World Bank team visits Dominica
A team from the World Bank has arrived here as Dominica begins to implement a multi-million dollar climate change resilient programme,” Environment Minister Dr Kenneth Darroux said Tuesday.
Speaking on the state-owned DBS radio, Darroux said that the EC$103 million (One EC dollar =US$0.37 cents) project, the agreement for which had been signed last year, is very important “because we know that climate change is probably one of the most important global problems that we have…and over the years we would know of the impact of climate change and significance to small island developing states, such as Dominica”.
Darroux said that the island is now in the process of putting together the project-coordinating unit and recruiting other personnel.
He said some of the projects identified under the multi-million dollar programme have already started including a water project for the West Coast, “and in this calendar year what we are hoping to do is to try to cash in on what I like to refer to as the low hanging fruits…”.
He said eight million dollars had been set aside for improving the drains across the island and the government would also embark upon “a number of major infrastructural road works especially on the south-southeast coast of Dominica”.
He told radio listeners that the World Bank team “is here to give us guidance…and we can actually see work starting on the ground”.
Source-CMC
Guyana a concern for Britain
Britain yesterday warned Guyana that it risks being referred to the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group after the Caribbean Community (Caricom) country suspended Parliament in November last year.
"There is discussion about countries of concern in the Commonwealth every few months... Guyana is moving into a category of concern for the Commonwealth. That is quite clear from discussions that take place in London," British High Commissioner to Guyana Andrew Ayre told a news conference.
President Donald Ramotar prorogued Parliament on November 10 last year as the opposition parties -- a partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) -- moved to table a vote of no-confidence in his administration.
The two opposition parties have a one-seat majority in the 65-member Parliament.
Ramotar, who is likely to be the ruling People's Progressive Party (PPP) choice for presidential candidate, justified the decision to prorogue Parliament noting that he had earlier indicated a desire for the National Assembly, in its post-recess sittings, to deliberate and give priority to important matters relating to the development of the country.
Ramotar has also said he intends naming the date for fresh general elections on or before February 23 when Guyana observes Mashramani, the annual festival that celebrates Guyana becoming a Republic in 1970.
The last general election was held here on November 28, 2011.
The British diplomat told reporters that the decision to prorogue Parliament is a clear breach of the Guyana Constitution and the Commonwealth Charter.
"These things matter. The UK and other governments don't sign the Commonwealth Charter...and then just put them to bed," he said reiterating London's earlier call for President Ramotar to resume Parliament without delay or lay out a timeline for the resumption of parliamentary democracy.
"Guyana could be subject to a critical review because of breaches of the Commonwealth Charter," he said, hinting also that Georgetown could fall a foul of Britain's aid to developing countries.
"Without a parliament there is no parliamentary oversight of development assistance or anything else. Clearly the appetite to send money to a country that has no parliamentary oversight is much reduced," he asserted.
The diplomat said that he hoped President Ramotar would deliver on his promise late last year that general and regional elections would be held early this year because of the need to pass amendments to the Anti Money Laundering and Countering of Financing Terrorism (AML-CFT) Act and a national budget.
"It means that no budget can be passed, so local investment will eventually grind to a halt. And external investor confidence takes a further knock as insecurity around Guyana's future prospects decreases the appetite of investors to take the risk of investing whilst pushing up the costs of so doing," he said.
"The UK Government therefore calls on the Government of Guyana to resume Parliament without further delay or lay out a timeline for the resumption of parliamentary democracy which helps to deliver shared commitments to democracy, security and prosperity for all," he added.
Source-CMC
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION FOR GOVERNMENT HR STAFF
Four members of the TCI Government Human Resource Management Directorate (HRMD) are set to benefit from a professional development course funded by the Governor’s Office, Jubilee Fund, it was announced on Monday, 12 January 2015.
The four members of HRMD have had their membership of the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) paid for by the Jubilee Fund. They will now complete online coursework and examinations in the Dominican Republic to achieve certified HR professional status. The four officers working towards their HR certified status are: Keisha Taylor, Karresa Gardiner, Catherine Ann Forbes and Cherice Boyce.
The Governor’s Office in TCI manage the funds allocated to it by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. For 2014/15, the Jubilee Fund budget allocation was £40,000 (around $60,000). The funds are being used to support a total of eight Government projects, of which HR enterprise is the first to be announced. The Fund aims to support the development of the highest professionals standards across the TCI Government to improve its efficiency and capacity.
“Our staff are at the heart of everything in Government,” said Mark Greenway, Director of HRMD. “In addition to hiring and managing staff they are involved in payroll, monthly reports and other matters to ensure the smooth running of Government. There will be real benefits to these individuals and to our organization in their working towards, and achieving, these internationally recognized professional qualifications.”
Deputy Governor, and head of the civil service, Anya Williams, added, “This is a very important year for the civil service as it works to implement the organizational changes announced last week by the Premier in his Cabinet reshuffle, as well as other activities such as the long awaited pay and grading review.
“Training and professional development remain a key objective for my office in 2015, so it is very good news that our human resources professionals, receive the highest quality support and development opportunities which this SHRM certification provides. I must thank the Governor’s Office and the Jubilee Fund for this practical support and look forward to seeing the other successful bids being announced in due course.”
A Life Well Lived – A True Celebration for Dr. Rosita Butterfield
The Official Opposition and the Peoples Democratic Movement together with the people of these islands mourn the passing of a giant of a lady, the Late Dr Rosita Butterfield and we extend our sincerest condolences to Dr Albray Butterfield, her children and the rest of her family.
Though we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life well spent and well lived.
The Late Dr Butterfield was an icon, an institution, a pioneer. She wore many hats in the years that God had loan her to these islands and her family. A former teacher, nurse, a long standing member of parliament as an elected member, appointed member and speaker, a businesswoman, a preacher, a philanthropist sponsoring and supporting many national events among them the National Inter High School Spelling Bee and her very own Foundation in recent years, the ARB Foundation formed to help those in need. She served on many national boards of influence including being a founding member of the TCI Community College.
There were many things that distinguished her in her different walks of life but she will forever be celebrated as the first female ever elected to parliament and then later as the first female Speaker of Parliament. Though she walked with "Kings and Queens" and was widely traveled, if one would ask her or just chat with her for a brief moment, she reflected with a childlike excitement on her nursing career as the noblest thing she ever did, next to serving and caring for her family. This was indeed her pride and joy and no matter how lofty a height she attained, she thought the greatest contribution she made was perhaps what too many might consider as the lowliest of the lot - nursing. This exemplified the type of lady she was. She never forgot her humble birth and beginnings in Kew, North Caicos nor how she began her life of public service – through a humble nursing career.
As a female, her life is an inspiration to me and I will continue to cherish each of our exchanges and her words of encouragement which spanned from my first days on Providenciales as a banker to my current role as Leader of the Opposition.
Indeed the life of the late Dr Rosita Butterfield is a life well spent and history, if recorded truely, will record her as one of the most outstanding Turks and Caicos Islanders ever, having left an indelible mark on all the paths she trod. She undeniably left this world better than she met it and she will certainly continue to be held in the highest esteem by many who knew and loved her.
She ought to be celebrated and honored by the people of this country whose lives she has touched in many ways.
May she rest in peace after a lifetime labour of love.
Kuwait plans $155-bn projects despite oil slump
Kuwait's government on Sunday announced plans to spend 45.5 billion dinars (155 billion) on projects over the next five years despite the plunge in world oil prices, a lawmaker said.
The spending is slated to cover 523 key projects in a five-year development plan starting in the fiscal year which begins on April 1, said parliament's financial and economic affairs committee secretary, Mohammad al-Jabri.
He said the oil-rich Gulf country's state minister for planning and development, Hind al-Sabeeh, discussed the draft development plan with his panel.
The committee was assured that the sharp drop in oil revenues would not affect the projects of Kuwait, which has a massive sovereign wealth fund and invested billions of dollars in a "future generations fund".
Oil revenues in the new budget from April will be calculated on the basis of 45 a barrel, down from 75 a barrel in the current fiscal year, Jabri said.
The price of Kuwaiti oil closed on 43.21 a barrel on Friday, compared to a price of over 110 a barrel in June 2014. Oil income makes up around 94 percent of public revenues in Kuwait.
The government has vowed to cut current spending, especially subsidies, which constitutes over 85 percent of total expenditures but insisted it will not reduce capital spending on projects.
The OPEC member has posted a budget surplus in each of the past 15 fiscal years and is expected to post a surplus in the current year ending March 31.
But officials and lawmakers warned that an actual deficit is expected in the next fiscal year unless oil prices rise.
The emirate has scrapped subsidies on diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel as a first step in revising heavily-subsidised electricity, water and petrol.
Local media said Kuwait's fiscal reserves grew to 548 billion as of June 30.
The emirate has a native population of 1.25 million and is also home to about 2.8 million foreigners.
Source-MenaFN
Brent crude oil price falls to fresh six-year low
The price of Brent crude oil has fallen again taking it to a fresh six-year low.
The price of a barrel of the North Sea benchmark dropped by 5% to $47.75, its lowest level since early 2009.
US crude oil was also at its lowest level since that time, down by 4.1% to $46.33 a barrel.
The cost of petrol in the UK is being cut in response to the recent falls, with one Birmingham garage selling petrol at 99p a litre.
Asda said on Monday it would be cutting its forecourt price by a further 2p a litre to 103.7p.
Diesel will be 110.7p.
Meanwhile, a leading investment house drastically cut its three-month forecast for Brent crude from $80 a barrel to $42.
Goldman Sachs said the price would stay close to $40 for most of the first half of this year, at which price the firm said investment in the US shale gas industry would be held up.
The oil price has now fallen by more than half since June, when the price stood at $110 per barrel.
Production from North American shale companies has increased the supply of oil and gas, helping to depress prices.
Also undermining the price of oil are slowing global economic demand and a rising dollar against a range of other currencies.
The latter can flatter the oil price, which nonetheless can remain the same price in a local currency that buys fewer dollars.
Source-BBC
Ronaldo wins Ballon d’Or over Lionel Messi & Manuel Neuer
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been named world footballer of the year after winning the Ballon d'Or for the second year in a row.
The Portugal captain beat Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to the award.
Wolfsburg and Germany midfielder Nadine Kessler was named women's player of the year, while Colombia's James Rodriguez won goal of the year.
Germany's World Cup winner Joachim Low won men's coach of the year.
Wolfsburg boss Ralf Kellermann was named women's football coach of the year after a successful defence of the Champions League.
The three candidates for the Ballon d'Or were all picked in the team of the year, along with defenders Philipp Lahm, David Luiz, Thiago Silva and Sergio Ramos, midfielders Andres Iniesta, Toni Kroos and Angel Di Maria and forward Arjen Robben.
'Boyhood' Wins Big at Golden Globes
A movie that took 12 years to make won the top dramatic film prize at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association”s 72nd annual Golden Globes Awards Sunday in Beverly Hills.
“Boyhood” won awards for best dramatic film, the best director prize for Richard Linklater and best supporting actress award for Patricia Arquette.
“The Grand Budapest Hotel” won the Golden Globe for best musical or comedy film, beating out “Birdman,” “Into the Woods,” “Pride,” and “St. Vincent.”
In television awards, online retail giant Amazon scored its first ever Golden Globes with two wins for its comedy “Transparent.” The series, starring veteran actor Jeffrey Tambor, tells the story of a man who has transitioned to become a woman and is working out the details of telling his family. “Transparent” won for best comedy/musical series and Tambor won best actor in a comedy/musical TV series.
Gina Rodriguez took home the Globe for best comedy TV actress for her performance in “Jane the Virgin,” based on a Venezuelan telenovela.
The best television drama Globe went to “The Affair” and Ruth Wilson won the best dramatic TV actress prize for her role in “The Affair,” beating out Viola Davis for “How to Get Away with Murder,” Claire Danes in “Homeland,” Julianna Margulies in “The Good Wife” and Robin Wright in “House of Cards.”
George Clooney received the Cecil B. DeMille award; an honorary Golden Globe for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.
Clooney was among those who voiced his support for France following the Paris attacks. Clooney said "Je suis Charlie" upon accepting his award, in a reference to the attack on the satirical French magazine Charlie Hebdo. Earlier, actor Jared Leto had also said "Je suis Charlie."
On the red carpet ahead of the televised event, Clooney and his wife Amal, Helen Mirren and Kathy Bates displayed the "Je Suis Charlie" slogan.
Hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler wasted no time in skewering Hollywood”s most tender subjects - the hacking of Sony Pictures over “The Interview” and the sexual assault allegations against Bill Cosby. They were joined onstage several times by comedian Margaret Cho, playing a North Korean government character who voiced her displeasure with all aspects of the show.
France Deploying 10,000 Troops After Attacks
France's defense minister says more than 10,000 troops will be deployed across the country by Tuesday. European governments are reviewing security measures following last week’s terror attacks that killed 17 people in France.
Speaking to French broadcaster BFMTV, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the country “must not let down its guard” because the security threat to France is “still present.”
He says the highest level of France’s terror alert system is being maintained.
The 10,000 troops due to be deployed by Tuesday is the first time so many have been deployed in the country. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazaneuve said nearly 5,000 security force troops would be tasked with protecting the country's more than 700 Jewish schools.
"The French state right now is most anxious to avoid a repeat of the attacks," said Shaun Gregory, an international securities expert at Britain’s Durham University. "I think at this moment therefore putting extra troops on the ground, perhaps rolling up a few plots earlier than they would like to have done. That kind of thing I think is inevitable right now."
Also Monday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced he will travel to France on Thursday and Friday for talks on countering extremist violence. He said U.S. intelligence and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are coordinating with French investigators.
The top diplomat told reporters that he and President Barack Obama had been "deeply engaged" with French authorities since the first attack in Paris last week.
Source-VOA
Chris Gayle accuses West Indies board over World Cup omissions
Chris Gayle has accused the West Indies Cricket Board of victimisation after Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were omitted from the World Cup squad.
Bravo and Pollard were seen as leading the player revolt, following a pay dispute with the WICB, that led to the abandonment of October's tour of India.
"There's no way you can tell me those guys shouldn't be in the team," opening batsman Gayle insisted.
"For me, it's got to be victimisation towards those two guys."
The former West Indies captain added: "Come on guys, it's just ridiculous. Honestly, it choked me up.
"I don't know where our cricket is heading with this sort of situation. It's really sad."
Trinidadian all-rounders Bravo and Pollard had been told they would be left out of the World Cup squad as the Windies were building a team for the future.
"What they're telling us then, is this team selected is not going there to win the World Cup," added Gayle. "Building for the next World Cup [in 2019] is ridiculous."
Man of the match Gayle was speaking after he, Bravo and Pollard helped West Indies complete the highest run chase in Twenty20 history in a four-wicket win over South Africa in Johannesburg on Sunday.
West Indies open their World Cup campaign against Ireland in Nelson, New Zealand on 16 February.
Source-BBC