Plans for the anticipated opening of the Argyle International Airport went a step further Tuesday with the commencement of a training session for the firefighters who will be attached to the airport.

The two-week Fire-fighter One Training Course will be facilitated by Mr. Walter Cook of Cincinnati Ohio.

Speaking at the opening ceremony for the training session, held this morning at the Old Montrose Police Station, Communications Officer at the International Airport Development Company (IADC) Jennifer Richardson-Herbert said the cadre of firefighters will receive specialized training geared towards airport firefighting.

She said the role of aircraft rescue and firefighters is crucial to the operation of an airport, and implored the officers to take the training seriously.

Mrs. Richardson-Herbert also reassured the firefighters who will be stationed at the Argyle International Airport upon its opening, that a comfortable Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting station is being prepared for them.

Members of the fire service headed by Superintendent Isaiah Browne, on November 3rd, 2014, took charge of three spanking new fire trucks destined for the Argyle International Airport. The trucks have the capacity to carry 3-thousand gallons of water and 420 gallons of foam.

WRITTEN FROM SOURCE NEWS FIRST PUBLISH WEFM ST VINCENT

Local sailors and boat racers taking part in the sailing component of this year’s Bequia Easter Regatta will have another chance to “test the waters” before the big sailing weekend comes around.

The Bequia Sailing Club, organizers of the seaside activities during the March 25-28 Regatta, will hold its second warm up event on Sunday March 13, two weeks before the beginning of the largest sailing festival in the Southern Caribbean, which will see sailors from the region and internationally competing.

About two weeks ago, on Valentine’s Day, the Bequia Sailing Club gave sailors an opportunity to see if they were ready for the big day, with a race that started at the Plantation Beach in Belmont, Bequia, racing around the South Side and back to the Plantation Beach.

This was won by the crew of Double Bluff, with the sailors on Eclipse coming in second, while Bequia Pride placed third and Crystal Claire came in fourth.

The Bequia Sailing Club is anticipating a large number of participants in this year’s sailing competitions, which features racing, cruising one and two, J24 and surprise class, and in the double-ender there is class 1,2,4,5,and 7.

Apart from the boat races, persons travelling to bequai for the highly anticipated weekend can look forward to a sand castle competition, a beauty pageant, activities under the almond tree, and a number of private parties, among other events.

Major sponsors of this year’s Bequia Easter Regatta include Mount Gay, Hairoun, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, Digicel, Black Pearl restaurant, Action Bequia, Bequia Plantation House, Bequia Beach Hotel, Frangipani Hotel, Gingerbread Hotel, Mountain Top Spring Water, and other donors.

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – The Capital of Northern Ireland has successfully renewed its dual ‘Fairtrade City’ status for another two years to 2018.

Sheena Biju, a Fairtrade coffee producer from India, joined Dr Christopher Stange – Hon. Consul of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) to Northern Ireland and Chair of Fairtrade Belfast, to present Cllr. Julie-Anne Corr Thompson – Belfast City Council’s Chair of the People and Communities Committee, with a certificate confirming the renewal of the status from both the UK Fairtrade Foundation and Fairtrade Ireland.

 Belfast first achieved Fairtrade City status with the UK Fairtrade Foundation in 2005 and then in 2006 with Fairtrade Ireland. It is the only city to hold dual accreditation, from both the UK and Ireland based Fairtrade Foundations, successfully holding this dual accolade for 6 successive cycles.

 Dr Christopher Stange said: “We’re delighted that Belfast as the capital of Northern Ireland has renewed its Fairtrade status with clear exciting goals to take Fairtrade further. A big thanks is in order to the ongoing support of government, the public and campaigners, that an increasing number of farmers in developing countries are now selling their products on Fairtrade terms, bringing them a stable income, and the chance to trade their way out of poverty.”

Another 130 youngsters from St Vincent and the Grenadines and around the region were the beneficiaries of free health care from the World Pediatric Project.

 Last week, doctors and other specialists related to ophthalmology, plastic surgery and speech therapy traveled here from Virginia and North Carolina, USA, to give of their time and talent to the children, eight of whom were from outside of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

 The visiting doctors were competently assisted by local doctors and specialists.55 children were attended by ophthalmologists Drs Donna Brown and Nadia Blanchet, while Dr Hao Zhang attended to 55 children with plastic surgery concerns. 20 speech cases were seen by Miriam Kerr.

 The team was accompanied by certified registered nurse anesthetist Mary O’Hanley and operating room nurse Cindy Jeter.A total of 41 children (21 ophthalmology, and 20 plastics) received surgeries at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.The recent pediatric mission has brought the number of children receiving free medical care to more than 6000, since the charitable organization began operations in the region, beginning with St Vincent and the Grenadines, in 2002.

 The next medical mission arrives on March 31, and will be in cardiology, headed by Dr Moskowitz.The World Pediatric Project is encouraging parents and guardians who may have children with the above mention medical issues, along with scoliosis, dental, orthopedic, and others, to contact their office at Bentick Square in Kingstown, and take advantage of the free services.

CDC is working with other public health officials to monitor for ongoing Zika virus‎ transmission. Today, CDC added the following destinations to the Zika virustravel notices: St. Vincent and the Grenadines & Sint Maarten.

CDC has issued a travel notice (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. For a full list of affected countries/regions:http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information.

Specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to continue to change over time.

As more information becomes available, CDC travel notices will be updated. Travelers to areas where cases of Zika virus infection have been recently confirmed are at risk of being infected with the Zika virus.

Mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters.  They also bite at night. There is no vaccine or medicine available for Zika virus.

The best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites.

 Vincentian Journalist, Ashecia Sam, is living in constant fear for her life, as death threats are being made to her every day by a Georgetown man.

Sam, who is employed as a reporter with the Agency for Public Information (API), in a plea for help, posted on her facebook page,  Monday, that she mustered the courage to stand up to the man from Caratal Village, Georgetown, who approached her with a Cutlass on Monday.

“I stood up fearlessly to that man who was up in my face with his cutlass making threats to end my life” –Sam posted.

“I have made several reports to the Georgetown Police Station against this man and I am calling on the authorities not to wait until something happens to me to do something about this menace to society” – the post added.

The man is said to be mentally deranged and was released from the Mental Health Center early this year.

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank was all about love in February, when the Bank made donations to a number of local institutions this month.

The Bank handed over a cheque to the local cancer support foundation SCORCH, to assist in its upcoming fundraising walk slated for March 12 this year, as part of its cancer awareness drive.

Proceeds from this walk would go towards assisting cancer survivors offset medical expenses.

Also receiving financial assistance from the Bank were the St. Vincent Girls High School and the Sion Hill Euphonium Steel Orchestra.

Donations to the GHS would be used to assist in the school’s preparations for the local panorama competition slated for June/July Vincy Mas this year, while donations to Sion Hill are for its annual summer program for beginners, and for the replacement of used equipment.

Funds would also be used to provide career opportunities for the youth in the Sion Hill area in an effort to reduce poverty and crime in the community.

The local institutions were not the only ones to feel the love from CIBC FCIB this month.

CIBC FirstCaribbean took time to appreciate and celebrate their employees in February.

Every month, employees of CIBC FirstCaribbean will be rewarded and appreciated in the areas of performance, Birthdays,  service Milestones, academic studies and other achievements, as CIBC FCIB shows the level of commitment it has for its hard working and loyal employees.

Minister of health Luke Browne while making his contribution to the Budget debate told the nation that the country had recorded it’s first case of the Zika virus.

The Minister said that samples for testing was sent to Trinidad which returned positive.He however noted that the individual has fully recovered.

The Minister will hold a press Conference Wednesday to speak about the action plan developed by the Ministry to combat the virus.

 

Mr. Speaker, general elections were recently held in our country, yet again confirming the vibrancy and political competitiveness of our democracy. The December 2015 elections were duly undertaken within the framework of our country’s Constitution and Laws under the direction of the independent Office of the Supervisor of Elections.  They were further certified as free and fair and reflective of the will of the people by independent Observer Missions from CARICOM, the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Commonwealth Secretariat.  I congratulate all elected representatives in the Government and the Opposition on their election to this Honourable House. My congratulations are accorded, too, to the Honourable Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and to the Honourable Senators who have been duly appointed.

Mr. Speaker, the people of this country have renewed my government’s mandate and again expressed their confidence in this administration to manage the affairs of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  A fourth consecutive term in office is a remarkable achievement and ought to be applauded.

Mr. Speaker, the work of my government is set to continue in 2016 with the articulation of a number of wide-ranging priorities which span several sectors. These are certain to have real and lasting positive impact on the lives of our citizens.  They are woven together into a framework which supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) and which promote policy and programme integration, and greater co-ordination among public institutions.

Mr. Speaker, in order to more efficiently promote the attainment of the policy objectives set out for this fiscal year, a notable degree of restructuring has taken place.  This has resulted in the reassignment of several ministerial portfolios and in the restructuring of existing programmes in some ministries.  It is perhaps most evident in the creation of the new Ministry of Economic Planning, Sustainable Development, Industry, Labour and Information.  This is another expression of the renewed commitment to forging a clear development path for the present and future generations.

Mr. Speaker, it is clear that sustainable economic development must be approached in a comprehensive manner.  It encompasses a multiplicity of issues including:

• environmental concerns and resilience to withstand natural disasters;

• the fostering of a climate conducive to investment promotion, wealth and job-creation;

• the further improvements in the physical infrastructure of the country;

• the maintenance of stable industrial relations, and

• matters pertaining to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

In the latter regard, the draft Occupational Health and Safety Bill is being reviewed by relevant stakeholders and is expected to come before this Honourable House during the course of the year. This Bill is one of several vital pieces of legislation on the legislative agenda for 2016.  This agenda includes Bills touching and concerning Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic, telecommunications, citizen security, the Zero Hunger Initiative, the economy and good governance.

Mr. Speaker, my government’s commitment to the environment and to the quest for sustainable and less costly alternatives to fossil fuel is reflected in the continued efforts, among other things, to bring the geo-thermal energy project to fruition.  It is expected that the Geothermal Energy Project will be pursued vigorously through all its stages towards the completion of a 12-Megawatt Plant and its commissioning by April 2019.

Mr. Speaker, this project has the potential to revolutionalise the energy sector in this country resulting in energy security and cleaner, less expensive energy for consumers over the medium-term, and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, the health and wellness of our citizens continues to be a priority for my government.  A revised and streamlined programming structure under the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment will take effect during this fiscal year.  The aim is to ensure greater levels of operational effectiveness and more efficient use of resources.  Ultimately, these changes will make the ministry better able to achieve its objective of making health care affordable and accessible to all.

The Modernisation of the Health Sector project continues, funded mainly under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) Programme.  It encompasses major infrastructural development as well as practical initiatives aimed at disease prevention and management. Mr. Speaker, the Smart Health Care Facilities project will continue in partnership with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).  The aims are to utilise green energy technology capable of bringing marked reduction in energy consumption and to make such facilities compliant with the highest standards for disaster safety.

Mr. Speaker, works are scheduled to be completed on several important projects in 2016.  They include the polyclinics at Buccament and Marriaqua and the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre at Glen.  In addition, the phased upgrading of this country’s main medical facility, the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, will continue.Mr. Speaker, my government is constantly assessing ways in which healthcare can be further improved and expanded.  The proposal for the construction of an Acute Referral Hospital at Arnos Vale is being given serious consideration and work will continue to advance this process.

The management of data generated and compiled within the health sector is also of critical importance.  The Health Information System will link all health facilities and personnel.  It has the potential to transform the way in which information is used to inform the decision-making process, and to improve health and wellness.

Mr. Speaker, we can all recall the global panic caused by the Ebola outbreak in Africa and our recent experience with the introduction of the Chikungunya virus into the local population.  At this time, much attention is focused on the Zika virus, with no effort being spared to prevent its entry into this country or, failing that, to effectively manage a disease that has been referred to by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern.”

Mr. Speaker, further support for the campaign to promote health and wellness among our population will be provided by the Department of Sports. The upgrading and enhancement of sporting facilities throughout the country will continue in 2016.  This will be matched by the implementation of a series of programmes meant to make exercise, physical activity and sports part of the daily lives of all.

Mr. Speaker, the physical works on the Argyle International Airport are in their final stages.  The focus has now shifted to include the recruitment of suitable personnel and the commissioning of the various systems necessary for the operations of the international airport.

Mr. Speaker, the Tourism Authority is seeking to complete negotiations with international airlines operating out of hubs in the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom.  This will be complemented by more vigorous and targeted marketing campaigns in these countries, which are currently the main source markets for this destination.

The promotion of our tourism product is vital to achieving the projected increase in stay-over visitor arrivals.  The link between tourism and the economic development of this country cannot be contested.  There is enormous potential for employment creation in related sectors and increased revenue to the country.  This includes the development of rural communities in line with the anticipated increase in the demand for an authentic, unique Vincentian experience.  With regard to the latter, the Ministry of Tourism plans to continue the engagement with community groups and organisations.  This will enhance their capacity to design and create tourism products that will meet the needs of visitors and maximise opportunities for sustainable livelihoods in the sector.

Mr. Speaker, another area that stands to gain much from the international airport is trade, in particular, the exportation of locally- produced goods to the region and internationally.  Our farmers and fisherfolk will play an expanded and pivotal role in this regard.  They stand to benefit tremendously from direct access to international markets.  In order to ensure their readiness and competitiveness, my government is spearheading various initiatives aimed at ensuring that the goods produced in the agricultural and fisheries sectors are of a sufficient volume and quality to meet the requisites of the regional and international markets.

The establishment of the Farmers’ Support Company is one significant component of the assistance provided by government to the farming community.  This is matched by robust support for entrepreneurship, agribusiness development, and the marketing and distribution of produce.  This is as integral to ensuring food security for our local population as it is for penetrating new markets overseas.

Mr. Speaker, the agricultural sector will also feature prominently in a many-sided, integrated approach to further improve the lives, health status and material circumstances of the poor and vulnerable in our society.  The Zero Hunger Trust Fund is intended to completely eradicate hunger and under-nourishment from the population by 2020. Mr. Speaker, in any people-centred, policy-driven development thrust, education must play an integral role.  The successes of the last decade and a half have been transformative in the lives of the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  They will be further consolidated and expanded in 2016.

The priority areas for the Ministry of Education include diversification of the education offerings, including further expansion of technical and vocational education, and the strengthening of the student support services and systems.  The latter will address such issues as truancy and irregular attendance.  Resources will be allocated to providing social, academic and material support to at-risk students.

Mr. Speaker, the training of teachers to equip them to cater to the needs of all students will continue to receive attention.  The combined focus on content and methodology is intended to bring about marked improvement in students’ engagement with the curriculum and their overall performance.

Mr. Speaker, the expansion of programme offerings will again be at the forefront of improvements at the post-secondary and tertiary levels.  The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College continues to highlight and promote quality while working to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities.  The current student enrollment stands at just under 2400 and the college population is as vibrant as it is diverse.

Mr. Speaker, the twin issues of crime and security are perennial concerns in any society.  Our country is no exception.  Law enforcement personnel are involved daily in the struggle to prevent crime, to respond with sensitivity to the victims of crime, and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.  The men and women engaged in the fight to keep us safe have to combine traditional policing techniques with more innovative, modern and advanced methods and technology.  The world is ever-changing and crime is as dynamic as any other issue. Mr. Speaker, please be assured that my government is fully committed to providing the resources required by law enforcement to keep citizens safe and to maintain public order.

Mr. Speaker, the policies that my government articulates and works assiduously to implement are people-centred and shaped by the commitment to improving the lives and circumstances of all. These range from and relate to public infrastructure, including roads and bridges, housing, effective disaster management and mitigation, youth development and empowerment, support for the elderly, the disabled, and the poor, among others.  The support of all is required for an optimal delivery of the government’s programme for 2016.

Mr. Speaker, I pray that peace and prosperity will prevail in our blessed Nation and that God’s richest blessings will attend us all throughout the course of this year and beyond.

I take great pleasure in confirming the declaration that the First Session of the Tenth Parliament is now open.

Plans are said to be moving apace to end hunger across St. Vincent and the Grenadines, by the year 2020.

During his Budget presentation in parliament Monday, Prime Minister- Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that immediately upon returning to office, following the 2015 General Elections, his government set out on a quest to achieve zero hunger here.

Dr. Gonsalves said to this end, an inter-ministerial committee has been established, a draft plan to achieve Zero Hunger has be achieved; and steps have been taken for the formation of a Zero Hunger Trust Fund, which he said is designed to achieve 4 major objectives.

Dr. Gonsalves also highlighted the source of funding for the Zero Hunger Project and further explained that a levy of 2% will be impose on all calls, including mobile and international calls to be paid directly into the Zero Hunger.

Written from sourced news

Prime Minister Gonsalves says the Government will be reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) exemption list and the zero-rated listing of items, effective May 1st, this year.

Delivering his Budget Address in Parliament yesterday, Dr. Gonsalves outlined the items that will be made subject to the standard rate of VAT of 15%.

He noted that the list of VAT exemptions in this country is much wider than in other developing Small Island States.

According to Prime Minister Gonsalves this revenue measure is expected to yield eight million dollars per annum.

The Government will be increasing taxes on several items during the 2016 fiscal year in a bid to raise an additional 20 million dollars in revenue or 1% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to finance its ambitious plans for economic growth and job creation.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made the announcement as he presented the 2016 Budget which amounts to 912-million, 897-thousand 311 dollars, with a current account deficit of $11.9 million.

He said taxes will increase on beverages such as beer, malt, brandy, stout, wine of fresh grapes, whiskey and vodka; while tax on commercial properties will be increased from the rate of 0.06% to 0.08%, as of this current tax year, and will raise an estimated $300,000 per year.

Dr. Gonsalves also announced increases on motor vehicle and drivers licenses, as well as the surcharge on vehicles older than four years.

The Prime Minister said there will also be an increase in the fees for residence permits, work permits and gun licenses.

The start of the annual June-November Caribbean hurricane season is more than three months away but experts have already begun to sound alarm bells about what is very likely to come — heavy rains, mudslides and strong hurricanes unlike the mild ones which have rolled through the region in the past three years.

The normally quiet if not moribund, Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) this week said it thought it best to alert the Caribbean to the months ahead as the worldwide prediction is that the El Nino dry, drought phenomenon of the past year will likely ease in the coming months and be replaced by less predictable weather, bad news that is.

The regional watchdog weather agency says that if predictions hold true, the region should brace for quite the opposite of the bone dry conditions of the past year. “A cooling of the Pacific may take over and affect the region in the latter part of 2016. If the change in circumstance takes place, it is likely to result in higher than normal rainfall and stronger storm systems,” the body said.

Part of the reason why some experts predict heavy and possibly widespread flooding if the weather changes drastically, has to do with the months of pure sun and limited rainfall. “Limited rainfall over the last few months has left many parts of the Caribbean with dry, compacted soils. As a result, heavy rainfall will not be easily absorbed by affected soil which increases the risk of flooding,” suggests Agrometeorologist Adrian Trotman.

Some of the smaller Eastern Caribbean islands such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and Dominica have in the past three years experienced unpredictable and heavier than usual rainfall in the latter half of the years, killing several people, creating mudslides, and widespread flooding. Several people were killed when homes collapsed. Some perished by drowning.

The regional weather body apparently chose to release its predictions and warnings just as CARICOM leaders were meeting at their half yearly summit in Belize, giving them the opportunity to incorporate the issue in their agenda over three days of talks.

“We know that advanced warning of an extreme event like a hurricane can help us to be more prepared. The same now applies for longer-term climatic events and this means that the sooner we can have an early warning of changing conditions the longer time we have to prepare,” the body said.