Tag Archives: caribbean

Cuba Warns US Not to Encourage Popular Protests on the Island

HAVANA, Oct 25 (Reuters) – Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel warned the U.S. embassy in Havana against fomenting protests by dissidents on the Communist-run island, the latest flashpoint between the longtime rivals ahead of fresh rallies slated for Nov. 15.

Cuba has said the planned demonstrations – scheduled for the same day the Caribbean island will reopen its borders to tourism – are illegal and blames the United States for underwriting them. The United States has threatened Cuba with further sanctions should the government jail protesters.

In a speech to Communist party stalwarts late on Sunday, Diaz-Canel doubled down on allegations of U.S. subterfuge, accusing the U.S. embassy of playing a role in fanning protests.

“Their embassy in Cuba has been taking an active role in efforts to subvert the internal order of our country,” Diaz-Canel said. “U.S. diplomatic officials meet frequently with leaders of the counterrevolution, to whom they provide guidance, encouragement, and logistical and financial support.”

The embassy could not immediately be reached for comment.

The U.S. diplomatic headquarters in Havana has operated with a skeleton crew since 2017, after employees fell ill with what is now known as ‘Havana Syndrome.’

Scaled-back operations have hobbled diplomacy between the two Cold War foes and have forced Cubans seeking consular services from the embassy to travel to Guyana instead.

Diaz-Canel said the embassy was nonetheless leveraging social media communications to criticize Cuba in “open interference in the internal affairs of our country.”

The embassy in recent weeks has highlighted on social media the cases of several Cubans detained and jailed following the biggest anti-government demonstrations in decades on July 11. The posts on Twitter call in Spanish for the release of dissidents and use the hashtag “#Presosporque,” or “Why are they prisoners?”

Cuban authorities said those arrested in July were guilty of crimes including public disorder, resisting arrest, and vandalism.

Juan Gonzalez, a top adviser on Latin America to U.S. President Joe Biden, told news agency EFE last week that the United States would respond if protesters were again jailed in November.

“Those individuals who are involved in violating the fundamental and universal rights of the Cuban people… we have made it very clear that we have every intention of responding,” Gonzalez said.

The outcome of the showdown between the Cuban government and increasingly bold dissidents will likely dictate the Biden administration’s policy towards the island nation going forward, said William LeoGrande, a professor of government at American University in Washington.

The Biden administration’s “hostile rhetoric and support for dissidents has led the Cuban government to give up on any hope of better relations with Washington,” LeoGrande said. “Ironically, that gives the Cuban government no incentive to treat the upcoming march or its organizers with tolerance.”

Reporting by Marc Frank and Dave Sherwood, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien

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Square Rigged Sailing Ship Snares Drug Hauling Narco Sub

(CNN) Consider it a win for 18th-century technology over late 20th-century criminal innovation. A three-masted sailing ship belonging to the Ecuadorian Navy last week captured a so-called narco sub, a homemade low-profile vessel (LPV) designed to transport illegal narcotics, in the Pacific Ocean off Colombia, according to a statement from Ecuador’s military.

It said the barque Guayas, used to train naval cadets in seamanship, interdicted the narco sub, in international waters between the exclusive economic zones of Colombia and the Ecuadorian islands in the Pacific.
Three Ecuadorian nationals and one Colombian were taken into custody, the statement said, though it did not give any details on what narcotics might have been aboard the narco sub, which was powered by three outboard engines.
The 257-foot-long (78 meter) sailing ship, powered by more than 15,000 square feet (1,393 square meter) of sails hung from three towering masks, was on a training cruise when it spotted the drug-running vessel and made the stop, the Ecuadorian military said.

The Ecuadorian Navy tall ship Guayas passes Manhattan on May 23, 2012.

The Ecuadorian Navy tall ship Guayas passes Manhattan on May 23, 2012.The Guayas is designed to carry 80 cadets as well as a permanent crew of 36.
Most narco subs are actually LPVs, essentially boats with most of their bulk below the waterline, although more advanced versions are what as known as semi-submersibles, vessels with just a hatch and air intakes above the surface.
The LPVs first emerged in the late 1990s as Colombian drug cartels looked for ways to evade United States law enforcement patrols in the Caribbean Sea and get their illicit cargo into the US.
Sailing ships had their heyday in the 18th and early 19th century as European powers like Great Britain, France and Spain built naval fleets to protect their commercial shipping interests.
But the advent of steam power in the mid-1800s quickly relegated sail-powered military vessels to the scrapyard.
But several nations still use sailing ships to train recruits in basic seamanship. Sister ships of the Guayas are in use with the Colombian, Venezuelan and Mexican militaries, according to the Tall Ships Network, a British website that calls itself “a global platform for all things tall ships.”

(2019) Watch the US Coast Guard seize a ‘narco sub’ 00:41
The US Coast Guard barque Eagle is used to train the service’s cadets and is the only active sailing ship in the US military.
“The ways of old still have much to teach,” the US Coast Guard Academy’s website says of Eagle. “The conditions and situations that you face under sail can’t be replicated either in a classroom or aboard today’s modern ships.”
“Totally dependent on wind, waves and currents, (Coast Guard cadets) quickly learn how these forces of nature affect a vessel. They become skilled in ship-handling, decision-making and meeting unexpected challenges,” the academy’s website says.
It’s that kind of training that could lead to a sailing ship to running down a mechanically powered vessel, said Alessio Patalano, professor of war and strategy at King’s College in London.
“Sailors train regularly to man this ship to the utmost of its capabilities, which means that on favorable weather conditions its sails could propel it well past 10 knots,” Patalano said.
“Whilst this is not a speed comparable to modern ships, when combined with a proficient crew, it would certainly give the ship an edge over four narcos on a home made drug-carrying raft, fast as it could have been,” he said.

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Windrush Passenger: Plaque Unveiled for Britain’s First Black Train Engineer

A plaque has been unveiled commemorating Britain’s first black train engineer.

Jamaican-born Wilston Samuel Jackson began maintaining trains shortly after moving to London in 1952, and became a driver 10 years later.

He had a long and successful career on the railway, including driving the famous Flying Scotsman locomotive.

At the unveiling at King’s Cross station, Mr Jackson’s daughter said he “dedicated his life to the railway”.

“He was never late or missed a day, and he was so proud of his work, despite the many challenges he faced,” Polly Jackson said.

“Today was a fitting tribute to his life and career.”

Flying Scotsman
The Flying Scotsman was among the trains which Mr Jackson drove during his career

After moving to the UK as part of the Windrush generation, Mr Jackson – known as Bill – worked his way up from his initial maintenance role to a position managing train boilers.

This involved spending days shovelling coal in hot and filthy conditions, after which he would return home to study for his driver exams.

His attempts at becoming a train driver came at a time when many black people had their applications blocked due to racism.

Mr Jackson’s appointment in 1962 sparked a furious reaction from some of his white colleagues, who unsuccessfully attempted to prevent white men from working under him.

Two years later, he broke both his legs when his train crashed into the back of a stationary goods train near Finsbury Park, north London, after a signalman mistakenly gave a green light.

Following his recovery Mr Jackson returned to the railway, before later emigrating to Zambia where he taught people how to drive trains.

He died in September 2018, aged 91.

Relatives of Wilston Samuel Jackson at plaque unveiling
Relatives of Wilston Samuel Jackson were at King’s Cross station for the unveiling

Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “I have been fascinated to learn about Wilston’s life and career.

“He was a real trailblazer for our industry and we owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his incredible service, made even more remarkable by the many obstacles he had to overcome.”

Mick Whelan, general secretary of the train drivers union Aslef, said: “We are incredibly proud to have had Wilston as one of our own, a dedicated driver with an illustrious and ground-breaking career.”

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Chappelle Slams Cancel Culture Amid Netflix Transgender Furore

BBC- US comedian Dave Chappelle, whose latest Netflix special sparked a transgender backlash, has hit back at those he says want to “cancel” him.

Chappelle posted on Instagram that he was willing to meet members of the transgender community, amid criticism his comedy show was transphobic.

He also invited viewers to decide whether he had been “cancelled”. It comes after a small protest last week outside the Netflix headquarters in Los Angeles.

Critics have taken offence at Chappelle’s Netflix special, The Closer, in which he says “gender is a fact” and that LGBT people are “too sensitive”.

Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos apologised for how he handled internal dissent from employees, saying: “I screwed up.”

Chappelle’s video, posted on his Instagram account on Monday, was filmed at his performance in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday, according to CNN. It was his first public reaction to critics since his special debuted on 5 October. He appeared at the show alongside popular podcaster Joe Rogan.

“It’s been said in the press that I was invited to speak to transgender employees at Netflix and I refused,” Chappelle, 48, told the audience.

“That is not true. If they had invited me I would have accepted it. Although I am confused about what we are speaking about… You said you want a safe working environment at Netflix. Well it seems like I’m the only one that can’t go to the office anymore.”

“To the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience,” he continued. “But you will not summon me. I am not bending to anybody’s demands.”

He also denied that he was in conflict with the LGBT community, saying “this has nothing to do with them. It’s about corporate interests and what I can say and what I cannot say.”

Last week Netflix reported record subscriber numbers of 213.5 million globally.

Chappelle also said the special had led to him being disinvited from showing his latest documentary, Untitled, at film festivals.

“Today, not a film company, not a movie studio, not a film festival… will touch this film,” he said, calling on people to see his new film and decide “am I cancelled or not?”

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PM Harris hails the role church plays in communities, calls for more active churches

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.

“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.”

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UN Experts Condemn U.S. Expulsions of Haitian Migrants

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.

Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Nick Macfie

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Local artiste releases his first album

By Monique Washington 

“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.”

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Three students receive NCCU Scholarships

By Monique Washington 

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.

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Dr Wilkinson believes safe carnival possible

By Loshaun Dixon

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.

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Extreme caution must be exercised

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.

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