BAHAMAS-FINANCE-Central Bank conducts survey as EU names Caribbean countries to tax haven list
Black Immigrant Daily News
The content originally appeared on: Cana News Business
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Former minister lies in state in Sea Cows Bay
Black Immigrant Daily News
The content originally appeared on: The BVI Beacon
Former legislator Cyril Lewis Walters laid in state on Sept. 29 at the Sea Cows Bay Methodist Church following a House of Assembly resolution passed on Sept. 27 in his honour. Mr. Walters — who served as the minister of health, education and welfare during major reviews of the education and health systems — died on Sept. 13 at age 87.
An official funeral is scheduled for tomorrow at the church following a procession from Manuel Reef at 9 a.m. A pre-service is to start at 9:30 a.m. and a service at 10:30 a.m. The interment will follow at the Greenland Cemetery.
On Sept. 27, the House passed a resolution to honour his “exemplary service” at his lying in state.
“Be it further resolved that the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands also places on record its sincere gratitude and appreciation and extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and all who loved the former legislator,” the resolution states.
Health and Social Development Minister Mitch Turnbull said a former member would typically lie in state at the HOA building in Road Town, but that wasn’t possible because of ongoing renovation work there.
Opposition Leader Julian Fraser moved a motion, seconded by opposition member Carvin Malone, to add to the record why Mr. Walters was exempted from the usual practice. The addition received the premier’s support, and the amended motion passed.
Service record
Mr. Walters served two consecutive terms as a member of the Virgin Islands Party from 1986, narrowly missing a third term by one vote in 1995.
His contributions included prioritising a review of the territory’s health and education systems, according to HOA members.
The former legislator was also named a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1986 for his contributions to the civil service.
Mr. Walters, who originally hailed from Virgin Gorda, worked as a teacher on multiple islands for 34 years.
Dedicated service
Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley, who said he is related to Mr. Walters, offered his condolences last week in the House. He noted that Mr. Walters had succeeded his grandfather in the legislature as the District Eight representative.
Fellow members also extended their sympathies during a Sept. 20 HOA sitting, sharing stories about his love for educating youths, gardening, and serving the community. Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Shereen Flax-Charles remembered being one of his students in Virgin Gorda.
“He was an example of someone who truly, truly cared — a teacher and principal who looked out for the students who stayed late and who made the extra sacrifice to ensure that students were able to do well,” she said, noting that he also knew the importance of discipline.
‘A gentleman’
Then-acting Premier Kye Rymer said Mr. Walters was “a gentleman who was wellknown, very highly respected, and much loved by thousands of persons whose lives he touched and shaped as a long-serving educator in our schools.”
Mr. Rymer also commended his work as a public officer and a member of the Lions Club of Tortola and the East End Methodist Church.
“His absence will be felt, and he will be missed,” Mr. Rymer said.
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UPP Seeks to Develop Diaspora Partnerships for Investment and Nation Building
Black Immigrant Daily News
The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
A strategy to create jobs and rebuild the economy through investment and economic diversification, was the highest priority issue on the agenda at the United Progressive Party (UPP) Public Forum on Monday night.
Antiguan and Barbudan nationals in New York and surrounding areas, got a chance to engage with the members of the UPP team on the final leg of the Diaspora Roadshow throughout the US.
The theme of the initiative was “Partnership for Investment and Nation Building” as the UPP aims to create important linkages to advance its development goals for Antigua and Barbuda. UPP Political Leader Harold Lovell, was joined on the panel by Deputy Political Leader Jamale Pringle, Candidate for St. Mary’s North, Johnathan Joseph and Candidate for St. Phillip South, Sherfield Bowen.
In a frank discussion with scores of Antiguans and Barbudans, the panelists indicated that a number of investment opportunities would be crafted specifically for the Diaspora. Opposition Leader, Hon. Jamale Pringle, reiterated the importance of the Diaspora as a stakeholder group in supporting the development of the country.
“Apart from their traditional roles as boosters of our economy, our nationals in the Diaspora contribute significantly to achieving our national aspirations, beyond their financial contributions. We want to support your interests and rights and to strengthen your ties to the land of your birth or ancestry,” Pringle said.
Lovell announced that a UPP administration would establish a Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and that the Consulate Office would be reinstalled to serve the needs of nationals in the North East region.
He also supported the rights of Diasporans to participate in the electoral process and made a commitment to help streamline the voter registration process.
“We will put the structures in place to facilitate the Diaspora in coming back home to vote and we will simplify the process so that they can take advantage of opportunities for investment or homeownership as well,” said Lovell. “When we are masters of our own destiny we strive to become ambassadors of our country, because we recognize that we are no longer doing it for other people but for ourselves.”
The panel responded to questions from the audience on a range of topics including the status of agricultural lands, the public accounts committee, the state of healthcare and education systems, child protection and social programmes. There was concern about infrastructural development in areas such as water, roads and affordable housing.
The Political Leader also highlighted some of the UPP’s major accomplishments while in office. He took the opportunity to refute false claims made by the ABLP two weeks ago at a New York town hall meeting, that the UPP had not secured any hotel investments during its tenure.
“In politics a certain amount of exaggeration might be expected, but it is mind blowing that the Gaston Browne administration would tell such outrageous lies when the evidence is there for all to see,” Lovell said. Sandals Mediterranean Village, Hermitage Bay, Verandah, Sugar Ridge, Nonsuch Bay and 41 locally owned small properties were cited as properties constructed under the UPP administration.
The Political leader pointed out that while the UPP was proud of its record in tourism, there would be a shift to diversifying the economy by creating linkages between other sectors such as agriculture, culture, technology and education. He encouraged nationals from all disciplines, particularly those with expertise in the aforementioned areas to assist in nation building, by transferring the knowledge and skills that they have acquired.
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Tropical wave approaching the Windward Islands now has a medium chance of development
Black Immigrant Daily News
The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
A tropical wave approaching the Windward Islands now has a medium chance of development, and a tropical depression could form over the central or western Caribbean Sea late this week or this weekend.
East of the Windward Islands:
Updated: Visible satellite images and recent satellite-derived wind data suggest that a broad low-level circulation could be forming in association with the tropical wave located a few hundred miles east of the southern Windward Islands.
Although the wave is currently being affected by strong upper-level winds, conditions could become more conducive for a tropical depression to form while moving westward at about 15 mph, crossing the Windward Islands tonight and early Wednesday.
Conditions appear to become more conducive for development later this week when the system reaches the central and western Caribbean Sea.
Regardless of development, locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds are expected over portions of the Windward Islands tonight and Wednesday.
Interests in the Windward Islands, the ABC Islands, and the northern coast of Venezuela should monitor the progress of this system. An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is currently enroute to investigate this system.
* Formation chance through 48 hours…medium…40 percent.
* Formation chance through 5 days…medium…60 percent.
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ECCB Celebrates 39 Years of Service to ECCU
Black Immigrant Daily News
The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
ECCB Celebrates 39 Years of Service to ECCU
4 October 2022, Basseterre, Saint Christopher (St Kitts) and Nevis –
The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is celebrating 39 years of maintaining the stability of the EC Currency and unwavering service to the governments and people of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).
The ECCB was established on 1 October 1983 as the monetary authority for: Anguilla,Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Christopher (St Kitts) and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Bank’s primary objective is to maintain the stability of the EC currency and the integrity of the ECCU banking system.
As part of its mandate the ECCB also provides policy advice to its eight member governments and assists with promoting the economic development of its eight member countries.
To mark its 39th Anniversary, the management, staff, retirees and well-wishers of the ECCB joined the congregation at the Pentecostal Church of God, St Kitts, on 2 October for divine worship.
During his address at the service, the Governor of the ECCB, Timothy N. J. Antoine paid tribute to the founders, framers and all others who had contributed to the stability that the ECCB brings to the region.
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Soldiers charged for St James foreign-exchange robbery
Black Immigrant Daily News
The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Stock photo source: Pixabay
Two soldiers are expected to appear before a Port of Spain magistrate to answer charges of robbery for stealing money from a woman who wanted to convert her cash to US currency.
Investigators said the soldiers, a corporal and a private, met with a woman at Long Circular Mall last Thursday afternoon after they agreed to sell her US currency.
She arrived at the mall and gave them $21,000.
The soldiers took the money but did not give her the US currency in exchange.
A report was made and police from the Western Division led by Insp Grant began an investigation which led to the arrests of the soldiers that afternoon.
They were questioned and charged by Cpl Arthur with one count each of robbery with aggravation.
Contacted for comment, one officer reminded the public to be extremely careful when meeting strangers for business transactions and suggested buyers and sellers meet with strangers in a police station for any exchange of goods or cash.
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Cops still working to identify Mayaro bandits
Black Immigrant Daily News
The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
CRIME SCENE: Policemen and crime scene investigators enter the Krista Park gate community in Mayaro on Monday after other police officers shot dead four bandits who were caught at a house in the compound. Photo by Marvin Hamilton
Up to midday on Tuesday, police from the Eastern Division CID were still trying to identify four men who were shot and killed during a confrontation with police in Mayaro on Monday morning.
Reports were that the bandits tried to rob a businessman at his home.
During the robbery, police were called in and killed the bandits after a shootout.
Investigators said while they could not confirm the identities of the four men, they suspected the bandits may be from Morvant. One officer said they were liaising with officers in the North Eastern Division to confirm this.
He added that it was not uncommon for criminals from outside the Eastern Division to visit the area, commit crimes and return to their own communities to avoid arrest.
He said over the years criminals from Siparia, Princes Town and Moruga have visited the area to commit robberies and warned other criminals that they would be dealt with if found in the division.
“We have a zero-tolerance approach to any criminals we find.
“While we will continue to operate within the confines of the law, we want to remind criminals, no matter where they are from, that they can be apprehended, and if they act violently, they will respond appropriately within our police use-of-force policy.
“So we are prepared to meet force with force.”
One North Eastern Division officer said he had heard speculation the bandits were from Morvant, but was unable to confirm if this was true until fingerprint tracing was completed.
He said another option would be for relatives of the men to come forward and identify the bodies.
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Morvant man’s body found hours after shooting
Black Immigrant Daily News
The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
File photo
A man identified only as Randy was shot dead at his Morvant home early on Tuesday morning.
Police said residents of Granado Street, Morvant, heard gunshots at around 5.30 am but did not report it.
At around 8 am one of the man’s friends visited him for a haircut but found his body in the bathroom of the house.
Morvant police and homicide detectives were called in with a district medical officer, who declared the man dead.
Police said he had several gunshot wounds.
The Homicide Bureau of Investigations Region II is continuing enquiries.
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Gopee-Scoon: Trinidad and Tobago ‘making significant strides’ to digitise economy
Black Immigrant Daily News
The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Goope-Scoon
TRADE Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon has said this country not only has “a strong thrust” to advance renewable energy, but is also “making significant strides to diversify and digitise our economy.”
She was speaking at the virtual launch of the 2022 Caribbean Investment Forum on Tuesday morning.
The event will be held from November 8-11 at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain under the theme Building a Smarter, Greener Caribbean.
It is a collaboration between the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Caribbean Export Development Agency, the EU, Caricom and the Caribbean Development Bank.
A press release said the event is “designed to give investors from all corners of the globe the opportunity to explore the range of bankable investment projects available across the Caribbean
“(It) serves as an investment attraction platform, providing opportunities for delegates to make contacts, forge partnerships, deepen relationships and co-operate on various projects.
Gopee-Scoon said while the region faces a “unique set of challenges,” there are “numerous opportunities to create new avenues for growth.”
The region’s location, accessibility, openness, stability, as well as linguistic and cultural diversity, she said, have drawn people from across the globe.
In addition, she said, the inclusion of competitive rates and incentives, along with a well-educated population “are important for those seeking a sound return on any investment.
“The Caribbean Investment Forum is our window to the world and we look forward to welcoming investors and business executives who wish to strengthen and diversify their products in the areas.
Despite the “turbulent past and, to some extent, the present,” she said the world is recovering, adding that the global FDI (foreign direct investment) flow continues an upward trajectory.
“There are signs of change: companies and governments across the Caribbean improving and digitalising their services and their processes – firms of all sizes have been moving their businesses to the region.”
As for TT, she said, a digital society is the government’s “foremost priority.”
Executive director of the Caribbean Export Development Agency Deodat Maharaj said the forum is an “exciting initiative” and set to be the largest gathering of businesses since March 2019, “And to the best of my recollection, the largest gathering of businesses in the Caribbean for a very long time.”
He said the forum’s partners “provide eloquent testimony of steering innovations in our way to create jobs and opportunities.
“We at Caribbean Export clearly realise that given the challenges we face as a region, ranging from high debt burdens to declining vulnerability, that business and investment have an absolutely critical role to play in driving the transformation of our region.”
He said the last two years showed economies the importance of building resilience.
“Covid placed enormous stress on our economies.
“Businesses and investments have a vital role to play in creating much-needed jobs and opportunities.”
He too spoke of “entering the digital world” through e-commerce, technology and digitalisation.
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Govt in process of mapping out available oil blocks before auction – Min Bharrat
Black Immigrant Daily News
The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana
– Block C, relinquished acres in Canje & Demerara among available blocks
Ahead of the soon-to-be-launched auction of Guyana’s remaining oil blocks, the Government is in the process of mapping out the blocks that will be up for bidding so that there can be a greater understanding of what is available.
This is according to Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, when questioned on Monday by Inews. Bharrat pointed out that ExxonMobil is the operator in the Canje Block and, therefore, relinquished some acreage there based on their agreement. Other parts of offshore Guyana are also being mapped.
“We are in the process of mapping out the available blocks. We know that Block C for sure is available. There is relinquished acreage in the Canje Block. And there are a few other blocks, for example, the Demerara and Berbice Blocks that are available,” he said.
Minster of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat
“So, more data will be released very shortly, based on the statement we will start that process very soon. So, we expect as soon as Cabinet finalises those new fiscal terms, we will release all the information.”
According to Minister Bharrat, significant progress has been made towards launching the auction, and soon, Cabinet will finalise the new fiscal terms that will be implemented for those new blocks or acreages that will be up for bidding.
“It will be an open process that will last several months. We will decide definitively on a timeframe, whether we give three months or four months, or even six months. Those are some of the practices around the world,” the Minister said.
“Countries give four months or six months to companies to prepare their bid documents and to ensure that they present a proper proposal to the Government of Guyana, having reviewed all the terms and conditions of the bidding process and also having had an opportunity to look at the data and in their own way, assess the blocks available.”
Since the discovery of oil in 2015, the Guyana offshore basin has seen unprecedented development, with Guyana setting a new paradigm for expeditious development of oil and gas resources. According to S&P Global, “the four- and-a-half-year time frame from discovery to the first production places Guyana first among global deep-water jurisdictions in terms of the average time to bring major discoveries on stream”.
With the upcoming bidding round, the Natural Resources Ministry outlined last week that the Government expects to chart a new path as the country’s offshore areas emerge as a potential super basin with over 11 billion boe (barrels of oil equivalent) discovered to date, and with substantial exploration activities ongoing, this figure is expected to increase significantly.
The auction is expected to attract global interest, although experts have warned that it is important to balance the PSA’s (Production Sharing Agreement) fiscal terms. During a recent visit to Guyana, Norwegian consultancy Rystad Energy Vice President Shreiner Parker noted that while Guyana will get interests from around the globe when it goes out to auction its oil blocks, getting the financial terms of the blocks right would be very important. He had given the example of Brazil.
“In recent years, they’ve had unsuccessful bid rounds. Even though Brazil is an extremely important source of offshore production globally, they were unable to attract the interest that it wanted, because the fiscal regimes were too onerous. And they were asking for too much.”
“So, the balance that Guyana will have to strike on these new blocks is understanding that we’re no longer going to have the Stabroek fiscal regime. We are a petroleum province. Yet at the same time, we cannot expect that it’s a guaranteed success and that every hole poked into the ground will produce oil. So, getting that fiscal regime correct is going to be paramount to attracting interest globally,” Parker had said.
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