Black Immigrant Daily News

LOOP-Chukka Caribbean Adventures plans to be a major player in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism market as the company intends to invest at least US$5 million to create an entertainment and amusement facility at Fort Barrington.

Chukka’s investment in Antigua and Barbuda was one of the matters discussed by the government during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

A note from the meeting said Chukka intends “to make the old fort reflect history, as well as to allow for exploration of caves and other natural assets, including the use of a beach and a large rock which separates it from the Fort.”

Fort Barrington is located at the southern entrance of St John’s Harbour and it was used by the British to fend off attacks from European powers who controlled neighbouring colonies.The fort offers an undisturbed view of Deep Bay.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Information Minister Melford Nicholas said Chukka is attracted to islands due to the “good blend of cruise tourism and stay-over arrivals”.

The government is now waiting on Chukka Caribbean Adventures to submit a memorandum of understanding for the project.

Once everything is approved, Nicholas is hopeful that work can start almost immediately at Fort Barrington to bring it on stream in time for the busy 2022-2023 cruise season that begins in October.

He stated the project would be a collaborative effort between Chukka Caribbean Adventures, the National Asset Management Company (NAMCO) and the government.

Nicholas noted that this project opens the door for NAMCO to work with other local and international entities to develop historical sites at the famous Shirley Heights lookout, Monk’s Hill and Fort James.

He is confident that the deal will be good for Antigua and Barbuda as Chukka has made several successful investments to develop tourist attractions in places such as Jamaica, Barbados, Belize, Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic over its 35 years of operation.

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Antigua and Barbuda achieved another first with the launch of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court’s Family Division.

The newly opened Family Court is the first of its kind in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The court – the brainchild of Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Dame Janice Pereia – will now be used as a model for other territories within the ambit of the ECSC.

The Family Court will be located on the premises of the High Court of Justice in the area that once housed the law library .

Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin explained it was necessary to establish the new court to deal exclusively with issues affecting families including divorce and separation, paternity matters, adoptions and domestic violence.

It will also provide social services including counselling and mediation.

The attorney general told yesterday’s gathering that his government is committed to maintaining high standards in the new Family Court that will benefit those seeking its services.

“This division created today would be headed by a presiding judge [Nicola Petra Byer] who will report to the Chief Justice. This judge will have the supporting staff to conduct her duties and my government – the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party Government – is committed to ensuring that users of this court, in this division, will experience a dignified environment whilst conducting business with the court.”

AG Benjamin stated that the division will also be responsible for filing and receiving child maintenance.

While a single court that will deal with all family related matters is new, Minister Benjamin reminded the ceremony that the Family Court at the magisterial level has been fully operational since 2012.

“Today in the Eastern Caribbean, we are proud to be establishing the High Court Division of the Family Court. This is the final stage in the process [of] creating, I dare say, a comprehensive and complete system for handling matters at all levels.”

Chief Justice Pereira described the launch of the family Court as “a significant milestone for our judiciary”. She praised the Antigua and Barbuda government for its support, leadership and proactivity in passing legislation that will allow the court to function at its optimum.

“Antigua and Barbuda can truly boast of being the first state in the OECS grouping to host three specialist court divisions: you have the Industrial Court, the Sexual Offences Model Court, and now the Family Court of the Family Division along with the general criminal and civil divisions of the court.

“Antigua and Barbuda is leading the way for other states to follow,” Dame Janice declared.

“This launching ceremony recognises the achievement of an initiative which has been in the pipeline for quite a number of years. We no longer need to wonder whether it will happen. Today marks the commencement of this division of the court,” Dame Janice noted.

She credited those who played a part in the establishment of the Family Court and thanked international organisations that gave support and expertise.

The chief justice charged those who will work at the court and seek its services to abide by the rules that will guide its operation.

Meanwhile, the Family Court will function temporarily at its current location until work at the old parliament building, where it will be housed permanently, is completed. -POINTE XPRESS

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El administrador de la Administración de Desarrollo Socioeconómico de la Familia, ADSEF, Alberto Fradera, informó en RADIO ISLA que el Congreso Federal está evaluando asignar $133 millones de dólares para beneficiarios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional (PAN) en Puerto Rico.

Según Fradera, de ser aprobado ese incentivo, el mismo se reflejará en los cheques del PAN a partir del mes de octubre de 2022. Sus expresiones surgen luego de que llegó a su fin la ayuda económica adicional asignada para la isla por la pandemia del coronavirus, COVID-19. 

“A consecuencia de las emergencias, la última, que todavía estamos bajo ella, que es la pandemia del COVID-19, hemos recibido diferentes asignaciones. La última fue de $900 millones. Estos $900 millones culminaron de distribuirse el pasado mes de julio”, expuso Fradera.   

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Minister Kenneth Bryan is the subject of Cayman’s latest controversy and apology. The source of the controversy is Minister Bryan appearing in a video on Facebook supporting his wife in her new career endeavour as a real estate agent. Minister Bryan’s show of love and affection, however, was referred to by Roy McTaggart, Leader of the Opposition, as “shocking” and a “flagrant breach of the principles of good governance” under the Ministerial Code of Conduct, in particular sections 19.1 and 19.4.

Alleged breaches in detail

Regarding these alleged breaches, McTaggart noted that section 19.1 provides that “no Minister should endorse in any media, product or service,” in connection with which Minister Bryan allegedly offended the provision by appearing in a video on Facebook, reportedly endorsing the real estate services of his wife.

McTaggart also quoted section 19.4 of the Ministerial Code of Conduct which states:

In speeches, it is appropriate for a Minister to speak positively about the objectives and achievements of an organisation or business. It is not appropriate for a Minister to explicitly promote that organisation, or it[s] products or services.

In this case, Bryan was said to explicitly promote his wife’s business.

Capacity unclear

Notwithstanding that Bryan is a minister subject to the Ministerial Code of Conduct, it is unclear what capacity he was acting in the video. That is, the Ministerial Code of Conduct permits any minister to act in a number of different capacities:

Firstly, in a ministerial capacity, making decisions, and determining and promoting policy with particular ministries/portfoliosSecondly, in a political capacity as an elected Member of the Parliament, representing the best interest of the Cayman Islands as a whole, as well as the constituency or particular community interestsThirdly, in a personal capacity as an ordinary citizen.

In order to obtain an objective understanding of what capacity Bryan was acting in, it is useful to review his wife’s statement in the video.

She said:

I have now recruited him to do some ‘flyering’… but don’t worry, I’ve only got him for today for a couple of hours and he’s all yours again tomorrow.

Objectively speaking, the statement by Minister Bryan’s wife suggests that Minister Bryan was acting in a personal capacity as an ordinary citizen for a few hours and not making a policy decision or a political decision and not carrying out any function for a ministry or a portfolio. For emphasis, Bryan’s wife clarified in the video that “he’s all yours again tomorrow,” suggesting that he would return to his ministerial or political capacity the next day. This is a very technical distinction, however, technicalities are important in circumstances such as this one.

Regardless of the capacity, however, the Ministerial Code of Conduct requires Bryan to “act lawfully and to behave in a way that upholds, and is seen to uphold, the highest ethical standards.”

A close observation of the requirements here will cause one to highlight that the Ministerial Code of Conduct does not appear to be an official law (had it been a law, it would have been referred to as a law or an Act and not a code of conduct). In addition, no specific reference to an official law was made in the allegations against Minister Bryan in this case, even though one could speculate as to which one might have been applicable in this case.

Examining the second part of these requirements, any minister would have been required to uphold the highest ethical standards in carrying out any actions. Since “ethical standards” is not defined in the Ministerial Code of Conduct, one could refer to the ordinary dictionary definition, one definition being that “ethical standards refer to the principles that promote trust, good behaviour, fairness and governing the conduct of a person.”

Regarding this, McTaggart noted that Minister Bryan’s endorsement of his wife’s business could unfairly impact others operating within the same business, in particular, those offering similar services in Minister Bryan’s constituency. Looking at things from this perspective, an objective person could see how an interpretation could be reached about the particular conduct being fair or unfair.

Accountability

Reacting to McTaggart’s comments, Minister Bryan apologised, explaining that he will redouble his efforts to ensure that his actions are in keeping with the highest ethical standards of the office he is humbled to hold on behalf of the people of the Cayman Islands.

In doing this, Minister Bryan complied with the Nolan Principles – the Seven Principles of Public Life – by being accountable for his actions (submitting himself to scrutiny), being open and transparent about his actions, being truthful to the public and restating that he fully supports the Ministerial Code of Conduct and the principles of good governance it was designed to enhance.

Take-aways

One of the take-aways from the controversy surrounding Minister Bryan is that, perhaps, instead of creating a code of conduct, Parliament should seek an order in council in the UK to amend the constitution or the people of the Cayman Islands should seek to amend the constitution by way of a referendum to expand the consequences for certain conduct of members of Parliament, for example, drunk driving or assault or non-performance of duties, in connection with which voters would have the power to initiate a recall of the relevant member of Parliament, eventually removing him or her from their seat.

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Eugene, Oregon: The 2022 World Athletics Championships begins on Friday, with around 2000 athletes from 200 countries competing at Hayward Field, as the USA stage track and field’s largest event outside of the Olympics, for the first time in its history.

The US topped the medals table three years ago in Doha 2019, ahead of Kenya and Jamaica. However, this time around added attention will be on Jamaica as the trio of reigning champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, the two-time Olympic champion in the 100m and 200m, and Shericka Jackson headline a Jamaican team that threatens to sweep the 100m medals in Eugene.

In Doha 2019, Jamaica won 12 medals (3 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze), one less than their record achievements in Berlin 2009 where the country secured 13 medals (7 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze).

Jamaica will be hoping to win a medal on the opening day as the final of the mixed 4x400m relay will take place.

The relay heats will run off at 1:45 pm Jamaica time, with the final set for 9:50 pm.

Jamaica took silver in Doha three years ago, but finished back in seventh in Tokyo, albeit without several of their one-lap stars. The mixed 4x400m would play into the hands of the nations with the greatest 400m depth. However, the Caribbean nation has the talent and ability to challenge for a medal.

In reality, though, the mixed 4x400m relay gives nations with just a couple of leading one-lapping men and women to be competitive on the global stage. And no nation illustrates this better than the Dominican Republic, which claimed Olympic silver last year.

But the USA won’t want to surrender their title, especially not on home soil. They won the inaugural world title in the mixed 4x400m in Doha, clocking a world record of 3:09.34 and winning by more than two seconds. They boast six of the nine fastest men’s 400m runners in the world this year – including world leader Michael Norman – while sprint superstar Allyson Felix is also included in their mixed 4x400m relay pool.

Also on the opening day, Jamaica’s Danniel Thomas-Dodd, the World Championships silver medallist from Doha 2019, and Lloydricia Cameron will begin the qualifying round of the women’s shot put at 7:05 pm.

At 8:00 pm, the qualification round for the men’s long jump will get underway. Jamaica is being represented by the defending champion from Doha, Tajay Gayle, and Wayne Pinnock.

Gayle, who holds the Jamaican record at 8.69m which he set in Doha, injured himself at the Jamaica trials last month and it is not certain what condition he will turn up in, if at all.

Gayle indicated earlier this week that the knee was swollen following the flight to Eugene and expressed doubt over his title defence.

And Stephen Francis, coach Gayle is worried about the reigning champion.

“At the moment from what I observed, he cannot sprint. If he comes out tomorrow (today) and he can’t sprint I doubt if he is going to turn up for the event,” Francis said.

Gayle has yet to venture beyond eight metres this season, standing joint 64th on the world list with 7.97m and it will take a brave person to bet on him to defend his title.

Gayle, 25, stunned the world on September 28, 2019, to win the gold medal in Doha, Qatar.

Many in Doha anticipated the coronation of rising long jump star Juan Miguel Echevarria. However, it was instead Gayle who beat him to the punch courtesy of a stunning Jamaican record of 8.69m – the longest wind-legal leap in the world for 10 years.

Also on Friday will be the preliminary round of the men’s 100m where 28 athletes will be vying for 14 spots in round one, which takes place in the afternoon session.

The semifinals and final are scheduled for Saturday’s second day.

The Jamaicans will be led by 32-year-old Yohan Blake, the 2011 world champion who ran 9.85 to win his fifth national 100m title at the Jamaica trial. He’s joined by 21-year-old Oblique Seville, who finished second at the Jamaica trials in 9.88, and 20-year-old Ackeem Blake.

Fred Kerley of the USA, who decided last year to drop down from the 400m to the 100m is the man to beat as he chases his first individual gold on the global stage.

Trayvon Bromell, Marvin Bracy, and Christian Coleman complete the USA contingent.

The men’s 100m offers the prospect of something special for the home fans – a possible USA sweep of the medals.

If the USA men look dominant in the 100m, the Jamaican women appear downright invincible.

The heats of the women’s 100m are scheduled for Saturday with the semifinals and final on Sunday.

The women’s 100m at the World Athletics Championships could easily see a repeat of last year’s Tokyo Olympic Games, where Thompson-Herah, Fraser-Pryce, and Jackson finished 1-2-3.

The three Jamaicans currently top the world list in the 100m, Fraser-Pryce leading the way with 10.67 ahead of Jackson’s 10.77 and Thompson-Herah’s 10.79.

Fraser-Pryce has posted the three fastest times of the year, clocking 10.67 in Nairobi in May and at the Diamond League meeting in Paris on June 18. The 35-year-old “Pocket Rocket” ran 10.70 in the heats of the Jamaica trials, where she pulled up in the semifinals and skipped the final, knowing she has a wildcard into the World Championships.

With the three Jamaicans posting blistering time this year, the current 100m world record, which has stood since 1988 could be in danger. Florence Griffith-Joyner, also known as Flo-Jo, became the only woman ever to break the 10.5-second barrier with a run of 10.49 at the US Olympic trials for Seoul 1988.

Since then, many have deemed the mark impossible to beat. But over the last year, both Thompson-Herah and Fraser-Pryce have edged closer to that legendary time, placing themselves second and third on the all-time 100m lists.

Thompson-Herah’s fastest 100m time, set at the post-Olympics Prefontaine Classic in Oregon on August 21, 2021, is a blistering 10.54 seconds, a mere 0.05 off of Flo-Jo’s best-ever mark.

Less than a week later, Fraser-Pryce set her own personal best of 10.60 at the Lausanne Diamond League, beating Thompson-Herah to the line with the third-fastest time in history.

The trio will also contest the 200m, an event in which Jackson clocked 21.55 at the Jamaica trials on June 26 for the third-fastest ever time behind Florence Griffith-Joyner’s world record of 21.34 and Thompson-Herah with her 21.53 from Tokyo last year.

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