WASHINGTON, DC — The United States has condemned the heinous assassination of prominent Lebanese activist Lokman Slim in Southern Lebanon.

“We join the international community in calling for his killers to be brought to swift justice,” said US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. “Mr. Slim devoted his life to bringing about positive change in Lebanon. He bravely pushed for justice, accountability, and rule of law in his country.

“It is cowardly and unacceptable to resort to violence, threats, and intimidation as a means of subverting the rule of law or suppressing freedom of expression and civic activism,” said Blinken. “We urge Lebanese officials, including the judiciary and political leaders, to hold accountable those who commit such barbaric acts without delay or exception.”

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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Event planners and the public in St. Kitts and Nevis are strongly encouraged to adhere to the provisions for hosting social events as outlined in the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Act.

“Events including those held on public beaches can contribute to an increased risk of the spread of the virus in communities if persons are not adhering to the health and safety protocols as stipulated in the Act,” said Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force Superintendent Cromwell Henry during the February 3 National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) COVID-19 Briefing.

“We are well aware that social events bring people together in ways that facilitate the spread of the virus from person to person,” he said. “Some may say that there is no COVID-19 in the community and that all the cases are contained and are in quarantine – this may be so, but not entirely so. The truth is we do not know when there will be a case of COVID-19 in the community.”

Section 12 outlines the guidelines for using public beaches. The section clearly states that a person may visit a public beach,
(a) For the purposes of swimming or exercise;
(b) Where no more than eight members of the immediate family should be in close proximity to each other;
(c) Where there shall be no picnics, beach parties or other gatherings; and
(d) Where all persons shall adhere to social distancing and physical distancing protocols pursuant to section 6.

Section 9 of the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Act speaks specifically to the restriction on social activities. It states that:
(1) Subject to section 12, no person shall host, attend or visit a social activity or gathering of more than 25 persons including
(a) A private party;
(b) A banquet, ball or reception;
(c) Any other ceremony in any facility or public place;
(d) A meeting of a fraternal society, private or social club or civic association or organization;
(e) Any public beach, subject to sections 6 and 12; or
(f) Any other type of social event, except with the written permission of the Commissioner of Police in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer.

“Whenever permission is granted for an event at a specific venue, that permission is not transferrable to another venue,” said Supt. Henry. “Permission must be sought for any change of venue because changing venue without permission will automatically void the permit.”

Section 9 further states that:
(2) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section, commits an offense and shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000, and
(3) Notwithstanding subsection 2, a police officer or member of a compliance team may in accordance with the provisions of section 8(4) and section 22(2), issue a fixed penalty notice to a person who contravenes the provisions of this section.

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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), is more powerful when it speaks with one voice on regional and international matters, according to Samuel Berridge, Assistant Secretary in the Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister.

“Just the functional co-operation element of it, by the states co-operating and collaborating, we were able to save a lot of resources,” said Berridge. “The very impetus for regional integration is to bring about the pooling of resources. Whenever we go to international conferences, there is a CARICOM caucus. So, we arrive at one position.”

“We are one, but when we are together, we are 15,” he said. “There is power in our numbers. There are unity and strength.”

“There is not always consensus, because all member states are sovereign states,” explained Berridge. “However, to the greatest extent possible, Member States are encouraged to harmonize their positions and increase their voice with respect to the regional and international agenda.

“In terms of functional co-operation, if there is a project at the UN, it makes sense for us to put our resources together and get a regional project so that everybody benefits,” he said. “There is an added benefit of the CARICOM Secretariat doing the overarching work.

“They have a holistic approach to it so if for example, we are lagging in one area, another Member State can actually step up,” concluded Berridge.

The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) is an integration movement of 20 developing countries in the Caribbean–15 Member States and five Associate Members. They came together to form an economic and political community. Its primary objectives are to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members, to ensure that the benefits of integration are equitably shared, and to coordinate foreign policy.

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1371.JANUARY.29 (wecompress.com)

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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Farmers and fisherfolks in St. Kitts and Nevis were today, Thursday, February 4, reminded of their important role in the overall growth of the Federation’s economy, and of the Team Unity administration’s unwavering support for the development of the agricultural and fisheries sectors.

“We are well placed as a country to begin the recovery from the worst COVID-19 economic impact,” said Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris. “Indeed, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that St. Kitts and Nevis can realise an 8 percent economic growth in 2021. This growth will not come easy, it will not come by us waiting for it to happen and hoping that it will happen. We will have to work hard in 2021 for it.

“This strong turnout of farmers to this particular session is an indication of your high interest in the sector and your commitment to hard work,” he said. “It is you, the people in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources that will make the growth in agriculture happen.”

The Prime Minister was at the time delivering remarks at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources Annual Review and Agenda 2021 Meeting.

Over the past year, the Government has made significant financial investments in the agricultural sector that was instrumental in assisting the farming and fishing community to rebound following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My Government believes in your sector and the contribution that it will make,” said Dr. Harris. “That is why we have invested $10 million in our stimulus package to boost production in the agriculture sector and ensure greater food security for the Federation.

“Our plans are to inject an additional $5 million in stimulus over the next two years, starting with $3 million which will be available in 2021 to boost production and ensure greater food security,” explained Dr. Harris. “Combined with our $10 million committed as part of the stimulus…we have committed five more million dollars over the next two years to bring the special stimulus support to $15 million.

“This assistance should not be looked at as a hand out but rather as a sign of the trust and belief that we have in the agricultural sector to protect jobs, create new jobs, and help rebuild our economy,” said Dr. Harris. “Indeed, hundreds of farmers and fishers received well needed assistance, putting their livelihoods back-on-track.”

As part of its stimulus package introduced in March 2020, the Government has injected $10 million into the agricultural sector. Farmer’s water payments have been waived for six months as a measure to boost agricultural production.

During his 2021 Budget presentation in December of last year, Prime Minister Dr. Harris announced the extension of nine of the 17 measures outlined in its comprehensive $120-million stimulus package. Among them was the waiver of payments for the consumption of water by farmers until June 2021.

Additionally, the Government provided assisted farmers in purchasing fencing wires, free harrowing services, and free inputs such as seeds and seedlings. More than 200 fishermen benefited from the provision of fish trap wire, fishing line, hooks, rope, buoys and safety equipment.

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