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San Francique residents start petition over landslides, bad roads

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 09:10:01 +0000

San Francique residents start petition over landslides, bad roads admin Tue, 02/02/2021 - 09:10

Monday, February 1, 2021

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Original Article

San Francique residents start petition over landslides, bad roads

OVER 100 San Francique residents have physically signed a petition over landslides and bad roads to be sent to the Ministry of Works and Transport.

On Friday, the creator of the petition – Carissa Nanan – posted on Facebook saying, “It’s been 12 years suffering with these almost impassable roads.

“We would greatly appreciate your efforts in filling up the petition! It’s about time our voices and concerns be heard!”

She dropped off three forms at different businesses in the area – Nan’s Grocery, Manick’s Grocery and Building Resources Grocery. The petitions will be there until Monday.

She said she wanted to make it clear the motive is not fuelled by any form of political affiliation.

“We are simply tired, tax-paying citizens and stakeholders trying to improve our community!”

Once completed, the petition, letters and photos will be sent to Oropouche West MP Dave Tancoo and Minister of Works and Transport Rohan Sinanan.

In 2019, then Oropouche West MP Vidia Gayadeen-Gopeesingh had asked Sinanan, in the Parliament, for an update on repairs to the roads.

Sinanan said then, fixing landslips are “complicated and not a quick fix,” and that the ministry is making “every effort to ensure the road is still passable.”

And about repairs to Pluck Road, San Francique, he said: “The road is being prepared, seeking Cabinet approvals for the award of a design /consultant contract.

“Upon receipt of this approval, and pending the receipt of the availability of funding, the contract will commence.” He said repairs would have started by September 2020.

Newsday visited the area on Saturday and spoke with members of one household whose home has been affected.

Ramhit and Marilyn Narine said pipelines burst in the road very often and the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) tends to respond slowly. The water runs to the back of their house and sometimes causes flooding.

They live on the main road and a total of nine people live there – four adults, three children and the couple.

Their house is now visibly leaning owing to the effect of landslips.

The couple said they have been living there for 41 years and even rebuilt because of similar issues in 2015.

Marilyn’s daughter said, “They came, they put this walkway in 2014, attempted to put a retaining wall. I don’t know if we needed the walkway because it’s a back road and there’s a drain which goes nowhere. So it ends downstairs here.”

They said big trucks use the main road regularly which is why the pipelines burst so frequently.

“Our previous house broke down due to the same thing…We built this one. Now if this one goes, we won’t be able to reconstruct,” Marilyn said.

She said she knows it would not be possible to relocate a household of nine which is why she, like many others, is pleading with the authorities for the roads to be fixed.

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Tobago schools receive digital devices from THA

admin — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 05:40:01 +0000

Tobago schools receive digital devices from THA admin Tue, 01/12/2021 - 05:40

Monday, January 11, 2021

Original Publisher

News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

Tobago schools receive digital devices from THA

The first batch of devices procured and purchased by the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy have been delivered to principals of 30 primary schools across the island.
The first phase saw devices distributed for primary school standards four and five students. Other students would be accommodated in the second phase of delivery.
Primary school principals received the devices during small-scale ceremonies on Thursday and Friday.
Principals signed a device loan agreement which highlights the division’s role in maintaining the device as well as the expectation for its upkeep by students.
The division said it continues to work to bridge the gap of the digital divide to ensure that during this period no child is left behind.
The THA had approved $7.8 million to purchase around 4,000 devices.
But the company that won the bid, Memory Bank Computers Ltd, is struggling to acquire the necessary foreign exchange to complete the purchase. Education Secretary Kelvin Charles said last year that the devices were in a warehouse in Miami waiting to be cleared.
TTUTA Tobago officer Bradon Roberts told Newsday recently, a little over 600 of the devices are already here.
“They are doing it incrementally to be able to have the US (invoice) amount cleared."
He was told another 600-plus would arrive within two weeks.
"And by the end of the month, they will be coming in (again) in that amount.”
The post Tobago schools receive digital devices from THA appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.

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Dominica Manufacturer’s Association Supports DCPS in case against Jamaican Soap Manufacturers

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 20:00:01 +0000

Dominica Manufacturer’s Association Supports DCPS in case against Jamaican Soap Manufacturers admin Tue, 12/29/2020 - 20:00

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

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emonews

Original Article

Dominica Manufacturer’s Association Supports DCPS in case against Jamaican Soap…

https://emonewsdm.com/dominica/
Jamaican Manufacturers have been purchasing soap chips (soap in a stage that must only be formed into bars before it is sold) from Indonesia, yet are selling their finished soap products under duty-free CARICOM provisions.
CARICOM duty-free provisions for regional soap manufacturers requires manufacturers to go through the entire saponification (soap-making) process to qualify for exemption from duties.
The Dominica Coconut Products Successors Ltd. has taken this matter to CARICOM, arguing that Jamaican manufacturers are cheating the required process by skipping the soap-making/saponification process, and purchasing near ready-made soap from Indonesia, a country that is outside the Caribbean region.
In the latest on the DCPS case against Jamaican manufacturers, CARICOM’s council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) has determined that soap manufacturers in Jamaica are not eligible to receive Certificates of Origin for their soap exports.
While the ruling has not been ratified, the Dominica Manufacturing Association (DMA) has shown support to the stance of the DCPS, who is calling for a level playing field for all manufacturers.

The post Dominica Manufacturer’s Association Supports DCPS in case against Jamaican Soap Manufacturers appeared first on emonews.

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Welfare Division Brings Cheer To Underprivileged

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 19:50:01 +0000

Welfare Division Brings Cheer To Underprivileged admin Tue, 12/29/2020 - 19:50

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Original Publisher

emonews

Original Article

Welfare Division Brings Cheer To Underprivileged

https://emonewsdm.com/dominica/
The Social Welfare Division of the Ministry of youth Development and Empowerment, youth at Risk, Gender Affairs, Seniors’ Security and Dominicans with Disabilities, embarked on its annual gift distribution to foster children and vulnerable children in Dominica.
Nicole Toussaint Jno. Baptiste, Coordinator of the Child Protection Unit said, “This activity was done so as to bring joy and cheer during the Christmas season to our vulnerable children. The children came to collect their gifts which brought smiles to their faces. The foster parents were also given small tokens of appreciation”.
Jno.Baptiste said that while a Christmas party is held each year for the children, the Division decided to forego the party this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the safety protocols which need to be established. However, it was necessary to do something for the children and their foster parents, hence the gift distribution activity.
Jno. Baptiste added, “These children may be going through difficult situations and should not be forgotten”.
She expressed thanks to the sponsors, Joseph Family Foundation, J.Astaphan & co. Ltd, H.H.V Whitchutch, Starring & Sons, and Jireh Animal Health center and sends an appeal to all sectors of society to come on board with the ministry to assist the vulnerable families who are assisted by the Social Welfare Division.
She explained, “We are in constant need of grocery items and other items to assist these families. While the ministry is assisting, there is a need for further collaboration from private and public sectors”.
The post Welfare Division Brings Cheer To Underprivileged appeared first on emonews.

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UPDATE: CDPF Mourns The Death Of Two Of Its Officers

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 19:50:01 +0000

UPDATE: CDPF Mourns The Death Of Two Of Its Officers admin Tue, 12/29/2020 - 19:50

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

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emonews

Original Article

UPDATE: CDPF Mourns The Death Of Two Of Its Officers

https://emonewsdm.com/dominica/
The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) is mourning the death of Constable Philsbert Williams of Portsmouth who was involved in a fatal accident on December 26th, 2020.
The accident occurred at about 2:27 PM on the E.O Leblanc Highway, at the intersection close to the Dominica Banana Marketing Corporation (DBMC) building.
According to Public Relations Officer of the CDPF, Inspector John Carbon, the accident involved motorcycle registration number PN313 which was ridden by Constable Williams, and Suzuki car registration number T0976 which was driven by Jeno Joseph of Roseau.
He said, “The collision occurred while the car was traveling northwards and turning East onto Charles Avenue and the motorcycle was traveling south along the highway.”
Constable Williams and the three occupants of the car were transported to the National Hospital where Williams was pronounced dead. The occupants of the car were treated and discharged.
Williams’ body was then taken to the Lyndhurst Funeral Home pending a Post-Mortem.
Meanwhile, the CDPF lost another Officer on the same day. Corporal Ryan Shillingford who had been in Martinique seeking medical attention passed away on Thursday 26, December, 2020.
Inspector Carbon on behalf of the CDPF extended sincere condolences to the families of Constable Williams and Corporal Shillingford.
Emonews expresses deepest condolences to the family and friends of Constable Williams and Corporal Shillingford.
The post UPDATE: CDPF Mourns The Death Of Two Of Its Officers appeared first on emonews.

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Rambachan: UNC should shift focus to social issues in 2021

admin — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 23:40:01 +0000

Rambachan: UNC should shift focus to social issues in 2021 admin Mon, 12/28/2020 - 23:40

Monday, December 28, 2020

Original Publisher

News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

Rambachan: UNC should shift focus to social issues in 2021

FORMER UNC MP Surujrattan Rambachan says in 2021, the UNC should shift its focus to finding ways to achieve social stability, reduce crime and poverty, among other things.

In a release on Sunday, he said everyone should “learn from the chulha maker in Siparia.

“It does not have to be doom and gloom in 2021 if the nation can be mobilised with an exciting vision and programme for change.

“There is the story of a lady making chulha and clay ovens as a result of having to survive during (the) covid19 (pandemic). She did not sit down and become State-dependent. She was not afraid to dirty her hands with mud and gobar. She invented a vision, reinvented herself, made action her mantra and is creating a sustainable job for herself and her family.”

He said 2021 might be a year of “turbulence” owing to decreasing economic power.

The real issue and challenge, he said, is how long the economy can be sustained at a time where “State dependants have grown and will continue to grow.

“Given the spectre of continuing job losses and business closures as well as closed borders affecting tourism it is clear that policy prescriptions supported by strategic interventions will be necessary to stave off an economic crisis with its social outcomes.

“The government is likely to harp on the $50-plus per barrel for oil as well as the better gas prices as evidence that we are not going to be badly off. This of course also due to our heritage and stabilisation fund which has been used to supplement falling revenues.”

He then suggested what the UNC, “as an alternative government” should shift its focus to in 2021.

“(They should focus on) how to achieve a diversified economy with sustainable jobs and foreign exchange earnings; how to reduce poverty and move more people up the economic ladder with the ability to house, feed, educate and keep their families healthy; how to raise the standards of performance and delivery of public service institutions including but not limited to health water and electricity; how to deal with environmental degradation including climate change and community hygiene, create safer communities and reduce crime; how to create a competitive people to compete with the best in the world, (and) how to ensure social stability.”The post Rambachan: UNC should shift focus to social issues in 2021 appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.

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Activist Kublalsingh ‘tired of begging’ for change

admin — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 15:30:01 +0000

Activist Kublalsingh ‘tired of begging’ for change admin Sat, 12/26/2020 - 15:30

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Original Publisher

News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

Activist Kublalsingh ‘tired of begging’ for change

ACTIVIST Dr Wayne Kublalsingh says he is tired of “begging” politicians to place greater focus on societal issues such as corruption and white-collar crime which affects the lives of many citizens. Come 2021, he said, he will launch an initiative to fix the criminal justice system and reduce crime.

How does he plan to do this? By creating a movement that "is so strong," change will be inevitable. Kublalsingh spoke after a small placard protest he and criminal justice system reform activist Adrian Gokool held at the Brian Lara Promenade on Christmas Day.

Kublalsingh said this movement will be championed by those frustrated by the steady increase in crime. “You cannot fix crime by staying home and waiting because if you stay home, crime will come to you. So therefore you have to come out, you have to advocate, take to the streets and do what they call 'making noise'.

"Because if you don’t make noise, the ears of the Prime Minister, the Attorney General and the Minister of National Security will all be closed, they would not get the work done,” Kublalsingh said.

“We will continue lobbying and we will build the most powerful movement to reform and revamp the criminal justice system in TT. Because I cannot come out there and arrest anyone, I don’t have that constitutional right. The ones authorised to do that are the ones authorised by the Constitution and law in Parliament and Parliament must look into this.”

It is first important to lobby for change in the justice system, he added. Kublalsingh said Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi has failed to bring change to the criminal justice system because he doesn’t have the support he needs. “We cannot blame the police, they sometimes go to court and are told to come back another time because the matter was adjourned.

“There are a lot of things that can be done very quickly. The Attorney General said he will free a lot of prisoners because of covid19 and overcrowding. We have checked and no prisoner was freed because of covid19, they were freed because of the routine freeing of prisoners.

He applauded Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith for his passion and drive towards making TT a safer place and said he believes Griffith can do much more to curb crime and violence, if only he has the support he needs and is provided with all necessary resources from Government.

“He (Griffith) needs to have the will of the Attorney General and the Minister of National Security backing him, making him feel like he can do his work with the safeguard of policy and with the safeguard of resources. The political officers need to come out and make strong statements and show that they are fighting,” Kublalsingh said.

He hopes his efforts will encourage the establishment of new laws that will reduce the time it takes to manage court cases, deal with the backlog (of court cases) and reduce crime and criminal activity.The post Activist Kublalsingh ‘tired of begging’ for change appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.

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Fisherfolks Received Outboard Motors Engines from the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project

admin — Sat, 26 Dec 2020 05:20:02 +0000

Fisherfolks Received Outboard Motors Engines from the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project admin Sat, 12/26/2020 - 05:20

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Original Publisher

emonews

Original Article

Fisherfolks Received Outboard Motors Engines from the Emergency Agricultural Li…

https://emonewsdm.com/dominica/
Following the devastations of Hurricane Maria in September 2017, the Government of Dominica with the financial support of the World Bank US$25.0 million, (EC$67 million) started the implementation of the “Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project (EALCRP), a five-year period intervention.
The project has four components. Component A is the Restoration of the Productive Base for the Recovery of Agricultural Livelihoods including Cropping, Livestock and Fisheries. Under this main component is a sub- component A2 which includes the Restoration of the Fisheries Systems (USD 1.8 million) which targets restoration of livelihood of fisher folks and repairing/reconstruction of boat/boat building facilities.
The Ministry of Blue and Green Economy Agriculture and National Food Security, under the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project-EALCRP has purchased one hundred and eight (108) YAMAHA outboard motor engines to a total cost of EC$1,758,040. The engines comprised of sixty- eight (68) 50 horsepower 4 stroke and forty (40) 100 horsepower 4 stroke engines. The cost of one 50 horsepower is ECS13,650, while, the 100 horsepower, cost EC$20,746. The first batch of fifty – two (52) engines will be distributed to fishers’ folks approved under the project for the restoration of their livelihoods.
On Wednesday December 23, 2020, the project, handed over four (4) 50 horsepower and one (1) 100 horsepower engines to fishers from the fish landing sites of Roseau, Stowe, Scotts Head, Colihaut and San Sauver. For the remaining beneficiaries the project has put in place a pick-up schedule. Fisherfolks will be called in by groups of ten (10) to collect their engines. Fisherfolks are expected to provide a vehicle when collecting engines.
The outboard motor engines were procured by Auto Trade Ltd. Presently, Auto Trade is undertaking training sessions for the beneficiaries in outboard motor maintenance and warranty. The company will also, undertake, the testing of the engines and provide supervision to the fishers when mounting the engines.
Fisherfolks that are approved for boats under the project will receive a resilient seaworthy fishing boat ranging in length from 21 to 25 foot. At the close of the Fisheries Expressions of Interest (EOI) /Applications, the project received 212 applications for engines ,76 for boats and 5 for canoes.

The post Fisherfolks Received Outboard Motors Engines from the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilience Project appeared first on emonews.

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US donates US$11m to NGOs to help Venezuelan migrants

admin — Fri, 25 Dec 2020 00:20:01 +0000

US donates US$11m to NGOs to help Venezuelan migrants admin Fri, 12/25/2020 - 00:20

Thursday, December 24, 2020

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News – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday

Original Article

US donates US$11m to NGOs to help Venezuelan migrants

THE United States government has donated US$11 million to local NGOs and international organisations to help Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago, said a post on the social media platforms of the US Embassy on Thursday.

The post came after the Prime Minister told a post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday that he knew nothing of such a donation, but wished he did.

Dr Rowley himself was responding to a US Embassy statement last Monday which had criticised the Venezuelan government’s performance, and declared the US government the largest donor of humanitarian aid in the Venezuelan crisis.

The embassy statement said the US had donated US$1.2 billion since 2017, including over US$11 million to support TT’s efforts in helping Venezuelans in this country.

The embassy responded to Rowley’s remarks on Thursday by posting a list of 14 entities which had been given funds to help Venezuelan migrants and for covid19 assistance, totalling $11,440,016 for the period 2018-2020.

Aid to help migrants was given to: Democracy International: US$1.5 million Living Water Community: US$23,000 and US$25,000 Catholic Commission for Social Justice: $24,545 International Organisation for Migration (IOM): US$501,000 and US$600,000 Pan American Development Foundation: US$831,629 and US$1.209 million UN High Commissioner for Refugees: US$3 million and US$1.9 million UNICEF: US$600,000 and $50,000 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies: US$100,000 UN Women: US$600,000. Covid19 assistance was given to IOM (US$250,000), UNICEF (US$135,000), TTDF Heliport Facility (US$88,692) and “Icacos/Cedros” (US$650).The post US donates US$11m to NGOs to help Venezuelan migrants appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.

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Springfield Trading Limited, Sparkle Cleaners and DEPEX Emerges Top 3 Winners of Christmas Lighting Competition

admin — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 14:40:01 +0000

Springfield Trading Limited, Sparkle Cleaners and DEPEX Emerges Top 3 Winners of Christmas Lighting Competition admin Thu, 12/24/2020 - 14:40

Thursday, December 24, 2020

Original Publisher

emonews

Original Article

Springfield Trading Limited, Sparkle Cleaners and DEPEX Emerges Top 3 Winners o…

https://emonewsdm.com/dominica/
Roseau, December 23, 2020 – The Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) and the Dominica Electricity Corporation are pleased to announce the winners of this years Business Christmas Lighting Competition. Congratulations are extended to Springfield Trading, Sparkle Cleaners and DEPEX, who were placed first, second and third place respectively.
This competition evaluated the businesses based on visual impact, creativity, décor, lighting and Christmas spirit. Eight companies participated in total. Special mention must be made of the other participating businesses: A. C. Shillingford and Co. Ltd, Dominica Broadcasting Service, FirstCaribbean International Bank, Jolly’s Mega Center, and Sukies Enterprises.
The top three winners will receive from DOMLEC, electricity concessions valued at $1000.00, $750.00, and $500.00 EC Dollars, respectively.
Additionally, congratulations are expressed to Springfield Trading Limited for emerging as the winner for the Facebook Competition on the DAIC’s Facebook Page. The prize for this competition is a photo shoot with U.N.I.T.E.
DAIC express gratitude to its partners DOMLEC and U.N.I.T.E. and the judges for supporting this competition, as well as all businesses who joined in spreading Christmas cheer by lighting up their storefronts.
Finally, DAIC wishes all a safe and happy holiday season.

The post Springfield Trading Limited, Sparkle Cleaners and DEPEX Emerges Top 3 Winners of Christmas Lighting Competition appeared first on emonews.

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