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Local news, News

Union Gen Sec: Employees Should Not Complain About Working Conditions If They Haven’t Joined A Union

Published: 5 April 2017

St Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Workers who have not joined the St. Kitts and Nevis Trades and Labour Union or have not formed their own union should not complain about how they are treated by employers.

So says the General Secretary of the St. Kitts and Nevis Trades and Labour Union, Batumba Tak.

“Did you ask them if they joined the union? Because they have to join, that’s the first step, they have to join the union. And if they are not joining, they can’t complain or they form one of their own.”

This is in response to the concerns of callers on WINN FM’s Voices Programme on Monday (March 3), who raised the issue of the protection of the poor working-class in private sector companies.

Mr. Tak says that workers who join the labour union are given contracts with collective agreements, which have stipulations that protect their rights.

“Well we have contracts at places, and in the collective agreement all is spelt out, including knowing if you will get or raise or not get a raise, at particular times and all kind of benefits there, and we have substitutes at those places, if any issues come up, they will look after them.”

Mr. Tak added that he has written to the Labour Commissioner of the Department of Labour several times about concerns of the union but has received no answer.

“Well since the present government came in, I have written to the Labour Commissioner on several occasions, and they have not answered back at all.”

General Secretary of the St. Kitts and Nevis Trades and Labour Union Batumba Tak speaking to WINN FM on Tuesday

Health, Local news, News

ACTING CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, DR. HAZEL LAWS, TO CHAIR NATIONAL COMMISSION ON MARIJUANA

http://sknis.kn/acting-chief-medical-officer-dr-hazel-laws-to-chair-national-commission-on-marijuana/ #

Published: 5 April 2017

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, April 5, 2017 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris, on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, announced the establishment of a National Commission on Marijuana/Cannabis sativa, to be headed by acting Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Hazel Laws.

Prime Minister Harris, speaking at his monthly press conference, said the establishment of the National Commission is a follow through of a commitment made by the Team Unity Administration to facilitate national engagement on the issues surrounding the production and use of marijuana in St Kitts and Nevis.

According to the prime minister, the other members of the Commission will be named publicly after discussions have been held with them. Membership is expected to be drawn from education, health, law enforcement, the banking association, religious bodies, the Rastafarian community and youth, among other stakeholders.

Understanding the impact any decision on this highly controversial matter would have on St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Harris noted that broad based national discussions; covering health, religion and legal implications; are critically important.

“We wish that the Commission would conduct or utilize research to guide an exhaustive consultation both in St Kitts and in Nevis on this subject matter and make recommendations for consideration by the Cabinet,” the prime minister said. “I expect a vigorous enquiry into the social, economic, health and legal issues surrounding production and marijuana use in St Kitts and Nevis as a precursor to a determination on the current drug classification of marijuana.”

The honourable prime minister pointed out that in 1961, the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotics Drugs; now referred to as the Convention on Psychotropic Substances; described marijuana as a schedule one drug in the same serious category as opium, coca, their derivatives heroin and cocaine.

He further stressed that “one hundred and about eighty plus members of the 193 United Nations body has signed on to this convention, which means the majority of 180 plus of 193 member states of the UN have agreed with the classification of this drug, firstly as a schedule one and now as a schedule two drug, so we are part of a responsible community.”

Dr. Harris used the current situation in Jamaica, where that country’s government has decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use, to strengthen his point of the need for serious consultations.

“We await the outcomes of the consultation on this matter which will have far reaching implications for our health system, our judicial system, our international reputation and perception, and our financial system as banks can be penalized and are being penalized; if we are to draw on the Jamaican experience that has been reported to us; if they accept clients they know are trading now in marijuana, and this follows naturally from the dangerous drugs act which has been passed in many countries and it is a natural follow on from the classification at the UN to which so many countries have become party,” the nation’s leader continued.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Harris reminded all that the use of marijuana in St. Kitts and Nevis is still illegal and called on citizens and residents to abide by the laws of the land.

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

Business, Local news, News

Something Good Happening in St.Kitts-Nevis Economy as Yet Another Large Company Records Best Performing Year Ever

http://timescaribbeanonline.com/something-good-happening-st-kitts-nevis-economy-yet-another-large-company-records-best-performing-year-ever/ #

Published: 5 April 2017

“Something Good Is Happening !” This was the constant refrain of Prime Minister Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris during his regular Press Conference on Wednesday Morning April 5^th. Prime Minister Harris announced a number of unprecedented economic achievements for the federation over the last two years including record breaking annual performances by a number of large local companies. On the heels of the announcemrnyt in recent weeks that the S.L Horsford & Co. Ltd had recorded it’s highest profit ever in it’s 143 year old history , another large local company has recorded a similar record breaking performance. PM Harris announced that in a recent meeting with the Managing Director of the RAMS Group he ws informed that the company had it’s best performing year in its 82 year history .

“On Friday last, I met with the Managing Director of RAMS Trading, Mr Shawn Weston, and was updated on several developments taking place in our Country. I was pleased to learn that the 2016 accounts is being finalized and are showing that 2016 will be RAMS best year in its 82 year history in our Country. Something good is happening. To God be the glory,” declared Prime Minister Harris

The Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Harris congratulated the RAMS Group on it’s record breaking performance and lauded the contriobution of the late Kishu Chandiramani whom he highlighted as a business and social icon in the federation.

PM Harris stated “We congratulate Mr Shawn Weston, his management team and employees. After the death of the late great business icon Mr. Kishu Chandiramani, some wondered wither bound the RAMS Group. Mr Weston has shown his incisive business acumen and that he and his team are worthy recipients of the “baton” passed by Mr Kishu.”

Prime Minister Harris also outlined some projects being pursued by the RAMS Group that will add to the job pool of the federation. He also indicated that the RAMS expansion is no doubt as a result of the confidence the group has in the government and it’s management of the St.Kitts-Nevis economy.

Prime Minister Harris continued “I commend them (RAMS Group of Comapanies) on several projects now being completed or pursued that will expand the portfolio and asset base of the RAMS Group and by extension add to the dynamism and job growth in our economy. The RAMS Group employs about 700 persons.

What are some of these positive developments associated with the RAMS Group?

A new Supermarket is to be opened in the next week or two, creating employment opportunities for eighty persons. 80 additional jobs in the retail sector.
Sugar Bay Hotel is undergoing renovations reflecting RAMS confidence in tourism in St Kitts and Nevis
A new facility is to be built in Cayon – this means jobs during construction and jobs upon completion. Our people will be better for this. In deed rational economic actors are choosing St Kitts and Nevis as the best place to do business.”

RAMS , the Horsford’s Group and the SKNA National Bank have all recorded record breaking financial performances over the last two years since the election of the Team UNITY Administration to office.

Business, Economics, Local news, News

St Kitts-Nevis Anguilla National Bank Group of companies Records Best Financial Performance in Years . AGM Set For April 27th

http://timescaribbeanonline.com/st-kitts-nevis-anguilla-national-bank-group-companies-records-best-financial-performance-years-agm-set-april-27th/ #

Published: 5 April 2017

The election of a new Team UNITY Administration , the installation of a new board of directors and the hard work of Senior Management is continuing to be a good combination for the St.Kitts-Nevis Anguilla National Bank Group. The St.Kitts-Nevis Anguilla National Bank Group of Companies is again performing well and has recorded one of it’s best years ever for the financial year 2016. The Bank recorded a Net Operating profit of $28.4 Million which is an increase of 10% over the same financial period in 2015. This announcement was made by St.Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Hon. Timothy Harris at his Monthly Press Conference.

Prime Minister Harris stated “St Kitts-Nevis Anguilla National Bank Group of companies has recorded one of its best years. For the financial year ended 2016, National Bank group recorded one of its best normal net operating profit of $28.4 million. This represents an increase of 10.1% percent over the comparative period for the financial year ended 2015. Indeed, National Bank group’s profits for the last 5 financial years are as follows:

Profits approximated:

2016 – $28.4 million

2015 – $25.8 million

2014 – $25.3 million

2013 – $22.0 million

2012 – $14 million .”

The Prime Minister also announced that the Bank has paid an interim dividend and will hold it’s AGM onApril 27^th 2017.

Prime Minister Harris declared “ Our National Bank Group of Companies is in good hands. A successful bank means secure jobs and a stable financial system. An interim 5 percent dividend of $6.7 million was paid last Friday March 31, 2017 its 3622 shareholders on record. It is expected that the final dividend will be announced at the Bank’s AGM slated for April 27, 2017.”

The Board of the SKNA National Bank Group continues to be given high praises for their prudent and efficient oversight of the Management of the Institution.

The Group’s Board of Directors includes Howard McEachrane Chairperson, Norton A. Bailey 1st Vice Chairperson, Alexis Nisbett 2nd Vice Chairperson, Talibah Byron Director, Elreter Simpson-Browne Director, Dr. Cardell Rawlins Director, Lionel Benjamin Director, Theodore Hobson Director, Director William Liburd and Director Wallis Wilkin .