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The 2013 Hurricane Season Forecast

Charlestown, Nevis
April 18, 2013

Premier of Nevis and Minister responsible for Disaster Management on Nevis Hon. Vance Amory issued a call ahead of the annual Atlantic Hurricane Season to begin early preparations even though the official hurricane season begins on June 1 and concludes on November 30.

Mr. Amory made the call in an interview with the Department of Information on April 15, 2013. He explained that preparation was key and reminded that no one had control over the weather patterns and recalled the early season storm of 2012.

“One of the things which we know and recognise is that we do not have control over our weather patterns and whether or not a hurricane strikes, it is dependent on us as a people to prepare ourselves for that eventuality. Make sure that we do whatever protective measures; begin to look at your properties whether it’s commercial property or your home, to ensure that they can be easily protected if a hurricane strikes,” he said.

The Premier also spoke to the importance of clearing drains and waterways, which if blocked could lead to severe flooding.

“We need to ensure that our drains and our waterways are clean. I want to encourage all of us not to do improper dumping of garbage, old utensils, refrigerators, chairs or whatever it is, so that we do not clog our waterways which could lead to flooding because the waterways then become blocked and the water finds its own way, if there is a heavy downpour, and this could cause damage which we would not be able to stem easily.

“So for this hurricane season, we want you to begin to prepare. It’s only the middle of April but as the weather patterns have changed we never know. Last year I think we had a storm sometime in May. It may mean, that we will be subject to earlier storms and we therefore need to begin to prepare early,” he stated.

Mr. Amory also advised home and property owners to seek to have their properties insured in the event of any damage to their properties during the passage of storms.

“If your house or property is not insured, seek to get the insurance in force so that if there is damage, God forbid, you are able, by having covered yourselves by insurance to repair the damage if it is done.

“I do not pray for damage. I pray that we will all be safe and that each one of us will take cautious action to protect what God has given us,” he said.

Dr. William Grey of the Tropical Meteorology Project at the University of Colorado, in his first prediction for the 2013 Atlantic Basin Hurricane Season, said persons in the Caribbean and the United States should be prepared for an above average season with 18 named storms, nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes. His next seasonal update is expected on June 3rd followed by another on August 2nd.

Related posts:

Nevis Island Prepares For Upcoming Hurricane Season
St. Kitts – Nevis Hopes For A Moderate Hurricane Season For 2012
Hurricane Season Is Officially Here – Be Prepared

Nevis Premier Vance Amory

Charlestown, Nevis
April 17, 2013

The Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA) has a new Board of Directors. The seven member group chaired by Mr. Colin Dore, will manage the affairs of the Authority for the next three years with effect from April 01, 2013. The announcement was made by Premier of Nevis and Minister of Finance in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Hon. Vance Amory, on April 16, 2013 at the Authority’s board room at Long Point.

The members formally introduced were Mr. Joseph Liburd, Mr. Clinton Swanston, Mr. Mackie France, Mr. Lemuel Pemberton and Ms. Florence Williams. Ms. Sonia Williams was not available then.  Mr. Amory told them that they had a contribution to make in the development of the Port and had to set out new objectives for the Authority.

“I do believe that you have a contribution to make to the development of the Port. Clearly you will have to set new objectives and new goals for the Port. One clear objective of the Board would be to ensure that with the help of the Chairman and the General Manager and the Airport Manager and the staff, to ensure that the Port is returned to its position of a profitable entity. That it becomes a Port which has the concurrence of the international standards and is restored to its position that it had once – I think one of the better run Ports in the region,” he said.

The Minister of Finance told the members that the task was not insurmountable and with their varied backgrounds and collective vast experiences they would succeed.

“You are not new and you know what it is to manage people; you know what it means to manage institutions on your own and I think the combination of yourselves and your energies and your expertise can in fact raise the standard of the Port.

“I do believe that we will have to look at ways of addressing the financial status of the Port … because you will have to determine the things you need to do to restore the financial viability of the Port,” he said.

The Premier noted that the Nevis Government held the view that the island’s main Ports in particular Charlestown and the airport had an important role to play and would work with the Tourism Promotion Authority to ensure increased activity in visitor arrivals at both ports.

“It is through the visitation of people and the payment of their airport dues departure taxes and so on, that we can hope to make the Port profitable. It will take the strain of the usual revenues of the Government because you would then be generating your own finances to make sure your operations are profitable.

“I can assure you that as the Minister responsible I will be working very closely with your chairman Mr. Dore who is again the Chairman. He was the chairman some five, six years ago and I think he did a very good job and having worked with him myself for a number of years I have the absolute confidence in his ability to ensure that things go well,” he said.

Regarding the sea ports, he said that through the Minister of Tourism all would be done to ensure an increased number of cruise ship arrivals.

Notwithstanding, Mr. Amory wished the new Board of Directors well during their tenure and explained that their three-year appointment would serve to provide proper direction for the Authority.

“The appointment is for three years and the reason for that length of time is that it gives the Board a chance to gel together, to give proper direction for an extended period. If you have a change for shorter periods then it truncates the whole process.

“So the three year I think is a reasonable time and in that time we can do an assessment for reappointment or for any person who feels that he or she would like to resign … they have an opportunity so to do but I don’t think any of you would want to leave you are going to enjoy your work so much you are going to have a great time.

Related posts:

Nevis Tourism Authority Has New Board of Directors
Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority Hires New General Manager
Nevis Air And Sea Ports Authority Receives Awards

Local and Foreign Investments Boost Economy

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
April 16, 2013 (SKNIS)

In spite of the challenges faced by the global economy, St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA) recorded increased interest from foreign and local investors undertaking business ventures in St. Kitts.

Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas said the interest is expected to remain strong in 2013, as a number of large investment projects are being negotiated or have received approval. These projects, as he mentioned, will improve prospects over the short to medium term.

“Local investors have capitalized on the opportunity to establish businesses,” stated Prime Minister Douglas. “This will meet the needs of our people and visitors, while also diversifying the services and products provided by our private sector.”

Prime Minister Douglas made reference of two projects approved by His Government, that local investors and citizens alike can take advantage of, namely a Bowling Alley and an Adventure Park.

“These two developments will not only provide entertainment value to the Federation as a tourism destination, but another opportunity for direct employment,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

He further stated that SKIPA has continued to promote St. Kitts as a market for investment in renewable energy and energy efficient technologies. This he said has resulted in an upsurge in proposals for the establishment of related businesses.

Prime Minister Douglas confirmed that SKIPA will continue to work closely with the Energy Unit, St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd (SKELEC) and other stakeholders in the public and private sectors, to review and facilitate the approval of renewable energy solutions that best meets the Federation’s requirements.

Related posts:

St. Kitts Makes An Attempt At Green Economy
St. Kitts – Nevis Attracting Direct Foreign Investment
St. Kitts – Nevis Continues To Attract Foreign Investment