St. Lucia in top ten wealthy Caribbean nations based on Gross National Income
The World Bank has named Saint Lucia among the top ten wealthy Caribbean nations based on Gross National Income (GNI). St. Lucia was ranked seventh with a GNI of $6,530.
In its 2014 World Development Report, the World Bank used the GNI to measure the wealth of Caribbean nations.
The GNI per capita is the gross national income of a country divided by its total population. It is also the sum of value added by all resident producers, plus any product taxes not included in the valuation of output.
According to the report, St Lucia’s educated workforce and improvements in roads, communications, water supply, sewerage and port facilities have attracted foreign investment in tourism and in petroleum storage and transshipment.
The report states that St. Lucia has been able to attract overseas business and investment, especially in the offshore banking and tourism industries.
It adds that Saint Lucia’s manufacturing sector is the most diverse in the Eastern Caribbean, and the government is trying to revitalize the banana industry.
Christmas Message from Prime Minister of St. Maarten, the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams.
Dear Fellow Citizens of St. Maarten,
I again have the privilege to wish each and every one of you a blessed and joyous Christmas. I hope that you will be able to spend this holiday with your friends, families and loved ones and that you may be able to share in the joy which this season brings with it. At Christmas we remember firstly the birth of Christ that heralded the salvation of mankind. This is why we celebrate.
I hope that you will also take a moment to reflect during this festive season on those amongst us who are not as fortunate in being surrounded by friends and family; who due to whatever circumstances may not be able to spend this Christmas the way they would like to spend it. Those who are ill, lonely or destitute. I urge you in any way you can to exhibit a sense of compassion and community, not only this Christmas, but throughout the year.
Christmas is a season for merriment and cheer and I hope this is celebrated and enjoyed by all. We have a rich holiday culture here on St. Maarten and I encourage all to celebrate what makes Christmas special for us.
I would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas; may you spend it joyfully and safely, and let us join together in the spirit of Brotherhood, Peace and the Unity which exemplifies this most joyful of Holidays.
From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister
Christmas Message from the Leader of the Opposition Andrew Holness
Christmas is the celebration “of God’s amazing grace, in that He loved each of us so much that He sent His only begotten Son as the manifestation of the way to truth, hope and redemption”.
This is the essence of Christmas regardless of religious traditions. This is the time of year when we collectively reflect on certain themes: peace and love but is also a festive time.
It is a time when we radiate the feelings of goodwill friendliness and generosity to all.
It is a time when we radiate the feelings of goodwill, friendliness and generosity to all. During this festive season however let us not forget that Christmas is not always a happy time for everyone.
There are many vulnerable persons who are at risk, our brothers and sisters who are poor and in need; the aged, the infirm, the disabled and the homeless.
As we remember the Christ child, let us remember our children.
Let us pledge to protect them from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Let us ensure that they are properly guided and educated particularly at the early childhood and primary levels of our educational system. Only then can we be assured that they will be placed in a position to contribute meaningfully to the future development of our country.
This Christmas let us hug them, show them that we care and make them happy.On behalf of my family and the Parliamentary Opposition, I want to extend greetings and best wishes for the season to all Jamaicans at home and abroad.
On behalf of my family and the Parliamentary Opposition, I want to extend greetings and best wishes for the season to all Jamaicans at home and abroad.
Let us be happy but above all else be safe.
Merry Christmas!
Jamaicans among top 10 nationals deported in 2013
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency says Jamaicans were among the top 10 nationals deported in 2013.
In announcing the year-end removal numbers on Thursday, ICE said the top 10 deportees were from Latin America and the Caribbean.
One thousand, one hundred and nineteen Jamaicans were deported in fiscal year 2013 while 2,462 nationals from the Dominican Republic were also deported.
The immigration agency said Mexico continues to be the leading country of origin for those removed, followed by Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.
The figures for Mexico show 241,493 deportees; Guatemala 47,769; Honduras 37,049; El Salvador 21,602; Ecuador 1,616; Brazil 1,500; Colombia 1,429; and Nicaragua 1,383.
ICE said 98 per cent of the agency’s total removals were convicted criminals, recent border crossers, illegal re-entrants, or those previously removed in line with agency’s enforcement priorities.
These figures highlight ICE’s ongoing commitment to primary immigration enforcement missions:”the apprehension of criminal aliens and other immigration violators in the interior of the United States; and the detention and removal of individuals apprehended by ICE and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) while attempting to unlawfully enter the United States,” ICE said.
ICE’s acting director, John Sandweg, said the 2013 numbers make clear that “we are enforcing our nation’s laws in a smart and effective way, meeting our enforcement priorities by focusing on convicted criminals while also continuing to secure our nation’s borders in partnership with CBP.”
Source-CMC
St.Martin Prime Minister to Submit Report To Parliament on Establishing Electoral Reform.
During her weekly radio program One on One with the Prime Minister, the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams gave clarity on her push for electoral reform. The Prime Minister commented on the program aired weekly on 98.1 Pearl FM that since the constitutional change of the tenth of October 2010 many issues had to be ironed out: "We had to have elections in 101010 for a new political system; a system that we never knew before; from an island council to a parliamentary system.
We put everything in place to have that new constitutional system and what we have noticed is that, because of the frequent changes in the political landscape there is a need for reform in the system in order to put more emphasis on political stability. What we have seen is that in our young democracy there is a tension of two parts; persons are elected and get into Parliament depending on how many seats the party gets and not necessarily with regards to the amount of seats that person gets. Because of that you have had frequent changes in Government and in the minute you have a shift in the coalition position in parliament following the composition in 101010 you had a shift in the allegiance of Parliament thus effecting Government.
The Prime Minister emphasized that her focus with regards to electoral change is to ensure that there is stability in the system and clarity for the people who have elected their representatives, doing so on the basis of a clear program and vision of a particular political party, with the party then being able to execute their respective programs.
"Based on the frequent changes because of the shifting of alliances and allegiances in Parliament that is one of the matters in electoral reform that I have received advice on and there are various options to look at. I am now preparing a paper to submit to Parliament in order to have a discussion, a discussion devoid of politicking but in the interest of the people. There are various options with regards to electoral reform. For example within a Political Party itself or ultimately, which I believe should be the ultimate option, with changes to the constitution.
"It is also important to make the public aware of the dynamics of our politics and how important it is to elect persons who voters understand have a clear vision and clear objective. Tied into this is the issue of campaign reform, the change in the way we conduct politics. During the budget handling Parliament passed a motion on electoral reform. The content of the motion was to not bribe, pay or accept cash, give objects or give preferential treatment to influence the vote for or against a candidate. Also not to coerce persons to nominate or not to nominate a candidate. I indicated that much of these matters are already outlined in our laws, but it does require educating and informing Parliament and the people of St. Maarten. I therefore gave an overview where this is already mentioned in our law. Matters like bribing someone to vote are outlined in the penal code, specifically in article 2.14 that states that the person who bribes someone to vote in a particular through the giving of money or gifts or in any other way will be punished with incarceration for two years or fines as categorized by the law. The voter or a representative of a voter who allows his or herself to be bought will be punished in the same manner," commented the Prime Minister.
The PM stressed that, with regards to elections it is the duty of all responsible parties to adhere to the law, which clearly outlines what is and what is not allowed during National Elections. "Eventually, as our society becomes more complex and larger, you may have a situation where elections might be contested because things have not happened according to the law. The initiator of the Parliamentary Motion, MP Frans Richardson, may not have been aware of the law so I will be pointing this out in my reply to Parliament so that the necessary discussions will take place," concluded Wescot-Williams.
From the Cabinet of the Prime Minister
UK issues travel advisory for British nationals visiting Trinidad
The British Government has updated its safety and security travel advice on Trinidad and Tobago.
In the update on its website, dated Tuesday, December 17, the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office has warned British travellers of “violent theft by gangs who follow cars from the airport and attack their victims when they reach their destination”.
“There have also been a number of incidents of debris (broken down cars and bricks) being left on the highway in order to force cars to stop.
Always drive with windows closed and doors locked,” the office advised British travellers. The office has advised British nationals in Trinidad and Tobago to always drive with windows closed and doors locked.
It said over “30,000 British nationals visit Trinidad and Tobago every year and most visits are trouble-free”.
However, the office stated: “Crimes including rapes, assaults, robberies and thefts have taken place inside route taxis (which stop to pick up additional passengers) or maxi-taxis. You should make sure your taxi is not a route taxi before getting in. If possible, use hotel or pre-booked taxis and drivers who work with set fares. Private taxis in Trinidad and Tobago are unmetered and unmarked, but can be identified by vehicle registration plates beginning with ‘H’.”
In addition, the office has introduced a new section on Trinidad and Tobago, called Road Travel.
“The standard of driving in Trinidad and Tobago is mixed. High-speed road accidents on the main highways in Trinidad often result in fatalities. Some roads are narrow and winding, and the surface of a low standard. Take care when driving,” the updated advisory says.
The advisory warns that British nationals, “if possible”, should “avoid travel outside major populated areas after dark, especially routes to and from Piarco International Airport”.
“There have been incidents of violence and fatal accidents caused by local erratic driving standards to and from the airport, particularly on the Beetham/Churchill-Roosevelt Highway,” the Foreign Commonwealth Office says.
If further says if British nationals in Trinidad and Tobago don’t have a vehicle, “they should use hotel taxis to get around, particularly after dark”.
Richard Branson request Boycott of Uganda over gay rights
UK business tycoon Richard Branson has called on companies and tourists to boycott Uganda after its parliament approved a bill to toughen the punishment for homosexual acts.
It was against his conscience to support a country which carried out a "dreadful witch hunt against the gay community", he said on his website.
The bill proposes a life sentence for certain homosexual acts.
It has been condemned by world leaders since it was mooted in 2009.
US President Barack Obama called it "odious".
Mr Branson said he had been seriously considering investing in Uganda after being "courted" by government officials.
However, he had decided not to "support" Uganda because of its "witch hunt" against gay people.
"I would urge other companies worldwide to follow suit. Uganda must reconsider or find it being ostracised by companies and tourists worldwide," Mr Branson said.
Mr Branson is the founder of Virgin Group, which has more than 400 companies worldwide, focusing mainly on travel, entertainment and telecommunications.
He is also a leading philanthropist who supported charities set up by South Africa's first black President, Nelson Mandela.
Mr Branson attended Mr Mandela's funeral last week.
"Governments must realise that people should be able to love whoever they want," he said.
He said it was not for any government "to ever make any judgements on people's sexuality".
"They should instead celebrate when people build loving relationships that strengthen society, no matter who they are," he added.
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has not yet signed the bill into law while Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi opposed the vote in parliament on the grounds that there was no quorum.
Amid Darkness in the World, Jesus Brings Light so says Pope Francis
Pope Benedict has urged the world's 1.2 billion Catholics to rejoice this Christmas because "Jesus is the light who brightens the darkness" and brings peace.
The pontiff delivered his first Christmas Eve homily as pope during a Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican Tuesday.
His homily focused on humans' historical and personal journey for a promised land and salvation, and - in the pope's words - "the spirit of people who walk to see a great light."
Benedict, known for his humility and service to the poor, said every person has "both bright and dark moments, lights and shadows." He urged the faithful to journey forward with an open heart and cast aside pride, deceit and self-seeking ways.
He said God revealed grace, mercy and love through Jesus, who guides the world. The pontiff closed by saying, "Jesus is the light who brightens the darkness. He is our peace."
The Argentine-born Benedict was elected pope in March, a month after the surprise resignation of Emeritus Pope Benedict.
Since then, the 78-year-old's popularity has soared and he has been praised for helping to reshape the image of the church.
In December, Time Magazine named him "Person of the Year," and lauded his call for the healing of the masses who face disease, poverty and personal turmoil in their lives.
Bomb Blast Hits Egyptian Police Building
A powerful bomb has ripped through a police headquarters in Egypt's Nile Delta region. Authorities say at least 13 people were killed and 130 were wounded.
Officials say most of the blast victims in the city of Mansoura were police. They believe a car bomb was used.
The attack is one of the deadliest against Egyptian security forces since the army deposed Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July.
The interim government suggested the Muslim Brotherhood was behind the attack, calling the group a terrorist organization. Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi vowed that those responsible "will not escape justice."
The Brotherhood issued a statement condemning the attack. It also accused the prime minister of using "inflammatory statements designed to create further violence, chaos and instability."
In Washington, the U.S. State Department issued a statement condemning the attack "in the strongest possible terms" and extending condolences to the families of the victims.
Egyptian Information Minister Mohamed Ibrahim visited the blast site and said the attack was an attempt to affect the country's constitutional referendum set to take place next month.
"Just yesterday we arrested four activists who have confessed to some of these incidents, and they are now aware that we are taking measures against them. And all of these incidents are an attempt to create a diversion and to terrorize people because of the referendum. But I want to reassure people entirely that there is a plan in place in cooperation with the armed forces to protect all of the election centers at the highest level. And God willing the day will pass peacefully."
The Muslim Brotherhood has been the subject of a crackdown since Egypt's military ousted Mr. Morsi in July.
Security forces have arrested much of the Brotherhood's top leadership, including Mr. Morsi, and clashed with those demonstrating against the interim government. More than 1,000 people, mostly Islamists, have been killed in the fighting.
Islamist militants have been blamed for a number of attacks against Egyptian security forces in the past few months, particularly in the Sinai region east of where Tuesday's blast took place.
Clashes in Gaza between Israel, Palestinians
Israel has launched a series of attacks in the Gaza Strip, in apparent retaliation for the cross-border killing of an Israeli civilian by a Gaza sniper.
Israel said it launched the attacks from the air and on the ground, targeting what it called "terror sites" in Gaza -- including a weapons manufacturing facility and a concealed rocket launcher.
Officials of Hamas, the group that rules the Gaza Strip, reported that a three year-old girl was killed in the Israeli attacks.
It was the most serious flareup of its kind in more than a year.
The Palestinian sniper, operating just over the border in the Gaza Strip, killed the Israeli civilian earlier Tuesday.
"This is a very severe incident and we will not let it go unanswered," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
On Sunday, a bomb exploded on an Israeli bus near Tel Aviv, causing no casualties.