St. Kitts – Nevis Represented at PetroCaribe Summit

St. Kitts - Nevis Delegation For The PETROCARIBE Summit

The St. Kitts – Nevis Delegation For The 2008 PetroCaribe Summit
Photo By Erasmus Williams

Basseterre, Saint Kitts – Nevis
July 16, 2008 (CUOPM)

St. Kitts and Nevis is among 17 Caribbean and Central America nations that will make down payments of only 40 percent on Venezuelan oil, while cooperating to expand their food supply, and calling on the North to take measures to curb speculation on futures markets, which is resulting in surging crude prices.

“Petrocaribe must become an anti-crisis shield to protect us from hunger,” Venezuelan President His Excellency, Hugo Chávez who hosted the Fifth Summit of this South-South alliance is quoted as saying.

Prime Minister Douglas led the St. Kitts and Nevis delegation which included Minister of Public Utilities, Dr. the Hon. Earl Asim Martin; Chief Secretary, Mr. Joseph Edmeade; Representative of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Levi Bradshaw and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Utilities, Mr. Oaklyn Peets.

Not only Energy ministers will attend Petrocaribe meetings in future. At the summit, held in the city of Maracaibo, 600 kilometres west of Caracas, a Council of Agriculture Ministers was created, which is to meet for the first time on July 30 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Petrocaribe was created in 2005 as a Venezuelan initiative to supply fuels, as well as extend payment facilities and logistical and technical help, to neighbouring countries that are net oil importers.

Under the Petrocaribe agreement, Venezuela has been sending 92,000 barrels per day (bpd) to Cuba and has made available up to 135,000 bpd for the other countries, although the effective demand has been 86,000 bpd, according to Venezuelan Energy Minister His Excellency Rafael Ramírez.

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Labour Party Highlights Achievements Of Astaphan

The Honourable Dwyer Astaphan

The Honourable Dwyer Astaphan

Basseterre, Saint Kitts – Nevis
July 16, 2008 (CUOPM)

Chairman of the governing St. Kitts – Nevis Labour Party, Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris has highlighted several achievements of outgoing Minister of National Security, Immigration and Labour, Hon. Dwyer Astaphan and has expressed confidence that he will remain firmly committed to the causes and programme of the Labour Movement in general, and to the members of his Constituency in particular.

“His service to both country and party is worthy of the highest commendation,” said Dr. Harris, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, industry and Consumer Affairs,  in his statement issued on Tuesday.

Dr. Harris said that the challenge for Minister Astaphan to take on the task of contesting for election to parliament was one that was presented to him, not one that he had sought after, it was a matter which caused him deep soul searching and lengthy consideration.

“Persons who were involved recall the numerous meetings and lengthy discussions which took place before Mr. Astaphan eventually agreed to accept “˜the call.’ Once he had accepted the challenge it became clear to everyone that he gave it his all and he did so at considerable personal sacrifice. This included giving up his personal law practice and the level of remuneration which it provided. Even more importantly it meant putting his name and reputation on the line,” noted the Labour Party Chairman.

He added: “From the very outset opposition elements launched against him personal attacks that were as vicious as they were unrelenting. Through it all he has defended himself with honour and dignity. During his public life he has experienced personal tragedy which he has borne with grace and equanimity.”

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St. Kitts – Nevis Reviews Minimum Wage Draft

PM Douglas Speaks At Labour Day Parade - March 2008

PM Douglas Speaks At Labour Day March
Photo By Erasmus Williams

Basseterre, Saint Kitts – Nevis
July 16, 2008 (CUOPM)

The St. Kitts and Nevis Cabinet has received the first draft of the Review of the Minimum Wage.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas also said that his St. Kitts – Nevis Labour Government is fully capable of transforming the economy of the twin-island Federation.

Dr. Douglas disclosed that the Minister of Labour has informed Cabinet that the first draft from the stakeholders who are looking at the review and the increase in the minimum wage has been received.

“Our people need to ensure that they can have an increase in the minimum wage so that they can be better able to cope with the cost of living. Your Government is ensuring that this will happen shortly,” said Prime Minister Douglas who added that his Government must also ensure that the Private Sector is engaged fully as a partner in nation building while in pursuit of positive margins of operations.

“Creativity within the Private Sector is key. Certainly, it is important to review wages and salaries and to come to a solution without adding to inflationary pressures,” said Dr. Douglas.

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Caribbean Urged To Maintain Economic Sustainability

St. Kitts - Nevis' - Prime Minister Douglas

St. Kitts – Nevis’ – Prime Minister Douglas
Photo By Erasmus Williams

Basseterre, Saint Kitts – Nevis
July 16, 2008 (CUOPM)

With the challenges presently facing regional governments, St. Kitts and Nevis and other member nations of the Caribbean Community are working steadfastly to do what is in their power to maintain sustainability of their economies.

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas in an address at the launching of a 500 low-income home project called for the growing of food in backyards, adherence to several conservation measures, prudent fiscal policies and increased cooperation between government and civil society.

“There are many challenges that small states like ours are currently experiencing. Globally, the cost of living is rising, and economies and social structures face serious difficulties every day. In some countries, unrest has been experienced. Here in St. Kitts and Nevis your Government is doing what is absolutely necessary to ensure that these things do not happen here in St. Kitts and Nevis,’ said Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.

Dr. Douglas admitted that Caribbean Governments cannot do it alone and added that “every citizen and resident must become responsible in terms of behaviour.”

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Premier Parry Expresses Concern Over Nevis Crime Wave

Nevis Premier Speaks Out On Nevis Crime Spree Charlestown, Nevis July 15th, 2008 Premier of Nevis, the Honourable Joseph Parry expressed his sincere concern over the recent criminal activity on the island of Nevis.  The Premier raised these sentiments in …

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