Chastanet Says UWP Is Not In ‘Shambles’ – St. Lucia Times News

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

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United Workers Party (UWP) leader Allen Chastanet rejected suggestions that the party is in ‘shambles’ during an appearance Wednesday night on the DBS Television programme Newsmaker Live.

“I am not overly concerned that people talk about the party is in shambles. The party is not in shambles,” Chastanet, who led the UWP to a massive defeat at July 26, 2021, general elections, told programme host – Timothy Poleon.

Chastanet’s party lost power, holding on to a mere two of the eleven seats it formerly had in the 17-seat parliament.

Regarding the UWP, he said the organisation was going through what any other party would experience after an election loss.

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“Everybody all of a sudden starts throwing everything on the wall in terms of what they think the solution is,” he explained.

“Should that person run the seat again? Should Allen Chastanet be the leader, should such and such be the Chairman?” The former Prime Minister said.

“That’s what’s going on,” he told Newsmaker Live.

Chastanet observed that an election process within a political party would involve people competing against each other with conflicting views.

Chastanet said some feel that’s a weakness, but it is not.

“The more of an argument you hear and the more difference of opinion you hear actually speaks to the strength of the party,” he asserted.

Chastanet said he hoped the UWP would hold its convention in the first quarter of next year.

And e disclosed that he has not decided to call it quits.

“I am here because I still believe there’s a contribution I need to make. I am here because I have been encouraged by a lot of people to be here,” he asserted.

“I think what’s good about me – I don’t need to be Prime Minister. So I am not doing this to become Prime Minister. I am not doing this because I want to control the party,” the former Prime Minister said.

“I have given sixteen years directly into the politics of Saint Lucia,” he recalled.

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Elisabeth Borne lance des concertations politiques sur les retraites, droite et gauche divisées

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

Droite et gauche sont apparues sans surprise divisées sur la réforme des retraites proposée par l’exécutif, à l’issue de leurs discussions avec Elisabeth Borne, qui recevait jeudi les chefs des groupes parlementaires, sur fond de tensions sociales.

En ouvrant le bal des rencontres qui se tiennent jusqu’au 17 octobre, le chef de file des sénateurs LR Bruno Retailleau a redit à la Première ministre souhaiter une réforme, mais que “ce n’était pas une question comptable” et qu’il fallait “garantir le pouvoir d’achat de nos aînés”.

“On n’a pas de problème majeur sur le critère de l’âge” mais “ce n’est pas le seul”, a abondé son homologue à l’Assemblée Olivier Marleix, en évoquant la pénibilité, les fins de carrière ou les régimes spéciaux.

“Une réforme des retraites ce n’est pas une guerre contre les Français. La Première ministre doit montrer qu’elle ne fait pas cette réforme pour les marchés financiers, pour faire plaisir à l’UE, mais que c’est une réforme utile”, a-t-il souligné.

LR est favorable à un allongement de l’âge de départ “progressivement jusqu’à 64 ans”, quand le gouvernement veut un report de l’âge de départ de 4 mois par an, pour aboutir à 65 ans en 2031.

“Vent debout”

A l’inverse, le chef de file des députés communistes André Chassaigne a dit être “vent debout” contre cette réforme qui aura selon lui des conséquences “pour les plus modestes, les plus pauvres, pour ceux qui arrivent déjà cassés à l’âge de la retraite”.

Le gouvernement selon lui veut “aller au bout” de cette réforme mais “de façon plus soft” que pour celle du premier quinquennat, abandonnée pour cause de Covid-19.

Comme le PCF, la cheffe de file des députés EELV Cyrielle Châtelain a “acté (ses) désaccords” avec la Première ministre, jugeant “inacceptable” un recul de l’âge de départ à la retraite.

Son homologue au Sénat Guillaume Gontard a noté que ces concertations représentaient “un gain” par rapport aux velléités initiales de l’exécutif de faire passer sa réforme dans un amendement au projet de loi de financement de la sécurité sociale (PLFSS), idée finalement abandonnée qui déplaisait y compris au MoDem.

Mme Borne les a reçus accompagnée du ministre du Travail Olivier Dussopt, qui mène parallèlement des discussions avec les organisations syndicales et patronales, et du ministre des Relations avec le Parlement Franck Riester.

Ces rencontres ont lieu dans un contexte tendu, à quelques jours d’une “marche contre la vie chère et l’inaction climatique” qui vise aussi à dénoncer les réformes de l’assurance-chômage et des retraites, organisée notamment par les partis de gauche. Et avant une semaine d’action de la CGT, déjà à la manœuvre dans le blocage des dépôts de carburant.

“Huile sur le feu”

Ces mouvements sociaux se sont invités dans les discussions, selon les participants.

L’exécutif “a laissé s’enkyster dans le pays un mouvement qui désormais lui échappe”, a estimé M. Retailleau, qui a trouvé Emmanuel Macron “très optimiste” quand il a dit que la situation allait “revenir à la normale” dans la distribution de carburants “dans le courant de la semaine qui vient”.

Le gouvernement, qui a engagé des réquisitions, “aurait pu débloquer plus vite” les dépôts, selon M. Marleix.

Pour M. Chassaigne, TotalEnergies a fait “une erreur grave” en “conditionnant” l’ouverture de négociations à la levée du blocus, au risque de mettre de “l’huile sur le feu”.

“Les réformes d’aujourd’hui, les refus d’augmentation de salaires, les refus de poser la question de l’héritage, le refus de poser la question sur cette taxe sur les superprofits, bien sûr qu’elles imprègnent sur le climat social”, a estimé Mme Châtelain, en dénonçant “une brutalité sociale” du gouvernement.

Au-delà des oppositions, les représentants de la majorité, qui seront reçus en fin de journée, vont devoir accorder leurs violons.

Après François Bayrou sur la forme, Edouard Philippe, tenant de l’aile droite de la majorité, a fait entendre sa différence sur le fond de la réforme, en exhortant l’exécutif à “bouger beaucoup” sur l’âge de départ pour aller jusqu’à 67 ans.

Il ne s’agit pas du “projet que nous portons”, lui a répondu la cheffe de file des députés Renaissance Aurore Bergé.

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St Kitts and Nevis Strengthening Response to Gender-based Violence

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 12, 2022 (SKNIS): The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is strengthening its response to gender-based violence by pursuing a multi-pronged approach that will tackle system and cultural reforms

On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, Junior Minister and Minister responsible for Social Development and Gender Affairs, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, shared some of the reforms taken as she addressed the 83rd Session for the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The October 10-28 meeting is being held in Geneva, Switzerland.

“To improve in this area, the Department of Gender Affairs has taken the initiative to build stronger relationships with the Special Victim’s Unit (SVU), and support the unit’s efforts to increase capacity by recruiting and training more officers in gender-sensitive response and investigation practices,” Minister Phillip stated. “To extend this work, Gender Affairs also plans to build its own staff capacity in order to provide the expertise and curriculum that facilitates consistent and sustainable gender-sensitive training to all police officers as part of mandatory training programmes.

The improvement in the reporting of domestic abuse cases to local law enforcement is critical given the rise in domestic conflict cases in the post-COVID era.

Minister Phillip stated that the twin-island Federation’s Constitution and legislative framework prohibits any form of discrimination, based on sex, and there are no laws legalizing discriminatory practices towards women. She added that various protections and agency responsibilities are also covered in the National Gender Policy and Action Plan.

“Gender mainstreaming will be coordinated across government ministries and programming. With the assistance of PAHO, a Gender Sensitization curriculum was revised for children under the age of 12, and a three-day Gender Sensitization Training of Trainers was delivered to stakeholders in February 2022,” the minister said. “Seventeen persons from various government ministries and NGOs, including school counselors received this training. The gender-sensitive training curriculum is intended to teach children about appropriate behaviours when it comes to issues of sexual conduct, the importance of consent and how to recognize and report experiences of molestation, harm or abuse.”

In addition to presenting the State Report to the UN committee, the junior minister responded to questions and will explore avenues to enhance UN support for local gender-related initiatives.

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TDC Home and Building Depots celebrate Pinktober in support Breast Cancer Awareness

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 13, 2022 (TDC) — As the Federation observes Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, the TDC Home and Building Depots continue to play its part in helping to raise the consciousness of the disease.

Through its Pinktober campaign, the retail outlets are giving customers the opportunity to get deep discounts on all pink-tagged products in-store, and access to free breast screening, every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., by a team of trained and certified health professionals.

Pink displays with ribbons and bows can be found in the power aisles, the staff is dressed in pink, and the St. Kitts store’ façade also lit in pink, to remind patrons to ‘think pink’ in support of the National effort and a show of solidarity.

Pinktober forms part of the companies’ annual cause-related outreach programmes to advocate, celebrate, and educate the public about the realities of breast cancer.

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President Tsai Ing-Wen Promises a Better Taiwan for the World in Her National Day 2022 Address

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

Taipei, Taiwan, October 12, 2022 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis’ longest and most faithful diplomatic ally of nearly four decades, the Republic of China (Taiwan) celebrated its National Day otherwise known as Double Ten Day (for the tenth day of the tenth month) on October 10. It marked the 111th year since the founding of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the 73rd National Day since the government relocated to Taiwan in 1949, formally separating from mainland China (formally the People’s Republic of China).

The National Day was punctuated with the spectacular annual National Day Parade outside the Presidential Office in the capital city of Taipei where Her Excellency President Dr. Tsai Ing-wen addressed thousands of Taiwanese citizens.

In her address, President Tsai promised a better Taiwan for the world.

“My fellow citizens, the greatest duty for all of us living on this land is to do everything we can to give the next generation a better country, and to give the world a better Taiwan,” she said. “Greater economic growth for Taiwan means more complete and resilient global supply chains. A more secure Taiwan means a more peaceful and prosperous region and world. And a more democratic Taiwan means a stronger global alliance.”

The Taiwanese President chronicled the journey of Taiwan.

“This is the years-long road we have travelled, from a darker time to a brighter future. Though it has been a difficult road, those difficulties have shown us what it means to be Taiwanese, and have helped us see what Taiwan means to the world,” said President Tsai to loud applause from the audience.

She added: “Today’s Taiwan is democratic, free, prosperous, and culturally diverse. Not only has Taiwan become a focus of global attention, but our people have come together around a shared determination to safeguard our homeland. Today, saying ‘I am Taiwanese’ is a statement of honour and an expression of pride.”

She ended her National Day address by saying “My fellow citizens, we are all family. Let us stand on the world stage with courage, determination, and confidence. Let us make Taiwan a Taiwan of the world, and let us give the world an even better Taiwan.”

The National Day festivities came to a close in Chiayi County with a dazzling fireworks display for 45 minutes accompanied by dramatic orchestral music and some quarter-million reported attendees. The pyrotechnics show included hundreds of drones in the sky, lit up in patterns that formed various images and symbols ranging from Chinese characters to the Taiwanese flag. The show was the capstone of the nation’s “Double Ten Day.”

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Vote for Nevis in Caribbean Journal (CJ) Travelers’ Choice Awards 2022, NTA’s CEO urges

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS, October 12, 2022 (NIA) — Nevisians worldwide and the island’s supporters are being urged to vote online for Nevis in the Caribbean Journal (CJ) Travelers’ Choice Awards 2022.

Mr. Devon Liburd, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA), told the Department of Information on October 12, 2022 that the island would benefit from more exposure if it emerged at the top of any of the categories in which it is nominated.

“I am encouraging every Nevisian and supporters of Nevis to follow the link provided and vote for the categories in which Nevis and establishments on Nevis are nominated.

“Caribbean Journal is a leading publication with wide following and influence in helping travellers to make choices for their next vacation. So when Nevis, in any of the categories, makes it to top positions it augurs well for tourism on Nevis,” he said.

In category no.2, Best Luxury Hotel in the Caribbean, the Four Seasons Resort was nominated. In category no. 7, Best Boutique Hotel in the Caribbean, Montpelier Plantation was nominated. In category no. 12, Best Caribbean Honeymoon Destination, Nevis was nominated. in category no. 26, Best Beach Bar in the Caribbean, Sunshine’s Bar, Lounge and Grill was nominated.

The link for voting is: https://www.caribjournal.com/2022/09/19/vote-for-the-best-of-the-caribbean-in-the-cj-travelers-choice-awards-2022/

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31-y-o chef pleads guilty killing teen girlfriend; enters plea deal Loop Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

A St Andrew chef, who pleaded guilty to the 2017 murder of a 15-year-old girl he allegedly forced into a relationship, is to be sentenced on November 29.

Reports are that the chef, Amar Fairweather, 31, pleaded guilty to murder under a plea deal when he appeared in the Home Circuit Court on Wednesday.

However, he pleaded not guilty to illegal possession of firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

Fairweather was captured in Clarendon in 2020 after he shot and killed the Jose Marti Technical High School student Denise Hume at her home in Seaview Gardens, S Andrew, after she told him that she was ending their relationship.

The incident took place at about 3pm on December 21, while the teenager was at her home with other family members preparing for Christmas.

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Man United fans complain about ticket reduction at Chelsea Loop Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — A group of Manchester United supporters have complained to a local government in London after more than 600 fans had their tickets cancelled for the upcoming Premier League match against Chelsea because of policing concerns.

Fans learned last week of the decision to reduce the numbers from 2,994 to 2,370, despite tickets having already been purchased for the match at Stamford Bridge on Oct. 22.

Lawyers working on behalf of the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) have sent a letter to Hammersmith and Fulham Council requesting it issue a new safety certificate to permit all the fans to attend the match.

“United fans, and football supporters in general, have had their fill of being on the receiving end of unfair and irrational decisions by councils and the police who seem to consider us to be a public order problem rather than ordinary people freely enjoying a day out,” the fan group, known as MUST, said Thursday. “Tickets had been sold for this game and fans are being treated like second class citizens.”

The game was originally scheduled to be played on Oct. 23 but had to be brought forward by a day because of Chelsea’s involvement in the Champions League on Oct. 25.

London’s Metropolitan Police say the 5:30 pm start time has heightened the risk rating of the game.

“Our first priority in policing football — and the increasing crime and disorder associated with it — is the safety of fans and those who live and work in the local community,” police said. “This can require significant resources and we have to balance this commitment against our many other policing responsibilities across London.

“For this reason, the agreement in place between the Met and London clubs is that fixtures assessed as high risk should start before 16:45 at weekends to help keep people safe.”

United wrote to supporters last week to inform them of the situation.

“While we are very disappointed by this outcome and believe it is unjustified, it is clear it is a final decision,” the club wrote. “Over recent years, we have made significant progress in protecting away ticket allocations for our fans and we can assure you that we will continue to fight for this in future.”

In the legal letter to the council, issued by Lochlinn Parker, the fans argue “there is no rational reason to reduce the ticket allocation for away fans at a 5:30 pm kick off when it is accepted that there would be a full ticket allocation at a fixture beginning no later than 4:45 p.m.”

The Hammersmith and Fulham Council said the decision to restrict the number of away fans from the match came after advice from the police.

“We wrote to Chelsea FC in the summer expressing our concern about the timing of this match,” the council said. “It is disappointing that the football authorities have not been able to change the kickoff time to enable the full ticket allocation for away fans making the journey.”

A Chelsea fan group was also critical of the delay and the change of time for the match.

“Kickoff announced with 15 days notice and away allocation reduced,” Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said. “This confirms that as long as the game can be broadcast, supporters are disposable — this is an insult and sets a dangerous precedent. We stand with MUST and the 624 supporters who will have their tickets canceled.”

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Injury report raises hope for Di Mar?a’s World Cup status Loop Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News
Loop Sports

13 minutes ago

Juventus’ Angel Di Maria leaves the pitch after injuring himself during the group H Champions League football match against Maccabi Haifa at the Sammy Ofer stadium, in Haifa, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit).

NEWYou can now listen to Loop News articles!

TURIN, Italy (AP) — Argentina winger ?ngel Di Mar?a will be out for “around 20 days” with an injured right hamstring, Juventus announced on Thursday, leaving hope he can return in time for the World Cup.

Juventus said tests revealed “a low-grade lesion to the hamstring of the right thigh,” adding “it will take around 20 days for the player’s complete recovery.”

Di Mar?a exited Juventus’ Champions League loss at Maccabi Haifa on Tuesday when he pulled up grasping the back of his right thigh while wincing in pain.

Argentina, one of the favourites for the World Cup in Qatar, open on Nov. 22 against Saudi Arabia and also face Mexico and Poland in Group C.

Di Mar?a’s injury came days after fellow Argentina international Paulo Dybala was injured while playing for Roma.

Also, Lionel Messi has a slight calf injury and was unavailable for Paris Saint-Germain’s game against Benfica in the Champions League on Tuesday.

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Tobago bandleaders upset: Mas ‘just bathsuits and beads’

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Tobago

A masquerader, left, dances with a dame Lorraine at the Tobago Carnival media launch on Wednesday at Shaw Park Cultural Complex. – Photo by David Reid

The leadership of the Tobago Carnival Bandleaders Association is upset over the plans for mas in the island’s carnival, which takes place from October 28-30.

The association’s interim chair Jemma Bedlow said as a veteran bandleader, the Carnival appears to be more about feting than showcasing the artistry of mas practitioners.

“Tobago carnival is about feting. That is what it is all about,” a peeved Bedlow told Newsday. “This was a rush. It was not sorted out properly. Is like a fete, because if you are telling us that you don’t want a repeat of Trinidad Carnival in Tobago and to develop our own brand – it is not happening.

“It is a repeat of Trinidad Carnival with bathsuit and beads and thongs and all dem nonsense. This is not how I thought our carnival was to be. We should have had our own style of carnival here.”

Bedlow said while the mas fraternity cannot get away from the swimsuits and beads, “because that is what the young people like,” there are older people who would like to jump in a band. “And what we have for them?”

She said, though, at least one of the bands will be playing a sailor mas.

“But the rest is just bathsuit and beads. That is not a brand. We should have our own brand, like how Peter Minshall used to bring his Carnival, with clothes, and just mix it. But this brand of Tobago carnival is the same as Trinidad.”

Bedlow also complained about the absence of a competitive element to the mas. She claimed the Trinidad bands that were supposed to “come and link with Tobago bands” have changed their minds because there is no competition. As a result Bedlow said the Tobago carnival resembles the Tobago Fest, which was once one of the island’s popular events.

“You are having a Tobago carnival, but for me, it is like Tobago Fest. So if you want to change it and say we having our own carnival where the juniors were excluded, fine, I don’t have a problem with that.

“But where is the interest? Where is the brand?”

Bedlow also has issues with the venues set aside to host some of the events.

“Tobago carnival in October and you put out the calendar of events and you only having J’Ouvert in Crown Point on October 29 with who want it down there for their own use, and you having night mas in Roxborough.

“What in Scarborough? Parade of the bands on Sunday, October 30, starting from the I Love You Tobago sign?”

She said the association had submitted recommendations for kings, queens and individuals, “But all of that was excluded.”

Despite her concerns about the mas component of the carnival, Bedlow said she is keeping an open mind.

She said some of the bands affiliated with the association have expressed interest in participating in the carnival: “But not the majority. Preparations are going ahead and they are putting everything in place so, they are just waiting on time. Bands have launched and are selling what they could sell to take part in the October Carnival.”

Bedlow said for her, the ideal situation would have been for the Tobago bandleaders to launch their respective presentations and prepare for next year’s carnival.

“But if people are coming to Tobago to take part in the carnival all are welcome. Let’s see how it goes.”

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