#Ready Finance Grenada | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

thechasefiles · 5 years

Text

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 8/25/2019

Good Morning #realdreamchasers. Here is your daily news cap for Sunday, August 25rd, 2019. There is a lot to read and digest so take your time. Remember you can read full articles via Barbados Today (BT), or by purchasing a Sunday Sun Nation Newspaper (SS).

Barbados under Tropical Storm Watch: THE BARBADOS METEOROLOGICAL Services has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for Barbados. This means tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.At 5:00 a.m. Tropical Storm “Dorian” was centered near 11.0N 51.6W or about 555 miles (890 km) east-southeast of Barbados. The system continues to move towards the west at 13 mph (20 km/h) and on this track, the center of Dorian is expected to pass over or near Barbados late Monday/early Tuesday.Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph (65km/h), with tropical-storm-force winds extending outward up to 25 miles (40 km) from the center.The minimum central pressure is 1008mb (29.77inches).Sustained surface winds between 25 to 35 mph (40 to 55 km/h) with gusts to storm force are expected to spread across Barbados Monday afternoon and persist into Tuesday.In addition, pockets of moderate to heavy showers, periods of rain and scattered thunderstorms are expected. Rainfall accumulations of at least 2 to 4 inches (50 to 100 millimetres) are possible late Monday into Tuesday with isolated higher amounts. As a result, some flash-flooding is likely in low-lying areas thus, residents are urged to be on the alert and take all necessary precautions.

(SS)

RESIDENTS URGED TO READY THEMSELVES FOR DORIAN: Barbadians have been asked to ready themselves for the passage of Tropical Storm Dorian. Speaking after a tropical storm watch was issued for Barbados which means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours, Director of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Kerry Hinds, reminded residents to listen to advisories issued through the Met Office, DEM and the Barbados Government Information Service.Hinds is urging the public to ensure that they have their emergency kits, batteries, water, canned goods, and other emergency supplies on hand. Persons should also have emergency plans and important documents close by. The Director further stressed that persons should also ensure the safety of their elderly relatives and be aware of the emergency shelters closest to them. “Don’t wait until it is too late to take precautions. Please remember, it only takes one system to cause disruption,” Ms. Hinds stressed. (SS)

BARBADOS, TRINIDAD DRAW CLOSER: Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago are forging a closer relationship – one they hope will be profitable for both countries. The deal relates to new gas and oil wells being discovered between their territories.Yesterday, Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Dr Keith Rowley, expressed optimism that this new partnership would redound to Barbados’ potential as a gas-producing nation.This point was noted especially by Rowley who revealed that the first set of wells drilled by way of exploratory drilling of Block 14, which is about 85 miles off the twin-island republic’s east coast but on Barbados’ borderline, have been successful which indicate to them that there was potential in that area and across the line in Barbados. (SS)

ARTHUR TO CHAIR GLOBAL BODY:Government has contracted former Prime Minister Owen Arthur to chair a new global commission to examine some of the critical small island issues ahead of next year’s United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) XV in Barbados. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Arthur, who is currently Professor of Practice, Economics of Development at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, have already held preliminary discussions.The Barbados-sponsored Global Commission on Small Island Developing States – Trade Development Options 2020, are expected to prepare papers on issues ranging from the high indebtedness of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to global warming and the impact of artificial intelligence.

A release yesterday from the Prime Minister’s press secretary Roy Morris, stated that the commissioners would be selected from around the globe and would meet both face-to-face and virtually. A secretariat to support the commission and its work would soon be set up. “Their research will also cover topics such as the development of a realisable modern trade agenda; an assessment of the current state of SIDS; graduation from access to financing; vulnerability; a narrow economic base enhancing dependence on a small range of products; areas of potential transformation; creative economies; and the development of small enterprises,” the released stated. It was also noted that papers produced by the commission would be considered in the lead up to Barbados’ chairmanship and hosting of UNCTAD XV in 2020.(SS)

MAYERS RALLIES DLP FAITHFUL: National Hero and “Father of Independence”, the Right Excellent Errol Barrow is probably turning in his grave at the current state of the island, said Democratic Labour Party (DLP) general secretary Guyson Mayers, who charged that under Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s watch since May 2018, Barbados has been hit by the emergence of an “industry of begging”. “All of Barbados is challenged at this time, not only the DLP. People have to find ways to cut and contrive. I am saddened to say that I have seen an emergence of begging in Barbados that I have never seen before. We have an industry of begging in Barbados. That is a situation that Barbadians have never been proud of,” Mayers told a large crowd in attendance at the opening ceremony of the party’s 64th annual general conference on Friday night.“Errol Barrow must be turning in his grave when he looks on what is happening in Barbados, when somebody who used to call him ‘Uncle Errol’ could be inflicting this kind of pain on Barbadians,” he added. (SS)

UPDATE: BODY FOUND AT SILVER HILL: No foul play is suspected in the death of 71-year-old O’Brian Edghill whose body was discovered earlier today at Green Hill Close, Silver Hill, Christ Church. Edghill was found in his garage inside a truck, and it is being treated as a sudden death at this time. His brother Eucline Edghill, who lives nearby, said he last spoke to O’Brian on Wednesday where they discussed what to do with a beehive on the latter's property. He said he received a call earlier to come to his brother’s house where the police were already gathered. A neighbour said she saw the elderly man yesterday. He was wearing a jacket and indicated he was trying to get some help to remove a beehive from his yard. The area was cordoned off while police conducted investigations. Several members of Edghill's family were at the scene. (SS)

MORE ROAD CONGESTION AHEAD: Motorists are bracing themselves for even more congestion on the heavily used Green Hill, St Michael roadway. That’s because on Friday workmen at the Ministry of Transport, Work and Maintenance (MTW) recommenced work on the construction of an island at the junction of Highway 2A Green Hill and the Lodge Plantation Road (near Pricesmart). In a notice to the public, the ministry stated that the left turn leading to Lodge Plantation Road (the road to Pricesmart) will be closed between the working hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday for the next three weeks. It urged motorists to exercise extreme caution when travelling near the worksite as excavation will be taking place there, and workmen will be about.(SS)

BWA EXPERIENCING PUMP FAILURE AT NEW MARKET PUMPING STATION:The Barbados Water Authority wishes to inform residents and businesses in parts of St George, St Michael and Christ Church that it is experiencing a pumping problem at its Newmarket facility, which is in turn expected to impact the Hanson and Fort George reservoirs. As a result customers in some districts may experience low pressure or outages due to reduced production from that pumping station. The affected areas may include: St George: Hanson Hill, South District, Buckley Meadows, Ellerton, Ellerton Gardens, Buttals, Turnpike, Constant, Dash Valley and surrounding areas.St Michael: My Lord’s Hill, Bonnets, Brittons Hill, Pine, Parkinson Field, Wildey, Wildey Terrace, Clapham, Flagstaff, Highgate, Highgate Gardens, Rock Close, Gas Product Road, Valley Development, Lower Burney, Upton, Fort George and surrounding districts.Christ Church: Forde’s Road, Rendezvous, Regency Park, Sargeant’s Village, Vauxhall, Adams Castle, Briar Hall, Graeme Hall, Warners Terrace, Tino Terrace, Kendall Hill, Kent Ridge, St Elizabeth Park, Frere Pilgrim, Cox road, St David’s, Edey Village, Skeene’s Hill, Coral Ridge and surrounding areas. Residents in these districts are advised to catch some water to assist them in the event of an outage. Water tankers will also be dispatched to assist the affected areas. The BWA apologizes for any inconvenience this outage may cause. (BT)

NUMBERS UP FOR SPICE MAS: Grenada tourism officials say an estimated 2 000 Trinidad and Tobago nationals visited the island for the recently held annual Carnival celebrations, making it the best performing Caribbean Community (CARICOM) market for the tourism sector. The Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) said however, the United States with visitor arrivals of 6 818 or an increase of 21 per cent over last year, was the best performing market overall, followed by Trinidad and Tobago with a seven per cent increase or 1 973 visitors.“Grenada records a 7.7 per cent increase in arrivals for the 2019 festival of 13 327 compared to 12 379. This figure is a measure of the visitors and diaspora arriving in the destination, prior to Carnival Monday. Of the 13 327 stayover visitors, 10 505 were tourists and 2 822 were Grenadians residing abroad,” the GTA said, noting that the growth is attributed to additional airlift including three extra flights by the regional airline, LIAT, increased marketing and the global recognition of Grenada’s artistes, culture and music.Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister, Dr Clarice Modeste-Curwen said “the numbers speak to the growing interest in Spicemas as one of the best Carnivals to visit in the Caribbean. “Our people make the experience memorable and enjoyable with their warm hospitality and visible pride in their music and culture,” she said. Carnival 2020 is carded for August 10 and 11.The GTA said that Grenada’s soca, groovy and calypso music coupled with its authentic and distinctly unique offerings of Jab Jab and Monday Night Mas, served to wow visitors and highlight what sets Spicemas apart from other Carnivals.“2019 also saw a marked increase in participation with 12 bands parading for the Monday Night Mas street party. The masqueraders revelled to the rhythms of carnival and lit up the night sky with a plethora of colourfully branded t-shirts, lighted hats and wands. Fancy Mas on Carnival Monday and Tuesday also saw increased participation from bands and masqueraders with bejewelled costumes, pageantry and storytelling,” the release added. (SS)

That’s all for today folks there are 128 days left in the year Shalom! #thechasefiles #dailynewscaps Follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for your daily news. #bajannewscaps #newscapsbystephaniefchase

0 notes

charllieeldridge · 4 years

Text

15 Simple Money Saving Tips Anyone Can Use

Do you want to travel more? Save money to move abroad? Pay down your debt? Have a nest egg so you can start your own business?

Finding the extra cash to do so isn’t always easy. In this article, I’ll share 15 simple money-saving tips to help you keep more cash in your pocket.

We utilized all of the tips in this article when we were saving money to go traveling. In the end, we were able to save enough to set off on our year-long backpacking adventure sooner than we thought.

Here are my top picks for ways to save money this year.

First, Create a Spreadsheet

Before you can put any money away, it’s important to figure out your finances and how much money is available for you to save.

Write down your take-home earnings, and from there, subtract all of your necessary expenses — just the payments you need to make in order to get by.

This is a simple visual way to see all of your payments in one place, and realize how much extra money you have to spend on entertainment, miscellaneous, and of course, savings.

Here’s an example:

Total Monthly Income: $_________.

Monthly Payments:

Rent / Mortgage

Groceries

Cell Phone

Electricity

Water

Car Insurance

Gas

Loans

Credit Card Bill

Cable and Wi-Fi

Total Monthly Payments: $_______.

Monthly Income minus Monthly Payments = $______.

If your balance each month is in the negative, you’ll need to start making some changes, including making more money on the side, picking up an online job, consolidating your payments, and tweaking your lifestyle.

Have a look at budgeting apps such as Mint (free) and Wally (free) to help you realize your money-saving goals.

Here are 15 easy money-saving tips for you to utilize this year!

1. Say “No” To Dining Out

When it comes to money-saving tips for food, this is by far the easiest one. Have you ever added up the amount of money you spend in a day, week, or month on meals out or coffees?

If you have a Starbucks coffee each morning, that’s roughly $4 every morning.

Going out for lunch during the week will cost around $8 each time for a salad or sandwich.

Do co-workers want to grab some drinks with you after work? That’s about $6 each drink and you’ll probably be hungry after work (and after that beer), so add some finger food for about $10. Don’t forget to add tax and tip!

*One major bonus of working remotely is that you won’t have to feel guilty for saying “no” to co-workers when they ask you to go out for lunch or drinks.

Theoretically, depending on how often you grab drinks or have coffee, you could spend around $28 + tax and tip in just one day.

During the weekends, going out for dinner is what many people enjoy doing. Let’s use Earls Restaurants as an example. I’m going to showcase costs based on their menu as the chain has locations in both the USA and Canada.

For dinner, the cheapest appetizer on the menu (apart from bread and fries) is $9.50. The least expensive main dish on the menu is a margarita pizza for $10.50, followed by chicken tacos for $14. Dessert is $5.

On top of that, you’ll want a drink, which is around $5 for a beer. Cocktails are $10+.

A 3-course dinner out at Earls with a beer will cost you $30 minimum (plus tax and tip).

If you spent an evening out during the week, and one on the weekend, you’re going to spend $60+ in one week. In one month, that’s $240 total. That $240 would go much further at the grocery store.

2. Enjoy Dinner Parties

Obviously you’ll still want to have a social life, so I’m not saying give up on seeing your friends and forgo any fun. But, rather than meeting for drinks at a trendy bar, or going out for dinner, why not host a dinner party?

Between all of your friends, you could rotate who hosts each weekend.

Make the dinner party pot-luck style where everyone brings a dish to contribute to the meal. You can find some awesome recipes on Allrecipes.com.

Or, rather than everyone bringing a dish, each week it could be the host’s turn to make the meal.

Opt for an affordable one-pot style dinner (spaghetti bolognese, chicken stew, minestrone soup, beef and bean chili, etc.) or a baked dish such as lasagna, casseroles, grilled chicken with roasted potatoes…get creative!

Buying booze from the shop rather than a bar is much cheaper. Look for sales at your local liquor store and stock up on beer, wine and spirits.

Enjoying dinner and game night with friends, or drinks and appetizers is a great way to catch up and save money while doing so.

3. Save On Accommodation Costs

Accommodation eats up a massive chunk of the budget each month. But, it doesn’t have to. If you’re looking to save money on having a roof over your head, you have a few options.

If you are currently renting, consider downsizing and moving into somewhere smaller and/or more economical.

If you’re in a townhouse, move to a basement suite or a studio apartment. If you’re in a 2-bedroom, switch to a 1-bedroom. Maybe search for a cheaper neighbourhood. There are many ways to downsize your accommodation.

Rather than renting a 1 bedroom home, can you save money by joining up with someone and having a roommate in a 2-bedroom place?

If you’re comfortable living in someone’s home, consider looking for house sitting jobs. This is my best money-saving tip for accommodation.

You can house sit/pet sit all around the world, including your home city (in many cases). If you live in one of the popular housesitting destinations (England, Australia, Canada, USA) there are a lot of house sits available). You could move from place to place every couple of weeks, all within the same city.

A Luxury House Sit in Grenada

By becoming a house sitter, you’ll receive free accommodation and (in our experience) a vehicle for your use. You’ll get to live like a local for free and enjoy the company of a furry friend.

While you’re trying to save money, this is an especially good way to keep cash in the bank. For more about the house sitting company we use and highly recommend, click here.

4. Use Rewards Credit Cards

If you’re going to spend money, you may as well earn some points while you’re at it. Americans have some great credit cards that offer cash-back and rewards when you purchase groceries. But surprisingly, there are actually some pretty good credit cards for us Canadians as well.

The Blue Cash Everyday card from American Express offers 3% cash-back on grocery store purchases up to $6,000 / year.

After that, they offer 1% cash-back on groceries at supermarkets in the USA. There are other bonuses such as 2% cash-back at the gas station, 1% on other purchases and no annual fee. Click here to learn more.

Another great card is the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. You’ll receive unlimited 4% cash-back on dining and entertainment, 2% when shopping at supermarkets, and 1% on other purchases.

You’ll also get a $500 cash bonus after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, and there’s no annual fee for the first month. Click here to learn more.

There are many more cards that offer savings on groceries at supermarkets in the United States. Click here to compare.

For Canadians, even though we don’t typically have the best travel credit cards available, there are a few great credit cards for food and grocery purchases.

The American Express Cobalt gives you 5 points for every dollar at grocery stores, cafes, bars, food delivery and restaurants. The points you earn can then be redeemed for travel on any airline. When it comes to food, this is a great credit card.

You’ll also get 2 points for every dollar spent on gas, travel, rideshare (Uber), taxis, but just 1 point for all other purchases.

The only downside to the card is that there’s a $10 monthly fee, and American Express isn’t accepted everywhere (but, you can use it at Safeway, Sobey’s, Whole Foods, Co-op, Metro, FoodBasics and more).

If you prefer Visa, a great card is the Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite which offers 4% back on groceries and gas. 2% cashback at drugstores and recurring bill payments and 1% on other items. The $99 annual fee is waived for the first year.

Make this the year that your plastic cards start working for you.

5. Do Some Meal Prep

One of the main reasons that people opt for pricy fast food, or frozen meals is because preparing a healthy meal can take a bit of time. Consider preparing food ahead of time and have it ready to go for the whole week.

Do you drink smoothies in the morning? Pre-cut all of the fruits and vegetables and have them portioned out into containers for each day, then toss them in the freezer.

Each morning, grab out the container, add the liquid of your choice, and blend it up. Cutting up the produce is the time-consuming part. Have it ready to go and you’ll be able to eat healthier and save money by not opting to buy breakfast on the fly.

On Sundays, create meals for the whole week. When we lived in Canada, I used to do this and it saved us buying meals out when there was “nothing to eat” in the fridge.

Frozen fruit ready for the blender

The best idea is to make a large batch of food – stews, soups, chilis, and sauces freeze well – and make a variety of them so you’re never bored with eating the same food.

Or, portion out meals into containers for the week. Make a large pot of rice, add cooked chicken and a side of vegetables to each container and you’re ready to go. Change them up with various types of vegetables, and maybe mix between couscous, quinoa, pasta and rice.

Things like casseroles and lasagna also freeze well.

Having ready-made meals in the fridge and freezer will stop you from ordering in pizza, or grabbing some fast food on the way home. Making food at home is much more economical and is one of the best money-saving tips.

6. Share Your Clothes

If you have a friend who is the same size as you, this is an excellent way to enjoy two wardrobes for the price of one! It’ll save you going out and shopping for the latest items — and most likely, purchasing things you don’t actually need.

When you “have nothing to wear”, you can call up your friend and do some weekend shopping in their closet. Clothes are expensive and most of us own way too many. Rather than buying something new, consider borrowing.

But, if you must purchase an item and your friend doesn’t have something you can borrow, buy clothing at the second-hand store, opt for outlets, or check out the sales rack.

7. Ditch The Car

Depending on where you live and your lifestyle, you could quite easily sell your car and get around by foot, bike, or public transport.

For couples who own two cars, sell one of them and share the second. Cars are the biggest money guzzlers – petrol, insurance, parking and maintenance, it’s never-ending!

Sell your car and put that money towards your next trip or paying down some debt. Walking and cycling are great ways to get exercise, while public transport options are also very affordable and practical.

When it comes to the best money-saving tips, selling your car and opting for a transit pass is always at the top.

Not only will you be able to put the money from the sale of your vehicle in your bank account, but your monthly transportation budget will be very minimal going forward.

8. Cut Back On Beauty

This one applies to both women and men. While women tend to spend more money, men are starting to put an emphasis on grooming as well.

Go into your bathroom and have a look at all the products you own. Make-up, lotions, perfumes, body wash, hair styling products, beard oils, etc.

Depending on which brands you’ve purchased, if you tallied up the cost, you’ll probably find it’s quite high.

Do you actually need all of those items? Could you get by with a cheaper brand? Could you do without 5 different types of hair products and just use 1?

Cut back on your spending on body and beauty products this year and keep more cash in your pocket.

Although those items are pricey, when it comes to money-saving tips on beauty, my biggest suggestion is to limit your time at the hair salon and spa. Or better yet, don’t go at all.

For women, a simple cut is often around $50+, while colouring or highlighting your hair will easily add another $85+ to the bill. But, you also need to tip on top of that.

Each time you visit the hair salon, you’ll spend around $125 (if you have your hair coloured). Most women do this every 2 months or so, meaning you’ll spend $750 in a year on your hair.

$750 is a round trip flight from New York to Bangkok.

$750 is 15 nights of accommodation (at $50/night).

$750 is a 5-day cruise.

$750 is a lot of groceries!

If you simply must colour your hair, purchase dye from the drugstore. If you need to cut your hair, you can learn to do it yourself, have a friend come by to cut it for you or opt for a cheaper salon to get it cut — less frequently.

Cancel all pedicures, manicures, facials, and spa treatments if you want to save money this year. It’s amazing how much money you can save just by changing your beauty regime.

9. Automate Your Savings

One of the hardest things about saving money is physically transferring the money to a savings account.

A top money-saving tip is to set up automated savings. Simply contact your bank and have them set your account to transfer $X to your savings account each month (or week, or bi-weekly). Or, you can request a certain percentage be transferred into savings.

At the start of this money-saving tips blog post, I mentioned going through your finances to see how much money you have left over after paying the necessities.

Let’s say you have $300 left. You’ll probably want $100 for entertainment in the month (meals out, movies, booze, etc.) and $100 for miscellaneous (toiletries, gifts, medicine, etc.), which leaves you $100 each month that you can transfer to your savings account.

At the end of the year, you’ll have $1,200 in savings! But, if you had to manually transfer that money, odds are you would probably end up spending it instead. Automate your savings, it’s one of my best money-saving tips.

10. Use Cash (for entertainment)

Using your credit card to pay your bills, buy groceries and all other items is what I recommend. But, if you’re budgeting yourself $100 / month for entertainment, then I suggest using cash.

We personally did this when we were trying to come up with $40,000 for a year of travel, and it’s amazing how well it works.

Basically, you have $100 in your wallet (we did $50), and that’s all. No other cash in your wallet. When that $100 is gone, so is the paid entertainment for the month.

You’ll have to get creative and enjoy free entertainment such as watching movies at home, going outdoors, hiking, or having friends over for dinner and games.

Being able to actually see the cash leave your wallet (rather than just swiping your debit card) really makes you decide whether or not you truly need that item you’re about to buy. And if you only have a set amount for the month, you may decide to save it for a special night out.

Consider using cash for your entertainment budget

11. Cancel & Consolidate

Take all of your utility bills and lay them out on the table. Evaluate each of them and decide if you can cancel any of your accounts, or at least, cut back.

Do you have the best cable package? Maybe consider purchasing a Netflix subscription (or something similar) instead for $8 / month.

When it comes to your cell phone bill, do you need that much data, talk-time, texts? For Wi-Fi, can you downgrade your plan to a slower speed (but one that will still stream shows)?

Can you cancel your landline at home?

Is there a better car/life/health insurance plan you can be on?

Could you switch to a gas water heater, rather than electric?

This is one of the top money-saving tips for those of you at home who are trying to save money. Bills seem to stack up and unless you contact your provider to either get a discount or cut back on the plan you’re currently on, you’ll continue to overspend on utilities each month.

12. Cancel Your Gym Membership

This one is huge! So many people make “going to the gym” one of their New Year’s Resolutions, but, most people stop going after a couple of months.

Depending on which gym you go to, you’ll probably spend around $50 / month. And, when you sign up, oftentimes you’re locked into a year’s worth of payments.

Rather than shell out $600+ each year, start working out at home.

There are endless FREE yoga and workout classes on YouTube and Skillshare. All you need is a mat and maybe a few weights.

Rather than joining the gym so you can run on a treadmill, go for an actual run, outside. Go hiking, walking, or cycling —mall of which are free ways to get exercise.

Doing yoga at home rather than in a studio is a great way to save money

Another option is to join the local recreation center. They’re usually very affordable and you can utilize all of the amenities (swimming pool, squash courts, running tracks, etc.). Plus, many cities have parks with climbing walls, skateboard bowls, ice-skating rinks and running tracks that you can use for free.

Get fit for free this year.

13. Quit Your Habits

I’m not here to give any lectures, but if you are a smoker, vaper, gambler, or heavy drinker, it’s time to quit — or at the very least, cut back…way back. The cost of cigarettes varies depending on which state or province you live in, but on average, they are around $8 a pack.

If you smoke a pack every 2 days, that’s $1,460 that you’re literally burning away each year.

The cost of alcohol is also very high. Either quit drinking, cut back, or purchase a cheaper brand of booze. You’ll be amazed at the amount of money you will save each month. Money that can be put towards a trip, or creating a better lifestyle for yourself.

14. Give DIY Gifts

When you think about money saving tips, cutting back on gift-giving probably isn’t at the top. But, if you consider how many birthday, wedding, baby, anniversary, Christmas, or travel gifts you’ve purchased this year (and did the math), you’ll probably be surprised at how much you spent.

Rather than purchasing presents for friends and family who are celebrating, make them something. A handmade gift is much more thoughtful anyway.

Check out Pinterest for some excellent DIY gift ideas. Or, better yet, give the gift of time. Spend time together doing an activity and create memories that will last much longer than that handbag you bought.

15. Forgo Fees

This is a good one. When you’re out and need to hit up the ATM to get some cash, only go to the ATM at your bank. Each time you utilize another bank’s machine, you’ll pay a fee. Usually, it’s about $5 per withdrawal.

When you use your credit card, make sure you pay off the balance, or at the very least, the minimum amount due, or interest (at a high rate) will start accruing.

If you pay your bills late, there will be a penalty added.

If you have a chequing account with a monthly fee that’s waived if you keep “x” amount of dollars in the account, make sure you don’t go below that amount.

All of these little fees, penalties, and interest costs can really add up over a month. If you do miss a payment, or you accidentally dip below the required amount of cash in your account, contact your bank or service provider and ask them to (please) remove the fee. They usually will.

16. Bonus! Order Groceries Online

Going into the grocery store can be a pain. Not to mention, once you’re there, there are tempting items to buy — especially near the check-out counter.

These days, it’s definitely becoming more mainstream to simply purchase your groceries online and have them delivered to your door.

Not only will you save money due to impulse purchases, and on gas for your car, but ordering online is usually much cheaper than buying in-store — especially for health foods. Compare prices of items like almond butter, coconut oil, hemp hearts, nuts, beans, canned fish, etc. on websites like Amazon before going into the grocery store.

Save even more money by signing up for Thrive Market. This platform is the Whole Foods for people who aren’t rich! Organic, non-GMO, healthy foods are available at a fraction of the cost, delivered right to your house. You can even order frozen meats and seafood, and as a bonus, shipping on items over $49 is free. Click here for details.

Finally, another company which is located in both the United States and Canada is Instacart. Basically, you log-in to an app and order your groceries from the local supermarket. Personal shoppers will then collect the items on your list and you either pick them up at the store or have them delivered to you.

Same day delivery is possible, even within 1 hour. You can purchase 1 month or 1-year memberships and enjoy unlimited deliveries. Exclusive discounts are available for Instacart members. Click here for details.

Your time is valuable. Save time and money and consider ordering online. This is one of the best ways to save money on groceries.

Did These Money-Saving Tips Help?

I hope that the above 16 money-saving ideas gave you some new and useful ways to keep more money in your pocket this year. When you’re saving for a trip, wanting to work for yourself, or simply need to pay down some debt, every penny counts.

My final tip is to make a realistic goal for yourself, one that will allow you to still enjoy your life while putting money away.

If you have a whiteboard, write down how much money you want in your savings account at the end of the year. Focus on that amount, and utilize the above steps to help you realize your money-saving goal.

As always, please feel free to comment down below with your best money-saving tips, or email us with comments and suggestions.

Like This Article? Pin it!

The post 15 Simple Money Saving Tips Anyone Can Use appeared first on Goats On The Road.

15 Simple Money Saving Tips Anyone Can Use published first on https://travelaspire.weebly.com/

0 notes

damajority · 4 years

Text

World Bank Loans Dominica $13m For Better Air Connectivity

LONDON, June 1, 2020 -- The World Bank will provide the Commonwealth of Dominica with a concessional loan worth US$13 million. Its purpose is to improve the overall regional air connectivity and upgrade the airport infrastructure to safely accommodate for diverted flights and other emergencies. The island has been planning on building its first international airport, putting millions aside every month for this from its reputable Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. Dominica is one of the four countries benefiting from the World Bank's first financing of Caribbean airport projects, along with Grenada, St Lucia and Haiti. Sourced from the International Development Association, the support for Dominica has generous terms such as a 40-year maturity date and a 10-year grace period. "In Dominica, the project aims to improve safety and airport resilience readiness to natural disasters, and to strengthen the capacity of agencies handling air transportation operations and airport investment planning," cites a World Bank press release issued on May 28th. "Navigation and safety equipment will be improved, enabling emergency landing in case of natural disasters and increasing capacity in air traffic control, wildlife management, airport management and planning," the source specifies. The World Bank's Country Director for the Caribbean, Ms Tahseen Sayed, says that these financing projects would also support the islands during the post-pandemic recovery stage. #dominicanews Read the full article

0 notes

garyh2628 · 6 years

Text

Chairman and Managing Operational CEO (Global Legal Authority)

(Finance, planning, industry and foreign trade portfolios) Private

Head of Human Resources Finance and People and Global Head of Corporate Responsibility

Investments/Contracts/Superior/Technically Competent and Right-Hand Men

NGO - (Finance, planning, industry and foreign trade portfolios) Private

To my Pharma Hubs, Technology Hubs, Social Creative/Personal Hub, My Private Hubs, My Financial Hubs and my Health and Wellbeing/Scientific Hubs, Legal and Innovation Hubs, Hinterland Hub and to my Eastern Caribbean Hub, Linguistic/Psychology Hub, to my beloved additions and to my Institutions and Partners and Team, Pool of Potential Personal Assistants and Private Secretaries and Business Managers and also to my Fitness Hub which is an extension of my Health and Wellbeing Hub and not to forget my beloved Brooklyn Hub and my Wine/Adviser Hub

Our Intellectual Night and Global Tour should be simple and unpretentious, but according to my OLC and my CEO for my Personal Wealth Fund and the Network and Global Structure, going through the number of achievements to date I was stirred. In that short period of time, the Network, Sector and Industry and Global Structure and my Right-Hand men came together to reaffirm their commitment to me and the Networks Future. Their only priority now is to deliver that cases, tool kits and Offices in order to protect liberty and to celebrate and protected freedom. The Office of Legal Counsel in association with my Religious Hubs and the CEOs and Team et al within the walls of the Global Structure swear to continue to defend me and my principles and that of the Network and Global Structure. We continue to pick up more Investments Globally.

Not only have I and the Network and the Global Structure withstood and triumphed over the trials of history, the principles and values embodied within us Intellectuals have inspired the growth of the Network, Structure and Industry and Sector throughout the world. From times of hardship, we've always emerged with a renewed sense of confidence and a determination to meet and to conquer whatever challenges lie ahead.

We readily acknowledge that the Network and Structure is far from perfect. Yet we have endeavoured earnestly to carry out our responsibilities to the charter, and we take pride in our contributions to expansion and growth and to romance our Legal Authority and support him as he leads us in the future. We take pride in our alliances that protect and preserve us and our friends from mediocrity. We take pride in the agreements we reached today both in Africa and the Middle East. Great work Personal CEO, Team and Partners and Institution Globally. We are committed to answering the appeal of our friend in the Caribbean and Grenada et al.

Action is being Taken - Some personnel’s have been ditched because of their questionable antics. The breadth of bad behaviour that the reports cite reflects the desperate measure being taken by some not only to create the appearance of trying to influence education and intellect but also to purport influence. Some of the bad behaviour that advisers highlight is as tedious and also highlights “there’s always a sense of entitlement”. Serial obsession but it can be much more serious. An analysis points out that it is a request for help.

Today we have initialled another set of agreements for delivery to my Office of Signature, Stamp and Approval. We have acquired another asset to our portfolio which will stand us in good stead. I can’t wait to always have you by my side day and night, you acquisition-hungry Personal Wealth Management CEO and my Property Expert. You guys are doing some phenomenal work in pulling together all those retrospective stuffs, preparing those cases and waiting for delivery. Advisers said the most common reason for ditching existing or prospective clients was when they lied about the sources of their wealth or were unable to prove where it came from. We continue to take the strict stance, resulting in greater increase and findings. Thanks, my forensic auditors and my OLC.

Today the OLC came to a conclusion with regards to the proposed settlement with one of our Creditors. Also, further we received rulings that they must first obtain my consent before they can lawfully charge proceed on any matter. I am the Only Global Legal Authority on Intellect. The procedure for obtaining that consent will be developed by me and my team and my Office of Signature, and Stamp and Approval. This action is legally mandatory. Intellectuals and Team et al we will achieve and succeed together. Today’s action was taken in coordination with my Family and Investors, with which the thery worked closely on this matter.

The network and Global Structure and Office will seek to provide a more efficient way for the firms within the walls of the Global Structure to interact with rme, helping them navigate between countries as they look to scale new ideas. It will also create a new framework for cooperation between the various hubs as soon as the Offices are ready. The collaborative effort is organized around a draft document, which will be available for my review: The Consulting Document sets out the three main proposed functions of the Network and Global Structure. We will also be working on our mission statement its proposed functions, and where priority should be identified. Involvement will be from every Corporations, Team, Partners and Institution within the wall of the Global Structure.

Let us begin with candor, with words that rest on plain and simple facts. The differences between them and Intellect and Education are deep and abiding. The Network and Global Structure are made up of a set of Companies owned and controlled by me and my Family or those that we have an investment in. Here the CEOs rule. We build no walls to keep them in, nor organize any system of police to keep them mute. We occupy no country. The only land abroad we occupy is beneath the graves where our heroes rest. What is called the Structure is a voluntary association of irrefutable the most profitable companies and Individuals with the indispensable power of classical intellect and a vast pool of intellectual capacity. All of whom fiercely value their independence and their sovereignty. And as deeply as we cherish our beliefs, we do not seek to compel others to share them.

When we enjoy these vast freedoms as we do, it's difficult for us to understand the restrictions of dictatorships which seek to control each institution and every facet of people's lives -- the expression of their beliefs, their movements, and their contacts with the outside world. It's difficult for us to understand the ideological premise that force is an acceptable way to expand a system. We Intellectuals do not accept that any person has the right to command and order the lives of its people, that any organisation has an historic right to use force to export its ideology. This belief, regarding the nature of man and the limitations of vested interest, is at the core of our deep and abiding differences with them, differences that will eternally place them as variables that the environment we week to influence should hopefully remedied.

I love you, I love you, I love you! Truth to Tell, Tell it First, Tell it like it is. A quintessentially Intellectual reimaging of the Classical Intellect. Considering both functionality and aesthetic beauty, a single independent intellect, surrounded by the curved closed peripherals of education and mentored flower. Ultimately, this enhances the roundness, and allow it to walk in the cool of the day. As it grows to classical and over, the educational petals open to show off the brilliance and beauty of the type of Intellect that sits within the walls of the Network and Global Structure. This family has the unique things that runs through our DNA, that is to always win, we will win for energy, we will win for our children and we will win for the earthquake proof foundation that will stand us in good stead for thousands of years to come. We will win for our Investors and our Private Sector and the Sector as a whole.

Chairman and Managing Operational CEO (Global Legal Authority)

(Finance, planning, industry and foreign trade portfolios) Private

Head of Human Resources Finance and People and Global Head of Corporate Responsibility

Investments/Contracts/Superior/Technically Competent and Right-Hand Men

NGO - (Finance, planning, industry and foreign trade portfolios) Private

0 notes

ready-finance-grenada · 2 years

Link

Being able to quickly access cash loans and shopping credit during times of financial emergencies is very important. Any of us can come face to face with a financially difficult situation at any point in time. It can be a sudden hike in your college fees, an urgent house repair, or a home appliance breaking down. We may not always find ourselves financially ready to take care of such circumstances. At such times, credit plans and loans can help us resolve such situations with ease.

In order to keep the entire process hassle free, make sure to choose credit plans and loan solutions that get approved quickly. Preferably within 24-48 hours. Emergencies are stressful and quick approval credit and cash loans take the stress off a bit. Remember to make sure that the interest rates are affordable so that you are able to pay back the loan without further burdening your monthly budget.

Courts Ready Finance shopping credit plan and Ready Cash instant loan solutions are great options for financial assistance in St. Kitts and Nevis. These solutions are easy to access and repayments are hassle free. Frequent shoppers in St. Kitts and Nevis can sign up for the Ready Finance program and get credit at cash prices. Ready Finance customers also get to set their own instalment terms between 3 and 36 months. Opting for right credit and loan solutions is necessary to help stabilize your finances in future.

#Shopping credit plan #Instant cash loan #Ready Finance Grenada

0 notes

claritypoolservice · 4 years

Text

Time to Build Your Swimming Pool!

New Post has been published on https://lasvegascustomswimmingpooldesigncontractor.com/time-to-build-your-pool

Time to Build Your Swimming Pool!

The Heat of the Summer is Approaching – Time to Call Clarity Pool Service and Build Your Dream Swimming Pool

Okay, if you’re feeling the warmth of the sun all ready, you are a valid Las Vegas resident. Anyone who’s been here more than a couple of Summers will tell you it comes on quickly. Summer that is! It’s like one day you’re enjoying the cool Winter feeling air, and then all of a sudden, we’re dropped back into the heat of Summer. A time of the year that will have you sweating in areas of your body you didn’t even realize you could sweat in. If you can relate to that statement, it sounds like you are more than likely a veteran of Las Vegas. In other words, it gets hot here in our desert. Right about when you start wishing you lived in Colorado, your brain starts coming up with alternatives that don’t include you selling your home and lugging your family over to a new state to set up shop. The next thought is a custom swimming pool.

At Clarity Pool Service of Las Vegas, Nevada, we specialize in building traditional and custom swimming pools. There’s nothing we love more than designing and building beautiful pools and outdoor living environments that our clients enjoy every summer. It’s almost mandatory to have a pool here in our city. If you’re new to this fantastic town, then you’ll probably smile at that comment. But I’ wasn’t joking, sadly. At Clarity Pool Service, we strive to become the cure for the typical Las Vegas, Summer. From the preliminary on-site design consultation to the finished pool and outdoor living environment, we want to exceed your expectations where it concerns your plans to transform your dirt backyard into a desert oasis. Give Clarity a call today to speak with one of our pool design professionals. You can reach our office at (702) 839-9265, or you can visit our “New Pool Construction” page to learn more about how Clarity Pool Service would build your pool project. You can learn more and visit our past project photo gallery below.

Schedule a Swimming Pool Service Consultation with Clarity!

Whether you're exploring the idea of building a custom swimming pool, or you would like us to maintain your existing one. Clarity Pool Services has you covered! We specialize in custom pool design & construction as well as every maintenance service in between, and after pool construction. We're avid supporters of being water smart here in the Las Vegas, Valley, offering "no-drain" eco-friendly water treatments that restore the quality of your swimming pool water without having to drain, refill, and re-introduce traditional pool treatment chemicals. We have a better solution known as the PuriPool Water Treatment Process. We also offer pool restoration and our bead blasting service that will eliminate unsightly calcium scale and other hard water remnants. Schedule a consultation today with Clarity Pool Service of Las Vegas, Nevada!

Step 1 of 2

50%

Full Name*

First Last

Email*

Phone*

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongo, Democratic Republic of theCongo, Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatini (Swaziland)EthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacauMacedoniaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth KoreaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint HelenaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth GeorgiaSouth KoreaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan Mayen IslandsSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaVietnamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands Country

What Clarity Pool Services are you interested in getting a quote and info about?*

Select All

Custom Swimming Pool Design & Construction

Heavy Bead Blasting (Cleaning)

Regular Scheduled Pool Cleaning & Maintenance

Existing Pool Restoration & Refinishing

PuriPool Eco-Friendly Water Treatment "No Drain - Pool Water Replacement"

Other

What's a good time for you?

As you can understand, Clarity Pool Service wants to make this process as convenient as possible. What's a good time for you? This isn't considered a set-time just yet, a Clarity Pool Service representative will call you to confirm the appointment time.

On-Site Consultation Date you Prefer?

Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY

Preferred On-Site Consultation Time?

: HH

AM PM

jQuery(document).ready(function($){gformInitSpinner( 4, 'https://lasvegascustomswimmingpooldesigncontractor.com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.gif' );jQuery('#gform_ajax_frame_4').on('load',function()var contents = jQuery(this).contents().find('*').html();var is_postback = contents.indexOf('GF_AJAX_POSTBACK') >= 0;if(!is_postback)return;var form_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_wrapper_4');var is_confirmation = jQuery(this).contents().find('#gform_confirmation_wrapper_4').length > 0;var is_redirect = contents.indexOf('gformRedirect()') >= 0;var is_form = form_content.length > 0 && ! is_redirect && ! is_confirmation;var mt = parseInt(jQuery('html').css('margin-top'), 10) + parseInt(jQuery('body').css('margin-top'), 10) + 100;if(is_form)jQuery('#gform_wrapper_4').html(form_content.html());if(form_content.hasClass('gform_validation_error'))jQuery('#gform_wrapper_4').addClass('gform_validation_error'); else jQuery('#gform_wrapper_4').removeClass('gform_validation_error');setTimeout( function() /* delay the scroll by 50 milliseconds to fix a bug in chrome */ jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gform_wrapper_4').offset().top - mt); , 50 );if(window['gformInitDatepicker']) gformInitDatepicker();if(window['gformInitPriceFields']) gformInitPriceFields();var current_page = jQuery('#gform_source_page_number_4').val();gformInitSpinner( 4, 'https://lasvegascustomswimmingpooldesigncontractor.com/wp-content/plugins/gravityforms/images/spinner.gif' );jQuery(document).trigger('gform_page_loaded', [4, current_page]);window['gf_submitting_4'] = false;else if(!is_redirect)var confirmation_content = jQuery(this).contents().find('.GF_AJAX_POSTBACK').html();if(!confirmation_content)confirmation_content = contents;setTimeout(function()jQuery('#gform_wrapper_4').replaceWith(confirmation_content);jQuery(document).scrollTop(jQuery('#gf_4').offset().top - mt);jQuery(document).trigger('gform_confirmation_loaded', [4]);window['gf_submitting_4'] = false;, 50);elsejQuery('#gform_4').append(contents);if(window['gformRedirect']) gformRedirect();jQuery(document).trigger('gform_post_render', [4, current_page]); ); ); jQuery(document).bind('gform_post_render', function(event, formId, currentPage)if(formId == 4) jQuery('#input_4_3').mask('(999) 999-9999').bind('keypress', function(e)if(e.which == 13)jQuery(this).blur(); ); );jQuery(document).bind('gform_post_conditional_logic', function(event, formId, fields, isInit) ); jQuery(document).ready(function()jQuery(document).trigger('gform_post_render', [4, 1]) );

HFS Financial – Get Funding For Your Residential Swimming Pool Project

Do you need financing for your custom pool project? No problem, we’ve partnered with HFS Financial to help you receive the funding you need to build your dream pool and outdoor living project. Visit HFS now to start your application.

New Pool Construction

Project Portfolio

2 notes · View notes

ready-finance-grenada · 2 years

Link

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses shut down and many people lost their jobs. As we slowly come out of the financial damage caused by the pandemic, there are many families that are still struggling with the economic loss. The Credi-Care program by Courts Ready Finance was introduced to provide assistance to customers from such families.

It is a financial relief program for Ready Finance customers who are having difficulty paying for Ready Finance instalments. If you are one of them, make sure to get in touch with the Ready Finance team to find out how you can benefit from the Credi-Care program. The Credi-Care program was created to provide assistance to customers who have been impacted by Covid-19 directly or indirectly as a result of salary loss or reduced household income. Learn more about Courts Ready Finance credi-care benefits here.

#Ready Finance Credi-Care #Ready Finance Grenada

0 notes

ready-finance-grenada · 2 years

Link

Micro loans or microfinancing is a great option for small business owners and entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from traditional financial institutes. Microfinance loans do not require any collateral are usually easier to qualify for. If you have maintained a good credit history, you will mostly qualify for a micro loan for your business.

Small business owners and start-ups usually have limited resources. This lack of resources restricts their potential and inhibits growth. For example, if your business can double the productivity by investing in a specialized equipment, however is unable to do so due to lack of funds, this restricts your business from growing faster. You can easily overcome such financial limitations by using a Miro loan. Microfinancing services can help business owners with working capital, new equipment, hiring talented employees and cash flow. Learn more about microfinancing in Grenada at Ready Finance.

#Microfinance #Micro Loans #Ready Finance Grenada

0 notes

thechasefiles · 5 years

Text

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 4/21/2019

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Sunday April 21st 2019. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Sunday Sun Nation Newspaper (SS).

BOARD DOWN TO 42 BUSES – Commuters should have cleaner bus terminals and improved toilet facilities come Tuesday, but Transport Board buses will still be in short supply. This Easter weekend, all the terminals were being cleaned, painted, and bottled water distributed to commuters. The bottled water distribution will continue until water fountains are installed. However, after starting with 48 working buses yesterday morning, six broke down, and by mid-afternoon only 42 were still operating. A Transport Board source, who requested anonymity, told the Sunday Sun the board was facing major challenges, none of which can be fixed overnight. (SS)

NIS BACKLOG SLASHED – The backlog of claims at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is finally being cleared. Government says 11 027 or 41 per cent of the outstanding claims were settled in the last three months. At the same time, $12.7 million was paid to 453 claimants since the new board assumed office last July – including $5.07 million paid to 100 former workers at the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation and 22 at the Transport Board last December. The outstanding claims relate to contributory and non-contributory pensions, invalidity, sickness, disability, disablement, survivor/death, retirement, maternity, unemployment, severance, employment injury, medical/travel for employment injury and funeral grants. (SS)

US$300M BOOST – Another round of major funding is in the pipeline for Barbados. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group says it will give Government access to US$300 million in “sovereign-guaranteed loans” over the next five years. The financier also wants to have “dialogue” with the Mia Mottley administration about how it can help solve public transportation and health challenges. This latest funding will be channelled to Government via the 2019-2023 country strategy approved in recent days by the IDB’s Board of Executive Directors. (SS)

CHINA READY – The People’s Republic of China is ready to join hands with Barbados for the second phase of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China, from April 25 to 27. The theme of this year’s BRF is Belt and Road Cooperation Shaping a Brighter Shared Future, with advancing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation toward quality development as its core. Chinese ambassador to Barbados Yan Xiusheng will attend the opening ceremony of the BRF and make a keynote speech. During the BRF, China will welcome thousands of representatives from more than 150 countries to Beijing, inclusive of Barbados, to take stock of what has been achieved and draw a blueprint for future cooperation to further enrich BRI cooperation. “China stands ready to enhance cooperation with Barbados within the framework of BRI, to elevate our bilateral relations and pragmatic cooperation to a new height, and benefit peoples in our two countries,” the ambassador said. “I am convinced that with the concerted efforts of all the participating parties, including China and Barbados, the second BRF will deliver fruitful outcomes, create more driving forces for the economic growth, provide more opportunities for international economic cooperation, and contribute more to the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind.” Barbados is among the first countries that established diplomatic relations with China in the Caribbean region. Since the establishment of the diplomatic relations in 1977, friendly bilateral relations between the two countries have maintained healthy and steady momentum, and plenty of fruitful achievements have been made in the pragmatic cooperation across areas. Last February, the two countries signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation within the Framework of the BRI in Beijing. Since the BRI was first proposed six years ago, it has advanced work with the guidance of a principle of consultation and cooperation for shared benefits, and focusing on connectivity in the five priority areas of policy, infrastructure, trade, finance and people-to-people ties, aiming to deepen international cooperation, safeguard multilateralism, and boost global growth. (SS)

FIRST GOLD – Caleb Massiah stood tall tonight as he leapt to Barbados’ first gold medal at the 48th CARIFTA Games at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in Grand Cayman. The 15-year-old Massiah triumphed in the Under-17 Boys’ long jump with a lifetime best leap of 6.84 metres in his maiden outing at CARIFTA. Incredibly, Massiah, who hails from Oldbury, St Philip and attends The St Michael School, after switching from Harrison College, had one legal jump and it was a golden one. That winning leap came in his first attempt and he unbelievably fouled his next four attempts. With the gold medal assured, he was the final jumper and hit the board but landed in the sandpit on one leg on his sixth jump. By then his coach, Desiree Crichlow, and assistant, Ricky Carter, were already jumping for joy. (SS)

LEAN OPENING SESSION FOR BAJANS AT CARIFTA GAMES – BARBADOS endured a lean morning session when the 48th CARIFTA Games began at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex here today with perennial champions Jamaica already stamping their authority on proceedings. No finals were contested on the track but neither Shanice Hutson nor first-timer Kevon Hinds got on the podium in their field event finals - the only two finals involving Barbadians. Shanice Hutson was fifth overall in the Under-20 girls’ discus with a best effort of 36.61 metres, well short of her personal best 43.75 metres which she achieved at the Louis Lynch Championships. First-timer Kevon Hinds had to settle for fourth place with 14.93 metres in the Under-17 boys’ shot put, which he achieved on his first attempt. Advancing to the finals of the 400 metres were Savion Hoyte (49.72), Antoni Hoyte-Small (47.41) and Kyle Gale (47.77), as did Matthew Clarke in the Under-20 boys’ 100 metres in 10.76 seconds. However, there was disappointment for sprinter Julian Forde (11 seconds) in the Under-20 Boys’ 100 metres and Shemia Odaine who clocked 58.24 seconds in the Under-20 Girls’ 400 metres.

RESULTS FROM THE FIRST SESSION.

Under-17 Girls’ High Jump

1. Annishka McDonald (Jamaica) 1.74 metres, 2. Vanessa Mercera (Curacao) 1.74m, 3. Shaunece Miller (Bahamas) 1.68m

Under-20 Girls’ High Jump

1. Janique Burgher (JA) 1.77 metres, 2. Daniela Anglin (Jamaica) 1.77m, 3. Aijah Lewis (Cayman Islands)

Under-17 Girls’ Shot Put

1. Alicia Grootfaam (Suriname) 14.15 metres, 2. Treneese Hamilton (Dominica) 14.14m, 3. Jamora Alves (Grenada) 13.53m

Under-20 Boys’ Discus (Record)

1. Kai Chang (Jamaica) 59.36 metres, 2. Ralford Mullings (Jamaica) 54.91m, 3. Djimon Gumbs (British Virgin Islands) 54.76m

Open Girls’ Heptathlon 100M Hurdles

1. Safiya John (Trinidad and Tobago) 14.44 seconds, 2. Antonia Sealy (Trinidad and Tobago) 15.04, 3. Kasha Nielly (Bahamas) 15.10

Open Boys’ Octathlon 100 Metres

1. David Edmondson (Jamaica) 11.10 seconds, 2. Edvaughn Carey (Bahamas) 11.27, 3. Che Rochford (Trinidad and Tobago) 11.42

Open Girls’ Heptathlon High Jump

1. Thaila Wilson (Jamaica) 1.76 metres, 2. Safiya John (Trinidad and Tobago) 1.64m, 3. Arianna Hayde (British Virgin Islands) 1.58m

Open Boys’ Octathlon Long Jump

1. Anson Moses (Trinidad and Tobago) 6.60 metres, 2. Hemon Joseph (Grenada) 6.49m, 3. Patrick Johnson (Bahamas) 6.48m

Under-17 Boys’ Shot Put

1. Christopher Young (Jamaica) 16.00 metres, 2. Kobe Lawrence (Jamaica) 15.86m, 3. Jayden Scott (Trinidad and Tobago) 15.08m, 4. Kevon Hinds (Barbados) 14.93m

Under-20 Girls’ Discus (Record)

1. Marie Forbes (Jamaica) 47.63 metres, 2. Kimone Reid (Jamaica) 44.60m, 3. Kelsie Murrell-Ross (Grenada) 40.30m, 5. Shanice Hutson (Barbados) 36.61m (SS)

MURDE ACCUSED OFF TO DODDS – Murder accused Stephen Alvin Carrington, 18, of Kings Gap, Eagle Hall, St Michael has been remanded to HMP Dodds. Carrington, who is charged with the January 23 shooting death of the Corrie Parris, appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick this morning. Parris died while inside a vehicle at Baxter’s Road, St Michael The unemployed Carrington, who was not represented by an attorney, will return to the District “A” Magistrates’ Court on May 17. (SS)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 254 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

1 note · View note

thechasefiles · 6 years

Text

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 1/30/2019

Good MORNING #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Wednesday 30th January 2019. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) OR by purchasing by purchasing a Midweek Nation Newspaper (MWN).

CARICOM HOLDS OUT HOPE FOR PEACEFUL SOLUTION IN VENEZUELA – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders Monday held talks with United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, as well as the permanent representatives of Canada, Russia, the European Union and the African Union, on the ongoing political situation in Venezuela. A communiqué issued following the talks at the United Nations noted that the Caribbean leaders had expressed their “grave concern over the untenable situation” in the South American country and “strongly urged that further deterioration would seriously aggravate the plight of Venezuelans”. “The Caribbean Community is steadfast that the region must remain a Zone of Peace,” the communiqué stated. The United States is leading a number of western and Latin American countries in recognising the Venezuelan Opposition Leader, Juan Guaidó, who last Wednesday declared himself the interim leader of the South American country. But Russia, China and Cuba are among countries that are supporting President Nicolas Maduro, who was sworn into office earlier this month for a second consecutive term as head of state. Washington and its allies have accused Maduro of suppressing democratic rights in the country and have called for his removal. Caracas has broken off diplomatic relations with Washington and Maduro has accused the powerful North American country of engineering a coup to remove him from office. The CARICOM delegation, which was led by its chairman and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris and including his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Dr Keith Rowley and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, had during their deliberations with Guterres” emphasised its commitment to the tenets of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter which calls on states to refrain from the threat or the use of force. CARICOM has been consistent in the critical importance it accords to the key principles of non-interference and non-intervention. “CARICOM reaffirmed the view that there was an urgent need for meaningful dialogue leading to a peaceful internal solution for the Venezuelan people. The Caribbean Community is resolute in its belief that it is never too late for dialogue since the consequences of no dialogue will be dire,” said the delegation that also included Grenada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter David and the CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque. The communiqué noted that the United Nations Secretary General extended his offer of good offices, circumstances permitting, “to facilitate dialogue and negotiation between the parties” and that CARICOM “indicated its readiness to work assiduously to bring the parties to the negotiating table”. The communiqué noted that as a result, the CARICOM leaders Monday engaged with various officials from Canada, the Russian Federation, the European Union and the African Union as well as with President Maduro and the Foreign Minister of Mexico “with a view to reduce tensions and build a platform for dialogue”. “Further engagements will take place in the next few days as the situation remains fluid,” the communiqué noted. Earlier, in a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, had stated that the regional leaders had expressed optimism that the UN would assist in establishing the roadmap towards peace and security for Venezuela. According to a statement, Prime Minister Rowley expressed hope that in the not too distant future there will be significant improvement and a diminishing of tensions in Venezuela. “We believe in the coming days there will be work towards dialogue so that the internal difficulties in Venezuela can be approached without intervention and interference from those who may have a different approach,” Rowley said in the statement. The statement noted that “coming out of the meeting the CARICOM delegation is satisfied that if the conditions for such can be met the UN will assist in establishing the roadmap towards peace and security for Venezuela and the region”. The meeting with the UN Secretary General followed an emergency meeting of CARICOM leaders last Thursday where it was decided that the regional body should engage the global organisation. Following the discussions here, the CARICOM delegation held a meeting with the Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations, Marc-Andre Blanchard, and are also expected to meet with officials from Russia, China and Venezuela. The 15-member CARICOM grouping has remained divided on the issue and earlier this month, Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, Guyana and St Lucia supported a resolution at the Organisation of American States (OAS) in not recognising the second five-year term of Maduro, while Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname voted against the measure. St Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and Belize abstained during the vote while Grenada was not present. In the statement that followed Thursday’s conference, the regional leaders nonetheless “reaffirmed their guiding principles of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of states, respect for sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights and democracy. “Heads of Government reiterated that the long-standing political crisis, which has been exacerbated by recent events, can only be resolved peacefully through meaningful dialogue and diplomacy,” the statement said, noting that they have “offered their good offices to facilitate dialogue among all parties to resolve the deepening crisis.” Last weekend, a senior UN official told the UN Security Council that all actors must exercise maximum restraint and avoid any further escalation. “The protracted conflict in [Venezuela] has had a grave impact on the population, with high levels of political polarisation, growing humanitarian needs and serious human rights concerns,” said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. She urged all parties to respect human rights and the rule of law, warning that the situation could spiral out of control. Diplomats from St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda also addressed the UN Security Council meeting. (MWN)

ARTHUR SCOFFS AT IMF DEAL – Barbados essentially gave up a chunk of its sovereignty when it signed on the dotted line to receive the US$290 million loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This is the suggestion of former Prime Minister Owen Arthur, who argued that pre-conditions of the IMF arrangement demonstrated scant respect for the sovereignty of Barbados. Speaking this morning at the University of the West Indies Global Belt and Road Research Symposium at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination, UWI Cave Hill Campus, Arthur charged that by subjecting itself to an independent IMF oversight, Government had surrendered exclusive rights provided by the constitution of Barbados. “There is a need for all international organizations to exhibit respect for the sovereign rights of all nations. In relation to this matter, the Constitution of Barbados vests exclusive powers in the Cabinet of Barbados within the context of the exercise of collective responsibility. Yet, the recently concluded IMF programme requires that there has to be an independent evaluation committee to oversee the way in which the Government of Barbados carries out the agreement,” said Arthur. The former Prime Minister, who also held the portfolio of Minister of Finance from 1994 to 2008, suggested that the concept of independent oversight implied that Barbados and other countries that accessed IMF funds were incapable of managing their own affairs. “The Government of Barbados must live up to terms of its agreement with the IMF but it should not have to answer to any entity in carrying out its executive powers on the matter. Joint commissions for overseeing the carrying out of obligations are common but the concept of an independent commission carries the stigma, that left to themselves, countries that benefit from access to the IMF resources will indulge in anticipated wrong doing,” he said. In making his argument Arthur pointed out that such conditions were not part and parcel of financing options available in China. “Thus far, China has entertained no such misgivings in its relationship with Caribbean countries and it is to be anticipated that none will arise in the future,” he said. Arthur further argued that this was not the only manner in which Government has shot itself in the foot where the IMF arrangement is concerned, having agreed to conditions that several of the sanctioning countries could not be bothered to attain themselves. “Barbados has recently had to agreed to an IMF programme central to which has been the agreement to reduce its debt to GDP ratio and to realize the largest primary surpluses of any country in the world. Both of these will take a toll on the wellbeing of our people. That fiscal consolidation programme had to be sanctioned by countries like Japan and Italy, which has the highest debt to GDP ratio of any country in the world, and are doing nothing about it,” lamented the outspoken economist, suggesting that the IMF has prevented Barbados from using measures that have served advanced countries quite well in the past. “Under that programme, Barbados had to agree that it would not use any restriction or any other devices that can hurt international prosperity as a means of solving our balance of payment problems or to protect its small and medium-sized industries. Yet we too easily forget that in the early stages of their development, the advanced countries of today used protectionist devices to safeguard their domestic enterprises to telling effect,” he stressed. (BT)

‘ADJUSTMENT FATIGUE’ – A leading political economist is warning the Government that Barbadians may soon suffer structural adjustment fatigue under the current International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and that alternative concessionary financing may be necessary. As a matter of fact, head of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies, (SALISES) Dr Don Marshall suggested that while Barbadians are prepared to bite the austerity bullet, the current mood indicates that patience is wearing thin even though the programme is in its early stage. “The reality is that the measures and the austerity are hard. Barbadians are prepared like Kittians, Grenadians and Jamaicans to give it a go. However the political leadership as well as the political ruling elite will be wise to take note of the domestic mood and the capacity for adjustment fatigue,” Marshall told Barbados TODAY. He therefore contended that Government must seek to buffer the possible social fallout by pivoting to other sources of concessionary financing such as China. “We are right now in a four-year arrangement that requires us to perform at levels of permanent surplus target, in terms of our budget, of six per cent. They [IMF] have asked us to sustain that six per cent for the majority of the four years as a pre-condition for assessing any further loans from the IMF and other support institutions. We have to be in a position now with the Chinese monies on offer to be able to leverage globalization much wiser,” said Marshall The political economist argued that the global financial order is much broader than what the “IMF would have the region believe”, noting that there is a shift towards China, as the Asian nation is emerging as another pillar for alternative financing. “We must not shut off this option but look at it, see what loans we can gather. We have to note that it provides you with the fiscal space to do things and make critical decisions. Certainly in Barbados’ case I would recommend that just after we meet certain targets that we should look to diversify our reliance from the IMF and associated agencies and move towards lending coming from China at this point,” he said. He noted that like any other lender the Chinese lending would come with some conditions. However he argued that these conditions were less onerous than those imposed by the IMF. “There is evidential research from Peru to Brazil and some small island Pacific states that this lending has helped. Vanuatu has benefited from this, having emerged from very devastating cyclone and hurricane to reach levels of development thanks to Chinese lending,” Marshall pointed out. The UWI lecturer asked to square his position against the fact that action taken under the IMF-approved Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme, has earned positive feedback from two credit rating agencies. Earlier this month, regional ratings agency, the Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS), upgraded Barbados’ local currency rating to CariBB with a stable outlook, up from CariD, while projecting economic growth of about one per cent this year. The upgrade came two months after the New York-based Standard & Poor’s (S&P) raised its long- and short-term local currency sovereign credit ratings on Barbados to ‘B-/B’ from ‘SD/SD’ (Selective Default). However Marshall made it clear that these measuring sticks do not paint an accurate picture. “If you are in an IMF program, you’re joining a particular elite idea and agreement about how these economies ought to run. The credit rating agencies are part of that consensus. So I’m not surprised by the upgrades and so on. You could impress creditors but not voters. You could impress party supporters, but you may not really impress a citizenry,” he explained. (BT)

NO COMPROMISE ON SECURITY AT PORTS – The introduction of kiosks at the Grantley Adams International Airport will not allow persons to “ease” into Barbados. That assurance has been given by Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy Kirk Humphrey, who has also reassured Barbadians that they have no reason to fear. Speaking during debate on the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2019 in Parliament today, he said countless Barbadians had made lives for themselves and their families by migrating. And while he said he had no issues with non-nationals coming to the country in search of better, he maintained that the kiosks were not being used for that purpose. “If anybody understands the Barbadian story, the Barbadian story is an immigrant story . . . if Barbadians want to benefit from our capacity to go to other people’s countries then we must allow people to come to this country too,” Humphrey said. “We have these fears, and this idea that we are putting in place these kiosks so anybody could come amuses me…there are pros and cons to having these machines, of course there are, but there are pros and cons around immigration period. In fact, there are very few issues I think as polarizing as immigration is to many people and there are very few persons who find themselves in the middle.” Humphrey said he had never been of the view that persons come to Barbados with the intention of taking more than they could give. In fact, he said any check of the records would show that the prison was not populated by immigrants. “These are fears fueled by xenophobia that in many cases we inherited because of the way we perceive ourselves as a people. We fear our own selves,” he insisted, while adding that the Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) constitution referenced the idea of regionalism. “Issues that pertain to immigration are complex and issues pertaining to immigration are rooted in something that is deep and rooted in something that is philosophical. We have come to a point in Barbados where we recognize that we have to do things differently.” (BT)

THIRD AIRPORT ATTEMPT TO START FEB 1 – Due to increased border patrol security at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), immigration officials are no longer needed in the airport’s departure lounge. Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson today revealed that these officials would be relocated from that area along with some of those from the arrival hall. He admitted that while the move had been attempted unsuccessfully on two previous occasions he believed it would be successful this time around. “The Cabinet of Barbados has agreed that the immigration department officials will be removed from the departure hall as of February 1. This has been tried on two previous occasions and on both occasions immigration officials were reinstated there. Both administrations have tried this, only to put immigration back in. “We are confident that we can try this again because of the enhanced border security details that are now available and that have been put in place because of the APIS (Advanced Passenger Information System), the real-time transmission of information of each and every passenger that is now available to the authority of Barbados and that is the main reason why immigration was restored in the past,” Hinkson said. “The public of Barbados can be fully satisfied that we will not compromise the security of our borders in any way,” he assured. Hinkson said currently there were times when there was a backup of people after they had booked into the departure lounge sometimes because of the “three layers of security” with which passengers were confronted. That he said began with a guard situated outside the departure hall who checked passports to ensure the picture and the holder of that passport matched, followed by a further checked by immigration officials inside and then for a baggage inspection check. “Of necessity with one of the layers there is a backup and long lines of people, some of whom need to board the flight because the flight is going to leave soon, people are getting nervous and all of this can negatively impact on your experience in Barbados even though you’ve had a great time,” Hinkson said. “Therefore Cabinet has decided to remove one of the layers and we are satisfied that this can be done.” He said immigration officials would still remain at the airport to question suspicious persons. (BT)

EASIER PROCESS WITH NEW EQUIPMENT – The installation of additional kiosks at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) will not only decrease the waiting time for persons arriving in Barbados, but will also free up immigration officers to do other important duties. That is according to Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson, who made the comments during debate on the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2019, this morning in Parliament. In introducing the bill, Hinkson said while there were currently 17 kiosks at the GAIA, government was looking to install more to make life easier for visitors and locals alike on their arrival in Barbados. He said the amendment would formalize the use of the kiosks and provide for the replacement of ED (Embarkation/Disembarkation) forms, which all persons travelling to Barbados were required to complete. According to him, the forms were outdated and required persons to provide unnecessary information. He also described the stamping of passports as “redundant and repetitive”. The minister explained that the kiosks would scan the passport, take a photo and prompt the passenger to respond honestly to a series of questions, all using biometrics. “The practical aspect is that 17 kiosks were purchased by the previous administration, we came and found them, 16 are functional at the present time and it is our intention as soon as financial resources allow, to get more kiosks, because with our growing tourism market and arrivals and of course increased travel we anticipate that the17 that are there would not be adequate enough in the long term,” Hinkson said. “This whole process ties into the whole context where we are making life easier for all those, whether local citizens or tourists who arrive in Barbados.” Hinkson said all persons over the age of 19 would be allowed to use the kiosks which he expected would greatly reduce the current waiting times. “For a tourist, the point of contact in Barbados at the airport is their first point of contact and we all know first impressions count a lot. The typical tourist wants to get off the flight, get out the airport, go on the beach, go and drink some Bajan rum, you want to start enjoying your vacation. You don’t want to be held up at an airport more than is necessary,” he said. However, Hinkson gave his assurance that security would not be compromised. (BT)

TIME NOT RIGHT – Opposition Leader Reverend Joseph Atherley has questioned the timing of Government’s decision to remove Immigration officials from some sections of the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA). Minister of Home Affairs Edmund Hinkson had earlier revealed that Cabinet had taken a decision to move personnel from the departure and arrival halls effective February 1. However, during his contribution to the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2019 in Parliament this afternoon, Atherley queried whether government had properly thought through the move. “While I, in principle, have no problem with the removal of such because we see it happening elsewhere, at the same time we still have to admit that it is still in place in very many places in this world and we have to utilize those systems when we travel to other people’s countries,” Atherley said. “But the point is this, it has to do with the timing. Today as a country we are trying to wrestle the evil of that rising tide of serious gun violence and criminal activity to the ground. Today we are becoming increasingly aware that the phenomenon of violent crime is not a matter that is localized, but that it is organized trans-regionally, trans-nationally and therefore the issue of cross border activity becomes a critical consideration. I find it a bit challenging that when we are faced with that rising spectre of criminal violence and we are met with an understanding that part of the dynamic contributing to that is cross border travel and movement, I find it a little challenging as to the timing of removing officers from the departure point at the airport.” He admitted that while he was not against the shift, he believed it had to be done at the proper time. “I have no problem with their removal at the right time and over time, but it is this government that must judge and it is this particular minister that must judge whether or not this is the appropriate time to do that,” the Opposition Leader maintained. Atherley however, said he had no problem with the introduction of additional kiosks, once it was properly managed and once issues of privacy were appropriately dealt with. (BT)

BARBADOS KEEPING UP WITH TECHNOLOGY –Any use of technology which will improve the efficiency of how business is conducted in Barbados should be welcomed. That is the view of Minister in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance Peter Phillips, who has wholeheartedly supported the introduction of kiosks at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA). While saying that the new kiosks would remove the sometimes lengthy wait in lines at the airport, Phillips said all departments of Government needed to be up-to-date with technological advancements. “We have come to the time in this country where we have to make full use of the technology that there is available to us and we want Barbadians to know that we are working on this,” Phillips said during debate on the Immigration (Amendment) Bill 2019 in Parliament this morning. “It is a work in progress. It is not something that will happen overnight as there are many areas and aspects you have to consider and even in that you have to make sure that the security is tight. Everybody wants to make payments online and so on, which is good and which is the intention, but in doing all of that we have to make sure that all of the systems are in place. “This Act would have gone through several processes, several reviews and even went through a pilot project to ensure it was working the way we want it to work,” he added. Phillips said that even at his ministry, they were currently looking at ways in which to introduce technology in an effort to speed up processes. “The truth is that with the introduction of any new system there is more often than not some teething problems and we want persons to bear with us and to actually share with us comments on the experience, so that if something needs to be tweaked or corrected it can be improved. “That is where we want our country to be. We must be at the cutting edge where technology is concerned and where the use of technology is concerned in all areas, not just at the airport or at the seaport, but in all areas across the business area within the country,” Phillips said. (BT)

SANDALS HAILS PROGRESS AT ITS SHOWPIECE BEACHES HOTEL - Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Adam Stewart says he is pleased with the progress of the multi-million dollar Sandals Beaches Resort currently under construction in Barbados. “For us being in Barbados is an absolute honour and a privilege and we are incredibly proud of how we are built and having the Sandals brand there,” Stewart told Barbados TODAY on the sidelines of the 26th annual World Travel Awards. That event formed part of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace being held in Jamaica this week. “[Sandals Beaches Barbados] is coming on. In terms of design it is one of our finest masterpieces that we have ever done. It will be an incredible hotel. We are getting there slowly but surely. We spent an absolute fortune on the beach works making sure that it is prepared and the site is ready and it is stunning. West end Barbados it is as good as it gets,” said Stewart, as he commented on the progress of the US$400 million project. After several setbacks, it was last year that officials officially started minor construction along the beach, at what was formerly the old Almond Beach Resort in St Peter. The project is expected to last about 27 months and employ about 1,800 people throughout the process. Earmarked to be Sandals’ most elaborate property, Beaches Barbados will consist of about 600 rooms, a number of unrivalled amenities including a six-lane bowling alley, water slides, an on-property train, a zip line and numerous global gourmet restaurants. Between its two properties – Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados – the company currently employs over 1,200 Barbadians in full time positions. Stewart said that number would easily double when the hotel is completed by the end of next year. He said he was especially proud of the company’s investment in Barbados’ struggling economy and its contribution to employment. “We have our two Sandals properties – Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados – and if you think about it, in a space of seven years our company would have invested just shy of US$800 million and at that point will be employing permanently, somewhere in the order of 3,000 to 3,300 Bajans,” said Stewart. “If you look all around the Caribbean there are very few companies that have invested that much money in a lifetime let alone in a seven-year period. So for us, we are very proud of that,” he said. While stating that SRI was not yet up to speed with government’s proposed hotels development plan for Barbados’ southwest coast from the Savannah Hotel in Christ Church to the Paradise Beach in St Michael, Stewart said there were no immediate plans for future investments in the Barbados market from his company. Sandals started its first operation in Barbados in 2013. (BT)

ABRAHAMS: YOU WILL PAY FOR ABUSE OF SEWERS - Abusers of the south coast sewerage system will feel the full weight of the law if found guilty of misuse. The warning has come from Minister of Energy and Water Resources Wilfred Abrahams one week after a manhole at Rendezvous, Christ Church, was found to be “weeping”. He told THE NATION the “slight blip” was “picked up immediately” in the process of “careful monitoring” of the system. A bypass pump on Worthing, Christ Church, was checked and serviced and all the lines connected to or near that pump flushed to correct the problem. “What we realised when we removed the covers, was that the sewers were full of grease again. We pumped off a lot of it to clear out the sewer line, but I guess with the inflow of tourists for cricket and with the heavy operations on the South Coast, the businesses are back to their practice of dumping grease down in the sewer,” Abrahams explained. (MWN)

BWA: THREE PUMPS WORKING AGAIN - Barbados Water Authority (BWA) crews have completed emergency repairs on three out of four pumps impacted by a power outage at the Applewhaites Pumping Station. These have all been successfully reinstalled and are working. Repair work on the fourth pump is ongoing. With these three pumps back in operation, the BWA is now pumping more water into the distribution network. Consequently, the water supply to a number of districts in St James, St Thomas and St Joseph that experienced outages or low pressure over the past two days, should gradually return to normal as the pressure increases. As is usually the case, the BWA remains committed to assisting any customers still affected by outages via water tanker until their supply returns to normal. (MWN)

CLEAN UP LAND – Landowners who don’t upkeep their properties are being put on notice. Minister of Environment and National Beautification Trevor Prescod, has issued this warning, asking the owners to ensure their estates were cleared of bush and the dreaded cow itch vine. “All land owners whose lands are in that kind of state, overrun by bush, especially with cow itch, I would like to encourage them to do what is right to make sure they debush and clean their land so the state would not have to intervene.” He cautioned that if the state had to do the cleaning up on private property, “then the owners can rest assured” the bill would be sent to them. His comments came in the wake of the ongoing removal of bush from around Blackman And Gollop Primary School, which on several occasions has been affected by cow itch. (MWN)

FALLEN TREE LEAVES ROAD IMPASSIBLE – A tree has fallen across the road at Quarry Road, Blackmans, St Joseph. As a result, the road is impassable, and motorists are asked to use an alternative route. A team from the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance is on the scene. (MWN)

IRRESPONSIBLE! – An incensed member of the Police Service Commission (PSC) has described Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s recent attack on the body for its handling of promotions in the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) as highly irresponsible. Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police and former top crime sleuth Keith Whittaker has taken Prime Minister Mottley to task for the statements she made last Friday at a news conference at Parliament Buildings to address the current upsurge in gun violence in the island. Mottley launched a verbal assault on the then Guyson Mayers-led PSC as she promised to deal with the issue of promotion which she said had eroded the morale within the police force. “We are satisfied that the greatest cannibalization of the Royal Barbados Police Force took place in the last few years. It cannot be allowed to happen again. You cannot attack an institution and expect it to prosper…You cannot have successive Commissioners of Police making recommendations for promotions in the police force based on their perceptions of performance and merit and discipline, and then have a Police Service Commission completely ignoring those recommendations and choosing to promote who they want on criteria known only to them,” she told reporters. But in an equally strident rebuke, Whittaker, who represents the interests of the force on the PSC, this morning lambasted the PM Mottley for lumping everyone on that constitutional body and labelling them in the same manner. “It is a very irresponsible act…and it is not fair to get on national TV and lambast the Police Service Commission without being aware of all the facts,” the respected former senior cop told Barbados TODAY. Noting that he was not a political person, the retired senior police officer said it was sad that Barbados had come to this juncture. “I am not interested in no politician or no political party. I am interested in Barbados and the Royal Barbados Police Force. And that is what I am trying to do on the PSC. I am transparent in everything that I do. Tell her that. If they find the chairman [former] political, that is a matter [for them]; I am not political,” Whittaker stressed. Whittaker told Barbados TODAY he was hurt by the Prime Minister’s comments. “After serving 40 years in the Royal Barbados Police Force, it hurts me to know the excellent service that I gave in the force and then I could be pulled in the gutter by the Prime Minister lambasting the PSC…putting all in one basket. I am not in that,” he declared. Whittaker, who was in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for lengthy periods during his four decades in the force and linked to the apprehension of some of Barbados’ most notorious criminals, sought to defend his reputation as a “professional”. “I have a proper character…integrity…I serve; I get shot at; I get dynamite pelt at me for fighting for this country; I get urinated on while waiting for criminals … for this country… and then to be labelled like that. I’m annoyed. “All of these things I did for this country, then to be lambasted by a Prime Minister. It is wrong…to me. I’m hurt,” he lamented. Meanwhile, Whittaker told Barbados TODAY he was not sure if the Prime Minister had consulted with the PSC on the appointment of former Commissioner of Police Darwin Dottin to be a consultant to the sitting COP Tyrone Griffith. The PSC, which is headed by new chairperson Margot Greene QC, is responsible for advising the Governor General on appointments in the police force, and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices. Apart from Greene and Whittaker, the other members of the commission are the Reverend Vaughn Watson, Neville Lewis and Shirley Farnum. This is the first time that a retired commissioner of police has been returned as a consultant to the force and/or government on matters related to crime. The Police Act makes no provisions for the appointment of such a consultant to a sitting Commissioner of Police nor obliges a sitting Commissioner of Police to adhere to any advice given by a civilian consultant. Neither former PSC chairman Guyson Mayers nor current chairman Greene could be reached for comment. (BT)

MURDER NO. 9 – A Grazettes St Michael mother is crying her heart out as she mourns the tragic loss of a son. As police carry out investigations into the circumstances which led to the death of 29-year-old Jabar Lashley who allegedly died at the hands of a teenager, his grieving mother Marcia Clarke told Barbados TODAY that while she would not publicly speak out about what she was told caused her son’s death, she would say that he should not have died senselessly. “Jabar should not die like this. I don’t understand how he died like this. This is senseless,” Clarke lamented as she dealt with the pain of losing the last of her three boys. Police public relations officer Sergeant Michael Blackman said that sometime around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Lashley was at Dore’s Sport Bar, at Gunsite Road, Brittons Hill, St Michael, where he was involved in an altercation with a juvenile. The young man was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital by a private vehicle, where he died around 10:40 p.m., after undergoing surgery. “The juvenile is currently assisting police with investigations,” Sergeant Blackman said. An emotional Clarke, recounting her son’s last moments alive, said when she got to the hospital after she received the devastating news, doctors told her what no mother would ever want to hear. “They told me that he only got a ten per cent chance of surviving,” Clarke recalled. “But ten per cent ain’t no chance to live. You would talk about 50/50, but at ten per cent you could as well say he dead. When they told me ten, I say Jabar gone. Actually, he was just there like he passed already because he wasn’t breathing or nothing. So I just hold he hands and tell he that I love him,” she said. The 53-year-old mother said she last saw the former Ellerslie Secondary student on Sunday when he came to her home for lunch and they had an enjoyable time chatting and laughing. At that same time, they made plans to attend Lashley’s eight-year-old son Xaier Mayers’ school’s sports which were held today. “The sports was supposed to be today. Then I hear this thing happen. I don’t know how my son gone. I trying to be good, but my heart hurting me. He was too sweet to go down like that. He got a family. That little boy believes in Jabar. He likes Jabar so bad. He left a sweet eight-year-old boy. He liked jokes. When it comes to jokes you would get Jabar laughing. He would come and blow the car horn shouting ‘mom I here, mom I here’. He was a sweet boy,” the mother said. Clarke said she spent most of the day waiting to hear Jabar blowing the horn signalling for her to get out the house for them to head to the school sports. Meanwhile, Shakira Mayers, the mother of Lashley’s son and partner of 10 years, said she would be the first to admit that Lashley was not perfect, but he was a loving boyfriend and a caring father to their son and also her firstborn. Speaking at her Bibby’s Lane, St Michael home where Lashley also lived, Mayers said she spoke to the man who told her he would marry her someday moments before he was stabbed. “The last words he said to me was ‘be outside’ and I said whatever Jabar. I say just come. Then when I saw the time coming up I was rushing to get outside and then my friend called to ask me if I heard. I was like heard what? . . . I just left work. I didn’t know how I was getting to the hospital but I just left,” Mayers said. “He had surgery. Then they took him to the recovery room and we went and we saw him, and he was still breathing, I believe with the machine,” the 30-year-old recalled. Mayers said she has heard “so many stories” about the incident that she does not know what to believe. “There are so many flip sides to this story, but I know one side got to be true,” an emotional Mayers said. Lashley was also supposed to collect his son from at the barber where he dropped him off for a haircut, not too far away from where the incident took place. “When he saw that his dad was taking long to come back for him he knew something was wrong. He was supposed to go back to him, and in that short space of time this happened. I didn’t even know where the children were. Jabar couldn’t talk to tell me where the child was. It was such a rough evening,” Mayers said. “He and his son had a really good relationship, so I know he is hurting. But he is such a sweet son. He telling me ‘mummy you got to be strong. Don’t cry. Just be strong and remember the fun times that you and daddy had. We gine be alright’. But I know he is hurting. They born like a day apart,” the young woman said as she spoke about her Xaier who attended his sports today. Barbados TODAY understands that the altercation came about after Lashley spoke to the alleged perpetrator about a matter which involved the breaking and entering of his vehicle. Gunsite Road was quiet when Barbados TODAY visited just after midday. As Police carried out investigations, several residents said they were shocked about the incident which they believe should never have happened. One resident who is familiar with the teenager said he has had a troubled upbringing and sometimes made decisions that caused him to have to face the juvenile system. (BT)

FATHER SUCCUMBS TO STAB WOUNDS – Shakira Mayers last spoke to her boyfriend Jabar Lashley on Monday evening when she contacted him to pick her up from work at 5 p.m. He never showed up. Lashley, 29, was involved in an altercation at Gunsite Road, Brittons Hill, St Michael, and was stabbed. He was transported to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he died after 10 p.m. “Last time I saw him alive was on Monday morning when he took me to work. We spoke about 4:30 yesterday [Monday] evening when I called him to let him know to collect me from work for 5 p.m.,” his girlfriend said. Mayers said when she first heard the news, she did not think it was that serious, but made her way to the hospital immediately. “It’s only when I got at the hospital around 6 p.m. that I knew something was wrong. There was so much traffic on the road so it took me a while to get there. “The doctors spoke to us after 10 and told us things weren’t looking good. He was just there with machines helping him to breathe. I stayed all night hoping that he would wake up; then we were told he was gone,” she said, fighting back tears. (MWN)

HOLDER REMANDED ON WOUNDING CHARGE - A Christ Church businessman charged in connection with the incident that left another man with severe injuries to his hand, has been remanded to Her Majesty’s Prisons at Dodds, St Philip for 28 days and will return to court on February 26. Corie O’Neil Holder, 39, of 179 Regency Park, Christ Church, appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court before Acting Magistrate Anika Jackson and was not allowed to plead to the indictable charge of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Alban Mottley of Newbury, St George, on January 15, 2019, with intent to maim, disfigure or disable him. The incident is alleged to have taken place at Station Hill, St Michael. Prosecutor, PC Kenmore Phillips had asked the court not to grant bail because of the seriousness of the offence and the complainant was at the hospital awaiting surgery. His counsel, attorney-at-law, Kendrid Sargeant had described him as a fit candidate, but the acting magistrate remanded the businessman because of the medical report and after checking his antecedents. (BT)

DRUG ACCUSED GRANTED BAIL – Ken DaCosta Murrell pleaded guilty to two drug charges but not guilty to two charges involving a policeman. As a result, he was granted bail in the sum of $750 and the matter has been adjourned until February 12 to the Traffic Court. Murrell, 37, of Second Avenue Park Road, Bush Hall, St Michael, appeared before acting Magistrate Anika Jackson in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on four charges. He pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of cocaine and having apparatus fit and intended for use in connection with cocaine, but not guilty of resisting PC Jason Chambers and unlawfully and maliciously wounding the same policeman. The incidents allegedly occurred on January 28, 2019. The unemployed man is represented by attorney-at-law, Naomi Linton. (BT)

$375 FINES – A Bridgetown magistrate has issued her second warning in a week, that using marijuana is still illegal in Barbados, despite the fact that discussion was ongoing about medicinal marijuana, Acting Magistrate Anika Jackson presiding in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court made the remarks after two accused Roxanne Rosette Gill a 31-year-old hairdresser of Newton Crescent, Pine, St Michael and 57-year-old self-employed Anthony Hyvestra Blenman of Maxwell Coast Road, Christ Church were jointly charged with unlawfully having cannabis worth $10 on January 28. They both pleaded guilty. When the matter was called, they appeared without counsel but the court was informed that attorney-at-law Mohia Ma’at was on his way to represent the duo. According to the facts outlined by Prosecutor, PC Kenmore Phillips, police officers went to Newton Crescent, Pine, St Michael and saw a parked car with Blenman in the front passenger seat with the door open and Gill standing by the open door. When lawmen approached the vehicle Gill removed a white cigarette from her mouth, put her hand in her pocket and then passed a white piece of paper to Blenman and started to walk away. When asked to open the folded paper, police saw one greaseproof wrapping, one paper wrapping and a partially burnt cigarette with vegetable matter, suspected to be cannabis, and Blenman said “I tell she police coming to give me the spliff.” The defence counsel submitted that the two were not charged together, adding that police came back for Gill about an hour after they had taken Blenmanaway. In begging for leniency, Ma’at said that Gill is a mother of two and lived with her family including parents and siblings, and Blenman is a senior and his prior offences dated back to the 1980s. The two apologised to the court. The acting magistrate said that they were adults and ought to have known better. She fined them $375 each, payable in three months or on default, three months in jail. (BT)

MITCHELL’S CRY – It seems Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron will not be copping a break from Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell anytime soon. Just days after West Indies’ 381-run demolition of England at Kensington Oval within four days, Mitchell, has poured cold water on the West Indies win, warning once again that unless there is a change in the current administration of CWI, instances like the weekend victory over England in the opening Test will remain one-off occurrences. The veteran leader who has been one of Cameron’s staunchest critics over the past three or more years argued that sustained success on the field could only be achieved by proper leadership and management, and a governance system “that promotes the interests of the players”. “We have seen West Indies perform well in a particular game in the past but as one who understands the game well, I know you cannot make a final judgement on the performance of a team by one game,” Mitchell said. “As they say in areas of intellectual activity, maybe that’s a one-off. I don’t like one-off. I like it to be clear there’s a permanent change in attitude.” He added: “As I have said over and over, unless the administration changes, I do not think we will see the kind of performance we need to.” Mitchell is a former chairman of CARICOM’s Prime Ministerial subcommittee on cricket and has continued to lobby for governance reform in West Indies cricket. During his tenure, he found himself at odds with the current Cameron-led administration when he endorsed the CARICOM-commission Governance Report, which among other recommendations, called for the “immediate dissolution” of the current board and the appointment of an interim board “whose structure and composition will be radically different from the now proven, obsolete governance framework.” CWI dismissed the recommendation as “impractical” and an “unnecessary and intrusive demand”. Mitchell agreed while there was an abundance of talent in the region, West Indies were suffering from a lack of leadership. “I always believe we have the talent in the region; I never think we are short of talent,” he pointed out. “Maybe we will not see a Gary Sobers or Brian Lara emerging, but we have the talent to ensure that we can extract the maximum performance, but it requires the leadership, management and governance system that promotes the interests of the players and the unity of the region as a whole. “I think that is the fundamental thing that is lacking and I hope we see a change in that regard.” Cameron has copped criticisms from Mitchell and others despite greater financial reward being obtained by a greater number of players under his tenure and more age-group cricket being played around the region. CWI has also been part of the Caribbean Premier League introduction in the region, as well as the regional Professional Cricket League Meanwhille, West Indies face England in the second Test of the three-match series starting on Thursday in Antigua with speedster Shannon Gabriel and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich having recovered from minor injuries picked up in the opening Test. Gabriel limped out of the fourth day’s play at Kensington Oval last weekend with a bruised toe while Dowrich also sat out proceedings with a sore back. West Indies team manager, Rawl Lewis, confirmed today there were no major injuries in the squad as they chased a historic series win. “[There are] no worries at all. There will always be little niggles after a hard Test match but they are all ready to go,” Lewis said. He added: “We practised from 2 pm to 5 pm and everyone was there nice and healthy and strong and looking pretty good.” Gabriel had little impact in the opening Test claiming just two wickets but worked up a fair turn of pace in the second innings before having to go off after lunch. Dowrich, meanwhile, batted outstandingly in the second innings to finish unbeaten on 116 but was replaced by Shai Hope behind the stumps for the entire fourth day. West Indies named an unchanged squad for the upcoming Test but have added fast bowler Oshane Thomas as a 14th man, after the Jamaican acted as cover for fellow pacer Alzarri Joseph for the first Test in Bridgetown last weekend. (BT)

FORMER TEST MEN LAUD WI – Former Test players John Shepherd and Robin Bynoe say consistency and self-belief must be the benchmark for the West Indies team after their stunning and emphatic 381-run victory over world number three ranked England last weekend at Kensington Oval. Like most fans, Shepherd and Bynoe were surprised by the performance of Jason Holder’s men, who defied all odds to beat England in four days. “I was surprised at the win. I wanted them to be competitive. I didn’t want them to just roll over, but they did much more than that. The West Indies were brilliant. They defied all expectations. “Let’s be fair. I would say 80 per cent, maybe more, never thought West Indies would have won, or at least would have won by the margin they won by,” said Shepherd, who played the first of his five Tests on the 1969 tour of England. (MWN)

FAN’S CHANCE OF A LIFETIME – Never mind the result. For one English fan, watching the first Test between West Indies at Kensington Oval was a dream come true. John Edge has wanted to visit the Caribbean for 50 years to watch a Test match. The 70-year-old, however, didn’t have the time or the money to come over to the West Indies. He finally made it last week, thanks to the help of his family and others. It wasn’t even a disappointment that England suffered a massive defeat by 381 runs. “It’s absolutely brilliant. It’s a dream come true. It has been on my bucket list of the last 50 years. I can’t praise enough how much I wanted to be here,” Edge told NATIONSPORT “I am a cricket fan. I like England, I like West Indies. It was just an ideal place to watch a game of cricket.” (MWN)

BFA KICKING FOR THE FUTURE – The Barbados Football Association (BFA) is set to start the Future Tridents Development Programme when the National Youth Cup competition kicks off on February 9. This was revealed by technical director Ahmed Mohamed during a recent exclusive interview with THE NATION. Working under the tagline Train With The Best, Play With The Best, the new competition during its first year will see eight elite teams fielded from the Under-13 Division. The second year would see the introduction of the top players in Under-15s, while year three is set to include the Under-17s. “Starting this year, the players would be able to train three times a week step by step. The main goal is to focus on the players’ development, as it takes five to seven years on average to develop a player. The Future Tridents Development Programme is not about winning, it is about development,” he explained. (MWN)

URGENT O NEGATIVE BLOOD DONATIONS NEEDED – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Blood Bank is issuing an urgent appeal for O negative blood donations. A positive, A negative, AB, B positive and B negative blood donations are also needed. Donated blood will help replenish the QEH Blood Bank’s supply to ensure that blood is readily available for patients with serious medical needs such as cancers, blood disorders, premature babies, cardiac procedures and trauma victims. Volunteers between the ages of 18 and 70, who weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health are asked to donate blood at the National Blood Collecting Centre located at Ladymeade Gardens, St Michael, between 8 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. on weekdays or 8 a.m. and 12 noon on Saturdays. (MWN)

PAUSE FOR PRAYER - At midday on Friday, all of Barbados is being invited to pause for one minute to pray for peace in response to the spate of violence currently being experienced. The initiative, which has as its theme Pause for a Cause, is being spearheaded by the Ministry of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs. Minister in that Ministry, which also has responsibility for Ecclesiastical Affairs, Cynthia Forde, met today with faith leaders to garner support for three days of prayer and reflection from midday Friday, February 1, through Sunday, February 3. The Minister explained that while everyone is asked to pause at midday on Friday to pray, persons are also encouraged during the 72 hours to attend any gathering for prayer and reflection. Churches, mosques and other places of worship will be opened to facilitate this. The Minister urged the full participation of the population in the Weekend of Prayer and Reflection, noting: “Whatever we do during this weekend, it should be reflective. Some of our people are falling through the cracks and it is time to seek divine intervention to get the country back on track.” Activities are also being planned for February, as part of this initiative. These will include a Day of Love, Peace and Commitment on Wednesday, February 13, and a faith-based consultation to devise strategies aimed at helping persons in communities to develop coping skills, particularly in the area of conflict resolution.(BGIS)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 335 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

#The Chase Files #The Chase Files Daily Newscap #Wilfred Abrahams #MIA MOTTLEY #Nation news #The Nation Barbados #Barbados #Barbados Today #Crime in Barbados #murder #Sports #GAIA

0 notes

thechasefiles · 6 years

Text

The Chase Files Daily 7/26/2018

Good Morning #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Thursday 26th July 2018. Remember you can read full articles by purchasing Daily Nation Newspaper (DN), via Barbados Today (BT) or Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS).

P.M.: GOVERNMENT NOT INTO VENGENCE - Government will not be going after any of its predecessors for alleged wrongdoing. Contrary to a commitment made by Attorney General Dale Marshall QC several weeks ago, Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Tuesday said her administration “will not be consumed by vengeance”. However, she said if clear information and/or evidence is brought to prove corruption, her administration intends to investigate. Indicating that some Barbadians may want “blood”, Mottley, who also serves as Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment, sympathised with those people whom she claimed felt aggrieved and angered by perceived plundering. And while she said that she struggled with those feelings, for her it was not about vengeance but rather about setting a line in the sand for accountability. Her comments were made in the House of Assembly during the debate of the Integrity In Public Life Bill, 2018. “. . . And while we must make sure that there is accountability without doubt, this Government must never become so obsessed with anything that approaches a level of vengeance that it forgets to do what it has to do to move the people of this country forward in a way that is sustainable. “And that is my job, I believe, as Prime Minister of this country: to ensure that even though we hold people accountable, that this Government must never become consumed with wanting only to achieve a level of vengeance or a level of we gine get yuh,” she said. Noting that every individual was deserving of a second chance, Mottley iterated that whatever justice is pursued it has to be done on the basis of evidence. “And if the evidence is there we will deal with it,” she stressed. Mottley added: “I have no interest in vengeance but I have an interest in making sure that Barbadians receive the full opportunity for development. “And this is not to be interpreted as the AG not going ahead with the ones for which there is clear evidence. “ . . . . If there is clear evidence of malfeasance in public office, then he must act. If there is evidence for higher [than that], then he must equally act too, and there are instances that are still the subject of investigations.” (DN)

MINISTER ISSUES WARNING –Barbadians are being warned against engaging with anyone on social media pretending to be representing the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce. This caution has come from the Minster of Entrepreneurship Dwight Sutherland who suggested that is almost ready to offer the Trust Loan Fund to the public. “As minister responsible for entrepreneurship, I give you the assurance that my Ministry will continue to roll out innovative business solutions to continue to address the perennial challenges faced by the entrepreneurial class in Barbados. “In this regard and by way of update let me advise that the infrastructural planning to roll out the much anticipated Trust Loan Fund… is at an advanced stage and every effort is being made to give clarity and transparency to the process,”Sutherland said. He made these comments on Wednesday at Bagnall Point Pelican Village when he addressed the opening of the Barbados Manufacturers Association’s (BMA) A Guide to Costing Workshop. “This must be said, being mindful of the fact that there are already persons purporting online to be facilitators of this loan facility. Let me categorically state that my Ministry is solely responsible for this loan facility and has not given permission to anyone to act on its behalf. “The general public is therefore warned against being duped by such persons whose intention is to get you to expend personal funds to access this loan facility,”Sutherland added. The Trust Loan was one of the promises made by the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) during the last General election. The loan facility will provide unsecured loans at a very minimal interest rate and amounts of up to $5000 will be loaned to persons in the first instance and upon repayment will facilitate access to another $10,000.00. (DN)

FOUR QUESTIONED IN MILLION DOLLAR DRUG HAUL – A fourth person is being questioned by the police as the investigation continues into a drug find aboard a yacht in the Bridgetown Port on Monday. And earlier this evening Goddard Enterprises Limited issued a statement regarding police detaining two of its directors, a staff member. “At this point, we understand that no one has been charged. We are confident that the police are engaged in their usual high standard of investigation and we look forward to putting this matter behind us very quickly when the full facts are known. "In the interim our deputy chairman, Mr William Putnam is acting as chairman of the company. Our chief executive officer, Mr Anthony Ali, is currently in Ecuador on company business,” the statement read. In addition to the four people, three men and a woman, the company’s yacht is also in police custody. “The company wishes to assure all of its stakeholders that it continues to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity which have been the backbone of this organisation from its very beginnings,” the read the statement signed by Putnam. Yesterday the three crew members of the Barbados registered vessel spent the day at the Oistins Police Station after the Drug Squad carried out a raid at the Bridgetown Port on Monday. Reports are that today at least two of those detained left the police for a period of time but remained detained up to this point. (DN)

ESTACY EXPOSED – There is still no indication as to if or when police will charge two prominent businessmen and an unknown third person being questioned in connection with a $3 million drug bust aboard the luxury yacht Ecstasy, which is owned by Goddard Enterprises Limited. Charles Herbert, the chairman of Goddard Enterprises and head of the Barbados Private Sector Association, and the company’s non-executive director Chris Rogers, were transferred today from the police station in Oistins, Christ Church to the Criminal Investigation Department in Fontabelle, St Michael, where lawmen continued their probe into the discovery of the drugs on board the yacht which had returned to Barbados from Grenada. The third person of interest, who it was alleged was hired to work on the vessel, but who the company has since identified as a staff member, is still being interrogated at the Oistin’s police station. Attorney-at- law Andrew Pilgrim, QC, is representing Herbert and Rogers, while Arthur Holder, who serves as Speaker of the House of Assembly, told Barbados TODAY he was providing legal counsel for the person of interest. Neither attorney would provide any details about the investigation, which has gone past the 48-hour period during which police can legally hold people being questioned, without laying charges. In a media release yesterday, the Royal Barbados Police Force said members of the Drug Squad discovered a quantity of marijuana on the yacht about 1 p.m. on Monday and that “three crew members” were being questioned in connection with the find. “On Monday 23rd July 2018 about 1 p.m., members of the Royal Barbados Police Force’s Drug Squad unit conducted an operation on board a Barbados registered vessel at the Bridgetown Port, St Michael. “As a result of that operation, a quantity of marijuana was found. Three crew members are currently assisting police with investigations,” the release said without naming the vessel, those on board or the value of the confiscated drugs. It was not immediately known when the luxury vessel left Barbados, or if it made any stops other than in Grenada. Goddard Enterprises released a statement today in which it said the company had made some adjustments as a result of the development, naming Deputy Chairman William Putnam as Acting Chairman. It said Anthony Ali, the chief executive officer, was in Ecuador on company business. In the statement, signed by Putnam, Goddard Enterprises said it “has become aware of a situation involving its vessel, two of its directors and a staff member, who have been detained by the police”. It further stated that while no one had been charged at this point, the company was confident that “police are engaged in their usual high standard of investigations and look forward to putting the matter behind them once the facts are fully known”. “The company wishes to assure all of its stakeholders that it continues to uphold the highest standards of ethics and integrity which have been the backbone of this organization from its very beginnings,” the statement said. Police have yet to issue an update since yesterday’s brief statement, however, sources have told Barbados TODAY all parties who were on the yacht could be held responsible for the contraband under the doctrine of common enterprise, if no one admitted to knowledge of the drugs. “This is a private yacht belonging to Goddards. It is not a vessel that every Tom, Dick and Harry off the streets can just board and have the run of it. So those on board would have to provide answers,” a police source stated on condition of anonymity. Goddard Enterprises Limited is a publicly traded company, listed on the Barbados Stock Exchange. Its subsidiary companies are involved in airline catering, industrial and restaurant catering, meat processing, bakery operations, automobile retail and automotive parts, real estate, the manufacture of aerosols and liquid detergents, investments, rum distilling, general trading, packaging, fish and shrimp processing, property rentals, general insurance, financing, as well as shipping agents and stevedoring, the company says on its website. Goddard had revenues of $205.8 million for the quarter ending December 31, 2017, an increase of 3.7 per cent over the corresponding period in 2016, with growth registered mainly across it auto, building supplies and services division, according to its financial statement. (BT)

TEEN REMANDED ON GUN AND AMMO CHARGES – An 18-year-old got an automatic 28-day stay at HMP Dodds today after he appeared in court on gun and ammunition charges. Shad Gabriel Orlando Slocombe, of Block one, Apartment 5, Community High Rise Towers, Country Road, St Michael, is alleged to have had a .32 revolver and five rounds of ammunition in his possession on July 18. The accused was not required to plead to the indictable charges when he appeared before Magistrate Douglas Frederick today. Slocombe, who is represented by attorney at law Mohia Ma’at, reappears in the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court on August 22. (DN)

HOT PHONE – A carpenter, in his 30s, had to part with $600 today after he was found guilty of purchasing a stolen cellular phone over six years ago. Damian Renaldo Weekes, of St Lawrence, Christ Church, was charged with dishonestly obtaining the $1,000 electronic device knowing or believing it to be stolen between October 11, 2011 and January 10, 2012. “That day I was walking when I saw this guy named Andre. I accustom of getting things from him. I bought the phone from him and it turned out to be stolen . . . and when I got to court I understand that it was robbed from somebody else,” Weekes said as he gave an unsworn statement today. However, Magistrate Douglas Frederick found him guilty based on oral statements he allegedly made when he was detained for the offence. Frederick explained that Weekes had told the officer back then that he knew ‘it was a hot phone because I got it at a deal’. “If you are in doubt, leave it out! Face a reputable place to get your stuff,” the magistrate said as he chastised Weekes and imposed the fine. (DN)

TOO MUCH SECRECY AT TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING, GOVT TOLD – Secrecy, a lack of transparency and lengthy delays have been identified as some of the major hurdles in the way of developers and other stakeholders in the planning process. Kim Penfold, consultant with the housing, planning and regeneration company, Penfold Associates, today complained there was too much secrecy and too many delays at Town & Country Planning, lending to a feeling, especially among the public, that the process was neither fair nor honest. “The wider public has a right to know that their interests are being considered when planning applications are being dealt with,” Penfold told the second in a series of stakeholder consultations on the planned reform of the Town and Country Planning Act at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. He said it was imperative that both the applicant and the wider public see the planning system as “fair, open, honest and efficient” if there were to be “a fit for purpose planning system”. The planning consultant argued that delays in the planning process served as a deterrent to investment, invited illegal developments and created “a contempt of the planning system”. “The system is also beset by secrecy, and I use that word deliberately because decisions are actually made that you don’t know anything about. That destroys the confidence and trust and it raises suspicion about corruption . . . whether corruption exist or not. And again this secrecy deters investment,” he stressed, adding that “transparency builds trust and confidence”. Penfold stressed the need for consistency in the granting of permission, although he admitted there would be exceptions, which he advised ought to be dealt “in a clear, opened and explained fashion”. “Finally on these cross-cutting issues is the governance point, which I hope will be applied to all the rest of the discussion. The governance point comes down simply to who will make the decision. Sometimes at the moment it is the Prime Minister, sometimes it is the chief town planner. Should the Prime Minister have to make decision about simple little things? Should the chief town planner have ultimate authority on almost every application that goes through the system? These are all things we should look at,” he advised. It was also revealed that it could take up to eight years for an appeal to be settled, with Penfold pleading for the process to be managed “so it can deliver on time, as simple as that”. “Sometimes when planning applications go to appeal and take eight years that is of no use to anybody. So those are things that need to be dealt with,” he insisted. Meantime, attorney-at-law Christine Toppin-Allahar said there was a lot of catching up to do with regards to updating the planning law in order to make it more reflective of current realities. During today’s discussions concerns were also raised about the lack of enforcement against those involved in unlawful developments, with participants recommending the penalty be increased from the current $1,000 fine. One of the other recommendations made was for the authorities to consider establishing a separate department to carry out enforcement of building codes and standards. The consultations were designed primarily for the Mia Mottley administration to discuss with stakeholders, the challenges associated with the town planning process and to come up with workable solutions. At the end of the process, which began last Monday, it is hoped that a new Town & Country Planning Act will be developed, which should go before Parliament by the end of November. (BT)

BACTERIAL INFECTION UNDER CONTROL QEH – The state-run Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) today confirmed that eight cases of the bacterial illness known as Burkholderia Cepacia Complex were diagnosed at the island’s premier health care institution over the past six weeks. However, it said several measures were taken to bring the situation under control. “There were six cases diagnosed in June, and two in early July, but since the introduction of mitigating measures to arrest the increase in incidences and reduce recurrences, there have been no additional cases of Burkholderia Cepacia complex diagnosed to date,” the hospital’s communications department said. The bacteria, said to be most harmful to persons suffering with renal disease or a weakened immune system, are usually found in soil and contaminated water. However, given the recent threat the hospital has been emphasizing the importance of hand and other forms of hygiene. In addition, patients diagnosed with the condition were separated from the general population and treated, amid stepped up health surveillance at the hospital. (BT)

ARRIVALS UP – Visitor arrivals are up for the first six months of 2018, and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc (BTMI) is expecting the positive trend to continue, with more flights due here and new attractions to come on stream before yearend. In a release, the BTMI said that between January and June this year, Barbados recorded some 357,668 stay over visitors, an increase of 10,819, or 3.1 per cent, when compared to the same period in 2017. Of the island’s five major source markets, the United Kingdom is again out front with 119,241 people coming in from that market, up 2.8 per cent from 2017. However, the biggest jump of 8.8 per cent was registered in the United States market from whence a total of 107,328 visitors came, while 53,236 visitors made their way here from Canada, a 2.9 per cent increase compared to 2017. In terms of the Caribbean, Barbados attracted the majority of its visitors – 14,863 – from Trinidad and Tobago, while there was a 3.1 per cent increase in arrivals from the rest of the region. The European continent retained its 4.3 per cent market share with 18,988 visitors. While congratulating the players in the industry, Chief Executive Officer of the BTMI, William Billy Griffith, said Barbados must do more to remain competitive. “As we continue to grow the Barbados brand, we must be strategic in our efforts and now, more than ever, we must focus on our key relationships. So, over the next six months we will be working even more closely with our partners to ensure these trends continue through the upcoming winter period and beyond.” The increased arrivals can be attributed in part to greater airlift following the inauguration of Virgin Atlantic’s new twice-weekly service from London Heathrow, which started in December 2017 and continued through to April 2018. It is due to resume for the 2018-19 winter period. Thomas Cook, another carrier operating from London Gatwick, will also continue its flights to Barbados in the 2018-19 winter season following a successful debut this past winter. It is also expected that the new partnership with Copa Airlines out of Panama, which recently had its inaugural flight to Barbados, will reap significant benefits in terms of attracting new business from South America and the Caribbean. In the US market, American Airlines is adding a third daily flight out of Miami on December 19 this year, and on that same day it will launch a daily non-stop service from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Barbados. Canadian airline WestJet is increasing its seat capacity by eight per cent between May and October this year, and this coming winter, Air Canada will introduce three weekly flights from Montreal. Griffith further revealed that some new attractions would also have aroused greater interest in the country. “New attractions like Rihanna Drive and Nikki Beach, or even Hugo’s Restaurant, go a long way in showing that Barbados is committed to maintaining its position as a superior holiday destination, and looking ahead to the next six months, I am looking forward to experiencing the new Heritage Railway that St Nicholas Abbey is currently working on, which will feature a 45-minute train ride along the east coast of Barbados in a restored locomotive,” he said. “We are cognizant of the continuous need to refresh and invigorate our product offerings, while preserving the elements of the Barbados experience that keep our repeat guest rate so high,” he added. (BT)

SLINGER AND DONOVAN ON BOARD – Two new transport boards have been announced with community activist Adrian Donovan and journalist Timothy Slinger among the immediate standouts. Donovan, who is has been articulating the concerns of residents on the south coast sewage situation over the past year, has been appointed by the Mia Mottley-led Government to serve on the new board of directors at the state-run Transport Board, which is led by attorney-at-law Gregory Nicholls. The six-member board also includes David Bowen (deputy chairman), Paul Bernstein, Wanda Reid Beckles, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance or a nominee, according to the Official Gazette dated June 25, 2018. The Transport Authority meantime has appointed an 11-member board to guide its affairs for the next three years. Led by businessman Ian Estwick, it also includes Rozanne Parris-Bryan (deputy chairman), along with Slinger, Steven Williams, Arley Thorpe, Andrew Willoughby, the Permanent Secretary and the Chief Technical Officer in the Ministry of Transport Works and Maintenance or their nominees, as well as representatives of the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Transport Board and the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados, the gazette added. The changes come on the heels of the May 24 general elections in which the Freundel Stuart-led Democratic Labour Party was swept from office. (BT)

AC DRAWS FIRST FOR FINALS - AC will lead the charge at the Courtesy/Mount Gay Pic O De Crop finals next Friday, August 3. Following him will be Billboard at number two and Crystal Cummins Beckles. The finalists drew for their positions last night during a mix and mingle session at Courtesy Garage, Wildey St Michael. They will be seeking to dethrone reigning monarch iWeb who will perform at position number seven. There was one change amongst the finalists with Mr Blood switching with Structure. Mr Blood will sing at number six and Structure will sing at number nine. The full list in order of performance is as follows: AC, Billboard, Chrystal Cummins Beckles, Smokey Burke, Mr Blood, Donella, iWeb, Kid Site, Structure and Jude Clarke. (DN)

For daily or breaking news reports follow us on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter & Facebook. That’s all for today folks. There are 159 days left in the year. Shalom! #thechasefilesdailynewscap #thechasefiles# dailynewscapsbythechasefiles

#The Chase Files #The Chase Files Daily Newscap #The Nation Barbados #Barbados #estacy #folks #jude clarke #teen remanded #dlp #blp #pic

0 notes