do is to ensure that young people can self-sustain, ensuring employment and tackling and addressing the issue of food security in the country. Although training ended the project is an ongoing one and it aims to be replicated throughout the Central Division and more so throughout TT.”

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Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar –

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar wants citizens to “guard (TT’s) democracy” amidst a number of crises facing the nation on its 46th anniversary as a republic.

Persad-Bissessar issued her annual Republic Day message on Saturday with a stark message to the nation.

“”Today, as we mark our 46th year as a Republic, we do so amidst great turmoil and uncertainty.

“Our nation faces serious challenges which require concerted and united efforts from all citizens to overcome,” Persad-Bissessar wrote.

“As we celebrate this significant occasion, it is important to remember that our nation’s greatest strength is in our diverse talent.

The former PM noted TT’s move to place supreme power in the hands of the people and their representatives 46 years ago, replacing the Queen of England as head of state with the President.

“While we have faced challenges over the 46 years, our citizens have always shown their resilience, strength, and determination through the diverse skills they possess.

“From the cricket field to the theatre screens, from academia to culinary delights, Trinbagonians have ensured our Republic has shone brightly on the world stage.”

However, the Persad-Bissessar added, as the country reflects on its progress after 60 years of independence, “we must also take note of the many challenges that currently face us.

“We are witnessing a cost of living crisis, increasing lawlessness, and the total decay of good governance in our country.

“In the last two years, besides lofty promises from the current administration, there has been no improvement in the lives of citizens, and indeed, life has become increasingly harder for people,” she said.

“It must be noted that recent reports from the CSO and the Central Bank have shown that we are indeed in serious economic trouble.

“We feel it every day. Families are struggling to make ends meet, food prices continue to rise and the Government has not produced a single policy or idea to create jobs, growth or prosperity.”

She said the Opposition recognises that as MPs, they have a sacred duty to work towards improving the lives of each and every citizen and to protect the rights and freedoms we enjoy.

“Our rights as citizens of a free democratic nation are enshrined in the 1976 Constitution, and it is our duty and responsibility to work together to build our nation and to always guard our democracy. In unity, there will always be strength.

“So, as we mark the 46th anniversary as a Republic, I give the country the commitment that while this Government has abdicated its responsibilities and abandoned the people of this nation, we in the Opposition will be your voices, as we fight for a brighter future for all, and to restore our beloved TT to greatness.”

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Premier Wayne Panton has assured the public that the government is fully prepared and all emergency services are available to provide assistance as necessary as the island braces for the effects of Tropical Depression 9.

The Cayman Islands has been placed on a Hurricane Watch as the storm is expected to start affecting the territory late Sunday. The system is forecast to strengthen to a hurricane as it moves towards Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands.

Flooding is expected in low-lying areas on Grand Cayman.

At the same time, the premier has urged the public to make preparation.

“I urge everyone to monitor official communication channels, including Radio Cayman, to track the development of this storm system, as storms are unpredictable and can change course at any time,” Panton said in a statement.

“Please ensure that you have ample supplies to provide for yourself and your loved ones through the storm and 48 hours thereafter. Important provisions include prescription medications, baby supplies, non-perishable food and drinking water. Be prepared for potential loss of power,” the premier said.

He added: “I ask that you remain calm. Preparation and caution are key to remaining safe. Please conclude your preparations as quickly as possible and plan to be safely sheltered by Sunday afternoon.

“To allow the public to make final preparations, we have today authorised for supermarkets, hardware stores, and home depots to be open for business on Sunday, 25 September 2022 from 6am to 4pm.

For emergency assistance at any time, please call 911. The Mental Health hotline will remain open at 1-800-543-6463.

Visit weather.gov.ky, caymanprepared.gov.ky, gov.ky and Radio Cayman for up-to-date information on Tropical Depression 9, which will be named Hermine when it becomes a Tropical Storm.

“Be reminded that forecasts and models can change quickly, thus it is critical that we prepare for the worst and pray for the best,” Panton said. “I thank you for your attention. I trust you will be well prepared and above all, stay safe. God bless each of you and our beloved Cayman Islands.”

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The tropical storm watch that has been in effect for Jamaica is being discontinued with immediate effect, as conditions associated with a tropical storm are no longer expected in respect of Tropical Storm Ian.

“Over the past several hours, the tropical storm has drifted a bit to the south, taking it farther from the coastline and placing the island outside of the projected range of tropical-storm-force winds,” the Met Service said.

At 2pm, the centre of Tropical Storm Ian was located near latitude 14.2 degrees North, longitude 75.8 degrees West, or about 435 kilometres (270 miles) south-southeast of Kingston, or 405 kilometres (251 miles) south of Morant Point, Jamaica.

Ian is now moving towards the west near 26 km/h (16 mph), and this general motion is expected to continue through Saturday night. A turn toward the northwest is forecast on Sunday, followed by a north-northwestward turn on Monday.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 75 km/h (45 mph) with higher gusts; however, significant strengthening is forecast during the next few days.

The Met Service said Ian is expected to become a hurricane late Sunday evening while south-west of Jamaica and moving farther away towards the Cayman Islands. Jamaica is currently well outside of the range of tropical-storm-force winds, which extend outward up to 95 km (60 miles) from the centre.

“On its forecast track, the centre of the tropical storm is forecast to remain south of Jamaica and continue moving westward away from the island through Saturday night and Sunday morning. Ian will then pass near or over the Cayman Islands on Sunday night and early Monday before approaching western Cuba on Monday.

“While the tropical storm remains over the west-central Caribbean, it will continue to produce a large area of showers and thunderstorms that could impact the weather over Jamaica through Monday. Locally, heavy rainfall could produce flash floods mainly over low-lying and flood-prone areas of southern and eastern parishes and residents are urged to remain alert,” the Met Service said.

Small craft operators, including fishers from the cays and banks, are reminded to remain in safe harbouruntil wind and sea conditions have returned to normal, the Met Service advised.

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