Exigen al Negociado de Energía certifique veracidad de las métricas de cumplimiento entregadas por LUMA

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

El presidente de la Cámara de Representantes, Rafael “Tatito” Hernández Montañez, el presidente de la Comisión de Energía, Luis Raúl Torres Cruz, y el representante José Rivera Madera radicaron el lunes, la resolución de la Cámara 822 para requerirle al Negociado de Energía de Puerto Rico (NEPR) que investigue la veracidad de los datos que presentó LUMA Energy con relación al supuesto cumplimiento del 84 por ciento de las métricas de desempeño estipuladas en el contrato.

“Es inaceptable que, a casi año y medio de la entrada en vigor de este acuerdo, el gobierno solo tenga un borrador para fiscalizar a LUMA. Es por eso que le estamos exigiendo al NEPR que certifique la veracidad de los datos presentados por LUMA, para evidenciar el incumplimiento de la empresa con las métricas pactadas”, expresó Hernández Montañez en declaraciones escritas.

En una vista pública celebrada el pasado lunes, los directivos de las agencias encargadas de fiscalizar el contrato con LUMA— el NEPR, la Autoridad para las Alianzas Público-Privadas (AAPP) y la Autoridad de Energía Eléctrica (AEE)— admitieron que no tienen el personal suficiente, ni con el peritaje requerido para supervisar el contrato, y que no habían preparado el Plan de Acción para la Supervisión y Manejo del contrato según lo ordena la Sección 8 de la Ley 120-2018, que debía ser redactado por esas tres dependencias.

Asimismo, los funcionarios del Ejecutivo no pudieron contestar cuántos empleados tiene LUMA, ya que, mientras en las redes sociales el consorcio dice contar con sobre tres mil empleados, al NEPR le informa que tiene entre 1,200 a 1,300, y el director de la AAPP, Fermín Fontanés, aceptó que no ha corroborado si los datos que LUMA le entregó son los mismos que la empresa le proveyó a la Cámara.

“En la vista pública que celebramos quedó evidenciada la incompetencia y la negligencia de esta Administración, que se ha rehusado a fiscalizar a LUMA y a exigirle que cumpla con las métricas del contrato. El propio Fermín Fontanés admitió que LUMA continúa sin supervisión y haciendo su voluntad, aún cuando sus actos pueden constituir un incumplimiento con el contrato”, aseveró Torres Cruz, quien ha sido el encargado de investigar este acuerdo en la Cámara desde que inició el cuatrienio.

Igualmente, el NEPR, la AAPP y la AEE desmintieron que los fondos federales asignados a la reconstrucción del sistema eléctrico estén condicionados a que LUMA sea la encargada de administrar la red eléctrica, ya que los fondos solo están disponibles para entidades gubernamentales o instituciones sin fines de lucro, de acuerdo con el Stafford Act.

Por su parte, Rivera Madera cuestionó la “dejadez” del NEPR, que no ha impuesto multa alguna por incumplimiento a LUMA y solo le ha cursado advertencias, y su presidente, Edison Avilés Deliz, aceptó que las métricas son provistas por el consorcio y que el NEPR no ha corroborado su veracidad.

“No permitiremos que, mientras todos los puertorriqueños y puertorriqueñas sufrimos las consecuencias provocadas por los apagones e interrupciones de servicio de LUMA, esta empresa continue por la libre y sin cumplir con sus responsabilidades, por lo que el NEPR tiene la obligación de certificar la veracidad de su supuesto cumplimiento”, precisó Rivera Madera, representante del distrito 23.

Torres Cruz agregó que “es la falta de supervisión por parte de la AAPP y, en menor medida, la fiscalización insuficiente por parte del NEPR respecto al desempeño de LUMA, lo que ha resultado en la crisis energética que vivimos hoy”.

El presidente cameral reiteró que la Cámara de Representantes continuará fiscalizando a LUMA y exigiéndole resultados, mientras trabajan para lograr la cancelación del contrato y reformar el sistema eléctrico de Puerto Rico.

La resolución de la Cámara 822 le requiere al NEPR que, antes del 10 de octubre de 2022, provea ante la Secretaría de la Cámara de Representantes, un informe que contenga los hallazgos de investigación sobre la veracidad de los datos que presenta LUMA Energy al NEPR con relación al supuesto cumplimiento del 84 por ciento de las métricas de desempeño, según establecidas por el Negociado.

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El príncipe Enrique no podrá vestir uniforme militar en los honores a Isabel II

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

El príncipe Enrique no podrá llevar uniforme militar en el funeral de Estado de la difunta reina Isabel II y en los eventos ceremoniales previos, como es tradición con los miembros de la familia real, informa The Telegraph, citando fuentes del Palacio de Buckingham.

Sin embargo, se ha hecho una excepción para el príncipe Andrés, el segundo hijo de Isabel II, que al igual que el duque de Sussex fue privado de sus títulos militares, el primero por las acusaciones de abuso sexual a una menor y el segundo tras su renuncia como miembro de la monarquía británica.

Según precisan, el duque de York podrá vestir el atuendo militar durante la celebración de la vigilia final en Westminster Hall, como “última señal de respeto” hacia su madre, pero en otras ocasiones llevará simplemente un traje con medallas y decoraciones.

El resto de miembros de la familia real con tareas oficiales lucirán uniformes miliares en los cinco actos ceremoniales previstos hasta el sepelio de la difunta monarca. Entre estos actos se encuentra el servicio de acción de gracias, que se celebra este lunes en la catedral de San Gil de Edimburgo.

El príncipe Andrés tuvo que abandonar sus funciones públicas tras haberse visto involucrado en el escándalo de abuso sexual a menores del difunto magnate estadounidense Jeffrey Epstein. En enero pasado, se le retiraronsus rangos militares y el patronato real.

Tanto el príncipe Enrique como el duque de York estuvieron en servicio activo: el primero pasó 10 años en el Ejército, incluidos dos períodos sirviendo en misiones en Afganistán; y el segundo fue oficial en las Fuerzas de la Marina Real y luchó en la guerra de las Malvinas.

Nota original de RT Español.
Foto suministrada por: Akmen / AFP

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Traffic Interventions for this week beginning 12thSeptember, 2022

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

Traffic Interventions for this week beginning 12thSeptember, 2022

Single Lane Traffic on Valley Road North (VRN) with diversion between the turn off to Cedar Hall Moravian Church and the turn off to Pearnsto complete the full depth reconstruction. Work is expected to be completed before the end of the week.

Single Lane Traffic on VRN between the Jennings Secondary School and the turn off to the Cedar Hall Moravian Church. This should be completed by Wednesday of this week.
Single lane Traffic on VRN in BolansVillage.  This work is expected to start after Wednesday of this week.
Single Lane Traffic on VRN inGolden Grove to complete repairs to a box drain
Single Lane Traffic on Sir Sydney Walling Highway (SSWH)  in Glanvillesarea to construct drains/sidewalks at the relocated property boundaries

Road users are urged to proceed with caution when traveling through the work zones. Signs will be on hand to provide guidance to road users. 

Pedestrians are advised to walk carefully in areas where footpaths are closed as a result of ongoing road work. 

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ABEC begins Preparations For General Elections

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room
ABEC’s Chairman, John Jarvis

POINTE XPRESS: Preparations are now underway for general elections which are constitutionally due by March next year.

The Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) – the agency responsible for organising and managing all elections in the country – has begun to prepare for elections which the prime minister has the authority to call at any time between now and March.

ABEC is currently conducting a training programme for individuals who have applied to serve as Returning Officers in each of the seventeen constituencies. The more than twenty persons who have applied to be Returning Officers will undergo rigorous training which will prepare them for the serious task of managing the elections across the country’s 17 constituencies.

The programme began late Friday afternoon, however, the training session will begin today at the Environment Division’s conference room.

ABEC’s Chairman, John Jarvis, told the trainees that the work of the Returning Officer is critical to the conduct of a fair and well managed general elections.

“I want to emphasise the point that as Returning Officers, your job, your role, is exceedingly critical to the democracy of Antigua and Barbuda.

“I have had the opportunity to see in some jurisdictions Returning Officers spoil a seemingly good election which in the end causes chaos and confusion. I have also seen situations where when the pressure gets intense, Returning Officers ‘buckle’ under the strain,” he noted.

According to Jarvis even here in Antigua and Barbuda, he has seen people collapse under the weight of the responsibilities and the intense pressure.

“However, I would hasten to add that in spite of this, we in Antigua and Barbuda have been blessed with excellent Returning Officers,” he stated.

The ABEC chair said he feels comfortable making this statement because of his many years working as an observer in regional and international elections.

“I can say without fear of contradiction that our returning officers are the best in the region,” Jarvis declared.

ABEC’s Human Resources Manager, Ian Hughes, who is conducting the training sessions, explained what the sessions, which will run for the rest of the week, entail.

ABEC’s Human Resources Manager, Ian Hughes

“Returning Officers play a critical role in the election process. You are responsible for the competent administration of the election in your constituency in a completely non-partisan way, and in accordance with the guidelines of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act.

“You interact with electors, political representatives and candidates, and along with your team, will generate confidence in the fair, transparent, and impartial conduction of the electoral process,” he explained.

He provided further details of what is expected of Returning Officers.

“The aim of this training workshop is to provide you with a clear understanding of, but not limited to the following:

Key election tasks to be carried out before, during and after the elections

Nomination Day procedures

Statutory Duties on Election Day

The vote count, Declaration of Results and submission of Returns and

Instructions in conducting training sessions for Presiding Officers, Poll Clerks and Agents.”

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UWI offers condolences on queen’s death

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

In this file photo, Queen Elizabeth II at a banquet hosted by President Max Richards in 2009 at the President’s House. File Photo/ Sureash Cholai

VICE-CHANCELLOR of UWI Sir Hilary Beckles has offered his and the university’s condolences to the royal family, the UK government and Commonwealth citizens on the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Beckles issued a statement a day after the queen died on Thursday, saying the university’s relationship with her and the royal family has deep, historic roots. He noted the significance of the UWI’s establishment in 1948 by Royal Charter that authorised the granting of degrees. Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, served as the university’s first chancellor in 1950.

He added, “In 1953, Her Majesty became the University’s ‘Visitor’ (final appellate tribunal) and occupied this status until 2019, when she so graciously agreed to the university’s request to have it filled by a Caribbean jurist,” Beckles said.

“The university was honoured to have hosted Her Majesty in 1953 at the Mona campus during her maiden tour of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Her subsequent visits to the University in 1975 and 1994 were significant events and remembered with fondness.”

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EPA team visits site of ExxonMobil’s oil leak offshore Guyana

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana
The Liza Unity FPSO

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been quiet since news erupted that a drum of oil had leaked in the Stabroek block operations of ExxonMobil on Friday, the agency has since conducted an inspection of the affected area.

This was confirmed by a source close to the agency. On Saturday, ExxonMobil Guyana announced that on Friday, a drum of oil, from its Liza Unity FPSO vessel, had leaked into the ocean.

At the time, ExxonMobil had assured that the leak was contained and that all agencies, including the EPA, had been notified.

While this publication was unable to make contact with Head of the EPA Kemraj Parsram for a comment on the situation, a source did confirm that the agency visited the site already.

According to the source, EPA officials visited the Liza Unity on Sunday, to do an independent check on the situation. The EPA has not issued any statement on the situation.

ExxonMobil had said that the leak occurred during maintenance activities onboard the vessel.

The company said that as soon as it was discovered, all activities were halted while the leak was isolated and dealt with. According to ExxonMobil, by midday on Saturday, a support vessel in the area confirmed no further sign of a sheen on the water from the leak.

There has never been a serious mishap involving oil exploration efforts in the Stabroek block.

Nevertheless, ExxonMobil has been doing training sessions throughout the year, aimed at improving their response capabilities.

On the Government side, there is a National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, which was completed in 2020 through the input of multiple stakeholders.

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Se llevan casi 14 mil dólares, iPads y ocasionan daños en Trampoline Park de Bayamón

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

Un escalamiento fue reportado por la Policía, a las 10:38 de la mañana del lunes, en las facilidades de Trampoline Park que ubica en el Bayamón Oeste Shopping en Bayamón.  

Según la Uniformada, alegó el querellante, que un desconocido obtuvo acceso por la puerta lateral y se apropió de una computadora portátil marca HP, cinco iPads, 13,919 dólares en efectivo, seis radios portátiles y un reloj marca Tecnomarine.

Además, ocasionaron daños a los ponchadores, dos bóvedas y las facilidades, al momento se desconoce el valor de los daños.

El agente Eduardo Otero adscrito al Precinto de Bayamón Norte, investigó preliminarmente y refirió a la División de Propiedad del Cuerpo de Investigaciones Criminales (CIC) de Bayamón, quienes continuaran con la investigación.

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Roban una “pick up”, motoras y “four tracks” de empresa de mudanzas en Toa Baja

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Radio Isla TV

La Policía informó el lunes sobre un escalamiento que fue reportado a las 7:49 de la mañana en las facilidades de una empresa de mudanzas que ubican en la PR-2 en Toa Baja.

Según la Uniformada, alegó el querellante, que un desconocido ocasionó daños a unos candados y portones, donde obtuvo acceso al interior y se apropiaron de una Toyota Tacoma color gris del 2001.

Además, según la Policía, los malhechores forzaron una puerta de metal del almacén y se apropiaron de una motora Suzuki RM-Z450 de color negra y gris del 2007, un “four track” color azul, un Yamaha Raptor 700 del 2014 color rojo y otro Yamaha ATV del 2014 color blanco y azul. Asimismo, se apropiaron de una tijera valorada en 100 dólares y un cargador de batería valorado en 600 dólares.

La agente Magaly Hernández adscrita al Distrito de Toa Baja, investigó preliminarmente y refirió a la División de Propiedad del Cuerpo de Investigaciones Criminales (CIC) de Bayamón, quienes continuaran con la investigación.

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Aidonia Launches Own Cannabis Strain “Banga Kush”

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Urban Islandz

Aidonia has formally entered into the legal cannabis business.

The dancehall deejay has long been associated with one of Jamaica’s favorite herbs. After all, in many of his videos, Aidonia can be seen smoking ‘spliffs’ and has never shied away from promoting the benefits of the plant. Now he’s been given the opportunity to bring his own flare to a strain of cannabis strain, which is called, very fittingly, Banga Kush.

The launch of the new strain was held earlier this week at Epican Medicinals at Marketplace on Constant Spring Road in St Andrew, for which he is a brand ambassador. The “U Know De Vibe” artist spoke with the Jamaica Observer and explained that he had a vested interest in introducing the new strain of cannabis.

He shared that it has always been a part of his life, and so once he was given the opportunity by the company, he pounced on it.

“Once the chance came about, we being a part of the Epican brand, that was just the focus to put something out there weh wi know say wi name attached to it and just the quality like what Epican produces. Having my own strain was always a goal and a dream,” he added.

He has been a brand ambassador for Epican for the last four years, and it seems like a match made in heaven for both parties. According to the popular deejay working with Epican has been easy because it feels like he is part of a family. He added that it has been a great partnership because they are able to exchange ideas and drive growth and education where marijuana is concerned.

The “Joker Smoker” singer also said that because of the partnership, people are starting to view him differently and see that he understands the balance between his career and the corporate world.

To that end, he praised Epican for the job that they are doing with the strains and said that his role was simply to showcase and show people the great work that the company is doing.

President of Epican Medicinals, Dwayne McKenzie, also had high praises for Aidonia and explained a little more about how they came up with the new strain.

“He worked for a number of years with the team to develop something perfect for himself. Banga Kush has become a hit at Epican with many persons already specially requesting it,” he added.

Aidonia has been out of the limelight in recent times when coming to his music, but fans will soon get a chance to hear some more of his work as he’s announced that he is hoping to drop two EPs later this year.

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‘BPO is nu een grote industrie geworden in Suriname’

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: De Ware Tijd Online

Niet praten maar groeien Waar vooral gepraat wordt over de potentie van Suriname als ‘investeringsland’ op tal van vlakken, is

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