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Page:1 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 News
Page:2 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 LOCAL NEWS
News
Nevis
lockdown out
of caution,
says Brantley
By Staff Reporter restrictions cause to citi- of the programme to do
zens and residents, and to so when the programme
Premier Mark Brantley the business community. resumed on Thursday,
says the full lockdown on July 8.
Nevis was implemented “As Premier of Nevis, I
as the Government aims sincerely regret such hard- “We shall never ever sur-
to curb a significant ship. However, the recent render to this enemy of
spread of the virus on the positive COVID cases on COVID-19. I urge once Premier Mark Brantley
island Nevis and the ongoing again, all the people of
contact tracing has caused Nevis to go out and get
Nevis was on July 3 great concern among our vaccinated. Please help
placed under a 24-hour healthcare profession- us avoid these lockdowns,
lockdown with a ‘Shelter als. The decision was not quarantines, curfews and
in Place’ Order until July taken lightly, but we are other restrictions. Please
12, in the first instance. primarily concerned with help us restart our econo-
“We thought it was the prudent thing
to do to seek to contain any
spread of this virus”
Premier Brantley, who the preservation of life my. Please help us restore
is the Senior Minister of and the protection of our normalcy to our island
Health in the Nevis Island people. and our Federation.”
Administration (NIA)
said the lockdown now “As the contact tracing As at June 30, 5225 per-
in effect on Nevis was continues, I am prayer- sons on Nevis had taken
necessary to prevent a ful that there will be no a first dose of the Oxford-
COVID-19 outbreak on more positive cases, but AstraZeneca COVID-19
the island. we simply cannot be sure. vaccine, and 4418 or 51
The next several days, percent of the target popu-
“We thought it was the therefore, will allow our lation of 8594 had taken
prudent thing to do to Health team to undertake their second dose.
seek to contain any spread the contact tracing more
of this virus, bearing in efficiently, and permit us The Ministry of Health
mind the limited capacity to reset and recharge our- in the NIA has confirmed
of our health care system selves for the continuing three positive cases of
on Nevis. We prefer to battle ahead.” COVID-19 on the is-
err on the side of caution, land of Nevis since June
given the nature of the He admonished the peo- 29. According to the
most recent cases and the ple of Nevis to understand Ministry, the most recent
ongoing contact tracing that it cannot be business case, which is imported,
efforts.” as usual during this un- is fully vaccinated and
precedented time. He en- has been in quarantine on
Brantley said he is cogni- couraged all who had not the island since arrival on
zant of the hardship and taken the COVID-19 vac- June 27, 2021.
inconvenience that these cine during the first phase
LOCAL
NewsNEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 Page:3
PM unveils 10-point relief package
By Loshaun Dixon The PM added that they who will benefit from in-
will waive commercial creased arrivals”.
Prime Minister of St. Kitts rent for 6 months (July
and Nevis and Minister to December 2021) for The Prime Minister said
of Finance, Dr. Timothy small businesses which they will increase sup-
Harris, has unveiled a lease space from the port to battered women
10-point relief package Government through the through the Ministry of
and extended stimulus re- Ministry of Tourism and Social Development.
lief initiative to December Transport.
31. “In times of difficul-
“These would include ties, women tend to suf-
Speaking at his monthly small businesses that fer more abuse. My
press conference, Dr. rent booths at the Ferry Government will endeav-
Harris announced that on and Bus Terminals, the our to stamp out such
Wednesday, the Cabinet Amina Craft Market and abuses in society, and
gave approval for the the Pelican Mall. We will provide resources to
stimulus initiatives to be encourage private sector give the victims a sense
extended until December landlords of commer- of empowerment and
31, 2021, and added that cial space to give some independence.”
there would be more ini- measure of relief to their
tiatives to help the less tenants. We are all in this Dr Harris announced that
fortunate to better cope together. COVID-19 has his government will assist
with the financial hardship been a great challenge. I households with children
caused by COVID-19 ask landlords to take a who are differently-abled,
and to further stimulate part with their tenants and with a stipend to help
the economy. reduce their rent/lease them over the next 6
payments. I cannot dic- months.
Within the 10-point initia- tate how much support, Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris
tive, Dr Harris revealed but I ask at this time of The final measure an-
an Income Support global crisis that you let nounced was that
Programme in the amount your conscience be your SKELEC has agreed to
of $15 million “to al- guide.” provide a deferral on resi-
leviate hardships on our dential electricity bills for
citizens who remain un- Dr. Harris said they will the next 3 months.
employed since March also reduce the VAT rate
2020 and are registered for 3 months (July to The Prime Minister also
with the Social Security September 2021) from noted that he made a re-
Board”. 10% to 5% on commer- quest to the ECCB for
cial rent for small busi- consideration of a further
“A monthly stipend of nesses with 25 or fewer extension of the moratoria
$1,000 will be paid for employees and a valid on mortgage payments to
the next three months. business license. commercial banks.
However, persons who
received $15,000 or more Among other measures “We are hopefully opti-
in severance payment af- include the reinstatement mistic that the Monetary
ter March 2020 would not of the annual Import Duty Council will find favour.
be eligible to access the exemption for 16 tyres Yes, my Government
Programme.” (4 tyres per quarter), 4 continues to look out for
pairs of brake pads and our people. We pledge to
He said persons receiving 3 pairs of brake shoes put people first.”
assistance under the PAP for ‘H’ passenger buses.
would only be entitled Providing a fuel subsidy He expressed hope that
to receive an additional of $400 per month to pas- the initiative would help
$500 under the Income senger bus operators for 3 all overcome the impacts
Support Programme, and months, and the waiving of this pandemic.
persons already in receipt of stall fees for vendors
of a Government stipend using the public market “I have outlined initiatives
of $1,000 would not en- until December 31st. that we have designed to
joy a further benefit of stimulate economic activ-
$1,000. ity, and provide economic
relief to our citizens and
“We are attempting to He said the government residents. I believe that
reach the hardest hit, will reduce travel tax these initiatives are com-
and the largest number for the next 6 months in prehensive, targeted and
of persons who require an effort to boost visitor far-reaching.
support. Our priority arrival, “creating more
must be to support those income-earning opportu- The pandemic is not yet
most in need and to sup- nities for our taxi opera- over, and we do not know
port as many persons as tors and other providers how soon it will end.”
possible.” of hospitality services
Page:4 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 News
EDITORIAL
Editorial
Acting responsibly will see us through
With 60 percent of the St. Kitts-Nevis population receiving at least ensure that our people are not at risk. Do your part, get vaccinated,
one dose of the vaccine against the coronavirus, we have improved our practice healthy measures and let the country get back to as close to
numbers but are still not in a good place yet. People are still very careless normalcy as possible.
and are not following the established health protocols, thus endangering
themselves and their families
Medical Chief of Staff, Dr Cameron Wilkinson, disclosed that
Wednesday was the last day one could go and be guaranteed a first and
second shot to be fully vaccinated from this current batch, before another
arrives.
“Even after, you can continue to come in and get your first shot, as this
gives you a 76 percent protection before you get your second dose.”
After Wednesday, there will not be enough days for the minimum interval
for the second shot before the vaccines expire at the end of the month.
Dr Wilkinson announced that so far, more than 60 percent of adults
have decided to take the vaccine, and took action now not just to protect
themselves, but family members who are children, pregnant mothers,
unborn and the elderly and frail.
"Some held back because of genuine concerns, and these were changed
with our far-reaching education program on the vaccine." Case Number :NEVHPB2021/0031
He said the decision to not vaccinate put individuals at risk, reiterating
that getting vaccinated is the best defence against this virus.
Submitted Date:01/07/2021 06:33
The country could safely open up once enough persons have been Filed Date:01/07/2021 08:30
vaccinated and proper controls are maintained at our borders. This will
Fees Paid:52.00
News
REGIONAL
LOCAL NEWS
NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 Page:5
BONITS
launches CIP
products to
St. Lucia
By Kenneth Williams has also been a moment while enhancing our cre-
Editor In Chief of reflection, and many dentials as international
people have re-evaluated migration specialists.”
“We take a holistic view to their priorities and their
investing in the Caribbean, plans for the future,” Prest BONITS is a leading
as we are always looking stated. provider of Migration
to identify and create new Investment, Trust, and
investment routes for our The launch of Citizenship Company Formation
clients that are seeking op- Investment Programme Services in St. Kitts &
portunity and yield in their (CIP) products to St. Lucia Nevis, and with this ven- Michael J. Prest, Chief Executive Officer of Bank Of Nevis International
portfolios. by BONITS, follows the ture has taken a holistic
announced launch of the approach by offering cli-
“With St Lucia, our goal entity’s first overseas of- ents a portfolio investment
is to work with our clients fice in Dubai in April route that will seek to de-
to build the investment 2021, as the organisa- fine investment opportu-
package that ensures they tion continues to grow its nities in a cross section of
can achieve their global geographic footprint and St. Lucia’s infrastructure.
ambitions and secure their focus on providing global New products under de-
legacies. In some cases, clients with Migration velopment include impact
this means citizenship to Investment solutions investment opportunities
a jurisdiction that provides that meet their changing for investors that want
greater global flexibility demands. their money to do good,
for themselves and their not just do well – an in-
loved ones. In other cases, Global Business creasing trend particularly
we support our clients Development, BONITS’ amongst millennial audi-
through products that will Global Business ences – and will sit along-
deliver long-term sustain- Development lead, side routes to a second
able yield and leave a last- Rachel R. Ritfeld, briefly citizenship through exist-
ing and positive impact on commented on the wide- ing CIP schemes.
local communities.” ranging benefits of the
undertaking. The launch of St. Lucia
These assertions were CIP products enables
expressed by Michael J. “We have a highly per- BONITS to continue to di-
Prest, Chief Executive sonal approach and work versify its client base and
Officer of Bank Of with our clients as a coincides with a limited
Nevis International Trust trusted partner. We have time offer where a single
Services Inc. (BONITS) a diverse and multi-lin- applicant and a family of
as Bank Of Nevis gual team that welcomes four (4) can secure citi-
International added St. clients from around the zenship with investments
Lucia to its portfolio of world, helping them to of just US$100,000 and
countries for which it will navigate fast-changing US$150,000 respectively.
sell citizen by investment. environments by curating St. Lucia represents one
The company made the a tailored package of sus- of the most cost-effective
announcement via a press tainable investment prod- routes to a second citizen-
release on Monday. ucts to meet their exacting ship in the Caribbean with
requirements. pre-processing of due
“The past year has been diligence requirements,
one of the most challeng- “By expanding our along with BONITS’s
ing in living memory for Migration Investment of- individual and highly
people around the world fering to include St. Lucia, personal service, ensuring
and our hearts go out to we are able to provide our speedy completion of all
everyone that has expe- clients with even greater formalities.
rienced difficult times. It choice and flexibility
Page:6 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 News
SPORTS
Two to represent SKN at
Tokyo Olympics
Amya Clarke Jason Rogers
By Loshaun Dixon will travel in the capacity capacity as Secretary- Clarke who will both be many, I am still deeply to ensure this was all pos-
of Chef de Mission. General, as a guest of the representing St. Kitts and honoured, humbled and sible for me.”
Two athletes will repre- International Olympic Nevis in the 100m at this grateful for the opportu-
sent St. Kitts and Nevis The SKNOC said that Committee at the Games. year’s Tokyo Olympics. nity to perform and repre- Rogers also had kind
at the Tokyo Olympic given the small size of the Throughout the challeng- sent my great Federation, words for his mother,
Games starting later this team, the ongoing public “The entire Olympic es, you both continue to at one of the world’s big- family and supporters.
month. health situation, and the Family and the SKN persevere, and we know gest sporting events.”
new safety and security population extend best that you will represent “To my Mom, with her
The St. Kitts and Nevis protocols under which the wishes to our Olympic us well and continue to He hailed his team for unwavering faith in me,
Olympic Committee Games will be conducted, Team, and trust that they make us proud.” their support throughout family, friends, support-
(SKNOC) earlier this Mr Hanley will “double as ers and well-wishers, I
week announced the
names of the athletes
the team’s Covid Liaison
Officer (CLO), which is a “To my Mom, with her unwavering thank you all. The love
and positive feedback
and officials selected to new position introduced have not gone unnoticed.
represent it from July 23
to August 8, 2021, at the
for the extraordinary cir-
cumstances that define
faith in me, family, friends, Thank you for sticking
with me throughout the
Games, which were post-
poned last summer on ac-
the Tokyo Games.
supporters and well-wishers, I many years and the years
to come.”
count of the Coronavirus “Chef de Mission Hanley
pandemic. travels ahead of the con-
tingent to prepare for
thank you all. The love and positive He promised to be a proud
ambassador for St. Kitts
“Two athletes will repre-
sent the SKNOC at these
the arrival of the other
members of Olympic feedback have not gone unnoticed. and Nevis at the upcom-
ing games.
“historic, unique and very Team SKN. He leaves
different Games”. on Sunday, July 11, to ar-
rive in Tokyo on July 13,
Thank you “ “This Summer’s Olympic
Games is deeper and way
The athletes and their re- 2021. The two athletes would perform with pride Rogers in a statement the journey. more than just applause
spective events are: Jason and the coach, who are and passion and enjoy a said that this will be his or congratulations for me,
Rogers (100m Male) all currently in the USA tremendous experience.” third time participating at “To my team, the job is it’s something that I liter-
and Amya Clarke (100m involved in continued the Olympic Games, and not yet done, but a heart- ally went out and fought
Female). training and competition Minister of Sport Jonel credits and thanked all felt and massive thank for with everything in me.
engagements, are expect- Powell congratulated the who made the opportu- you for the amazing work With that said, please stay
The SKNOC also an- ed to travel to Tokyo on two athletes who will rep- nity possible. we’ve been doing so tuned and watch me rep-
nounced that Justin July 19, 2021.” resent the Federation at far. Big thank you to my resent and fly our nation’s
Kavanaugh will travel the Olympic Games and “Although the hard work, coach and team captain flag high, on the World’s
with the team in the ca- The Committee said hailed their perseverance. aches and pains, sacrifices Justin Kavanaugh, and stage.”
pacity of Coach, while Glenville Jeffers will and unwavering commit- a big thank you to the
Lester Hanley, Executive travel to Tokyo on July “Congratulations to ment that athletes exert vice-captain Tonya for This game will be the first
Member of the SKNOC, 21, 2021, in his official Jason Rogers and Amya may be overlooked by the many sacrifices made for Clarke.
News
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 Page:7
Active COVID cases now below 200
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws
By Loshaun Dixon “Each day the contact at the Ministry of Health,
tracing team will interact noted that the situation
The active cases of with these newly diag- at Her Majesty’s Prison
COVID-19 have fallen nosed positive cases, get is now improving. She
below 200 as authorities the list of their contacts, said of the 55 inmates
get a handle on the current and then the contacts will impacted, 39 have fully
outbreak in St. Kitts and be placed in quarantine. recovered with 16 active
Nevis. The number of people cases. There were 12 con-
added to the quarantine firmed among the staff,
Confirmed cases sur- list depends on the num- two have recovered and
passed the 500 mark on ber of positive cases we 10 are active.
Monday, with well over add on a daily basis. At
470 since May 19. As of present, the contact trac- The Federation’s vaccina-
Thursday, the figure stood ing team would interact tion programme restarted
at 519 with 183 active cas- with almost 2600 individ- Thursday with an addi-
This week the Federation recorded 29 new
cases between Sunday and Thursday.
es. Two active cases are uals, and I think we have tional 5000 doses received
being monitored in Nevis. almost 500 persons still that will expire at the end
501 of the cases were remaining in quarantine.” of August.
confirmed in St Kitts and
18 in Nevis. The strain of Dr Laws highlighted At the halt of the vacci-
COVID-19 in St Kitts is the areas where the nation campaign, 41,850
confirmed as the Lambda COVID-19 cases are doses (22,937-first doses
Variant. concentrated, with the and 18,913-second doses)
parishes of St. George, St. of the Oxford AstraZeneca
This week the Federation Peters and St. Mary being COVID-19 vaccines were
recorded 29 new cases most affected. administered in St. Kitts
between Sunday and and Nevis before the batch
Thursday. The CMO said that they would have been expired
were getting a handle on and discarded.
The community spread of this wave of COVID-19
cases has led to authorities cases.
enforcing a 24-hour lock-
down in both islands. As of press time, 318 Authorities have called on
have fully recovered, 5 others who have had their
Chief Medical Officer Dr. are currently hospitalised, first shot and have had at
Hazel Laws said currently and there have been three least four weeks since, to
there are approximately deaths schedule to get their sec-
500 persons in St Kitts ond dose.
and Nevis in quarantine. Dr. Marrisa Carty, PRO
Page:8 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 News
ST KITTS-NEVIS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
CONCEPT TO
CREATION
A strong CBI Programme aims to:
• Create job opportunities
• Upgrade the interior airport terminal building
• Complete the construction of the Old Road Bay realignment project
• Install a new runway and lighting at the RLB International Airport
• Construct more hotels
• Construct better roads
• Construct the bus terminals
• Complete the second cruise pier
Prosperity for our country, a bright future for our people. ciu.gov.kn
News The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 Page:9
CARICOM Day Fetes Eminent Caribbean People
The role played by the at this time. If we ever Echoing similar sen-
Caribbean Community wondered whether the timents, Barbados’
(CARICOM), in shap- Caribbean people needed CARICOM Youth
ing and sustaining the CARICOM, then we Ambassador, Meghan
region has been lauded should have no doubt Theobalds, pointed out
with the unveiling of six whatsoever after the that the region’s strength
wax figures of eminent events of the past year and lies in its unity.
Caribbean people, dur- a half.
ing a special ceremony to “We have a lot to be
mark July 4th CARICOM eft to right : Calypso Rose (statue), Sir Shridath Ramphal (statue), Ms “In fact, now more than proud of and sharing our
Day, at the Caribbean Meghan Theobalds (Barbados’ Caricom Youth Ambassador), Dr Nicole ever do we need our ideas, news and perspec-
Wax Museum. Moore-Clarke (Guyanese Association of Barbados), Ms Suaz Blair (Jamaica Caribbean integration tives about the region is
movement. It seems that an excellent way to en-
The figures were of Associationof Barbados), Dr George Brathwaite (CSME Unit), Mrs Sandra we are receiving chal- courage our less enthusi-
Barbados’ first female Gittens (Barbados Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Sir Arthur Lewis (statue), lenge after challenge…. astic friends and family
Governor-General, and H.E.David Comissiong (Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM) The public health crisis to become more engaged.
Dame Nita Barrow; of COVID 19; the eco- For CARICOM Day and
winner of the Nobel nomic crisis that it has the foreseeable future, my
Memorial Prize in eco- Shridath Ramphal of exhibition as one of “the Giving his perspective brought, then recently we hope is that CARICOM
nomics, Sir Arthur Lewis Guyana, and Calypso most unique CARICOM of what was needed for were faced with the [ash occupies a greater part
of St Lucia; St Vincent Rose of Trinidad and Day celebrations there the region’s growth, fall from La] Soufriere of our consciousness and
and the Grenadines’ Tobago. has ever been”, adding he said: “The future of volcano in St Vincent. becomes an integral part
national hero, Joseph “ I don’t know if any CARICOM and our re- A couple [of] weeks ago of our identity,” she said.
Chatoyer; Jamaican In his remarks at the member state has ever gional integration move- Barbados was hit by this
Olympic sprinter, Shelly- unveiling ceremony, celebrated CARICOM ment really belongs to freak storm, and then The region marked its
ann Fraser-Pryce; for- Barbados’ Ambassador Day with a wax statue our young people. It is just yesterday (Friday), 48th anniversary on July
mer Commonwealth to CARICOM, David exhibition”. very important that we Hurricane Elsa.” 4, CARICOM Day.
Secretary-General, Sir Comissiong, described the celebrate CARICOM
Page:10 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 LOCAL NEWS
News
Harris, Brantley
condemn Haitian
Leader’s
assassination Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr Timothy Harris, and the Pre-
mier of Nevis, Mark Brantley
By Loshaun Dixon heart” that he learned of publicly expressed his and saddened by the as- Her Excellency Martine abhorrent and reprehen-
the extremely sad news condolences to the fam- sassination of a member Moïse, who was gravely sible act that comes at a
Prime Minister of St. Kitts of the assassination of the ily of President Moïse on of the CARICOM family, wounded in the attack, time of deep turmoil and
and Nevis, Dr Timothy President of the Republic Wednesday. His Excellency Jovenel and wished her a full and institutional weakness in
Harris, and the Premier of Haiti, Mr. Jovenel Moïse, during the early speedy recovery. the country. They call
of Nevis, Mark Brantley, Moïse. “I express great regret hours of 7 July 2021.” for the perpetrators to be
have both condemned the on the tragic death of apprehended and brought
assassination of Haitian “On my own behalf and the President of Haiti, They said they were con- to justice, and for law and
President Jovenel Moïse. that of the Government Jovenel Moïse, who was cerned by the condition of “Heads of Government order to prevail.”
and people of St. Kitts attacked and killed in his his wife, the First Lady, strongly condemn this
Moïse was killed dur- and Nevis, I extend sin- home in the small hours
ing an attack on his pri- cere condolences to the this morning. Haiti is an
vate residence early on family and the people important Caribbean sis-
Wednesday, according to of Haiti, and hope that ter, and we pray for calm
the country’s acting Prime they may find solace and and the urgent apprehen-
Minister Claude Joseph. comfort, even during this sion of those responsible
traumatic and challenging for this reprehensible act
Speaking on a local ra- time.” of violence.
dio station, Mr. Joseph
confirmed the killing of He condemned the per- “I extend deepest condo-
Moïse, saying that the at- petrators of what he de- lences to his family in this
tack had been carried out scribed as a “heinous and difficult time not only for
by “ an armed commando cowardly act” and hoped Haiti, but for our region. I
group that included for- they will soon be appre- extend condolences also
“I extend deepest condolences to his
family in this difficult time not only for Haiti,
but for our region. I extend condolences also
to all our Haitian brothers and sisters who
live here in St. Kitts and Nevis. Today we all
stand with Haiti.”
eign elements”. hended and brought to to all our Haitian brothers
justice. and sisters who live here
“Around one o’clock in in St. Kitts and Nevis.
the morning, during the “We pray for calm and Today we all stand with
night of Tuesday 6 to that good reason will pre- Haiti.”
Wednesday 7 July 2021, vail. Let us continue to
a group of unidentified keep the people of our sis- The Heads of
individuals, including ter CARICOM Member Government of the
some speaking Spanish, State in our thoughts and Caribbean Community
attacked the private resi- prayers, and as a show of (CARICOM) met in
dence of the president and solidarity, reach out to the a Special Emergency
fatally injured the head Haitian population who Session on Wednesday, in
of state,” Joseph told the have come to call St. Kitts the wake of the assassina-
media. and Nevis their home.” tion, and expressed shock
at the incident.
In the Federation, Dr Premier Brantley, who
Harris in a statement said is also Minister of “The Heads of
that it was “with a heavy Foreign Affairs, also Government are shockedNews
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 Page:11
IMF predicts
rebound
for SKN in 2022
By Loshaun Dixon fiscal deficit (4.7 percent receipts.”
of GDP) since 2010, fi-
The International nanced by drawing down The IMF suggests that
Monetary Fund (IMF) on its sizeable deposit following the recovery,
recently released its Staff buffer. the government should re- Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris and members of the local
Concluding Statement sume its policy of saving delegation pictured during the virtual 2021 Article IV mission
for 2021, in which it pro- The IMF said that con- part of the CBI revenues for St. Kitts and Nevis.
jected that a rebound will taining the pandemic and to build fiscal buffers.
begin in 2022, and the supporting the economy
Federation can get back remain the key near-term “As a small, natural di-
to its pre-pandemic GDP policy priorities. saster-susceptible country
level by 2024. dependent on tourism and
“The government has historically volatile CBI
A Concluding Statement made rapid progress to- revenues, St. Kitts and
describes the preliminary ward its end-October Nevis needs significant
findings of IMF staff at vaccination target of 70 buffers. Higher buffers
the end of an official staff percent of the population would also provide more
visit to a member country. (about a quarter of the fiscal space to mitigate
The statement indicated target population is fully contingent and long-term
that St. Kitts and Nevis vaccinated and 65 percent fiscal pressures, including
entered the COVID-19 have received the first possible further reacquisi-
pandemic from a position dose). As the recently in- tions of lands swapped as
of fiscal strength, follow- stated partial lockdown in part of the 2012-14 sov-
ing nearly a decade of response to budding com- ereign debt restructuring,
budget surpluses. munity spread confirms, and a possible future need
herd immunity has not yet to buttress the national
“A significant part of the been reached, and should pension system that under
large CBI revenues were remain the number one current projections will
prudently saved, reduc- priority to save lives and start to run deficits and be-
ing public debt to below livelihoods. gin depleting its reserves
the regional debt target of if corrective measures are
60 percent of GDP, and “Fiscal relief measures not taken in due course.”
supporting the accumula- should be kept in place
tion of large government until the recovery firmly The report stated that
deposits.” takes root. Maintaining there is room to strength-
robust levels of public en productivity growth,
It said that prompt gov- investment would further economic competitive-
ernment action helped to support activity.” ness, and human capital.
contain the pandemic’s
public health impact, but The statement said an ex- “Growth has been held
the impact on the econo- pected rebound in tourism back by weak productiv-
my has been severe. sets the stage for a strong ity growth as investment
recovery from 2022 on- has been high, which may
“The complete halt in ward, but risks remain partly reflect the limits of
cruise ship arrivals and significant. a small island economy.
very few stayover tourists However, several re-
since the first quarter of “We project a small fur- forms might help boost
2020 compounded on the ther decline in GDP of 1 productivity growth and
pandemic’s disruptions percent in 2021, followed export competitiveness,
on domestic activity. In by 10 percent growth in including using the CBI
response, the government 2022. The pre-pandemic program to attract invest-
introduced tax waivers, GDP level is expected ment beyond the tourism
deferrals and incentives, to be reached in 2024. sector, upgrading skills
and the Social Security However, the recovery through focused training
Board provided unem- path could be derailed programs, better align-
ployment benefits to af- should the pandemic ing the education system
fected insured workers.” impose sustained disrup- with the needs of the la-
tions on the anticipated bour market, and making
The statement revealed pace of tourism inflows it easier for small firms
that the pandemic re- and domestic activity. to access credit, includ-
sulted in an estimated Other risks include finan- ing through reforms that
annual decline in GDP cial sector uncertainties, facilitate the use of the
of 12½ percent, and the natural disasters, and non-fixed asset as loan
general government’s first lower-than-expected CBI collateral.”Page:12 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 News
HerNews
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 Page:13
39 Residents, 2 Staff Fully Recovered at HMP
As of July 06, 2021, thir- affected residents in iso- Corrections James con-
ty-nine residents at Her lation on one side. To tinues to work closely
Majesty’s Prison and two facilitate full recovery, with Chief Medical
members of those who test posi- Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws
tive are given additional and the Chairman of the
staff have now fully supplements, encouraged National COVID-19 Task
recovered from the to exercise, in addition to Force, Abdias Samuel, to
COVID-19 virus. being taken out for fresh monitor the situation at
air and sunlight. HMP and
They were given the all-
clear by health officials They are also visited reg- to address any issues that
after having two negative ularly by the Prison doc- might arise. He thanked
tests recently. Currently, tor. Cells were sanitised his staff for their commit-
there are 16 residents and to allow for recovered ment to the job.
10 members of staff who residents to move out of
are still considered active the isolation area. Commissioner of
cases. They are all in a Her Majesty’s Prison Corrections James
stable condition at this Last week, the Prison ac- said that personnel and
time. Members of staff quired protective personal residents are still being
and residents at the Prison of the virus in the Prison were not affected. Commissioner of equipment (PPE) with the encouraged
Farm in Nevis we’re test- in St. Kitts in June, the Corrections Terrane assistance of the Ministry
ed over the weekend and management team moved The measures proved James and his of Health to further pre- to get vaccinated. To date,
their results all returned quickly to put several effective in drastically vent the spread of the just over 70 percent of
negative. measures in place to pro- slowing the spread of the team divided the cell virus. staff and approximately
tect the health of residents virus among the residents. block down the middle 50 percent of residents
Following an outbreak and staff members who with a partition and put Commissioner of have been vaccinated.
Case Number :NEVHPB2021/0032
Submitted Date:02/07/2021 12:04
Filed Date:02/07/2021 12:04
Fees Paid:52.00Page:14 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 News
LOCAL NEWS
Nevis to benefit
from social
security food
voucher
initiative
Social Security Building in Nevis
Nevis will be benefitting to families in Nevis,” she residents of the Federation
from the $275,000 food said. impacted by the eco-
voucher initiative recently nomic fallout due to the
announced by the St. The Social Security COVID-19 pandemic.
Christopher and Nevis Board said the initiative
Social Security Board. is its social corporate re- “Social Security contin-
sponse to the hardship ues to demonstrate that
Mrs. Janelle Lewis-Tafari, persons are experiencing in times of national dis-
Permanent Secretary in the due to the recent out- tress, it is our best friend.
The Social Security Board allocated $250,000, and
Ram’s Supermarkets and Horsford’s Valu Mart
joined in the relief effort by contributing $25,000,
bringing the total output to $275,000.
Ministry of Community break of COVID-19 in I thank the Board for this
Development and the Federation which has magnanimous gesture
Gender Affairs in the again impacted the entire which will help to ensure
Government of St. Kitts economy. that no family in St. Kitts
and Nevis, explained the or Nevis goes hungry in
voucher distribution pro- The Social Security Board this difficult time,” he
cess during the National allocated $250,000, and said.
Emergency Operations Ram’s Supermarkets and
Centre (NEOC) briefing Horsford’s Valu Mart Hon. Eric Evelyn,
on Wednesday. joined in the relief effort Minister of Social
by contributing $25,000, Development in the Nevis
“It will be a total of 1,300 bringing the total output Island Administration,
vouchers and because the to $275,000. also thanked the Board
St. Christopher and Nevis for the meaningful ges-
Social Security Board Approved recipients will ture. He said once the
serves both islands, there receive food vouchers vouchers are prepared,
had to be a split between valued at $200 and the su- the Ministry of Social
St. Kitts and Nevis for permarkets will add an ex- Development along
voucher distribution. tra ten percent to the value with the Nevis Disaster
when they are redeemed, Management Department
“So the split they decided Mrs. Lewis-Tafari noted. (NDMD) will coordinate
on was an 80/20 split. So the selection of qualifying
80 percent of the vouch- Hon. Mark Brantley, individuals and the distri-
ers will be for families in Premier of Nevis, thanked bution of vouchers to the
St. Kitts and 20 percent the Social Security Board recipients on Nevis.
of the vouchers will go for aiding the citizens andNewsNEWS
REGIONAL The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021 Page:15
Haiti President Jovenel Moise Assassinated in
Attack on His Residence
Killers lurk in the shadows as Haiti chaos
takes a sinister turn
Jovenel Moise
(CNN) Haiti’s President calm. shadows as Haiti chaos Instability has been republic after its revolu- called for calm.“The
Jovenel Moise was killed takes a sinister turn exacerbated by the tion against French rule security situation in the
during an attack on his He added that Moïse’s Petrocaribe scandal, a – has a history marked country is under the
private residence early wife, Martine, had been Haiti’s opposition controversy that arose by poverty, authoritar- control of the Haitian
on Wednesday, accord- seriously injured in the claims Moïse should from a scheme to buy ian rule, political in- National Police and the
ing to the country’s acting attack. An official speak- have stepped down on discounted oil from stability and external Haitian Armed Forces,”
Prime Minister Claude ing anonymously to the 7 February to coincide Venezuela on cheap interference including a the statement added.
Joseph. Associated Press also “All measures are be-
confirmed Moïse’s death. ing taken to guarantee
Speaking on a local ra- Condemning “this odious, inhuman and the continuity of the
dio station, the prime The assassination is likely State and to protect the
minister, Claude Joseph, to plunge the impover- barbaric act”, Joseph sought to reassure Nation.”
confirmed the killing of ished Caribbean nation
Moïse, saying the attack into further turmoil after Haitians, saying the security situation in the Moise was 53 years old.
had been carried out by several years marked country remained calm. The former banana ex-
an “armed commando by political unrest and porter spent most of the
group” that included for- violence. Moïse’s time in past year waging a po-
eign elements. office had been marked with the fifth anniver- credit. The idea was to long US occupation. It litical war with the op-
by an increase in politi- sary of 2015 elections free up funds for so- has struggled to rebuild position over the terms
“Around one o’clock in cal instability, allegations that were cancelled and cial schemes, but the since the devastating of his presidency.
the morning, during the of corruption and a long- then re-run a year later money was pocketed by earthquake in 2010 and
night of Tuesday 6 to running dispute about because of allegations politicians. Hurricane Matthew in Moise claimed his five-
Wednesday 7 July 2021, when Moïse’s period in of fraud. 2016.Joseph said in a year term should end
a group of unidentified office should end. Earlier this year amid statement that a group in 2022 — a stance
individuals, including They further allege that allegations by Moïse of unidentified individ- backed by the United
some speaking Spanish, There have been intermit- because Moïse failed of a coup attempt that uals attacked Moise’s States, United Nations
attacked the private resi- tent periods of protests to hold legislative elec- planned to “murder home at around 1 a.m. and Organization of
dence of the president and and street violence and tions in 2019 – and has him” and fresh pro- and fatally wounded the American States.
fatally injured the head a rise in gang violence, since ruled by decree tests – Moïse moved head of state. The state-
of state,” Joseph said in some of it tied to the coun- after parliament was left to protect his position, ment does not specify The opposition has ar-
a statement quoted in the try’s political parties. At without lawmakers – he ordering the arrest of 23 how the President was gued he should have
media. the centre of the crisis has had violated the coun- people including a su- killed. Haiti’s first lady stepped down on
been the question of when try’s 1987 constitution. preme court judge and was shot and is receiv- February 7 this year,
Condemning “this odi- Moïse’s presidential term a senior police official, ing treatment, he added. citing a constitutional
ous, inhuman and bar- was due to end – and Moïse and his support- while declaring that he provision that starts the
baric act”, Joseph sought whether he was govern- ers rejected that argu- was “not a dictator”. The Prime Minister clock on the term once
to reassure Haitians, say- ing unconstitutionally. ment, saying he only called the assassination a president is elected,
ing the security situation took power in 2017 af- The Caribbean country a “heinous, inhumane rather than when he
in the country remained Killers lurk in the ter winning the re-run. – the world’s first black and barbaric act” and takes office.Page:16 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday July 9th, 2021
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