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Budget: le 49.3 est tombé, les oppositions répliquent par des motions de censure

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Guadeloupe FranceAntilles

 La Première ministre Elisabeth Borne a sifflé mercredi la fin des débats sur la première partie du budget 2023 à l’Assemblée en dégainant l’arme décriée du 49.3, pour la première fois du second quinquennat d’Emmanuel Macron, et sans doute pas la dernière.

“J’engage la responsabilité de mon gouvernement pour la première partie du projet de loi de finances pour 2023”, a déclaré la cheffe du gouvernement dans un hémicycle bouillonnant, sous les applaudissements des macronistes et la réprobation bruyante des oppositions.

Riant pour certains quand Mme Borne a dit avoir “fait le choix du dialogue”, les députés de la Nupes ont immédiatement quitté la séance sans attendre la fin du discours. La députée insoumise Mathilde Panot a aussitôt annoncé que la coalition de gauche (LFI, PS, PCF, EELV) avait déposé une motion de censure, face à un macronisme “devenu un autoritarisme”.

 

Les RN en feront de même jeudi, a affirmé le député Jean-Philippe Tanguy, expliquant vouloir d’abord “prendre le temps de choisir les bons mots”.

“Nous pensons inutile d’ajouter du chaos au chaos”, a pour sa part expliqué le patron des députés LR Olivier Marleix, excluant de se coaliser avec le reste des oppositions pour faire tomber le gouvernement.

Les motions de censure, qui ne pourront être examinées que samedi au plus tôt ou en début de semaine prochaine, n’ont quasi aucune chance d’être adoptées, les élus RN ayant exclu “a priori” de voter pour un texte de la Nupes, et vice versa.

Après une cinquantaine d’heures d’échanges parfois houleux, et de défaites en série pour les macronistes sur des votes d’amendements budgétaires, il n’y avait plus guère de doutes sur l’utilisation de l’article 49.3 de la Constitution. Un outil qui permet à l’exécutif, privé de majorité absolue, de faire passer un texte sans vote.

– “Simulacre” –

Mme Borne s’est défendue de tout passage en force, invoquant la nécessité de tenir “les délais prévus” pour l’adoption du budget et soulignant surtout que “les oppositions ont toutes réaffirmé leur volonté de rejeter le texte”.

“Le débat s’est tenu et nous avons examiné, loyalement, toutes les propositions”, a-t-elle fait valoir.

Le 49.3 “était la seule solution possible pour avoir un budget pour le pays”, a réagi le rapporteur du budget Jean-René Cazeneuve (Renaissance), face à des oppositions “enfermées dans une posture politicienne”.

La gauche estime, elle, que le camp présidentiel aurait pu accepter de prolonger ces débats, alors qu’il restait plus de 2.000 amendements à examiner, et que certains sujets sensibles, comme la taxation des “superprofits” n’avaient pas encore été abordés.

Les oppositions reprochent aussi au gouvernement de ne pas retenir dans le texte soumis au 49.3 un certain nombre d’amendements pourtant votés par les députés. Un “mépris pour le travail fait chaque jour” et un “simulacre de démocratie”, a fustigé l’écologiste Cyrielle Chatelain.

“Le texte que je présente aujourd’hui n’est pas le décalque du projet qui vous avait été initialement soumis”, a plaidé de son côté Mme Borne, défendant un projet de loi de finances “nourri, complété, amendé, corrigé même” pour tenir compte des débats.

– Centaine d’amendements retenus –

Après des arbitrages rendus jusqu’au dernier moment mercredi, l’exécutif a en effet ajouté une centaine d’amendements, émanant de la majorité pour la plupart et des oppositions pour certains.

Il s’agit notamment de renforcer le crédit d’impôt pour garde d’enfants, de réduire l’impôt pour les plus petites entreprises, d’instaurer un “filet de sécurité” contre l’inflation pour les collectivités ou encore de supprimer un avantage fiscal dont bénéficiaient les jets privés. Le tout pour un coût additionnel total de quelque 700 millions d’euros.

Mais pas question d’inclure l’amendement MoDem sur la taxation des superdividendes, pourtant adopté avec le soutien de la gauche, du RN et même d’une vingtaine de députés Renaissance. Une “faute politique”, a jugé le numéro un de la CFDT, Laurent Berger.

C’est également non à une proposition PS, adoptée en séance, pour l’instauration d’un crédit d’impôt pour le reste à charge de tous les résidents en Ehpad, jugé trop coûteux.

Sous forte pression pour taxer les bénéfices exceptionnels réalisés par certaines grandes entreprises “profiteuses de crise”, le gouvernement a aussi inclus dans son texte le fruit d’un accord conclu entre pays de l’UE fin septembre.

Il se traduit par une “une contribution temporaire de solidarité” des producteurs et distributeurs de gaz, charbon et pétrole. Et par un plafonnement des revenus des producteurs d’électricité, qui ont décollé du seul fait du lien entre prix de l’électricité et prix du gaz et du charbon.

Des mesures que gauche et RN ont déjà jugées largement insuffisantes.

Le recours au 49.3 a été autorisé mercredi en Conseil des ministres sur un autre texte, le projet de budget de la Sécurité sociale, dont l’examen à l’Assemblée doit commencer jeudi.

Compte tenu de son utilisation probable et du fait que cet outil sera utilisable à plusieurs étapes de l’examen des deux budgets, ce sont dix 49.3 qui pourraient être déclenchés devant l’Assemblée d’ici mi-décembre.

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UK Overseas Territories Minister to visit BVI next week Loop Cayman Islands

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Cayman Compass
Dillon De Shong

3 hrs ago

Overseas Territories Minister Jessie Norman. Photo: House of Commons.

Minister of State for the Americas and the Overseas Territories, Jessie Norman, is set to pay a visit to the British Virgin Islands next week to get a first-hand view of efforts to address governance issues that were raised in a commission of inquiry.

British Virgin Islands Governor John Rankin revealed the development today at a media conference that was called to give an update on the quarterly review of efforts to implement the Commission of Inquiry recommendations.

Norman, who was recently appointed to the position of Overseas Territories Minister, is set to be on the territory from October 27 to 28.

“I know that the minister’s goal is to see a successful, thriving [and] well-governed BVI. That is a goal which I share as governor and to which I remain committed,” Rankin remarked.

The governor noted that Norman and the UK Government are pleased with the progress made by the premier, his Government of National Unity, public officials and civil society in implementing the Commission of Inquiry recommendations.

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Gender Affairs begins the second cohort of the Work & Life Skills Progamme

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

The Directorate of Gender Affairs launched its second cohort of the 2022 Work and Life Skills Programme (WLSP) on Tuesday.

Over the course of 3-weeks, participants will be exposed to the basics of how to operate a sewing machine, cutting and choosing fabrics, and making clothing as part of the beginners’ sewing course.

At the end of the course, the participants will have made a single article of clothing.

The sessions which take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays are led by instructor Fiona Benjamin who is a clothing and textiles teacher at the Sir Novelle Richards Academy with an educational background in soft furnishings and upholstery.

The Directorate has received a donation of sewing machines from the All-China Women’s Federation which enabled the programme to be delivered without participants needing to have their own machine

One of the participants in the programme noted that sewing has been a “bucket list” skill that they wanted to conquer and was grateful for the opportunity to get free sewing classes

Every quarter the WLSP will train a new batch of participants in various subjects to build their capacity and increase their confdence and marketability.

To learn more about the Directorate of Gender Affairs and the Work & Life Skills Programme, visit any of their social media spaces or email [email protected].

The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) is a division within the Ministry of Social Transformation, Human Resource Development and the Blue Economy.

As the national gender machinery and focal agency for gender and development in Antigua & Barbuda, the DoGA’s focal mandate is to empower women and promote gender equality nationally.

The DoGA Work & Life Skills Programme (WLSP) aims to equip Antiguans & Barbudans with practical skills that they can transfer into employment or entrepreneurship. New cohorts open every quarter.

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Security guards expecting ‘better treatment’, big financial difference Loop Jamaica

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Jamaica News Loop News

Security guards employed in the private security industry are celebrating the recent ruling by the high court which, in effect, now means they are entitled to the benefits applicable to employees.

Workers in the industry have complained for years of poor treatment, long work hours without the benefit of overtime pay, and the absence of other benefits accorded to workers categorised as employees under the law.

But, with the recent court judgement, Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) President General, Kavan Gayle, says private security firms will be hard-pressed to refuse any of the labour benefits that the guards are now entitled to.

The high court has ruled that security guards engaged by Marksman Limited are employees and not contract workers and that the company should begin paying its portion of National Housing Trust (NHT) statutory contributions immediately.

While the judgement “is really for the purposes of National Housing Trust (NHT) contributions, the context of the judgement implies that every other provision in law that applies to the workers would be applicable to them,” Gayle explained to Loop News.

The wide-ranging labour and legal implications, which now basically spell “better treatment by security companies”, have left many workers in the industry quite happy.

A 30-year-old woman, who recently had to take months of unpaid sick leave, reasoned that the ruling means “things would be much better for me as a female”.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said it would mean the ability to now get maternity leave.

“It is going to be better for our pockets, and families can now plan better. And, if the overtime rate [that the employers will now have to pay based on the ruling of the court] is more than the rate for regular hours, financially, that will make a big difference,” she said of the potential financial gains to workers following the court’s ruling.

She explained that previously, “security guards worked to pay themselves. If you don’t go to work, you don’t get paid, but I am looking forward to being treated like a real employee who can get sick leave.”

“You know you not going to abuse it, but if you wake up with a splitting headache, now you don’t have to push yourself to go out because you can get paid for the day same way,” she reasoned.

Another security guard, a 50-year-old man who has been working in the industry for more than 25 years, agrees.

“I think the changes will be very good, but I believe they take too long to come because many [security] companies have been mistreating the guards for years,” the man, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

“For example, sometimes the company will tell you that you are the only security guard at a location so you can’t get lunchtime. You work long hours [and] you don’t get food; you don’t get a break time. And, if you go across the road to get something to eat, you hear that you have abandoned your location,” he said.

Another security guard based in St James said while the changes are good, he fears many guards may eventually lose their jobs.

“I think the clients will have to cut some of the security posts in order to pay because they will have to pay more [for security services],” he said.

“The contract is already set so to meet the new cost, they may ask to cut some of the posts that security guards work in order to save on the cost,” he reasoned.

By Tameka Gordon

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West Indies vs Pakistan T20 series postponed to 2024

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Sports

Pakistan players celebrate the dismissal of West Indies’ Evin Lewis during a Twenty20 match recently.

CRICKET West Indies (CWI) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have agreed to postpone the three-match T20 International (T20I) series that was due to take place in January 2023 in Pakistan to the first quarter of 2024.

A CWI media release on Wednesday, said, “The decision has been made considering 2024 is an International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup year, with the event due to be hosted in the West Indies and USA in June 2024 and the shortest format matches will therefore help both the sides to prepare for the tournament.”

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Woman, two sons held for teen’s murder

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

Videsh Dookran, 15

Two brothers were held shortly after they left the Golden Grove remand facility on Tuesday in relation to the murder of 15-year-old Videsh Dookran.

Police said the men’s mother was also arrested.

Dookran’s body was found stuffed inside an outhouse at the back of a pluck shop at Golconda, south Trinidad between October 8 and October 9.

Sources said the men, aged 18 and 22, were held shortly after they secured bail for the possession of ammunition in an unrelated incident.

The men were arrested and charged by officers of the Southern Division CID.

The mother, aged 46, was also arrested later that day.

All three are expected to be interviewed by police from the Homicide Bureau of Investigations Region III on Wednesday.

Dookran’s funeral was held on Sunday.

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MARAD to tighten operations at Kingston Wharf

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: INews Guyana
Public Works Minister engaging barge operators

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) will overlook operators at the State-owned Kingston Wharf where barge operators have been loading and offloading cargo, following the recent damage to the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) which has caused some restrictions on weight.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill met with operators on Tuesday, after receiving reports that persons were refusing to allow other operators to anchor their vessels, delaying the process.

“MARAD will stream live that now, how long you’ll have for loading and all of the rest of things. We’ll stream live that. Because if you are not ready to load, don’t bring two drums and then five, six barrels after, get your stuff together, load, and move,” the Minister relayed.

While he commended persons for investments made in the area, he stressed that they, by no means, own the facility.

“Nobody should interpret to me, because I made some investments or I put down a pile or I put down some holders or I put down a pile or I fix the place, I now own the place. This is still the place that we’re leaving open. It is going to get busier. So, we don’t want any fighting. What we want is that while you live, your brothers must live and while we operate, other people must operate. So, if we could sit down together and get an understanding, we will get here regularised.”

A list of guidelines will be provided, which operators must adhere to when utilising the State-owned wharf.

The minister told the operators that the government is serious about development in the country and there should not be conflicts and contention among each other.

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Coroner clears cop of 2015 Port of Spain shooting

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

File photo

A Port of Spain coroner on Wednesday ruled the actions of PC Edmund Homer were justifiable when he shot a Morvant man who was seen pointing a gun at his ex-common-law wife in 2015.

On Wednesday, coroner Cherril Ann Antoine ruled PC Edmund Homer was not culpable of any offence in relation to the shooting death of Christopher Reid, 45, on April 15, 2015.

Homer was on duty with another officer in Port of Spain when he saw a man walking behind a woman, holding a gun in his hand.

In evidence presented before the coroner’s court, Homer said he saw the man hit the woman on the back of the head and point the gun at her.

The policeman got out of the unmarked police vehicle he was in and shouted to Reid to drop his gun.

Reid turned around and pointed the gun at Homer, who drew his own weapon and shot him. The shooting took place on Duke Street, near the corner of Henry Street.

Reid’s former common-law wife also testified before the coroner, detailing a life of years of abuse.

When the incident occurred, police said Reid’s estranged wife had only just left her workplace on Henry Street with another woman when Reid came out of hiding and grabbed her.

Witnesses said Reid tried to force the woman into a waiting car, but she refused and began fighting with him. During the fight, men at a nearby bar sought to intervene but were stopped short when Reid pulled out a gun and pointed it at the woman’s head before Homer intervened.

Witnesses also told police Thomas would stalk the woman and beat her frequently. He once beat her with a hammer.

On the day of his death, Reid had accused his ex-common law wife of being unfaithful.

At the close of evidence, Homer’s attorney Ulric Skerritt submitted there were no grounds for proffering charges against his client because of the evidence.

Homer was also represented by attorneys Israel Khan and Arissa Maharaj.

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NADS Official Says Compulsory Driving Test For Seniors Unnecessary – St. Lucia Times News

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

– Advertisement –

The Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Driving Schools (NADS) has said a compulsory driving test for seniors is unnecessary.

Kingson Jean believes the test burdens the elderly who are pensioners.

At the same time, Jean observed that their responsibilities do not decrease while their buying power is less due to inflation.

And he indicated that it would be a strain for seniors to pay for a medical certificate and also pay for a practical exam.

– Advertisement –

“What really is the issue with the elderly is their mobility, reaction time and vision when it comes to driving,” the NADS official observed.

“We believe those persons, when they reach a certain age, probably about seventy-five, can go to a doctor and have their physical checkup and a report submitted to the Ministry of Transport regarding specific issues about mobility, reaction time, and vision,” Jean explained.

Citing personal responsibility, he pointed to the example of his 69-year-old mother, who drives a pickup but has decided not to do so at night.

As a result, she has entrusted nighttime driving to her grandchildren.

“Drivers in that age range would be safer drivers because they recognise their responsibility,” Jean, a former NADS President,  told St Lucia Times.

He asserted that they usually would stop driving when they realise they can no longer do so safely.

“I do not see the need for a practical exam,” Jean said.

The NADS official’s comments follow a recent amendment to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act that came before parliament.

The amendment seeks to raise the age for compulsory driving examinations for Senior Citizens from 70 to 75.

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Youth Tennis Programme receives BDS$20, 000 grant from US Embassy Loop Barbados

Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Barbados News

Approximately 75 primary school students are learning the excitement associated with “game, set and match” thanks to the US Embassy.

The students are part of the Barbados Tennis Association’s Tennis 10’s Youth Programme, which is funded by a BDS $20, 0000 grant from the US Embassy. Three schools are participating in the programme: Blackman and Gollop Primary, Grantley Prescod Memorial and Luther Thorne Memorial Primary.

On Thursday, October 13, public affairs officer at the US Embassy in Bridgetown, Donald Maynard visited a session of the programme which introduces tennis to students attending public schools.

During his visit, Maynard commended the Barbados Tennis Association saying, “By teaching children to play tennis The Barbados Tennis Association encourages healthy habits, a love of exercise, and provides them with skills necessary to excel in the sport and in life.”

President of the Barbados Tennis Association Dr Raymond Forde, who was also in attendance, thanked the U.S. Embassy for its support and noted that he hoped the program would create professional tennis players to represent Barbados in the future.

Supporting such programs is part of the US Embassy’s larger effort to promote youth empowerment, health, and wellness in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

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