14. November 2009 by admin.

Courts brought Christmas to life last evening at its annual concert and tree lighting ceremony, where it doled out $1M to a customer who was the latest winner of its ‘Stash of Cash’ promotion.

Santa had a few extra helpers this year, including Mrs Claus, Mickey Mouse, Mini Mouse, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, who made an entrance at last evening’s Courts Christmas tree lighting and concert to the thrill of the rows of children who gathered. (Photo by Jules Gibson)

The ceremony, held under the theme “Christmas comes to life with Courts,” saw Main Street packed with eager children accompanied by their parents even before the 5 pm start as everyone tried to find the best spot to enjoy the show. The affair juggled traditions of the festive season, like Santa Claus and friends, along with some non-traditional features, like leather clad girls atop big bikes and a hummer and the late ‘King of Pop.’

The concert’s late start was forgotten after its opening act which was a stirring rendition of the national song by a quartet of young men who called themselves Y3K. This was shortly followed by another moving musical rendition by the Bishops’ High School Choir who brought Christmas further to life.

As the evening began to darken the skies up above, the crowd was thrilled with the electric entrance of the ‘Stash of Cash’ team as the leather clad girls with briefcases loaded with money rode in on super bikes while the winner and Courts Bond rolled up in a sleek black Hummer that attracted “Oohs” and “Ahs.” The winner, Colin Lovell, was later asked to pick a case, which he stuck to until the end. Getting involved in the game was Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad and Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir along with the Prime Minister Sam Hinds, who each picked cases that contained $2M, $1.2M and another $2M prize, respectively.

Winner of the Stash of Cash 3 Promotion, Collin Lovell (at right) collects his $1M cheque from Courts country manager Lester Alvis. Lovell’s chosen case is seen in the middle. (Photo by Jules Gibson)

Lovell eventually ended up winning $1M and said he felt “very good” upon receiving his cheque from Courts country manager Lester Alvis. Alvis, in his address, said that the company uses the festive season to thank its customers. He said that Courts’ mission is to bring value to the customer and their home.

“We want to be there for you,” he added. Alvis said that the Courts has achieved many of its objectives for this year and this he said is based on the statistics from research that was conducted.
Alvis also highlighted many of the community care projects such as feeding and literacy programmes and reiterated that Courts plans to do more of these.

Alvis, in closing, thanked his staff and extended season’s greeting to all. Meanwhile Prime Minister Hinds, in the feature address, said that he wished children of today the very best so they can recall years from now a great 2009 Christmas.

Finally, the event everyone gathered in front of Main Street for, the tree lighting arrived after a comical dance performance by the X-Factor dance group and a surprise appearance by Michael Jackson that had fans screaming as he moon-walked across the stage.

Jeffery Simone, long time patron of the Courts store, was given the honour of turning on the lights in the trees.

After a countdown and ear shattering screaming, the lights failed to come on. One a second try and another round of screaming saw the illumination of the Main Street Avenue.
The tree-lighting cued the entrance of a slightly raunchy Santa, who could not keep his hands off Mrs Claus and his friends, Mickey and Mini Mouse, Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants. (Stabroek News)

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

14. November 2009 by admin.

By Rosa Tania Valdes HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters) — Peas and potatoes have become the harbingers of change in Cuba as President Raul Castro chips away at some of the Cuban revolution’s most hallowed social programs. Without a word, the two vegetables were removed this month from the subsidized food ration Cubans have received since 1963 and prices shot up in what people fear was a glimpse of the future. A Cuban woman waits with her ration book in hand to buy at a governmental food store in Havana. AFP PHOTO Many view it as the first step toward the end of the ration program, known here as the “libreta,” and possibly other government subsidies that Castro has complained are too costly for the cash-strapped government and discourage productivity. “There’s a lot silence from the country’s leaders about most of the things that are affecting we Cubans. The libreta is slowly disappearing without explanation,” said Marco, a retired lawyer who did not give his full name. Cubans say the libreta only gives them enough food for about two weeks, but at least guarantees part of their monthly diet. In a country where the average monthly salary is equal to about $20, losing it would be a blow. “People are not very happy about it. It’s not that what you get lasts for the whole month, but it’s a help because you can get those things at a price that’s not too high,” said Havana housewife Yuliet Cruz. The libreta gives Cubans subsidized prices for set quantities of basic foods like rice, beans, sugar, salt, coffee, eggs and meat. If they need more food than the libreta provides, they have to pay regular market prices that are much higher, although generally low by international standards, or find it on the black market. The newly unleashed prices for peas and potatoes gave Cubans a jolt. Potatoes more than doubled in price to 1 Cuban peso, equivalent to 4.5 US cents, for a pound, while the price of peas increased 20-fold to 3.5 pesos, or 16 US cents per pound. Government insiders have said the libreta is unlikely to be eliminated for people such as retirees living on fixed incomes or those who for legitimate reasons are unable to work. But the Cuban government is in the midst of a deep economic crisis brought on by the global recession, three damaging hurricanes last year, generally low productivity and other factors. President Castro has hinted at broad changes to get rid of subsidies and has a trial program under way in four government ministries to eliminate daily free lunches given to 3.5 million workers. Instead of free food, they are getting 15 pesos a day, equivalent to 68 US cents, to buy their own lunch. If the trial saves money, it is expected to be applied throughout the state-dominated economy. “Social spending has to be in accordance with real possibilities, and that means eliminating those (programs) that can be done without,” Castro said in an August speech. The challenge for Castro is to implement the changes without causing problems in a population where complaints about economic circumstances are common. “Cubans are worried that potatoes and peas may be the equivalent of the canary in the coal mine,” said Cuba expert Dan Erikson at the Inter-American Dialogue in Washington. “Raul is playing a risky game by cutting back on long-standing social safety nets without offering new economic alternatives,” he said. The prospect of losing handouts has made some Cubans long for the days when Fidel Castro, not younger brother Raul, was in power, said housewife Cruz. Fidel Castro, 83, resigned the presidency last year after 49 years in power. “They say if the comandante was in charge, none of this (stuff) would be happening,” she said.

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

14. November 2009 by admin.

BRISBANE, Australia (CMC):A weary West Indies team arrived here late Thursday night after a two-day trek from the Caribbean, pledging unity and commitment as they tried to shake off the recent turbulence that nearly wrecked the side.

Both newly reinstalled captain Chris Gayle and coach David Williams made it clear that the major focus of the three-Test tour would be ensuring the squad bonded, as they chased their first series win against the Australians in 15 years.

“It’s really heartening to see the way the guys approached the last couple of days with that flight,” said Williams, who was a member of the last West Indies side to win a series here in 1992/93.

“It was really amazing to see the guys enjoying themselves. We have to stick together as a team. It’s very important that we understand our own objectives and we’re trying extremely hard to keep that intact.”

choice players return

The tour signals the return of the first-choice players who withheld their services as the West Indies Players’ Association and the West Indies Cricket Board bickered over contract issues over the last few months.

Their boycott forced selectors to pick a second-string squad for the Bangladesh series and the ICC Champions Trophy, with the team receiving heavy drubbings as a result.

Gayle, one of the players who made themselves unavailable, said the time had come to move forward.

“It kind of set us back but at the same time we have to move forward and try and forget about what happened in the past,” said the 29-year-old Jamaican, who has played just two Tests in Australia and a mere five against the world champions overall.

“It’s a rebuilding process right now, but when I say rebuilding we still have to give ourselves a good chance of winning and play good, positive cricket at the same time.

“I’ll try and create a good environment [as captain] to get that unity on track. You want the support of each and every player.”

With or without the challenge of uniting the side, West Indies face a daunting task against the mighty Australians.

They have lost 11 of their last 13 matches here, including a 5-0 whitewash in the 2005/06 series and a similar 3-0 clean sweep in the 2000/01 rubber.

sombre statistics

Despite the sombre statistics, both Gayle and Williams remained positive.

“Every team is beatable. It doesn’t matter who you are up against. The task won’t be easy but teams are beatable,” Gayle said.

“It’s always an uphill task to go up against the Aussies but, like I said, teams are beatable.”

Two of Williams’ 11 Tests were victories over Australia under former captain Richie Richardson and he, too, fancied his side’s chances.

“If we play to [our] full potential we have a good chance of beating Australia. In the recent past they haven’t played very well at home and particularly in the first match,” said Williams.

“So I think that’s an opportunity to capitalise on. If we can hit the straps and get them on the back foot early you never know - we could steal that first Test and go on and win the series.”

West Indies meet Queensland in a four-day match starting Wednesday before playing their first Test at the Gabba eight days later.

They will play the last two Tests in Adelaide (December 4-8) and in Perth (December 16-20) before returning home just before Christmas Day. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

14. November 2009 by admin.

Arthur Hall, Senior Staff ReporterThe Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has given its nod of approval to the 40 per cent bus fare increase requested by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC).

However, the OUR has warned that despite the increase, the Government will have to provide between $1.3 billion and $3 billion in subsidy to the state-run bus company.

In its recommendation to Transport Minister Mike Henry, the OUR said the subsidy would only be applicable if the JUTC was granted its request for adult fares to be increased from $50 to $70, and the fares for concessionary passengers, including children, is moved from $15 to $20.

However, the Government could reduce the amount that it would have to provide to the JUTC if it allows an even greater increase.

Henry is expected to announce his decision by next week, with the new fares scheduled to take effect before the end of this month. JUTC regular service fares were last increased in October 2005.

The OUR has repeated its 2005 recommendation that the JUTC be allowed to adjust its fares annually to reflect the increases in its operating costs. The utilities watchdog has also recommended that the bus company be allowed to hike its fares if fuel cost increases by more than 30 per cent over any six-month period.

route taxi increase

In the meantime, the OUR has recommended that the base fare for route taxis moved to $65 for the first two kilometres and $4 for each additional kilometre.

In May last year, Henry approved an increase in the base rate for route taxis from $44 to $55, with $3 added for each additional kilometre.

If he accepts the OUR’s recommendation this time around, commuters should see an approximate 10 per cent jump in the fares for each route. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

14. November 2009 by admin.

Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU: The Ministry of Labour is expected to arrive in Montego Bay this morning to intervene in the impasse between staff and management of MBJ Airports Limited, operators of the Sangster International Airport.

The ministry’s decision came hours after 160 workers, represented by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Union of Technical, Administrative and Supervisory Personnel (UTASP), walked off their jobs yesterday.

Up to press time yesterday, the emergency services were still being manned by management personnel, and the airport had been automatically downgraded from category nine to eight, UTASP’s general secretary, Saint Patrice Ennis, told The Gleaner.

“We are continuing our protest action tomorrow (today), and I am not sure how the airport will handle large carriers, such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, which have some 400 passengers each,” said Ennis.

The larger carriers arriving at the airport need to have emergency services in place, but the fire department is one of the sections that have been affected by the industrial action.

Acting general secretary of the TUC, Barry Dawes, said the demonstration was sparked by management’s blatant disregard and contentious treatment of matters relating to staff. This is the second time in two years that they have resorted to protest action.

arriving flights affected

The strike, which started about 9:30 a.m. yesterday, affected a number of arriving flights, with Cayman Airways forced to divert to Kingston, while their outgoing passengers had to travel by road to board the aircraft at the Norman Manley International Airport.

At least one Air Jamaica flight was also diverted. JM44 from Philadelphia was diverted to Kingston, and JM35 to Fort Lauderdale was delayed an hour.

The action also affected American Airlines and US Airways flights.

In an interview with The Gleaner’s Power 106 News, MBJ’s chief commercial officer, Elizabeth Scotton, said, despite the threat of further action, the airport would remain open.

no comment

She declined to speak on the reason for the strike action, saying it was not the usual practice of management to comment on issues of that nature.

MBJ said it had extended an invitation to employees to return to work and to the unions to continue discussions with management.

However, Dawes said the union had been in dialogue with management for several months regarding fundamental concerns about aspects of a job evaluation, “but we were denied a meeting with the management and the consultant, Focal Point”.

He said the job evaluation was agreed on two years ago and was to be aligned with the workers’ pay. This, he said, was yet to be done.

He said that a meeting was set with Focal Point for last Friday but was cancelled by MBJ on Thursday evening at six o’clock. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

14. November 2009 by admin.

STEAMED PUDDING AND SOUSE

RICE AND PEAS; MACARONI PIE

VEGETABLE LASAGNA; BUFFALO  CHICKEN

SWEET AND SOUR PORK; BBQ SPARERIBS

BBQ PIG TAIL; FRIED FISH

GRILLED STEAK FISH; FISH GRAVY

BEEF  STEW; TOSSED SALAD

STEAMED VEGETABLES

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

14. November 2009 by admin.

Ria Taitt Political Editor

While it spared Siparia MP Kamla Persad Bissessar, the Privileges Committee of the House of Representatives found Newsday reporter Andre Bagoo guilty of contempt and recommended that he be banned from Parliament for the rest of the session. This session must end by December 16. The decision of the committee, however, has provoked criticism from the Opposition and the Media Association of Trinidad and Tobago (MATT). The matter arose from the premature publication of the proceedings of the committee by the newspaper (before the Committee reported to the House). The article written by Bagoo arose out of a report stating that the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, which had been referred to the Privileges Committee for alleged contempt arising out of a complaint made by Caroni East MP Dr Tim Gopeesingh, had planned to concede on the contempt charge and had decided to issue an apology. The committee, however, noted that both the Standing Orders and Erskine May Parliamentary Practice state that the proceedings of and evidence taken before any Select Committee, or any document presented to it, shall not be published before the committee has presented its report to the House. The committee, which has a majority of People’s National Movement members, also recommended that the Newsday publish an apology to the House of equal prominence to the article written by Bagoo; that the House reiterate the serious nature of the breach that was committed by the reporter and publisher and warn others of the consequences of such a breach; and that the media entities are strongly urged to conduct appropriate training of their reporters covering Parliament so that they will be familiar with the Standing Orders, especially those concerning the covering of the proceedings of Parliament. However, Opposition Members Dr Roodal Moonilal, Dr Tim Gopeesingh and Kamla Persad-Bissessar-who are in the minority-submitted a minority report, stating that they were against the banning of a working journalist from Parliament. They stated that the newspaper had assumed blame, taken full responsibility for the actions of the journalist and proffered an apology, and that the editor-in-chief had admitted overall responsibility and took full blame for the infringement. They said the recommendation, if accepted by the House, can be viewed as authoritarian, dictatorial and contrary to the fundamental right of freedom of the press enshrined in the Constitution. They also raised doubts as to whether the committee had the inherent jurisdiction that ’permits the Parliament to alter the contract of employment between the employer and worker, since banning the journalist can amount to a suspension of his duties’. They also said it was a denial of the ’fundamental right to work and the right to property’. While MATT admitted that the newspaper was indeed in breach of the Standing Orders of Parliament, it said the punishment was ’unjustifiably harsh and highly unusual’. It said that in previous cases, once the accused party apologises for the offence, he or she is almost invariably let off and no further action taken. It noted that the editor-in-chief apologised for the breaching of the Standing Orders. MATT endorsed the call of the minority report for the House to reject either the entire report or the particular recommendation of the ban. It said it awaits, ’with apprehension’, the committee’s findings in the case of a contempt charge against two TV6 journalists. ’MATT notes with grave concern that a pattern may be emerging of attempted intimidation, by way of the Privileges Committee, of journalists whose reporting may have embarrassed or offended the Government.’ On the matter of alleged contempt involving Persad-Bissessar, the committee believed that she ’acted in good faith when she proffered a personal explanation for her conduct, after it was determined that some of the contents of her speech were inaccurate’. Her matter involved her allegation that the President of the country failed to act on correspondence received by Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday, with respect to the Integrity Commission. (Trinidad Express)

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

14. November 2009 by admin.

PLANS FOR THIS YEAR’S 43rd Independence celebrations are well on the way, and the activities are expected to be just as big as last year’s.

This is the word from Minister of Family, Youth and Sport Dr Esther Byer-Suckoo speaking at a Press conference yesterday to highlight the annual National Church Service. This year’s theme is Passing On Our Godly Heritage To The Next Generation.

As the theme suggests, the ecumenical church service, which will be held on Sunday, November 22, at Independence Square, will see the youth playing a special part in that ceremony.

Byer-Suckoo said the theme was chosen in an effort to acknowledge our Christian heritage and in an effort to encourage the youth to embrace it.

Various youth groups and schools will be showcased, among them the Lester Vaughan Choir, Bayleys Primary School, the Girl Guides’ Association, Brownies, Cub Scouts, the Barbados Amateur Athletic Association and more. The ceremony starts at 4 p.m. and those attending are asked to be seated by 3:30 p.m.

The gala and parade which will take place on November 29, will be another big event.

Keith Franklin, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, who spoke on the preparations, said last year’s parade had gone extremely well, with approximately 13 000 attending the event at the Garrison Savannah.

This year he is hoping that an even bigger crowd will attend the gala be followed by the parade and feature dance, song and music including that of some of Barbados’ veteran artistes.

Honouring Barbadians who have given sterling performances over the year under the theme Barbados Gold, Expressions of Excellence, the show will see performances from The Merrymen, Barbados National Youth Orchestra, St Leonard’s Boys’ Choir, Paula Hinds and Gabby, while a segment will salute performers like Edwin and Red Plastic Bag.

Lieutenant Colonel Athlene Branch said there would be 23 units on parade this year. Among them will be the Barbados Coast Guard, the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Cadet Corps, Red Cross, Landship, Pathfinders, Barbados Legion and more.

Park and ride systems will also be in place for all events and tickets for those attending will be available from next week.

As usual, certain traffic restrictions will be put in place and the public are asked to adhere to them on these special occasions. (CT) (Nation News, Barbados)

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

14. November 2009 by admin.

The QUEEN ELIZABETH Hospital is considering not working any longer with Eastern Caribbean Elevators (ECE), which had been contracted by the hospital to procure, install and restore all elevators there.

In a statement following a midday crash of an elevator containing seven people, the QEH said it was “exploring its options with regards to continuity with ECE.”

It said ECE had been instructed that it should not commission the elevator in question unless it was certified for public use by the manufacturer.

The full statement read:

“An incident occurred at the QEH at around 12 noon today where one of the eight elevators malfuntioned. As a result of this, persons who presented themselves to A&E were expeditiously seen. There were no hospital admissions.

Eastern Caribbean Elevators have been contracted by the hospital to procure, install and restore all elevators at the hospital at a cost in excess of $1 million.

The hospital further advises that ECE was previously instructed that they should not commission this particular elevator unless it was certified for public use by the manufacturer.

Our investigations revealed that a technician, while undergoing testing, apparently neglected to deactivate the elevator after testing. Further, it was observed that there were no ‘out of service’ signs posted on the elevator as is customary for works of this kind.

Meanwhile, the hospital is exploring its options with regards to continuity with the existing provider, ECE.

The hospital regrets this unfortunate incident but assures the public that we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its patients, staff and the general public.” (RJ) (Nation News, Barbados)

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »

14. November 2009 by admin.

THE BARBADOS Defence Force (BDF) has signed a BDS $850 000 agreement with its Chinese counterpart.

Chief of staff of the BDF Colonel Alvin Quintyne said the agreement was in the form of technical aid.

“That technical aid would assist us in providing resources that would help the Defence Force to enhance its operational capability. Equipment such as that that will be required for our response in the aftermath of disasters, conducting urban search and rescues and so on,” Quintyne said.

He added that it was the third time the Chinese was providing such technical support to the BDF.

Other assistance would have been in the area of training for both on land officers and members of the Coast Guard.

“Any opportunities that we can get to expose those individuals to get that kind of training would redound to the benefit of the Barbados Coast Guard and by extension to Barbadians as well.

Admiral Guan You Fei, deputy chief, foreign affairs in China’s Ministry of National Defence, led a delegation which toured one of Barbados’ Coast Guard vessels the HMBS Trident yesterday.

He said his visit here was three-fold, the chief of which was to strengthen ties with the BDF.

“The Chinese has certainly put high importance on developing a strong friendship with the Barbadian Defence Force. And as we see it, the mutual ties form an important part of the friendly relations between our two countries,” he told the media.

The second goal was to strengthen mutual understanding and mutual confidence. And the final was to facilitate cooporation between the two forces, especially in the area of training.

He described the discussions held with Quintyne as “productive”.

The delegation went out to sea on the vessel and saw the various pieces of equipment at work. You Fei also got the opportunity to be at the controls on the trip back. (YB) (Nation News, Barbados)

Posted in Uncategorized | Print | No Comments »