Moontown

Grilled at the pre-series media conference by Barbados Nation sports editor Haydn Gill and Antiguan journalist Colin James, Gayle said that performances of the batsmen in the recently concluded ICC World Twenty20 Tournament should have been a wake-up call.

“It should be a wake-up call but from my point of view maybe it is a pressure situation. The couple of days off could have let the players look into themselves a bit more and look to step up against South Africa,” Gayle asserted.

Chris Gayle throwing during practice (Digicel Photos)

“(South Africa) are tough opponents, when you look at their bowling attack it is one of the best in the world.

The challenge is once a particular batter can put his hand up and be counted, then it should be good for them and the team,” Gayle said while highlighting that the Windies batting in the ICC T20 was below par.

“Our batting display wasn’t up to scratch. Hopefully the guys can be ready physically and mentally. We’ve got to try and start fresh and take it from there,” Gayle noted.

The opening batsman also said that should the selected batsmen continue to under-perform the selectors could look to bring in players who are currently on the West Indies A Team tour and singled out Trinidadian top order batsman Darren Bravo.

“That’s (the Windies A team) a good place to start. (Darren) Bravo is doing pretty well. Hopefully he can continue from where he started. We are looking to turn around the situation. The selectors have come up with new strategies and hopefully when we come about the situation hopefully they make the right choice,” Gayle said.

Gayle said that while there were no major changes to the squad the players must see this as a critical opportunity to redeem themselves.

“Coming off the loss of the (ICC) T20s and coming up against a top team, it’s going to be difficult but it is for us to uplift ourselves and rebound from where we faltered,” Gayle said.

The West Indies crashed out of the ICC T20 tournament after a heavy loss to Australia in a must win game in the Super Eight stage.

Windies squad: Chris Gayle (Captain), Dwayne Bravo (Vice-Captain), Sulieman Benn, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Andre Fletcher, Nikita Miller, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor. (Caribnet)

During their meeting which preceded the Sixth EU-LAC Summit at the IFEMA Centre in Madrid, Spain, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, who spoke on behalf of CARIFORUM, enumerated the strides made by the Caribbean against the odds of the global economic challenges.

The CARICOM Single Market and Economy, he said, was making strides despite the many challenges it faced. CARIFORUM continued its efforts at deepening and expanding, with the membership of the Dominican Republic in CARICOM under consideration and significant in-roads had been made in respect of ALBA and the newly created CALC.

St Vincent Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves

Notwithstanding those gains however, Gonsalves hastened to point out to EU representatives that the Caribbean’s best efforts would come to ‘nought’ if the EU did not honour the consultation provisions of the Cotonou and EPA Agreements.

In doing so, Gonsalves reminded the EU, of the importance of ensuring that their other bilateral trade agreements were not pursued at the expense of the Caribbean region; that they facilitated the effectiveness of accompanying and support measures intended to provide relief to the Caribbean region and that they urgently undertook an assessment of the impact of trade liberalisation with Latin America on CARIFORUM countries.

He suggested that one area in which the EU could collaborate with CARIFORUM was that of Food Security. According to the St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, “agriculture remains an important contributor to rural development, GDP, employment and export earnings in our region. At the same time, the food import bill in CARICOM is more than US$2 billion annually. The returns to investment in Agriculture in the Region are dwindling at the same time the Region is faced with volatile food and agricultural prices.”

Against this background, he stated that a CARIFORUM Food Security Programme would benefit from support for a Bio-Security Policy, Agribusiness Development, Agricultural Health and Food Safety laboratories and systems.

He added that innovative systems could contribute positively to food security in the region and pointed out that there was significant scope for CARIFORUM-EU collaboration in a system which included, capacity building for Sustainable Institutional Development; a Policy and Incentive Environment; a Tripartite Collaboration (Triple Helix Approach).

“…while regional integration and cooperation are touted from the rooftops, as central pillars of ACP/EU and CARIFORUM/EU Cooperation, no provisions are made for access to V-FLEX and other such mechanisms by sub-regions like the OECS which desperately require such support,” Prime Minister Gonsalves lamented.

The Vulnerability Flex Mechanism (V-Flex) is a crisis Fund set up by the EU in December 2009 to cushion the blow of the global crises to some CARIFORUM countries. To date eleven African and two Caribbean countries have benefited from the Fund.

Gonsalves acknowledged the move by the EU for its initiative in creating the V-FLEX Mechanism, noting that in doing so it had demonstrated leadership. However he observed that EU could further enhance its standing by increasing the resources available to the mechanism, expanding its duration and making provision for sub-regions like the OECS which had already moved to full monetary union

“Let there be no doubt that regional integration and cooperation are instruments to achieve the sustainable development of CARIFORUM. Let there be no doubt that the region appreciates the contribution of the EU to its efforts. Let there be no doubt that unless the EU is careful, it can undo the positive contribution by its unilateral actions and bilateral commitments on commodities to those outside of the ACP…Let there be no doubt that EU Financing Mechanisms, like the V-FLEX, can play an even greater role in supporting Caribbean development than it currently does,” Gonsalves concluded. (Caribnet)

Minister of Finance and the Public Service,  Audley Shaw (right), pays keen attention as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief to Jamaica, Trevor Alleyne, makes a point during a press briefing (JIS photo)

The IMF team, which was in Jamaica carrying out a review of Jamaica’s performance under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the Fund, has found that Jamaica’s performance up to March 31 was better than anticipated.

Based on the performance of the economic programme, the team announced that it would be recommending that the IMF Executive Board completes the First Review of the SBA, which will result in the disbursement of 63.7 million Special Drawing Rights (SDR). The Board is expected to meet before the end of June.

The team has been in Jamaica since May 4 examining the performance criteria, set out in Jamaica’s Letter of Intent. These targets were fiscal consolidation and institutional reform, public debt restructuring, and financial sector reform.

At a press briefing Tuesday, at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Heroes Circle, Chief of the Caribbean division of the IMF, Trevor Alleyne, announced that “all quantitative performance criteria for the end of March 2010 test date were met, without the need for waivers, and substantial progress was made on the structural reform agenda.”

Minister of Finance and the Public Service,  Audley Shaw, stated that the higher than expected participation rate in the Jamaica Debt Exchange (JDX), helped the country to yield larger-than-anticipated savings on the Government’s interest bill.

“In the period following the debt exchange, credit rating agencies upgraded Jamaica’s sovereign debt rating. Eurobond prices on sovereign bonds have rallied and the Treasury Bill rates have fallen to around 10 per cent.a 28-year low in Government Treasury Bill rates,” he said.

Shaw also disclosed that no financial institution has so far accessed the Financial System Support Fund, as there were no reports of entities facing capital or liquidity shortages as a result of participation in the JDX.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Audley Shaw (right), greets the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief to Jamaica, Trevor Alleyne, as he arrives for a press briefing regarding the review of the Stand-By Arrangement between the Government and the IMF (JIS photo)

With regard to the structural targets, the Finance Minister said key benchmarks were achieved, including parliamentary approval of a Fiscal responsibility Framework in March; the preparation of a draft concept paper for an omnibus banking law and reforms to enhance financial sector oversight; and the divestment of Air Jamaica.

Pointing to the global economic environment, Shaw said that although the prospects for growth have been improved, they were still weak and, therefore, vigilance would be required to ensure that the objectives under the agreement are met.

The IMF Mission Chief also agreed with the Minister’s assessment, saying that risks to the programme remain high, but that continued implementation of the programme would help to boost investor confidence.

“The mission has been impressed by the level of commitment by the authorities to the economic programme and by the broad social consensus, that was crucial to making the JDX a success. Going forward, this partnership between the public and the private sector will be vital to the programme’s continued success,”  Alleyne said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry and the IMF team have agreed on an updated draft Letter of Intent, which is to be approved by the Cabinet and the IMF’s management. Shaw said the document would be placed on the Bank of Jamaica’s and the Ministry’s website, once it has been finalised. (Caribnet)

On Tuesday, US President Barack Obama sent congratulations to the Haitian people on the anniversary of the creation of the Haitian flag.

But he acknowledged ongoing suffering in Haiti, where between 250,000 and 300,000 people are believed to have died in an earthquake on January 12.

“We stand with the international community in our support for the government of Haiti and the Haitian people as they continue to create a foundation for a brighter future.

“On this Haitian Flag Day, the people of Haiti should remember that they have a friend and partner in America,” Obama said in a statement.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also issued a statement celebrating the creation of the Haitian flag on May 18, 1803.

“As the flag inspired an earlier generation of Haitians in their struggle for freedom, may it now inspire all of us to work for Haiti’s future,” she said.

US and international organizations are still trying to assist thousands of people left homeless by the quake, many of whom are living in makeshift shelters in public spaces in Haitian capital Port-au-Prince.

The United Nations representative in Haiti, Edmond Mulet, said Monday that the international organization was working with Haiti’s government to find new homes for some of the estimated 1.3 million people left destitute by the quake.

“We are in the process of identifying homes that are not badly damaged to help their owners carry out repairs with the goal of getting people to move back into houses and offer other homeless people a place to stay,” he said.

On Tuesday, Haitian President Rene Preval called on homeless Haitians to have “patience”.

“Today, our priority is resettling people who are in the camps, who are living in a situation that is not at all easy, particularly with the rainy season beginning,” Preval said.

According to Imogen Wall, a UN Humanitarian Affairs spokeswoman, half a million former residents of Port-au-Prince have simply given up waiting for help and have left the capital for the countryside.

Those left behind are living in squalid conditions in makeshift camps set up in public parks and squares throughout the devastated capital. (Caribnet)

He was speaking at the annual accountability seminar of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on Tuesday.

Guyana has never recorded a serious food security crisis but in order to ensure this situation prevails, the administration will not become complacent, Minister Persaud stated.

Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud

The minister urged IICA to ensure Guyana’s resilience and competitiveness by supporting the hinterland initiative and the various other commodity value chains.

He encouraged the institute to facilitate easier access to credit and to support the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) through increased research of flood resistant crops.

Minister Persaud noted that IICA has played a supportive role in the risk management and insurance issues for the Agriculture Sector Diversification Programme which will generate increased income and improve the livelihood of Guyanese.

The Agri Minister commended the institute for its role in negotiating Canadian markets for fresh produce farmers and efforts in engaging and attracting youths to agriculture.

However, he cautioned IICA to play a more active role in dealing with unanticipated events such as climate change and the current global environment sweeping through the world from fuel and food crisis to debt, currency and climatic issues.

“IICA can support member states in taking opportunities that are available. I’m looking forward to them taking the lead in ensuring that these projects continue. We’re truly appreciative of the support and look forward to the dynamics of another fruitful year of collaboration,” Minister Persaud said.

During brief remarks, IICA’s Country Representative Ignatius Jean stated that the institute has a mandate to report on its progress of promoting agriculture in the 34 member states.

He pointed out that the report captures the state of agriculture in Guyana including the Hinterland Rice and Beans Project, the Doppler Weather Station, Drainage and Irrigation, the Texana Project and the Agriculture Diversification Programme.

Jean mentioned that emphasis has been placed on flood and drought risk, the promotion of trade, beekeeping, agro-processors, fresh produce exporters, surveillance of the carambola fruit fly and the agro-tourism project.

The institute will continue to seek opportunities to provide technical cooperation for the hydroponics project, cassava value chain development and the annual secondary school hydroponics competition. (Caribnet)

The 214-inhabitant town, mostly ranchers and farmers, was severely battered by the gusts of wind that knocked down trees, electricity and phone poles, among other damages, according to statements made to ACN by the head of the San Blas Municipality Civil Defense Roberto Cruz Carmenate.

Specialist from the Weather Forecast Station in Camaguey Jorge Félix Pastrana said the storm took place when a converging line originated, causing the tornados to form from 5 to 7 pm on Monday.

Tornados are common in Cuba and happen in small areas for short periods of time, mainly in May and June, caused by the air warming and high relative humidity. (Caribnet)

Oil spill at Road Town Jetty

Upon investigation this past Sunday, the response team observed about 350 gallons of diesel floating on the surface of the water resulting in a strong, unpleasant odour in the vicinity.

A joint operation mounted by the DDM with the Fire and Rescue Services Department, Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (Marine Division) and the Department of Conservation and Fisheries resulted in a four-hour clean up of the area and an investigation into the source of the spill.

The response team used various absorbent pads in the clean-up process despite the rough waters.

The DDM said that any form of oil which reaches a body of water generally creates a sheeting effect on the surface and can cut off the oxygen supply to fish and other marine organisms. Additionally, oil spills can eventually kill marine life since it is a poisonous substance when ingested and can also cause major damage to marine habitats.

The DDM is continuing its investigation into the oil spill. (Caribnet)

Results released by the Central Electoral Board late Monday showed Fernandez’s party taking 31 of the 32 seats in the senate, a nine-seat increase.

The party’s Secretary General Reinaldo Pared Perez said a similar sweep of the house of deputies was expected from Sunday’s vote, with a projected win of between 100 and 104 of the 183 seats, though no official data had been released.

Miguel Vargas Maldonado, president of the Dominican Revolutionary Party (PRD), said the opposition party had “made some progress” from its performance in 2006.

At the local level, the ruling party took 90 municipalities out of a total of 155, while the PRD won 59.

But the vote was marred by low turnout, with abstention rates estimated by around 60 percent, according to an Organization of American States observer mission.

The ballot was also marked by what the mission described as “isolated” violence, with at least five people killed in clashes between supporters of the ruling and opposition parties.

Despite the deaths and low participation, the OAS said the vote was “satisfactory.”

Fernandez expressed regret for the deaths Sunday but said they were “isolated acts of violence” and that voting was conducted normally. (Caribnet)