Nevis, West Indies. ?A Non-Tourist-Trap? Blog About Nevis.

St. Kitts – Nevis Scores A Record High Murder Rate of 34 For 2011

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
January 09, 2012 (CUOPM)

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has reiterated its full commitment to the people of the twin-island Federation to ensure that safety and security remains an area of priority, especially considering its paramount importance to all aspects of development in the twin-island nation.

“As the principal law enforcement agency in the Federation, you have been tasked with ensuring that our nation and our people are able of going about their business in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. You have been charged to execute your responsibility in a professional and productive manner at all times,” said Dr. Douglas in an address honouring retiring Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Richardson.

Prime Minister Douglas used the opportunity to commend the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force for their crime fighting efforts and the successes witnessed to date.

“However you have to sustain the operations that have proven to be successful to date and which will continue to have a positive impact on crime reduction in St. Kitts and Nevis. You must use your knowledge and your expertise to demonstrate, to all, that you are not overwhelmed by the criminal elements that dared to infiltrate our various communities,” said Dr. Douglas, under whose portfolio the Police and Defence Force falls.

Dr. Douglas praised the police force for their accomplishments to date, pointing out that under the leadership of new Commissioner of Police, Mr. C. G. Walwyn “you have already begun to make a significant difference in restoring calm to our communities as you embark on your proactive approach to crime fighting.”

“Our citizens are pleased and have already begun to express and demonstrate their willingness to work with you in sharing critical information that is improving your crime detection rates and investigation capabilities,” said the Prime Minister, who also urged the lawmen to “embrace the partnership of the coalition of civil society members for safety and security who are pleased to join with Government in investing their resources in initiatives that will result in improved mechanisms because there is strength and success in unity.”

Related posts:

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2. New St. Kitts – Nevis Police Crime Fighting Initiatives
3. St. Kitts – Nevis Crime Levels Drop Slightly
4. St. Kitts – Nevis Reviews Crime Fighting Strategies
5. St. Kitts – Nevis PM Unveils New Crime Fighting Initiatives

Lindsay Grant – People’s Action Movement

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
People’s Action Movement
Lindsay Grant
October 22, 2011

On Monday of this week the Peoples Action Movement through me as Political Leader made a call on The Board of Social Security to resign as a consequence of the leaked Memo written by the Director of Social Security, Mrs.Sephlin Lawrence to the Chairman of the Social Security Board Halva Hendrickson.

Several reasons were given, inter alia (a)The purchasing of land at Franklands Estate which to date has not been developed and no plans have been put in place to recoup that investment (b) The purchasing of land at Church Street to build a parking lot, which prime commercial space sits empty at the moment and (c) The BeaconHeights Development which has been the major talking point in the Federation over the past week.

The expenditure of some $80 million dollars on this project comes at a time when the last Article IV consultation shows that the Social Security Scheme is under serious pressure and the Fund is facing ongoing challenges and if not managed properly could begin to run a deficit as early as 2029.

I called for an independent investigation into the project and the findings made public, to the owners of the assets of the Social Security Board, the people. The independence of the investigation is very important for the people of the Federation to be able to have confidence in the institutions of government. Lately there has not been much to shout about. The investigation of the collapse of the bridge on the West Basseterre By Pass road still leaves alot to be desired. The police sick out remains unanswered and the investigation into the explosion at the Needsmust powerstation still has not gotten off the ground.Because of these failed situations, independent minds in the country are weary of investigations.

I pointed out that the Board had a fiduciary responsibility, both individually and collectively, to the people of the country, since in the final analysis it was the people’s money at risk. More importantly was the fact that while all of this is taking place the recommendation before the Board of Social Security and the Minister responsible for Social Security shows that the people are going to be asked very shortly to contribute more of their hard-earned dollars.In fact, it is being sought from the contributors the following (a) To increase the age from 62 to perhaps 67 or 70. This means we are going to be asked to wait longer to be pensionable when in fact we are dying younger. (b) To increase the level of the employees contribution from 5% to perhaps 8% or 11%. when at this time our disposable income is decreasing.If persons are required to have to suffer a greater burden by these measures to ensure that the Fund remains solvent into the future, then the people have a right to demand an investigation into the Beacon Heights project as the failure or success of this project can have an impact on the level of contribution from wages in the future.These are some of the matters that came before the Board to consider from the Actuarial Report of 2008 prepared by Derek Osborne of Montserrat.

Had it not been for the leaked Memo citizens would not have been the wiser. It begs the question about the other projects that the citizens have been asking about.The spending of some $250 million dollars at La Vallee which has put pressure also onthe National Bank which is also the primary banker to the Social Security.

The country is waiting to see if this matter will be brushed aside and swept under the carpet.

Related posts:

1. St. Kitts – Nevis Social Security Board Reports Gains
2. Social Security Board Considers Unemployment Benefit
3. Nevis Island Reviews Social Security Policy
4. 50 Percent Increase In New Social Security Registrants
5. St. Kitts – Nevis Government Increases Social Security

Nevis Premier – Joseph Parry

Charlestown, Nevis
June 21, 2011

One hundred women were recognized by the Voices of Women (VOW) organization on Nevis for their unselfish work in various fields. These extraordinary women have been instrumental elements of nation-building on Nevis.

Featured speaker, Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Joseph Parry, spoke at the ceremony held at the Red Cross building in Charlestown on Thursday morning.

“As I look around, I see a variety of talented, skilled women and I am very proud of the contributions you have all made to the island” said the Premier.

During the Premier’s brief remarks he reflected on his life and told the audience of how women have helped to mold him and make him into the man he is today.

Mr. Parry talked about his grandmother who he said used to give him 25 cents on some mornings following a small sermon where she would say, “this is my last money, but I want you to have a good lunch.”

“This is what I mean, since time immemorial, our women have gone without and sacrificed so that their children or people close to them wouldn’t have to,” commented the Premier, “this incredible inner-strength has long been the trademark of generations of Nevisian women.”

He went on to say that in many homes women have long been wearing many hats, operating as the mother, father, breadwinner, economist, disciplinarian, counselor and everything that one would need in a home.

Finally, the Hon. Joseph Parry concluded that the women who are being celebrated today must record their stories because these stories of strength, preservation and courage must be told.

Related posts:

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2. Nevis Premier To Speak About Airport Expansion
3. Nevis Premier To Speak In Miami, Florida
4. Nevis Premier To Speak About Property Tax
5. Nevis Premier To Speak In New York