Retraites: l’exécutif temporise, sans exclure une dissolution

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

L’exécutif a décidé de temporiser sur sa réforme critiquée des retraites, en rouvrant un cycle de concertations pour l’adoption d’un projet de loi “avant la fin de l’hiver”, a annoncé jeudi Elisabeth Borne à l’AFP, sans pour autant exclure une dissolution de l’Assemblée nationale en cas de blocage.

Il n’y aura donc pas de passage en force sur ce sujet hautement inflammable, comme cela était redouté au sein même de la majorité alors qu’est organisée jeudi une journée de grèves et de manifestations concernant les salaires mais également les retraites.

A l’issue d’un dîner à l’Elysée autour d’Emmanuel Macron mercredi soir réunissant les cadres de la macronie, “le choix du dialogue et de la concertation” a prévalu, a déclaré la Première ministre, en détaillant un calendrier relativement souple, mais aussi cramponné à la promesse présidentielle d’une application de la réforme à l’été 2023.

La cheffe du gouvernement souhaite présenter “un bilan” de ces discussions avec les partenaires sociaux et forces politiques “avant Noël”, laissant ainsi quasiment trois mois de pourparlers potentiels autour d’une réforme déjà en gestation lors du précédent quinquennat, avant d’être interrompue par la pandémie de Covid-19.

Dans cette perspective, Mme Borne a demandé au ministre du Travail Olivier Dussopt “d’engager dès la semaine prochaine” des négociations avec les organisations patronales et syndicales, ainsi qu’avec les “groupes parlementaires” pour discuter carrières longues, pénibilité, usure au travail, ou encore emploi des seniors, régimes spéciaux, et petites retraites.

“Convergence”

Cette décision, qui repose sur une “convergence totale entre les différentes composantes de la majorité”, selon Mme Borne, dont l’allié récalcitrant du MoDem, met fin à plusieurs jours d’atermoiements sur la façon d’engager cette réforme des retraites, qui prévoit de reporter progressivement l’âge de départ à 65 ans.

Trois pistes étaient en débat: un simple amendement au projet de loi de financement de la Sécurité sociale (PLFSS) examiné en octobre, hypothèse la plus controversée, un PLFSS rectificatif en janvier, et un projet de loi ad hoc.

Cette dernière option semble donc privilégiée à ce stade par l’exécutif… à condition de parvenir à ouvrir les concertations, alors que syndicats et une grande partie des oppositions politiques sont vent debout contre le fond même de cette réforme.

Un projet de loi dédié présente cependant un risque pour l’exécutif, qui ne dispose que d’une majorité relative à l’Assemblée: il pourrait l’obliger à dégainer l’article 49.3 de la Constitution, qui permet l’adoption d’un texte sans vote sauf motion de censure, mais n’est utilisable qu’une fois par session parlementaire.

En revanche le gouvernement peut utiliser le 49.3 à volonté sur les textes budgétaires tels que les PLFSS.

“On se place dans une hypothèse où l’on peut mener une concertation”, a souligné Mme Borne, sans écarter la possibilité d’un amendement au PLFSS.

“Intimidations”

Comme pour faire pression sur LR, favorable à une réforme mais hostile à la voie d’un amendement, tout comme l’allié MoDem, le président Emmanuel Macron n’a pas exclu à ce dîner de dissoudre l’Assemblée nationale si les oppositions “se coalisaient pour adopter une motion de censure et faire tomber le gouvernement”, a rapporté M. Dussopt.

Un cadre de la majorité proche du Modem a jugé “positive” la relance des discussions.

Pour Olivier Marleix, chef de file des députés LR, relancer des concertations est “un progrès” mais “il ne peut pas y avoir de réforme sans un minimum de confiance” et il est “hors de question de donner un chèque en blanc”.

Sur la menace d’une dissolution pour éviter la “chienlit”, selon des propos rapportés d’Emmanuel Macron, il a estimé que “celui qui met le feu aux poudres en disant +on va faire la réforme en trois jours+ c’est lui”.

Signe d’ouverture, le président du Sénat Gérard Larcher (LR) a jugé cette réforme “indispensable”, et estimé que “l’inspiration (de l’exécutif) n’est pas très éloignée de celle” du Sénat, dominé par la droite, qui chaque année dépose un amendement réformant les retraites.

“Chiche” à la dissolution, a lancé Marine Le Pen, à la tête d’un groupe inédit de 89 députés.

“Sa petite entreprise (à Marine Le Pen) se nourrit du blocage. Nous, nous faisons le pari du meilleur : la concertation pour avancer”, a rétorqué le ministre des Relations avec le parlement Franck Riester, qui participera aux concertations politiques.

“Nous ne céderons pas aux intimidations puériles”, a réagi à gauche le patron du PS Olivier Faure.

“C’est moins pire qu’un amendement, (..) mais trois mois, c’est court, on va se battre, projet contre projet”, a prévenu le patron du PCF Fabien Roussel. “Ce gouvernement minoritaire (…) veut attaquer les travailleurs”, a réagi le député LFI Alexis Corbière.

Le patron des patrons Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux a lui jugé “raisonnable” la concertation prévue, à laquelle le Medef “évidemment” participera.

NewsAmericasNow.com

CIMA extends deadline for submission of AML surveys Loop Cayman Islands

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Cayman Compass
Loop News

36 minutes ago

The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) is informing relevant entities registered with CIMA that the deadline to submit surveys to help CIMA assess money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation of terrorist financing risks has been extended from October 7 to October 21, 2022.

The notice to complete these “AML surveys” is being sent to persons who provide the service of a registered office, anti-money laundering compliance officer, money laundering reporting officer, deputy money laundering reporting officer and those listed principal contacts with CIMA.

Upon receipt of the correspondence from CIMA, the relevant party should activate their account to complete the AML survey.

Once CIMA gathers the AML survey data, it is anticipated that CIMA will update its risk assessment of various sectors. This is expected to help CIMA to better understand money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation of terrorist financing risks posed to relevant sectors. The exercise may also indicate what steps need to be taken to further strengthen the anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime in the Cayman Islands.

Should any member of the public have any questions regarding the completion of the AML surveys, they should email CIMA at AMLSurveys@cima.ky.

Related Articles

More From

Caribbean News

Life-threatening storm surge, swells, heavy rain and dangerous flash flooding expected

Cayman News

The East End Heritage Committee is postponing its Heritage Day on Friday, 30 September to allow for Hurricane Ian debris clearance from Heritage Day Field.

The Pirates Fest event will be reschedul

Cayman News

The National Roads Authority (NRA) is advising members of the public that the traffic signal at the junction of Smith Road and Bobby Thompson Way remains down.

According to Edward Howard, the NRA’s

Caribbean News

System expected to be short’-lived

Caribbean News

Hurricane Ian tore into western Cuba as a major hurricane Tuesday and left 1 million people without electricity, then churned on a collision course with Florida over warm Gulf waters amid expectations

Cayman News

Leanni Tibbetts has been crowned Miss World Cayman Islands 2022.

Tibbetts, who was contestant #1, also won Miss Photogenic, Miss Best on Sports, Miss Best Island Couture and Miss Best in Interview

NewsAmericasNow.com

Tropical Storm Ian leaves $360m in damage to road network — PM Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

The preliminary estimate of the damage caused by the flood rains associated with Tropical Storm Ian, the outer bands of which lashed the island on the weekend into Monday, has been put at $360 million.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness gave the estimate as he addressed the House of Representatives on Wednesday. He stressed that it was a preliminary figure, as teams from the National Works Agency (NWA) were still conducting assessments.

“Thankfully, it is not in the billions,” Holness said while reminding that weather-related events over the past four years have left at least $1 billion in damage on each occasion.

He shared that the $360 million was to reopen roads and make surfaces drivable. Separately, he said the NWA was in the process of completing designs for retaining walls and pavements that were washed out.

The prime minister said the cost of permanent repairs is being assessed and should be available in the next two weeks, at which time he will update the Parliament.

He said he expects the NWA to find the $360 million within its budget while acknowledging that there may have to be some allocation to repair retaining walls when those are fully assessed.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness makes a statement to the House of Representatives on September 28. (Photo: JIS)

Noting that the tropical storm began affecting the island last Friday, Holness cited that many places were flooded, landslides were triggered while there were scoured roads and fallen trees.

He said the continuous rains left some communities marooned, especially those in low-lying and flood-prone areas along the southern coast.

According to the NWA, the hardest-hit parishes were St Catherine, Clarendon, Kingston and St Andrew, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, and Portland.

“The NWA has, per its mandate, assumed the central role in the intermediate aftermath of the flood rains by mobilising equipment and personnel to clear blocked roads and restore access to communities. The agency is now undertaking a rapid assessment to determine the full extent of the impact of the rains as well as to enable the determination for additional remediation or remedial measures,” Holness said.

He said the preliminary assessment from the NWA is that 47 roads were affected by landslides, mudflows, downed trees, or inundation, which rendered some communities inaccessible. All roads have since been reopened, except for some corridors particularly in Clarendon Northern, including from Chapelton to Rock River.

“As of today (Wednesday), most, if not all the areas where water had accumulated would have already receded,” said the prime minister.

He also said several communities, particularly in Clarendon and St Catherine, were impacted by the flood rains with reports of damaged roads to varying degrees, especially in low-lying areas.

NewsAmericasNow.com

CARIBBEAN-FINANCE-Caribbean Economic Forum to discuss the digitization of region’s payments systems

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Cana News Business

Post Content

NewsAmericasNow.com

Williams stands firmly with school boards deciding uniform policies Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

Education and Youth Minister, Fayval Williams, has declared that it will be left up to school boards to determine the dress code for students at their respective local institutions.

“… It is not our (the ministry’s) intention to prescribe the length of a girl’s uniform or the length of a boy’s pants or the size of it,” said Williams during a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday.

“We leave those decisions to our boards in our schools and each school has a board comprising a parent and student representative,” stated Williams.

The formal position of the ministry comes in the wake of several calls for the Government to swiftly craft a general dress code policy governing all schools following recent incidents of students being barred from schools due to the lengths and sizes of their uniforms.

One such case was highlighted earlier this month when parents alleged that students of Godfrey Stewart High School in St James were barred from entering the school compound after not adhering to the school’s uniform policy.

Williams said that based on her understanding of the situation at the school, the decision relative to the length of uniform was arrived at following a process.

“The parents were sensitised, starting in May of this year,” she said.

“My position as a minister — our position as a ministry — is that we will continue to stand on the side of discipline, of law and order.

“We believe our schools are the ideal place in which to teach our students to obey rules, beginning with obeying the school rules,” Williams indicated.

Turning to the general uniform policy now in place, the minister described it as being an “overarching one”, where “it does not prescribe the details for our schools”.

She elaborated, “The policy says to all our schools that the local policy of each school should be written.

“It should be arrived at through a consultative process with all stakeholders (parents, teachers and students). The policy should recognise cultural differences, religious differences, and so on.”

Additionally, she said the local policy must be applied fairly across the board.

Williams said parents and students who do not like an aspect of their school’s rules, should engage in a process.

“If there are rules that as a parent, a student, a teacher in the system, that you do not like, we are encouraging you to engage in the process.

“It could be a simple meeting with the principal. You may have to move from that if you feel that you did not get a (proper) hearing. You may have to write to the board, (or) you may have to advocate peacefully with other parents,” Williams advised.

NewsAmericasNow.com

CABINET NOTES: Wednesday 28 September 2022

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
Hurst

HURST REPORTS ON CABINET of Wednesday 28 September 2022

The Cabinet was convened at approximately 10:30 am with prayers by a minister of religion, and concluded at about 3:30 pm, or five hours later. Two members were absent, away on official business overseas, one choosing nevertheless to join by Skype.

The Cabinet invited two officials to address its members in order to improve on services which are provided by those government departments:
The Director of Education addressed the issue of the break-ins and vandalism that have occurred in several schools, including Primary Schools. In one instance, thieves took a microwave oven, a refrigerator and were attempting to remove a stove as well. The Minister of National Security has pledged to use his own resources to replace both the refrigerator and the microwave. Six schools were broken-in this week.
The Deputy Director of National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) was invited to Cabinet to address the continuing challenge of keeping the country clean.The Official reported that the NSWMA National Clean-up Campaign has come to an end and that the teams are now returning to work in their assigned communities. The Cabinet repeated its requirement that the direction of the teams in the community is to be determined by the representative; there was consensus among Cabinet members and the Officials that supervision of the teams may not be as vigorous as it ought to be. Hence, the supervisors and the representatives are to be in touch continuously. The object is to ensure that workers undertake a full day’s work for a full day’s pay; and, that they are strategically placed to keep the communities free of unwanted vegetation. Six more workers are to be added to the teams and additional resources are to be provided to ensure that the additional staff are paid.
The Prime Minister gave a report on his official visit to the United Kingdom (UK) and the United Nations (UN). In the UK, he met with King Charles III and focused upon his role(while he was Prince) in advocating for a sustainable environment, especially on global climate change. He also attended the Official funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

At the United Nations he met with the new British Prime Minister and indicated his interest in having the British Monarch continuing to advocate for reducing significantly carbon dioxide emissions by all member states of the UN.

The Prime Minister also held discussions with several Presidents and Prime Ministers in his capacity as Chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). He signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Malta—a small island in the Mediterranean without lakes or rivers, dependent upon reverse osmosis water. The Prime Minister also reported that major media from all around the United States and the United Kingdom sought him out because of the interview granted to ITV, before his departure from Antigua. He had addressed the issue of turning away from being a constitutional monarchy and becoming a Republic in three or more years, by referendum.

The Minister of Creative Industries and Innovation sought the approval of the Cabinet for the schedule of events for the 41stAnniversary of Independence and the artistic logo. Following an intense discussion, the Cabinet agreed to both the schedule of the events and the artwork. There was some issue surrounding the November 1 Independence Ceremonial Parade that was held in the evening last year. The question arose whether it should be held in the evening this year; and, that was agreed.
The Cabinet received a report from the Minister of Agriculture regarding the Wallings Reservoir Park and the decision by its caretaker to surrender control of the National Parks site. The Minister reported that the signs that were contributed by corporate sponsors were taken and ought to be returned. The site was never leased,nor was ownership passed to anyone; it was a voluntary arrangement which has now come to an end.
The Minister responsible for Information Technology and Broadcasting reported that a team will visit Barbuda shortly to plant geo-stationary equipmentthat will enable superior communication and future surveys by significant Government departments in Antigua and Barbuda.
A team from the Ministry of Creative Industries and Innovation will leave Antigua next month to participate and to promote Antigua at the October Miami Carnival. The Minister pointed out the importance of attending these Carnivals at which Antigua and Barbuda Carnival is promoted, and Antigua and Barbuda is promoted as a tourist destination.The Ministry of Tourism will also be featured and several Antiguan artistes will perform on stage for one hour.  He provided evidence of the success of participation in the past.
The Cabinet gave priority to completing a number of improvements atthe Clarevue Mental Hospital in order to make patients and staff far more comfortable. A certain newspaper in Antigua has chosen to report on its front page the shortcomings at Clarevue, completely disregarding other news that are of national importance.
Parliament will convene on Thursday, September 29, 2022, for a sitting of the Lower House.It will be a shorter-than-usual sitting, since members will leave to attend the funeral of Centenarian Mrs. Sheppard-Johnson, the mother of former parliamentarian Lenworth Johnson.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP

NewsAmericasNow.com

Is Cabinet against press freedom in Antigua and Barbuda?

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

CABINET NOTES:

The Cabinet gave priority to completing a number of improvements at the Clarevue Mental Hospital in order to make patients and staff far more comfortable.

A certain newspaper in Antigua has chosen to report on its front page the shortcomings at Clarevue, completely disregarding other news that are of national importance.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP

Editor

NewsAmericasNow.com

Ciclón tropical Ian se degrada a tormenta, pero podría reintensificarse a huracán

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

La meteoróloga Rosalina Vázquez, del Servicio Nacional de Meteorología en San Juan (SNM), informó en RADIO ISLA que el ciclón tropical Ian se degradó a tormenta mientras se encuentra a unas 40 millas al Sureste de Orlando.

No obstante, Vázquez agregó que el mismo podría rentensificarse una vez salga al Océano Atlántico y se dirija hacia los Estados de Carolina del Norte y Carolina del Sur.    

Ian entró al Estado por el área Oeste como un poderoso huracán categoría cuatro con vientos sostenidos de 155 millas por hora y provocó inundaciones a causa de su marejada ciclónica en lugares como Fort Myers.

Según el boletín de las 5 AM del Centro Nacional de Huracanes (NHC, por sus siglas en inglés), Ian tiene vientos sostenidos de 65 millas por hora, se desplaza hacia el Noreste a 8 millas por hora. Ian se encuentra en la 28.0 grados Norte y 80.9 grados Oeste y con una presión barométrica de 986 milibares.

“Esperamos que durante el día de hoy (Ian) continúa moviéndose hacia la costa Este de Florida y entre a las aguas que pudiera quizás reintensificarlo levemente, quizás hasta huracán categoría uno para luego entrar a las Carolinas (Carolina del Norte y Carolina del Sur) entre la tarde de hoy y mañana”, Rosalina Vázquez.

[embedded content]

NewsAmericasNow.com

Río Inabón se sale de su cauce tras fuertes lluvias e inunda pista del aeropuerto de Ponce

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

La Autoridad de Carreteras informó que el río Inabón en la ciudad de Ponce, se salió de su cauce a causa de las lluvias recientes e inundó parcialmente la pista del aeropuerto Mercedita.

“Debido a las fuertes lluvias, el río Inabón en Ponce se salió de su cauce, inundando parcialmente la pista en el aeropuerto Mercedita. Nuestras brigadas se encuentran atendiendo la situación de manera inmediata”, publicó la Autoridad de Carreteras en sus redes sociales. 

Debido las fuertes lluvias, el río Inabón en #Ponce se salió de su cauce, inundando parcialmente la pista en el aeropuerto Mercedita. Nuestras brigadas se encuentran atendiendo la situación de manera inmediata. @fortalezapr @prdirpuertos

— Autoridad de Puertos (@PuertosPR) September 28, 2022

El Aeropuerto Internacional Mercedita de Ponce abrió su pista el pasado jueves, 22 de septiembre de 2022, para las operaciones de vuelos comerciales tras rehabilitarla luego de las inundaciones provocadas por el desborde del mismo río a causa de las lluvias del huracán Fiona. 

Noticias relacionadas: Reabre el aeropuerto Mercedita en Ponce tras el paso del huracán Fiona y Aeropuerto Mercedita en Ponce permanece cerrado por inundaciones a causa del huracán Fiona

NewsAmericasNow.com

LETTER: Harold Lovell held up to his commitment

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
ANR Photos

Dear Editor,

First of all I would like to say that “Commitment goes a long way”.

On September 13th 2022 I sent a letter to Antigua news room regarding to my road issue & commitments made by Melford Nicholas & Harold Lovell.

After seeing my outcry for help for myself & my neighbors Mr. Lovell contacted me on September 14th, 2022 & reassured me that he will get it done.

Let me give you a little bit of the story…

The road i am referring to is not a government road & we all know that it’s not the government’s responsibility. I’ve spoken to Mr. Nicholas numerous times about the situation I’ve explained to him that i know you don’t have to but we need help. He then made a commitment nearing up to the 2018 general elections. As seen in my previous letter the commitment was only to “secure” votes.

While canvassing the City East constituency Mr. Lovell made a stop at my house i explained to him the issues my self & neighbors were having with the road (water settlement) etc, he then made a commitment to assist me with some stones to ease my burden & i am happy to say that he fulfilled it on September 28th 2022.

Let’s get one thing clear. I never asked for asphalt, cement, gutters or a whole Friars hill road, airport construction project. Mainly because I know as i mentioned above it is not a government’s road or the government’s responsibility.

-Thank you for helping Mr. Lovell

CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP

NewsAmericasNow.com