BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Being a homosexual can result in rejection by family, being ostracized by the community, fear of getting tested for HIV/AIDS, and even serving jail time. Against this backdrop, St. Kitts and Nevis health officials say that decriminalizing homosexuality is critical to combatting HIV/AIDS.

“If you criminalize that situation, that process [homosexuality], it stops the people from coming out and being able to do the test,” said Dr. Mathias Ofre, National HIV/AIDS Programme Coordinator. “If I am coming out to do the test as a homosexual individual, you will jail me for that… so I will not want to come. It will not mitigate the transmission, but instead, fuel it, agitate for more transmission of the virus.”

Dr. Ofre noted that where the decriminalization process is concerned, it is important for the relevant bodies to peruse the systems and find a suitable way to approach the issue “in a way that will prevent stigmatism and allow people to come out.

“How can we properly diagnose these people if they are not coming out to do the test,” he asked. “If they are open enough, I accept you for who you are, and that gives me an opportunity to reach you, educate you, and also help you by providing proper treatment that would mitigate the transmission.”

Dr. Ofre debunked the rumours of HIV/AIDS being a homosexual disease.

“There are people who are bisexual so that could also transmit from both the male partners to the female partners and that is how it spreads,” explained Dr. Ofre. “We have to apply wisdom on how we handle situations. Straight individuals can get infected. That is why we said having unprotected sex could predispose an individual to be infected.”

“Stigmatizing and discriminating against a person’s sexual orientation does not help,” said Mrs. Lucine Pemberton-Vaughn, Health Educator/Counsellor. “It is time for people to move away from such behaviour.

“People seem to think that if you are more accepting you are condoning what they do,” said Mrs. Pemberton-Vaughn. “We have to understand that just as how you have to answer to God for your lying, stealing, and forgiveness, homosexuals also have to answer to God. We are not condoning, we are saying that we should let people be who they want to be, realizing that God will judge each of us.”

Mrs. Pemberton-Vaughn implored everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation to be responsible in their sexual practices, to use protection, and to get tested.

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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — With the emergence of new variants of the Coronavirus and the possibility of them reaching the Federation, it is necessary for people to continue adhering to the prevention and control measures, according to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws.

Dr. Laws told everyone at the National Emergency Operations Centre Press Briefing that wearing face masks is very important at this time.

“As a matter of fact, the latest information says that wearing two masks will provide you that additional protection against the new variants,” said Dr. Laws. “Prior to this we advocated one mask, but the science and the latest information suggest that with the emergence of these new variants you may have to wear two masks because these new variants are associated with increased transmissibility.

“There is a risk of spreading this virus to many other people,” she said. “These risks are associated with reinfection and the variant first identified in the United Kingdom is associated with an increased risk of death. Those who are living in the countries where these variants were first identified wear double masks. They wear a surgical mask as the first layer and put on a cloth mask over the surgical mask.

“Maintaining proper hand hygiene and sanitizing high touch areas are essential,” said Dr. Laws. “Maintaining a physical distance of 3- to 6-feet between individuals and avoiding crowds are significant.

“These are the measures along with the vaccine, that are going to help us to get through this pandemic and help us get through 2021,” she said.

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CHARLESTOWN, Nevis — Repairs on the Fisheries Complex in Charlestown, to improve safety at that facility are being carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD) in the Nevis Island Administration. The project began on February 1 and is expected to be completed after five weeks.

Jevon Williams, PWD Director said that the area under repair became a safety hazard for people using the facility and had to be repaired.

“The works down there is ongoing,” said Williams. “The repair is on the concrete roof overhang, which has been deteriorating for quite some time. The steel has been exposed to constant sea blast. As a result there has been corrosion and the concrete has been cracking. It has been causing a hazard, with the possibility of the concrete chipping off and dropping.

“The work there is to update and repair the concrete overhang,” he said. “We are knocking off the old deteriorating concrete and replacing it with new concrete with new steel. This will improve patrons and workers safety that frequent the fisheries facility, especially the fisheries facility at the back.”

Williams said repair work is also being done on the facility’s generator room.

“The roof had deteriorated very badly, and the concrete roof has been completely removed and will be replaced as part of this project,” he said.

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CHARLESTOWN, Nevis — Members of the public who are hosting funeral and wedding ceremonies are reminded to observe the COVID-19 protocols put in place for funerals and weddings for their safety.

The call came from Superintendent Cromwell Henry, Divisional Commander for District ‘A’ in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, while delivering his presentation at the weekly National Emergency Operation Centre COVID-19 briefing on February 10, 2021, at the National Emergency Management Agency’s conference room in St. Kitts.

Supt. Henry addressed the matter following concerns by Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy, due to the non-compliance of the COVID-19 protocols at these gatherings, particularly funerals.

“We understand that funerals are a time for mourning the loss of a loved one, and they are necessary, said Supt. Henry. “However, the virus does not respect the occasion, and persons not taking precaution are at risk even at a funeral.

“The COVID-19 Act sets out the protocols to be followed at funerals and weddings,” he said. “Section 11 states: A person may attend a funeral except that the funeral shall have a maximum duration not exceeding one hour.

“The seating arrangements shall allow for a minimum of six feet between persons, and distance markers must indicate where each person must sit,” said Supt. Henry. “The total number of persons that may be permitted to attend inside of the building is one person for every 30 square feet. That is 6-feet x 5-feet. Similar protocols apply for weddings.”

“In addition to the physical distancing protocol, sanitizing must be carried out,” said Supt. Henry. “The venue must be sanitized prior to the service and persons entering or attending must have their hands sanitized, and every person must wear a face mask for the duration of the event.

“Remember, the same protocols apply for weddings,” he said. “People attending weddings must wear face masks, must have sanitization before and during the ceremony, and if you are having a reception after the wedding that must seek permission from the Commissioner of Police.

“We therefore recommend that persons go to our website: www.police.kn and apply to host your wedding ceremony and reception.”

Supt. Henry urged funeral undertakers, wedding planners, pastors and other church leaders to pay particular attention to these protocols that are stipulated by law, and to ensure that these services are compliant with the laws, as they are intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Remember protocols apply for these events notwithstanding that you may consider them religious events,” concluded Supt. Henry. “The virus does not discriminate and you are at the same risk if you do not follow the protocols. So follow good hand hygiene sanitization practices, wear your face mask and maintain your social distancing at all times.”

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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has stated that the Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine can be used by all adults, even the elderly, worldwide, according to the Financial Times.

“The vaccine can be used by all people over the age of 18 years in all countries,” said Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws. “The WHO recommends an interval of about eight to 12 weeks between the doses. It has been shown that the two-dose efficacy and immunogenicity increase with a longer inter-dose interval.”
Continue reading AstraZeneca vaccine helps prevent COVID-19 variants, severe symptoms →

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Officials from the National AIDS Secretariat in St. Kitts and Nevis are inviting persons to learn their HIV status by attending the “Operation Safe Streets, Safe Sheets” at the Independence Square on Friday, February 12. There will be free Rapid HIV testing and participants will earn their “lover’s license” just in time for Valentine’s Day, which is celebrated globally on February 14 each year.

“On this busy highway called love, accidents can and will happen, especially around this period where everyone is expressing love,” said Health Educator/Counsellor, Mrs. Lucine Pemberton-Vaughan.

“The National Aids Secretariat is committed to reducing and illuminating such accidents through ‘Operation Safe Streets, Safe Sheets.’

“It is a drive giving many people the opportunity to know one’s HIV status,” she said. “If you know your status, you could not only protect yourself, you can protect the other person. When we rid our streets of STIs, specifically HIV, we are ensuring that our sheets are safe.”

‘Operation Safe Streets, Safe Sheets,’ is broken down into four parts with the first step centred on education.

“At this step, counsellors are going to do a very good job, they will answer all your questions, clear up any myths, any understandings and put you at ease,” said Mrs. Pemberton-Vaughan.

The second step is the examination process that is referred to as FERC. FERC she says is the acronym for “Free, Easy, Reliable, and Confidential.”

Demonstration is the third stage where the safety officers will explain and demonstrate the process of using certain tools such as male and female condoms, and lubricants.

“The final step is certification, during which you go by your secretary, she stamps your rider’s license (lover’s license), with the official seal of the Ministry of Health,” concluded Mrs. Pemberton-Vaughan.

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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine awarded scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic years to 19 students, 17 from St. Kitts and two from Nevis, at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College and the Nevis Sixth Form College during a February 10 ceremony.

Four years ago, Ross University established the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine Scholarships Awards Programme and this was instituted to award academically deserving students, who have had a financial need that would otherwise have made it difficult for them to attend the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College or the Nevis Sixth Form College.

Totalling 54 scholarships to date, the scholarship programme provides financial support up to two years of tuition books and other fees, a stipend towards uniform and transportation, and six weeks of paid internship at the Ross University.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris; Minister of Education, the Honourable Jonel Powell; Junior Minister of Education on Nevis, the Honourable Troy Liburd; faculty and staff of Ross University, including its Dean Dr. Sean Callanan, and this year’s scholarship recipients.

Addressing the scholarship awards ceremony, Prime Minister Harris commended Ross University for its continued contribution to the educational advancement of some of the nation’s youths through its annual scholarship programme, now in its fourth year.

“Ross University is rightly to be commended. Institutions of learning often offer in house scholarships for their students,” said Hon. Dr. Harris. “It is not often that they fund studies at another institution of learning. We believe that this demonstrates that Ross University recognizes the varied talents and disciplines needed to build that stronger, safer future for St. Kitts and Nevis and that it is doing its part as a good and caring corporate citizen.”
The St. Kitts and Nevis prime minister noted that the scholarships awards will ensure that academically deserving students are not held back, but rather are given the chance to reach their full potential.

“What does it mean when Ross University awards you a scholarship?” asked Dr. Harris. “Yes, it says you have reached a certain academic level and that you have demonstrated an academic ability. But these scholarships say so much more than that. They say the university believes in your potential. They say the university has faith in you and that you will make a significant contribution in the future to your community and our beloved country of St. Kitts and Nevis. As your prime minister, I stand here today to say that – like Ross University – your Federation also believes in you and we too will work with you to help you become all, in fact, the best that you can be.”

The Ross University scholarship covers tuition, books, and fees, as well as a stipend for uniform and transportation. It assists students studying in a wide range of fields, from business to natural sciences, hospitality to automotive engineering, from accounting to electrical and electronics engineering, and from teacher education to law and sociology.

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CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – To solidify Nevis’ positon as the definitive “Island of Love,” the Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) has introduced a signature cocktail with aphrodisiac properties to inspire love and romance on Valentine’s Day on February 14.

Inspired by Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love, beauty, and fertility; the “Nevisian Kiss,” was conceived by the award-winning Nevisian mixologist, Kremour Maloney.

“Aphrodite was also Cupid’s mother, the symbol of Valentine’s love and passion,” explains Maloney. “She was acclaimed to have given us the gift of pleasure and the power of seduction, all elements that stir those lustful feelings that are captured in her namesake, Aphrodisiac and we deliver in the Nevisian Kiss.”

Aromatic and spiced, the Nevisian Kiss contains three magical elixirs with aphrodisiac qualities that have been used through the ages: Cinnamon for blood flow and sexual libido; ginger to increase body heat and a heightened heart rate; and Nutmeg, reputed to be “Viagra for Women,” also raises body heat, sweetens breath, and acts as an all-round stimulant. The foundation of the Nevisian Kiss is Nevisian rum, Captain Nils Viking Rum, and combined, these ingredients are brewed to make a potent mix.

The recipe for the Nevisian Kiss is a blend of 1.5 oz. Captain Nils Viking Rum, 1.0 oz. fresh lime juice, 1.0 oz. cinnamon infused simple syrup, 0.75 oz. apple juice, two slices of ginger root and
finished with a garnish of fresh grated nutmeg.

To ensure the Nevisian Kiss blended to perfection, Maloney will host a live-stream demonstration on Instagram, @NevisNaturally, on Sunday, February 14th at 1 p.m. AST, (12:00 p.m. EST).

‘Nevis, The Island of Love,’ is renowned as a destination for all things romance: engagements, weddings, and romantic holidays. This Valentine’s Day, Nevis wants to assist you in declaring your love to your significant other in grand style by illuminating your commitment on the NTA’s social media platforms. To be featured, all it requires for your participation is to share your love story, titled “Nevis Love Story” with their social media handles for the NTA and they will create a personalized image in your honour.

On receipt of your story, the NTA will create a “Sandy Love” graphic featuring a heart on a pristine beach, lapped by the warm Caribbean waters, and take photos of the images. The graphic will feature the names of the lovers that submitted a “Nevis Love Story” with their social media handles tagged, and on Valentine’s Day, the tagged images will be posted on the NTA’s social media platforms and shared to all their followers.

Participants are encouraged to share their love story with the world by reposting this virtual symbol to celebrate their love, sealing their commitment with a Nevisian Kiss, wishing a happy Valentine’s Day from Nevis with love.

For travel and tourism information on Nevis please visit the Nevis Tourism Authority website at www.nevisisland.com; and follow us on Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally), YouTube (nevisnaturally) and Twitter (@Nevisnaturally).

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“One would have thought and understood that a global pandemic, such as this, a nation’s size and might would have been the primary considerations. But it is to the credit of Prime Minister Modi, that our request was considered on merit, and the quality of our people was recognized,” he said.

Skerrit also recognized the part played by scientists and those responsible for the “tireless research and trials that went into manufacturing this formula for resistance”.

Also heaping praise on Prime Minister Mottley for ensuring Barbadians receive the vaccines, the Dominica leader noted the batches of the Oxford- AstraZeneca vaccine would be securely stored and, like Barbados, his country would soon be advancing its public awareness campaign and rolling out its vaccination exercise this month.

Stating that this would start on February 22, he outlined the first to receive vaccines would be frontline workers, senior citizens who are at risk and members of Cabinet and Parliament.

CMC

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