LETTER: APUA needs to do better with those long lines

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
Customers wait in line at APUA in 2019/ANR File photo

Dear Editor, 

On 26 September 2022 I went to the APUA at the Village Walk branch to pay my bills. I waited outside for 3 hours just to pay my bills.

When I entered inside, I was in disbelief to see only 2 cashiers were present, I was so upset that when I approached the cashier I was cursing APUA. And what shocked me was the cashier’s response she started to apologize for my wait outside.

She didn’t give me any attitude which I was expecting from her but instead she apologized. She explained to me how many months I had on my bill and why it was disconnected.

The way in which the cashier spoke to me was so calm and pleasant that I started to calm down I asked her name and she said Shannette.

On the 27th day of September I went back to APUA to pay the rest of my balance where I met a next cashier name Leanne who took my payment and told me to carry it to customer service so they could take my information to get it back on .

Leanne was very fast, polite and friendly… then I went to customer service where I met Carla excellent service from all 3 ladies.

I want to let APUA know that these 3 ladies gave me excellent service even with them being short staffed

Thank you ladies i really appreciate your kindness, ( Carla, Shannette and Leanne) however I do believe that APUA needs to hire more cashiers or open up other branches.

APUA Customer

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“In construction, where would all the responsibilities and decisions legally and ultimately lie?” – StMaartenNews.com – News Views Reviews & Interviews

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: StMaartenNews

Asks Achken Roberto Richardson.

A) Once a Construction Project is tendered based on its Terms of Reference, its Process is Approved for Construction Commencement.

B) At this point in time All Progress Steps for Construction are Approved within this same Overall Project Tender, as well as Scope of Work.

C) Progress Reports are Approved, as well as the Construction Format in which the Various Phases of the Construction will move forward in fully outlined Approved Descriptions.

D) Progress Payments Approval are based on Work that MUST be executed, completed and inspected for Approval at every Phase and Stage for Project Construction Payments, in accordance with the Scope of Work Approved.

E) Both Principal as well as General Contractor must sign off on all of the above, as to be able to establish, agree upon, and approve the Construction Contract, its Progress, its Conditions, as well as Potential Penalties that can be issued to both Principal and General Contractor in times of Defaults during Construction.

This is all outlined in the Approved Specification Document (Bestek).

F) The Project Supervision Management Team is responsible to primarily the Principal, as well as the General Contractor in times of Construction Disputes, where all Parties will refer back to the Approved Specification Document and Specification Drawings, as well as Working Drawings.

G) While at times it may occur that Delays for whatever reason can take place, the Party in Default can be Financially and Legally Penalized, once the Construction Process Approved within the Specification Document is breached.

These are the Standard cases in normal Public Tender Practices, or Tenders by way of Invitation.

The fact is that once all of the above becomes a reality, a possible Arbitrary Process can take place in which all Financial and Legal Penalties would be settled, that for whatever reason would have caused the delay, by way of unapproved Changes during the Construction Process and Period.

In the case of the Princess Juliana International Airport Refurbishing, Repairs, and Improvement Project on Sint Maarten, the question would be, “Who signed off on this Construction Agreement with the GENERAL CONTRACTOR as PRINCIPAL?

Was it the Operations Company? Was it the Holding Company? Or was it the Shareholder?

And should there be any financial, contractual, or legal issues, here is where you begin this Process, while not having to delay the Construction Progress, as it relates to the Scope of Work and the Approved Work Progress, outlined in the Approved Project Specifications.

Of course there are repercussions as well as other consequences that can be detrimental to any, or all Project Development Parties legally involved.

But of utmost importance is for All Parties involved, some way or another find swift ways to avoid and mitigate any aspect of the Progress of the Project that will jeopardize Proper Passengers Flow and Movement, as well as the best of convenience and service at PJIA that will affect our Name, Reputation, and Brand, as well as our Professional Competence on Site.

WE MUST SERIOUSLY AVOID ONE WAY OR ANOTHER HAVING TO GO BACK TO A CONSTRUCTION STAGE THAT WE HAVE LONG PASSED IN OUR SCOPE OF WORK.

EVEN IF ANY OF THE PARTIES MAY BE IN ANY POSSIBLE LEGAL BREACH, HAVING TO PAY PENALTIES IN SOME FORM OR ANOTHER-

Achken Roberto Richardson

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Saint Lucia To Launch ‘Adopt an Older Person’ Initiative – St. Lucia Times News

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

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A new programme aimed at fostering greater awareness of the needs and issues impacting the lives of vulnerable older persons through conversation, consultation and experience sharing is set to begin here shortly.

The programme, dubbed ‘Adopt an Older Person’, will seek to rekindle nationalcommitment to improving the plight of the nation’s vulnerable older population and toencourage cooperation and team-work among people at all levels within society.

Being spearheaded by the Elder Care Unit of the Division of Human Services, under theauspices of Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, the programme willsolicit the active involvement of individuals, families and community groups/organizations, getting them to reengage with seniors in meaningful and imaginative ways.

Senior Field Social Worker in the Elder Care Unit of the Division of Human ServicesFadia Andrew, notes that “the idea is for individuals and groups to adopt a senior citizenas a one-off gesture or through repeated gestures demonstrated throughout the lengthof the programme.”

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According to Andrew, individuals and groups can make a gesture of goodwill to anidentified vulnerable older person within their respective communities, with no limit onthe size or nature of the gestures to be shared.

The interactive engagements Andrew notes, “will not only imbue a sense of pride andaccomplishment in members of the public who enroll in the programme to adopt seniors, but will also help in empowering older persons, allowing them to make meaningful contributions that enrich lives, provoke feelings of goodwill, recognition, appreciation and improve their overall wellbeing.

The Ministry of Equity admonishes that ‘we cannot help everyone but everyone can helpsomeone.’

The Ministry reminds the citizenry that small cumulative efforts can have tremendous results. Community groups are particularly encouraged to assume personal responsibility for creating a better reality for older persons by making small, meaningful and creative gestures towards these individuals who exist in their midst.

Registration for the Adopt an Older Person programme commences October 1, 2022.As part of the process individuals and groups must: Identify a vulnerable older person; Identify the urgent needs of the individual; Contact the Division of Human Services viatelephone numbers (468 6570/ 6572/ 6573/ 6574) to register.

Alternatively, you can contact your Social Transformation Officer or your Welfare Officer; Implement the gesture/gestures and Provide feedback to the Elder Care Unit on the experience.

In Saint Lucia, like in other parts of the world, although older persons continue tocontribute meaningfully to economic, political, civil, social and cultural development,their contributions remain largely invisible and is oftentimes disregarded.

Statistical data show that during the next ten years, the number of older persons in theCaribbean will double. This ageing of the population has important implications forpublic policy in areas such as pensions, health, and social care services.

SOURCE: Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment

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Yamill Wip terug in Nederlandse eredivisie

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: De Ware Tijd Online

door Terence Oosterwolde PARAMARIBO — Yamill Wip maakt zijn rentree in de Nederlandse basketbalcompetitie. Apollo Amsterdam, de oud-club van de

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Les habitants de Moscou à Trois-Rivières sont bloqués depuis 10 jours, Les habitants de la route de Moscou sont piégés à leur domicile depuis le passage de Fiona. Des câbles électriques haute tension « jonchent le sol et l’unique route qui…

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

Les habitants de la route de Moscou sont piégés à leur domicile depuis le passage de Fiona. Des câbles électriques haute tension « jonchent le sol et l’unique route qui mène chez eux est devenue impraticable.

Si la plupart des sinistrés sont connus du grand public, il en est d’autres qui le sont bien moins, et qui plus est, vivent parfois dans des endroits très retirés. C’est le cas de ces rares habitants du lieu-dit Moscou, sur les hauteurs de Trois-Rivières. Cette section est accessible par la route de Palmiste puis du Bassin bleu sur les hauteurs de Gourbeyre. Selon l’un des riverains, ce n’est qu’arrivé au pont, que l’on serait à Trois-Rivières. Depuis les pluies diluviennes générées par la tempête Fiona, environ cinq familles sont bloquées là-haut. Les câbles électriques sont au sol, la route déjà fortement dégradée est devenue impraticable depuis les fortes pluies.

 Une déviation de la route est à prévoir

Selon Romuald Simon, résident de Moscou, « un de ses voisins, malade du cœur, n’a pu honorer son rendez-vous chez le cardiologue. Il s’agissait pour lui d’une visite destinée à préparer une opération du cœur. Deux autres n’ont pas pu se rendre au travail, un autre est invalide, et un autre encore ne peut pas faire monter la nourriture pour ses animaux. » Certains se rendent à pied jusqu’à une certaine limite, après quoi une navette les embarque pour aller faire leurs courses. Face  l’inertie des pouvoirs publics, l’un des riverains serait prêt pour faire face à l’urgence de la situation, à céder provisoirement une parcelle de son terrain pour la mise en place d’une déviation de la route de Moscou. Ce chemin passerait ainsi à gauche, le temps nécessaire pour la réfection de la route de Moscou. Les habitants ne comprennent pas qu’aucune décision n’ait été prise pour sortir les personnes pour qui il s’agit d’une  « priorité absolue. » « Je vous rappelle qu’habituellement une ambulance vient ici tous les deux jours, sort son brancard, va chercher la personne souffrance d’insuffisance respiratoire, repasse dans tous les trous, avec toutes les difficultés que cela suppose, il serait donc bon d’agir », poursuit un habitant du quartier.

Par endroit, les câbles électriques ont été mis à nu ou sont tombés ; à cet endroit le passage d’un véhicule est impossible.

– FLB

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WATCH: Pierre Updates New York Town Hall Audience On St. Jude Hospital Project – St. Lucia Times News

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

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During a New York city town hall event on September 24, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre shared the recommendations from both the Ministry of Economic Development and an independent committee on the most prudent options to proceed with the St. Jude Hospital construction project.

Two reviews from separate entities have arrived at similar conclusions.

Resuming construction on the original construction (Phase I) site remains the best option for the patients, hospital workers and Saint Lucia.

More from Rehani Isidore.

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SOURCE: Office of the Prime Minister/ SLT

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“Para ellos nosotros somos unos indios con taparrabos” dice alcalde de Guaynabo sobre LUMA Energy

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

El alcalde de Guaynabo, Edward O’Neill, dio en el programa Noches Con Sentido de RADIO ISLA , que la administración de LUMA Energy, no escucha a “los que están abajo”.

“Para ellos nosotros somos unos indios con taparrabos. No hacen nada. Yo no tengo problemas con ellos trabajando, pero la alta gerencia tiene que tener más comunicación con los de abajo y tienen que dirigirse más a los alcaldes, ya que ellos no hicieron una transición, ellos hicieron un cambio, que es más difícil todavía”.

Asimismo, el mandatario municipal dijo que deben escuchar más las recomendaciones de los alcaldes.

“Ahora en esta emergencia, deberían escuchar un poco más a los alcaldes, que saben dónde está la bomba de agua , de donde se alimenta, donde están los centros de envejecientes , las cosas esenciales en cada municipio”, afirmó .

De igual forma, O’Neill expuso que LUMA Energy debe ser fiscalizada. 

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41st Independence Schedule of Events

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – MESSAGE

PRESS RELEASE – The Ministry of Creative Industries and Innovation – MCII is pleased to present the 41st Independence Schedule of Events commencing from Saturday 22nd October to Tuesday 1st November 2022.

The Ministry of Creative Industries and Innovation is sending out a clarion call to all Residents, Citizens and Friends of Antiguan and Barbuda to participate and celebrate in ALL of our 41st Anniversary of Independence activities.

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Editor

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Registration commences for independence vending

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

 

INDEPENDENCE VENDORS REGISTRATION COMMENCES:

The Ministry of Creative Industries and Innovations is undergoing preparations to commemorate our 41st Independence Anniversary celebrations.

In this regard, we are presently accepting vendors registration for the following:

Thursday 27th October, Independence School’s Youth Rally at Antigua Recreation Grounds
Monday 31st October, Independence School’s Panorama at Antigua Recreation Grounds
Tuesday 01st November, Independence Food Fair at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

Vendor Fees are as follows:

Independence Food Fair
10×10 = $200.00
Additional 10ft tent side is a $100.00

Independence School’s Youth Rally
Vendor Fee $150.00

Independence School’s Panorama
Vendor Fee $150.00

All vendors will be refunded $50.00 once the allocated spot is left clean by the close of the event

Add on: Generator access will incur an additional $50.00

Vendor’s registration forms may be obtained, Mondays to Thursdays – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Fridays- 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from the Culture Office on Lower Nevis Street.

The registration deadline is Friday 14th October 2022.

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Editor

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Brazen bandit robs employee at San Fernando private hospital

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

File photo –

A brazen bandit pretending to be job-hunting walked into Southern Specialist Medical Centre, Quenca Street, San Fernando, and robbed an employee of a pair of gold bracelets on Tuesday afternoon.

Police confirmed that around 2 pm, the man walked into the clinic’s MRI department in the basement and encountered a receptionist who was sitting just inside the door.

She was wearing a pair of gold legacy bracelets she inherited from her mother on her death.

Police said the bandit grabbed the bracelets off the receptionist’s wrist and ran out.

There were no security guards at the building at the time.

San Fernando police told the Newsday they are relying on CCTV footage from the hospital and a description from the victim, and are confident the culprit will soon be held.

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