Black Immigrant Daily News

Effective August 1, all state-owned enterprises must transition to electric vehicles, hybrid or alternative fueled vehicles.

Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn was speaking in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, July 19, when he detailed the “fuel-cutting” measures that will take place amid rising fuel costs.

“As it relates to public procurement Mr Speaker, entities falling under the government of Barbados will be required to update their internal vehicular and equipment policy to purchase battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles or alternate fuelled vehicles as it relates to passenger vehicles as priority purchases.

“Given the new availability of electric heavy-duty vehicles and heavy-duty equipment, effective August 1, 2022, all central government agencies and departments as well as all state-owned enterprises will be required to commence greening their heavy-duty vehicular and equipment fleet with any available electric models within that range as part of their routine procurement,” Minister Straughn announced.

`”Mr Speaker, we would rather have spent that extra money on fuel building more renewable energy capacity and advancing the electrification of both the passenger and commercial fleet in the country. Therefore, it would be counter-intuitive to incentivize consumption of diesel or gasoline hybrid vehicles that still require significant usage of fossil fuel in the same way we did for battery electric vehicles,” he continued.

The Finance Minister disclosed that Government was in the process of regularising the tariff structure for hybrid vehicles. He reported that from next month, the importation duties on plug-in hybrids will be reduced.

“I am now in a position to announce that effective August 1, 2022, the import duty applicable to plug-in hybrids will be set at 25 per cent whilst the rate of import duty for a regular hybrid vehicle will be 35 per cent, both down from the current tariff of 45 per cent applicable to vehicles fuelled by gasoline and diesel. This makes the policy more consistent with the 2030 goal of being fossil fuel free,” he added.

Straughn also proposed the excise tax on plug-in electric hybrid vehicles over 2000cc be reduced from 120 per cent to 80 per cent from August 1.

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Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the opening of the new 12-storey ROK Hotel Kingston will significantly contribute to the continued revitalisation of downtown Kingston, by further boosting the area’s economic potential.

“It means more income in people’s pockets; it means the return of life in downtown Kingston and more economic activity can take place,” he said.

The four-star hotel, which is part of the brand Tapestry Collection by Hilton, was officially opened by Holness during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its location at the corner of King Street and Ocean Boulevard on Tuesday (July 19).

The prime minister praised the investors for sticking with the project and completing it despite the delays that were experienced, particularly due to the n-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We are very, very happy to be… opening the ROK Hotel and to have the brand of the Hilton, the Tapestry here in downtown Kingston. It means a lot to have this brand anchored…downtown,” he said.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (sixth left), who was assisted by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr Nigel Clarke (fifth left), celebrates after cutting the ribbon to signify the official opening of the ROK Hotel Kingston during a ceremony at its location at 2-4 King Street in downtown Kingston on Tuesday (July 19).

Development of the new hotel began in 2019 after the property, formerly the Oceana Hotel, was acquired by PanJam Investment Limited. It is the first Hilton Tapestry Collection in the Caribbean and first in over 30 years to be in Kingston. It is being managed by Highgate, a premier real estate investment and hospitality management company based in the United States of America.

Holness noted that the hotel “promises to give a unique experience to visitors… an authentic Jamaican experience”.

He further noted that the hotel is strategically located in the business district of Kingston and is “five minutes away from everything”, pointing out that it is close to the Norman Manley International Airport and to Port Royal.

“It’s a centrally located hotel and I expect your occupancy will be high throughout the year,” the prime minister said.

The contemporary hotel boasts state-of-the-art-facilities including 168 rooms and 47 luxury suites, a lounge area, restaurant, caf? and bar, and a 24-hour fitness and wellness centre.

It also features more than 32,000 sq ft of meeting space, six meeting rooms outfitted with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and an expansive pool deck for outdoor gatherings.

In addition, the top four floors of the property house 41 residential units, which comprise 13 one-bedroom, 22 two-bedroom, and six penthouse apartments to be sold to individual investors.

ROK, an acronym for the Revival/Rebirth/ Renaissance of downtown Kingston, was named by Executive Chairman of the PanJam Group, Stephen Facey.

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Issues relating to this country heritage are being addressed over the next two days at a Country Conference organized by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The conference entitled: History, Ancestry and Heritage. The Vincentian identity and heritage: From whence we came’ was officially opened this morning at the refurbished Open Campus Site.

In her address, Head of the Campus, Deborah Dalrymple highlighted the aim of the conference.

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Mrs. Dalrymple outlined some of the topics to be covered during the Conference.

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Dr. Garrey Dennie, Historian and Professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, USA, delivered the Featured Address at the opening ceremony.

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Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has extended condolences to the Greaves Family on the passing of Businessman Nigel Greaves.

Mr. Greaves, who was Director of C.K. Greaves Group of Companies, died at his home on Sunday.

Dr. Gonsalves, who is in Nicaragua on official state business, says he was shocked to hear of the passing of Nigel Greaves.

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A statement issued by the C.K Greaves Group of Companies says Mr. Greaves dedicated 41 years of service to the family business and took over the reins of the Companies along with his Mother and siblings.

The company expressed its deep appreciation for Mr. Greaves commitment and expertise that will be forever ingrained in the operation of the company.

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