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Electoral College: The people who ultimately pick the US president

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 16:10:01 +0000

Electoral College: The people who ultimately pick the US president admin Mon, 12/14/2020 - 16:10

Monday, December 14, 2020

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Electoral College: The people who ultimately pick the US president

BBC Reprint By Sam CabralBBC News, Washington US election 2020 The US presidential election was five weeks ago, but the votes that officially anoint the next president are just about to be cast. When Americans go to the polls in presidential elections, they are not directly voting for president. They are actually voting for a […]

Montserrat

Caribbean

Ministry of Education and the OECS to host Early Childhood Education Leaders’ Forum

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 03:10:01 +0000

Ministry of Education and the OECS to host Early Childhood Education Leaders’ Forum

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 03:10

Tuesday, June 14, 2022

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Local – Dominica Vibes News

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Ministry of Education and the OECS to host Early Childhood Education Leaders’ F…

The Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence, in collaboration with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Program for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning, will be hosting a series of public consultations titled the Early Childhood Education Leaders’ Forum. The public consultations will seek the views and varied perspectives of stakeholders and interested parties to support the development of the new primary curriculum.

Dominica is currently reviewing primary education to inform potential changes that will be implemented via an initiative undertaken by member states of the OECS. Public consultation is critical to identifying the competencies that need to be emphasized in the curriculum.

The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States Program for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning (OECS PEARL) is a four-year program aimed at improving access to, equity of, and the quality of the education system to ensure that every learner in Dominica succeeds. It incorporates global best practices and will contribute to the holistic development of students. A new curriculum is required to successfully meet the community’s needs, address present-day contextual realities and navigate the future’s dynamic and highly competitive work environments.

The Ministry of Education invites students, teachers, principals, parents, Education Officers, Curriculum Officers, families, members of the business and creative sectors, advocacy groups, and all interested persons to participate in the consultations to be held on June 14th and 15th at the Alliance Francaise, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event will be streamed online on the relevant Ministry of Education and OECS social media pages. National Coordinator, Stephanie Baron, gave more details.

“The ECE Leaders’ Forum is hosted against the backdrop of challenges and gains made in Early Childhood Education across the OECS. The forum entitled, ‘Reflect, Refocus and Renew’ will be conducted using a blended approach which allows for participants to discuss issues related to the provision of Early Childhood Education, at both the national and regional levels.”

She stated that these reflections are especially important in light of the challenges COVID-19 had on the delivery of early childhood education.

“This reflection and refocusing are especially important in light of the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, re the delivery of Early Childhood Education. It will allow Early Childhood Education leaders across the OECS to learn from each other’s best practices as we seek to build resilience at all levels in the education system in the OECS territories.”

Dominica

Caribbean

News

Hon. Kenneth Darroux expresses disappointment in Cuba and Venezuela not being invited to the 9th Summit of the Americas

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 02:30:01 +0000

Hon. Kenneth Darroux expresses disappointment in Cuba and Venezuela not being invited to the 9th Summit of the Americas

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 02:30

Thursday, June 16, 2022

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Local – Dominica Vibes News

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Hon. Kenneth Darroux expresses disappointment in Cuba and Venezuela not being i…

Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations Hon. Kenneth Darroux

Speaking on behalf of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations Hon. Kenneth Darroux expressed his disappointment in Cuba and Venezuela not being invited to the 9th Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles last week.

He stated that the real value of this summit must be that it serves as the platform for mutually beneficial exchanges to address our common issues. He declared that this calls for a new approach to collaboration and economic alliances founded on the principles of solidarity, cohesion and comradery, and respect for sovereignty as individual states.

“The equitable future, which we are seeking to build, cannot be achieved if we continue to create the grounds for discord and disunity to thrive, but the deed is done this time. But I reiterate the full participation of Cuba, Venezuela, and every country in our region, in the process of addressing the dire issues faced by our countries and the people of the Americas. For the deliberations to hit the intended mark, for our presence here to truly transform and enhance lives, for the decision-making to be relevant and timely, and for the people of the Americas to feel the positive impact of our leadership, we must be open to greater participation and consideration for the views of all.”

Hon. Darroux mentioned that many Caribbean states, including Dominica, have enjoyed friendly relationships with the Republic of Cuba for many years, and have benefitted from its exceptional record of their humanitarianism, particularly in the areas of health and education.

He stated that had it not been for Cuba’s assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of Caribbean nations would’ve suffered greatly.

“We look forward to the day when the Republic of Cuba receives the respect it truly deserves and is once again allowed a seat at the table to assist in forming solutions to our region’s most persistent problems. The Commonwealth of Dominica applauds the efforts of your administration towards reversing some of the unjust and harsh measures imposed on the Cuban people, by the former administration and the indication of the willingness of Washington to resume talks with Havana quite frankly, what better opportunity it would’ve been than at this summit, together with the rest of the OECS family, where you could signal to the world the seriousness of your intentions.”

He commended the United States for the recent measures to working with Cuba but stated quite bluntly that these measures are still not enough. He reiterated Dominica’s call for the lifting of the Cuban Economic Embargo and also called for the removal of Cuba from the State-Sponsored Terrorism List.

Caribbean

News

IDA hosts trade missions from French Islands to increase foreign direct investment in Dominica

admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2022 02:30:01 +0000

IDA hosts trade missions from French Islands to increase foreign direct investment in Dominica

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admin Sun, 06/19/2022 - 02:30

Thursday, June 16, 2022

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Local – Dominica Vibes News

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IDA hosts trade missions from French Islands to increase foreign direct investm…

IDA Executive Director, Rhoda Joseph

The Invest Dominica Authority is currently hosting an inward investment mission which started on June 12 and will continue until June 17th. Executive Director of the IDA Rhoda Joseph stated that these missions from the French West Indies, are a part of the authority’s strategy to increase foreign direct investments and to seek partnerships with foreign investors in key areas of sectoral interests.

She continued by stating that they have been working with the Chambers of Commerce in Guadeloupe and Martinique in identifying and targeting investors in the French Territories interested in investing in Dominica either through greenfield projects, joint ventures, or partnerships. The missions comprise 40 businesspersons representing 12 companies in Guadeloupe and 10 companies in Martinique.

Joseph mentioned that these businesspersons have expressed interest in considering Dominica as an investment destination and will be engaged in a series of activities during their visit including business matching meetings, site visits to businesses of interest and investment areas, and site visits to Dominica’s natural sites.

During the Welcome Reception, the IDA Executive Director thanked various Dominica associations for helping with this mission.

“Investment is a process and we need all stakeholders, to this end, we want to thank the Dominica Manufacturer’s Association, the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association, the Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce; and we can see, based on the display of a number of our products from the various private sectors on the island. The private sector is very key and is the nexus that links IDA towards even meeting with the French investors because we are seeking to see how we can find partnerships, how we can match persons in Dominica to persons who are interested in terms of our products and services in the French islands.”

The IDA placed a strong focus on attracting investments in manufacturing and agro-processing, organic agriculture, creativity, knowledge, and the digital sector as potential investment opportunities. Investments in eco-tourism accommodations and ancillary services will also be featured in the mission. Investment Dominica Authority is also keen to listen to opportunities for possible new investment ventures that will be of mutual benefit to Dominica and the French West Indies.

As the economy continues its steady path of recovery, the IDA is supporting the government’s vision of making Dominica the first climate-resilient country in the world and will continue to seek new opportunities and target sustainable investments that would redound to improving the lives and livelihood of Dominica’s citizens. Joseph hopes that the delegates enjoy this week and the various meetings and activities.

Caribbean

News

Groups urge Harris to name election date in St Kitts

admin — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 23:30:02 +0000

Groups urge Harris to name election date in St Kitts

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admin Sat, 06/18/2022 - 23:30

Saturday, June 11, 2022

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Politics Archives - Barbados Today

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Groups urge Harris to name election date in St Kitts

SOURCE: CMC — Churches and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have written to Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris urging him to name a date for the general election, warning also that a code of conduct should be implemented to ensure “the society is not plunged into election induced chaos” as voters in this twin island Federation prepare to elect a new government.

In their June 8 letter to Harris, the churches and the NGOs listed several issues they want the relevant authorities to take into consideration, including a pre-election period of sensitivity, neutrality in the electoral process, the delay in announcing the election date and the abuse of office.

“We are of the firm view that the execution of the Code of Conduct should be mandatory after every dissolution of the National Assembly to ensure that our society is not plunged into election-induced chaos, as emotions are heightened during election campaigns. We, therefore, anticipate your soonest execution of the Code of Conduct in your capacity as Political Leader of the People’s Labour Part,” the groups wrote in their letter.

The letter was sent by the St Kitts Christian Council; the St Kitts Evangelical Association; the Nevis Christian Council; the Nevis Evangelical Association; The St Kitts Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce; and the St Kitts and Nevis Bar Association.

Harris is yet to announce a date for the election after he dismissed several of his ministers, asked the Governor General to dissolve Parliament as his coalition Team Unity government collapsed because of internal wrangling.

Legislators of two of the coalition – the People’s Action Movement (PAM) and the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) – that controlled seven of the nine seats in Cabinet, had filed a motion of no confidence in Harris, but he scuttled that move by having the Parliament dissolved.

In their letter, the groups said they were also raising “some concerns observed by our non-governmental organizations which can diminish our people’s confidence in our electoral system, create social instability, cause widespread anxiety, negatively affect the local economic climate, and undermine the respect for true democracy and the rule of law in our Federation.”

On the issue of pre-election period of sensitivity, the letter noted that the “Executive, led by your Cabinet of Ministers, should refrain from implementing major policy decisions that are likely to commit an incoming Government.

The post Groups urge Harris to name election date in St Kitts appeared first on Barbados Today.

Barbados

Caribbean

Politics

UWI invites applications for prestigious, £1 million Earth Shot Prize

admin — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 05:20:01 +0000

UWI invites applications for prestigious, £1 million Earth Shot Prize

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admin Wed, 02/23/2022 - 05:20

Saturday, February 12, 2022

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Barbados Today

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UWI invites applications for prestigious, £1 million Earth Shot Prize

The search for the winners of The Earthshot Prize 2022 is underway and The University of the West Indies (The UWI) is inviting applications from staff, students, alumni, NGOs and other stakeholders from across the Caribbean.

Launched by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in 2020, The Earthshot Prize is the most prestigious global environment prize in history, designed to incentivise, change and help repair our planet over a decade.

It’s centred around five ‘Earthshots’: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean our Air; Revive our Oceans; Build a Waste-free World and Fix our Climate. These five are simple but ambitious goals for our planet, which if achieved by 2030, will improve life for us all for generations to come.

Each year, between 2021 and 2030, five new Earthshot Prize category winners will receive £1 million to support the adoption, replication, and scaling of their environmental and conservation projects. Nominations will be assessed in terms of the inspiring stories behind them, their inclusivity, equity and benefits for humans, their impact on the Earthshots, and the ability for this impact to be scaled.

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs, Dr Stacy Richards Kennedy, commented that “The UWI is recognised globally as an SDG-engaged university and leader in climate action and is indeed proud to have been selected as an Official Nominator for the EarthShot Prize alongside some 343 official nominators from across 80 countries.”

According to the organisers, Official Nominators are selected for their ability to identify the most impactful solutions to the five Earthshots across all countries and sectors, from grassroots and Indigenous communities to businesses and governments.

The UWI’s Office of Global Affairs is leading this partnership with EarthShot through its Sustainable Futures Team, in collaboration with the University’s recently-launched virtual hub, the Global Institute for Climate-Smart and Resilient Development.

Interested persons are asked to contact [email protected] OR visit https://uwi.edu/oga/the-earthshot-prize to complete the application form. The deadline for submitting applications to The UWI is February 28, 2022.

Barbados

Caribbean

News

REGIONAL: Doctor suspended for prescribing Ivermectin to patients suffering from COVID-19

admin — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 11:50:02 +0000

REGIONAL: Doctor suspended for prescribing Ivermectin to patients suffering from COVID-19

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admin Sat, 12/11/2021 - 11:50

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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Barbados Today

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REGIONAL: Doctor suspended for prescribing Ivermectin to patients suffering fro…

SOURCE: CMC- A medical practitioner has been suspended for six months after she prescribed the drug Ivermectin to treat patients who had contracted the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dr. Gilbertha St. Rose confirmed her suspension by the Medical and Dental Council of St. Lucia and has told the St. Lucia Times newspaper that she will be holding a news conference later to discuss the issue.

The on line publication said that the Council delivered its decision against Dr. St Rose for prescribing and supplying the drug Ivermectin to patients without authorisation from the Ministry of Health or the Chief Medical Officer and publicly encouraging its use to treat the virus.

It said it had obtained a document indicating that on receipt of a written application from Dr. St Rose before the end of the six months, the Council would review the suspension of her registration and practicing certificate once she undertakes in writing to cease.

“The document also prescribed paying an EC$10,000 (One Ec dollar=US$0.37 cents) fine to the Council within 30 days because Dr. St Rose conducted an unapproved and unmonitored clinical trial,” the St. Lucia Times newspaper reported.

The Medical and Dental Council of St. Lucia has not issued any statement regarding the suspension, but had written to Dr St Rose, an Integrated Health Specialist, indicating that between February 8 and August 30 2021, she had committed acts of misconduct by performing her duties as a medical practitioner in a negligent and incompetent manner..

Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug most commonly used to treat livestock. It is a US FDA-approved for humans when treating lice, rosacea, and specific parasitic diseases, but not for COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says the current evidence on the use of Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patients is inconclusive.

Barbados

Caribbean

News

Consortium of Banks to acquire the banking operations of CIBC FirstCaribbean in 4 OECS countries

admin — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 02:00:01 +0000

Consortium of Banks to acquire the banking operations of CIBC FirstCaribbean in 4 OECS countries

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admin Fri, 12/10/2021 - 02:00

Wednesday, October 13, 2021

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Business – Dominica Vibes News

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Consortium of Banks to acquire the banking operations of CIBC FirstCaribbean in…

Consortium of Banks to acquire the banking operations of CIBC FirstCaribbean in 4 OECS countries

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (12 October 2021): Today, a Consortium of leading Banks in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the branches and banking operations of CIBC FirstCaribbean in Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The agreement executed on 12 October 2021 is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

Commenting on the transaction, Consortium Lead, and Managing Director of The Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Limited, Derry Williams asserted, “This acquisition by the Consortium represents a significant development in the evolution of the Banking System of the ECCU. Once approved by the regulators, we are very confident that it will lay the basis for further enhanced value creation in these
economies and greater prosperity for our society. “

The four members of the Consortium are:
1. The National Bank of Dominica Limited;
2. Grenada Co-operative Bank Limited;
3. St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited; and,
4. The Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Limited (Agent of the Consortium)

“The four indigenous banks are an excellent fit for the bank’s St. Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, and St. Kitts business, given their knowledge of the local markets match with our product offerings and client base and a strong market positioning. They bring a depth of local knowledge to the market and the needs of our clients there…” — CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Chief Executive Officer, Colette Delaney

This acquisition expands the Consortium’s loan base by more than XCD 600 million, net, the deposit portfolio by XCD1.5b; and provides the additional scale to better service the Consortium’s respective communities and contribute to the region’s economic and social advancement.

The Consortium looks forward to working with CIBC FirstCaribbean to finalize the transaction over the coming months with both working diligently to ensure the transition is seamless for all stakeholders.

Until regulatory approvals are obtained and the transaction closes, operations at all institutions will continue as they currently do.

The Consortium members are committed to recruiting staff of CIBCFirstCaribbean, as required, to maintain and even improve the level and quality of service that CIBCFirstCaribbean customers are accustomed to.

The Consortium is being advised by Deloitte & Touche in Barbados (Lead Advisor) led by Mr. Raymond Haynes, Director, Financial Advisory; and Lex Caribbean (Lead Legal Advisor) led by Mrs. Mary Mahabir, Senior Partner.

Caribbean

Caribbean airlines cargo restores its route network

admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 21:20:02 +0000

Caribbean airlines cargo restores its route network

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admin Thu, 07/22/2021 - 21:20

Saturday, July 10, 2021

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Business – Barbados Today

Original Article

Caribbean airlines cargo restores its route network

The borders of Trinidad and Tobago, where Caribbean Airlines is headquartered, are set to re-open on July 17. Consequently, Caribbean Airlines Cargo will resume scheduled connectivity between several Caribbean destinations and New York and Toronto.

The Caribbean carrier will transport cargo in the belly hold of its Boeing 737 and ATR aircraft on select passenger routes.

The passenger schedule will include flights between Trinidad and destinations such as New York, Toronto, Barbados, St Vincent and Grenada.

Flights to Jamaica and St Lucia will operate from August 13 and 16 respectively, with other destinations added later on.

“Caribbean Airlines Cargo is happy to restore connectivity to several of our pre-pandemic routes,” said Marklan Moseley, General Manager – Cargo and New Business.

“We look forward to the resumption of a scheduled service out of our hub in Port of Spain as this is a major transit point to and from several countries. This creates an opportunity to further bolster the movement of goods and cargo connectivity which the region needs at this time.”

The airline continues to operate its recently expanded all-cargo schedule of 14 weekly Boeing 767 flights. This service facilitates shipments between the carrier’s Miami hub and Trinidad, Kingston, Montego Bay, Guyana and Barbados.

Caribbean Airlines Cargo is experienced in the swift and efficient movement of oilfield equipment, live animals, general cargo, fresh produce, seafood and other time sensitive commodities.

In May, the carrier introduced an optional marine insurance coverage service to further safeguard customer shipments.

The post Caribbean airlines cargo restores its route network appeared first on Barbados Today.

Caribbean

Business

Aruba prime minister resigns amid investigation, economic collapse

admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 04:40:01 +0000

Aruba prime minister resigns amid investigation, economic collapse

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admin Wed, 07/21/2021 - 04:40

Saturday, April 3, 2021

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Politics – Barbados Today

Original Article

Aruba prime minister resigns amid investigation, economic collapse

SOURCE: Reuters — Aruba’s prime minister resigned on Tuesday after prosecutors on the Dutch Caribbean island announced an investigation into one of the parties making up her ruling coalition for suspected embezzlement of funds, the government said in a statement.

The government of Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes said it had dissolved parliament and would announce a new date for elections soon. Wever-Croes will handle pending government business, including the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, until a new government is installed.

“There are times when it is necessary to make difficult decisions, but when one follows the path of integrity and puts God first, one knows you are on a good path,” Wever-Croes wrote in a Facebook post. “In this difficult moment I sign the resignation letter of our Wever-Croes cabinet.”

The tourism-dependent island’s economy contracted 25% in 2020, prompting the government to launch a stimulus package worth around 13% of gross domestic product, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Aruba is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands but has autonomy in several areas.

The post Aruba prime minister resigns amid investigation, economic collapse appeared first on Barbados Today.

Caribbean

Politics