JLP, PNP talk up records on housing ahead of Local Government polls Loop Jamaica

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The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

The question of which of the two major political parties locally has done a better job of providing housing solutions for the Jamaican people is taking centre-stage ahead of Local Government Elections which are due by February 2023.

On Friday, the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Spokesman on Housing and Sustainable Living, Floyd Morris, defended his party’s record in this area. He even defended the controversial Programme for Resettlement, Integrated Development Enterprise (Operation PRIDE).

Morris was speaking in the Senate as he made his contribution to the State of the Nation Debate.

By Sunday, the Minister with responsibility for information, Robert Morgan, who is also the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Clarendon North Central, charged that Prime Minister Andrew Holness had opened more houses for Jamaicans than any other prime minister.

He also took a swipe at the PNP, which he described as “chalk”, while referring to the governing JLP as “cheese”, as he pointed out what he described as the many accomplishments of the JLP, housing solutions being chief among them.

“Dem talk bout house, dem say dem build house fi poor people — unu ever see no PNP minister or prime minister open as much (many) houses as (Prime Minister) Andrew Holness? Make we look pon di facts,” said Morgan.

Robert Morgan

He cited that when the JLP retook the reins of Government in February 2016, the National Housing Trust (NHT) built 1,859 houses that year.

“Di first time wi lick it inna 2017, wi guh 3,000 house fi di year; 2018, we guh over 5,000 house fi di year; 2019 we guh over 6,000 house fi di year, and prime minister has now announced that we a build 70,000 house fi people who contribute to the NHT. PNP a chalk, JLP a cheese,” Morgan stated.

For his part, Morris not only defended the PNP’s record in housing, he went further by defending Operation PRIDE that was established by former Prime Minister PJ Patterson in 1994.

His tone was more measured, as he acknowledged that the various political administrations had over the years, implemented diverse housing projects to improve the living conditions of Jamaicans. He presented what he called a “sample of projects implemented by PNP administrations”.

“Let us never forget that it was the Rt Excellent Norman Manley (PNP founder) in the 1950s that (who) introduced the first set of housing schemes in the island. Mona, Hope Pastures and Harbour View are among these seminal achievements,” said Morris.

“Thousands of Jamaicans owned their homes through this housing initiative. Indeed, these housing developments triggered the establishment of a new middle-class in Jamaica,” he added.

Morris told the Senate that “In the 1970s, the venerable and indefatigable Michael Manley triggered the housing transformation in Jamaica. This was led by the creation of the National Housing Trust in 1976. Between 1976 and 1980 alone, over 40,000 housing units were delivered to Jamaicans through the NHT. The era of the thatch houses and the wattle and daub was coming to an end, thanks to the visionary housing policies of Michael Manley.”

Morris also stated that the NHT has indicated that it has built over 110,000 houses over its 45-year existence.

In the face of recent criticism from the JLP, Morris defended the PRIDE programme.

JLP Members of Parliament have raised questions about Operation PRIDE both inside and outside Parliament, and have pointed out that up to $9 billion associated with the programme has gone unaccounted for.

The MP for Trelawny Northern, Tova Hamilton, recently criticised the programme during her contribution to the State of the Constituency Debate. According to Hamilton, more than 20 years after a number of her constituents made deposits on Government-owned lands for the construction of houses under the Operation Pride programme, the promised development is yet to materialise.

But, Morris insisted on Friday that “Patterson embarked on one of the most commendable and comprehensive initiatives to deal with the historical injustices of slavery”.

Floyd Morris

He said Operation PRIDE delivered over 58,000 titles and certificates of possession to ordinary Jamaicans across the island.

“We can proudly say Pines of Karachi, developed by PJ, Wentworth in St Mary, developed by PJ, Mount Edgecombe in St Ann, developed by PJ, Luana in St Elizabeth, developed by PJ, Melrose Mews in Manchester, developed by PJ, Langston apartment in St Andrew, developed by PJ.”

“We make absolutely no apologies about the Operation PRIDE developments,” Morris stated even as he acknowledged that there were problems with the programme.

“I say emphatically, yes,” he said about whether there were problems with the programme.

As to whether questionable decisions were made relative to the programme, Morris said “probably”.

“However, Operation PRIDE brought significant benefits to thousands of Jamaicans who would not have received the chance to own a piece of this rock. We in the PNP create opportunities for the small man to gain access to and be included in the society by implementing initiatives such as Operation PRIDE,” said the Opposition senator.

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Weymouth Wales and Ellerton secure final spots in BFA Republic Cup Loop Barbados

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The content originally appeared on: Barbados News

One of the most dynamic domestic football duels will grace the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Wildey Turf on Sunday, as Premier League clubs Weymouth Wales and Ellerton SC won their semifinal encounters last Sunday night, to set up a highly anticipated showdown in the inaugural BFA Republic Cup.

Wales booked their place first, after they comfortably defeated Vanpur Malt Wotton FC 3-1, while Ellerton survived a penalty scare to edge Dover Market/Phillips Bakery Paradise FC 1-0.

Wales survived moments of excessive aggression and tenacity to move onto another local football final.

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By Renaldo Gilkes

Kemar Headley sent the Carrington Village unit into the lead in the 30th minute, when his in-swinging corner from the left caught Wotton and national goalkeeper Liam Brathwaite out of position, as the ball fitted precisely into the top left corner.

Wales’ lead was doubled in the 39th minute.

Skillful winger Nadre Butcher turned his marker inside and out and fired a powerful, right footed shot into the roof of the net from 10 yards, giving Brathwaite no chance.

Wales would put the game away in the 51st minute as forward Tyrel Demendonsa scored their third goal.

Another outstanding performance by Wales’ Kemar Headley led them to a 3-1 win versus Wotton FC.

Keion Harding managed a consolation goal for Wotton in stoppage time, heading in a corner taken from the right.

Ellerton goalkeeper Jamar Brewster produced a masterclass display, which included a second-half penalty save, to inspire his team to yet another final and battle against Weymouth Wales.

From as early as the 18th minute, Brewster was called into action.

Paradise passed the ball around patiently, until it reached Mario Harte on the right side of the pitch, who then played a well-weighted pass into the path of Armando “Sugar” Lashley, but the national forward’s point-blank effort from 12 yards was parried away by Brewster.

In the 26th minute, Lashley tried his luck from a bit further, but his left footed effort from just outside the penalty area, was pushed away by a strong right arm from Brewster.

Ellerton was extremely dangerous on the counterattack. The pace from Shakille Belle, Romario Drakes and Shaquan Clarke caused some challenges for the Paradise backline, but they never troubled goalkeeper Jason Boxhill.

Ellerton SC, the pride of St George, is into another domestic football final

In the 73rd minute, Paradise was offered an excellent opportunity to take the lead.

Substitute Dario Harewood was adjudged to have fouled Paradise’s Tyrique Bailey-Edwards in the penalty area and referee Jamar Springer pointed to the spot.

Paradise captain Lashley was handed the opportunity to take the spot kick, but again Brewster won this duel as he made a brilliant save to his left to keep Ellerton in the game.

The Dover lads would pay for their missed opportunities in the 90th minute.

Bailey-Edwards chased Belle and committed an inexperienced challenge on the Ellerton captain inside the penalty area, which led to an easy decision for referee Springer.

Unlike Lashley, Belle was precise with his shot and sent the St George posse into a frenzy when the ball struck the net.

Wales versus Ellerton will be a repeat of the 2019 BFA Capelli Championship final.

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Rihanna Was Back Working 3 Days After Giving Birth, Talks Motherhood

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The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Rihanna is a proud super mom and likens motherhood to a whole new book on life.

Fans of the Bajan superstar will have to wait a little longer before they can see the Navy baby as Rihanna says she and her partner A$AP Rocky are being cautious. RiRi gave birth in May this year, and fans have had a ball of a time seeing the “Umbrella” artist enjoy her pregnancy with her unconventionally refreshing pregnancy fashion looks. Speaking with the Associated Press, the pop singer confirmed that she had a baby boy and spoke candidly about why she has not shared her baby with the world.

“We just didn’t get around to it yet really,” she begins.

The new mother did not share any more details about her son, not even his pinky toe, although he is approaching the six-month mark soon. Rihanna, however, says she and Rocky are enjoying their parenting journey despite the restrictions they’ve put on themselves.

“We’ve just been living but I guess there’s just a certain freedom that comes with kinda just like getting it out there. The challenge is we want to go to the park, we want to go everywhere, take walks and things as we want to do as parents with him but since we haven’t gotten around to sharing him with the world, we have to navigate it extremely extremely cautiously right now,” she said.

The “Lift Me Up” artist also spoke with Access Hollywood, who asked her about having her son, coming back to handle business, releasing new music, and even rehearsing and getting ready for her Super Bowl performance in February.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky at the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premiere in Los Angeles, October 26, 2022.

When asked if she planned to have the baby, Rihanna said, “can you plan a baby like that? The baby comes into play and then everything shifts cause that’s the number one priority. You can’t delay a baby you can’t be like push back the due date; it’s coming. So things are gonna have to adjust, that’s a challenge in itself and I love it.”

She also spoke about getting back to her routine post-pregnancy, noting that she started working three days after giving birth.

“It’s crazy, actually getting back in heels was tough. I wore heels throughout my entire pregnancy and after you give birth it’s like ‘oh sh*t’ this is different but getting back into making music, and into studio, and back at work, I was back at work three days after I give birth,” Rihanna said.

The artist shared that she began working on the new Savage X Fenty show and the Fenty Sport line right after giving birth.

“There are also other dates you can’t push back…things like Sport, if I didn’t get on that call honestly we wouldn’t have [Fenty] Sport be a part of this show,” she said.

When asked about her decision to headline the Super Bowl Halftime show, Rihanna shared that she took a while to make up her mind.

“It was definitely not ‘yeah’, it was like let me think about it, and I delayed it and delayed it and it was probably one of the latest announcements that they’ve had but I really started to think about it and truly started to consider it when I was going through my music,” she said she became convinced that her catalog is superior enough for the performance.

In the meantime, the singer-songwriter, actress, and billionaire businesswoman also spoke about her relationship with A$AP Rocky and the early stages of motherhood.

According to her, she was overwhelmed and so intimidated by the idea of taking the Super Bowl stage, but the father of her child Rocky was also one of her biggest supporters.

“He was like ‘you got this, you can do this’… it’s amazing to have a friendship like be the center of our entire family and I really love it,” she said about the Mercer + Prince businessman and rapper.

As for her baby boy, the Barbadian National Hero also spoke glowingly about her son’s eyes and experiencing motherhood.

“So motherhood is a whole other beast. So life starts over when you become a parent. It’s like life like you’ve never known before it’s like you get a second full book it’s not a chapter, like a new book completely,” she said.

She continued, “the beginning it’s like you’re tripping acid every day, it’s wild and trippy…You look at him and he’s yours but he’s a stranger and he’s new and you’re learning as he’s learning you and the world. It’s an amazing experience honestly but the thing I really like is his eye contact that’s some awesome sh*t…when he looks at me in my eyes my whole soul is like, I can’t tell if it’s cold or hot, it’s amazing.”

The artist declined to say if her son had eyes like hers, which has sparked the curiosity of fans online who hope to get a glimpse of baby Rakim and Rihanna soon.

In the meantime, fans aren’t just waiting to see the artist’s baby; they might be waiting for music longer than they want.

Rihanna also addressed the calls from fans for new music after she announced her Super Bowl performance.

“Super Bowl is one thing, new music is another thing, do you hear that fans?” the Pop star said as she laughed.

She continued, “because I knew the second that I announce this they’re gonna think my album is coming, I need to get to work.”

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PM continues covid19 recovery

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The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley – Photo by Marvin Hamilton

THE Prime Minister is continuing to recuperate from covid19.

In a statement on November 4, the Office of the Prime Minister said Dr Rowley tested covid19 positive after experiencing flu-like symptoms.

This is the third time Rowley contracted covid19.

He first tested positive for covid19 in early April 2021, and again on July 29 this year.

He is fully vaccinated with the Sinopharm covid19 vaccine and has had two booster shots.

The announcement came days after Rowley opted not to participate in Tobago Carnival as he was “not willing to risk contracting it for a third time.”

Speaking to Newsday on condition of anonymity on Sunday, senior government officials said Rowley is following his doctors’ advice and recuperating in isolation.

A picture of a card entitled “Our children’s prayers for the Prime Minister of TT Dr Keith Christopher Rowley” was posted on his Facebook page on Sunday.

There were also posts from people wishing him a speedy recovery.

Officials said Rowley is being kept abreast of matters while he is in isolation.

The normal isolation period for anyone who tests covid19 positive or is suspected to have the virus is two weeks.

This makes it uncertain whether Rowley will be able to physically attend the next sitting of the House of Representatives on Friday.

That sitting is the second sitting of the House for November. Normally prime minister’s question time is held on the second sitting of the House every month, in accordance with the standing orders.

It remains to be seen whether this will be deferred on Friday or if another government member would answer those questions in Rowley’s absence.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert has answered prime minister’s questions in the past, when he was acting prime minister when Rowley was out of TT.

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UNC questions cost of PM’s residence in Tobago

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The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

Dr Roodal Moonilal . File photo by Jeff K Mayers

Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal is calling for an independent investigation into the cost of construction of the Prime Minister’s Tobago residence. He said the cost, as stated in documents received from Udecott, had gone from a initial budget of $25 million to $63 million.

Speaking at the UNC’s virtual meeting on Sunday, he said a request had been made for the cost during the Standing Finance Committee.

“When we were in office, I told Kamla Persad-Bissessar that Udecott said it would cost $20 million and she said that money could be better spent elsewhere, and that Udecott should either revise the budget or shelve it. We can now confirm that $48 million was already paid to the company, with a further unpaid balance of $15 million. We are calling for an unbiased enquiry as to who the contractors were and why the cost was so high.”

Moonilal also asked why the PNM was using TTT as a resource to broadcast its political meetings for free.

“During the standing finance committee, we asked what was the revenue collected from broadcasting political meetings. The information we received was that there had been at least six PNM political meetings aired during the fiscal year for which no payments were received and no payments were outstanding. No political meetings of other parties were aired.”

The MP also asked for details of the 2,500 cameras which the PM recently announced would be acquired at a cost of $18 million. He asked whether this figure included the system needed to run the cameras, what the specifications were, what the tendering process had been, and whether the cameras would be able to capture information which could be used as evidence in a court of law.

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‘Maak kennis met tennis’

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The content originally appeared on: De Ware Tijd Online

Opening Suriname Tenniscentrum Tekst en beeld Ricky Wirjosentono PARAMARIBO — “Gelet op het aantal deelnemers vandaag kunnen we zeggen dat

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WATCH: Security guards protest following recent court ruling Loop Jamaica

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Black Immigrant Daily News

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

1 hrs ago

Security Guards Protest In Cross Roads

NEWYou can now listen to Loop News articles!

A number of private security guards mounted an orderly protest in Cross Roads, St Andrew on Monday, relative to the lack of clarity about their status within their respective companies following a recent court ruling that such guards should not be contract workers, but staff members who are entitled to the typical staff benefits in any corporate entity nationally.

While outlining longstanding grouses, the protestors cited the recent court ruling, which they said they are depending on to bring significant improvements to their working arrangements and benefits.

Notably, while the court ruling related directly to guards within only one or two specific security company/companies, it is imperative that it has the same implications for all private security guards within such companies across the country.

Above, speakers from among the protesters spell out their issues and some expectations going forward, which were captured on video by Loop News.

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Man accused of kidnapping and beating his child’s mother granted bail, but will face High Court on first charge next year

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The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

REAL NEWS: A 43-year-old man accused of kidnapping and beating the mother of his child was recently granted bail in the St. John’s Magistrates’ Court.

Reports say his attorney, Wendel Robinson, pleaded extensively with the court to grant him bail, and the prosecution did not object since it was the man’s first offence.

However, Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh was very skeptical about releasing him. Therefore, ahead of her decision, she conferred with the alleged victim, asking whether she was afraid of the man and was comfortable with bail being granted.

The woman appeared for the bail hearing with an eye that was swollen shut as a result of being struck in the face. However, she said she was not afraid of her child’s father and was not concerned that he the offense would be repeated since she would not be alone.

Therefore, Walsh granted the accused bail in the sum of $5,000, with a cash deposit of $1,500 and one surety.

The man has to report to the Grays Farm Police Station three days a week – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday – and an order was made to surrender his passport to the Court.

In addition, he was instructed, in no uncertain terms, to stay away from the victim and to have no contact with her directly or indirectly before the matter is completed. He was further warned not to call her on the phone or send her any text or Whatsapp messages.

If he breaches any of the bail conditions – in particular, interfering with his ex-girlfriend – his bail will be revoked and he will be placed on remand.

The man faces four charges – three separate counts of battery and a kidnapping charge that is indictable and has to be tried in the High Court before a judge and jury.

It is alleged that the man took the woman against her will by forcing her into his car and drove to several locations, where he allegedly beat her. The woman had to seek medical attention as a result of the ordeal.

Committal proceedings are set for the New Year.

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Abdulah slams Hinds over Rose Hill gunfire comments

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The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

David Abdulah. – Photo by Roger Jacob

MOVEMENT for Social Justice political leader David Abdulah slammed National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds for what he said were inappropriate statements that Hinds made about a shooting incident near Rose Hill Primary School last week.

Responding to questions on the matter from Opposition MPs in the House of Representatives on November 4, Hinds said, “The actual shooting incident took place about 200 metres from the school.”

School administrators, Hinds continued, told him in the presence of the police that “they were satisfied that at no stage in that event, were the children at peril, or any physical harm.”

He accepted that the sound of gunfire was traumatising and troubling for everyone.

Hinds said the school is overseen by the Catholic School Board and the board has ensured that the students have been taught certain safety practices over the years.

“The children reacted accordingly.”

Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal asked Hinds if he was the author of a Facebook post which claimed that a video which showed students lying on the floor of their classroom while gunshots were heard, was misleading and the students “were not in any imminent danger.”

Hinds did not answer the question.

He said the police will increase the number of static patrols in the area around the school.

“In other words, they remain on that and surrounding locations far more permanently.”

Hinds said the police will also offer counselling sessions for staff and students.

During a virtual news conference on Sunday, Abdulah described Hinds’ statement as totally inappropriate and totally disgusting.

Regardless of where the shooting incident happened, he said the students would have been traumatised.

Abdulah said MSJ members from different parts of TT, told him there are some places where people discharging firearms is a regular occurrence.

He added that a bullet fired from a high-powered assault weapon could travel considerable distances.

Abdulah said Hinds’ statement provides further evidence that he is not fit to serve as national security minister.

On moves by police and other law enforcement agencies to stem the flow of illegal firearms into TT, Abdulah said the MSJ had long advocated a solution for this.

“Fix the damn scanners.”

Abdulah reiterated that once scanners at the airports and seaports are working properly, it will stem the flow of illegal guns into TT.

He said the MSJ will issue a statement this week to reiterate all of the policies it has with respect to dealing with crime.

Abdulah added that no other political party in TT would ever do that.

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Vistors: Chaguaramas boardwalk ‘looks horrible, run-down’

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The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

Newsday reporter Nicholas Maraj points to a broken board at the Chaguaramas Boardwalk on October 26. The condition of the boardwalk has been allowed to deteriorate over the past four years. – Photo by Ayanna Kinsale

Visitors are troubled about the bad condition of Chaguaramas boardwalk and are appealing to the relevant authorities in two letters written to Newsday in October.

In one letter, C Alexander asked, “What is going on with Chaguaramas boardwalk? Has the Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) been asleep for the past eight years?” In the other, J Ali asked the Minister of Tourism, “When last have you visited the boardwalk? It looks horrible and run-down.”

The CDA built the boardwalk to provide visitors with a usable space for commerce and recreation. Former chairman of the CDA Danny Solomon said in an interview in 2012, “It’s our mission to make Chaguaramas a clean, eco-friendly environment.”

He said the CDA’s mandate was “to make Chaguaramas a world-class eco-tourism destination, entertainment and business centre.”

The boardwalk, located on the Western Main Road along part of the sea front of the northwest peninsula, was built in two phases and cost $40 million. The first phase of the boardwalk was opened in 2012. The second phase, a 1,300-foot extension of the first, opened in December 2014.

The Chaguaramas Boardwalk remains in a state of disrepair on October 26. – Photo by Ayanna Kinsale

Solomon said the boardwalk – particularly the second phase, which included recreational facilities such as gazebos, rock-climbing, cooking areas and more – was the CDA’s plan to build family life in a healthy, safe and fun environment.

When Newsday visited, it was covered with sand and litter and its solar-powered lights were broken. Several boards were lifting, and some were missing or broken, making it dangerous for visitors to walk on.

Surrounding benches have become severely dilapidated. There were half-full bins and abandoned, dilapidated lifeguard booths. Stalls that were once occupied by food vendors are now closed and empty.

The seashore is visibly polluted and the sea dirty, frothy, brown and full of debris, even though the CDA launched CEPEP Marine in 2012, which was intended to clean up the coastline in the area.

The pond, located near the gazebos, is now moss-filled, green, surrounded with overgrown bush, and is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The restrooms were locked. There were six foot-taps in front of the restroom but only two were working.

One woman there said she visits every day to bathe. When Newsday asked what she thought of the state of the boardwalk, she said, “It is disgusting and dangerous.

Where is the maintenance people for here (the boardwalk)? Every government facility is supposed to have constant maintenance.”

David Rampersad, another regular visitor to the boardwalk, commented on the restrooms, “Could you imagine, there are toilets here and they don’t even open it for people to use? Every Saturday people would come to clean the toilets, then lock them again when they leave.”

CDA Corporate Communications manager, Karen Clarke-Rowley, told Newsday that e-mail was her preferred means of communication for comments but an e-mail sent to her received no response to date.

Chairman of the CDA Gupte Lutchmedial and the line minister for the CDA, Planning and Development Minister Pennelope Beckles, could not be reached for comment.(With reporting by Nicholas Maraj.)

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