Caribbean RoundUp

Antigua and Barbuda

The Heart Bible International University (HBIU) and Seminary, a historically Black institution based in Connecticut, has honored Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda.

In a letter to Browne, the academic institution said he was being given the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and was being made an honorary professor in humanitarianism.

In the letter, Chancellor Professor Dr. Donnett Mcintosh and vice chancellor Professor Peter Abraham credited the Antigua and Barbuda head of government for his “longstanding dedication to important causes and the advancement of his people…

“Your commitment to excellence and the positive impact you have made have set you apart, making you a deserving candidate for this prestigious nomination.”

“Considering your and all contributions humanitarian services to the community and Africa at large, your belief in the transformative power of education and your mission in empowering the next generation with your numerous scholarships, the university would be pleased to honor you with [these] awards.”

Glentis Thomas, a counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations in New York, received the award on behalf of Browne.

Guyana

Despite objections from a section of its General Council and rank and file members, Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) president Dr. Mark Lyte recently signed a multi-year agreement with the government accepting the 10 percent pay raise for teachers along with other benefits, none of which accorded with the demands of the union.

The agreement states that teachers will receive a salary increase of 10 percent for 2024, 8 percent for 2025 and 9 percent for 2026, the same increases that were recently rejected by the union.

GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald and Upper Demerara Union Representative Vanessa Kissoon were not happy with president Dr. Mark Lyte’s decision.

McDonald said, “The GTU is at the level now where a couple of persons, have decided to hijack the union (and) to hijack the rights of our members. I remember general council was briefed on where we are sometime last week with regards to the negotiation. General council was misled let me say that and so general council bought into what they heard.”

She added, “Today, we came to the meeting here at the Ministry of Education, hoping to continue from where we left off last week, because, remember last week we said we are not accepting and there were several conditions in that proposal that were not yet confirmed on, that we had not yet fleshed out on, and having turned up here today to hear that we are signing an agreement many of the officers … as a matter of fact most of the negotiations committee pleaded with the president that we should ask for some time, look again at what we are doing before we sign on to an agreement.”

Haiti

Prime Minister Garry Conille told the new commander of the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD’H), Lieutenant General Derby Guerrier, that his role will be crucial as efforts continue to bring peace and stability to the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

A state of emergency has been renewed by the government for several areas until Sept. 19.

Haiti has also benefited from the deployment of police officers from Kenya under the United Nations-sanctioned mission to combat powerful armed gangs that have unleashed destruction and disorder in the Caribbean country.

Guerrier replaced General Jodel Lessage,  who had been in the position since 2018 and Prime Minister Conille said his assumption of the command of the Armed Forces of Haiti marks a decisive turning point.

“Mr. Lieutenant General, by accepting this command, you take on your shoulders the weight of history and the hope of an entire people. Your mission, oh so noble and arduous, is to lead our armed forces with the rigour, integrity and wisdom that have always characterised great leaders.”

He said faced with the colossal challenges, including the fight against the forces of evil that sow terror and violence, it is imperative that the Armed Forces join forces with the Haitian National Police.

Jamaica

Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang says legislation dealing with firearm offenses will be reviewed and strengthened to tackle gangsters who cause mayhem in communities.

Chang, speaking while he visited Clarendon, where eight persons were murdered and nine others injured, said the killings by men with high-powered guns has shocked the entire nation and the police are making every effort to nab the killers.

He said that all the legislation dealing with gun crimes must get urgent attention.

“We (Government) will take every step to protect citizens, prevent reprisals and apprehend members of the gangs,” he said.

Under the new Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022, which is now in effect, people who are convicted for possession and trade in firearms and ammunition can face penalties ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment.

Illegal firearms are being used in 85 percent of murders and violent crimes committed across the island.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, “We cannot allow this incident to be treated merely as another criminal act. It is not merely a criminal act. Organized crime violence is an act of terror and we must treat them as criminal terrorists,” Holness told reporters following an emergency meeting of the National Security Council.

The security forces have been given the directions, Operations are already underway from all levels. Intelligence…from in the field, we are seeking the sup- port of our partners to get those who are overseas, who are facilitating, directing and funding the criminal operations here. No stone will be left unturned.”

St. Kitts-Nevis

The St. Kitts and Nevis government says it has joined 140 countries in acceding to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, said that in acceding to the convention, the government is demonstrating it’s resolve to elevate multilateral diplomacy, international partnerships, and law-enforcement and security co-operation for fulfilling the government’s good governance agenda and the UN’s sustainable development goals.

The United Nations Convention Against Corruption is the only universally recognized anti-corruption instrument and was adopted by the UN General on Oct. 31, 2003 and came into effect on Dec. 14, 2005.

According to the United Nations, “the convention plays a pivotal role in uniting countries against corruption and fostering effective international co-operation.”

They also credit the convention with “fostering numerous impactful anti-corruption reforms, prompting important changes to legislative and institutional frameworks while strengthening international co-operation in cross-border cases and asset recovery.”

“The convention also serves as a crucial tool driving the 2030 Agenda and the sustainable development goals forward, addressing the pervasive effects of corruption on all core values and principles of the United Nations.”

St. Lucia

Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre says his government will use a US$5.5 million grant from Taiwan to undertake projects that will be benefit the people of St. Lucia.

The Taiwanese Ambassador to St. Lucia, Peter Chia-yen Chen, said he is pleased that during the budget address in April, “many of the vital initiatives mentioned in the Prime Minister’s speech are included in the bilateral co-operation proposals submit ted to my embassy by the Department of Economic Development.”

“The funds we are providing today encompass six projects in several critical areas, including trade, small-scale infra structure, social security and youth innovation. By empowering both the government and civil society, we aim to enhance national development and foster economic growth,” he said, adding “Together, we are not just building infrastructure, but also laying the foundation for a resilient and prosperous future for our people.”

Taiwan is providing US$5.5 million towards the bilateral co-operation projects with the St.Lucia government identifying six projects for funding.

Permanent Secretary in the Department of Economic Development and the Youth Economy, Paul Hilaire, said the funding is not just financial a contribution “but a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect for our two countries.

“The projects are cross-cutting and it impacts the work of the programs of several ministries. They are specifically designed to improve the lives and social resilience of these groups. And that is the important thing. And this is our mantra to help the safety net and the whole, foundation of which we could elevate persons from where they are today,” he said.

— Compiled by Devika Ragoonanan