Published 13 April 2017
Buckie Got It…..This march was held in sandy point for the closing out ceremony of readers express camp held at the community center In Sandy Point this week
HMP INMATES TESTIFY TO SUCCESS OF PROJECT STOP ‘N’ THINK
Published 13 April 2017
Travis DuPorte embraces Dr. Chitan
Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 11, 2017 (SKNIS): Several inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP) have thanked the Ministry of National Security in St. Kitts, as well as Crime Reduction Specialist, Dr. Neals Chitan for believing that they can change and equipping them with behavioural and coping strategies to achieve this.
Thirty of the men graduated from the 10-week Project Stop ‘n’ Think programme created by Dr. Chitan, which explored the roots of crime and used various techniques that encouraged the participants to “always stop and think before you proceed.” The graduation ceremony was held on Saturday, April 08, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Basseterre.
Marius Webbe, who is presently serving a 30-year sentence, described the intervention by Dr. Chitan as “much needed,” noting that it brought a measure of hope to himself and his peers. The inmate also credited Superintendent of Prisons, Mr. Junie Hodge, and his staff for reinforcing the rehabilitation and reform agenda at HMP. Mr. Webbe described Project Stop ‘n’ Think as an excellent complementary programme.
“I say to Mr. Chitan, you are an inspirer, a go getter and one who we have adopted as a mentor, a father. Thank you for giving me my hope back and [on behalf] of our residents, I say you are our guiding light,” Mr. Webbe stated.
Wycliffe Liburd shared similar sentiments as Webbe, while adding that the inmates were challenged to reflect on past missteps and on who they are. He became emotional while sharing his thoughts and apologized to his mother for disappointing her by being in prison, rather than having an honest job and contributing productively to society.
Travis DuPorte and Raheem Crossley also gave positive reviews of the programme and said they were committed to leading more positive lives and helping others to do the same.
Dr. Chitan said he enjoyed working with the inmates and learnt from them during the weekly sessions, which often ran longer than scheduled. He encouraged the general public to give the persons who are eligible for release a second chance as they reintegrate into society.
MINISTER HAMILTON REPORTS ON PROGRESS OF HOUSING PROJECT IN CAYON
Published 13 April 2017
Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 13, 2017 (SKNIS): The Team Unity Administration’s highly acclaimed Unity Housing Solutions Programme is moving apace with the construction of the first 15 of the 300 homes that are set to be built throughout St. Kitts.
Touring Cunningham Heights in Cayon, where the first 15 homes will be built, Minister of Human Settlement, the Honourable Eugene Hamilton, assured that he will be visiting the construction site regularly to monitor at the progress. He added that homes will also be constructed in other areas, namely, Sandy Point, Newton Ground, Tabernacle, Dieppe Bay, Mansion, Saddlers, Stapleton, Conaree, Molinueax, Challengers and Basseterre.
“Within a short time, we should have over 100 such projects on stream. I know that in Pine Gardens, Taylor’s and [Buckley’s], they have already done some excavation work there to do some town houses,” said Minister Hamilton, adding that nine contractors were hired to construct the homes at Cunningham Heights.
Project Consultant, Warren Thompson, revealed that construction activities in the next month should begin in Sandy Point, Challengers, Saddlers, Mansion, Tabernacle and Molinueax. He outlined that town houses will be built in the Basseterre area, while the rural area will consist of bungalows.
Mr. Thompson said that outside of acquiring a house, a number of other persons stand to benefit from the programme.
“We have job creation and of course a boost for the economy. Business owners are now able to boost their businesses [such as] TDC and S.L. Horsfords. Even small suppliers are now gaining from this initiative, and not just the suppliers, but equipment owners, truckers, backhoes – they are all gaining presently from this programme,” said Mr. Thompson. “Within the construction industry, you have professionals [surveyors] who are also gaining from the initiative. Most of all, it is something that helps to grow the economy. Generally, that is the biggest thing for us.”
The project consultant stated that an important aspect to note is the bigger size of the houses in terms of designs and layouts.
“Major positives based on the designs and the costs of the homes [are the fact that] the bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms are bigger, and owners will be paying less. So it is quite a lot of positives and to see the actual work now progressing, I think it really raises the interest of people who have been waiting so long, and it also raises their confidence in the government in terms of delivery,” he said. “The way the construction is being done, having supervisors on site at all times, ensures quality and durability on the construction.”
The housing initiative kicked off on March 01, 2017, with a groundbreaking at Cunningham Heights. The style of the new homes will remain the same as previous NHC homes. However, the significant difference is in the size. The dimensions have increased from 780 square feet to 862 square feet. The bedroom sizes have increased from 12×9 to 12×14. The bathroom sizes have also increased from 40 square feet to 56 square feet. The houses will be painted and tiled, and kitchen cupboards and other features will be installed.
EMPLOYERS MUST COMPLY WITH LAW FOR WORK PERFORMED ON NATIONAL HOLIDAYS, SAYS LABOUR DEPARTMENT
Published 13 April 2017
Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 13, 2017 (SKNIS): Officials at the Department of Labour have issued a reminder to all employers and employees stating that any work that was undertaken on Monday, April 10, after 12 p.m. and up to 11:59 p.m. is to be paid at double the normal rate.
This was due to Monday being declared a public half holiday to commemorate the passing of former Governor General, His Excellency Sir Cuthbert Sebastian. As outlined in the Statutory Rules and Orders, No. 35 of 2008, The Labour (Minimum Wage) (National Minimum Wage) Order 2008, the overtime rate to be paid to a worker for a public holiday, is double the rate in respect of the hours worked.
Acting Commissioner of Labour, Shernel James, stated that the Department of Labour has received complaints from some employees that their employers/management are refusing to comply with the laws of the land. She said that any employee, who is paid by the hour or by the day, must be paid two times the regular amount for any work performed during the 12 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. period.
For example, if Sarah, who earns minimum wage of $9 per hour, was asked to work from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, then her pay for the four hours during the period would be $72 instead of the regular pay of $36. Similarly, if John earns a wage calculated at $13 per hour, and worked from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. then he would be paid at the regular rate for the first three hours, which is $39. The remaining five hours would be calculated at $26 per hour, which add up to $130.
The same applies to the half holiday observed on March 23, 2017, observed for the passing of former Governor of the Associated States of St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla, His Excellency Sir Probyn Inniss. Additionally, any hours worked during Good Friday (April 14) and Easter Monday (April 17) will attract double pay as they are public holidays.
Acting Labour Commissioner James strongly urged employers and their representatives to comply with the law in ensuring that workers, who would have performed duties during the period outlined, be appropriately and fairly remunerated. Additional information is available by visiting the Department of Labour on Church Street or by telephone 762-1029 or 662-2075.
Traffic Tips
Published 13 April 2017
Buckie Got It….In the mighty name if Jesus I come against every accident right now I pray for traveling mercies even right now that there will be no more accident for the rest of the night and days to follow in Jesus name Amen
To avoid accident: blow your horn if a vehicle is approaching to close you.
Stay in your lane
Reduce speed in built up areas
Stay 15 feet behind the vehicle ahead
Don’t over take unless you can see clear ahead
Be helpful to other drivers by letting them out of stops, allow them to overtake freely
There is a lot more I can say but those stands out