Cops reviewing video footage of crash on Constant Spring Road Loop Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News
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Bus crash on Constant Spring Road

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Police are now reviewing video footage showing what may have caused the eight-vehicle collision along Constant Spring Road in St Andrew on Tuesday.

In a one-minute video circulation on social media, a coaster bus slammed into the back of a van and the impact from that collision caused several other vehicles to crash.

Reports are that several persons have been rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

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An Ananda Alert has been activated and a search is on for 16-year-old Lishawn Dixon, a student of Corn Piece, Clarks Town in Trelawny, who has been missing since Friday, October 28.

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A British national has been charged with rape after he allegedly made his way into a woman’s hotel room in Hanover and had sexual intercourse with her against her will on Tuesday, October 25.

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Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has announced several maintenance-related power outages for Monday, October 31 and Tuesday, November 1, in sections of at least 10 parishes.

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Government seeks US$200m in port public-private partnership

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

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Port Authority chairman Lyle Alexander

THE government could attract some US$200 million in private-sector investment to improve cargo handling at the Port of Port of Spain, said speakers at the launch of the Port of Port-of-Spain public-private partnership (PPP) structuring process on Monday via Zoom.

Port Authority chairman Lyle Alexander said a readiness assessment had suggested “a high potential of delivery in what we estimate to be a possible $200 million in investment in this project.”

He expected the project would increase the port’s efficiency and productivity. Alexander said the authority looked forward to a transparent tender process to select an investor.

IDB Caribbean regional manager Tariq Ali said, “This project is a game changer for TT’s economy and society.

“We present a public-private partnership with the potential to mobilise US$200 million in direct investment from the private sector.”

He said the IDB often assisted in attracting investments to projects which were “efficient, sustainable and bankable,” and in strengthening regional PPP regulatory frameworks.

Minister of Public Administration Allyson West said a recent global survey on the ease of doing business had ranked TT at a lowly position of 134 out of 190 countries for trading across borders. She said a Cabinet committee had concluded that enhanced port operations would require private capital.

West said the goals for the port were for it not to be a drain on the economy, not to hinder trading, but to facilitate the efficient movement of goods into and out of TT.

Planning Minister Pennelope Beckles said PPPs brought to the public sector more participation by the private sector which brought its knowledge, financial capacity and efficiency.

She said the region needed US$21 billion invested in its infrastructure for 2014-2025, according to the World Bank and Caribbean Development Bank.

“The American Association of Port Authorities stated that cargo activities at US ports accounted for 26 per cent of the US economy, generating nearly US$5.4 trillion in total economic activity and US$378 billion in federal, state and local taxes – a figure which is expected to increase significantly through to 2030.”

With its closeness to the US and facilities such as the Panama Canal, the Caribbean was expected to play an increasing role in global logistics, Beckles said.

The IDB’s Gastón Astesiano said each $1 invested in infrastructure brought a $2 return in extra GDP, even as the Latin America/Caribbean (LAC) region needed US$250 billion per annum to close the infrastructure gap. The IDB’s Ancor Suárez Alemán said most big ports in the region were run as PPPs. These have experienced remarkable increases in efficiency in their cargo management as PPP, averaging 20 per cent, he said.

Suárez Alemán noted that in the LAC region it takes thrice as long to process a container as in Singapore.

IDB country manager Carina Cockburn said the project aimed to increase the port’s efficiency and generate new revenue streams, and was an important project for TT’s future. She expected tendering for the PPP in early 2023, and said the IDB was committed to supporting the government to make the project a reality.

Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan listed the port’s challenges as low productivity, obsolete infrastructure, and the need for public subsidies to pay operational costs.

“Since 2014 the port throughput has been steadily decreasing. Turnaround time and containerised movement rates have declined, while port equipment such as cranes are not transferring as many containers as targeted.

“In this regard the ministry looks forward to this RFP (request for proposals) attracting significant interest, resulting in a concession agreement that will benefit TT, the private partner, and the port.”

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Ex-travel agent to repay employer for unpaid plane tickets

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

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Justice Frank Seepersad

A former travel agent has been ordered to repay his former employer Lazzari and Sampson Travel Service for airline tickets he issued to friends and family on credit and telephone bills he racked up between 2016-2019.

Garth Marshall admitted to owing $158,216.97 to the agency and this is the sum he is to repay, including interest that may accrue until he pays it as well as costs prescribed on the sum of $58,216.97.

The order was made on Monday by Justice Frank Seepersad after a brief trial at the Waterfront Judicial Complex, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain.

Lazzari and Sampson sued Marshall for a total of $552, 219.15 which it claimed was a sum he owed for issuing tickets to clients without permission.

The agency claimed in 2019, Marshall signed a promissory note admitting he owed the larger sum.

However, the judge ruled the promissory note could not stand since it did not give details of what Marshall allegedly owed.

In his defence, Marshall admitted to owing the agency but not the sum alleged and while he signed the note and accepted he owed his former employers for tickets on credit, without approval, he was not personally responsible for all the clients on his account who failed to pay.

Marshall maintained he was an agent of Lazzari and Sampson and was indemnified from the liability of some of the bad-paying clients.

In his ruling, Seepersad pointed out that, at the time, there was no policy at the agency for agents who issued tickets on credit without authorisation to be held personally responsible.

The judge also said when Marshall signed the promissory note, there existed a cross-roads scenario because clearly, he wanted to continue working for the agency “so that put him in a prejudicial situation that led to him signing…”

He said no steps were taken against Marshall when it was discovered he was issuing tickets to clients who had no credit standing with the travel agency other than telling him “stop doing it.”

This, he said, escalated in a large account receivable on the agency’s books.

Seepersad advised employers to ensure there are proper systems and procedures in place and enforce them to avoid employees engaging in a frolic of their own and taking unapproved risks.

“The company allowed the situation to continue for numerous years.”

Marshall was represented by attorney Kyle Cox while the agency was represented by attorneys Kendell Alexander and Stephen Singh.

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Tobago shelter dog returned twice for being too friendly, playful

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

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A three-year-old dog at TTSPCA’s Tobago shelter needs a home. Photo courtesy TTSPCA

A three-year-old male dog at the Trinidad and Tobago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (TTSPCA) shelter in Bacolet, Tobago, is seeking a loving home for a third time.

In a Facebook post, the shelter said each time the “loving, sweet, happy dog” returned, employees were sad, but the good boy was always glad to see them again.

When Newsday contacted the shelter, workers said the dog was first relinquished to the shelter by someone who could no longer care for him.

Six months later, his previous owners decided they wanted him home again, only to return him to the shelter the next day.

A three-year-old dog at TTSPCA’s Tobago shelter needs a home. Photo courtesy TTSPCA

“(He was returned) for being too playful (as he) may cause potential injury due to falling to his elderly adoptive family,” the post explained.

Then he was adopted again by someone else, but was returned after a week because he was not aggressive towards strangers when commanded to do so. The adopter wanted a “mean, aggressive guard dog,” workers explained.

In the Facebook post, the shelter said, “A dog like this deserves so much more and should be given a fair chance.

“He is one of the sweetest dogs at the shelter. We are desperately looking for a loving home for him as he is deserving of it.”

Those interested can call the shelter at 309-0219.

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DSS founder appeals continued police detention of $600k

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

CHARGED: DSS founder and administrator Kerron Clarke.

TWO Appeal Court judges have reserved their ruling on an appeal filed by Drug Sou Sou (DSS) founder Kerron Clarke over a magistrate’s decision to extend the detention of $656,200 seized from him in a raid on his organisation in 2020.

At the end of submissions from Clarke’s attorney Rosario Sookdeo and assistant DPP Sabrina Dougdeen-Jaglal on Tuesday, Justices of Appeal Mark Mohammed and Maria Wilson reserved their decision.

Mohammed said the appeal raised a novel area of law which required scrutiny because of its importance.

In submissions, Sookdeo argued that in ordering the further detention of the cash, the magistrate failed to consider all the relevant legal considerations under the Proceeds of Crime Act, in particular, if there were reasonable grounds to suspect the cash was linked to the commission of a specified offence or intended to be used in one.

He said it appeared the magistrate only focused on whether the police investigation was ongoing.

Sookdeo said under the act, the magistrate had to consider both limbs, but did not, and there was no evidence from the police that suggested there were “reasonable grounds” for the continued detention. He also argued the magistrate failed to give reasons in her first detention order, depriving his client of the benefit to challenge it.

However, in opposing the appeal, Dougdeen-Jaglal said although the act did provide for both limbs to be satisfied, while the magistrate appeared to have not engaged the “reasonable ground” aspect, there was evidence before her, since the financial investigator who testified in support of the application spoke to where the police investigation was at the time.

She said that was the evidential basis to satisfy the first limb, adding that it was the same magistrate who granted the initial detention order, so any further application strengthened the initial ground of suspicion by the police.

“The financial investigator’s evidence went towards why they needed more time,” she said.

Dougdeen-Jaglal also addressed an argument on the failure of the State to disclose information to Clarke in the application. She said there were no rules, statutes or procedures locally that governed disclosures on such applications.

Even so, she said, disclosure would have been premature at this stage since the genesis of the application would be centred on how the cash was allegedly obtained and for what purpose. She said the proper time to request disclosure would be at the stage of forfeiture, if it came to that.

In 2020, officers of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) and other divisions raided DSS’s headquarters at Kathleen Warner Drive in La Horquetta.

The money was lodged at the La Horquetta Police Station, but was later returned.

Two senior police officers from Barbados were recruited to probe the incident.

The cash which is the subject of the pending forfeiture application was seized during subsequent raids on the headquarters.

Clarke was charged with two offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act and was granted $300,000 bail.

One of the charges is that between May 2019 and February 2021, Clarke received a television as collateral for a loan which the recipient was unable to repay. He is also accused of receiving $1,850 in interest on a loan while running a moneylender’s business without a licence.

Some of the money seized from him in the subsequent raids has since been returned after the police were denied applications to extend its detention.

A larger sum of cash seized, some $6.4 million, is the subject of a similar application before another magistrate.

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Over 350 Local Content Certificates issued by Secretariat to date

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana
Martin Pertab

Since coming into operation in January 2022, Guyana’s local content regulator – the Local Content Secretariat – has issued some 354 Local Content Certificates to Guyanese suppliers of the nation’s oil and gas sector.

A Guyanese national or Guyanese company issued a certificate by the Secretariat receives preferential treatment in the award of contracts by the oil companies and their sub-contractors. This document confirms that the Secretariat is satisfied that the holder of the certificate is a Guyanese national or Guyanese company.

Oil companies and their sub-contractors are more incentivized to utilize vendors that are approved by the Secretariat. When registering with the Secretariat, suppliers are asked to submit certain crucial documents, depending on the type of proprietorship.

Once those necessary documents have been lodged, applications go through a rigorous screening process by the Secretariat’s Registration Unit.

This firm system is designed to filter out companies that wish to circumvent the spirit of the law. Registration is free of cost.

Internal assessments show that Guyanese companies supply goods and services across 37 of the 40 areas ringfenced for nationals in the First Schedule of the historic and innovative Local Content Act.

In keeping with the provisions of the legislation, all certified Guyanese companies are published via the Local Content Register – a website that the general public caneasily access.

Director of the Secretariat, Mr Martin Pertab, commented that the unit continues towork alongside and engage with contractors, sub-contractors, licensees and Guyanese suppliers to ensure that the goals of the Act are met.

Local content, he underscored, gives Guyanese businesses a fair opportunity to directly tap into and benefit from Guyana’s multi-billion-dollar petroleum sector. Although not yet complete, the director noted that preliminary assessments show that local content earnings from this year alone are well above GY$129 billion.

This massive figure represents 23% of Guyana’s GY$552.9 billion budget for 2022 – the largest recorded budget in the nation’s history.

The Local Content Secretariat – and by extension the Ministry of Natural Resources – will continue to engage with all stakeholders in ensuring that the objectives of the Local Content Act are attained as we seek to create a prosperous Guyana for all.

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‘Hang Them!’ CFPWA Supports Death Penalty For Killing Cops – 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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The Caribbean Federation of Police Welfare Associations (CFPWA) has reiterated its concern over attacks on police officers across the region and has supported the death penalty for killing a cop.

“We stand firmly behind the calls for the death penalty to be applied to anyone found guilty of killing a police officer,” the CFPWA declared in a statement on Tuesday.

“We urge the countries with the death penalty on the books to use it; hang them,” the statement declared.

“They need to be put to the gallows in front of their families and friends. Criminals must understand that their actions have consequences,” the Caribbean police group asserted.

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In a press release early last month, the CFPWA raised its concern about the attacks on police officers while performing their lawful duties.

And in a subsequent November 1, 2022 statement, the organisation said it had learnt that two more officers were killed.

“A police officer’s car was firebombed, and most recently, another police officer shot,” the CFPWA disclosed.

According to the CFPWA, it appeared that the attacks on and the killing of police officers have been normalised instead of being viewed as an attack on the state.

“We note with great disappointment that very few voices have come out to condemn these acts against our members, yet many will come out promptly in defence of criminals,” the police welfare group declared.

” A police officer has a family too. We want to ask, where is the public outrage or outcry when a police officer is attacked or killed?”

“The CFPWA wants to condemn these attacks and killings of our police officers across the region and calls for harsher penalties to be applied to those who attack police officers,” the CFPWA stated.

“It must be made unequivocally clear to criminals that when you take the life of an agent of the state, you have given up your right to life when you are found guilty in a court of law,” the CFPWA observed.

And the organisation called on legislators around the region to make the necessary amendments to reflect harsher penalties for people who attack state agents responsible for preserving and maintaining law and order.

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British personality Miquita Oliver rocks first Sheena Rose dress in UK Loop Barbados

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Barbados News

Sheena Rose is now two for two as her first two self-made, self-designed dresses make a splash in the fashion world.

created these two dresses, teaching myself how to make clothes. I am ready to dive into the fashion world

Her first design and piece, was worn in the United Kingdom by British personality Miquita Oliver. This happened fairly quietly considering the huge achievement in the grand scheme of things. Oliver wore the Sheena Rose design in the United Kingdom to the British Fashion Awards hosted by the British Fashion Council.

Oliver said that how she came to own the design was very much a thing of fate almost and therefore, she promised Rose that whenever she donned the dress it would be for a huge night which would garner her much attention.

And she definitely delivered on her promise.

It was no comfort to a fool.

Watch me now!

Olive captioned a photo of herself in the pink ensemble at the BFAs saying:

“This dress was something SPECIAL.I discovered it in Barbados whilst filming with my mother for our new tv show that is COMING SOON!! for the BBC.The artist was called @sheenaroseinc and she had never made a dress before.I promised her I’d wear it to something Big and special and I DID. It was a complete honour to support a young caribbean woman and on the day BARBADOS GAINED INDEPENDENCE!!! and take her creation to #britishfashionawardsWe got @make_nu to do what they do and make it all nice and tight in the right places.And I worked with my babylove @charlotte__roberts on the night who managed to find emerald diamond earrings from our new friend Daryl at GRAYS ANTIQUES. YES DARYL.And I got to spend the night with my best friend lily. And Grimmy and meeesh ?”

Then this month, Sheena wrote her name once more on Barbados’ history pages capturing the an award for Culture at the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) 83rd Annual Conference. On October 20, she shared the big news – “The Prime Minister @mamottley and the National Council @culturebarbados nominated me for an award for Culture!!!!! Of course I accept it and I am so so sooo HONORED!!!!!!!”

Sheena walked the red carpet at the Annual Conference last weekend while wearing her own design.

On Instagram, she posted a collage photo of herself and Miquita. She captioned it: “On the right @miquitaoliver at the British Fashion Council, The Fashion Award Show and I on the right holding my award for Culture at the BLP 83rd Annual Conference!!! I am proud that I created these two dresses, teaching myself how to make clothes. I am ready to dive into the fashion world and design world. Watch me now!”

At the Annual Conference, Rose was enveloped in a big hug by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and congratulated by guest, St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

Sheena Rose’s company, Sheena Rose Inc turned three last month, September 2022.

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President warns JPs not to exploit their role Loop Barbados

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Barbados News

Thirty-two newly sworn-in Justices of Peace (JPs) were sternly warned not to exploit their new role by President Dame Sandra Mason on Monday.

During the swearing in ceremony at State House, President Dame Mason stated that the JPs have made a commitment to serve the people of Barbados. She stressed that a price tag should not be affixed to their services.

“In my almost 50 years in the judiciary, I came across persons who misunderstood their role, which will offer a free service to your fellow man who will need your services.

“I, therefore, want to emphasise that over time that you exercise your function as Justices of the Peace that you will do so for free, because that is what you have committed to do.

I’m not sure if this was told you or whether you have seen other people before you make that very silly mistake of asking people to pay them a fee for their signature. It is not what you are supposed to do,” said the President.

Public relations officer of the Barbados Police Service, Inspector Rodney Inniss was among the 32 sworn in as Justices of Peace at State House on Monday, October 31.

President Dame Mason reminded that JPs present that they were appointed because they were deemed “worthy” of the role, therefore, they should not disappoint in the execution.

“You are agreeing to offer this service for free to fellow Barbadians because all documents need to be authenticated and persons who are recommended you to be Justices of Peace evidently believe you were worthy of that address,” she continued.

Among those sworn-in were Pedro Eastmond, clerk of Parliament; public relations officer of the Barbados Police Service, Inspector Rodney Inniss; chairman of the Barbados Water Authority, Stevon Roberts; Barbadian Olympian, Freida Nicholls and Reverend Dr Adrian Smith.

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IICA Hosts Accountability Seminar and Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Operation in the Federation

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 27, 2022 (MOA Media & Communication Unit) — The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Delegation held its Accountability Seminar 2022 at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on Thursday, 27th October.  

During the seminar, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives St. Kitts, Miguel Flemming delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture et al, the Honourable Samal Duggins and used the opportunity to share his hopes of strengthening the partnership between IICA and the Ministry. 

He said, “The government of St. Kitts-Nevis is on the verge of transforming Agriculture, as this is clear with the recently completed growth strategy from 2022-2031. It is safe to say that we can’t achieve this transformation alone, and we look forward to working with IICA and other allied institutions, farmers, fishers and cooperatives, and public and private partners to get us there.” 

Mr. Flemming made further remarks to highlight the impact of IICA’S presence in the federation and spoke of the newfound realization of the agricultural sector’s importance during times of crisis. 

“It is no secret that our food import bill is high, and with the recent COVID-19 challenges, everyone looked to Agriculture to be our savior. An assessment was done to see how long we would be able to survive with our current livestock, crop produce and fish…The government responded by creating a stimulus package which was somewhat unorganized but we saw an increase in production then, now we are back to normal. IICA stepped in and sponsored rabbits which were donated to households for security due to the proliferated manner of rabbits and the recent rabbit festival was a testimony of that support that we had at the St. Kitts Eco Park. We must no longer wait for things like these to happen but must always think about the worst case scenario. A country in crisis will hold on to its food and when this happens we will suffer. The time is now for us to work together and address the underlying issues of Agriculture…St. Kitts and Nevis is ready to feed itself and ensure food and nutrition security for everybody. We can’t have a country where only the importing class makes money”, the Acting PS stated. 

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture on Nevis, Huey Sergeant also gave brief remarks that focused on IICA’s support to the nation’s food producers.

He said “ we are very grateful to our allied agencies in this case IICA their presence and tangible support are invaluable to our sector in kind contributions as well as efforts of capacity building for farmers, agro processors, other primary producers as well as staff at the departments. We are very grateful once again and we in turn must be responsible and accountable…this accountability exercise is integral in any work program as it offers the opportunity to reflect on our actions whether it be for learning or for success.” 

Mr. Sergeant ended his presentation by insisting that we “let our farmers be our special interest”, noting that “when farmers fail, we all fall but when farmers win, we all rise.”  

IICA Technical Specialist in St Kitts and Nevis, Ms. Sharon Jones, IICA Representative in the Eastern Caribbean States, Mr. Gregg C.E. Rawlins, farmers and other stakeholders were also present at the seminar. 

As part of the agenda, the IICA Delegation used the opportunity to celebrate its 30th anniversary in St. Kitts and Nevis and pledged to continue providing unwavering support to the federation in efforts to transform the agricultural sector. 

The forum wrapped up with stakeholder discussions which immediately followed the presentations. 

Jeanelle Kelly, Quarantine Officer in the Department of Agriculture chaired the ceremony. 

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