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Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar greets drummer Richard Lewis from the group Waka Ife at Emancipation Day celebrations at the Southern Marine Steel Band Foundation, Marabella, on Monday. Photo by Lincoln Holder

OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar claimed the PNM disbanded a national reparations committee which was established under the former UNC-led People’s Partnership (PP) coalition government which she led as prime minister.

Addressing an Emancipation Day celebration at Southern Marines panyard in Marabella on Monday, Persad-Bissessar said the UNC always respected the legacy of African slaves who came to TT and whose descendants played an integral role in TT’s development over the years.

“It was a recognition of this historic injustice that under my leadership, I mandated the establishment of a national reparations committee.”

Persad-Bissessar recalled that UWI Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles collaborated with her on this matter.

Former young king Sheldon Reid performs at Emancipation Day celebrations at the Southern Marine Steel Band Foundation, Marabella, on Monday. Photo by Lincoln Holder

One of the purposes of the committee, she continued, was “righting the historical wrongs, addressing the historical record regarding our account of slavery and making a case for reparations for persons of African descent as well as our indigenous (Amerindian) community.”

She said the committee was created as part of the PP’s commitment “to the international decade of persons of African descent.”

In December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 68/237 to declare this decade to run from 2015 to 2024.

Some of the objectives of resolution 68/237 were to promote a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to the development of societies and to strengthen national, regional and international action and cooperation in relation to the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights by people of African descent and their full and equal participation in all aspects of society.

Persad-Bissessar asked, “What do we have to show for it?”

She said, “Had I been in office, it (the committee) would not have been disbanded. That is what has happened.”

Members of the Southern Marine Steelband Foundation perform at Emancipation Day celebrations in Marabella, Monday. Photo by Lincoln Holder

Persad-Bissessar promised that once the UNC is returned to government, “we must get that committee working again.”

She said, ‘The case for reparations remains an essential commitment to honour the memory of those Africans who who fought for liberation.”

Persad-Bissessar also promised that a new UNC government will revisit the idea of building a steelpan factory in TT.

She did not think it was right for steelpans to be built in any country other than TT.

“We must take it back.”

She also saw the pan factory would give children an opportunity to learn to play the steel pan give them an opportunity to earn an income and develop a career.

I commit to you that this will be recognized in a meaningful way when returned to office.”

Persad-Bissessar also promised a future UNC government would revisit the pan in schools initiative started under the PP.

“On our return (to government) we shall work closely with Pan Trinbago to expand this programme to include the steelpan facilities in our communities that continue to work with our youth. “

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On Wednesday 27th, July 22, at an Extra Ordinary Meeting, the National Consumer Association (NCA) successfully hosted an election to vote on its new Board of Directors.

This accomplishment is a relief to our organization members after having two unsuccessful attempts at electing a new Board in 2019.

In May of 2022, Consumer Affairs Minister, The Honorable Emma Hippolyte, made an official and public call for a more visible and active National Consumer Association. The Minister explains, ‘the NCA serves as the mouthpiece of consumers…and, its drive and membership have diminished at a crucial time.”

The Minister with responsibility for Consumer Affairs also noted that the operation of St. Lucia’s National Consumer Association is mandatory to fulfil Chapter 8 of the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

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The treaty articulates that Saint Lucia, as a party to this agreement, is required to facilitate mechanisms in pursuit of Consumer Protection, Competition Law, and Policy.

Therefore, on the heels of this call to action, the new Board of the NCA is excited to usher in our wealth of knowledge, passion for consumer advocacy and protection, and expertise from all facets of society.

While we are mindful that there are pending matters to be unearthed and resolved with the utmost transparency and urgency, with the support of the public, our membership, and affiliates, we are fully confident that the novel Board of the NCA can steer it into a new direction, one in sincere service of the cause of which we serve.

Moving forward, the NCA announces that the new Board for the tenure 2022 – 2024 is as follows:

Dr. Thecla Lewis – PresidentSebastien Collymore – Vice PresidentSherri-Ann Aurrelien – General SecretaryDonald Popo – TreasurerPhil Henderson – Public Relations OfficerMario Lendor – Assistant TreasurerVeronica Forde – TrusteeTed Theobalds – Trustee

The NCA will be releasing subsequent correspondence on matters which have arisen and sharing its intentions and work plan with the public soon.

– Phil Henderson, Public Relations Officer, NCA

Source: National Consumer Association

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The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) carried out an operation on Thursday, July 28, assisted by partners from the Customs and Boarder Control, Department of Commerce and Investment and the Public Lands Commission, in the area of the Seven Mile Public Beach in response to community concerns around the consumption and sale of illegal substances on the beaches.

During the operation, the officers had cause to search multiple persons at the location, which resulted in several packets of ganja being recovered (photos of these packages are attached). Five persons were arrested as a result of these recoveries; two men of West Bay, ages 36 and 31, two men of George Town ages 27 and 28, and a Bodden Town woman, age 23. All the arrests were as a result of drug related offenses.

All five individuals were bailed pending further investigations. The RCIPS extends our thanks to all our partner services who assisted with this operation.

“We want to draw attention to the type of packaging used in these seizures, which could be designed to appeal to younger persons”, Head of Community Policing, Inspector Laing-Hall, said.

We think it’s important to alert members of the public, especially parents and guardians, of this new way to conceal illegal drugs. As a community we must be vigilant to the tactics employed by those taking part in illegal activity to target our young people.

Laing-Hall continued.

Colourful packaging shown by police

RCIPS Community Police officers are encouraging the general public to report suspicious activities and person loitering in public places, who appear to be carrying out illegal activities.

Reports may be made to 9-1-1 or to any of of the RCIPS district police stations. Alternatively, tips may be submitted to the RCIPS website or mobile app for non-emergency matters.

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