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EMPLOYERS MUST COMPLY WITH LAW FOR WORK PERFORMED ON NATIONAL HOLIDAYS, SAYS LABOUR DEPARTMENT

http://sknis.kn/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.

Education, Health

Dr. Terrance Drew named a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine

http://sknpulse.com/dr-drew-named-diplomate/ #

Published 10 April 2017

Photo Caption: Local Medical Practitioner, Dr. Terrance Drew

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – Local medical practitioner, Dr Terrance Drew has been named a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. Drew, who hails from St. Peter’s, St. Kitts, completed his medical school studies at the University of Villa Clara Cuba , from 1998- 2005 where he graduated with first class honours.

After successfully completing his studies in Cuba, Dr. Drew journeyed to Jamaica where he took up the position of medical intern, but after careful consideration, he gave up this position and returned to St. Kitts, to work in the Ministry of Health as a general practitioner. He worked in many areas with doctors in several specialists fields who served as mentors and guides in his new career.

At the J. N. France General Hospital, he worked on the Medical Ward with Dr. Bichara Saheley, on the Surgical Ward with Dr. Desmond Fosbery, Paediatrics with Dr. Ian Jacobs and A & E with Dr. Retna Walwyn, who all contributed to his success in some way.

Later, Dr. Drew moved on to private practice where Dr. Desmond Fosbery was very instrumental as he turned over his office to Dr. Drew and to whom Dr. Drew has said he would always be grateful.

Dr. Drew worked for a full five years completing the years of his bond and looked towards a new chapter in his career, that of becoming a specialist in medicine.

His decision to go to the United States was met with much opposition as he was told that because he studied in Cuba that it would be very difficult.

Not daunted by this challenge, Dr. Drew studied for his USMLE (United States Medical License Exam) and passed, ranking among the exams top performers. In 2010, Dr. Drew received a residency position in internal medicine in Texas and although the process was long, challenging and expensive, journeyed to US State and began his studies. Three years later he fully completed his studies and despite the many lucrative contracts offered to him he decided to return home to contribute once again to his country.

Dr. Drew is a fully trained internist and was eligible to be licensed in any state of the USA, despite false statements that he had not completed his studies.

The latest good news is that he is now a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Asked about his future plans with such a prestigious achievement, Dr. Drew said: “My goal is to work to ensure that the health system in St. Kitts and Nevis meets the needs of our people and rank among the best in the Caribbean.”

He pointed out that the present system is in shambles and needs capable leadership at the highest level.

St. Kitts and Nevis takes this opportunity to congratulate our very own Dr. Terrance Drew, Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Education, Local news, News

The Verchilds High School Scout Group just return from Nevis.

Published 10 April 2017

The Verchilds High School Scout Group just return from Nevis. The group held its Easter Camp at the Cotton Ground Community Centre with 42 boys in attendace. Troop Leader Petros Peets of form 3v1 said that the camp was great and the campers learnt a lot from the sessions. The boys took part in preparing meals, indoor and outdoor games, devotions. The highlight of the camp is a session which was conducted by Pastor Shorn Edwards, the Senior Office on the Prison Farm in Nevis. Pastor Shorn spoke to the campers about good behavior and the consequence of bad behavior. He also spoke to them about the workings of the Prison and why it is so important that none of the campers should get into prison. The campers enjoyed the Tour of the Four Seasons Hotel. The campers could not believe that the Four Seasons Hotel were that big and beautiful. Thanks to the staff who took so good care of us during the tour.

Education, Local news, News

UNESCO Programme specialist on Youth Policy Pays Courtesy Call on Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Shawn K. Richards

http://timescaribbeanonline.com/unesco-programme-specialist-youth-policy-pays-courtesy-call-deputy-prime-minister-hon-shawn-k-richards/ #

Published 7 April, 2017

(NATCOM) – Basseterre, April 3, 2017: Programme Specialist for Social and Human Sciences Sector and Gender Focal Point in the UNESCO Cluster Office for the Caribbean Ms. Gisselle Burbano, visited the Federation last week to participate in the final consultation on the Youth Policy towards which UNESCO has provided substantial technical and financial assistance.

According to Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO Mr. Antonio Maynard, Ms. Burbano came to participate as a means of solidifying UNESCO’s continued commitment to seeing the project through to completion as well as its implementation in the various sectors thereafter in collaboration with its partner in this venture, the Commonwealth.

Mr. Maynard stated that UNESCO in keeping with its mandate obligates itself to ensuring that young people are empowered to benefit from the communities in which they live and to be equipped to contribute significantly as well.

The visiting consultant on the Youth Policy took the opportunity to meet with Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture Hon Shawn Richards on whose initiative the revival of Youth Policy development was sparked.

UNESCO’s role has been outstanding as one of the United Nations agencies most visible in the pursuit of the youth agenda. The framework for the youth policy and development is largely set by the United Nations (UN) and its various agencies, subsidiary organs and affiliated organizations to establishing strategies, targets and indicators that guide actions, targets and indicators on the issues of girls, women, males, marginalized populations and young people, that are relevant in the development of youth policy.

Minister of Education Hon Shawn Richards said the drafting and implementation of a National Youth Policy is a “win-win” across sectors. He noted specifically that “as a tool that would guide governmental agencies in support of youth development as well as a lobbying instrument for youth-serving agencies and organizations, it would assist in the advocacy for obtainable targets and goals for young people.”

The consultant and Deputy Prime Minister Richards also took the opportunity to discuss related matters including Gender Equity; Doping in Sports and other youth centered projects and programmes in which UNESCO’s role has been outstanding and invaluable.

Minister Richards stated that the support from UNESCO and the Commonwealth has been insightful and laid the groundwork for a successful endeavour as his ministry has sought to ensure that the Federal Youth Policy 2017-2022 is being done in consultation with the Global Agenda for Youth Development as well as the OECS and CARICOM Agendas which outline global themes and priorities.

In the national context the following have been identified as priority goals: Economic Participation; Safety, Security and Protection: Education and Lifelong Learning; Health and Wellbeing; Youth as Agents of democracy, development and nation building: Youth and Sustainable Development as well as Youth Development Work

According to the document the youth policy is predicated within an image of success for all young people, and ideal vision of the Federation with young women and men as enablers and assets to current and future development.

A national youth policy is a clear framework, based on rights, needs, youth talents and assets that establishes the agreed agenda and investment strategy for cross-sectoral supports for youth wellbeing.

It provides the comprehensive framework for inclusive participation of young people as assets to national development; cooperation and integrated supports to build resilience and strengths for young people’s empowerment; a national system of accountability on the impacts of investments in youth development as well as building national capacity for the quality conduct and management of youth work and development as an enabler of national development.

Crime/Justice, Education, Local news, News

STUDENTS PLEDGE TO TAKE A NEW PATH IN LIFE AFTER COMPLETING PROJECT “STOP ‘N’ THINK BEFORE YOU PROCEED”

Published: 5 April 2017

Andrew Mosquito speaks to the crowd of mostly school-aged students at the rally

Kadeem Carty delivers powerful message at anti-crime youth

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 05, 2017 (SKNIS):Recipients of a three-month-long intensive training on combating crime in St. Kitts and Nevis, especially among young people, pledged to take a new path in life and showed appreciation to Dr. Neals Chitan, International Social Skills Consultant and Crime Reduction Specialist, during an anti-crime march and rally held in St. Kitts on Tuesday, April 04, at the Independence Square in Basseterre.

The event, which heard persons shouting the rallying anti-crime cry “Stop ‘n’ Think before you proceed,” came as a result of the successful completion of a powerful social skills campaign that was launched at the Advanced Vocational Education Centre (AVEC) in January 2017. The project was designed to engage strategies to help individuals, families and communities, in the Federation avoid a number of destructive behaviours, including but not limited to, disrespectful confrontations; criminal and violent activities; and impulsive quick reactions.

Speaking at the anti-crime rally, Andrew Mosquito, an AVEC student, reflected on the lessons imparted to him, while noting that they impacted him on both a personal and professional level.

“Dr. Chitan’s presentations were nothing like I have experienced before. The most impressive part about his discussions was that he grasped everyone’s attention using only raw facts. Over the last three months, his wealth of knowledge impacted me in a tremendous way, and the manner in which he broke down realistic situations opened my eyes on life experiences and allowed me to view reality from a different perspective,” said Mr. Mosquito. “Anxiously, I looked forward to attending his sessions because his interesting discussions aroused my curiosity for learning. I feel confident now that I can apply what I have learned to my-day-to day life,” he added.

Mr. Mosquito described Dr. Chitan as brilliant and saluted him for his generosity in putting the programme together. “I know there is much more to learn from you so I am inviting you back to sit with us once again, for as a new leaf turns, there will be new students, fresh minds to teach and more eyes to be opened,” he said, addressing Dr. Chitan at yesterday’s rally.

Kadeem Carty, also a student at AVEC, noted that Dr. Chitan was an exceptional teacher, as he made sure that no student was left behind. He added that Dr. Chitan took a step-by-step approach to ensure that persons understood life, how to go about it, and listened attentively to their impacting stories.

Addressing the mostly school-aged audience, Kadeem then said, “Whatever you can do in life, my [advice] to you is to move forward. Never, ever, let anyone stop your dream. Your dream is your reality, your dream is your success, your dream is phenomenal,” he said, while encouraging persons to stand up and be positive. “Please, St. Kitts and Nevis, why are we ill-treating one another, why are we killing our brother [or sister] when he or she can be loved, when he or she can make a success for St. Kitts and Nevis?”

Mr. Carty encouraged persons to stop and think before they act because doing anything impulsive could harm the country’s tourism product.

Both young men paid recognition to Dr. Chitan for his commitment and dedication to crime-fighting. They extended thanks to him for believing in the students and being a positive role model in the lives of many.

Approximately 308 students across St. Kitts who worked along with Dr. Chitan over the last 12 weeks will graduate on Saturday, April 08 and receive their Life Skills Achievement Certificates. With their certificates now in hand, they will be better equipped to make more informed decisions.

Similarly, a second march and rally is scheduled for Nevis on Thursday, April 06, starting at the Grell-Hull Stevens Netball Complex.

A section of students assembled in the Independence Square for the anti-crime rally