Moontown

Livern Barrett, Staff Reporter

FINANCE MINISTER Audley Shaw says small farmers have not benefited significantly from the over $2.6 million disbursed by the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) to the agricultural sector in the last five years.

“In other words, you will find when you disaggregate the numbers that the great disproportionate majority of that money has gone to large farmers,” Minister Shaw told a Gleaner Editors’ Forum in Christiana, Manchester, yesterday.

“Large farmers, I would say, are like the chicken farmers … . People of substance and means have captured the giant share of that $2.5 billion,” added Shaw.

However, DBJ unit manager Paul Miller disagreed, pointing out that most of the funds disbursed by the bank were to small farmers through the People’s Cooperative (PC) Bank.

“Although sometimes the money is not a lot, it’s a lot of individual small farmers,” Miller told The Gleaner.

“So if you interpret small farmers to mean people borrowing less than $500,000, then you get a couple thousand,” Miller explained.

Of the $2.6 billion disbursed by the DBJ since 2005, $790 million and $765 million were to the agro-industry and poultry sectors, respectively.

Despite this, Shaw said channelling of funds through the DBJ to the PC banks was not as buoyant as he would like.

“Some of that is not your (DBJ’s) fault. Maybe it’s a matter of policies … a risk-averse position where they want all kind of collateral requirements that the farmers just don’t have,” he said.

More to small farmers

The minister said he wants to see more of the DBJ funds going to “genuine” small farmers and towards financing greenhouse-technology ventures.

“These are the areas I am going to have to work on at a policy level,” said Shaw, who is also member of parliament for North East Manchester.

The forum, which was co-hosted by the Christiana Potato Growers Cooperative, focused on the role of agriculture in transforming rural economies. (Jamaica Gleaner)

World-record holder Usain Bolt (right) powering home in the 100 metres ahead of fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell (left) and Frenchman Christophe Lemaitre during yesterday’s Samsung Diamond League Areva meeting at Stade De France in Saint Denis, Paris. Bolt won in a meet record 9.84 seconds with Powelll second in 9.91. Another Jamaican, Yohan Blake, was third in a personal best 9.95 while Lemaitre finished fifth in 10.09. - AP

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP):

Olympic and World champion Usain Bolt recovered from a poor start to win the 100 metres at the Samsung Diamond League meet in 9.84 seconds yesterday.

Bolt set a new meet record and beat fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell, who finished second in 9.91. Another Jamaican sprinter, Yohan Blake, was third in 9.95.

“It wasn’t the best race I’ve ever had in my life,” said Bolt, who returned to competition in Lausanne, Switzerland, on July 9 following an Achilles injury.

“My first part was awful. At the 50 metres, I thought he (Asafa) had me. I had to work a little bit harder to get back in the race.”

Bolt, the world record holder in the 100 and 200, pulled away in the final metres to stay unbeaten at 100 for 14 consecutive finals.

“It’s all about determination,” he said. “I want to be the best, to stay on top. When you run against the best, it always pushes you to do your best all the time. I’m happy, I escaped injuries and I won the race.”

First meeting this season

Bolt and Powell, who share the fastest time this year at 9.82 seconds, met for the first time this season. Powell is the last man to have beaten Bolt in the 100, two years ago in Stockholm.

American David Oliver posted the fastest time this year in the 110-metre hurdles, clocking 12.89 seconds, just 0.02 short of Dayron Robles’ world record.

It was enough, though, to take the American national record outright from Dominique Arnold, who ran 12.90 in 2006. Oliver had equalled that mark at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon two weeks ago.

Under perfect weather conditions, with mild temperature and a slight tail wind, Oliver enjoyed a strong start and pulled away to win ahead of fellow American Ryan Wilson, who finished in 13.12. Another American sprinter, Ronnie Ashe, was third in 13.21. Jamaica’s Dwight Thomas was fifth in 13.30.

“The run overall was OK,” Oliver told reporters. “I hit a few hurdles. I sat down on one of the hurdles, my hips dropped, that’s a waste of time.”

He insisted he didn’t regret missing the world record so narrowly. “You can’t be frustrated,” he said. “I’m winning, man. That’s the most important thing - you’re never frustrated when you win.

“I won Paris, I get four more Diamond League points. I want to be the Diamond League champion, that helps my goal. I just want to win. If you don’t win, you can’t be great. I want to be great.”

Leg problems

Robles, the defending Olympic champion and world-record holder in the 110-metre hurdles, pulled out of the meeting because of leg problems.

The powerfully built Oliver had already clocked the previous season’s best time, of 12.90, at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.

American Jeremy Wariner extended his unbeaten record in the Diamond League this season to four races, setting a season best of 44.49 seconds in the 400 metres.

“It feels great. I’m getting back to where I was a few years ago,” Wariner said. “That’s a big confidence boost for me right now.”

The 2004 Olympic champion, who underwent knee surgery last September, easily won ahead of Jermaine Gonzales of Jamaica, who finished in a personal best 44.63. Belgium Jonathan Borlee was third with 44.77.

Wariner, who is hoping he will be able to run under 44 seconds before the end of the season, had set the previous season best of 44.57 last week in Lausanne.

Olympic champion Brimin Kipruto beat the previous season best he set in Lausanne, winning the 3,000 metres steeplechase in 8:00.90 seconds, while Abubaker Kaki of Sudan won the 800 in 1:43.50 ahead of world champion Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, who clocked 1:44.11.

“Good weather, good pace, my personal best,” Kipruto said. “You can’t ask for more.”

After taking the US 100 metres title and the 400 in Eugene, American Allyson Felix won the 200 metres in 22.14 ahead of fellow American Shalonda Solomon, who finished in 22.55. Jamaica’s Sherone Simpson finished fourth in 22.65.

“It’s a decent time, but I wanted to go a little bit faster,” Felix said. “But without Veronica Campbell-Brown in the race, it’s always hard to push myself.” (Jamaica Gleaner)

Damion Mitchell, Assistant News Editor

Police sources are reporting that Sandra ‘Sandie’ Coke, sister of alleged crime lord Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, is being released from police detention under strict conditions.

Among the reported conditions is that she must not go to Tivoli Gardens in west Kingston, the former power base of Christopher Coke, who remains in a Manhattan Federal prison awaiting trial on drugs and gunrunning charges since his June 24 extradition. It is also reported that she will be closely monitored by the police.

Sandie is one of at least 20 persons for whom National Security Minister Senator Dwight Nelson has reportedly signed orders to be released from detention. She has been in custody since June 4 when she turned herself into law-enforcement authorities, days after the police labelled her as a person of major interest and asked her to do so.

Sandie, who was escorted to the police by the Reverend Al Miller, was initially detained for seven days. However, the national security minister later approved a request by the police to extend her detention by 30 days.

Dancehall artiste Adijah Palmer, popularly called Vybz Kartel, who turned himself in to the police on June 29 after he, too, was asked to do so, will also be released.

Kartel’s release would allow him to perform at the Reggae Sumfest show next week and several other events.

But his attorney, Valerie Neita Robertson, is reporting that despite the signed order for the release of her client, up to late last evening, the St Catherine divisional command had given no indication that he would be released.

“If the members of the police force are so disrespectful of the orders of the minister of national security under whose authority the state of emergency falls, then we can understand the kind of country that we have now,” she told The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre.

Questioned whether there was any legal recourse. Neita Roberston responded: “That will come at another time. and I am sure you will hear about it.”

But Superintendent Anthony Powell, the commanding officer for St Catherine South, said Palmer was still being detained because he was yet to see an order for the release of the artiste.

‘LIVITY’ remains custody

In the meantime, our sources say Sandra Coke’s brother, Leighton ‘Livity’ Coke, who also turned himself into the police last month in the company of Reverend Miller, will not be released; neither will any of the other detainees regarded as area leaders.

These include Michaelous ‘Zeekie’ Phipps of Matthews Lane; Spanish Town resident Tesha Miller; and Justin O’Gilvie, a close associate of Christopher Coke’s.

They will remain behind bars under the Emergency Powers Act.

Over the past few weeks, the Emergency Powers Review Tribunal has been hearing the objections of people detained under the state of emergency.

Nancy Anderson, a member of the tribunal told, The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre yesterday that the body has made recommendations to the national security minister on all the cases heard. However, she would not say how many of the recommendations were for the release of detainees  (Jamaica Gleaner)

By —Anna Ramdass

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said yesterday that Government is at war with criminals and will partner with the United Nations (UN) to crack down on and destroy illegal arms and ammunition.

Noting that there were reports of weapons which went missing from police stations, Persad-Bissessar said there is now a suggestion to locate a central place to store these illegal arms and ammunition. She said there is also a recommendation that Government assist in purchasing a kiln, at the cost of US$500,000, which is to be used to destroy weapons.

She was speaking to the media following a meeting with Agnes Marcaillou, chief of the Regional Disarmament Branch of the UN office for Disarmament Affairs. Marcaillou oversees the activities and operations of the three UN regional centres for peace and disarmament in Africa, Asia and the Pacific and in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Persad-Bissessar said for this year there have already been 222 murders. The Express murder toll, however, yesterday stood at 290. She said a needs assessment will be completed, then a national action plan would be developed for this country.

Persad-Bissessar, who is also head of the committee responsible for security for the region, said the plan will extend to look at security for the entire region as well.

Marcaillou told the media she and her team were invited by the Government. She said the UN will work with Trinidad and Tobago as well as seven other Caribbean countries. The first step in dealing with the issue of guns, she said, is to look at the vulnerability of stockpiles of the police and private security companies.

She said after a five-day intense working visit, “we have already identified some weapons and ammunition and explosives for destruction”. Marcaillou said steps will also be taken to look at improving forensic labs, purchasing machines, mentoring and training, as well as institutional strengthening.

“This is just not another visit of the UN, this is not just another talk shop, this is really a partnership to achieve complete results,” she said.

She said at the end of November when the work is completed, the UN team will return to this country and look at various other plans.

“You will be seeing the results of the commitment of your Government with the support of the United Nations,” she said. (Trinidad Express)

By Ria Taitt Political Editor

For the first time, Government is moving to include private security officers in the crime fighting effort.

In his maiden contribution in Parliament in the Red House, Port of Spain, yesterday, National Security Minister John Sandy responded to public calls for the unveiling of a crime plan designed to achieve an appreciable drop in crime, reduce the fear of crime and win public trust and confidence.

The plan includes making use of 20,000 plus security officers from private security firms.

Piloting the debate on the Notification by the President nominating members of the Police Service Commission in the House of Representatives, Sandy said an Estate Police Network Commission would be established. This initiative would engage the services in excess of 20,000-plus security officers of several recruitable security companies whose eyes and ears would contribute to law enforcement and national security, he said.

“This will be realised with the establishment of the Estate Police Network Commission which will comprise an executive, including senior personnel of top private security firms in Trinidad and Tobago, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Crime in the Police Service. The Commission’s mission will be to assist the civil police in the execution of their duties. Sandy said a dedicated communications network would allow interconnectivity among most of the reputable security companies. “The idea is to give security officers on duty at private locations an exclusive medium to communicate with the respective command centres, which in turn will possess facilities dedicated to instant connectivity with the nearest police station,” he said.

Furthermore, he said private security officers would report any suspicious activity in their respective areas of operations. He said if during the course of their duties they observe unusual occurrences with the potential for criminal activity, they would be required to use the communications network to inform the civil police.

The People’s National Movement (PNM) Government had been opposed to the concept of using private security firms and had rejected a proposal from then Opposition MPs Jack Warner and Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj which involved using private security firms in crime-ridden communities.

Included in the overall crime plan is provision for increased coastal patrols by the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, the Minister said. He said in this regard Cabinet was considering all the possibilities pertinent to the acquisition of the three offshore vessels (OPVs) sourced by the previous administration. (See Page

He said three criteria were being used in the decision-making process—the security requirements and its worth to Trinidad and Tobago in the marshaling of the country’s territorial waters; the financial aspect as it relates not only to the cost of the system, inclusive of four helicopters, but also to the maintenance factor; and the legal considerations”.

He gave the assurance that Government would make the best decision in the interest of the country.

Sandy said the crime plan also entailed the establishment of traffic surveillance bays on the highways governed by CCTV cameras. “On our highways and byways we see motorists speeding with no specific reason. We are proposing that we place these traffic surveillance bays along the highways which would allow our police vehicles to park and wait for such personnel on the roadway who would want to break our laws. It would afford them the ability to traverse any direction dependent on where the perpetrator is going. It would also allow them to, with radio contact, communicate with their fellow policemen on the route along which the perpetrator would be travelling. We would also ensure that only police vehicles use those bays and vehicles of the Defence Force and protective services in cases of emergency and with the CCTV cameras posted there we should be able to determine whether the law is being breached,” he said.

Sandy said the plan also involved legislation. To this end Government yesterday tabled the Anti-Gang bill, the Bail (Amendment) bill and the Miscellaneous Provisions (Remand) bill. The Minister said Government planned to bring the Evidence Amendment bill which would seek to extend the use of video-recorded evidence to encompass all criminal proceedings and to allow admissibility of the video-recorded statements of both accused persons and witnesses even where witnesses are absent at the trial.

Sandy said the plan is aimed at diminishing gang warfare, restricting the use of unlicensed firearms, improving road traffic management, improving customer service delivery, enhancing public trust and confidence, engendering community patriotism and re-introducing family values. (Trinidad Express)

The Securities Commission of Barbados has not approved registration of a new issue of shares for Banks Holdings Ltd (BHL).

The commission issued a statement on the matter yesterday as debate continued on BHL’s plans to finance its $50 million new brewery at Newton, Christ Church.

“Contrary to media reports The Securities Commission of Barbados announces that to date it has not approved registration of a new issue of shares pursuant to a convertible loan option for Banks Holdings Ltd.”

BHL said it was considering low-cost loan arrangement with an unnamed investor to avoid steep debt servicing.

Under the proposed deal BHL will get US$28 million in cash and in return the financier will have the option to convert any or all of the debt into shares in BHL at BDS$4 per share.

However, this has not gone down well with Doug Skeete, president of the Barbados Association of Corporate Shareholders, who criticised BHL for the way it dealt with small shareholders on this issue. (Nation News)

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By: Maria Bradshaw

Earthquake-ravaged Haiti has been put in preparation mode now that the hurricane season has set in.

During a live discussion on Haiti’s Reconstruction Effort, which took place on the NATION’S Facebook webpage on Thursday evening, USAID director for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Jim Coggin, explained that “much planning and preparedness was currently underway” in Haiti.

Also on the panel were Publisher and CEO of the Nation Publishing Company, Vivian-Anne Gittens, and United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr Brent Hardt.

Coggin was responding to a question raised about the vulnerability of the country during the rainy season.

He said that specialist teams had established numerous new shelter areas near the tent cities, renovated existing shelters, pre-positioned thousands of additional shelters, food and other emergency supplies, and cleared rivers and drainage canals of all debris so that heavy rains produced by hurricanes will not cause flooding.

Regarding housing, he said the plan was to construct 125 000 transition housing units in the coming months, adding that over 3 000 had been completed so far.

Referring to a BBC report, a participant questioned the “slow pace” at which funding was getting into Haiti to provide for the needy.

She asked: “Must the Haitians now sing for their supper? . . . Why this sudden appearance of dithering and slow pace when it comes to putting the cold cash where the hotly proclaimed promise once was?

Coggin responded: “Yes, the pace at which pledged funds are flowing into Haiti might appear to be slow in comparison to what expectations were, but a very important part of this massive reconstruction effort is to “build back better” – and that naturally requires the good and reliable functioning of the Haitian government and its ability to plan and prioritise projects, consult with the Haitian populations, and be able to properly manage this enormous undertaking.”

Giving a breakdown of the funds collected so far, Hardt explained that the US government through USAID, the Department of Defence and State Department had provided more than US$1 billion to Haiti and President Barack Obama had promised another US$1.15 billion. Former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have collected more than US$36 million from American businesses and over 200 000 individuals, and over 40 countries pledged US$5.27 billion over the next two years.

The NATION’s Publisher, Vivian Ann Gittens, pointed out that the bulk of funds donated to the Medianet Haiti Relief Effort from the Help Haiti Now Radiothon remained in an account in Trinidad earning interest because of the difficulty in directing those funds to Haiti as a result of the lack of infrastructure and central coordination.

But she insisted that donating cash was still the most effective way to help Haiti, stating that this should be done through one of the many humanitarian organisations on the ground in that country working as part of the relief efforts. (Nation News)