Although heavy rain fell across some regions, the warning was cancelled at about 10pm.
According to the BoM storms will again develop over the weekend.
Saturday will be the dampest day throughout the state, with an 80 per cent chance of rainfall in Brisbane as well as some storm activity expected across the city.
Conditions have been soggy of late across the eastern seaboard, but in the Northern Territory, a heatwave set in last week, with temperatures soaring, and expected to remain well above 30C for the remainder of this week.
New South Wales will remain mostly dry throughout the week, with temperatures in Sydney predicted to sit comfortably in the mid to high 20s for the next 10 days.
Today, there is a weather warning for severe marine winds and hazardous surf around the Hunter, Sydney, Illawarra and Batemans Coasts
Victoria is also set for mostly fine weather, with some rainfall predicted tomorrow and Thursday.
Australia has seen unprecedented weather events in recent weeks, with the erratic events particularly affecting Queensland.
Record-breaking hail fell last week more than 16 centimetres in width, while a tornado also tore through Brisbane Airport on Friday.
The tornado, which lasted mere minutes, touched down near the tarmac, blowing sheets of metal across runways, upturning trailers and uprooting trees in the process.
Panels flew off roofs, exposing the airport's interior to a rare downpour of 100 millimetres in an hour, a one-in-50-year rain event for the area.
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, October 25, 2021 (MMS-SKN) — The availability of churches in communities in the country should not be taken for granted as it continues to enrich the lives of the citizenry and residents and Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris is calling on more active churches, to serve the needs of the people.
“The Methodist Church has been a church that has been very much involved in the life of the people of Tabernacle and of course persons from elsewhere,” said Dr Harris. “So for me it is always special, and it is like coming back home. We want in the country to have, of course, more active churches around because there is certainly a need, especially in times like these, for the church to be used as an agent of socialisation, particularly for our young people.”
Prime Minister and Area Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Seven (Bellevue to Ottley’s), Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, made the remarks on Sunday October 24 at the Tabernacle Methodist Church, where he had led a delegation of members and supporters of the Peoples Labour Party (PLP) to his hometown church for morning worship.
Rev Stacia Williams-Christmas addressing junior members of the Tabernacle Methodist Church as she spoke to them on matters pertaining to illnesses and how to put trust on God who is the Almighty Healer.
Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris addressing the congregation at the Tabernacle Methodist Church during morning worship service on Sunday October 24.
Seated l-r: Rev Stacia Williams-Christmas, Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris, the Hon Dr Bernicia Nisbett, and His Excellency Michael Powell, pose for a group picture with persons who attended the worship service.
“All of my conscious life growing up, the (Tabernacle Methodist) Church has been part of my own foundation,” said Dr Harris. “It was my father’s church and the church for most of the family on my father’s side, so whenever I come there is nostalgia.”
Dr Harris, who is the National Political Leader of the Peoples Labour Party, was accompanied by PLP Senator and Deputy Speaker the Hon Dr Bernicia Nisbett, Ambassador His Excellency Michael Powell, PLP’s National Youth Representative Mr Jeremiah Locker, and PLP’s National Director of Communications Mr Craig Tuckett.
Others in the delegation were drawn from the Peoples Labour Party Branches and included Chairman of PLP Constituency Number Five Branch Mr Glenville Mills, Deputy Branch Chairperson Ms Marsha Lewis, and Branch Women Representative Ms Janice Lewis.
The Tabernacle Methodist Church is part of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, Leeward Islands District, St. Kitts Circuit. The worship service was held on the Twenty-second Lord’s Day after Pentecost and preacher was Rev Stacia Williams-Christmas, who welcomed Prime Minister Harris and his delegation to church.
“May you have a blessed day and may our lives be enriched by the availability of churches in our communities and our country,” Prime Minister Harris told the congregation as he wished Rev Stacia Williams-Christmas well in her role. “What we are taking here for granted doesn’t exist in every country. In some countries you have to hide to get into a Christian church. Here we are a Nation under God.”
Praying for God’s continued blessings for the rest of the season, he hoped that the hurricane season will end at the end of November all over in the region, and that people will have nothing to talk about except about God and His goodness, and His provision to them.
The Honourable Prime Minister however reminded that Covid remains, and that it has been a battle of how to live with the pandemic. He called for all to follow the laid down Covid-19 protocols of wearing masks, sanitising, and keeping social distance as in doing so it would be assisting the country in that battle. He encouraged those who are yet to be vaccinated to do so, noting that there is no medical or religious reason why one should not get vaccinated.
During the service, Rev Stacia Williams-Christmas called five junior members of the church to the front and spoke to them pertaining to when illnesses comes and advised them to just continue trusting God and not to give up on themselves but to trust in God for He is the Almighty Healer and that He would continue to strengthen them.
On behalf of the Peoples Labour Party, Dr Harris presented a token of appreciation to the church through Rev Stacia Williams-Christmas, “as our way of saying thank you for the welcome we have had and for all the good things that have happened to us each time we worship with you.”
GENEVA, Oct 25 (Reuters) – UN human rights experts on Monday condemned Washington’s expulsions of Haitian migrants and refugees, saying they formed part of a policy of “racialised exclusion” of Black Haitians at U.S. ports of entry.
Under its so-called Title 42 policy passed last year by the administration of former President Donald Trump on sanitary grounds, the United States has authorised the collective expulsion of migrants and asylum seekers.
So far, it has returned hundreds of migrants from a camp in Del Rio, Texas, to Haiti and moved thousands for processing away from the encampment, U.S. officials have said.
The group of five U.N. human rights experts who are focused on racism and xenophobia have written a so-called “allegation letter” to Washington to protest against the government’s actions, according to a press statement.
The letter is not yet public.
“In expediting the collective expulsion of Haitian migrants, the United States is subjecting a group of predominantly Black migrants to impermissible risks of refoulement (forced returns) and human rights abuse without any individualised evaluation,” the experts said, adding that the actions were likely violations of international refugee and human rights laws.
“States cannot label all migrants of a certain nationality per se threats to national security, and all migrants, no matter their nationality, race or migration status, must be guaranteed the protections called for under international law,” they continued.
A spokesperson for the U.N. experts said she was unaware that any specific legal challenge had been mounted.
U.S. President Joe Biden has faced growing pressure from some health experts and fellow Democrats to stop applying the Title 42 order that has essentially cut off access to asylum for hundreds of thousands of migrants, including many from the troubled Caribbean nation.
Biden’s administration has justified the policy as necessary to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
“Vibrations”, is the name of the first album by local artiste Andrew “Drew Dean” Williams, which was created to uplift people’s spirits during the Covid-19 pandemic. The album is being officially released today (Friday, October 22).
“Vibrations” is described as an eclectic mix of R&B/Soul, Afrobeats and Reggae, and could be dubbed as “Tropical Soul”. It is filled with songs for different occasions, covering themes of love, hope and inspiration.
Williams is a singer/songwriter and recording artist born in St. Kitts, with Nevisian and Jamaican heritage. He began singing in church from as early as age 4, and publicly, a little later. He was launched professionally as the artist “Drew Dean” in 2009 with the release of a three-song EP.
Williams has lived and performed in many Caribbean islands. He briefly attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, and has collaborated with groups and artistes such as the Acappella Fellas, Sultry Sounds (BVI), Joss Stone, and more recently, he could be heard on the “We Got This” Caribbean collaboration produced by the Water Street Boyz, out of Barbados
Speaking with the Observer, Williams reflected that he wanted an album that would be uplifting in these challenging times.
“The idea to produce “Vibrations” came during the brunt of Covid-19, back in early 2020. There was and still is so much depression and uncertainty around that, I wanted to create music that lifts people’s spirits, while incorporating a distinct island/Caribbean vibe. It’s a feel-good album. There is something on “Vibrations” for everyone, so the target audience would simply be, music lovers worldwide.”
“This is my first full length album, but I’ve released three EPs and many singles previously. Right now I’m focused on promoting “Vibrations”, but I would also like to do a Christmas album, possibly for the 2022 season.”
He noted that there are a number of collaborations on the album which include: Infamus (St. Kitts), Jeremy Vanterpool on Saxophone (Virgin Islands), Duff Cosmic (USA) Venelle Powell (Nevis), C.Z.B (Nevis).
“Credit must also be given to Steve D. Whittaker of St. Kitts, who co-wrote a song.”
Williams said that the album was produced by various producers “all from different locations…Layird Music – Florida, Antoine Adams a.k.a Zaggadon – St. Kitts, Alann Ulises – Mexico, Sinky Beatz – Spain, BeatzbyDB and Ransom – UK. Mixing and mastering were done by myself.”
Williams encouraged others who are interested in music to pursue it out of love, and not wealth.
“I would encourage them to pursue music out of love, and not because it may seem like a way to become popular or wealthy. The road to success as an artiste or creative can be long and daunting, but genuine love and appreciation for your craft will keep you pushing through, regardless of the obstacles. I would also encourage them to utilize people and resources around them to help bring their projects to life.”
Three students have been awarded the Nevis Cooperative Credit Union (NCCU) Annual academic scholarships. The students will benefit from the scholarships during their tenure in high school, and this will be extended if they continue studies at the Nevis Sixth Form College or the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College in St. Kitts.
On Monday, Eldon Herbert Jr and Kam’ron Lewis of the Gingerland Secondary School along with Kaian Saddler of the Charlestown Secondary School, joined the 65 students who would have received said scholarships in past years.
The scholarship awards are presented as part of International Credit Union Day, which is celebrated worldwide on the third Thursday of October annually. The Nevis Credit Union hosts a week of activities.
According to the World Council of Credit Unions, “International Credit Union Day celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. The day is recognized to reflect upon the credit union movement’s history, promote its achievements, recognize hard work and share member experiences. International Credit Union (ICU) Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948”.
This year’s theme is “Building financial health for a brighter tomorrow.”
Speaking at the scholarship ceremony at the Ingle Blackett Conference Room in Charlestown, Manager of the Nevis Cooperative Credit Union, Sydney Newton, told those gathered that the NCCU has been giving back for years.
“The Credit Union has been involved in the community since its inception, for the past 49 years. The scholarship program has been going for the past 35 years. The program began in 1986,” he said.
Internal Auditor at the NCCU, Zahvelisia Claxton, said that the investment in children is an important one.
“An important investment in our future as an island and as a people is an investment in our students. The NCCU has contributed significantly to creating a legacy which fosters student success, and ultimately, the continued growth and development of the island,” she said.
Donations were also made to the Pink Lily Foundation and Nevis Island Administration’s Social Services, Seniors Division.
Other credit unions celebrating are St. Kitts Cooperative Credit Union, the Police Credit Union and FND Enterprise Cooperative Credit Union.
Other activities held in recognition of International Credit Union Week by the NCCU were a church service, radio presentations, presentations to the Alexandra Hospital, an Annual General Meeting, members’ appreciation, and a health walk from Oualie to the NCCU, which is scheduled for November 6.
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Cameron Wilkinson, believes that a safe carnival can be realised this year, but noted that no decision has been made on the matter.
Dr Wilkinson said this is still being discussed, but opined that from a health perspective there is no reason why there cannot be a carnival.
“I am pretty certain that at the end of the day…we believe if last year we had some degree of Carnival with no one vaccinated with our high vaccination rate, we should be able to have a number of events, specifically events that are in a closed setting, with vaccinated persons safely.
“We believe we can have a significant number of persons who are vaccinated coming together, and because there will be a lower risk of viral transmission they will not threaten our health care system.”
This year is the 50th anniversary of National Carnival (File Photo)
Dr Wilkinson said there can be some element of carnival celebrated safely, such as a Queen Pageant and a Calypso Show.
This year is the 50th anniversary of National Carnival.
Thus far, the National Carnival Committee has revealed five females for the National Carnival Queen Pageant and five for the Swim Suit Competition. They also noted that some 70 calypsonians have registered for the Calypso Monarch and 50 artistes have signed up for the Soca Monarch.
Superintendent Cromwell Henry of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force said based on the daily reports, they are seeing a gradual reduction in the number of new COVID-19 infections in the Federation, and that could lead to more social activities.
“As our situation improves, we promise you that you will see a gradual easing of the restrictions, and have done so. We ask, however, that you continue to be responsible and adhere to all the pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical guidance that is intended to reduce your risk of infection.”
He said that the Federation is not yet out of the woods, and social activities are still restricted and require permission from the Commissioner of Police.
“We have been granting permission for activities where applicants can show they can safely host events through the submission of a COVID-19 compliance plan along with their application.”
The size of the venue, the number of people attending the event, the location of the event whether indoor or outdoor, the format or type of event are among other factors considered.
“Events approved are given a set of conditions, and are monitored by the police and compliance officers to ensure compliance with the conditions. Breaches of the conditions would attract enforcement action, and will impact future permissions to the persons who violate.”
Sugar Mas also has an ongoing song competition expected to conclude this (Friday) evening, and other plans are already in motion.
The publicly expressed opinion of Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Cameron Wilkinson – that a safe carnival is possible this year (with the involvement of those who are vaccinated) is a sign that if we all do what the scientific experts are telling us to do, our lives could return to some semblance of normalcy.
Dr Wilkinson explained that from a health perspective there is no reason why there cannot be a carnival, but the activities can only be enjoyed by those who have chosen to act responsibly, the conscious among us.
“I am pretty certain that at the end of the day, we should be able to have a number of events, specifically events that are in a closed setting, with vaccinated persons safely. We believe we can have a significant number of persons who are vaccinated coming together, and because there will be a lower risk of viral transmission, they will not threaten our health care system.”
For the record, this year is the 50th anniversary of National Carnival, and we as a nation would be glad to maintain the celebratory activity that highlights our oneness and ability to collectively entertain, but extreme caution must be exercised.
Case in point: The serious nature of what we are facing globally can be encapsulated in recent action in the Dominican Republic, where there have been individualized measures in force as from last Monday (October 18). Among them, those over 12 years of age must present an identity document and their vaccination card with at least two doses of vaccines against Covid-19 – both originals or legible physical or digital copies – to the public or private authority, to gain entry to different places.
Among these places are work centres with enclosed spaces and collective use; study centres of all levels, whether public or private; to use any means of public transportation, whether urban or interurban, and to enter restaurants, bars, nightclubs, clubs, shopping malls, stores, casinos, gyms, sports centres, and any other amusement centre.
In case of not having been vaccinated with at least two doses, then persons over 18 years of age will have to present a recurrent PCR test, in original, with a negative result, performed a maximum of seven days before by the Ministry of Public Health or an authorized laboratory. Public Health may grant special permission to persons who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
More than 3000 people have benefitted by receiving three payments from the second stimulus package, according to Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr Timothy Harris.
The second stimulus programme, which was announced in July by PM Harris, is designed to help the less fortunate better cope with the financial hardship caused by COVID-19, and to further stimulate the Federation’s economy.
Under this initiative, persons who remain unemployed since March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will be provided $1,000 per month, for three months. The stimulus measures also included a fuel subsidy of $400 per month to passenger bus operators for a period of three months and a stipend for households with children living with disabilities.
Dr Harris said that the third round of payments was made this week under the second stimulus That features the Income Support Program, Fuel Subsidy Program and Disability Support program.
“A third round of payments under this program was made. The sum, in this case, was $2.6M which were paid out yesterday (Monday). Thus far, a total of 2973 persons have benefited from this program which has so far recorded a total payment of over the last three months of $7.7M since its launch.
The PM revealed that under the fuel subsidy, more than $100,000 has been paid to bus drivers.
“A total of 118 individuals have submitted applications to the ministry as of October 15… The total payout to date is $129,800.
Dr Harris said that under the disability support program, the Treasury has made the third round of payments to 155 applicants.
“The total payout to date is $248,000. $233,000 has been paid directly to individual applicants and a further $15,000 was paid to Ade’s place.”
Among other measures of the second stimulus are:
1. The waiving of commercial rent for 6 months (July to December 2021) for small businesses which lease space from the Government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Transport – these would include small businesses that rent booths at the Ferry and Bus Terminals, the Amina Craft Market and the Pelican Mall.
2. Reduction in the VAT rate for 3 months (July to September 2021) from 10% to 5% on commercial rent for small businesses with 25 or fewer employees and a valid business license.
3. The reinstatement of the annual Import Duty exemption for 16 tyres (4 tyres per quarter), 4 pairs of brake pads and 3 pairs of brake shoes for ‘H’ passenger
buses.
4. A fuel subsidy of $400 per month to passenger bus operators for 3 months, and;
5. The waiving of stall fees for vendors using the public market until December 31st.
The Chief Labour Officer in Nevis, Gary Liburd, has officially retired from his post, and has taken up a new role at the St Kitts and Nevis Social Security Board in Nevis as Head Manager.
The Observer understands that Vernal Powell, who served as the Assistant Director of the Nevis Branch of St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board since 1992, has retired.
Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley had previously revealed Liburd’s retirement, describing it as “bittersweet”.
“I would like to announce the retirement of Gary Liburd from the post of Chief Labour Officer, effective 30 September. He would have served a long career, dating back to 1992. He will be taking up the reins as Head Manager here at the Social Security Board on the island of Nevis.”
Brantley extended congratulations to Liburd, noting that “it is an excellent opportunity for him as a young individual, and we wish him all the best”.
Meanwhile, the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has begun seeking qualified persons to fill the role of Chief Labour Officer.
The main duties of the Chief Labour Officer include:
Advise the government regarding the advancement of industrial relations as well as general labour matters;
In consultation with senior officers – Plan, direct and control the administration;
Enforce the provisions of the Law and regulating the safety, health and welfare in places of employment;
Encourage compliance with the provisions of the Laws regulating terms and conditions of employment, and to occupational safety, health and welfare;
Assist in ensuring improving standards of working conditions and best practices; Report on the administration of the Law relating to occupational safety, health and welfare, amongst other duties.
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public policy, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, or any other related field.
Applicants should also have a minimum of five years’ experience in a managerial/supervisory role, be confidential, impartial, considerate, dependable and self-directed, and skilled at research, analysis, documentation, recommendation and presentation.
Interested persons should send a letter of interest, résumé and certificates of qualification to Dr Ernie Stapleton, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication et al., NIA Administration Building.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Oct 24 (Reuters) – Fuel shortages in Haiti are putting the lives of hundreds of women and children at risk as hospitals run low on supplies for electricity, United Nations children’s agency UNICEF said on Sunday.
Fuel supplies to the capital Port-au-Prince have been severely disrupted in recent weeks by a wave of kidnappings, including the abduction this month of a group of American and Canadian missionaries. Transport industry leaders say making fuel deliveries is too dangerous for drivers who are at risk of kidnapping or hijacking.
UNICEF said it negotiated a deal with a local company to provide fuel to hospitals in Port-au-Prince and Haiti’s southern peninsula, which suffered an earthquake in August, but the company reneged on the deal, citing security concerns.
“The lives of many child-bearing women and newborn babies are in danger because hospitals that should give them life-saving care cannot operate normally due lack of fuel,” said Raoul de Torcy, UNICEF Deputy Representative for Haiti, in a statement.
Many Haitian businesses and institutions rely on diesel generators to ensure electricity due to constant blackouts.
The inability to transport fuel has triggered warnings by industrial groups, including the country’s main cell phone service provider, that they may have to shutter services in the coming days.
A government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reporting by Brian Ellsworth and Gessika Thomas; editing by Jane Wardell
