Le Rotary Club de Guadeloupe organise des enchères caritatives avec la distillerie Montebello

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

Une vente aux enchères aura lieu en Guadeloupe ce vendredi, afin de récolter des fonds à destination de l’action Rotary La Mer Pour Tous.

Ce vendredi (18 novembre 2022) aura lieu au Yacht Club de Pointe-à-Pitre, une vente aux enchères de spiritueux particulière.

En effet une partie des enchères permettra de récolter des fonds à destination de l’action Rotary La Mer Pour Tous.

Cette première vente aux enchères caritative en Guadeloupe sera transmise en direct sur le site www.drouot.com.

 

Faciliter l’accès à une base nautique aux personnes en situation de handicap

La base nautique Handivalide “La Mer Pour Tous” de Bergevin à Pointe-à-Pitre a été créée par le Rotary pour faciliter l’accès à la mer des personnes en situation de handicap.

Elle encourage la pratique de la voile en toute autonomie et favorise la mixité sociale en permettant aux personnes valides comme aux personnes porteuses d’un handicap de pratiquer une activité ludique en toute sécurité.

Le 8 août dernier, la base nautique a été vandalisée rendant l’utilisation de l’entièreté de la flotte impossible.

Suite à ce malheureux évènement, la Distillerie Montebello a décidé de soutenir la cause et permettre à nouveau aux bénéficiaires de profiter de cette infrastructure en Guadeloupe.

Des bouteilles d’exception proposées à la vente

Lors de la mise aux enchères, cinq cuvées de la distillerie Montebello seront présentées à la vente : 

-Carafe ORIGINE, rhum vieux agricole de Guadeloupe, 18 ans, 43.5°, 70cl, N°61/90. –

-Carafe HORIZON, rhum vieux agricole de Guadeloupe, 20 ans, 42.3°, 70cl, N°81/90. –

-Cuvée Prestige 1982, rhum vieux agricole de Guadeloupe, 24 ans, 42%, 70cl, Édition limitée.

– Cuvée L’ÉQUILIBRE, rhum vieux agricole de Guadeloupe, 15 ans, 47.2°, 70cl, Édition limitée à 623 bouteilles.

– Cuvée Dazy Art, rhum vieux agricole de Guadeloupe, 6 ans, 53.6°, 70cl, Édition limitée à 500 bouteilles.

L’intégralité de la vente des carafes Origine et Horizon sera reversée à l’association La Mer Pour Tous.

Consulter le catalogue en ligne 

NewsAmericasNow.com

Act being amended to give NRA an extra $4m for operating costs Loop Cayman Islands

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Cayman Compass

The National Roads Authority (NRA) is expected to get another four million dollars for its coffers this quarter once the National Roads Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2022 passes into law.

This extra four million dollars will be taken from the Road Fund, a fund controlled by core government which accumulates all fuel import duties charged, collected and paid under the Customs Tariff Act on gasoline and diesel used by motor vehicles (excluding fuel import duties for diesel consumed by Caribbean Utilities Company) and all fees collected and paid under the Traffic Regulations on motor vehicle drivers’ licences.

Since core government controls the Road Fund, it is for the Cabinet to authorise any transfer of a restricted sum from the Road Fund to the NRA as revenue to help the NRA cover its annual operating cost, in particular, the construction, upgrading, rehabilitation and maintenance of public roads.

Regarding this, the outgoing NRA board chairman explained that “The extra funding is important because, without it, it will be a challenge for the NRA to meet its operating costs this year.”

The outgoing board chairman continued: “For full disclosure… so that members of the public can understand, what is considered ‘revenue’ for the NRA is the limited sum that is allocated to the NRA from the Road Fund, any road user charges collected by the NRA, gifts or bequests received by the NRA, other monies paid and property provided to the NRA by way of grants, rent, interest and other income derived from the investment of the NRA’s funds, monies derived from the disposal of or dealing with real or personal property held by the NRA, monies borrowed by the NRA in accordance with the NRA Act and any property lawfully received or made available to the NRA.”

The outgoing board chairman confirmed, however, that, so far, NRA’s revenues have been comprised mainly of the limited allocations from the Road Fund and not other options available under the NRA Act.

Regarding the other options for raising revenue under the NRA Act, the outgoing board chairman said that “Given the high cost of living in Cayman, I don’t think it would be in the public’s interest to implement options available to the NRA that will further increase the cost of living, for example, through road user charges.”

And, yes, it is true that there is a controversial topic that is never discussed publicly… that utility providers generally utilize the public roads for free and then charge consumers for the services they provide. However, if the NRA decided to implement a fee payable by those utility providers to the NRA, I am not sure whether the utility providers would simply absorb the costs and not pass the costs onto consumers. If such costs were passed onto consumers, then it would make the financial struggle, and other matters, worse for the public as whole.

The outgoing board chairman explained.

Given the conundrum faced with exploring additional revenue raising options outside the limited amounts available from the Road Fund, the NRA will have to find a way to make the extra four million dollar injection work to cover ongoing operating costs, costs which the outgoing board chairman suspects may exceed the total injections for the year.

Notwithstanding these and other challenges, the outgoing board chairman says that he gives credit to Minister Jay Ebanks for his approach as a leader, always taking the time to address the NRA’s concerns in his capacity as Minister for Infrastructure, being professional and constantly suggesting ways that the NRA can improve.

Alric Lindsay, outgoing NRA board chairman (steps down November 30)

NewsAmericasNow.com

Local author donates copies of his book to primary, secondary students in effort to pass on Nevis’ history

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (November 14, 2022) — Primary and secondary school students on Nevis will have the opportunity to learn more about life on Nevis in the 1940s to the 1960s thanks to a donation of books entitled “Beyond The Bush & More” written by Mr. Hanzel Manners of Hull Ground in Gingerland.

The 14 books were presented to Ms. Zahnela Claxton, Principal Education Officer at the Department of Education on November 10, 2022, for distribution of one copy to each primary school. Mr. Manners described the contents of his publication.

“I would venture to think that it is interesting and very readable. It has been written with that in mind so that people would enjoy the read. The book is about Nevis and it comes in three sections. The first section is a very important section; it is Nevis as it was in the 1940s to the 1960s. I was born in 1944 so it’s the way Nevis was when I was a little boy growing up. The second section is about poems and songs, all my creations written over time, and the third section is a personal story of mine. It describes amusingly and some people say very touchingly, my journey from being a teacher which I was for 13 years.

“I don’t know if you know I was a trained teacher. I’m always proud to bring that in, my journey from being a teacher to a chartered accountant, and I think the book has educational value so one reason I decided to present a copy to each primary school and each secondary school on the island, and I’m told that amounts for 14 copies, and the reason for this is, as I said, I think it has educational value. It’s good for the young people to know how it was when they were not yet born,” he said.

The Gingerland native spoke of the importance of documenting the island’s history through the eyes of Nevisians.

“I say in the introduction to my book that we, the older ones, have a duty to pass our stories on and I’m pleased to think that is what I am doing in this section. The second reason is that I assume that the school children would not be in a position to buy this book. It sells at $50 per copy… The third reason is that I want to encourage reading, and I trust that it would encourage people to read; and the last reason is that I want to encourage writing. We have quite a few local people who have come forward to tell their story and this is a good example of that,” he said.

In her response to the donation Ms. Claxton thanked Mr. Manners, while expressing that the gift is a worthwhile one for the students.

“We hope that the students can learn a lot about our past, a lot about our culture in a way that would resonate with them and be meaningful. It is always a struggle within education to find culturally relevant materials, text that speak to our culture and our students can also identify with and so this will be of great value as we look at our enhanced curriculum and our thrust towards reading and writing, allowing our students to write.

“In fact we focus on the writing process. We are happy to hear that you take them through the writing process with the ultimate goal being publishing, and publishing for a student might mean writing it out on a folder leaf and sticking it up on the wall but it is publishing nonetheless and we hope that this will inspire them to go beyond and to publish their materials as well for the public to be able to consume. So thank you Mr. Manners, and it is always a good thing when our people are able to give back and to support the work of education and so we appreciate this contribution,” she said.

Also present was Ms. Londa Brown, Assistant Principal Education Officer in the Department of Education.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Recycling in St. Kitts and Nevis: Bin Placement Programme takes off in Nevis

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS, November 14, 2021 (MMS-SKN) — The Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has been singled out for praise for partnering with the St. Kitts and Nevis Solid Waste Management and Recycling Project as it enters the second phase of operation, the Bin Placement Programme.

Project Manager Ms Joyce Chang, who was in Nevis on Thursday November 10 to place recycling bins at ten locations, was during the exercise accompanied by the General Manager of the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority, Mr Andrew Hendrickson.

“It was a pleasure to be in Nevis, to work with the hotels, restaurants and one school, to set up our recycling bins,” said Ms Chang. “In this activity we shared with everyone how to recycle, what can be recycled and what cannot be recycled.”

The Project Manager explained that Project Driver, Mr Franklyn Rogers, would be picking up all the properly sorted recyclable material every Wednesday to take it to the landfill where a baler is now in operation. She thanked all stakeholders who have also partnered with the Recycling Project by having the recycling bins placed at their properties.

“I would like to appreciate all of the stakeholders and also special thanks for Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority because they have provided strong support to us to allow us to handle and manage our operations, and to help in transportation for operations in the recycling facility,” said Ms Chang.

The three-year (July 29, 2021 to July 28, 2024) US$1 million St. Kitts and Nevis Solid Waste Management and Recycling Project, which was officially launched on Friday March 4 at a ceremony held at the Solid Waste Management Conference Room in Taylor’s Range in Basseterre, is being executed jointly by the Federal Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action, and the Taiwan Technical Mission in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The Bin Placement Programme will see bins placed at schools, hotels, restaurants, community centres, churches, and local retail businesses in an effort to establish recycling channels.

“Essentially what was done today by the Taiwanese Technical Mission, the St. Kitts and Nevis Recycling initiative in collaboration with the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority is that we went around to various stakeholders who are on board with us,” said General Manager, Mr Andrew Hendrickson, speaking at the Four Seasons Resort where two bins, one for plastics and another for metal recyclables were placed.

Saying that it was a wonderful initiative in the history of Nevis and that he was proud to be associated with the activities on Thursday, he added: “We went to these places among others and we dropped off the recycling bins particularly bins for recyclable plastics as we well as the metals, and this is a very wonderful initiative which the Nevis Island Administration, and by extension the Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority, we are very proud to be associated with this, because what we are doing is also piggybacking because that is the direction in which we would like to go in terms of recycling and preserving the environment.”

They were accompanied by Project Technician, Mr Geofhani Gumbs, Project Driver Mr Franklyn Rogers, and two observers from Taiwan, Mr Darren Chen and Mr Mark Hsu who are on an eight-month attachment.

“I just want to thank the Taiwan Mission in St. Kitts and Nevis for the great contribution that has been given to me, something I have been trying to do a lot, but now I have help,” said Mr Llewellyn Caines, CEO Sunshine Beach Bar and Grill, Pinney’s, after his establishment received three recycling bins. “I want to say thank you very much, as a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Keep Nevis clean and let’s live life, and have fun and stay healthy.”

At the Four Seasons Resort where an elaborate recycling programme is in place, Director of Purchasing who is also the leader of the Green Team Committee at the property, Mr Clint Smith, observed that there is a drive now that is coming from corporate not just from Four Seasons Nevis, but all Four Seasons around the world, that they reduce their carbon footprint on a whole.

“With the recycling programme, I myself had three bins located on the beach and in the rooms division area, for the property to collect the plastic bottles and today Joyce has brought two additional bins for us to collect more plastic containers and also metal cans,” said Mr Smith. “This is a great initiative. It is the way of the world right now – it is a direction we want to go not only as a people, but as a company as we need to protect our environment.”

Other locations where the bins were placed are: Golden Rock Hotel (one for metal and one for plastic), Nevis International Secondary School (one for metal and one for plastic), Lime Beach Bar (one for metal and two for plastic), Montpelier Beach Bar (one for metal), Montpelier Plantation Inn (one for metal and one for plastic), and Oualie Beach Resort (one for metal and one for plastic).

NewsAmericasNow.com

New Supervisor of Elections in SKN makes first official visit to Nevis ahead of local elections

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: ZIZ Broadcasting Corporation

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (November 14, 2022) — Mr. Oaklyn Peets, the new Supervisor of Elections for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, made his first official visit to Nevis on November 11, 2022.

According to the new Supervisor of Elections who assumed the position on November 01, 2022, though he has hit the ground running since, his visit to Nevis is in preparation for the impending local elections on the island.

“I have come across to Nevis in order to meet with key stakeholders to ensure that the logistics and all strategies are put in place to ensure a smooth, fair and fine election. The local Nevis Island [Assembly] Election is very eminent and because of that I have decided to meet with all of the stakeholders.

“I have since met with all the members of each political party. I have also met with the Returning Officers, the Registration Officers and we worked out issues which have been challenging in the past, and I have given them the assurance that I will do my utmost best to ensure that a level playing field is established as a point of departure for every single political party.

“It is true that they have been reminiscing, they have been bellyaching particularly those in Opposition that they are at a disadvantage or they see themselves as being at a disadvantage but I have allayed their fears because it’s my intention to ensure that the principles of democracy are seen to come alive and to exist not only in the Electoral Office but in the Federation of St. Christopher and Nevis,” he said.

Mr. Peets stated that the election in Nevis will serve as a marker for changes.

“This local Island Election will be the starting point, and going forward I will ensure that the processes and the institutions of government reflect in their entirety the principles of a true democratic nation.

“It is my desire to continue to be the best I can and to ensure that I walk middle of the road instead of be seen as taking sides with one party over the next,” he said.

Meantime, Mr. Peets said he also wants to ensure that those involved in preparing for elections are compensated fairly.

“To organise for election is a herculean task. There are so many things you have to put I place. You have to get it right. There is no room for error but it is my view and based on what has been transpired by those with whom I have met, the Electoral Office and the people who assist in ensuring that elections are held, whenever they are held, they are not treated the way they would like to be treated.

“I have given them the assurance that I will do whatever I possibly can to ensure that every single individual who work so tiringly in the process is given some fair compensation so that they will be encouraged to continue working whenever elections are called,” he said.

In response to the timeliness of election results for a small population, the new Supervisor of Elections said changes would have to be made to the existing legislation.

“Legislatively and traditionally, it has been like that and it would continue like that until the appropriate legislation has been put in place to make the necessary change by way of amendment.

“I am willing to do whatever I can. There should be some electoral reform very shortly so all of that would be incorporated in the electoral reform,” he said.

NewsAmericasNow.com

Flying home for the holidays will cost you more this year Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

People still looking to book trips home to visit family or take a vacation during the holidays need to act fast and prepare for sticker shock.
Airline executives say that based on bookings, they expect huge demand for flights over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Travel experts say the best deals for airfares and hotels are already gone.
On social media, plenty of travellers think they are being gouged. It’s an understandable sentiment when government data shows that airfares in October were up 43% from a year earlier, and US airlines reported a combined profit of more than $2.4 billion in the third quarter.
Part of the reason for the high fares is that airlines are still operating fewer flights than in 2019 even though passenger numbers are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels.
“Fewer flights and more people looking to head home or take a vacation for the holidays means two things: Prices will be higher, and we will see flights sell out for both holidays,”
says Holly Berg, chief economist for travel-data provider Hopper.
Yulia Parr knows exactly what Berg is talking about. The Annandale, Virginia, woman struggled to find a reasonably priced flight home for her young son, who is spending Thanksgiving with his grandmother in Texas while Parr visits her husband, who is on active military duty in California. She finally found a $250 one-way ticket on Southwest, but it’s not until the Tuesday after the holiday.
Parr figures she waited too long to book a flight.
“My husband’s kids are flying home for Christmas,” she said. “Those tickets were bought long ago, so they’re not too bad.”
Prices for air travel and lodging usually rise heading into the holidays, and it happened earlier this year. That is leading some travellers in Europe to book shorter trips, according to Axel Hefer, CEO of Germany-based hotel-search company Trivago.
“Hotel prices are up absolutely everywhere,” he said. “If you have the same budget or even a lower budget through inflation, and you still want to travel, you just cut out a day.”
Hotels are struggling with labour shortages, another cause of higher prices. Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, which owns travel-search sites including Priceline and Kayak, says one hotelier told him he can’t fill all his rooms because he doesn’t have enough staff.
Rates for car rentals aren’t as crazy as they were during much of 2021 when some popular locations ran out of vehicles. Still, the availability of vehicles is tight because the cost of new cars has prevented rental companies from fully rebuilding fleets that they culled early in the pandemic.
US consumers are facing the highest inflation in 40 years, and there is growing concern about a potential recession. That isn’t showing up in travel numbers, however.
The number of travellers going through airport checkpoints has recovered to nearly 95% of 2019 traffic, according to Transportation Security Administration figures for October.
Travel industry officials say holiday travel might top pre-pandemic levels.
Airlines haven’t always done a good job handling the big crowds, even though they have been hiring workers to replace those who left after COVID-19 hit. The rates of canceled and delayed flights rose above pre-pandemic levels this summer, causing airlines to slow down plans to add more flights.
US airlines operated only 84% as many U.S. flights as they did in October 2019, and plan about the same percentage in December, according to travel-data firm Cirium. On average, airlines are using bigger planes with more seats this year, which partly offsets the reduction in flights.
“We are definitely seeing a lot of strength for the holidays,” Andrew Nocella, United Airlines’ chief commercial officer, said on the company’s earnings call in October. “We’re approaching the Thanksgiving timeframe, and our bookings are incredibly strong.”
Airline executives and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg blamed each other for widespread flight problems over the summer. Airline CEOs say that after hiring more pilots and other workers, they are prepared for the holiday mob.
Travel experts offer tips for saving money and avoiding getting stranded by a cancelled flight, although the advice hasn’t changed much from previous years.
Be flexible about dates and even destinations, although that’s not possible when visiting grandma’s house. In a recent search, the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to New York around Christmas were on Christmas Eve and returning on New Year’s Eve.
Look into discount airlines and alternate airports, but know that smaller airlines have fewer options for rebooking passengers after a flight is cancelled.
Fly early in the day to lower your risk of a delay or cancellation. “If something goes wrong, it tends to progress throughout the day — it gets to be a domino effect,” says Chuck Thackston, general manager of Airlines Reporting Corp., an intermediary between airlines and travel agents.
There are plenty of theories on the best day of the week to book travel. Thackston says it’s Sunday because airlines know that’s when many price-conscious consumers are shopping, and carriers tailor offerings for them.
For the most part, airlines have dodged the accusations of price-gouging that have swirled around oil companies — which drew another rebuke this week from President Joe Biden — and other industries.
The accountable US, an advocacy group critical of corporations, linked airline delays and cancellations this summer to job cuts during the pandemic and poor treatment of workers.
“But generally, we would say the airline industry is not currently at the same level as big food, oil, or retail in terms of gross profiteering,” says Jeremy Funk, a spokesman for the group.
Brett Snyder, who runs a travel agency and writes the “Cranky Flier” blog about air travel, says prices are high simply because flights are down from 2019 while demand is booming.
“How is it gouging?” Snyder asks. “They don’t want to go (take off) with empty seats, but they also don’t want to sell everything for a dollar. It’s basic economics.”
Travelers are sacrificing to hold down the cost of their trips.
Sheena Hale and her daughter, Krysta Pyle, woke up at 3 am and left their northwestern Indiana home an hour later to make a 6:25 a.m. flight in Chicago last week.
“We are exhausted,” Hale said after the plane landed in Dallas, where Krysta was taking part in a cheer competition. “We started early because the early flights were much cheaper. Flights are way too expensive.”
They’re not going anywhere for Christmas.
“We don’t have to travel. We’re staying home with family,” Hale said.
By David Koenig

NewsAmericasNow.com

Djokovic set to be granted visa to play Australian Open Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic is set to be granted a visa to play in next year’s Australian Open despite his high-profile deportation in January.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Tuesday said it had confirmed newspaper reports that the immigration minister had overturned a potential three-year exclusion period for Djokovic.

The Australian Border Force has previously said an exclusion period could be waived in certain circumstances — and that each case would be assessed on its merits.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles’ office declined comment on privacy grounds, meaning any announcement on Djokovic’s visa status would have to come from the 35-year-old Serbian tennis star.

The 21-time Grand Slam singles champion wasn’t allowed to defend his Australian Open title this year after a tumultuous 10-day legal saga over his COVID-19 vaccination status that culminated with his visa being revoked on the eve of the tournament.

Djokovic arrived at Melbourne Airport as the world’s top-ranked tennis player with a visa he’d obtained online and what he believed to be a valid medical exemption to the country’s strict laws for unvaccinated travellers because it was endorsed by Tennis Australia and the government of Victoria state, which hosts the tournament.

Confusion reigned, generating global headlines. As it transpired, that medical exemption allowed him entry to the tournament, which required all players, fans and officials to be vaccinated for the coronavirus, but not necessarily to enter the country. It was rejected by the Australian Border Force.

Alex Hawke, Australia’s immigration minister at the time, used discretionary powers to cancel Djokovic’s visa on character grounds, stating he was a “talisman of a community of anti-vaccine sentiment.”

Australia has had a change of government and changed its border rules this year and, since July 6, incoming travellers no longer have to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccinations. That removed the major barrier to entry for Djokovic.

It allowed him to apply to new Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to reconsider his visa status. In his favour, Djokovic left Australia quickly after his visa was revoked and has not publicly criticized Australian authorities.

As the Department of Home Affairs website explains, applicants in Djokovic’s circumstances must explain in writing to Australia’s border authorities why the exclusion period should be put aside — “you must show us that there are compassionate or compelling circumstances to put aside your re-entry ban and grant you the visa.”

Djokovic indicated Monday at the ATP Finals in Italy that his lawyers were communicating with the Australian government with a view to him contesting the Jan. 16-29 Australian Open.

NewsAmericasNow.com

SOE declared for several parishes Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News
Loop Sports

4 minutes ago

States of Emergency (SOEs) have been declared for the parishes of St Catherine, Clarendon and parts of Kingston and St Andrew as well as the tri-parish area of St James, Westmoreland and Hanover.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement a short while ago during a media briefing now underway at Jamaica House.

The prime minister said the SOEs were declared following the recommendation of the security chiefs amidst worrying signs of an increase in criminal activities to include gang activities.

Holness said an increased threat to property and public disorder have also been detected.

He said the approach of the Christmas season also requires the deployment of greater resources that the security forces do not have.

“And therefore the government has to act in a proactive way, the government has to act in such a way as to maximise the resources that we have to save lives and property from the threats that exists,” he said.

“The underlying threat is such that it will cause an increase in the number of murders and homicides that we see going into the next few weeks and indeed we have seen an increase in murders over the last six months,” the prime minister added.

“What we have seen in gang activities in these areas is indeed cause for grave concern,” he continued.

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Countries pledge added support to GEF funds for urgent climate adaptation

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
Conrod-C.-Hunte

n an important injection of support to countries facing the worst effects of climate change, seven donor governments pledged new funding for the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) and Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) during the COP27 climate summit and several others backed the funds’ ambitious goals for meeting the most urgent adaptation needs.

Announcing a total of $105.6 million in new funding, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Walloon Region of Belgium, stressed the need for even more support for the Global Environment Facility funds targeting the immediate climate adaptation needs of low-lying and low-income states.

Additionally, countries including Belgium, Canada, France, and the United States, as well the European Commission, signaled political support for the two funds, and some expressed an intention to contribute further in the coming months. Several welcomed the SCCF’s dedicated focus on Small Island Developing States as a key avenue of climate finance that is otherwise lacking.

Please see the donor governments’ joint statement for amounts pledged by country.

LDCF and SCCF recipient countries welcomed the new support and called on other countries to also step up their financing as soon as possible.

“Small Island Developing States cannot afford to wait when it comes to building climate resilience and dealing with extremes. We are highly appreciative that the GEF’s Special Climate Change Fund has a new funding window focused on supporting the unique adaptation needs of SIDS,” said Conrod C. Hunte of the Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, who is Lead Negotiator of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). “We also welcome the strong political support from donors for the SCCF, but this needs to be translated into real funding commitments without delay.”

The new pledges add to $413 million that 12 donor countries pledged to the LDCF at COP26 in Glasgow last year. Delivering the promises of the Paris Climate Agreement, including providing adaptation finance for those who most need it, is a major topic of discussion at the COP27 summit in Egypt.

“I am encouraged by these specific pledges announced today and especially by the signals of political support we are hearing for the adaptation priorities of Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries,” said Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson of the Global Environment Facility, which manages the LDCF and SCCF. “The GEF is committed to enabling these highly climate-vulnerable countries plan for a safe and sustainable future even in crisis conditions. The LDCF and SCCF are designed to do just that, and this new funding will help ensure climate finance gets to where it is most needed first.”

“Adaptation funding for the poorest and most vulnerable nations is not an expense, it is an investment in the safety and well-being of millions of people,” said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change. “I am heartened by these contributions, which send an important signal that leading governments recognize the urgency of dealing with the climate crisis and the importance of supporting countries on the front lines of climate change.”

The LDCF is the only dedicated source of climate adaptation finance for the 46 Least Developed Countries, which have generated the least carbon emissions yet face some of the highest risks from a warming planet. The SCCF finances innovative approaches to scaling up climate adaptation in developing countries, including through technology transfer. It has a special funding window for Small Island Developing States seeking support.

Earlier this year, the GEF’s member countries endorsed a new strategy for both funds so they can provide more targeted, dedicated support for climate-vulnerable countries as they work to build a more resilient future and implement their National Adaptation Plans. The GEF programming strategy for the next four years anticipates that the LDCF will provide between $1 billion and $1.3 billion for Least Developed Countries, and that the SCCF will provide between $200 million to $400 million for Small Island Developing States and other climate-vulnerable developing states.

“The United States has long been a supporter of the GEF. We welcome the new programming strategy on adaptation to climate change for the LDCF and SCCF. We are especially pleased to see the SCCF’s focus on small island developing states and its plans to grow private sector investment in adaptation. The time is now to invest in adaptation and build resilience for the future we want.” said Monica Medina, Assistant US Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs.

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Battle Between Jamaica DPP  And Antigua DPP

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
Anthony Armstrong

 By Rawlston Pompey

Even as those in their respective disciplines and in their own rights as scientists, have sought to influence human’s thought processes and behavioral patterns, human nature is just what it is. It is likened to ‘Murphy’s Law.’ Those that believed in this adage, know that it speaks to a ‘Pre-determined Destiny.’ It says; ‘Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.’ Still, there are some things that have ‘Foreseeable Consequences,’ that can be averted. Still, there are some situations that are as inescapable as they are unavoidable. Even so, those that delight themselves in making life more difficult than nature, have caused for their fellow-men, adversities of all kinds, untold miseries and despair.

MOST SCRUTINIZED

Likened to other jurisdictions, the ‘Two Most Scrutinized’ government agencies have been (i) ‘The ‘Police Service; and (ii) Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.’ Though their role and functions are practically different, office holders know that key to successful ‘Public Prosecutions’ are; (a) ‘Proper criminal investigations; (b) Martialing the evidence; and (c) A functional approach; (d) Inter-agency cooperation; and (e) Respect for areas of responsibility.’ These agencies are headed by those that have commendably acquitted themselves, as to be seen as competent, efficient and behaviorally, exemplary.

REEK OF SUSPICION

Not infrequently, there have been ‘Changing Scenes of Life.’ There have been man-engineered adversities of one kind or another. Frequently, these are often ‘Reek of Suspicion.’ Through collaboration between the ‘Police Services of Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda and Jamaica,’ needlessly, the global community has been made aware of the experiences of ‘Antigua and Barbuda Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Anthony Armstrong.’ When Jamaican-born national ‘Anthony Armstrong’ boarded an Airline from ‘V.C Bird International Airport (VCBIA)’ destined to his native Jamaica,’ he knew not what lay ahead.

PERSPECTIVE

This commentary seeks not to ‘Defend Faith;’ nor is it intended to invite ‘Fate’ upon the adversity-struck ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Anthony Armstrong.’ Thus, it does not speak to the ‘Merits or Demerits’ of the Case, of which he has been made the subject of criminal prosecutions. Its primary purpose is to lend a ‘Professional Understanding’ of the seemingly misunderstood ‘INTERPOL Red Notice entails.’ It also looks at the behavior and employable strategy of some criminal investigators. It is dedicated to attorneys with a criminal practice. That which suspects seem not to know is that they owe no obligation to no one to voluntary submit themselves to be questioned by any investigator. While some formalities are done, criminal investigation is generally not done at Police Stations or sitting at an office desk.

DEDICATION

It is dedicated to (i) ‘An esteemed Attorney-at-law Charlesworth Tabor; and (ii) Dr. Dave Ray.’ The latter, an apparent objective, but seem more critical over the author’s writing style, than of the content. At this juncture, none shall be reminded of what ‘St. Paul’ has said. For the benefit of those who do not remember, he was scripturally quoted saying; ‘Every man to his own order’ [1 Corinthians: 15: 23]. Congratulations to the partly despised/loved ‘J’Truth.’ Not only for sticking to his ‘Own Order,’ but also in lifting the coveted and prestigious ‘Leonard ‘Tim’ Hector Award’ [ANR: November 7, 2022]. Suffice to say, the prestigious ‘Award’ necessarily demands purity of expressions. Many shall find the contents serious, yet humorous.

EVENT OF NATURE

It shall do no harm reflecting upon the ‘Wrath’ nature descended upon ‘Port Royal.’ Historians appeared not to have been descriptively kind to that ‘Ancient City.’ They have described it as ‘One of the wickedest places on earth’ [June 7, 1692]. That which descended upon the City, saw some two-thirds of the land mass disappeared. Seemingly, without the advent and benefit of ‘Information and Technology,’ before residents shall have been advised; (a) ‘Drop; (b) Cover; and; Hold on,’ likened to a torpedoed ship, it was left listless and helpless by an estimated ‘7.5 Magnitude Quake’ [Wikipedia].

MORNING SUN

Historical accounts, revealed that; ‘The morning that opened brilliantly fine; There was said to have been glorious sun shining down on the earth from a cloudless sky; …There was no indication, neither to man, nor beast of the coming disaster.’ Under the blazing, yet tolerable morning Sun, and just before midday-11.43 am, there were said to be roaring sounds. Without a Zoo, residents obviously knew they were not sounds of hungry lions. Though it had nothing to do with ‘Inclemency of Weather,’ the sounds were said to have roared like thunder. Still, they were not preceded by lightning.

WRATH OF NATURE

Eerie feelings gripped those inside. No attempts were made to venture outside. Instead, residents on the outside reportedly scampered inside. In the instant situation, the nearest building was good for shelter. For a great many of the frightened and disoriented residents, it spelled disaster of a magnitude that was never before experienced. To the survivors, it marked the ‘Changing Scenes of Life.’ Violently the city rocked, and instantaneously, it submerged beneath the ocean by a ‘Tidal Wave.’ Today, it may have been called a ‘Tsunami.’ So was the destructive attitude of nature. This appeared evident from the wrath descended upon it by one of the ‘Forces of Nature.’

WATERY GRAVES

The earth shook with such violence, that buildings collapsed. Dust rose to the heavens, while debris fell down. The earth opened up with rents that took in everything. Men, women and children’ submerged under a turbulent wave, leaving some ‘2,000 residents’ to rest quietly in ‘Watery Graves’ [Wikipedia]. Whatever their hopes and dreams and aspirations, in the twinkle of an eye, the occupiable land mass of the ‘City of Port Royal’ disappeared. in the twinkle of an eye, a sizeable portion of the ‘City of Port Royal’ became non-existent. So too, were their hopes, dreams and aspirations. For in the twinkle of an eye, the occupiable land mass disappeared from view. The experiences of ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Anthony Armstrong,’ bears no comparison. Yet, he bears witness to his world being collapsed, firstly by an embarrassing ‘Red Notice,’ and secondly, by ‘Apprehension’ [November 6, 2022].

DEPRIVE AND DESTROY

The unpredictable ‘Nature of Man,’ has been no different. Man continues to ‘Deceive; Deprive; and Destroy.’ Though he has peacefully transitioned to another place, the name and social commentaries of ‘Sir Rupert Philo, Dean of Calypso,’ lives on in the memory. Whether or not a fan or follower, friend or foe, his social commentaries are stark reminders of man’s evilness and wickedness to man. Many shall recall the lyrical contents of one of his most telling commentaries; ‘Man to Man.’ Sharing his experience, he said; ‘They say man to man is so darm unjust; …You don’t know who the hell to trust.’ The deceased artist appeared to have been prompted to perform this song when, through ‘Deception and Treachery,’ friends and work-colleagues; ‘Bad-talk me to an Airline company; …In the end they make ‘LIAT’ fire me.’ [1978: Mighty Swallow].

DEVIOUS AND DANGEROUS

There have been some developments that have been seen as ‘Stranger than Fiction.’  Conversely, there have been human behaviors, though not fictional, when exhibited, have often boggled the mind. The ‘Creative Miracles of God,’ saw humans being born of flesh and blood. Each is presumed to be endowed with ‘Reason and Conscience.’ In men and women of the attained age of majority, these combined, are said to guide human behavior. Today, as has been in the distant and recent past, humans have been exhibiting behaviors that are as ‘Devious,’ as they are ‘Dangerous.’

SEEDS OF DECEPTION

When criminal investigators, seemingly sown ‘Seeds of Deception’ in his mind, and wooed him back to Jamaica for ‘an Interview,’ they had successfully disguised their prosecutorial intentions. Moreover, when factually and unprofessionally, law enforcers with ‘Reckless Abandon’ breached ‘INTERPOL Protocols,’ by sharing ‘Confidential Electronic Mail’ with those in whom no ‘Police Powers,’ reside, know that the ‘Die of Criminal Prosecutions’ had been cast. When Jamaican-born national ‘Anthony Armstrong’ boarded an Airline from ‘V.C Bird International Airport (VCBIA), destined to the ‘Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA)’[Jamaica], he knew not what lay ahead [November 6, 2022].

LONG ARM OF LAW

Whether or not ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Anthony Armstrong’ traveled to Jamaica, China or India,’ on the premise of being interviewed by criminal investigators, criminal suspects know that the wind blows from the four cardinal points of the earth. Some East: some West; Some North; and some South. On the ocean, there are usually ‘Choppy Seas.’ In the open airspace, there are usually ‘Turbulences.’ On terra firma, people are blown all over. Some to Church and some to jail.’ Clearly and emphatically, there was no evidence or even suspicion that he has been on the run from ‘Jamaican Justice.’ Factually, the world now a ‘Global Village,’ and with the advent of ‘Information and Technology,’ it certainly does not allow him to have been that elusive for very long before the ‘Long Arm of Law’ pulled him in.

FORFEITING LIBERTY

Privilege information revealed he was officially informed that his travel was specifically for the purposes of ‘Criminal Interviews.’  He appeared not to have been alerted that he run the risk of ‘Forfeiting his Liberty.’ Informally, he may have been given an inkling. Though he was destined to his homeland, with such inkling, true or false, even ‘Angels’ would have been fearful to leave ‘VC Bird International Airport (VCBIA),’ let alone travel to his ‘Twice-Yearly Itinerant Destination- Jamaica.’ Inflight restrictive movements, may have been extended only by visits to the onboard sanitary facility. These may either have been due to gripping fear and/or ‘Calls of Nature.’

DECEIVED AND TRICKED

Inescapably, he was ‘Entrapped and Nabbed’ by a ‘Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) female detective. Reportedly exhibited behavior that seem neither to have reflected professional knowledge, nor professionalism.’ Such exhibition was said to speak to scant respect for ‘Human Dignity.’ Fully cooperative, the unsuspectingly tricked, lured and nabbed Antigua and Barbuda Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Anthony Armstrong,’ was reportedly left ‘Dejected and Flabbergasted’ over the unexpected turn of events He maintained both self-control and his mental faculties. Then irate, befuddled-brain ‘Attorney Hugh Wildman’ appeared not to have concealed his emotions. Embarrassingly, he too felt ‘Deceived and Tricked.’ In -pre-arrival discussions, he may have taken a ‘6 for a 9.’

SPIDER AND FLY

Likened to the fabled story of the ‘Spider and the Fly;’ he saw his client flew carelessly into a ‘Police Web.’ Then all flying was over. Though clearly not a fable, he shall have been mindful of the ‘Spider/Fly Story.’ He could never have been naïve in believing that such exercise, he would have been airborne on the Army helicopter to take in a spectacular view of ‘Waurika Hills.’ When he traveled out of ‘Antigua and Barbuda,’ for reasons then best known to ‘INTERPOL’ and himself, it shall have been obvious that it was a ‘Cardinal Mistake.’ He may have taken a ‘Calvin Ayer Chopper’ and fly right here over ‘Antigua and Barbuda.’

BEWARE OF SUBTERFUGE

There might be a lesson to be learnt from ‘Law Enforcement Instructional Guide.’ It states; ‘Beware of Subterfuge.’ Notwithstanding his constitutional prosecutorial role, where citizens either perceived or harbored belief that there were some courses of action may have been influenced by the environment, he is still owed; (i) ‘The protection of law; (ii) Presumption of innocence [CO: 1981: Section 15]; (iii) Due process; (iv) Equality of treatment; and (v) Fair and public trial before the Court’ [1948: UDHR: Article 10]. From a strictly professional perspective, the apparent ‘Ill-advised and Ill-Fated’ return to ‘Jamaica’ of ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Anthony Armstrong’ appeared merely for the completion of arresting formalities.

INVESTIGATIVE STRATEGIES

Today, as has always been the case, given certain employable ‘Investigative Strategies,’ persons shall know that ‘Red Notices’ or not, law enforcers have never been starved of ‘Investigative Ploys.’ This is so, whether or not a ‘Notice’ exists or cancelled. That which occurred on arrival at ‘NMIA,’ speaks more to the ‘Corruptible Influence’ of the environment, than of want of professional and procedural training. Even so, the ‘Jamaican-counterparts of certain members of the ‘Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda,’ appeared to have exploited ‘Confidentiality Chinks’ within the local chapter of ‘INTERPOL.’

RED NOTICES – RED FLAGS

It is also widely known that most ‘Commonwealth Nations’ have international obligations that as requests are formally made, they shall discharge those obligations. None shall feign ignorance of these. Whether or not persons are seen as ‘Fleeing Justice,’ they shall, with utmost suspicion, take all ‘Red Notices’ serious. They shall always regard them as ‘Red Flags.’ As in the case of ‘danger,’ they shall see such ‘Notices’ as indicating the ultimate, but inescapable- Arrest.’ Given his ‘professional adversities and legal troubles,’ inferences might reasonably be drawn that ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Anthony Armstrong’ may have been unsuspectingly deceived and tricked.  Then likened to a length of invisible thread, ‘Lured and Entrapped’ for the ‘Jamaican Nab’ [November 6, 2022].

ADMINISTRATIVE WORRY

Consequent upon the initiated course of action, it could hardly escape reasonably drawn inferences that shall cause ‘Administrative Worry’ to ‘Commissioners of Police Atlee Rodney KPM and Major General Antony Anderson CD, JP, MDA, BEng (Hons).’ That which shall so cause worry, shall be their supposedly ‘Confidentially Impenetrable INTERPOL Units’ within their respective ‘Police Service.’ Whether or not acting collaboratively, one or both of these ‘Units’ seemed to have been ‘Environmentally Exploited.’ Thus, without explicable and/or justifiable reasons from ‘Law enforcement Heads,’ an openly shared observation was an apparent organizational activity, capable of being identified as ‘Corrupt Practice.’

FLIGHT FROM JUSTICE

Those familiar with law enforcement and have dealt with ‘Cross-border or organized-crimes,’ shall rely upon the assistance of the ‘International Police Organization (INTERPOL).’ Whether or not from ‘China or India; or Antigua and Barbuda or Jamaica,’ the membership of this organization may seek such assistance by requesting the issuance of a ‘Red Notice.’ This has brought internal terror, but only to those taking ‘Flight from Justice.’ The often misunderstood, ‘Notice’ has never been ‘an International Arrest Warrant.’ Among the primary purposes are (a) ‘Alerting every Law enforcement jurisdiction of sought-after notorious criminals on the run; and (b) Ascertaining the whereabouts of fugitives.’

CASES ON POINT

In fact, it silently speaks to apprehension when a ‘Request for Extradition’ has been formally made; and (d) A Provisional Arrest Warrant’ has been duly issued by the ‘Appropriate Authority’ [ANU: No.12 of 1993: Section 9 (4)]. The Cases against; (i) ‘Convicted former Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), Leroy King; (ii) The wealthy-lucky Indian Billionaire, diamantaire Mehul Choksi; and (iii) Convicted rapist former British Police officer, Lee Martin-Cramp’ make the point. In the case of both convicts, no ‘Red Notices’ were necessary to be circulated to the universal membership of ‘INTERPOL.’

ENTANGLED WITH CRIMINAL LAW

Both nations knew where the accused had residency. Instructively, the young ‘British Bobby,’ then vacationing on ‘Antigua and Barbuda’ was said to have been on a ‘Social Rendezvous’ with a female medical student. She was then pursuing medical studies within the jurisdiction. Seemingly overwhelmed by desires of a sexual nature, and with apparent reckless abandon, got ‘Entangled with the Law’ He was accused of committing a sexual act of against her. [May 2015]. However, before completion of criminal investigations, the accused reportedly made his way back to the ‘United Kingdom’ [May 2015].

FORMAL REQUEST

In respect to the e ‘Fraudster (King) and Rapist (Cramp),’ the ‘United States and Antigua and Barbuda’ complied with requirements of the ‘Extradition Law.’ Both nations made ‘Formal Requests’ for their return to face prosecution. Ironically, the ‘Extradition Request’ for the return of the alleged rapist was made by ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Anthony Armstrong.’ Seemingly satisfied and overjoyed with his ‘Prosecutorial Performance,’ an ecstatically happy ‘Attorney General, Steadroy ‘Cutie’ Benjamin’ was quoted in media reports saying that he was ‘pleased with the hard work of the DPP, who is determined to ensure that all delinquent persons are brought to justice’ [Observer: September 4, 2018].

RISKILY AND UNWITTINGLY

From a professional perspective, it was never said; could never, and could never have been said that the ‘Antigua and Barbuda DPP,’ had been a ‘Fugitive-at- Large.’ Though it may not be necessarily so, likened to many other ‘Global Police Services,’ some personnel seem to savor that which appeared to be a ‘Clique Culture of Corruption.’ Research has shown that he was never accused of committing a cross-border crime. Neither has he been evasive or has opportunistically taken fight from justice, thereby sought ‘Haven’ in the jurisdiction of ‘Antigua and Barbuda.’ Though ‘Jamaica’ has been his country of domicile, and he enjoys ‘Freedom of Movement,’ he may have been the victim of ‘Unsafe Advice,’ Conversely, if he acted on his own volition, then it shall be seen that he ‘Riskily and Unwittingly’ traveled back to Jamaica.

SPIRIT OF DISCERNMENT

Moreover, ‘Sir Ron’ may have known that whether or not considered a ‘Suspected Person,’ no one is obliged to incriminate him/herself in any criminal wrongdoing.’ He had not employed or relied on his special skills. That which may have distinguished ‘Diplomatic Skills’ from ‘Prosecutorial Skills,’ may very well have been the ‘Spirit of Discernment.’ A local news portal reported that ‘Detective, Superintendent Nuffield Burnette’ made a ‘Media Request’ for the former Ambassador to ‘present himself to the Police.’ Investigators not only had sight on him as a ‘Person of Interest,’ but also wished interview him on the ‘Controversial Ishikawa Jima Heavy Industries (IHI) Fraud Investigations’ [Martina Johnson: Antigua Observer: January 4, 2012].

REASON OR REQUEST

Irrespective of ‘Reason or Request,’ likened to ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Anthony Armstrong, ‘Sir Ron’ was never declared a ‘Fugitive from Justice.’ From a professional perspective, ‘Fools’ were never known to have successfully committed certain ‘Frauds.’ Thus, it may take a ‘Fool’ to expect ‘Fraudsters’ to present themselves to criminal investigators to be handcuffed and slapped with ‘Fraud Charges.  Sir Ron, sent no media delivered ‘Messagesto ‘Superintendent Burnette.’ He seemingly never contemplated sending messages or travelling anywhere to be penned. He possesses no ‘Praying skills’ nor ‘Singing talents,’ comparable to those of ‘Silas and Paul’ [NIV: Acts 16: 16 40]. Thus, whether or not he was wanted for an ‘Interview or Interrogation,’ even if his name was ‘Deed Poll’ to be called ‘Carl,’ ‘Sir Ron’ would still not travel to ‘Antigua at all.’

THESE TRUTHS

None shall deny that the ‘Prosecutorial Prowess’ of ‘Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), was widely known. None may also deny that he has caused ‘Substantial Revenues’ from ‘Confiscated Monetary Assets’ flowed into the ‘Cash-strapped Nation.’ None may also deny, that likened to water flowing downward to the sea from ‘Country Pond,’ the ‘National Economy,’ breathed sighs of relief. If so indulgently craved, attestations to ‘These Truths’ may come from ‘Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh and Director of ONDCP, Lt Colonel Edward Croft.’ He was not ubiquitous. His ‘Whereabouts’ were well known within the ‘Caribbean Community (CARICOM); the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); Canada; United Kingdom; Russia; and the United States of America.

WOLF AND FOX

None, therefore, shall feign ignorance of these facts. Research has shown that he recently participated in a ‘Virtual CARICOM Conference,’ as background to his photograph suggests. The Conference, reportedly hosted by the ‘United States and United Kingdom.’ The ‘Conference’ brought together ‘Crème-de-la-crème’ of ‘Public Prosecutors. Their representatives provide irrefutable ‘Evidence of Knowledge’ of the whereabouts of ‘Anthony Armstrong.’  The identifiable participating territories, included ‘Directors of Public Prosecutions’ from: (i) The apparent ‘Wolfish ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA: (ii) The Bahamas; (iii) Barbados; (iv) Belize; (v) Commonwealth of Dominica; (vi) Grenada; (vii) Guyana; (viii) The apparent conniving and cunning fox JAMAICA; (ix) St. Kitts/Nevis: (x) St. Lucia; (xi) St. Vincent and the Grenadines; (xii) Trinidad and Tobago; and (xiii) British Overseas Territories’ [ABN: February 8, 2021].

FACTS AND KNOWLEDGE

Ironically, representing ‘Jamaica’ was ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),Paula Vanessa Llewellyn CD, KC,’ while ‘Anthony Armstrong’ represented his adopted nation, ‘Antigua and Barbuda.’  Research has revealed that this esteemed female legal luminary,’ has held the prestigious office of ‘DPP’ for ‘some 14 years’ [Jamaica: 2008]. She has done her ‘Internship on Antigua and Barbuda’ [Wikipedia]. Given these ‘Truths,’ none, inclusive of those with ‘Forked Tongues’ shall deny not to have been seized of ‘Facts and Knowledge.’ Moreover, no regional ‘Director of Public Prosecutions’ and no ‘Minister of Legal and Foreign Affairs’ shall depreciate the value of his prosecutorial practice.

REPUTATIONALLY WOUNDED

Left abandoned, jaded and dejected, distraught and despaired, ‘Anthony Armstrong’ appeared to have been ‘Reputationally Wounded.’ If it shall not to be believed that ‘Environmental Influence’ was not at work, then it shall beg no question as to; (i) ‘At the highest level, ‘Why did it take the ‘Andrew Holness Administration’ and ‘Major General Antony Anderson-led Police High Command’ this long to cause ‘INTERPOL’ to disseminate a ‘Red Notice’ to the international community? (ii) Why caused the issuance of such ‘Notice,’ when his; (a) ‘Place of residency: (b) Employer: and (c) Prosecutorial position’ were well known to all a sundry? (iii) Why was the Notice immediately cancelled? and (iv) Why were his prosecutorial services retained with disciplinary proceedings precariously hanging over his head for seventeen (17) years [October 17, 2005 – November 1, 2022]?

TREACHEROUS STRATEGIES

When Law enforcement personnel, knowingly and seemingly collaborated with foreign agencies by employing ‘Treacherous Strategies,’ intended to destroy the professional careers of others, the ‘Treacherous’ shall know that they run the risk of traversing down dangerous precipices to their own professional destruction. They shall also know that ‘Spiritual Fire’ shall burn their consciences to ashes. The ‘Plot Thickened.’ Privilege information revealed that mere hours before flight time, confirmation of travel by ‘DPP Anthony Armstrong to Jamaica’ [November 6, 2022]. Such revelation suggests incubation of a ‘Plot of Collaboration.’ That which shall not be omitted from this commentary is this. It is to be understood that universally, Law enforcement shall ‘Cooperate and Collaborate’ in the fight against ‘Organized-Crimes.’

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS

In the case of the ‘Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and Office of Director of Public Prosecutions,’ likened to many others, the officers in their respective fields of endeavor, appear to have distinguished themselves exceedingly well. These are the highly reputable charactered; (i) ‘Major General Antony Bertram Anderson [March 19, 2018]; and (ii) Jamaican Crown Prosecution Service, DPP Paula Vanessa Llewelyn Surely, these two highly visible and upstanding ‘Public Figures’ have been under constant public scrutiny. Research has shown that crime and a recent public spat, have placed the spotlight on their respective ‘Roles and Functions.’

SHODDY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

Disabusing public of spotlighted ‘Perceived Prosecutions/non-prosecutions of 40 Cases’ [OCG: Jamaica Gleaner: November, 25, 2011]. Such perception is bad for everything; bad when a conviction is obtained, and bad when an acquittal is given. More fundamentally, ‘Bad’ when no prosecutorial proceedings have been expeditiously instituted against those of ‘Affluence and Societal influence.’ Respecting the ‘Jamaica Police Service,’ the former, charged with superintendence of this ‘Disciplined Organization,’ has always been deemed to know those personnel inclined to breach ‘Organizational Discipline,’ or breach ‘Standardized Operationalized Procedures.’ Such procedures were purposefully designed to enhance professional competence, efficiency and effectiveness. Consequent upon such procedures, there shall be no ‘Rush or Bomb Jobs.’ Neither shall there be ‘Shoddy Criminal Investigations.’

COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIES

In the ‘Eastern Caribbean,’ more specifically ‘Antigua and Barbuda and Jamaica,’ persons holding the constitutional position of ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),’ have been as visible as the sun shining down on ‘Darkwood Beach’ [ANU], as on ‘Dunn’s River’ [Jamaica]. Privilege information suggest that mere hours before travel, a law enforcement officer reportedly initiated a call to a ‘Person of Interest’ to a regional jurisdiction. Instructively, this was said to ascertain if he/she was travelling to a particular destination. As one of the ‘Collaborative Strategies,’ know that such person would be greeted by criminal investigators upon arrival at the designated ‘International Airport.’ Those endowed with an ‘Inquisitive Mind,’ shall have anticipated that adversity was not only looming, but also about to strike.

INVESTIGATIVE STRATEGIES

Even without the use of ‘Diplomacy,’ this had not, and could not have happened to ‘former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sir Ronald ‘Ron’ Saunders.’ He appeared to have been legally and properly guided. He knew that no matter how crafted or how fanciful the language, there has been no such written ‘Legal Concept’ as ‘Persons of interest.’ That which he also may have known was that no person has any obligation to surrender themselves to criminal investigators for questioning.’ He appeared to have known that except ‘Compulsion by Arrest,’ no person may visit a ‘Police Station,’ whether or not on; (a) ‘Request: (b) Appeal; or (c) Instructions of investigators.’ These are merely informally-developed ‘Investigative Strategies.’

MIND OF THE NATION

Even if in hindsight, it could never be said that recent developments within the ‘Crown Prosecutions Chambers,’ was the result of ‘Diligent Negligence.’ arrived in this jurisdiction and capped the ‘Directorship’ of the prestigious prosecutorial position, it was a position not nationally appreciated by both the electorate and public officials [ANU: October 17, 2005].  Seeds of ‘Division; Doubt and Disillusionment’ had been firmly sown in their hearts and etched in the ‘Mind of the Nation.’ Some have harbored, and firmly held views of justice as one of ‘Expediency.’

GYMNASTICS

Interestingly, his appointment came when a particular administration seemed to have been playing ‘Gymnastics’ with the office of the ‘Director of Public Prosecutions.’ Thus, for reasons of; (a) ‘Prosecutorial expediency; (b) Administrative distrust; and (c) Allegations of political interference,’ two (2) ‘Directors of Public Prosecutions (DPPs)’ had been hired and fired, while a third had been hired and retained. That which was considered ‘Privilege Information,’ was an apparent ‘Prosecutorial Agenda,’ foisted upon the office holders. This came after the removal of ‘former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Cosbert Cumberbatch’ [2004].

SUBJECT TO LAW

Even when elements within the environment sough to impose their will, as to be seen as seeking to influence prosecutorial decisions, ‘Crown Prosecutors,’ shall show no tolerance to any such overture, no matter if incentivized. Thus, they shall fiercely resist any attempt to derail or ‘Pervert the Course of Justice.’ It shall be made sufficiently clear that ‘Justice’ is neither for sale nor barter. Today, the ‘Prosecutorial Duties’ of current ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Anthony Armstrong’[ANU], has been overshowed by events and actions that clearly seem adverse, both to his reputation and practice. Now placed awkwardly in a reversed position, though energies might be sapped, he shall pour his energies and imaginations into achieving a successful outcome. He shall also use his wit in directing his efforts and energies in activities necessary to overcome reputational damage, as he endeavors to seek ‘Justice and fair play.’

FATE AND FUTURE

Recognizing the constitutional right to the ‘Presumption of Innocence’ [CO: 1981: Section 15 (2)].’ ‘Public Prosecutors’ shall primarily concern themselves with the administration and fair and equitable dispensation of justice.’ Though his ‘Fate and Future’ now rest awkwardly in the hands, heart and head of a counterpart, he shall find some comfort in the ‘Constitutional presumption of innocence.’ Moreover, his spirit shall be fortified, and hope strengthened in a ‘Judiciary,’ that has often been promoted by ‘former OECS Chief Justice, Her Ladyship, Dame Janice Pereira’ as the ‘Bastion of Hope.’ This he shall keep alive. That said, it shall be shown, nationally, regionally and internationally, yet non-discriminatingly, that every legal practitioner engaged in a ‘Prosecutorial Capacity,’ are all ‘Subject to Law.’ They know what the concepts: (a) ‘Prima Facie Evidence: (b) Prima Facie Case; and (c) Prospect of conviction’ are all about.

FAIRNESS AND BALANCE

Not infrequently, ‘Commissioners of Police’ are subjected to punishing uncomplimentary sentiments by the citizenry. When it was not about spike in crime, it was ‘Disciplinary Exhibition’ by a small group of ‘errant, corrupt and depraved personnel.’ For the purpose of this commentary, and as far as was known, for reasons of ‘Fairness and Balance,’ it has neither been the delight, embracement, nor condonement of any ‘Commissioner.’ Rightly or wrongly, some were perceived as being impotent and ineffective, when behaviors that have the potential to bring discredit upon ‘Police Services,’ appeared not to have been given immediate corrective or sanctionable attention.

ATTORNEY/CLIENT DISPUTES

Given the apparent ‘Shoddy Treatment’ reportedly dished out to ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Anthony Armstrong,’ reasonable inferences might be drawn that exuberance and intolerance, seemingly compounded by lack of supervision, may have been the ‘Influential Factors’ in the manner reportedly acted. In ‘Attorney/Client Disputes’ over property, seemingly starve for legitimacy, such may have been alternatively looked at as a ‘Tortuous Wrong.’ In such case, an aggrieved party may have been advised to litigate against his attorney. Conversely, acquisition of property by means capable of being described as ‘Proceeds of Crime,’ public interest’ often dictated particular courses of action.

INFLUENCES OF CORRUPTION

Those well-positioned to guide the thinking of a ‘Population of the Ignorant,’ saw no wisdom in enlightening those starved of intellect and knowledge of what the administration and dispensation of justice, are all about. Added to the difficulty in delivering ‘Promised Justice,’ policy-makers are no more dangerous to ‘Personal Liberty,’ than are criminal investigators, doing ‘Rush Job’ and presenting ‘Crushed Results.’ It has been the professional knowledge that investigators guided by the ‘Influence of Corruption,’ have done the unthinkable. Some have not only brought ‘Discredit to Police Services,’ but also ‘Self-destruction’ upon themselves.’ A Case that makes the point has been the ‘corrupted, disgraced, convicted and jailed criminal detective, ‘Mark Fuhrman’ [United States].

IF IT DOESN’T FIT – THEN ACQUIT

Corruptibly seeking to have admitted into evidence, a ‘Blood-stained half-pair of Gloves.’ This reportedly occurred in the high- profile ‘O’J. Simpson Murder Trial.’ To all intents and purposes, he sought to present ‘Tainted Evidence,’ reasonably suspected to have been ‘Planted’ at the crime scene. The single issue had been the cogent legal arguments advanced by then ace Defence Attorney, the venerable ‘Johnnie Cochran.’ He simply sought to, and impressed upon the mind of the Jury; ‘If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit’ [4NBC: June 10, 2014: USA]. It shall never be seen or heard that the ‘Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)’ has cloned females of the persona of ‘Mark Fuhrman.’

LEAKED INTERPOL NOTICE

It now behooves ‘Commissioners of Police,’ to be seen as administratively strong and purposeful. Should there be Commissioners not positioned to be seized of ‘incompetent, inefficient and errant’ among rank-and-file members, then ‘Laisser-faire Commissioner’ can expect the expected.’. Should the courses of action, initiated against ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Anthony Armstrong,’ including the ‘Leaked Interpol Red Notice’ not considered purposefully engineered and seen not as serious ‘Breach of Confidence,’ then ‘Commissioner, Major General Anthony Anderson,’ may wish to explain to the ‘Accused DPP,’ just what is?

COURTING ENVIRONMENT

Those that sought courtship with the environment shall know that they are ‘Flirting with Danger.’ They shall know that ‘Environmental People’ invariably ‘Kiss on one cheek and bite on the other’ [Former Commissioner of Police Alvin Goodwin: RPFAB]. In hindsight, ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Anthony Armstrong’ may have been somewhat naïve not to have been circumspect over information that a ‘Red Notice,’ purportedly issued by ‘INTERPOL’ at the request of his native ‘Jamaica,’ had been cancelled. A ploy had seemingly worked. He may also have been too naïve in believing that cancellation, meant an interview.

CONCLUSION

That which now seems to have deleterious effect on the relationship between the ‘Police Service’ and Office of the ‘Director of Public Prosecutions,’ might be law enforcement behavior and resulting ‘Turn of Events’ in Jamaica.’ A legal practice and a nurtured and successful ‘Prosecutorial Practice,’ spanned over ‘17 years [October 17, 2005], appears to be on a collision course, should ‘Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Anthony Armstrong’ be indicted on ‘Conspiracy and Forgery Indictments.’ Except; (a) ‘Prima facie evidence; (b) (b) Reasonable prospect of conviction; and (b) Events of some kind prompts recusal,’ it seems likely that his female Jamaican-counterpart ‘DPP Paula Vanessa Llewelyn CD, KC.’ The latter with prosecutorial longevity of just ‘over 14 years’ [March 5, 2008-], may be a force with which Defence Attorney, Hugh Wild man may very well have to reckoned. Finally, whatever, if anything, he may have conceived removable at trial, and whatever thoughts he may have long harbored, it shall be nothing ‘Wild.’ Only an acquittal based on ‘Reasonable Doubt.’  ***

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