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$5m for Golden Grove Prison fence

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

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Golden Grove Prison, Arouca.

A $5 million fence will be built around Golden Grove Prison, according to the budget documents, while $3 million will be added to $2.58 million spent last year for a perimeter fence and infrastructure works at the Maximum Security Prison (MSP).

The Infrastructure Development Fund (IDF) allocation for the Ministry of National Security also revealed $2.5 million to be spent on toilet facilities for prison officer trainees, namely $1.5 million for water closets (flush toilets) and $1 million for a sewer system at the Prison Training Centre.

The Remand Yard will benefit from $10 million worth of plumbing and electrical upgrades. Some $1 million will be spent to build a special court at the MSP.

Approximately $500,000 was allocated for the “construction of (a) safe house for officers.” The Immigration Department will gain a new building to be built for $9 million. The Fire Service will gain a $10 million fire station at Arouca and one for $18 million at Point Fortin. For the Ministry of Sport and Community Development, notable IDF allocations include $30 million to redevelop Skinner Park (San Fernando), $30 million to upgrade multi-purpose stadiums, $15 million to upgrade Dwight Yorke Stadium (Tobago) and $12 million to upgrade corporation grounds.

The Ministry of Education’s allocation for IDF projects comprises $12 million for pre-primary schools, $85 million for primary schools, $66 million for secondary schools, $2 million for special education (including a $500,000 special school at Pointe-a-Pierre), and $40 million for science, technology and applied arts allocated to the UTT main campus at Tamana eTeck Park in Wallerfield. Allocations for new primary schools being built include Curepe Presbyterian ($5 million), Arima Hindu ($1.5 million), Reform SDMS ($5 million), Montrose Vedic ($5 million) and St Phillip’s Government ($6 million).

Some $3 million was allocated for emergency upgrades to primary schools, plus $7 million to erect temporary pre-engineered classrooms. For secondary schools the allocations included $5 million for replacement/construction of blocks and $5 million for emergency upgrades. Some $3 million is for the construction of temporary pre-engineered classrooms.

Over $100 million was allocated to create youth facilities under the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service in the IDF. This included $31 million for the construction of youth development apprenticeship centres and $30 million for national Service centres.

Allocations also included the refurbishment of youth training facilities ($15 million), refurbishment of apprenticeship centres ($15 million), and construction of youth development centres ($15 million). Other items included a farm school at Moruga ($5 million), a youth business park ($5 million) and expanding the Ste Madeleine Transition Home ($5 million).

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Scotiabank Foundation, Rotary Club support Beetham steelband with $100k

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

News

PRACTISE MAKES PERFECT: Young members of the Beetham Vibrations Steel Orchestra go through their paces on the pans during a recent practise session. PHOTO COURTESY THE ROTARY CLUB OF CENTRAL PORT OF SPAIN –

THE Scotiabank Foundation recently partnered with the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain to support the Beetham Vibrations Steel Orchestra (BVSO), which was conceptualised by that Rotary Club to create a sustainable model for hope, unity, and advancement of the youth in Beetham Gardens.

This new creative endeavour is intended to instil a sense of discipline, self-esteem and belonging in the youths of the community.

Additionally, it is hoped that they enjoy the programme, and gain training in producing quality music to seek employment in the entertainment industry.

The bank’s donation of $100,000 will enable the purchase of instruments, as well as the tutoring of the players.

A release from the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain said, “Our recent partnership with the Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Foundation is in keeping with the bank’s community investments aimed at creating economic resilience for youth, through education and life skills development programmes.”

Launched on February 26, the orchestra comprises 22 members – both male and female – between eight and 23. The members are currently practising under the stewardship of Khari Codrington of the Codrington Family Institute and his father Cari.

While the orchestra has instruments for up to 15 players, the Rotary Club is trying to locate additional instruments so the orchestra will comprise a junior and senior band.

Since adopting the youth of Beetham Gardens as its main focus some 20 years ago, the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain is now incorporating music as an additional tool for educating and elevating young people there.

In February, the RCCPOS signed an MOU with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Hearts and Minds Programme to form the steelband.

The MOU solidified the seven-year relationship between the two organisations, as well as developing its commitment and responsibility to the orchestra for the next two years.

The Hearts and Minds Programme’s belief that a close relationship between the community and the police is vital to the success of society contributes to its focus on reducing crime while building and equipping the youth in the area with the tools and skills for a better tomorrow.

The Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain continues to provide financial and other support to the Beetham Community through its assistance to the All-in-One Child Development Centre for pre-schoolers, the Each One Teach One School for children with special needs, and Secondary School Students in the community by providing books and uniforms.

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Six People Hospitalised After Two Vehicles Collide In Castries – St. Lucia Times News

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: St. Lucia Times News

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Emergency personnel transported six people to the OKEU Hospital on Monday after responding to a report of a collision between a minibus and a car on Morne Fortune, Castries.

The six were among nine who sustained injuries.

Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) Communications Officer Stacy Joseph said Castries Headquarters received a call for help at about 7:50 am.

Joseph told St Lucia Times that with assistance from the Gros Islet Fire Station, the headquarters responders triaged nine individuals who sustained various injuries in the incident.

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However, the SLFS spokeswoman disclosed that three peopledeclined transportation to the medical facility and signed releaseforms.

Joseph said the six others were in stable condition en route to the hospital.

Headline photo: Screen grab from social media video

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Grey’s Anatomy star Niko Terho says support took away his nervousness Loop Barbados

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Barbados News

Many Bajans excitedly watched the season premiere of Grey’s Anatomy season 19 on October 6 to see their own Niko Terho on the screen, and Niko himself was amongst the batch of thousands.

According to TVLine in the latest TV ratings posted on October 7, ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and NBC’s SVU tied for the nightly demo win per Nielsen finals.

Chatting with Loop, Niko said ahead of the 9pm start he was feeling “very excited actually.”

He said, “I’m glad that people are finally gonna get to see what we’ve been working so hard on.

“We’ve had so much fun filming.” And this reiterates, his sentiment in the trailer for the season, when he said being on set was like stepping foot at a Disney theme park daily.

Niko, who plays Lucas Adams watched the first episode with other cast members.

Asked if he was anxious to see it from the viewer perspective finally, he said, “People have been messaging all day. It’s really great to see all the support. It takes away the nerves that tend to come along with premieres.”

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MISSING: 16-year-old Xavier Ashton of Swetes

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

The family of 16yr old Xavier Ashton of Swetes is asking for assistance in knowing his whereabouts.

Xavier was last seen sometime yesterday afternoon in Swetes.

Several attempts were made to contact him, but were unsuccessful.

If you have any information as to his whereabouts, please contact the Criminal Investigations Department at 462-3913.

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Unique Boutique Property Adds Historical Value to Antigua and Barbuda’s Tourism Product

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

The new Weatherill’s Hotel located in Marble Hill Antigua will add significant value to the country’s tourism product.

So says Minister of Tourism and Investment the Hon. Charles Fernandez.

The property which opened its restaurant facility in August, will see its bed and breakfast operations coming on stream next Monday.

The operators are focusing on consistent, excellent customer service to build their brand; however, the historical value of the property will take it even further.

The 40-acre property was once an active plantation (one of the largest on island) that has been immaculately restored. Four of the bedrooms are in the 140-year-old main house while a further three suites have been created in the adjacent 17th century former carriage rooms.

“There are tourists who select vacation destinations based on their historical value, and the addition of this property to our product offering adds a unique touch where visitors can not only tour the property, but stay and have a full experience”, remarked the hon. minister.

Already, the seven-room accommodation employs over 30 locals with hotel management seeking to employ additional staff.

“Training commenced in August, and it is currently ongoing because we want staff to understand the importance of our brand, the history, architecture… and of course excellent food and service’, said Manager Navin Sukumaran.

Weatherill’s is owned by Antiguan Victor Michael and the tourism minister is elated at this fact.

“I am pleased when Antiguans invest in our industry as it signals ownership and continuity. It is also indicative of the confidence that exists in the local tourism economy”, noted Minister Fernandez.

Tourism executives were given an official tour of the property recently ahead of the October 17th opening of the accommodation section.

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Police Queen, Keriann Thomas to represent Antigua and Barbuda at Miss OECS 2022

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

Ms. Police Queen, Keriann Thomas to represent Antigua and Barbuda at Miss OECS 2022

After a brief hiatus on the regional and international pageant circuit, due the robust COVID-19 pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda will grace the stage at a regional pageant, set to be held in Dominica next month.

21-year-old Keriann Thomas will carry Antigua and Barbuda’s flag as she represents our twin island state at the Miss OECS Pageant to be held in Dominica on November 5, 2022.

Talent Incorporated Limited, a non-profit performing arts and events production organization, headed by Gilbert Laudat, and also synonymous for the production of the Hal Jackson Talented Teen, the Miss Antigua Teen Pageant and the National Song Contest, among others, secured the exclusive rights to submit a delegate to this show.

The Executive Body decided to select   Ms. Thomas because of her level of preparedness, (having successfully captured a title just a month ago), and her ability to stand toe to toe with other regional beauties.

Ms. Thomas, who is the reigning Ms. Police Queen, and a constable in the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, has started comprehensive and intense rehearsals to prepare her for the big night.

This is the first time in the history of pageantry here in Antigua that a police officer is the national delegate in an overseas ‘civilian’ pageant competition.

This accomplishment would not have been possible had it not been for the blessing and overwhelming support of the Deputy Commissioner of Police of RPFAB.

Her preparation team, led by Creative Director for Talent Incorporated Limited Ckhuerckh Vhann-Kellte, is confident that she will receive the training that is required to steer her to victory. Mr. Vhann-Kellte is also the designer of her competitive wardrobe for the night of competition.

The Miss OECS Pageant 2022 will be hosted under theme “The Caribbean- A Tropical Utopia” and will feature five competitive segments:  National Cultural Costume, Swimwear, Performing Talent, Evening Gown and Interview.    Ms. Thomas and her delegation departs for Dominica on November 1.

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Three people robbed at gunpoint, by five masked bandits, in daylight hold-up in Grays Farm; Police are investigating

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Antigua News Room

Three people were robbed of their valuables by five gunmen in broad daylight, and the Police are now investigating the incident, which took place in the Grays Farm area.

Reports are that a Christian Street, Grays Farm, woman and two of her friends were robbed of their phones and cash at gunpoint by five men with hoodies covering their faces.

Further reports are that the trio – two women and a male – were walking from east to west on Christian Street when they were held up by the crew, who demanded that they hand over their money.

One man is described as being of a slim build and very tall, while the others are also said to be of a slim build, but short in stature.

According to reports, the tall bandit was armed with a shiny gun, as was another of the gang, who pointed the weapon at the three pedestrians.

The tall bandit made the demand for money while the other four searched the three victims; they took a large sum of money and a Samsung Galaxy cell phone from the Christian Street woman.

The bandits relieved the male victim of two cell phones and took cash from his girlfriend before they escaped in a southerly direction.

The matter was reported to the Police and a search was carried out in the area for persons fitting the description of the five men.  However, neither they nor the items were found.

This offence reportedly occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on October 8.

Meanwhile, Theon Lincoln of Bendals was fined for drug possession in the All Saints Magistrates Court.

Lincoln appeared before Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel-Edwards on a charge of possession of 28 grammes of cannabis.

He pleaded guilty and was fined $1,400, which has to be paid within four months, or, in default, he will serve six weeks at His Majesty’s Prison.

Lincoln, 31, was arrested and charged after officers found him with the illegal drug on October 1 in Carlisle.

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MPs for flood-hit areas invite Sinanan to visit

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

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Davendranath Tancoo –

WORKS and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan has been invited by several UNC MPs to visit their constituencies in order to see firsthand the problems of flooding, landslips and/or bad roads plaguing residents.

The invite came during a near five-hour grilling of the minister on Monday during the House of Representatives’ Standing Finance Committee meeting on the budget.

With UNC MPs challenging whether enough new water pumps and floodgates have been provided to protect their constituencies, Sinanan successively got invitations to visit from Oropouche West MP Davendranath Tancoo, Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein and St Augustine MP Khadijah Ameen.

The sitting was characterised by Sinanan’s often telling MPs they were raising issues under incorrect sub-item headings. But they persisted.

Sinanan promised Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh to “send a team today,” to deal with his pothole concerns, to which Indarsingh replied that teams had already visited, but to no avail.

Sinanan promised, “It will be dealt with expeditiously.”

Ameen lamented poor communication by ministry staff with MPs, such that repair workers often visited the wrong areas, causing more delays. She said she has seen many culverts cleared along highways, but without channels being clear, rainwater run-off had nowhere to go. One such area, she said, was the Blue Waters plant at Trincity.

Tancoo lamented deaths on the Solomon Hochoy Highway, prompting Sinanan to say he would install rumble strips at dark and high-risk spots.

Chaguanas West Dinesh Rambally pleaded for traffic lights at Bejucal Road, under an incorrect budget line item. Sinanan conceded that the road had changed from an agricultural road to conveying many trucks.

Hosein called for more gully-sucker machines, to which Sinanan replied that El Socorro Road was on the list to be cleared.

Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George often had to rein in debate as she called on MPs to stick to line items.Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin called for more traffic wardens to help traffic flow in her area. Sinanan admitted to 221 vacant positions, promising recruitment soon.

Tancoo noted a budget allocation of $100,000 for 221 wardens, adding, “The maths not ‘mathsing.’” Sinanan replied that hiring is a gradual process. He also explained there was a high turnover among traffic wardens, as many saw this as a mere stepping-stone to other jobs. He hoped to boost the existing 650 complement by 100 more in the new fiscal year.

Sinanan said the ministry’s focus had been on a major programme to desilt rivers. He said the Diego Martin, Maraval and St Ann’s Rivers were intended to have been paved, but this had to be delayed until the dry season in January, so desilting was done instead.

“We put the money into clearing the watercourses, for a quick run-off.”

With the allocation for landslip repair growing from $6.7 million to $12 million in 2021 and 2022, to $80 million for 2023, Sinanan boasted of having maintained connectivity between affected areas.

He said it was very expensive to fix landslips, and asked MPs to imagine having to fix 300 landslips for $10 million each. He hoped to look at natural techniques for landslip prevention.

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Budget $$ for Public Administration, President approved

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Black Immigrant Daily News

The content originally appeared on: Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

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Minister of Public Administration Allyson West

THE Standing Finance Committee of the House of Representatives approved expenditures of $911,700,000, $17,884, 670 and $333,682,220 respectively as it concluded its fourth day of deliberations on the 2022/2023 budget on Monday.

The committee held its fifth and final day of meeting on the budget on Tuesday. The House later approved the budget.

The Senate begins its debate on the budget at 10 am on Wednesday.

Under its standing orders, the Senate cannot vote on money bills (such as the budget) or deliberate on such bills in their committee stage.

By law, the House and Senate are required to approve the budget before the end of October, when the current fiscal year ends.

Before the approval of expenditure for her ministry, Public Administration Minister Allyson West promised it would continue to focus on improved public-service delivery and enhance the capacity of the public service during fiscal 2023.

West said in keeping with the directives of the Prime Minister, the ministry has been seeking to implement and enhance digital technology in different aspects of its operations.

Earlier in the meeting, on Monday, Planning and Development Minister Pennelope Beckles-Robinson said there was an allocation of $1 million in the budget for the Public Administration Ministry to look at the development of a work-from-home (WFH) policy. She added that her ministry and the Public Administration Ministry are collaborating on this, so she could not give a timeline as to when such a policy might be implemented.

But she said, “For us, this is an important exercise.”

The PNM offered the implementation of WFH policies for the public and private sectors as one of its campaign promises in its 2020 election manifesto.

On March 9, then leader of government business in the Senate Clarence Rambharat said a sub-committee comprising permanent secretaries and heads of department of different ministries and the Personnel Department were looking at the issue.

At a news conference on September 26, after Finance Minister Colm Imbert presented the budget, the Prime Minister said the public sector was not ready at this time for a major WFH policy. Dr Rowley noted that some private-sector entities have WFH arrangements.

Before the committee approved expenditure for the Office of the President, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Brian Manning said these funds would allow the office to continue to provide support services to President Paula-Mae Weekes.

Responding later in the meeting to a question from Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said the Office of the President will hold a public awareness programme to enhance the public’s knowledge of its roles and responsibilities in fiscal 2023.

Hosein asked if this initiative would be rolled out in schools or generally to the public.

“Both,” Imbert replied.

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