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color:blue'>July 30th 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:blue'>TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT CAUTIONS BUSINESSES ABOUT USE OF KEEP CLEAR SIGNS FOR PERSONAL PARKING<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Station Sergeant Calvin Glasgow of the Traffic department has made it clear that the Keep clear signs in front of business places in Kingstown are not for use as personal parking spaces by business owners but for business purposes only and that includes picking up and dropping off goods. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Glasgow says that business persons must be reminded of this when applying for keep clear signs in front of their business places.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>He pointed out that persons are using these keep clear signs for personal parking and when trucks and other vehicles come to deliver goods the at times block or even hinder the flow of traffic. He added that the Police are going to look into the matter in an attempt to stop this practice.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>NCW HOLDS EMANCIPATION MONTH ACTIVITIES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The National Council of Women will next week be holding a number of activities to celebrate Emancipation Month.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Next Monday August 2<sup>nd</sup>, Emancipation month the Council will host an Emancipation lecture and Community Gathering at the Vermont Community Centre from 3-6:00pm.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The theme of the Council s series of activities is On Our mothers shoulders, Honouring female emancipators, Celebrating and maintaining our gains. An invitation has been extended to representatives of Women s groups and general public to attend the event.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The feature address will be delivered by Kimsha Wiiliams, a Science teacher at the St Vincent Boys Grammar School. The Council also stated that it will host two seminars on various aspects of women s role in Culture and development during Emancipation month.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>DIRECTOR OF MARITIME AFFAIRS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER POOR STATE OF FERRIES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The poor state of a number of ferries that are operating in the Vincentain waters is of grave concern to the Director of Maritime Affairs David Robin.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>He said that officials in his ministry have been expressing concerns about the age of some of the ferries in operation stating that the problem may be due to financial limitations of persons entering the industry among other things.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Robin said that persons going overseas to purchase second hand ferries can seek the advice of the Maritime Administration as the administration may even help to lower the cost of bringing a second-hand ferry up to standard.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Meanwhile, the Maritime Administration has also expressed concerns about the lack of safety measures and proper staffing used during the operation of some of these ferries.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>GEMS HOST YOUTH VACATION PROGRAMME<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The Gems Progressive Organisation in collaboration with local businesses will be hosting a four day Youth Vacation Programme.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The programme is scheduled to take place next week from August 3<sup>rd</sup> to 6<sup>th</sup> at the Enhams Community centre. It will be held under the theme empowering young minds for a healthy productive and Sustainable future. The programme will engage young people in a broad spectrum of topics which range from healthy lifestyles, to biodiversity and team building.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The programme will also include hands on activities, a drama session, and an environmental programming.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Persons between the ages of 13 and 17 are being targeted for this programme. The sessions will run from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>July 29th 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>MINISTER OF HEALTH VOICES CONCERNS ABOUT OBESITY LEVEL IN SVG<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Minister of Health here Hon Dr Douglas Slater has been voicing his concerns about the obesity level here.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>While St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the first CARICOM country to produce a document on dietary guidelines, Minister of Health Dr. Douglas Slater said that it is evident that we still have a lot of obese persons in SVG.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Dr. Slater said that during the recently concluded Carnival festivities, it was noticeably visible that a lot of our women are overweight. He added that collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health needs to continue to ensure that St. Vincent and the Grenadines has a healthy population.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Minister Slater stated that while a number of wellness programs are ongoing, the nation still faces the issue of obesity and more work needs to be done to address this problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>POLICE WARNS THAT HANDLING STOLEN GOODS COULD RESULT IN LENGTHY PRISON SENTENCES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Police here are reminding the Vincentian public that they could receive lengthy prison sentences if they handle stolen goods.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The warning was issued by the police following a number of burglaries and cases of theft which have place. These include electronic items such as laptop computers, cellular phones, stereo, as well as household, jewellery, livestock and agricultural produce.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The police have warned that if persons want to protect themselves then they should not accept items which they know or think may be stolen. They further stated that persons found in possession of stolen goods can face up to 10 years in prison on conviction.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>ILO TEAM VISITS SVG<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>A two member team of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) visited this country recently.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The delegation comprised Dr Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry who headed the delegation and Pierre Francois Recoing. During the visit the two met with Minister of Labour Hon Rene Baptiste as well as other officials from the Ministry of Labour and Acting Prime Minister Hon Sir Louis Straker.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>One of the main areas of discussions was the Maritime Convention 2006 and the progress that has been made towards its ratification. The Ministry of Labour says that the Maritime Industry is considered one of the fastest growing sectors globally and St Vincent and the Grenadines is listed among the large flag states in the Caribbean region.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Other matters that were discussed included the draft bill for occupational safety and Health and Safety.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>RSVGPF REMINDS THE PUBLIC THAT WEARING OF CAMOUFLAGE CLOTHING IS ILLEGAL <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>In the wake of a number of robberies and burglaries sweeping St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the local constabulary&nbsp;is reminding persons that wearing camouflage clothing is illegal here.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>On Friday last a man wearing a camouflage suit accompanied by another man robbed the Shell Service Station at gun point and made off with an undisclosed sum of cash at around 8.20pm.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The authorities are reminding the public that only members of the Special Service Unit (SSU) are allowed to wear camouflage uniforms. The police stressed that civilians,  are not permitted to wear camouflage as any part thereof, or any clothing, apparel or material resembling or having the resemblance of camouflage uniforms except otherwise authorized by Commissioner of Police Keith Miller .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>UWI OPEN CAMPUS HOSTS SUMMER ARTS AND CRAFT CAMP<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The University of the West Indies Open Campus will host its Summer Arts and Craft Camp at the University Centre from next week.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>A release from the Campus says that the programme will commence on Tuesday August 3<sup>rd</sup> to Friday August 13<sup>th</sup> from 9:00 am to 3:00pm daily. It will be held under the theme Enjoyinig our present, enriching our Future.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The programme caters for children 10-13 years old and will include Egg shell mosiacs, introduction to steel pan, local jewellry, tie dye and dance among others. The facilitators are Ms Amanda Quow, Mr Roland Scrapie Dopwell, Mrs Collette Jones Chin and Mr Patrick Grey Baptiste. Registrations forms are now avaliable at the UWI Open Campus Office.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-TT'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>July 28 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>SVG PORT AUTHORITY TO ADJUST SOME CHARGES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'>The St.Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority will adjust some of its operational charges, following talks with the Caribbean Ship Owners Association.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>Among some of the charges that will be adjusted include charges related to empty container storage and a heavy lift charge.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'>According to Chairman of the Port Authority, Edwin Snagg this is a good development, since it will reduce the cost of doing business at that facility.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Chairman Snagg added that there will be some changes to the tug boat tariff, following discussions with the tug boat service providers. He further said that there was always going to be a review of the tug boat charges and service, within a six month period.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'>As a result of these developments, a proposed Tug Service Surcharge that was mooted by the Caribbean Ship Owners Association, has been rescinded.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'>Chairman Edwin Snagg has re-emphasize the importance of the tug service, for the efficiency and safety of the ports at Kingstown and Campden Park.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>He said that there will be further developments at the Port, including a review of the billing charges, to include the introduction of a Free Along Side system, which will further benefit ship agents, importers, and by extension, the general public.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'>NCCP EMBARKING ON A RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAM<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The National Commisssion on Crime prevention NCCP will be embarking on a restorative justice program in the form of Face to Face mediation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>A consultation was held here recently by the NCCP to discuss the implementation of the prgramme and a committee has been established to chart the way forward. The primary objective of the programme is to provide offenders with the opportunity to reflect and accept responsibility for their behaviour.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;mso-line-height-alt: 9.75pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>GOVERNMENT MAKING STRIDES WITH PROJECT AIMED AT FIGHTING POVERTY<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>This country s government is said to be making strides with a project that has been implemented here to fight poverty.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The Organisation of American States the OAS is providing technical support to the project Puente in the Caribbean Program which seeks to improve the quality of life for persons living in extreme poverty.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>According to local OAS representative Melene Glynn the Puente program is being handles by the Ministry of Social Development as a comprehensive social development program.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The ministry is currently working on adapting the program to this country s unique social needs. The program is designed to facilitate ongoing capacity building in social protection strategies.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The program is financed by the Canadian International Development Agency.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>BUREAU OF STANDARDS HAS TO PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS SAYS HEALTH MINISTER<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Minister of Health Hon Dr Douglas Slater has noted that as our nation strives to come up to par with internationally accepted Food Safety standards, our local Bureau of Standards has to play in major role in getting us there.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Minister on Monday while speaking at the opening of a Food Safety Workshop said that in order to push us forward in terms of food safety, the Bureau of Standards must be extremely&nbsp;&nbsp; proactive as they are the agency that will eventually be the ones responsible for carrying out the necessary tests to ensure that food is safe for consumption.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Dr. Slater also made mention of the Custom s Department playing a major role in helping the country move forward with food safety. He pointed out that we import a lot of food and that is where the Customs will play an integral role in ensuring that the food imported is of the best quality. He added that there will also be the need for an agency which will outline the types of chemicals which will be used in the production of food.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>FISHING SECTOR DESCRIBED AS ONE WITH TREMENDOUS PROSPECTS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Minister of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries Hon Montgomery Daniel has described the fishing sector as one with tremendous prospects for continued growth and development<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>in the country despite the fact that its contribution is only about 2% to the GDP.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Minister Daniel while speaking at the opening of the Fisheries Summer Programme stressed that the Fishing Sector has significant potential for further development here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He urged the youngsters taking part in the programme to pay attention and look at the fishing sector as a career path as there are many opportunities available to them in this area.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The Fisheries Summer Program is being held under the theme  <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>A Future For Me In The Fishing Industry</i> .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;mso-line-height-alt: 9.75pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>LARGO HEIGHT RESIDENT WINS LIME CARNIVAL SWEEPSTAKES DRAW<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Largo Height resident Alyssa Dublin is $10,000 richer today after winning the grand prize in the LIME Carnival Sweepstakes draw yesterday.&nbsp; At a presentation ceremony at the newly refurbished LIME s Kingstown Corporate office, Alyssa collected her cheque from Chief Finance Officer Lydia Courtney Francis.&nbsp; The excited 19 year old an employee of Vinlec said that her winning will be very handy as she was considering going away to do her ACCA. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Chief Finance Officer Lydia Courtney Francis expressed delight that a young and upcoming professional has won and that the money will be spent to educate herself especially in the field of finance. She said that LIME customers have benefitted tremendously over the Carnival season from many giveaways and prizes and that they want to thank everyone for taking part. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Carnival Sweepstakes gave LIME customers eleven ways to win several prizes which also included a trip for two to Young Island and one year Free Broadband. Biabou resident Hetty Johnson won the one year Free broadband. Antonia Dublin and her partner will celebrate their wedding anniversary at Young Island on that fabulous weekend trip for two prize.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:159.75pt'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>SVG COALITION OF SERVICE INDUSTRIES HOLD GENERAL MEETING ON AUG 5TH<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;mso-line-height-alt: 9.75pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Service providers in St Vincent and the Grenadines will gather at a special forum next week to attend be attending the General Meeting of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coalition of Service Industries. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:justify;mso-line-height-alt: 9.75pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-line-height-alt:9.75pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The meeting takes place on Thursday 5<sup>th</sup> August, 2010, at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Conference Room from 3:00 pm.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The main item on the agenda is the election of a permanent board. The SVG Coalition of services was launched in 2008 and is being governed by an Interim Board headed by Mr.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Fitzroy Glasgow.<br> <br> At this meeting a permanent </span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue;letter-spacing: -.15pt'>Executive </span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>comprising President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and five (5) sector  specific representatives will be elected to serve.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>    </span>Service providers from throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines are expected to attend and participate in the election of the future leadership of the Coalition. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>July 27th 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>CDB APPROVED US$37M FOR SVG <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'>A loan of USD 37 million has been approved for St Vincent and the Grenadines by the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Approval for the financing was given at a meeting of the Board on July 22, 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'>These funds will be used to reduce the outstanding public sector debt at the National Commercial Bank (SVG) Limited (NCB), and to facilitate a restructuring of the institution.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'>The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has articulated a financial sector reform agenda that is designed to enhance the regulation and supervision of this country s financial sector, with the ultimate objective of bringing the regulatory and supervisory functions in line with international best practices.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>As part of its reform programme, the Government proposes to reduce the public sector debt portfolio of NCB and transfer the public sector shareholding to in NCB to the private sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'>The loan will permit a restoration of NCB s liquidity position and an improvement in its asset quality, consistent with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank s prudential guidelines.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'>MINISTER OF HEALTH HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD SAFETY<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Minister of Health Dr. Douglas Slater have been highlighting the importance of food safety. Minister Slater spoke on the issue while addressing the opening of a food safety and awareness training workshop organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Dr. Slater said that Agri-Business and Food Safety are very important to the country. He added that one of the main aims of the workshop was to aid in the nation s quest for a healthy population. The Health Minister also stressed that food safety must be made a high priority as healthy clean foods should be one of the main aims of all food handlers. Dr. Slater further said that all the relevant stakeholders must work together to protect the nation s food supplies in both Agriculture and Fisheries.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:blue'>MINISTRY OF EDUCATION HOLDS APPRECIATION CEREMONY FOR EDUCATORS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:150%'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:150%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'>The Ministry of Education will tomorrow hold an Appreciation ceremony for over seventy educators for their contribution to the education sector.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The seventy include both retired and retiring educators for their professional and personal contribution over the years.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'>The Appreciation ceremony which will take place at the Methodist Church Hall will include classroom teachers, primary school head teachers, secondary school principals and dean of the division of Arts, Science and Humanities.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'>Addresses will be delivered by Minister of Education Hon Girlyn Miguel, Chief Education Officer Lou Anne Gilchrist and Consultatnt to the Ministry of Education Mrs Laura Browne. The event will take place at 4:00pm.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;line-height:115%'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt; line-height:115%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:blue'>CARNIVAL ACTIVITIES IN CANOUAN<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Carnival activities in the Grenadine island of Canouan is expected to commence on Thursday July 29<sup>th</sup>.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The Canoaun Carnival activities are being organised by Club Nuevo under the theme  Party to the end for Canouan Carnival 2K10 . The activities will begin on Thursday with a Carnival lime and a Status Fete at Planet Hollywood. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>On Friday, Night Mas will be held while activities continue on Saturday July 31st with the Miss Rural SVG Pageant. On Sunday a beach lime and Wet Fete dubbed Water World willtake place.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>J ouvert celebrations will take place on Monday August 2nd and this will be followed by the Monday Afternoon Street jump up which this year is being called Street Vibes.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Street vibes will bring the Canoaun Carnival activities to a close.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-align:justify;line-height:13.5pt;background:white'><span style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>FISHERIES DIVISION CARRYING OUT LICENSING AND REGISTRATION OF VESSELS <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Fishetries Division within the Ministry of Agriculture is carrying out licensing and registration process which seeks to regulate the process of fishing vessels. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Licesnsing and Registration system was initiated in 1992 with assistance from the Canadian International Development Agency under the Fisheries Development Project.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Fisheries Officer Raymond Ryan said that the registration of vessels is an important component in the continued thrust to develop the local fishing industry. Ryan further stated that the division will be condcting strict monitoring to reduce the incidences of illegal activities within the fishing sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'>PLAYWRIGHTS GET OPPORTUNITY TO WIN US$15,000<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Playwrights in St. Vincent and the Grenadines now have the opportunity to win a grand prize of $15,000 US dollars through the staging of the first edition of an ALBA Drama Competition.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The Competition is being organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the ALBA Cultural Fund, the Institute of Theatre and Musical Arts and the National Theatre Company.&nbsp; It is opened to both Professional and Amateur Writers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Minister of Culture Rene Baptiste says the competition is intended to give the nations of ALBA an opportunity to familiarize themselves with various kinds of theatrical work. She added that interested writers can contact Drama Development Officer in the Ministry of Culture, Martin Quashie for details.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>VINCENTIAN GRANTED BAIL IN BVI<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Vincentian Simeon Pope has been granted bail in the sum of $35,000 signed with surety after having been arrested and charged on Friday with three counts of obtaining property by deception in the BVI.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Pope appeared in the Magistrate s Court on Monday and is expected to return on October 6th when his case will be mentioned.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>According to police reports Pope s arrest was as a result of a number of allegations made against him by members of the public that he took money under false pretenses.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>From reports received by the Criminal Investigations Unit of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, it is alleged that Pope was collecting money from members of the public for the purchase of used Government owned vehicles. Each complainant gave cash down payments, but were never given the vehicles. The complainants made reports to the Police after they did not receive the vehicles they paid for and were not reimbursed their down payments.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>CMMB HOLDS TWO HOUR SEMINAR<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Caribbean Money Market Brokers (CMMB) is at this time holding a two-hour seminar entitled  Bond Fundamentals.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The seminar commenced at 5:00 pm today and is expected to end at 7:00 pm. It is taking place at the Conference Room of Frenches House in Frenches, Kingstown.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='text-align:justify'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Persons are expected to be educated on the basic features of a Bond and other fundamental Bond concepts.&nbsp; It will also provide information on the Government of Saint Lucia s 8-year Bond scheduled for auction on July 28th &amp; 29th, 2010, with settlement planned for July 30th, 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; text-align:justify;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span lang=EN-GB><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>July 26th 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>NATIONAL STUDENT LOANS COMPANY TO BE SET UP<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Financial assistance is on the way for economically disadvantaged students who wish to pursue studies overseas as they may soon be able to assess funds through a National Student Loans Company.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that he is hoping to set up this company as part of the Government s education revolution initiative.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Dr. Gonsalves said that if the loans company is eventually established, economically disadvantaged students wishing to apply for loans will go through a much easier process than what they currently have to go through.&nbsp; He added that it is his plan that a number of Government agencies will contribute to the company.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The Government currently runs an Economically Challenged students Loans program through the National Commercial Bank (NCB). <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>SVG COAST GUARD ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME COMMENCES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Annual Development Programme of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard officially commenced today.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The programme caters specifically for persons between the ages of 14 and 18. It will cover a range of topics including Seamanship, Navigation, boat handling, safety at sea, swimming and life saving and knots and splices. There will also be social topics including substance abuse and prevention, leadership development and conflict resolution among others.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The SVG Coast Guard Summer Programme which was started in 1993 and will this year train some 120 teenagers over a three week period. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>UWI OPEN CAMPUS HOST INAUGURAL EMANCIPATION LECTURE <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The University of the West Indies Open Campus will host an inaugural Emancipation Lecture on Thursday this week.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>A release from the Campus says that the lecture will take place at the UWI Lecture Hall from 5:30 pm.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The lecture will be delivered by historian and Head of the Open Campus Dr Adrian Fraser.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The topic of Thursday s lecture is reflecting on Emancipation; as it was played out in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The lecture forms part of the 172 years since the abolition of slavery in the English speaking Caribbean.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-TT'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>SVGTCCU TO DISTRIBUTE ITS ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AND BOOK VOUCHER CEREMONY<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Cooperative Credit union Ltd will be holding its annual scholarship and book Voucher Presentation ceremony tomorrow.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The ceremony is expected to take place at the Frenches House Conference Room commencing at 10:00 am. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>A release from the Education Committee of the SVGTCU Daree Myers and Summer Warrican who performed exceptionally well in the 2010 Common Entrance Examinations will be awarded scholarships.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>In addition the Credit Union will present Book vouchers to persons who passed the exam but did not earn the scholarship. Tomorrow s ceremony will hear addresses from the president Cheryl Evans, General Manager Julian Jack and chairman of the Education Committee Ray Laborde.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The presentation will be made in the presence of parents and other relatives of the students and hear responses from the parents and former scholarship holders. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES HOLDS INAUGURAL<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>FISHERIES SUMMER PROGRAM<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries has today commenced the first ever Fisheries Summer Program.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The programme will be targeting students from both secondary and Tertiary Level<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>institutions.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The program which will end on Friday is being conducted under the theme  A Future For Me In the Fishing Industry and is being held at the Fisheries Division Conference Room.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The program has been designed to motivate young people to pursue careers in the Fisheries sector. Participants are being schooled on several topics relating to fisheries.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>YOUTHS ADVISED TO USE SUMMER VACATION WISELY<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The youths of this country are being advised to use their time at home during this summer vacation very wisely by becoming involved in entrepreneural activities.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>That advice comes from Manager for Training and Education at the Center for Enterprise Development (CED), Jacintha James. James opined that a lot of the nation s youths neglect entrepreneurship and gravitate towards other career choice.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>She pointed out that that noticing this trend, the CED has created a number of programs which are aimed at attracting more youths to entrepreneurship.In order to further<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>encourage the youngsters, James noted that Entrepreneurship is important in all aspects of life because Entrepreneurial skills are needed in order for proper management to take place.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>SVG CADET FORCE RECRUITS 56 STUDENTS FROM BEQUIA<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Fifty six (56) students from secondary schools in Bequia were yesterday enrolled as members of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>In a Passing out Parade and Investiture Ceremony witnessed by parents, family, friends and well-wishers, the recruits took their  Promise of Enrolment before the Cadet Force Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Dwight Lewis.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>This was the culmination of a two week basic training programme which consisted of drill, military knowledge, civics, history of the Cadet Force, physical training and sensible living.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:150%'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size: 10.0pt;line-height:150%;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:150%'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>BOAT BOYS FROM LEEWARD DISTRICTS ATTEND TRAINING SESSION<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:150%'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:150%; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration: none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>A three day training session for approximately twenty five (25) Boat Boys from the North and Central Leeward districts will be conducted here from tomorrow by the Ministry of Tourism.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The training will continue through to 29<sup>th</sup> July, 2010 at the Spring Village Community Centre from 9:00 a.m.  1:30 p.m.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The facilitators are Ms. Francelia Marksman  Trainer/Consultant, Ms. Vida Bernard  Director of Tourism and Ms. Marina Lampkin  Tourism Education Officer.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>The topics to be cover include Customer Service, Tour Guiding and Tourism Education among others.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>FOOD SAFETY AND AWARENESS TRAINING STARTS TODAY <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>A number of Vincentians will receive food safety and awareness training compliments the Ministry of Agriculture, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) beginning today.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The training comes as part of the St Vincent and the Grenadines component of an ongoing Commonwealth Technical Cooperation Project dubbed,  Promoting Agribusiness and Food Safety in Eastern Caribbean States .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Local Coordinator of the project Camille Crichton says that  the overall objective of this project is to enhance the capacity of small-scale producers and other supporting organisations, including Chambers of Agriculture, to respond to challenges presented by modern food supply-chain requirements .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The project training in food safety which is aimed at improving marketability and safety of agricultural produce, is being run from today to Friday. It will take place at the Service Commissions Conference at the Postal Corporation building) from 9am to 4:30 pm .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom (UK) will lead the five-day training course for peer trainers in food safety awareness. The Course Facilitators are Dr. Andrew Graffham of the NRI and Independent Food Safety Specialist (St. Lucia) Thomas Edmund.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'> The training will provide a range of tools to enhance requisite capacity at the national level and enable trainers to address critical issues in food safety management on the farm, and the challenges facing the agricultural sector , stated the release which added,  the course would include practical sessions at farm and fresh produce packaging facilities while participants will prepare laminated food safety posters and practice peer group training techniques .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:13.5pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>July 23rd 2010<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></i></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>PM GONSALVES GIVES UPDATE ON BAICO SITUATION <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=storytext><span style='color:blue'>Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves has said that a regional solution to the fall-out from the collapse of the C L Financial empire is a test of the usefulness of Caricom. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=storytext><span style='color:blue'>The PM was at the time giving and update on steps that countries of the Eastern Caribbean are taking to rescue the sub-regional assets of British American Insurance, once owned by CL Financial. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=storytext><span style='color:blue'>The Port of Spain-based firm, which had investments in several sectors across the region, ran into financial problems and was bailed out by the Trinidad and Tobago government in January last year. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=storytext><span style='color:blue'>Dr Gonsalves made the point that if the collapse was not dealt with as a regional problem, then persons may question whether membership of Caricom makes sense.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>He added indicated that he did not expect the government of Trinidad and Tobago to walk away from its responsibilities in the matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=storytext><span style='color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=storytext><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='color:blue'>MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS WORKSHOP ON WTO SERVICES NEGOTIATIONS ENDS TODAY<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>A three-day sensitization workshop on World Trade Organization (WTO) Services Negotiations organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will climax today.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The workshop was being held through the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Multilateral Trading System (MTS) Programme which is funded by the European Union. It was facilitated by the Head of the Services Trade Unit at the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) Ramesh Chaitoo.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Louis Straker while speaking a the opening ceremony said that the project is designed to integrate the ACP Countries like St. Vincent and the Grenadines into the multi-lateral trading system so that they can reap the available benefits of open trade markets.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>He also added that main objective of the project is to also support the implementation of existing WTO agreements and to boost the services sector which contributes vastly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Sir Louis also stated that government of this country remains committed to fostering integration with other countries at the sub regional and international levels.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Sir Louis said that the country continues to develop trade relations with other countries and organisations and this is an illustration of the government s thrust for further integration and development.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>BRAGSA COMMENCES WORK AT RATHO MILL<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Work has commenced on the Ratho Mill by pass road.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The Roads, Buildings and General Services Authority BRAGSA is conducting these works as part of its road maintenance program for 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='mso-line-height-alt:7.0pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Communications Officer at BRAGSA Roxtanne Marshall says that this road has deteriorated over the months since it was not designed to accommodate the heavy flow of traffic and due to the absence of proper drainage in the area, further to that over the past week the rate of deterioration has increased rapidly due primarily to the heavy rains.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='mso-line-height-alt:7.0pt'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Marshall said that they are anticipating that it will take approximately 2 weeks to complete.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The Authority would be focusing primarily on curb walls, drainage and road surfacing.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>These measures are short term and are expected to function until the end of the year.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Marshall noted that, BRAGSA is making all attempts to schedule and implement these repair works to accommodate motorists and road users using this route, however the road would be closed to traffic for a period of approximately 5 days during the hours of 8:00am  4:00 pm to accommodate the resurfacing of the road and construction of drains at which times the public would be notified and an alternative route would be given.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>CIC TO HOST WORKSHOP ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE, CLUSTERING AND COMMERCIAL LINKAGES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'>The local Chamber of Industry and Commerce will next week be hosting a workshop under theme International Trade, Clustering and Commercial linkages.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The workshop which will be held from July 26<sup>th</sup>-28<sup>th</sup> is the first in a series of workshops which will be held in the Caribbean and Europe in order to disseminate information on topics that are pertinent to the business development, such as, regional and international trade development, corporate, social responsibility and regional integration and organisational sustainability.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'>The main objective of the workshop is to assist small and medium sized enterprises in becoming export ready and more competitive by strengthening their capacity to meet the requirements for exporting their products and services. The sessions will be facilitated by Mr. Jonathan Webber - Birmingham Chamber of Commerce &amp; Industry, UK and&nbsp; Ms. Carlotta Viviani - Promofirenze - Special Agency of the Chamber of Florence, Italy. The workshop will take place at the <span style='mso-bidi-font-weight: bold'>National Insurance Services (NIS) Headquarters</span>, Upper Bay Street, Kingstown, and<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>would equip participants with the knowledge to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the EPA and other trading agreements.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'>The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry &amp; Commerce is one of the partners in the EU funded, Pro-Invest Project,  Developing East Caribbean Business Organisation (DECBO) . The project, which is being led by the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to strengthen the capacity of business organisations in the Eastern Caribbean and their stakeholders.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'>&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:13.5pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><span lang=EN-TT><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>July 22nd 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>NO CORRUPTION AT MINISTERIAL LEVEL IN ULP<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves has indicated that his ULP administration is free of corruption at the ministerial level.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>Dr Gonsalves while speaking at a news conference this week stated that none of his ministers can be accused of being corrupt as oppose to the NDP administration. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The PM however noted that during his ten years as Prime Minister of this country he cannot deny that there has not been some small scale corruption below ministerial level but noted that they were dealt with.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>Dr Gonsalves further described the public service as one that is staffed with decent and honest persons.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>PRIME MINISTER TO ATTEND AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT IN UGANDA <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Tomorrow Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves is expected to leave the state to attend the African Union Summit which will be held in Kampala, Uganda. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Dr Gonsalves says that on his way to Uganda he is also expected to visit Tripoli. He will be accompanied by his wife Eloise Gonsalves and Luke Browne.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>TAIWANESE/SVG YOUTH EXCHANGE SUMMER PROGRAMME ENDS WITH EXHIBITION AND CULTURAL PACKAGE <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>A youth Exchange Summer programme involving seven Taiwanese ambassadors and over thirty students from the SVG Community College will culminate tomorrow with an exhibition and cultural package.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The 2010 Taiwanese Youth Ambassadors Summer Camp in SVG afforded the Taiwanese delegation the opportunity to share with Vincentian students, aspects of Taiwanese culture including Taekwando and Chinese folkdance. The process was a reciprocal one in which the Taiwanese gained experience of Vincentian culture through active participation in activities folkdance and the steelpan.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Tomorrow s event will take place at the Methodist Church Hall. The exhibition part of tomorrow s event will commence at 1 pm with the closing ceremony which will feature a number of cultural performances commencing at 4:30 pm.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The 2010 Taiwanese Youth Ambassadors Summer Camp was organized by the Republic of China on Taiwan and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>MIN OF AGRICULTURE, COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT AND OECS HOLDS FOOD SAFETY AND AWARENESS TRAINING<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Come next Monday July 26<sup>th</sup> a number of Vincentians will receive food safety and awareness training compliments the Ministry of Agriculture, the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The training comes as part of the St Vincent and the Grenadines component of an ongoing Commonwealth Technical Cooperation Project dubbed,  <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Promoting Agribusiness and Food Safety in Eastern Caribbean States .<o:p></o:p></i></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>According to Local Coordinator of the project Camille Crichton in a release,  the overall objective of this project is to enhance the capacity of small-scale producers and other supporting organisations, including Chambers of Agriculture, to respond to challenges presented by modern food supply-chain requirements .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The release goes on,  as part of this project training in food safety, aimed at improving marketability and safety of agricultural produce, is being run from Monday July 26th to Friday July 30, 2010 at the Service Commissions Conference at the Postal Corporation building) from 9am to 4:30 pm .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom (UK) will lead the five-day training course for peer trainers in food safety awareness. The Course Facilitators are Dr. Andrew Graffham of the NRI and Independent Food Safety Specialist (St. Lucia) Thomas Edmund.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'> The training will provide a range of tools to enhance requisite capacity at the national level and enable trainers to address critical issues in food safety management on the farm, and the challenges facing the agricultural sector , stated the release which added,  the course would include practical sessions at farm and fresh produce packaging facilities while participants will prepare laminated food safety posters and practice peer group training techniques .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Dr. Graffham said,  participants will have the opportunity to take an examination leading to the internationally recognised award of a Level 1 Food Safety Awareness Certificate awarded by the University of Greenwich in the UK;&nbsp; at the end of the course, participants will receive certificates upon successful completion of the examination .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The opening ceremony will hear addresses from Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Montgomery Daniel and Minister of Health and the Environment Dr. Douglas Slater.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;color:blue'>MINISTRY OF CULTURE PREPARING TO HOST ACTIVITIES FOR EMANCIPATION MONTH<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Emancipation month will again be celebrated in August and the Ministry of Culure is preparing to host a number of activities to celebrate the month.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The Ministry in a release has issued a n invitation to the Vincentian community to join in the celebration. It says that Breadfruit festivals will again be taking place throughout the country. It is also encouraging that the general public makes every effort to lean more about their African history through books and songs as well as by wearing African Fashions throughout the month especially so on Fridays and Saturdays.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The Culture ministry is also encouraging that the community groups and organisations learn more about the different plantations and estates where Africans lived.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>BRAGSA CONTINUES IT S MAINTENANCE PROGRAM<i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'> <o:p></o:p></i></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The Buildings Roads and General Services Authority has commenced road repairs to the Ratho Mill bypass road.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>This is all part of the road maintenance programme for this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Communications Officer at BRAGSA Roxtanne Marshall tells Star News that the road has deteriorated due to the heavy flow of traffic which the road was not designed to accommodate, the absence of proper drainage, as well as heavy over the past week.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Marshall explained what the two week maintenance programme in the area will entail.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>She also gave the assurance that BRAGSA will schedule and implement the repair works so as to not inconvenience motorists and other road users greatly.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:13.5pt;background:white'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>TOASTMASTERS CLUB CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN OCTOBER<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:13.5pt;background:white'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The Toastmasters Club of St Vincent and the Grenadines will be hosting a number of activities leading up to the conference which wil take place in October.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The organisation says that the activities are aimed at improving communication skills. The conference in October will feature the Humour contest which has been won by this country for two consecutive years.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:13.5pt;background:white'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>July 21 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>SVG TO RECEIVE US$20 MILLION LOAN FROM ALBA <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>This country is poised to receive another US$20 million loan from the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA).<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves while speaking at a press conference yesterday to update the nation on his recent trip to Venezuela said that the funds are in addition to an earlier loan of US$20 million given by ALBA bank earlier this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Dr Gonsalves said that St. Vincent and the Grenadines membership in ALBA is in keeping with his administration s foreign policy that focuses on  concentric circles , placing the island within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and ALBA. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Prime Minister Gonsalves noted that with Cuba and Venezuela being the country s main trading partners in ALBA a trade mission from Venezuela would visit here on August 9 for trade talks.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>He said it was also likely that the mission would be interested in purchasing bananas and as a result a meeting had been held with Renwick Rose, the Chief Coordinator of the Windward Islands Farmers Association (WINFA).<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The team from Venezuelan would also be taken on a tour of the Argyle International Airport, now under construction.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Venezuela is among the major donors to the project.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=storytext><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='color:blue;mso-ansi-language: EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=storytext><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>PM GONSALVES UPDATE THE NATION ON THE BAICO ISSUE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves has given persons who have monies tied up in the British American Insurance company the assurance that every effort is being made to resolve the issue.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The Prime Minister during a press conference on Tuesday said that a number of successes have been achieved in terms of British American and sometime in the future persons will begin reaping the rewards of these achievements.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Dr Gonsalves spoke of some of achievements that the Judicial Managers and administrators have gained.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>He also added that the Judicial Managers and Administrators have been recognised in the United States and this will have a positive effect on the recovery of assets owned by British American in the United States. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE EDUCATION REVOLUTION<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The government of St Vincent and the Grenadines is seeking to further strengthen the Education revolution.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>Speaking at a news conference this week Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves said that the government has been engaging the government of Portugal on the initiative of distributing computers to children at both primary and secondary schools.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>SVGBS AND CROSQ HOST WORKSHOP<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards (SVGBS) in collaboration with the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) will be hosting a Workshop on the Estimation of Measurement Uncertainty for Laboratories. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;text-align:justify;tab-stops: 14.2pt 1.0in 2.0in 3.0in 4.0in 5.0in'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>This workshop will explain the use of measurement uncertainty as an indicator of measurement capability for accreditation and proficiency by testing and calibration laboratories as well as to help technicians to identify, describe and determine the factors which contribute to uncertainty in measurements when performing tests or calibrations.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>A release from the Bureau says that the workshop is scheduled for Thursday 22<sup>nd</sup> and Friday 23rd July 2010 and will take place at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commerce and Trade, Kingstown.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>A brief opening ceremony will be held on Thursday 22<sup>nd</sup> July starting at 8.30 am and will hear brief addresses from Mr. Deenish Maharaj, Project Coordinator, CROSQ RQI Project, <span style='mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>Dr. Mariana Arce- Osuna,</span> workshop facilitator, the Director of the SVGBS, Mr. Ezra D Ledger and the<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Hon. Dr. Jerrol Thompson, Minister with responsibility for the SVG Bureau of Standards. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoBodyText3 style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;color:blue'>The SVGBS presently provides laboratory services in Basic Chemistry, Microbiology and Metrology and is working towards certification and accreditation of these services. This capacity will promote greater confidence in the SVGBS testing capacity.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The SVGBS says that it remains committed to the creation of a National Quality Infrastructure built on the pillars of Standards, Quality Assurance and Metrology.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>LIONS CLUB SOUTH AND JEMS HOST WORKSHOP<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The Lion s Club South along with the JEMS Progressive Organisation will be holding two community workshop today in Enhams.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The workshop will focus on natural disasters and hazards. Persons in the surrounding areas are also invited.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The workshop is expected to commence at six this evening. It will take place at the Lion s Den at Enhams. Idelia Ferdinand from the national Emergency management NEMO will facilitate this evening s event.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-TT'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>POLICE CALL ON THE PUBLIC TO REPORT ALL INCIDENTS OF ANIMAL AND PRODUCE THEFT<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Superintendent of Police Artis Davis has called on the public to be very vigilant as persons who are involved in praedial larceny sometimes disguise animals in human clothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Speaking during a radio programme Davis urged that persons report all incidents of animal and produce theft. He also said that thieves are becoming craftier in hiding their crime. Meanwhile, Chief Agricultural Officer Reuben Robertson said that he is hoping that now that the Agricultural Produce and Livestock (Prevention of Theft) Act has been passed, persons who engage in the stealing of livestock will receive stiffer penalties. Robertson was supported by Agriculturalist and Farmer, Clive  Bishi-I Bishop who commended the Ministry of agriculture for spearheading the Prevention of Theft Act.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>US DOCTORS PROVIDE FREE CHIROPRACTIC CARE TO VINCENTIANS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>A group of doctors from the United States are currently in the state to provide chiropractic care to Vincentains free of charge.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The group is being hosted by the Medical Relief Association. The team is being lead by Dr Jean Claude Doornick. The rest of the team comprises doctors Courtney Gray, Karen Wulwick and Jason Gerard. The aim of the mission is to improve the health and medical care of persons in need as well as educating them through medical services as those that are taking place this week.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The group says that its intention is to change the way Vincentians think about their health. The team was today expected to visit the police officers at the Old Montrose police Station. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>INZLO ELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The Interior Zone Literacy Organisation INZLO has elected a new executive to serve for the year 2010/2011.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Margaret Lewis Jackson has been elected as chairman, Shirley Callenda as Vice Chairman, Asha Ottley as Secretary, Tricheal February as Treasurer and the Public Relations Department comprises Stella Mc Phy,<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Alena Primus Desmond and Bradley Douglas.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Josine John is responsible for education and training, Luenda Haywood has responsibility for<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>community services and Carlos Smart, Promotions and media. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>According to Managing Director of INZLO Nigel Morgan, INZLO is a non profit organisation that began in 2007 out of the need to promote the acquisition and development of vital life skills among persons to enable them to be more productive and independent citizens in life.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Morgan further added that the vision of INZLO for 2010-2011 is to decrease poverty and unemployment and increase honour and respect at the community and national <span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>levels.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Among the activities organised by the organisation for the summer vacation include the School Supplies Recycling program to assist students in need of support in getting ready for the new school term in September 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>July 20th 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>IADC OUTREACH PROGRAM <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>The International Airport Development Company (IADC) through its </span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>communication unit will on Thursday</span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'> take its Outreach programme to the learning resource center in Questelles.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>A wide cross section of the community is expected to attend and be brought up to date on the issues surrounding the construction of the Argyle International Airport. They will also hear about the benefits and opportunities that would arise as a result of the construction and operation of the Argyle International Airport.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>Last Wednesday July 14, the IADC s caravan rolled into the village of Keartons to a large crowd at the Keartons community center. Persons there voiced their full support for the construction of the Argyle International Airport and encouraged Vincentians as a whole to support the project in the interest of the development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'>Development Planner Mr. Bentley Browne led the discussion surrounding the benefits and opportunities that will arise as a result of the airport and how persons are to begin thinking and actively moving towards taking advantage of these opportunities. Browne is also expected to facilitate the discussion in Questelles tomorrow.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span></span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Thursday s</span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'> Outreach is scheduled to run from 6-8pm at the Questelles Learning Resource Center.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS WORKSHOP<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Commerce and Trade in collaboration with BKP Development Research and Consulting Firm would tomorrow hold a sensitization workshop on the World Trade Organisation WTO services negotiations from tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>A total of forty service providers from the private and public sectors and non governmental organisations will participate in the three day workshop. Participants will be offered an in depth analysis and current status of the services negotiation in the WTO as well as the commercial opportunities for services suppliers in St Vincent and the Grenadines.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>At the end of the workshop participants are expected to gain a better understanding and knowledge of the state of play in the services negotiations of the WTO, the domestic rules for services and the development priorities of the services sector in ST Vincent and the Grenadines.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The workshop is expected to take place at the Training Room of Joachim and Associates located at Murray s Road from tomorrow to Friday.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>It will be facilitated by Ramesh Chaitoo and Ayana Young. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Sir Louis Straker will deliver the feature address at the opening ceremony tomorrow which will commence at nine in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>NATIONAL PARKS, RIVERS AND BEACHES AUTH URGE PERSONS TO BE CAREFUL WHEN VISITING RECREATIONAL SITES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Officials from the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority are emphasizing the importance of being extremely vigilant when visiting recreational sites during this rainy season.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>They have advised that persons be careful as floods, rock-falls and landslides are very possible because of heavy rainfall.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The Authority has put measures in place to ensure public safety but it has been advised that individuals must exercise due care at all times. Three persons drowned recently at Rawacou after encountering difficulties while swimming.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>SOFT OPENING OF PHASE ONE OF THE BUCCAMENT BAY RESORT SET FOR AUGUST 13TH<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Over 300 persons is expected to be employed during the soft opening of Phase One of the Buccament Bay Resort scheduled for August 13th.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>Marketing Consultant at Harlequin Developments Janet Franke, said in a release they have started the employment of an initial three-hundred staff for the resorts operations and are anticipating another 250 to be contracted by the end of 2010. Harlequin Developments is the company in charge of the construction of the Buccament Bay Resort.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Franke added that the initial construction phases are nearing completion and as a result, Harlequin Developments will begin its release of 250 construction workers who have been instrumental in the first stage of the build.&nbsp; She says the company will again recruit construction workers when the next build phase begins.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The Buccama Bay Resort is expected to offer five-star accommodation and service when completed. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had pointed to the project being the second largest employer of Vincentians after the Government.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>FIVE VINCENTIANS SENTENCED ON DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The five Vincentians who were arrested during a drug bust last month were sentenced yesterday in the Magistrate Court.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Three of them; Elvis Bowens, Lennox Weekes and Daniel Baptiste were fined<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>$70,000 each to be paid within three months. In default they would spend two years in prison.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The other two;&nbsp; Alison Blue and Keri Codougan were fined $75,000 each.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Failure to pay the fine would see them spending two years in prison.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The five Vincentians pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis sativa with intent to supply.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The Prosecution offered no further evidence in the four other charges; drug trafficking, possession of cannabis sativa, conspiracy to engage in drug trafficking and conspiracy to import a controlled drug into Montserrat. Those charges were subsequently dropped. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The Court did not order any forfeiture of the vessel.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>The men have been remanded into custody until the fines are paid. They were arrested in late June following a joint operation between the HMS Manchester and the Royal Montserrat Police Force.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Drugs with an estimated street value of $2.2 million EC dollars were recovered.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>July 19th 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>DENGUE FEVER REACHING EPIDEMIC STAGES ACROSS THE CARIBBEAN WHILE THE NUMBER OF CASES IN SVG IS NORMAL<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=storytext><span style='color:blue'>Health authorities in the region say mosquito-borne dengue fever is reaching epidemic stages across the Caribbean and dozens of deaths have been reported and officials say they are concerned it could get much worse as the rainy season advances. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>In the case of St Vincent and the Grenadines though four cases of the disease have been confirmed between January and June this year, health officials are reporting that there is no need for panic here.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"/> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"/> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"/> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"/> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"/> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"/> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"/> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect"/> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"/> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1030" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Picture of vial" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0; width:42pt;height:40.5pt;z-index:1;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square; mso-wrap-distance-left:0;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:0; mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left; mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical:absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f"> <v:imagedata src="newsrelease_files/image001.jpg" o:title="Picture of vial"/> <w:wrap type="square" anchory="line"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width=56 height=54 src="newsrelease_files/image001.jpg" align=left alt="Picture of vial" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_2"><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Georgia","serif";color:black;letter-spacing:.95pt; mso-ansi-language:EN'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Epidemiologist Dr Jennifer George says that the figures are normal for the time period.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>Dr George has given the assurance that the Ministry of Health will continue with its public health measures to reduce and prevent any more cases of the dengue Fever and more severe Dengue Hemorrhagic </span><b><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>Fever.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Vincentians are being encouraged to do their part by controlling al open water sources. The symptoms of Dengue Fever include pain in the eyes, general malaise (malez), fever, joint pains and headache. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever also includes the same symptoms as the Dengue as well as reddish rash, bleeding gums and nose as well as black stool.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>TELECOMMUNICATION MINISTER INDICATES DISCUSSIONS CONTINUE TO ENUSRE LOWER INTERNET RATES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Minister of Telecommunications, Science and Industry Hon Dr Jerrol Thompson has pointed out that negotiations are continuing to ensure that the Vincentian public sees a reduction in internet connections in their homes. Dr Thompson said that their goal in the ministry is to ensure that every home in St Vincent and the Grenadines can afford an internet connection.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The minister noted that the country continues to forge ahead with regards to technological developments here and that he expects to see internet reduction in the near future.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>ANNUAL LIVESTOCK DISEASE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM STARTS LATER THIS MONTH<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The annual Livestock disease surveillance program is expected to commence later this month with special emphasis being placed on the diseases in pigs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>A release from the Ministry of Agriculture states that the Anima Health and Production Division will be visiting a number of farms to collect samples which will be analyzed for a number of zonotic diseases or diseases which are transferable from animals to man especially so swine influenza which is now of international concern.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The team will commence their visits on Wednesday July 21st this week. It will continue through to Thursday July 29<sup>th</sup>. The first visit will be in District 1on Wednesday On July 22<sup>nd</sup> Richmond Hill-Coulls Hill. On July 27<sup>th</sup> District 2 Coulls Hill- Layou, July 28<sup>th</sup> will be the turn for District 8 while on July 29<sup>th</sup> the team will visit Grand Sable-Fancy. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>US BASED UNITED VINCY CULTURAL GROUP HOLDS MEDICAL CLINICS IN SVG<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>As part of a medical outreach initiative by a Brooklyn based group called the United Vincy Cultural Group, six local clinics will receive medical supplies.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The handing over is scheduled to take place at the Music Centre Conference Room on Back Street. The group is this year collaborating with a volunteer medical group called Health Care International to offer free medical care to the public. According to Public relations Officer of the group Judith Coffy-Murray the donation was made possible due to the group s annual fundraising efforts in the United States.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The district clinics that are expected to benefit from the donation are located in Biabou, Clare Valley, Colonarie, Coulls Hill, Overland and Spring Village.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>TRANSPORT MINISTER VISITS INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS ON THE LEEWARD SIDE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Hon Clayton Burgin Minister of Transport and Works will today head a team of officials on a tour of infrastructural projects on the leeward side of the island.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Minister Burgin is expected to visit the Learning Resource Center in West Kingstown, the Sporting Complex at Cumberland and the Sharpes River Defence at Chateubelair. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>The minister s visit is designed for him to observe the operations at each project site and monitor and evaluate the level of progress to date.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Minister Burgin will be accompanied by the Hon Dr Jerrol Thompson, Minister of Telecommunications and Parliamentary representative for North Leeward, Permanent Secretary Luis DeShong, Chief Engineer Brent Bailey, Senior Assistant Secretary Aubrey Burgin and other officials in the Ministry of Transport and Works.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>SVG REPRESENTED AT 18<sup>TH</sup> INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>This country is being represented at the 18th International Aids Conference which is taking place held in Vienna Austria from today to Friday July 23rd.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Local journalist Ricardo Wilson is representing St Vincent and the Grenadines. Wilson s his role at the conference includes gathering information to be disseminated locally to aid in the fight against the virus here.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>This year, the conference which is also known as  <i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>AIDS 2010</i>3 will be held under the theme,  <i style='mso-bidi-font-style: normal'>Rights Here, Right Now</i> .<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS has made available bursaries for five regional journalists to attend the conference. The event is organized every two years to examine the progress made in the fight against HIV and Aids around the world. It s considered one of the largest international gatherings devoted to a global health issue, bringing together people from around the globe to share lessons and together stake out the road ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>RSVGPF ANNUAL SUMMER PROGRAMS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force will again this year stage programs to assist in keeping the nations youth meaningfully occupied during the summer vacation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Police Band s Summer Program, which is into its third year has commenced today.&nbsp; The program will run for five (5) weeks Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and will cater for young persons, ages 9 to 14 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Participants will be schooled in the theoretical and practical aspects of music while lessons will be given in the use of the Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute, Trombone, French Horn, Steel Pan and Drum Set among others.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Youths interested in learning to play the pan will from today have an opportunity to do so as the Pan Against Crime Summer Programme has been officially launched.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Pan Against Crime Summer Programme which is scheduled to begin today, throughout the island will run up until Friday August 13th while sessions will be conducted from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, three (3) days per week.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The training sessions will be conducted by steel bands that were established through the Pan Against Crime Initiative with assistance from the Social Investment Fund (SIF).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>These bands are located in among other places, Georgetown and South Central Windward. Other bands involved in the tutoring include the South East Steel Orchestra, the Symphonix Steel Orchestra, North Stars, Canouan and Union Island Steel Orchestras. Potential and Elite Steel Orchestras will also conduct training sessions while each Band is expected to train approximately thirty (30) youths, impacting more than 120 youngsters.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The SVG Coast Guard Summer Programme which was stared in 1993, will again train some 120 teenagers, ages 14-18 years, over a three week period. Three batches comprising forty youths each will undergo one week of instructions in areas such as Seamanship, Navigation, boat handling, safety at sea, swimming and life saving and knots and splices. There will also be social topics including substance abuse and prevention, leadership development and conflict resolution among others.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; line-height:16.85pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>July 16th 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:153.0pt'><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>WORLD BANK TEAM VISITS SVG <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>World Bank team recently visited St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as St Lucia to conduct the Supervision for the OECS E-Government for Regional Integration Program (EGRIP) in Castries and the Launch of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines project under the program (EGRIP-SVG).<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The mission comprised Mr. Juan Navas-Sabater (Team Leader, CITPO), Mr. Gurcharan Singh and Ms. Kashmira Daruwalla (Procurement, CITPO).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>During the mission, an official project launch event was conducted in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Hon. Dr. Jerrol Thompson, Minister for Telecommunications, Science, Technology &amp; Industry in St. Vincent and the Grenadines told the launch EGRIP has his full support and is confident that the programme will contribute significantly to the ICT Programme in St. Vincent and the Grenadines:  <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>The transformation of the Public Service with the application of ICT and the provision of E-Government services is vital to the economic sustainability of the island within the context of the global financial crisis </i> he said. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The REGU organized an official project launch event on May 6th in St. Vincent and the Grenadines which was attended by approximately fifty persons. During the project launch an overview was presented on project components and activities. The launch highlighted the importance of the project for the region as it moves towards creating an Economic Union and provided an opportunity for the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to officially mark the beginning of project implementation in its territory. The event brought together all project stakeholders and was therefore an opportunity to clearly communicate to all the parties involved the project objectives, activities, processes, timetable, as well as the expected role each stakeholder to ensure the successful implementation of EGRIP.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>2010 CARNIVAL ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED AS PEACEFUL BY THE POLICE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The recent 2010 Carnival activities have been described by the police as being peaceful.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The police have reported that there were no incidents of serious criminal activities during the festivities.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Police Inspector Johnathan Nicholls highly commended the Vincentian public for keeping the peace noting that everyone played their part in ensuring the peace that reign during the festival.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>He also extended congratulations to the winners of the various competitions that were held.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Earlier this week Chairman of the Carnival Development Corporation CDC Mr Dennis Ambrose reported that this year s CDC organized events attracted a record number of persons.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>He described the festival as a success, saying the numbers are an indication of the positive growth of the festival.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:153.0pt'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND WORKS MEETS WITH STAKEHOLDERS </span></u></b><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Ministry of Transport and Works is seeking to further develop its transport portfolio and to this end has held a meeting with stakeholders to discuss the issue.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>The ministry says that the objective in this regard is the development of a safer environment for the vehicular and pedestrian public.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Officials of the ministry met with representatives of the taxi drivers Association, the minibus and omnibus associations, the insurance association of the St Vincent and the Grenadines and the department of Inland Revenue department.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The ministry says that since the creation of the transport portfolio it has been focusing primarily on management of the operations of the School Bus system. The meeting was said to be of great importance as it was expected to take the first steps in crafting the role which stakeholders can play in providing a safer environment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>TRANSPORT AND WORKS MINISTER CONTINUE VISITS TO PROJECTS <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Transport and Works Minster Hon Clayton Burgin will next week continue his programme of visits to some infrastructure projects for which his ministry holds responsibility. On Tuesday next week Minister Burgin is expected to visit the Learning Resource Center in West Kingstown, the Sporting Complex at Cumberland and the Sharpes River Defence at Chateubelair.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The Minister s visit is designed for him to observe the operations at each project site and monitor and evaluate the level of progress to date.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Minister Burgin will be accompanied by the Hon Dr Jerrol Thompson, Minister of Telecommunications and Parliamentary representative for North Leeward, Permanent Secretary Luis DeShong, Chief Engineer Brent Bailey, Senior Assistant Secretary Aubrey Burgin and other officials in the Ministry of Transport and Works.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:blue'>SVG TO BE REPRESENTED AT 18<sup>TH</sup> INTERNATIONAL AIDS CONFERENCE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be represented at the 18th International Aids Conference due to be held in Vienna Austria from Monday July 18th to Friday July 23rd.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>This year, the conference which is also known as  <b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u>AIDS 2010</u></b>3 will be held under the theme,  Rights Here, Right Now .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Five regional journalists have been given a bursary from the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/Aids to attend the conference. The event is organized every two years to examine the progress made in the fight against HIV and Aids around the world. It s considered one of the largest international gatherings devoted to a global health issue, bringing together people from around the globe to share lessons and together stake out the road ahead. Local journalist Ricardo Wilson will represent this country. Wilson says that his role at the conference will include gathering information to be disseminated locally to aid in the fight against the virus here.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>CKDO S SUMMER PROGRAMME INTO SECOND WEEK<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>A three week summer programme organised by the Central Kingstown Development Organization (CKDO) moves into its second week today.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The programme which has attracted over one hundred children between the ages of 8 and 16 is helping young people from vulnerable communities develop meaningful skills.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>CKDO s President Leroy Rock said that participants include children from the Paul s Avenue, Harbour Club, Edinboro, Ottley Hall and Redemption Sharpes. He added that the children are involved in activities including painting, reading art and craft while a number of the participants are also learning to play musical instruments such as the steel pan, recorder, keyboard, saxophone and drums.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>July 15th 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>PRIME MINISTER GONSALVES ATTENDS 67<sup>TH</sup> ECCB MEETING <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves has today left the state to attend the 67<sup>th</sup> ECCB meeting which will take place in Grenada.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The meeting will be held at the Grenada Grand Beach resort. It will bring together the ministers of Finance of the Eastern Caribbean to discuss the Governor s report on monetary and credit conditions in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The meeting will also include an update from the Eight Point Stabilisation and Growth programme as well as reports from the various sub committees on economic reforms and financial issues.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Grenada s Finance Minister Nazim Burke will be handed the Chairmanship of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank during the meeting tomorrow. He will take over from the outgoing chairman Dominica s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>BIABOU EVANGELICAL CHURCH DONATES TO HAITI<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Yet another local organisation has come to the aid of the people of earthquake ravaged Haiti.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The Biabou Evangelical Church will this weekend hold a mission conference under the theme  <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>Go where they are and have compassion</i> in preparation for mission trips to Haiti which will take place from August 26<sup>th</sup> to September 4<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>A 20 member team comprising health personnel and construction workers are being mobilised to go to Haiti to help in the rebuilding of a church and the community that it serves. The Mission conference will take place at the Biabou Evangelical Church tomorrow from 6:30 pm. On Saturday there will be a Men s Breakfast to be held at the Biabou Learning Resource center and then the ladies will convene at the OASIS Resort for a luncheon.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>Addresses are expected from a Haitian born couple Dr Brelisle St Germain and his wife Marie Vita as well as Dr Michael Woodham and Vincentian missionary in Albania Annie Bobb.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>PAN AGAINST CRIME SUMMER PROGRAMME OPENS NEXT WEEK<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>A Pan Against Crime Summer Programme will be opened here next week.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The programme will offer youths interested in learning to play the pan the opportunity to do so.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Pan Against Crime Summer Programme which is scheduled to begin this Monday July 19th, throughout the island will run up until Friday August 13 while sessions will be conducted from 9 am to 12 noon, three (3) days per week. The training sessions will be conducted by steel bands that were established through the Pan Against Crime Initiative with assistance from the Social Investment Fund (SIF).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>These bands are located in among other places, Georgetown and South Central Windward. Other bands involved in the tutoring include the South East Steel Orchestra, the Symphonix Steel Orchestra, North Stars, Canouan and Union Island Steel Orchestras. Potential and Elite Steel Orchestras will also conduct training sessions while each Band is expected to train approximately thirty (30) youths, impacting more than 120 youngsters.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>RSVG POLICE BAND SUMMER PROGRAMME <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force will again this year stage programs to assist in keeping the nations youth meaningfully occupied during the summer vacation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The Police Band s Summer Program, which is into its third year, will commence on Monday July 19th, with an opening ceremony at the Old Montrose Police Station, at 10:00 a.m.&nbsp; The program will run for five (5) weeks Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon and will cater for young persons, ages 9 to 14 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>Participants will be schooled in the theoretical and practical aspects of music while lessons will be given in the use of the Clarinet, Saxophone, Flute, Trombone, French Horn, Steel Pan and Drum Set among others.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>SVG COAST GUARD PROGRAMME <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>The SVG Coast Guard Summer Programme which was stared in 1993, will again train some 120 teenagers, ages 14-18 years, over a three week period. Three batches comprising forty youths each will undergo one week of instructions in areas such as Seamanship, Navigation, boat handling, safety at sea, swimming and life saving and knots and splices. There will also be social topics including substance abuse and prevention, leadership development and conflict resolution among others.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='mso-bidi-font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif";color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='mso-bidi-font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif";color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='mso-bidi-font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif";color:#0033CC'>July 14th 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif";color:#0033CC'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span></u></b><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight: normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>FINANCIAL CRISIS IN THE REGIION DISCUSSED AT CARICOM MEETING<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The issue of the financial crisis in the region was one of the main topics discussed at the 31<sup>st</sup> CARICOM Heads of Government in Jamaica last week. This country was represented at the meeting by Ambassadors Ellsworth John and Camillo Gonsalves.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Ambassador Gonsalves in a press conference this week said that extensive discussions were held at the meeting on this issue which is posing many challenges to the region.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Meanwhile Ambassador John spoke about the issue of the Petroleum Fund which was also discussed at the meeting. John said that the Fund which was established by Trinidad and Tobago to deal with some of the trade imbalances within the CARICOM community will receive some new additions after some proposals were made at the meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>CANOUAN SOON TO HAVE A COAST GUARD BASE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'>The Grenadine Island of Canouan will soon have a Coast Guard Base.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>A release from the Prime Minister s Office says that The Government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines has accepted an offer from the United States Government, through the US Department of Defence, to construct the base on the island.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'>The government will provide a parcel of land on the western side of Canouan for the construction of the base, while the US Department of Defence will provide the sum of US$650.000 for the project.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Earlier this year, a team of officials from the local Coat Guard, the US Department of Defence and the Ministry of National Security, visited Canouan to look at the site for the base.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Under the project, an operations centre, and a barracks to house 20 persons, will be constructed, along with a pier sufficient to allow for six feet of water depth at low tide.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'>The US Department of Defence has said that tender documents for the project will soon be in the public, and that all bids will be evaluated by the US Naval Facilities Engineering Department, with selection based on price, contractor reliability, and the adherence of the proposed project to the statement of works.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'>The United States government is making available to St.Vincent and the Grenadines, funds up to US1.4 million dollars, for the development of the coast guard service in the state. This will include the purchase of new ships and improvement to the communications system of the local coast guard. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'>ICT WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS COMMENCE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The first in a series of eleven ICT training workshops for teachers commenced here this week. The workshops are being conducted by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the European Union. It is taking place at the Technical Division of the Community College.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>A release from the Education Media Unit says that integrating ICT into the curriculum is one of the aims of the EU project for the improvement of education through the use of Information and Communication Technology.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The three day workshop entitled Productivity tools for teaching/learning brings together a group of teachers who will be learning how to Microsoft Office applications to enhance their teaching. The teachers will also examine how they can use these same applications with their students. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The release further adds that in order to reach as many educators as possible this workshop will be repeated over the next 15 months ending in December 2011. The workshop is being facilitated by Mr Charles Burke from the national Centre for technological Innovation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>MINISTRY OF TRANSPROT AND WORKS TO FURTHER DEVELOP ITS TRANSPORT PORTFOLIO</span></u></b><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The Ministry of Transport and Works says that it is seeking to further develop its transport portfolio.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The ministry in a release says that the objective in this regard is the development of a safer environment for the vehicular and pedestrian public.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Officials of the ministry will therefore meet with representatives of the taxi drivers Association, the minibus Association, the omnibus association, the insurance association of the St Vincent and the Grenadines and the department of Inland Revenue tomorrow at the Ministry s conference room at nine in the morning.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Tomorrow s meeting is said to be of great importance as it is expected to take the first steps in crafting the role which the named stakeholders can play.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The meeting will be addressed by the Minister Hon Clayton Burgin, Permanent Secretary Luis De Shong, Chief Engineer Brent Bailey, Senior Assistant Secretary Aubrey Burgin and Transport Officer Elisabeth Williams.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND EU COMMENCES ICT WORKSHOPS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the European Union on Monday of this week held the first in a series of eleven training Information Communication Technology ICT workshops for teachers at the Technical Division of the Community College.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>A release from the Education Media Unit says that integrating ICT into the curriculum is one of the aims of the EU project for the improvement of education through the use of Information and Communication Technology.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The three day workshop is entitled Productivity tools for teaching/learning brings together a group of teachers who will be learning how to Microsoft Office applications to enhance their teaching. The teachers will also examine how they can use these same applications with their students. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The release further adds that in order to reach as many educators as possible this workshop will be repeated over the next 15 months ending in December 2011. The workshop is being facilitated by Mr Charles Burke from the national Centre for technological Innovation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The teachers attending the first set of workshops come from schools that have access to computers for students. This ensures that the training can be implemented immediately. Another goal of the training is to ensure sustainability, so participants are encouraged to volunteer to become Master teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>NATIONAL PARKS, RIVERS AND BEACHES AUTHORITY WORKING TO RETORE ACCESS TO TRINITY AND FALL OF BALEINE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority has given the assurance that they are working assiduously to restore access to the Trinity Falls and Falls of Baleine while urging persons to stay away from these sites for the time being.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Described as two of the country s main tourism sites, the waterfall areas were closed for safety reasons last month. The Falls of Baleine had become prone to rock falls while the Trinity Falls had been closed for various reasons. A day after the closure of the trinity falls, three persons drowned there.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Director of the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority Andrew Wilson says the decision was made to close the Trinity Falls and Falls of Baleine sites following assessments of both sites that revealed potential safety hazards. Wilson is urging persons to await confirmation that the sites are safe before visiting them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>TOURISM SITE ENTRANCE FEES TO BE IMPLEMENTED<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Vincentians will have to pay to enter the recently developed tourism sites across the state.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>According to Andrew Wilson of the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority this follows the  Willingness to Pay survey which was done to determine how much persons are willing to pay to visit the attractions.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Wilson added that the entrance fee is currently being finalized as the final draft of the  Willingness to Pay survey was handed over by the St. Lucian Consultants at the end of last month.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>He said they are now soliciting recommendations from local stakeholders which will be sent back to St. Lucia to be added to the final report on the study.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>CDC SAYS RECORD NUMBERS ATTEND ACTIVITIES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) says that this year s CDC organized events attracted a record number of persons.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The festival was described by CDC chairman Dennis Ambrose as a success, saying the numbers are an indication of the positive growth of the festival.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>He added that this year, the soca releases and the mas production dominated the festival. Meanwhile Coordinator of Rural Carnivals, Ezzie Roberts has reported a god turn out for the rural activities as well. Roberts said that the 2010 rural activities will climax at the end of the month with the Canouan Carnival.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>VINSAVE CHILD DEV CENTRE OPENED<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The six week Vinsave Child Development Centre summer programme opened on Monday and will run up until August 20th under the theme:  Happy Children, Productive Lives <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The programme which is held annually at VINSAVE s base at Richmond Hill, caters for children between the ages of 4 to 14.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Director at VINSAVE Janice Fraser is hoping that this year, participants will be interested in learning more about the country and their role in its development. Fraser added that participants at the Summer Programme will take part in educational and entertaining activities, including field trips, games, craft, dance, music and drama.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-line-height-alt:14.25pt;background:white'><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:16.0pt; font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"Bookman Old Style","serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>July 13 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>PRIME MINISTER GONSALVES TO ATTEND TWO OVERSEAS MEETINGS <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:573.75pt'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>Prime Minister Dr Gonsalves is scheduled to leave the state later this week to attend two overseas meeting.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Speaking at a news conference yesterday Dr Gonsalves noted that he will be leaving the state on Thursday to attend an ECCB meeting in Grenada which will then be followed by an African Union summit to take place in Uganda.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='tab-stops:573.75pt'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>This country was represented recently at the 31<sup>st</sup> CARICOM Heads of government in Jamaica by ambassadors Ellsworth John and Camillo Gonsalves; this was due to the ill health of Prime Minister Hon Dr Ralph Gonsalves.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>During a press conference yesterday Ambassador John noted that the headline of the meeting was the issue of governance.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Ambassador John also pointed out that most of the issues discussed with the UN and the OAS was on Haiti which needs budgetary support.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>Ambassador Gonsalves spoke on the issue of trafficking in persons TIP which was also a major part of the meeting. Ambassador Gonsalves said that CARICOM has asked for dialogue with the US before its next TIP report as it seems the information that the US bases its report on is not substantiated.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>MINISTRY OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT STUDY ON FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERNS<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>A study is expected to be launched here soon by the Ministry of Health and the Environment on the food consumption patterns of Vincentians.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The Ministry says that it is hoping to carry out a national survey to holistically address the issue of health in St Vincent and the Grenadines.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>The survey will show how people are eating as well as some of the reasons why persons are developing some of the conditions that they have. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health chronic non communicable diseases have accounted for more than 50% of all deaths between 2000 and 2006.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>The survey, which is expected to commence next year will run for one year, pending the availability of resources. It will also examine lifestyle and exercise among Vincentians.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The European Development Fund EDF is expected to fund the survey in the initial stages.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>LOCALLY PRODUCED DOCUMENTARY FILE TO BE FEATURED AT CARIBBEAN FILM SHOWCASE IN CUBA<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'>&nbsp;</span></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>A documentary film which is based on Haiti and which was produced in St Vincent and the Grenadines will be featured at a Caribbean Film showcase in Cuba this week.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The film which is entitled Haiti, Myths, Perception and reality will be showcased at the Caribbean market and other exhibition alternatives which will take place from tomorrow to Friday July 16<sup>th</sup>.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The film was produced by filmmaker Fabian Guerra and Empress Modupe Olufunmi Jacobs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>FISHERIES DIVISION INVOLVED IN JOINT HOSTING OF SUMMER PROGRAMMES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The Fisheries Division has joined a number of other organizations that are this year holding Summer Programmes.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The Fisheries Summer Programme is divided into two groups. The first segment which will consist of 30 students will run from July 26 to July 30 while a second batch of 30 students will be entertained from August 9 through to August 13. The programme has as its theme,  <i style='mso-bidi-font-style:normal'>A Future for Me in the Fishing Industry</i> and the organizers are hoping that&nbsp;the structure helps promote the importance of the fishing industry among young people.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The 60 participants will take part in a variety of activities designed to motivate young people to become entrepreneurs and investors in the fisheries sector.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The programme will include several field trips, including a visit to the Owia Fisheries Complex.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>July 12 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>IADC OUTREACH<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Vincentians are responding very positively to the Argyle International Airport.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>According to Communications Officer at the International Airport Development Company (IADC) Jennifer Richardson during a recent exhibition and information session in Kingstown, a number of persons sought information while persons were very interested in the publications on the airport.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Richardson added that the recent exhibition in Kingstown formed part of the company s Airport Project Outreach Program which began in May. Richardson said that the exhibitions and consultations are being done to inform persons about the benefits and opportunities to be derived from the airport.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Meanwhile, another outreach program is scheduled for Keartons this Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;color:#0033CC'>HAITI RECEIVES ANOTHER DONATION FROM SVG<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>Earthquake ravaged Haiti has once again received in excess of $24,000 from this country to aid in its recovery efforts.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The earthquake, which occurred some six months ago to today has killed thousands of people and left an estimated 1.3 million homeless. The latest monetary contributions along with other funds were accumulated through the efforts of corporate citizens, schools, civic organisations as well as ordinary Vincentians. It has brought the total amount delivered to the regional office to over eighty eight thousand dollars.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>Two shipments of food, clothing and bottled water was also delivered to the National Emergency Management Organisation NEMO and were shipped to Haiti. The local red Cross is still accepting monetary and can be made out to the Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund at RBTT at account number 2184240.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>POLICE INVESTIGATING SHOOTING IN KINGSTOWN<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Local police are said to be investigating the shooting of Austin Mounsey, a businessman from Richland Park. Reports reaching Star Radio indicate that Mounsey was shot and robbed last night in Kingstown while attempting to drop off money at a deposit receptacle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Reports say that Mounsey who is currently a patient at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital received gunshot wounds to both his arms from a lone gunman who is alleged to have made off with an unknown amount of cash.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>I</span><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>nvestigations are continuing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>NEW NYC EXECUTIVE APPOINTED<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The new executive body of the National Youth Council (NYC) which was appointed in April says that while they have inherited a number of problems from the previous executive, they are moving forward positively.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Public Relations Officer Shaun Frederick said that the former executive had among other things, neglected relationships with affiliated groups both locally and overseas but noted however, that efforts at re-establishing links with a number of these groups have proved successful.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Frederick also said that in an attempt to build the capacity of the group, a leadership workshop has been scheduled for later this month.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>BETHEL GOSPEL ASSEMBLY TO HOLD CONVENTION<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>A national women s convention is scheduled to take place here later this week.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The convention is expected to convene at the Bethel Gospel Assembly in Georgetown. It will be held under the theme  Women of Destiny . The convention will take place from July 14<sup>th</sup> to 18<sup>th</sup>. The guest speaker for the event will be evangelist Andrea Harry from Barbados. It will take place from 7:15 nightly with the session on Sunday 18<sup>th</sup> to commence at 6:30 pm.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span><br style='mso-special-character: line-break'> <![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]><br style='mso-special-character:line-break'> <![endif]><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>42 PERSONS GRADUATE FROM 6<sup>TH</sup> SAVINGS AND INVESTMENT COURSE<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;color:#0033CC;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>42 participants will graduate in the 6<sup>TH</sup> Savings and Investment course by the ECCB/ECIB &amp; FS/UWI, which commenced on March 5<sup>th</sup> 2010 and ended on May 20<sup>th</sup> 2010. The graduation ceremony will be held at Frenches House on Saturday July 31st 2010 at 7.00 p.m. So far 293 Vincentians have graduated from this training course in SVG and 1,826 from the O.E.C.S.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;color:#0033CC;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;color:#0033CC;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'>The programme for the evening will include remarks by Mrs Cheryl Rodriguez, the Local Co-ordinator of the E.C.I.B. &amp; F.S, Miss Elritha Dick, Resident Representative of the ECCB Agency Office in SVG, Mr Errol Allen, and President of the E.C.I.B. &amp; F.S. There will also be a Featured speaker followed by cocktails and entertainment.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;color:#0033CC;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;color:#0033CC;mso-bidi-font-weight:bold'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>CKDO HOST THREE WEEK SUMMER PROGRAM<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The Central Kingstown Development Organisation CKDO will be conducting a three week summer program for children between the ages of 8 and 16 years old from today.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The aim of the programme is to assist over one hundred children during the summer holidays and engage young people from vulnerable communities in developing meaningful skills.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Participants will be drawn from Pauls Avenue, Harbour Club, Edinboro/Ottley Hall and Redemption Sharpes areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>They will be involved in a variety of activities including art and craft, painting and reading and learning to play musical instruments such as the steel pan, recorder, keyboard, drum among others. Other groups to take part in the programme include SESCO, Avenues and Urban League Expression. It will take place at the Rhythmix Panyard form 9:00 am to 1:00 pm daily.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Personnel from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Band will facilitate the programme.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>VINSAVE 2010 SUMMER PROGRAM OPENS THIS WEEK<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>The Vinsave Development Centre 2010 Summer Programme opens this week at its headquarters in Richmond Hill.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>This year s summer programme is being held under the theme, Healthy Children, Productive Lives. The programme accommodates children in the age group 4-14 and will be divided into five sub groups. The children will be schooled on local culture, community life, industry and commerce, the environment and self discovery. The six week long programme which will end on August 20th with a mini fair and exhibition will also have as a main attraction, a number of field trips.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p style='background:white'><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-GB'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span></span><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>July 9 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>VINCENTIANS BETTER EQUIPPED TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCIES <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>A number of Vincentians are now better equipped to deal with emergencies thanks to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Deputy Director of NEMO, Michelle Forbes said that NEMO recently held the first in a series of training sessions for person involved in emergency management.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The two-day workshop focused on the establishment, operation, management and administration of Emergency Operation Centres or EOCs.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>Meanwhile, Forbes said that while there could have been a larger turn out from the public, a lot was achieved during the two days of training.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>TEACHERS TRAINING WORKSHOP<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Minister of Education Hon Girlyn Miguel is expected to deliver the feature address at the opening of the annual in service training workshop hosted by the SVG Teachers Union next week.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The workshop which commences from July 12<sup>th</sup> to 23<sup>rd</sup> in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Federation of Canada and Pearson will take place at the Girls High School.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>It will be targeting both primary and secondary school teachers. Six courses will be offered during the six week session. The workshop will be officially opened at the Girls High School on Monday from nine in the morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>Addresses will also come from Chief Education Officer Lou Anne Gilchrist, First Vice President of the SVG Teachers union Ronald Clarke and representatives from the Canadian Teachers Federation and Pearson.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>SVG REPRESENTED AT 53<sup>RD</sup> INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION OF CCCU<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>St Vincent and the Grenadines was represented at the 53rd International Convention of the Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions which was held in St. Maarten last week.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Some 400 credit union leaders from 17 countries attended the event<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>SVG was represented by a 12-member delegation which was headed by president of the SVG Cooperative League Limited Junior Bacchus.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Sir Dwight Venner among others made addresses at the meeting which also saw delegates reviewing the progress made by the grouping in the last year as well as identifying major challenges and defining its future strategies.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC; mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>TWO MUSICAL ICONS FROM SION HILL TO BE HONOURED<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>Two outstanding local musical icons from the Sion Hill community will be honoured later today.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Members of the Sion Hill community as well as well wishers are expected to gather at the Aquatic Club to pay tribute to Cyril Scorcher Thomas and Winston Soso also known as the Rolls Royce of Calypso for their contribution to the calypso art form for over thirty years.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>The event is expected to commence at nine this evening. A number of stalwarts in the calypso arena here will be paying tribute in song to the two honorees.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>This activity is being held as part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the spirit of togetherness in the community.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>LOCAL ARTISTE URGED TO ENSURE THAT THEIR MUSIC REACH T &amp; T<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Local artistes are being urged to ensure that their music reach Trinidad and Tobago for next year s carnival activities.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The advice has come from the Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts, the Trinidadian organization which produces the Annual International Soca and Groovy Monarch competitions. According to President of Caribbean Prestige Foundation for the Performing Arts, Anthony Lee Aping soca music is the new uniting art in the region and they hope to one day see representation from all around the world in the International Soca Monarch in Trinidad and Tobago.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'>Gamal Skinny Fabulous Doyle will be representing this country again next year in the International Soca monarch competition in Trinidad and Tobago after having won the local soca monarch competition on July 3<sup>rd</sup>.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span>Doyle would receive EC$22,000 from the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) and TT$100,000 from the organizers of the International Soca Monarch.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span lang=EN-CARRIBEAN style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC;mso-ansi-language:EN-CARRIBEAN'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:#0033CC'>RURAL CARNIVAL ACTIVITIES CONTINUE THIS WEEKEND<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>Two rural communities will this weekend stage their 2010 Carnival activities.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>Coordinator of Rural Carnival Ezzie Roberts told Star News that the Georgetown and Barrouallie communities will be buzzing with Carnival activities. Roberts said that the Georgetown Carnival Committee will be having a pre J ouvert fete tonight at the Spotlight Stadium which is dubbed Soca Overdose. Tonight s event will be seeing performances from Ras X, Alla G, and Maddzart among others. It will be followed by the J ouvert tomorrow morning then the afternoon Street party tomorrow through the streets of Georgetown after which a Wete Fete will be held at the Spotlight Stadium.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'>Five young ladies from the Barrouallie community will be vying for the crown of Miss Barrouallie in a Queen show that will take place at the Barrouallie Hard Court. Also six soca artistes will be contesting for the soca crown in the soca monarch competition. The J ouvert and Street party will take place tomorrow through the streets of Barrouallie.<span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span>The grenadine Island of Canouan will be the final rural community to stage carnival activities which will take place at the end of July.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:#0033CC'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'>July 8</span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'>th</span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'> 2010<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>IADC OUTREACH PROGRAM <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'>The Community Outreach programme that is being undertaken by the International Airport Development Company IADC will continue here next week.</span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span></span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'>The programme is expected to move into the Keartons community on the leeward side of the island come next week. The company in May of this year began the program in the form of exhibitions and consultations. They intend to take the program throughout the length and breadth of this country.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'>Communications Officer at the IADC Jennifer Richardson says that the program which is designed to educate Vincentians of the current progress of work on the airport project as well as to highlight the many benefits that will be derived from the project will continue until December of this year.</span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span></span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; color:blue'>Meanwhile persons are being encouraged to participate in this program as well as to continue to visit the project site at Argyle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b style='mso-bidi-font-weight:normal'><u><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:blue'>ECTEL CELEBRATES ITS 10<sup>TH</sup> ANNIVERSARY<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'>The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunication Authority ECTEL will next month be celebrating its 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary.</span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>  </span></span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue'>Minister of Telecommunications Hon Dr Jerrol Thompson has issued an invitation for the general public to join in this celebration.</span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; color:blue'><span style='mso-spacerun:yes'>   </span></span><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";color:blue'>Minister Thompson said that the celebratory activities commenced some two months ago in Grenada and is expected to continue here on August 11<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'>Dr Thompson said that the next major ICT event will take place in October when both Telecommunications Company here LIME and DIGICEL will embark on the next phase of interconnection agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";color:blue'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN-TT style='font-siz