Tobago Festivals Commission: All artistes will be paid

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Tobago

Soca artiste Marvin Lewis performs at the Republic Day 2022 cultural show at Roxborough Sporting Complex on September 24. Photo by David Reid

THE Tobago Festivals Commission Ltd (TFCL) has said artistes who performed during the inaugural Tobago carnival from October 28-30 will be paid.

But it urged them to exercise “a bit of patience and understanding.”

The commission’s attempt to reassure performers came days after entertainer Marvin Lewis called on the THA to find money to pay Tobago’s artistes.

In an emotional video posted on his Facebook page on Monday, Lewis, who performed at several events during the festival, also accused the organisers of disrespecting local artistes.

He said he was certain the foreign acts contracted to perform during the festival were paid. But Lewis claimed local artistes were struggling to pay their bills.

THA Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation Tashia Burris, responding to Lewis’s concerns, told Newsday on Monday that artistes who were contracted to perform would be paid “as per the norm.

“If a contract was signed for his performance, as all others, the contracting entity would need to abide by those terms and conditions as set out by the artiste,” she said in a WhatsApp statement..

Burris also said the commission was responsible for executing the carnival.

On Thursday, the commission, in a statement, said it was in the process of ensuring relevant documentation was received from all suppliers and is “committed to honouring all agreements that were made for the Tobago carnival activities.”

The commission quoted its CEO John Arnold as saying, “All our suppliers and partners, certainly not least of all our local entertainers, are important to us, and we will make sure that they are given what they were promised. There is never any intent to disrespect anyone.

“Understandably there is a process to be followed and we just ask that a bit of patience and understanding be given to us as we continue to honour all payments.”

NewsAmericasNow.com

Grenada PM ready to ‘sweeten’ trade ties with Trinidad and Tobago with honey exports

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell gives the feature address during the Trinidad And Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) president’s dinner and awards at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, Port of Spain. Photo by Ayanna Kinsale

GRENADA Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says he is happy that Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada are making significant progress in resuming importing and exporting honey between the two countries.

He was giving the feature address at the TT Manufacturers Association’s (TTMA) 2022 awards ceremony on Tuesday night at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain.

Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee Scoon, left, and president of the Trinidad And Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) Tricia Coosal presents Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell with a painting done by artist Kibwe Loreilhe during the (TTMA) president’s dinner and awards at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, Port of Spain. Photo by Ayanna Kinsale

Speaking before him, Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon said throughout her years in the ministry, one of the main topics she had to deal with at COTED (Council for Trade and Economic Development) was “the issue of honey.

“And I’m sure most of you know that.”

But she said that, for the first time, she will be “proudly going to COTED with good news about allowing the transshipment of honey, and working our way towards the imports of honey as well from the rest of the region.

“That’s good news!”

President of the Trinidad And Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) Tricia Coosal, left, takes a photo with, from left, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Amery Browne, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, and Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at the (TTMA) president’s dinner and awards at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, Port of Spain. Photo by Ayanna Kinsale

The Beekeeping and Bee Products Act prohibits the import and export and bees, bee supplies and bee products in section 9(b).

In 2018, then minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Clarence Rambharat said work was under way on removing these bans for Grenada, Guyana and possibly other Caricom countries.

Dickon teased that when he arrived in Trinidad and Tobago, he asked TTMA president Tricia Coosal for tea with “a little bit of honey” at the airport.

“And there was none available,” he said laughingly.

Port of Spain Mayor Joel Martinez demonstrates to Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell how the steelpan is played at the Trinidad And Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) president’s dinner and awards at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, Port of Spain. Prime Minister Mitchell received a painting done by artist Kibwe Loreilhe from the TTMA as a token. Photo by Ayanna Kinsale

He said on returning to Grenada, he will notify the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Joseph Andall of what Gopee-Scoon said.

“I’m happy that we are making progress, and I think, from a symbolic point of view, it’s one of the issues that I think, once resolved, will help to further sweeten the relationship between TT and Grenada.”

Grenada has won several international awards for its honey.

President of the Trinidad And Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) Tricia Coosal, left, speaks with, from left, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Amery Browne, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine, and Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at the (TTMA) president’s dinner and awards at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, Port of Spain. Photo by Ayanna Kinsale

Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and Chief Secretary Farley Augustine speak during the Trinidad And Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) president’s dinner and awards at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, Port of Spain. Photo by Ayanna Kinsale

NewsAmericasNow.com

New Chamber of Commerce being set up to boost trade between Guyana, Europe

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana
European Ambassador to Guyana, Rene van Nes

European Ambassador to Guyana, Rene van Nes has revealed that works are progressing on the establishment of an EU-Guyana Chamber of Commerce as he expressed hopes to see increased private sector cooperation between Guyana and European countries.

“Guyana is a country of endless opportunities now and therefore I really want to bring more EU private sector to the country,” he said during a reception hosted by the EU on Wednesday evening.

In this regard, he announced that the EU-Guyana Chamber of Commerce should be established soon.

“We are really making good progress on establishing an EU-Guyana Chamber of Commerce…I have that ambition to do that. It should not be too long. I want to have a Chamber that provides quality support both to European countries that want to come here and Guyanese companies that have an interest in working with the EU,” he noted.

“Due to our shared values and our common interests and objectives for smarter and a greener and more inclusive economy, I think the EU is the natural partner for Guyana.”

“Guyana is one of the most exciting places to be and to do business in and I will pass that message loud and clear to…to everyone in Europe who still has not get that message,” the diplomat noted.

Guyana already has Chambers of Commerce with the USA and Canada. Talks are also ongoing regarding the establishment of a Guyana-UK Chamber of Commerce.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Pierre Says Fundamental, Necessary Changes In RSLPF Beyond His Control – St. Lucia Times News

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

– Advertisement –

Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre disclosed on Thursday that it was beyond his ability to effect some changes in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF).

“Fundamental changes in the police force that are necessary are beyond my control,” Pierre explained.

The National Security Minister spoke during an appearance on the HTS programme ‘What Makes You Mad’.

Pierre told programme Host Stanley Lucien that the only change he could make in the police force is at the level of Commissioner.

– Advertisement –

“Did you know, the last Commissioner complained to me that there were promotions in the police service at the highest ranks and he was not involved? So they were choosing his deputies and he said he didn’t know? That’s what happens. I mean, I know it shocks you. He – he is Commissioner of Police, and he can call and say I’m lying, he is saying that they chose his high command and he said that he wasn’t aware,” the Prime Minister disclosed.

“The Public Service Commission Chairman didn’t find it fit,” Pierre declared.

He indicated that it would seem normal procedure for the Minister of National Security to know what is happening.

“It doesn’t. The Public Service Commission has no right to tell me that,” Pierre observed.

“There are some organisations in the country that are more powerful than the Prime Minister. There is something called the Public Service Commission. The Chairman of the public service commission, you understand, he can easily say ‘I am not talking to the Prime Minister’ so you know, we have to be frank,” the Prime Minister declared.

Nevertheless, the Pierre explained that within his control is providing the police with resources, boosting their morale and speaking to them about unacceptable practices.

“But I have no disciplinary powers,” the PM told his audience.

However, he asserted that there has been a shift in the RSLPF, albeit a slow process.

“We only publicise the issue – we only publicise what’s not right, but the police – their rate of solving of murders is improving” Pierre said.

In addition, he pointed out that the forensic laboratory can now do many tests that used to be done overseas.

In this regard, Pierre asserted that there are incremental changes.

“It takes time, but the sad thing is that these things are not broadcast,” he said.

– Advertisement –

NewsAmericasNow.com

Chris Brown Finally Clear Up “Under The Influence” Lyric Confusions

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Chris Brown stepped forward to clear up fans confusion over his lyric for one of his biggest songs, “Under The Influence.”

Chris Brown’s song “Under The Influence” has nothing to do with the cough medicine Robitussin, as some fans seem to think. Lyrics from the song went viral this week after some fans became aware of what the actual lyrics said.

The song “Under the Influence” was released three years ago but recently started trending after fans scrutinized the lyrics leading to it being No. 1 on the iTunes charts in early October. Earlier this month, “Under The Influence” became Breezy’s milestone 50th Top 10 entry on US Rhythmic Radio, and on Tuesday, the song stood at No. 8 on the Spotify Global chart with 3.1M streams yesterday.

Well, the song continues to trend and has formed many threads of discussion online as fans debate whether the lyrics are really “Fu**in’ Robitussin” or “Fu**ing, rubbing, touching.”

On Twitter, there is a lengthy discussion Q&A where Ricch asked, “So Chris Brown ain’t say Fu**ing robitussin? He said fu**ing, rubbing, touching?”

Chris Brown also cleared up the confusion as he let fans know he’s been watching the discussion.

“They been messing up lyrics lately on these music platforms … YALL BEEN HAVING A FIELD DAY WITH UNDER THE INFLUENCE,” he wrote in an Instagram Story.

He added, “It’s fu**king Robitussin,” and “Your body light weight speaks to me.”

Fans were shocked at the singer’s clarification. In the meantime, the R&B singer released the official video “Under the Influence” three weeks ago, and the song already has 27 million views. The audio-only version had more than 104 million views.

In the meantime, the artist has also announced his next tour, named “Under the Influence,” beginning next February. Brown is also being celebrated online for his latest Grammy nominations, announced on Tuesday. The artist was nominated for Best R&B Album for his project Breezy.

Chris Brown previously won a Grammy for Best R&B album at the 54th Grammy awards in 2012.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Déserts médicaux: internes et étudiants en médecine de retour dans la rue

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Martinique FranceAntilles

“Blouse blanche, colère noire”: internes et étudiants en médecine ont manifesté jeudi contre la quatrième année d’internat pour les futurs généralistes, une réforme qui va aggraver le manque d’attractivité de la profession sans…

“Blouse blanche, colère noire”: internes et étudiants en médecine ont manifesté jeudi contre la quatrième année d’internat pour les futurs généralistes, une réforme qui va aggraver le manque d’attractivité de la profession sans réduire les déserts médicaux, selon ses opposants.

Plusieurs centaines de personnes se sont rassemblées dans l’après-midi à Paris devant le Panthéon, avant de prendre la direction du ministère de la Santé, a constaté un journaliste de l’AFP.

Les manifestants ont défilé dans une forêt de pancartes sur lesquelles on pouvait lire “Adieu mes rêves” ou encore “Etudiants mal formés, patients mal soignés”.

“Futurs médecins, pas des larbins”, entendait-on dans les rangs de la manifestation organisée à Nantes, qui a rassemblé 300 personnes selon la police. Un autre cortège a eu lieu à Lyon, rassemblant 700 manifestants selon la préfecture, derrière une longue banderole “Blouse blanche, colère noire”.

Réunis à l’appel d’une vaste intersyndicale, les manifestants protestaient contre l’ajout d’une quatrième année d’internat en médecine générale, qui doit être effectuée “en priorité dans des zones où la démographie médicale est sous-dense”, selon le projet de loi de financement de la Sécurité sociale (PLFSS).

Avec cette 4e année d’internat, et donc “cette 10e année d’études médicales, près d’un étudiant sur deux remet le choix de la médecine générale en question”, estime Yaël Thomas, président de l’Anemf (étudiants en médecine), citant les chiffres d’une récente enquête.

“La réforme introduit le doublement des stages ambulatoires sans doublement des maîtres de stage”, qui sont aujourd’hui 12.000, déplore pour sa part Raphaël Presneau, président de l’Isnar-IMG (internes en médecine générale). Autrement dit, “des internes vont se retrouver seuls dans leurs locaux, supervisés par des médecins qui pourront se trouver à 20 km d’eux”.

“Ce sera une année de plus payée au statut étudiant, qui plus est non-encadrée. C’est dangereux pour les médecins et pour les patients”, fulmine dans le cortège parisien Camille Fuilla, 23 ans, stéthoscope autour du cou, en 5e année d’études à Bordeaux.

“Marre de colmater les brèches”

A Nantes, Carolane Seiller, future généraliste de 27 ans, brandit une pancarte “Un médecin mort ne soigne pas !” pour dénoncer les risques psychosociaux pesant sur sa corporation. “On commence tous à en avoir un petit peu marre de colmater les brèches du système alors qu’on n’a jamais été responsables de ces brèches-là”, relève-t-elle.

Les concernés prennent déjà leur part de l’effort, assure Valentine Silva, 24 ans, interne en troisième semestre de médecine générale: “Dans ma promo, on est 140 médecins généralistes en formation: les deux tiers, même plus, ont pour projet de s’installer dans la campagne ou dans des déserts médicaux. Dans nos stages on va partout, on est sensibilisés à ça”.

Pour préparer la relève avec les futurs médecins, “il ne faut pas qu’on les envoie au casse-pipe au fond d’un désert médical et qu’ils soient dégoûtés”, déclare dans la manifestation lyonnaise le Dr Michel Tille, de la Confédération des syndicats médicaux français (CSMF) du Rhône. Lui plaide pour des maisons médicales “bien placées, dans des villes avec au moins un collège”, où les jeunes médecins pourront trouver du soutien auprès de collègues.

Contre une quatrième année “qui risque d’accroître l’anxiété des étudiants”, les représentants de la profession jugent plus utile d’accompagner l’installation par des aides au transport et au logement.

“Nous sommes 90.000 généralistes: nous ne sommes pas assez, et nous ne le serons pas avant un certain temps”, fait valoir Elise Fraih, président de ReAGJIR, qui regroupe les jeunes installés et remplaçants.

Devant la fronde, le ministre de la Santé, François Braun, a lâché du lest en annonçant un amendement au PLFSS pour permettre que certains stages se fassent à l’hôpital, et pas seulement en ville.

“Une avancée”, concèdent les syndicats, qui la jugent toutefois “largement insuffisante”. D’autant que l’amendement gouvernemental n’a pas été retenu dans la version du budget de la Sécu votée par le Sénat, et devra être de nouveau présenté en deuxième lecture à l’Assemblée.

Le gouvernement devrait user de l’article 49.3 de la Constitution devant les députés en début de semaine prochaine sur ce texte.

bfa-faa-mla/fmp/sp

Déserts médicaux: les internes redescendent dans la rue
• Olivier FENIET

Manifestation d’internes et d’étudiants en médecine contre la quatrième année d’internat pour les futurs généralistes, le 17 novembre 2022 à Paris
• Christophe ARCHAMBAULT

Manifestation d’internes et d’étudiants en médecine contre la quatrième année d’internat pour les futurs généralistes, le 17 novembre 2022 à Paris
• Christophe ARCHAMBAULT

NewsAmericasNow.com

Route du Rhum : Sacha Daunar abandonne

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

Rédaction web

Sacha Daunar, qui souffrait d’une otite, était rentré à Saint-Malo dès le départ  de la Route du Rhum, vient d’abandonner sa poursuite de la traversée. Une décision prise “après avis médical”, selon les organisateurs.

Une semaine après le lancement de la Route du Rhum, Sacha Daunar, vient de jeter l’éponge

Inscrit dans la catégorie des Class 40 avec Kéni Piperol, dès le départ de la course mercredi dernier (9 novembre), il avait été contraint de faire demi-tour vers Saint-Malo après une otite.

A lire aussi
Un rêve qui se réalise !

Les organisateurs ont indiqué qu “après avis médical, Sacha doit renoncer à repartir”.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Rotarians raise $45k for blood bank

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: The BVI Beacon

With the help of its annual Grand Raffle, the Rotary Club of Tortola raised $45,000 for the purchase of equipment to expand the blood bank laboratory services at the BVI Health Services Authority, the club announced Friday.

The project was launched after former Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering spoke to the club in the spring about maternal health, noting that the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital faces challenges with the rapid availability of blood and blood products such as plasma, according to a press releasee from the club.

Rotarians proceeded to work with the BVIHSA and the BVI Red Cross to assess the equipment and training needed to expand the laboratory, which is moving to a larger space.

Acting BVIHSA CEO Dr. June Samuel said the equipment to be purchased with the funding will increase the laboratory’s capacity to have units of blood immediately available and will allow for blood components such as plasma and platelets to be extracted locally, thereby reducing potential wastage, according to Rotary.

“This expansion comes at an opportune time as the laboratory is actively working on achieving certification early in the New Year,” Dr. Samuel said, adding, “The BVIHSA is focused on expanding and im- proving its services, and partners such as the Rotary Club of Tortola will help us to meet these goals.”

Through its annual raffle, the club netted about $25,000 after payment of prizes, it stated.

“This project will have tremendous impact on the community, as it will enable the hospital laboratory to better serve its patients with new capacity to test blood locally before use in patients and expanded capacity to store blood so that there is a greater supply to more readily meet patient needs,” club President Valerie Georges Thomas said, adding, “We are ready to proceed to the stage of ordering the equipment and getting it shipped on island.”

District governor visits

On Friday, Rotary District 7020 Governor Deborah Howell visited the territory and toured the new space the laboratory will occupy, according to the club.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Fisheries database to be finished soon

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: The BVI Beacon

A database is being developed to improve the storage and analysis of fisheries data as part of larger efforts to support research and decision-making for fisheries management in the territory, according to government.

Last month, officials in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, and the Premier’s Office were trained in the database, which uses the Geographic Information System. The Oct. 24-28 training and wider marine governance discussions were headed by representatives from the United Kingdom government’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences, known as “Cefas.”

They included Senior GIS Analyst Dr. Roi Martinez, GIS Analyst William Procter, and UK Cefas Senior Scientific Advisor Dr. Leila Fonseca.

Abbi Christopher, assistant fisheries officer in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, said, “We are excited for the opportunity to implement what we have learned during the course of this training for better fisheries management in the territory.”

Dr. Fonseca described the Cefas visit as “an extremely valuable opportunity for Cefas GIS specialists to share expert knowledge and to tailor project outputs to the unique requirements of the government of the Virgin Islands.”

The visit was part of the Darwin Plus-funded project “Capacity Building in Fisheries Evidence, Networks, and Management (Virgin Islands),” government stated.

That project aims to enhance the knowledge and capacity of public officers, fishers and key fisheries stakeholders. It also seeks to improve the collation and display of fisheries data and evidence, according to government.

NewsAmericasNow.com

FID seizes over $2 billion worth of real estate — Chang Loop Jamaica

/0 Comments/in /by

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

The Financial Investigations Division (FID) is in possession of “well over” $2 billion worth of real estate it believes was derived from illicit activities.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang made the disclosure on Tuesday during a Jamaica House press briefing that was called to announce the declaration of states of emergency (SOEs) across several parishes and police divisions. He was responding to questions posed by a reporter.

His disclosure comes nine months after he told the Parliament that the FID, which is located in the Ministry of Finance, the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency, and the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime and Investigation Branch were tasked with probing whether dirty money, including from the lottery scam, was being used to fund construction projects across the country.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang addressing a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston on November 15. (Photo: JIS)

On Tuesday, he pointed to “two significant cases” reported in the media recently, which he said reflected the work of the security forces in going after the perpetrators.

One of the cases referenced by the minister involves former policeman-turned-drug boss Andrew Hamilton, who had over $500 million in assets deemed to be illegally obtained, forfeited by the State.

The Court of Appeal last Friday refused an application by Hamilton’s attorneys to challenge a forfeiture order made by the Supreme Court on July 8 that handed possession of his assets to the Government.

Based on the order, Hamilton, his family members, including his elderly mother, and his associates were stripped of 14 multimillion-dollar homes, four motor vehicles, four bulldozers; a $19-million fishing vessel and a bank account containing $19 million.

Chang noted that such cases, by their very nature, take time to prosecute and asked for understanding from the public.

“Bear in mind you’re hitting criminals with significant resources, they hire the best King’s Counsel to defend them and to challenge the legislation and law.

“So what is happening now is not only execution of the implementation of the legislation but also setting the kind of precedence that our courts demand and, therefore, they go through significant, lengthy trials,” said Chang.

“(Things) are progressing, we have a significant amount of property,” the minister added.

He said the cash that has been seized is also significant.

Chang, who is also the deputy prime minister, said that in the medium term, the aim was “the disruption, apprehension and removal from society of the criminal organisers (as) they are the ones who cause damage more than the young men who they hire to pull the trigger”.

The security minister said that while the police will bring the triggermen to book, “we have to find the resources and time to remove from society, the organisers — the ones who sell the drugs, buy the guns and distribute them.”

“The work continues and will intensify as we go along,” said Chang.

In February, Chang cited that some of the “the multi-storey apartments” and other developments in Kingston had raised a lot of questions. He pointed out that the construction sector was booming despite the downturn in economic activity triggered by the pandemic.

“You travel to some sections of Jamaica, and the level of construction even at this time, in fact certainly during the year when we had economic decline, construction went up significantly,” Chang noted.

He also cited that the sale of cement was up 20 per cent during that time.

NewsAmericasNow.com