Licensed foreigners no longer need permit to drive in Guyana

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana

Foreign drivers who are holders of a valid driver’s licence in their home country will now be able to drive on Guyana’s roadways without requiring a permit.

This was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday in a post on his Facebook page.

“If you do not live in Guyana and have a valid drivers’ licence from another country, you can drive a vehicle using that licence for 60 days from your date of entry,” the Head of State declared in exercising powers conferred upon him by Section 103 of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act.

This new law takes effect from today, August 26 2022 and will now allow foreigners to operate on Guyana’s roadways for up to two months.

Previously, persons who come to Guyana were required to fill out a form and submit their valid driver’s licence along with a small fee in order to obtain a Drivers’ Permit to be able to drive in the country. The permit was valid for only one month.

But with this new regulation in the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act Chapter 51:02, this practice will no longer be in place. All that is required under this new law is for the driver to produce a valid licence and documentation to show the date of their arrival in Guyana when driving here.

These changes made by the President will be cited as the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (The Use of Foreign Issued Driver’s Licence in Guyana) Regulations 2022.

It states: “A person not resident in Guyana shall be permitted to drive on a road for a period of sixty days after his entry into Guyana without a driver’s licence as required by section 23 (1) provided that he is the holder and in possession of a valid driver’s licence issued by a competent authority in the country of his residence along with such documents which shall establish the date of his entry into Guyana.”

Guyana now joins a few other Caribbean Community (Caricom) nations including Trinidad and Tobago that allows foreigners to drive without a domestic Drivers’ Permit or an International Drivers’ Licence.

In Trinidad and Tobago, foreigners 17 years and older with a valid Driver’s Licence/Permit from any country that is a signatory to the Geneva Convention are allowed to operate vehicles on the road for 90 days from the date of their arrival in the country or until the permit/licence expires.

Other Caricom countries such as Barbados and neighbouring Suriname either require a Visitor’s/Driver’s Permit or valid international driver’s license in order for foreigners to drive in those countries.

Nevertheless, this change in Guyana’s Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act comes as the country continues to receive a high influx of foreign nations, mostly due to its nascent oil and gas industry and other new as well as expanding sectors.

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$8.5M steel framed prefab homes launched

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana

Hits and Jams Entertainment under its new entity, Steel Buildings Guyana Incorporated, on Thursday launched its steel framed prefab homes.

On display at the launch was the first model of the homes to be constructed which costs some $8.5 million. The flat-house, 600 square-foot model features two fully air-conditioned rooms, one bath, a kitchen and comfortable living room space, as well as a small area for dining.

Hits and Jams Executive Director Kerwin Bollers stated that the company focused on the area of prefab housing on account of the timely construction period it offered which keeps up with Guyana’s demand for houses.

“We know exactly what’s happening as it relates to construction in Guyana and the housing boom…we thought that this particular method of construction is definitely timely, because of the demand for such. We know that in Guyana as it relates to building, persons who have their land titles or transports need to go to new homes they want to get in as fast as possible,” he said.

These prefab homes offered by Steel Buildings Guyana can be constructed in just six weeks.

Hits and Jams Chief Executive Officer Rawle Ferguson stated that the prefab homes was a gift to young people, owing to their affordability.

“Durable, affordable, fashionable in six weeks, this is what we present to Guyana.

“Our dreams at Hits & Jams are always get the young people to be having their own and this model with this system that we have here will get you that, apart from working the different banks and so forth will get you your home,” Ferguson highlighted.

The model on display and the common model of the homes are constructed out of three-and-a-half-inch galvanised steel frames. All the materials used on internal and external parts of the home are non-combustible, which lowers the risk of losing the entire home to a fire. The homes can also be fitted with any modern architectural finishes.

Construction of these homes will be done in collaboration with a Barbadian company which has brought in naturalised Guyanese who will teach the local Guyanese team to put together the prefab structures.

Attending the launch were Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues.Croal explained that the Government could not supply the current demand for homes in Guyana, with the Ministry distributing close to 15,000 house lots within the last two years.

“This spark new life into the sector, you have a Government that recognises the demand for this sector and we know that we can’t respond to the demands alone; we need support, we need investors in this sector and hence you have the partnership of these young entrepreneurs today,” he said.

The Minister noted that the non-traditional homes that were now being added to Guyana’s market were important for the future development of the country.

“The investment that is being made here as part of the housing drive, this venture that the team is embarking on is an indication of the rapidly-changing dynamics in the housing programme, because here you are witnessing a team of local entrepreneurs who are responding to the new demands for housing options,” he highlighted.

Meanwhile, Minister Rodrigues added that the Government was laser-focused on Guyanese home ownership, which the launch of these affordable prefab homes would promote.

“We are not satisfied by merely delivering house lots to our people but ensuring that we can put them in a home, ensuring that we create the right climate, that we create the investment climate and that we create the opportunities for people to be able to afford their own home.

“We want to ensure that we provide all of the opportunities and the right investment climate for people to do things like this, so not just dependent on the Ministry’s housing programme or the models that we have in the Ministry in terms of the housing models, but to give people more affordable options,” Minister Rodrigues said.

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‘I do drugs to ease meh head’ – addict jailed for stealing rearview mirrors

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana

A 57-year-old drug addict has been jailed for four months for persistently stealing vehicle rearview mirrors, which he would then sell to buy drugs.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, Raymond Mohammed, a vagrant, appeared on Thursday before Georgetown Magistrate Annette Singh and pleaded guilty to two counts of simple larceny.

The first charge detailed that on May 10, at Quamina Street, Georgetown, he stole two vehicle rearview mirrors valued at $30,000, property of Cash City Inc. The second charge detailed that on August 23, at Thomas Lands, Georgetown, he stole two car rearview mirrors valued at $80,000, property of Monica Sharma.

In brief remarks to the court, Mohammed admitted that he steals to support his drug addiction. “I does do drugs to ease meh head…I is a drug addict. I does live in a drug yard” on Charlotte Street [Georgetown].”

The Police prosecutor told the court that Mohammed, who is no stranger to the courts, is known for stealing vehicle rearview mirrors and selling them.

Magistrate Singh admonished the convict for his illegal actions, and advised that he needs to take steps to reform himself. In the end, she sentenced him to two months’ imprisonment on each of the two charges, ordering that they are to be served consecutively.

Mohammed expressed gratitude to Magistrate Singh for her leniency before he was taken away to begin serving the jail time.

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Human Capital Resilience Project To Lead To Improved Social Protection Programmes – 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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by Jacques Hinkson-Compton

Collaborative efforts of the Government of Saint Lucia and the World Bank Group have led to the facilitation of the Human Capital Resilience Project.

Technical Coordinator of the project, Juliana Daniel-Foster, said there are two components to the improvement of Human Capital Resilience.

“This project, implemented by the Ministry of Equity and the Ministry of Education, aims to strengthen Human Capital Resilience in Saint Lucia.

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The main thrust behind this is the restructuring of the TVET Council, and providing support for persons to get qualified in TVET certification and CVQs. This is component one.

Component two aims to strengthen the social protection system which will also provide support to our human capital by allowing for more effective interventions for reductions in vulnerability. I think this may be the first for Saint Lucia with the two ministries collaborating on one project which is funded by the World Bank.”

Research on relevant skills in the labour market is integral to the project’s success.

“The Human Capital Resilience Project has led the coordination of the labour market needs survey which allows us to gauge which professions or which areas of employment would allow persons to acquire a more sustainable income, as well as where are the gaps in the labour market in terms of demand for skilled personnel. If the qualifications are not being met by the training institutions, the employers will not be able to find those persons to hire in Saint Lucia. So a more coordinated effort where we can direct persons into more sustainable services would enable them to become more resilient, experience more economic inclusion, and our national economic goals will be met.”

A revision of the National Social Protection Policy is a key component of the Human Capital Resilience Project.

SOURCE: Government Information Service

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Cancelación de llegada de crucero a San Juan provocó $400,000 en pérdidas económicas

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

La portavoz de la Alianza Turística por Puerto Rico, Daphne Barbeito, informó en RADIO ISLA que la cancelación de la llegada del crucero Carnival Magic a los muelles del Viejo San Juan, provocó que se perdieran unos $400 mil dólares para la economía.

Daphne Barbeito detalló que el barco tiene una capacidad para 4,700 personas. “Es un impacto que, solamente en gastos de pasajeros, estamos hablando de unos casi $400 mil dólares que dejaron de gastar en la economía de Puerto Rico”, expuso Barbeito.    

El navío no atracó en la Ciudad Capital debido a la manifestación contra LUMA Energy ocurrida ayer. La empresa Carnival Cruise Line no estuvo dispuesta a arriesgar la seguridad de sus pasajeros y tripulantes.

Noticia relacionada: “Fuera, fuera”, gritan los manifestantes tras la llegada de Tatito Hernández a la Calle Fortaleza

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’Als we niets doen, dan is bromkidyari gewoon lippendienst’

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: De Ware Tijd Online

door Audry Wajwakana PARAMARIBO — Kirtie Algoe (38) zat in het eerste jaar van de opleiding Maatschappijwetenschappen op de Anton

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Talking Health in 5: How to nurture spiritual health in children Loop Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News
Sponsored By : LASCO LaSoy Anika Richards

1 hrs ago

Talking Health In 5: How to nurture your child’s spiritual health

NEWYou can now listen to Loop News articles!

Pointing out that spiritual health is one of the four major tenets of health, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Saphire Longmore says it has almost become a forgotten focus of health care.

The other major tenets are physical health, which is what generally comes to mind for people; mental health, the importance of which, she said, is getting more recognition; and social health.

Dr Longmore, who is the President of the Jamaica Psychiatric Association, said the spiritual health of children is critical. She was speaking to Loop News ahead of the association’s annual conference on Sunday, which will be held under the theme Save our Children, Save our Country.

Spiritual health, according to the consultant psychiatrist, refers to that sense of self, which she described as a natural human tendency to seek a sense of purpose and belonging.

Watch this week’s Talking Health in 5 as Dr Longmore shares tips on nurturing good spiritual health development in children, which can lead to them encouraging it in those around them

Video recorded and edited by Marlon Reid

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Fernandez Honored by Mayor of Sag Habour

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Minister Charles Max Fernandez were in for high praises from the Mayor of Sag Harbor in New York. 

Fernandez received a proclamation of honor from James Larocca when he attended a series of events in New York recently. 

Both Fernandez and Larocca were able to speak about several initiatives over breakfast and prospects for the twin-island nation, including future collaboration. 

“I was surprised by this honor. This is to show that we have managed to interact very positively with the Mayor of Sag Habor. When we had discussions, I told him that the success we had in handling Covid 19 was led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne and he also decided to award the PM as well,” Fernandez told antigua.news. 

Fernandez was awarded for his distinguished service to Antigua and Barbuda in his profession as a politician.

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Not Much Movement by EU to Phase Out CIP

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

There’s been not much movement on intentions or suggestions by the European Union (EU) to phase out the Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP) in the Caribbean.

Last year, the EU Parliament voted, to ask the Commission to formulate a strategy to eventually request that CBI programs be removed in Antigua and Barbuda and the other countries like Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis and all other countries allowing citizenship by investment.

So, these countries could be given an ultimatum by the EU, to end their Citizenship by Investment Program or face visa restrictions.But Nuri Katz , the President for Apex Capital Partners; a licensed agent throughout the world for CIP said since the announcement, the EU has not made any official request.

“They have not made an official request really, there have been internal discussions within the EU about making that request but they have not done it. The EU is very complicated and things take a long time to go through their bureaucracy,” Katz said.

When the EU signaled its intentions, to make a request to phase out the CIP, Prime Minister Gaston Browne was among the first Caribbean leader to speak out against the move.

In fact, he wrote officially to the EU asking that they rethink the position, proving evidence that Antigua and Barbuda probably hold the most robust due diligence process before citizenship can be granted.

“There are contacts between all the Caribbean countries and Europe I think those discussions should continue. More energy should be put into it. There are a lot of discussions going on a hopefully they will bear fruit. At the end of the day I believe they are actually going to make the CIP better.

The CIP expert said further that the EU just needs to be satisfied that the due diligence process is solid and robust and “if they satisfied then I think this issue will be settled”, Katz added.

In 2014, when Antigua and Barbuda first entered into the CIP initiative, it reeled in a whopping $200 Million during its first year of operation. According to reports, on an average, the country yields about 100M every year.

All this comes as a group of concerned leaders in the global investment migration industry remains convinced that if CIP’s are phased of, the economy in Antigua and Barbuda and other countries could collapse.

The group which consists of a CIP representative from each country said a meeting should be held with the EU to “explain to the European Commission the depth of global due diligence performed on all applicants, including using the services of international due diligence firms as well as various national and international law enforcement agencies,”

Stéphane Tajick, a leading investment migration researcher and industry stakeholder, the meeting should consist of “officials of the European Commission, including the CIP governments, due diligence agencies, as well as members of the legal, banking and financial services communities of the CIP countries, in addition to a dialogue with the EU parliamentarians to address their concerns”.

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Microfinance Project Coming for Antigua and Barbuda

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

Antigua and Barbuda and the other members of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) are set to soon benefit from a project aimed at strengthening the sub region’s microfinance ecosystem.

The project – a partnership between the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission (ECSRC) – is meant to improve the availability of funding to Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs), and to establish equity-based crowdfunding in the Eastern Caribbean.

Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising money – usually over the internet – from a large number of people who each contribute a relatively small amount.

Equity-based crowdfunding, which is being pursued under this project, allows prospective investors to offer funding to businesses in exchange for shares or an equity stake in these businesses.

According to the CDB, the project is being driven by the needs observed in the sector, with access to finance – particularly in the wake of Covid-19 – still a major impediment to growth for Caribbean MSMEs.

In the first phase, capacity-building sessions will be administered by the ECSRC, starting next month.

The project will also deliver a Crowdfunding Policy Framework, developed by the ECSRC, and a prototype for testing and finetuning.

The 18-month-long project will be funded by the CDB, implemented by the ECSRC, and will culminate with a viable crowdfunding platform being established in the ECCU member countries by 2023.

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