BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, August 25, 2021 (MMS-SKN) — Basseterre’s Port Zante is no ordinary cruise passenger port, having been described by the authoritative TripAdvisor as “one of the newer and upscale cruise ports in the Caribbean that cruise ships stop at,” and one that became a marquee port two years in a row for amassing over a million cruise passengers to the country’s shores.

But as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic, cruise tourism worldwide almost ground to a halt. As the industry is showing strong signs of picking up, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis is all out to ensure that Port Zante returns to its former glory and that it is positioned to take its rightful place in the global cruise tourism industry.

“At our Cabinet meeting on Monday, August 16^th we took a decision to spur cruise tourism by making a major concession to allow vaccinated cruise passengers to enter the Federation utilising the antigen tests,” said Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris at his monthly press conference held on Tuesday August 24 at the NEMA conference room in Lime Kiln.

The Honourable Prime Minister however advised that in making that decision they took a number of factors into consideration. One of the factors was that once visitors are fully vaccinated, the risk of their transmitting the virus to the people here is significantly reduced.

Present at the press conference included the Minister of Tourism the Hon Lindsay Grant, and the Minister of Health the Hon Akilah Byron-Nisbett.

“The strong roll-out of our vaccination programme has seen St. Kitts and Nevis emerge with over 62 percent of the adult population fully vaccinated – this is one of the highest in the hemisphere – and over 73 percent having taken at least their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine,” noted Dr Harris. “This significant higher level of vaccination provides a further level of protection against the virus. Of course we must never become complacent or drop our guard.”

He further noted that there will be coordinated efforts to manage cruise visits through bubble arrangements which will result in a safe corridor of containment, and added that with the advent of the Pfizer vaccine even more persons can be, and will be, protected.

“The opening up of cruise tourism will put thousands of persons back to work, increasing income flows and business activity,” said Prime Minister Harris. “We took note that for 17 months a large number of persons like taxi operators, and some employees at duty free shops at Port Zante and elsewhere have been without meaningful work. A brighter future now awaits them. They however should minimise their risks by getting vaccinated and observing all protocols.”

With the opening up of the cruise sector, the heavy dependence of state-owned enterprises SCASPA and Solid Waste on budgetary support from the Federal Government will be lessened as they will receive their own steady inflows from cruise business. For 2020 and 2021 the government supported these entities to the tune of $12.4 million.

“The opening up of the sector will safeguard our heavy investments in cruise tourism and consolidate the gains so carefully built up over six years by my administration,” said the Prime Minister. “The success of this is that St. Kitts and Nevis became a marquee port two years in a row, amassing over one million cruise passengers to our shores.”

He added: “We thank all the stakeholders and the Ministry of Tourism led by the Hon Lindsay Grant. St. Kitts and Nevis recorded the fastest growth in cruise tourism in the region. We will build on this even as we diversify around tourism and increase our stay over arrivals, thereby building a stronger and more resilient economy.”

Also present at the press conference were Federal Cabinet Ministers the Hon Eugene Hamilton, the Hon Jonel Powell, the Hon Eric Evelyn, the Hon Wendy Phipps, and the Hon Vincent Byron Jr.

The post Government to spur cruise tourism to put thousands back to work, says PM Harris appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

“I would like to thank the US authorities for the trust placed in FIFA,” its president Gianni Infantino said in a statement, pledging “we will make sure that these funds are used properly and bring tangible benefits for people who really need it.”

Under FIFA’s Control

The forfeited money — in a case unsealed in 2015 that led to more than 50 people or corporate entities charged — will now be under FIFA’s control in Zurich though it mostly never belonged to the world soccer body.

The money was typically linked to bribes and kickbacks from broadcasting and sponsor deals for continental competitions in the Americas and national deals for World Cup qualifying games.

More than $150 million was to be forfeited by Jose Hawilla, the Brazilian marketing executive who has since died. His group of agencies had close relationships with South American soccer body CONMEBOL and North America’s CONCACAF (The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football).

In separate statements, Paraguay-based CONMEBOL said it was entitled to $71 million of the forfeited money and Miami-based CONCACAF said its share was $70 million. Each soccer body lost a succession of presidents who resigned in the scandal.

That would leave $60 million for FIFA though it will control distribution of all the money, which Infantino said would be subject to “strict monitoring, auditing and compliance checks.”

It is unclear how much total cash has been recovered though the DOJ said “well over” the initial $32.2 million granted “has been seized and has been or is expected to be forfeited to the United States in the Eastern District of New York.”

The remission deal follows more than five years after FIFA claimed tens of millions of dollars in restitution for itself from money held by prosecutors who secured dozens of guilty pleas from soccer and marketing executives, mostly in the Americas.

Some are still awaiting sentencing in federal court in Brooklyn years after admitting charges of financial wrongdoing including racketeering conspiracy. Indicted soccer officials have avoided extradition while remaining in Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago.

AP

The post CONCACAF Seeks $70 million from Confiscated FIFA Money appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

Loop- The 2020 Paralympic Games opened this morning with 163 countries crossing the stage at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, 11 of those from the Caribbean.

The Caribbean nations competing are Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Vincent and the Grenadines and US Virgin Islands.

Athletes from islands such as Trinidad and Tobago have pulled out from the games due to concerns for their health as coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly in Japan.

Twenty-nine athletes, including two Trinidadians, tested positive for COVID-19 at the recently concluded Olympic Games.

Cuba has the largest delegation from the Caribbean.

Here is a look at the Caribbean teams competing in Tokyo:

Aruba

Andre Loonstra is the sole Paralympian representing Aruba in Tokyo.

Loonstra will create history as he is one of the first people to compete in taekwondo at the Paralympic Games.

Loonstra competes in the Men’s K44 +75kg category, which takes place at 10:15 pm (Japan time) on September 4.

Barbados

Swimmer Antwahn Boyce-Vaughan is the only athlete on the Barbadian team.

He is competing in the S9 Men’s 50-metre freestyle

Bermuda

Sprinter Jessica Cooper Lewis, who is the sole athlete on the Bermudian team, has a busy schedule on the track in Tokyo.

She is representing the country in the women’s T-53 100m, 400m and 800m.

Her first event, the 100m, takes place on Wednesday.

Cuba

Omara Durand Elias and Lorenzo Perez Escalona were the flag bearers for Cuba at this morning’s Paralympic Opening Ceremony.

They lead a Cuban team of 17 athletes who are competing in athletics, cycling, judo, powerlifting, shooting, swimming and table tennis.

Dominican Republic

Lourdes Alejandra Aybar Diaz and Patricio Tse Anibal Lopez Fernandez led a contingent of five athletes from the Dominican Republic.

The island has representatives in athletics, powerlifting and swimming.

Grenada

Nye Cruickshank is the sole athlete on the Grenadian contingent in Tokyo.

At 19, she is the youngest Paralympian to represent Grenada.

She will compete in the SB8 category of the 100m Breaststroke.

Guyana

Walter Grant-Stuart is the first Guyanese to compete at the Paralympics.

The 36-year-old will compete in the men’s road cycling and time trial competitions on August 31 and September 3.

Haiti

Ywenson Registre will be making his Paralympic debut in Tokyo.

He will compete in the men’s F57 Shot Put finals on September 3.

Jamaica

Four athletes will be representing Jamaica in Tokyo.

The star of Team Jamaica is Sylvia GRANT, who is competing in her eighth Paralympic Games.

At 58, she is one of the oldest women to compete at the Paralympic Games.

Puerto Rico

Three athletes will be representing Puerto Rico in Tokyo.

They will be competing in judo and athletics.

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Dexroy Creese is the first Paralympian from St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Creese is competing in the men’s S9 50 m freestyle category on Friday.

US Virgin Islands

Jahmaris Nesbitt the US Virgin Islands’ sole Paralympian in Tokyo.

This is the third time the USVI has had a representative at the Paralympic Games.

The 20-year-old competes in the Women’s 100m T-38 category.

The post Tokyo Paralympic Games: 11 Caribbean Nations, Territories Have Entrants appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

Three U.S. Navy ships and more Marine aircraft have joined in the U.S. effort for disaster relief in Haiti, Pentagon officials said on Tuesday.

The military is on station to support the U.S. Agency for International Development relief effort following the Aug. 14 earthquake. The military response is led by Rear Adm. Keith Davids, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command South.

Amphibious warship USS Arlington (LPD-24) has been off the coast of Haiti since earlier this week and is operating with the Spearhead-class fast transport USNS Burlington (T-EPF-10) and Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship USS Billings (LCS-15).

The two ships were deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet to support the ongoing counter-narcotics operation in U.S. Southern Command.

“Burlington is utilizing its ScanEagle unmanned aerial system (UAS) to obtain aerial images of the destruction on the ground which helps relief planners determine where supplies are needed, what airfields can be used, and what roadways are accessible,” 4th Fleet said in a statement.

In addition, several Coast Guard cutters and aircraft are supporting the USAID operation.

Arlington embarked with Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 2 to buttress the ship’s existing medical staff, adding more surgery capability and an intensive care unit. Additionally, the ship embarked with a Landing Craft Utility and two MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopters.

“Four United States Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys arrived to provide additional options for personnel and supply movement. These air assets are in addition to the 18 U.S. military and Coast Guard aircraft already supporting humanitarian relief operations. U.S. maritime vessels continue support also,” Army Maj. Gen. Hank Taylor told Pentagon reporters on Tuesday.
“Over the last 24 hours, Joint Task Force Haiti conducted 56 missions, assisted in the saving of 40 lives and delivered more than 35,000 pounds of goods, supplies and medical supplies.”

As of Tuesday, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that centered on the southwestern Tiburon Peninsula has “killed at least 2,207 people, injured 12,268 and destroyed nearly 53,000 houses,” according to The Associated Press.

The U.S. response this time around is much smaller than the 2010 Navy and Marine Corps operation following an earthquake that killed 200,000 and destroyed much of Haiti’s capital, Port au Prince.

The Navy sent carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN-71) – in addition to amphibious ships USS Bataan (LHD-5), USS Carter Hall (LSD-50), USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44), USS Nassau (LHA-4), USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19), and USS Ashland (LSD-48) – to support the three-month operation.

Last week, USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance assistant administrator Sarah Charles told reporters they did not expect the destruction to be on the same scale.

  ===================================================

Gangs in Haiti offer to help aid efforts; earthquake death toll rises to 2,207

Gangs have hijacked aid trucks and desperate crowds have scuffled over bags of food

The Associated Press · Posted: Aug 22, 2021 9:03 PM ET | Last Updated: August 23

The response to last week’s devastating earthquake in Haiti has been hampered by the ongoing economic and political crisis there, and experts say the future of the country remains uncertain.

A Haitian gang leader on Sunday offered a truce and help for communities shattered by a devastating earthquake — potentially offering a break for a relief effort that has been plagued by hijacked aid trucks and disorder.

The offer came as many Haitians resumed services in or outside damaged churches, sometimes for the first time since the magnitude 7.2 quake of Aug. 14. The country’s Civil Protection Agency also raised toll of dead to 2,207.

It wasn’t immediately clear how much impact the truce offer might have: While powerful, Jimmy Cherizier, alias “Barbecue,” is far from the only gang leader in Haiti and widely repeated social media reports of an earlier gang truce failed to prevent attacks on the expanding relief effort.

Gangs have blocked roads, hijacked aid trucks and stolen supplies, forcing relief workers to transport supplies by helicopter. In places, desperate crowds have scuffled over bags of food.

Cherizier addressed a Facebook video on Sunday to the hardest-hit parts of the Haiti’s southwestern peninsula, saying “We want to tell them that the G9 Revolutionary Forces and allies, all for one and one for all, sympathize with their pain and sorrows.”

“The G9 Revolutionary Forces and allies … will participate in the relief by bringing them help. We invite all compatriots to show solidarity with the victims by trying to share what little there is with them.”

The increase in the death toll was the first since late Wednesday when the government put it at 2,189. The government said Sunday that 344 people were still missing, 12,268 people were injured and nearly 53,000 houses were destroyed by the quake.

• Frustrations, violence flare in Haiti as earthquake survivors plead for aid

In Les Cayes, many attended church to mourn those lost and give thanks for their own survival.

At an evangelical church in the Bergeaud neighborhood, parishioners sang hymns under beams of sunlight streaming through holes in the roof and walls.

Pastor Sevrain Marc Dix Jonas, said Sunday’s service was special because until now his congregation had been unable to meet since the quake.

“Today was a must,” Dix Jonas said, standing below a gaping opening high in his church’s facade. “To thank God. He protected us. We did not die.”

His church was one of the few where congregants could worship inside. At many others, services were held in the street outside collapsed sanctuaries.

Taking that into account, the Roman Catholic church in Les Cayes moved its morning service to 6:30 a.m. to avoid the heat of day.

The post More U.S. Navy Ships, Marine Aircraft Assist in Haiti Relief, Gangs to Cool It for Relief Effort appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

A group of Haitian migrants was taken into federal custody after coming ashore Tuesday afternoon in South Florida, federal authorities said.

Federal officers and local law enforcement took 42 migrants into custody near Key Biscayne, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Chief Patrol Agent Thomas Martin posted on social media.

Officials said they are investigating whether the group was smuggled to the United States. The vessel involved was seized.

Haiti’s southwestern peninsula was hit earlier this month by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, killing at least 2,200 people, injuring more than 12,000 others and destroying nearly 53,000 houses.

The post 42 Haitian Immigrants Captured Coming Ashore in So. Florida appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

CNN) Five women from Afghanistan’s renowned robotics team arrived in Mexico on Tuesday, following the country’s takeover by the Taliban.

The five women, along with one of their partners, were transported on a commercial flight to Mexico on Monday, funded by different organizations, Martha Delgado, undersecretary for multilateral affairs and human rights at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in a press conference on Tuesday.

A frantic Western evacuation operation at Kabul airport has picked up pace after the Taliban said Tuesday that they were no longer allowing the evacuation of Afghans. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden made clear he aims to stick with his August 31 deadline to withdraw troops from the country.

Many of those fleeing the country since the Taliban took over have been educated people, especially women. The last time the Taliban ruled, women were banned from working and forbidden to attend schools and universities.

Evacuation flights out of Kabul are picking up. Here’s what it’s like at the airport.

“Following the tradition of solidarity and with the feminist foreign policy of the Mexican government, we have carried out many diplomatic efforts to create a safe passage that would allow us to bring them to Mexico,” Delgado said, “We give you the warmest welcome to Mexico.”

The women will have a humanitarian visa for up to 180 days, after which they may have the option of an extension, Delgado said.

An institution based in Mexico, which was not named for security purposes, offered accommodation, food, and basic services at no cost for the team members, Delgado said.

Five women from the renowned robotics team arrived in Mexico, officials said.

“We are very happy to be here and it is an honor that the government of Mexico has honored us with being here and having saved our lives,” team member Fatemah Qaderyan said in the press conference.

“From now on forward we will have opportunities for many more achievements in our lives, and thus be part of the fight for a better life,” Qaderyan said. “Although we are far from our homes, we will always be united and thanks to your help we will achieve it, thank you very much, we really appreciate having all our things here in Mexico with us.”

Several other members of the team had previously been evacuated to Qatar, according to the country’s government.

The team received worldwide attention in 2017 after they were twice denied entry to the United States for a robotics competition, until former President Donald Trump intervened.

The team received further recognition for creating ventilators made from used car parts to care for Covid-19 patients.

The post Mexico Offering Sanctuary to Afghanistan’s Female Robotics Team appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

Through four wars, toll mounts on a Gaza neighborhood

BEIT HANOUN, Gaza Strip (AP) — The electricity is out again tonight in what’s left of Zaki and Jawaher Nassir’s neighborhood. But from the shell of their sitting room, its wall blown open by Israeli missiles, twilight and a neighbor’s fire are enough…Read More

*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=default” width=”600″ border=”0″ />
*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=static” border=”0″ />	*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=static” border=”0″ />

Cleanup begins of Haiti town’s earthquake-crumbled homes

MANICHE, Haiti (AP) — At the edge of a pile of rubble, Michael Jules plunged an iron bar over and over into the crumbling concrete of his grandmother’s home. A younger cousin squatted at his feet, pulling away debris with a trowel. …Read More

*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=default” width=”600″ border=”0″ />
*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=static” border=”0″ />	*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=static” border=”0″ />

Duterte confirms he’ll run for Philippines VP next year

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines’ tough-talking President Rodrigo Duterte has confirmed rumblings that he will run next year for vice president, in what critics say is an attempt at an end-run around constitutional term limits. …Read More

*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=default” width=”600″ border=”0″ />
*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=static” border=”0″ />	*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=static” border=”0″ />

Biden holds to Kabul Aug. 31 deadline despite criticism

U.S. President Joe Biden declared Tuesday he is sticking to his Aug. 31 deadline for completing a risky airlift of Americans, endangered Afghans and others seeking to escape Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The decision defies allied leaders who want …Read More

*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=default” width=”600″ border=”0″ />
*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=static” border=”0″ />	*****@***il.com&p=24888365&stpe=static” border=”0″ />

Giant rubber ducky takes flight; where will it land next?

BELFAST, Maine (AP) — A 25-foot inflatable duck named Joy disappeared over the weekend, as mysteriously as it arrived, after bringing days of delight to a seaside Maine community. …Read More

The post World View: Gaza Toll, Haiti Rebuilds, Afghan Deadline Nears, More appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

The post Covid Claims 100 Lives a Day on Average Across the UK, World Stats, More appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (August 24, 2021) — Three Nevisians were among eight persons who were formally invested with Queen Elizabeth II New Year Honours, at an investiture ceremony at Government House in St. Kitts on August 19, 2021.

Sir Tapley Seaton, Governor General, who is the Queen’s representative in the Federation, presented Her Honour Mrs. Hyleeta Miranda Liburd, Deputy Governor General for Nevis with the award of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contribution to public service; Mr. Collin D.A Tyrell, with the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution to community service; and Mr. Hilroy Patrick Brandy, Commissioner of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force with the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) for his contribution to policing and leadership.

The Deputy Governor General, who was born in Gingerland, was described as an educator whose career spanned 39 years of experience in her field. A former Principal Education Officer, Headteacher and classroom teacher who regardless of her job title three things were always clear – her love for people especially children, her passion for teaching and her commitment in ensuring the success of all her students.

“She is a firm believer that there is good and potential in every child and no child should ever be left behind. This is evident in her commitment to tutoring children in reading and math, after working hours throughout her career and during her retirement and in the programmes she instituted within the Education System during her career.

“She has also conducted many workshops on various topics associated with Education and Parenting,” was said in her profile.

Some of her achievements during her career include:  Long, medium and short-term planning for education, Programme planning for schools for more effective management, the establishment of the Teacher Resource Centre, and the establishment of counselling for primary school students.

In 2005, she was awarded the St. Christopher and Nevis Medal of Honour, and in 2014 she was awarded the Nevis Island Administration Independence Award for her sterling contribution in the field of Education.

In September of 2018, she assumed the role of Deputy Governor General for Nevis which she said she accepted with humility and pride, a position which gave her the opportunity to serve the people of her beloved island Nevis more diligently, utilizing her leadership, counselling and teaching skills.

The second awardee, Mr. Tyrell who was born and raised in Hermitage became known for his contribution to the political sphere in Nevis. Prior to his involvement in politics, he exhibited a deep love for all things Nevis from an early age.

He was educated at the Gingerland Infant School, Gingerland Junior School and Charlestown Secondary School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Toronto’s York University.

According to his profile, in 1983 Mr. Tyrell returned to Nevis to join the newly established Nevis Island Administration (NIA).  As a member of the Civil Service, he was able to combine his love of people and his island Nevis, to help foster and administer the policies of a newly independent country.

He was responsible for directing the affairs of the Ministry of Culture.  As an Assistant Secretary in the Premier’s Ministry, he pioneered the development of a vibrant Youth Skills Programme that resulted in economic benefits for the participants and the island.

He later moved to the private sector only to return to the political sphere in 1987.

Mr. Tyrell became an early member of the fledging Concerned Citizens Movement, becoming a nominated member after five years.  During the period 1992 to 1999 he served as a Junior Minister with responsibility for Community Affairs, Youth and Sports, Culture and Women’s Affairs.

In 1999 he returned to Canada and graduated from the University of Windsor Law School in 2002 before venturing back to Nevis to open a private law firm.  Ten years later he resumed his contribution to Nevis’ political, cultural and social arenas when he was appointed Legal Advisor to the Nevis Island Administration.  Presently he serves as Advisor to the Minister of Culture.

In 2019, his life-long efforts on Nevis’ behalf were recognized with the Independence Award for his stellar contribution to community service and government.

In his profile, Commissioner Brandy was said to be a member of Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force for more than 40 years.

He graduated from his initial Police Training in 1981 and worked at several departments, units and stations doing general policing. In 1988 he was awarded as Constable of the Year in the first and only Constable Awards in the Federation.

He was later transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and while there distinguished himself and made a name for himself in policing.

During his 18-year tenure at CID he moved up the ranks from Corporal to Inspector of Police. As the officer in charge of the department he received extensive training from agencies including the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Caribbean Anti-Money Laundering Programme, Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, and the National Drug Intelligence Center in Canada.

Mr. Brandy left the department in 2010 when he assumed the Command position of the Nevis Division. In 2002 he became a member of the St. Kitts and Nevis Financial Investigation Unit and the Financial Intelligence Unit and conducted sensitive financial investigations on behalf of foreign countries and agencies. As a result of the assistance he rendered, St. Kitts and Nevis was removed from the OECD FSF and FATF blacklist.

Also present at the ceremony was Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and His Excellency Vance Amory, Ambassador in the Office of the Prime Minister.

The post Three Nevisians Named by Queen Elizabeth II in New Year Honours List appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

LES CAYES, Haiti, Aug 24 (Reuters) – After a devastating earthquake leveled tens of thousands of homes in Haiti, some residents have started to pick up the pieces, collecting scrap metal from the rubble to resell and make ends meet.

Djedson Hypolite deftly coiled severed electrical wires at a collapsed home in the southern Haitian city of Les Cayes on Monday afternoon, as he scanned the debris for more metal.

The 13-year-old boy and his brother Dawenson, 9, have been extracting and reselling wires and cables found in the wreckage since the quake struck on Aug. 14, killing over 2,000 people across Haiti.

“We are fatherless and our home collapsed, so we’re just trying to survive somehow,” said Hypolite, explaining the two brothers earned about $5 a day collecting the electrical wires.

The earthquake occurred just over a month after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, deepening the political turmoil in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest nation, where violent gangs run rampant, hunger is on the rise and healthcare services were already buckling under COVID-19.

Though official efforts to clear the rubble have been slow in hard-hit cities and towns across Haiti’s southern peninsula, scrap metal collectors and recycling enterprises are busier than ever, providing much-needed cash for hundreds of residents, and extra hands for clearing debris.

All across the city, residents carried the scrap metal to collection sites on motorbikes, pickup trucks, or balanced on top of their heads. Those who could shoulder the weight hauled aluminum sheeting, which netted 25 Haitian gourdes (25 cents) per kilo, or iron rods, which went for 10 gourdes at a recycling collection site in downtown Les Cayes.

Holmes Germain, the owner of a downtown recycling enterprise, said the amount of iron and aluminum he was receiving had doubled or tripled since the quake.

Trucks flowed in and out of his scrap yard, taking the loads of twisted iron, warped aluminum sheeting, tangled wires and the occasional battery to the capital city, Port-au-Prince. From there, he said, it was recycled for domestic use, or packed onto shipping containers and exported.

Germain sees his business as both an economic opportunity and a public service at this time of crisis.

“If we don’t buy the iron they will throw it away or just leave it lying there, so this is our way of trying to clean up downtown,” he said.

The post Earthquake: ‘Trying to survive’: Scrap Metal Recycling Brings Cash in Haiti appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.