PBS COMMUNICATIONS INC

Winner gets New York tickets for $2.00

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:20:58 PST

Ever dreamed of traveling to New York for the cost of $2.00? Rose Walrond’s dreamed has become a reality.

Walrond, a fruit and food vendor of Bank Hall, St. Michael would be travelling to New York this Summer having won the first prize of two Return Tickets to New York, valued at $2000.00, compliments the Travel House Inc.

Her ticket No. 00627 was recently drawn from among hundreds of entries from the Wesley Hall Junior School Annual PTA Christmas Raffle.

During the presentation yesterday at the school’s hall, a jubilated Walrond said she is grateful that for the cost of $2.00 per raffle, she could travel to New York and would take the opportunity to shop and relax there this Summer with her son and partner.

The second prize of a 32” Flat Screen Television, compliments Kingsley Store, brought some comfort to 74-year-old Madrie Prescott. For the second time in her life, she was a lucky winner at a raffle draw. Prescott said, “As a former student of the Wesley Hall Girls School, I won a Parker pen at six cents per raffle. I am a happy woman today and would be looking my favourite children’s programs like Sesame Street and Cartoons on a big screen.”

Meanwhile, good luck has continued to follow Greston Roberts of Clapham, St. Michael. The third prize winner of one fully packed barrel of groceries and toiletries, compliments Gunter Shipping Inc., would not have to dig deep in his pocket to face the supermarket rising food prices for quite a while.

Roberts, who was a previous winner of other raffle draws, said the barrel has come in “very handy and would be sharing it with my family.”

Other prizes winners were: Marcina Haynes, a Small Appliance Bundle, compliments Dacosta Mannings Retail Ltd., Margaret Walcott, a Basket of Beauty Supplies, Valued $200.00, compliments Becool Beauty Supplies and Lester Harris, a Kids Grooming package, valued $200.00, compliments Khais Kuts and Plaitz Kids Salon

PTA president, Shone Gibbs was high in praise at the outpouring of support for last year’s raffle and thanked the public and sponsors for their continuous support over the past four years.

Gibbs said the PTA promised a more extravagant raffle in 2012 and noted that the proceeds would go towards the physical enhancement of the school.

Ticket numbers drawn were: 06305, 00627, 03444, 09405, 15026 and 07131 respectively.

Reservation Supervisor of The Travel House Ms. Lynette Rice (third left) presented first prize winner, Rose Walrond with two return tickets to New York. Looking on are front row (l – r) PTA president Shone Gibbs, second prize winner Madrie Prescott and fourth prize winner Marcina Haynes. Back row (l – r), Greston Roberts, third prize winner, Managing Director, The Travel House Patrick Thomas and fifth prize winner Margaret Walcott.

Eager 11

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:35:48 PST

(File pictures)

Tue, December 13, 2011 - 12:05 AM

THEY ARE THE 11 dissatisfied Members of Parliament (MPs) who have been seeking an “urgent audience” with Prime Minister Freundel Stuart.
They comprise eight ministers in the 19-member Cabinet and three backbenchers.
Their main reason for doing so was to discuss matters of “grave concern” pertaining to his leadership and “to chart a path forward for the retention of our party in Government”.
Since the publication of the contents of a letter to this intent in the SUNDAY SUN, some of them have publicly denied any knowledge of the letter or any issues with Stuart for that matter. (KJ)

How to Promote Your Business in the Media using PR

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:47:58 PST

How can you shine a light on your business without spending vast sums of money on advertising? Well, a good way to build your brand awareness is through Public Relations, by getting free editorials on your business. The advantage of editorials is that they cost less and are more credible and engaging than adverts as they are under the by line of the journalist.
There are some fantastic PR agencies that can get coverage for your brand, but if your budget will not stretch to an agency, then you can give it a go yourself!
The Right Media
First, you need to find the right media that will target your market, so look at all your local publications. What magazines and newspapers come free through your door? What are your local newspapers and magazines? There are so many magazines, newspapers and even TV and radio, the list is endless.
Right Articles
Then you need to look at what kind of articles and stories the media feature. Would an article on you or your business fit in that publication? Do you have a great event that they need to know about for the social pages? Do you have a good hook? Is it newsworthy?
Right a Media Release
Then draft your media release or even an article, make sure it has a dynamic headline, include the, who, what, when, where and why and make sure it is professional with the most important information at the beginning of the release. Don’t forget correct grammar and no spelling mistakes. The release is presenting your business and you want to come across as a professional enterprise. Tailor the release for the section you want to target, for example if you own a restaurant, target the food supplement, beauty salons or day spas should target the beauty pages etc.
Right Contact
Next, you need to find out who the right contact is. In the magazine or newspaper there is always a section detailing the publishing house and contact details - it is normally at the front of the publication. Look in this column and make a note of the publishing house telephone number and look for a suitable contact. Your contact needs to be the features editor or the journalist that writes the lifestyle section, failing that, the editor or just ask for the news desk.
Prep & Pitch Your Story
Now that you know the publications and the journalist you want to contact, review the press release, and localise it for your market. You need to add local information. Also, make sure you give all your details with your address, email, website and contact telephone numbers.
Once you have the right contact and the press release or article, think about how you will ‘pitch’ your story (that is when you call the journalist), practice and then make that call. Tell the journalist that you have a great local business story; give them a brief overview of the story and offer to send them a press release to look at. If they're interested they will then ask you to email the release and Volia! You have ‘sold in’ your first media piece. Make sure you get their correct email address and make sure you send the information immediately. You must send the release within one hour of speaking to them on the phone, that way your conversation will still be fresh in the journalists mind.
Be Patient
Then be patient….. and hopefully within a few weeks you might get your first piece of publicity. However, no matter how great your story is and how you have ‘pitched it’ there is no obligation for the journalist or publication to cover it. Never call or pester a journalist to ask why they haven’t covered it or bug them about featuring it - this is the best way to NOT get your stories covered in the future.

Using Public Relations to Market Your Business Startup

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:48:27 PST

Marketing a startup is one of the biggest struggles for any entrepreneur. You need to increase sales and grow your customer base, but effective advertising is expensive. While the internet provides significant opportunities for low-cost and no-cost marketing, many business owners overlook the value in establishing an in-house public relations system.
What is Public Relations?
Public relations encompass the work that needs to be done to get your company in the news. The efforts should include building relationships with appropriate news editors, writing effective press releases, and planning how to best use press relations to enhance your marketing plan. Of course, it is possible to hire a PR firm to do this work for you, but they can be expensive and do not have the same stake in seeing your venture succeed as you do. In addition, a PR firm will have to be taught about your company -- what you do, how you do it, what will be newsworthy, and who should be targeted. You will be charged for the hours it takes to get them up to speed. A better entrepreneurial option is to teach yourself all you can about effective public relations, then assign the tasks to your key employees as you grow.
Planning PR
The primary objective of public relations is to expose more potential customers to your company and product(s). You may have a secondary objective of exposing potential investors to your company, as well. Thus, your first step is to define what is and will be newsworthy about your business. Sending out sporadic press releases is far less effective than developing a steady stream of publicity. The editors who review hundreds of press releases per day are more likely to notice yours and hopefully become interested in your progress if they see your company name on a regular basis.
News events are fairly easy to come by with a startup. Consider planning press releases for:
- What your business will do
- Who will benefit from your product or service (consider seeking "testers")
- Securing investors or financing
- Business launch or grand opening
- New product releases
- New contracts awarded (with your client's permission, of course)
- Staff changes and additions
- Website content additions, especially freebies
- Events you sponsor or co-sponsor
Once your business is launched, every milestone that you noted in your business planning is an opportunity for a press release. Be creative and stay on top of the process. Interesting news is important, but consistency is critical.
Meet the Press
The best planned PR campaign is only as effective as who it reaches. Do your due diligence in finding the right news sources to reach your potential customers. Most newspapers and television stations have editors dedicated to business news. Find out who they are and make an effort to get to know them. Let them know that, as an expert in whatever it is you do, you are more than happy to provide information on your business, industry, target market, or whatever else they need. One great way to meet members of the press (local, anyway) is through networking events. If there is an important guest or popular speaker, chances are the beat reporter will be there. While everyone else is clamoring to make contact with the star, take that opportunity to get to know the reporter.
Building a good relationship with the right members of the press is invaluable. If they can count on you to provide informative and interesting quotes or sound bites, you will not only build your reputation as the expert in your field, but your company will garner free advertising every time you are used as a source.
Finding the right outlets, and knowing their editorial schedules, is critical. Don't just randomly send out press releases, but do your homework so you know they are going to the right person at the right publication. Most magazines have a three-month advance requirement, meaning articles they write today will not be published for three months. Local newspapers and magazines tend to have much shorter news cycles. Keep this in mind when setting up your public relations marketing plan. Select the media outlets that are likely to meet your objectives. Whatever your target market reads, that's where you want to be. Gather all the editorial information you can about these sources. Read the magazines (and subscribe), watch the TV shows. Pay attention to the details of how they present information. If a single, square, color photograph is standard with an article, be sure that is what you send. If articles are short, keep your press release short. Building these contacts takes time, but is well worth your effort. After a few distributions, you will establish a system for reaching your best opportunities and the time required will be significantly reduced.
Writing the Right Press Release
Press editors are flooded with press releases, often reviewing a hundred or more each day. The trick is to make your press releases stand out to the reviewer. Every news item you distribute should say "News Release" and your company name at the top. Avoid sending press releases on standard letterhead. The next line is your headline. Headlines can be the most difficult, yet most important line in the entire document. It needs to grab the editor's attention and urge them to read on. Reporters and journalists are looking for news items that are important to their readers. Spend some time on the headlines, they are your first obstacle to getting free press.
The body of your press release contains two parts -- the news item itself and a general company description. The news item should include complete answers to the classic questions -- who, what, when, where, why, and how. Use an active voice -- say what you do, not have done or will do. Include quotes from you or other key employees and be sure to make the information relevant and interesting to your target market.
The final paragraph of your press release should be "About the Company" -- a good description of what your business does. Include media contact information at the end, with at least your name, title, telephone number, and email address so that the contact can reach you for more information. Excellent samples of press releases from within your industry can be found at PRWeb by searching your keywords.
Get Your Public Relations Started
Wherever you are in the startup process, get to work on developing your company's public relations plan right away. Identify the media most relevant to you, and brainstorm newsworthy items that you plan to distribute. PR can be an effective marketing tool and it's free. Don't overlook the possibilities for your venture, get started today.

About the Author-K. MacKillop, a serial entrepreneur with a JD from Duke University, is founder of LaunchX and authors a small business startup blog. The LaunchX System helps entrepreneurs start a business quickly and efficiently. Visit LaunchX.com to learn more about marketing your business startup.

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barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:24:07 PDT

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Redjet customers seeing red

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:23:47 PDT

REDJET’s CUSTOMERS who have booked flights from Guyana to Barbados have been complaining over the past few weeks about “unannounced” changes in schedules, which are leaving them stranded.

The angry passengers have been calling and visiting THE NATION to complain about what they call unfair practices by the airline.

They have reported that when family members get to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana they are being told that they have missed their flights, having not received any notice of the changes in schedule, despite providing the airline with telephone numbers.

Orin Bourne, a Guyanese national, told the DAILY NATION he purchased a ticket for four members of his family to come to Barbados last Friday for the Rihanna LOUD concert, but when they got to the airport they were told they could not get on the flight.

Their flight was originally scheduled to leave at 1:40 p.m. Friday, but when they arrived at the airport at just before 9 a.m. they were told the plane would be leaving at 10 a.m. and therefore they could not board.

“My family were coming in for the Rihanna show because we already purchased tickets for the show too. (Friday morning) I learnt that when they were going to the airport the flight was leaving at 10 o’clock, but I was not called and told anything so,” he complained.

“When I booked the flight . . . they asked me for an email address and I said I didn’t have one, I have a cellphone, and that [number] was given.

“They did not call and let us know the flight changed to an earlier time.”

Maureen Vantull had a similar complaint. She said she purchased two tickets for her sons to visit Barbados on July 15 but when they reached the airport about 9:30 a.m. to check in for the flight, which was originally scheduled to depart at 1:40 p.m., they were told they were too late since the flight was leaving at 10 a.m. instead.

Vantull said they were forced to fly with LIAT, costing them US$431 more than they would have paid to travel on REDjet earlier. She said neither she nor her husband received a call to inform them of the change in the flight schedule.

She said since then she had been trying repeatedly to get a flight back to Guyana but had been dissatisfied with the response.

“I called REDjet then to confirm the departure time and the agent . . . told me that for them to leave Barbados I would have to pay $419.12 for them to leave on REDjet. But I already bought a two-way ticket,” she said.

“The agent in Guyana is saying one thing and the one in Barbados saying something else. They say if I rebook I would have to pay again, the same full fare. What if I don’t have the 400 and something dollars for them to leave? What will happen? I already paid,” she said.

However, when contacted, a REDjet representative would only say: “In order to be on the flight they need to be there at least one hour before the departure and if they miss the flight coming in on Monday, for example, they can come in on the Wednesday flight.” (MM) (Nation News)

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REDjet gets approval to fly to Jamaica

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:35:40 PDT

The Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry has given approval for regional low-cost carrier REDJet to fly in and out of Jamaica after it met all the technical requirements.

For months REDjet had been awaiting approval from Jamaica on its application to fly between Kingston and Barbados.

Last night Lieutenant Colonel Oscar Derby, the director general of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, said the low-cost carrier received the all-clear from his agency.

He says the safety concerns that were raised previously have been addressed.

Yesterday the CMC reported that after protracted delays REDjet now also has approval to fly to Trinidad.

The carrier is expected to make its first flight to Port of Spain within two weeks –that’s about three months after Trinidad and Jamaica denied entry to the carrier.

The matter had triggered a verbal brawl between CARICOM leaders, several political and bureaucratic meetings and questions about the safety of REDjet’s 24-year-old fleet of passenger jets. (Jamaica Gleaner)

Trinis must pay for checked bags

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 05:29:29 PDT

Continental Airlines starts new policy today...

Starting today, customers travelling between Trinidad and North America on Continental Airlines will have to pay to check their luggage when they buy certain economy class tickets.

United Continental Holdings, Inc yesterday announced changes to United and Continental's checked baggage policy for customers travelling between Trinidad and the United States, Canada and US territories such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

The new policy takes effect immediately for tickets purchased beginning today for travel on or after August 15, the airline said in a statement.

Customers who purchase certain economy class tickets for travel on or after the effective date will pay a service fee of US$25 to check one bag and an additional US$40 to check a second bag.

United and Continental continue to offer options for customers travelling with checked bags.

The service fee will not apply to elite customers, those seated in first and business class and US military personnel and their families travelling on official orders, the airline said.

United and Continental's baggage policy for domestic travel and carry-on baggage in the United States remains unchanged.

United Continental Holdings, Inc is the holding company for both United Airlines and Continental Airlines.

Together with United Express, Continental Express and Continental Connection, these airlines operate an average of 5,820 flights a day to 373 airports on six continents from their hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Guam, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark Liberty, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington, DC. (Trinidad Express)

Commentary: Caribbean should establish expert group on migration

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 05:25:45 PDT

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By Sir Ronald Sanders

The 15-nation Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) should establish an expert group to study and report on migration and how to manage it.

Migration is now one of the major issues confronting the world. It is an issue that will become more controversial as new economic strains are felt globally.

Sir Ronald Sanders is a
business executive and
former Caribbean diplomat
who publishes widely
on small states in the global
community. Reponses to:
www.sirronaldsanders.com

In regional groupings such as the 27-nation European Union and the 15-nation Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), the problems of migration are even more complicated because the treaties governing these groupings expressly allow freedom of movement of people.

While in the case of the European Union (EU) people are free to cross borders to live and work under reciprocal arrangements, in CARICOM freedom of movement is restricted to certain categories of workers and only with the specific approval of receiving governments.

Different levels of development explain why freedom of movement occurs relatively easily in the EU and not in CARICOM. The short explanation is that the recipient countries of the EU are well enough developed to absorb migrants whereas CARICOM countries are not. When migrants enter and remain in CARICOM countries, even though they contribute to the economy by paying taxes and buying goods and services (and often doing jobs that locals do not want) they also place an additional burden on health and education services and even on water and electricity that the State is expected to provide but for which they did not plan.

This strain on public services in small countries is exacerbated when migrants are there illegally. It is understandable, therefore, why countries, such as Barbados, take a strong position on sending illegal migrants back to their homelands. Small countries simply cannot cope with an unplanned influx of migrants.

But, misinformation and misconceptions contribute greatly to the more vocal views about migration. In the United Kingdom, for example, polls indicate that the widely held belief is that 24 percent of the population is foreign-born. In actuality, the figure is only 9.6 percent. A study of eight migrant receiving countries (US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain) found in all of them that respondents on average exaggerated the size of the migrant population.

Similar exaggerations in the actual number of migrants in CARICOM countries are more than likely to be found if definitive studies are conducted. As an example, in many Caribbean countries the view, that foreigners are largely responsible for crimes, is shattered by statistics revealing that the overwhelming majority of persons in prison are local.

The migration issue has already made for uncomfortable relations between some of the member states of CARICOM. As vexed an issue as it is, it could get worse unless there is regional agreement to manage it, and to do so in an open and transparent manner which upholds the rights and protections to which migrants are entitled.

CARICOM countries also have to exert particular care in dealing with the matter of migration. On a per capita basis, the Caribbean is one of the areas from which the largest number of migrants flows to other countries. Caribbean countries cannot encourage an open-door policy for their migrants to other countries, while practicing a closed door policy for themselves. This is one important reason why the region has to develop a well thought out policy for managed migration.

While the region would like to continue to export its unskilled people to the US, Canada, Britain and elsewhere, and keep their skilled people at home, they cannot legislate that wish. Migration of skilled and unskilled people from the Caribbean to developed nations will not stop once economic factors encourage them to move.

World Bank research shows that the highest rates of ‘brain drain’ are from small states. For instance, the World Health Organisation has confirmed that while the largest number of foreign-born doctors working in the industrialised nations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are from India, among the ten countries with the highest expatriation rates are six Caribbean small states: Antigua and Barbuda (89%), Grenada (73%), Guyana (72%), Dominica (60%), Trinidad and Tobago (55%) and St Vincent and the Grenadines (53%).

To reverse this trend, CARICOM countries have to widen the opportunities for their skilled people to work and earn. They would better do so in arrangements which offer the entire region as a market, in which Caribbean professionals can travel freely to practice their trade and deliver services.

A further problem for CARICOM countries, which makes the matter of migration ripe for expert analysis and informed policy-making, is that, for many of them, their productive populations between the ages of 15 and 64 are becoming smaller. The United Nations projects that this group of the populations of Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago will decrease over the period 2010 to 2020 by 0.08 and 0.3 respectively. In the same period, the same age-group in Jamaica and Grenada will increase marginally; and in Guyana and St Lucia, the 15 to 64 year olds will grow by just over 1%. Only in Belize will this group grow by 2.57%.

This means that the countries, whose productive populations are contracting, will have to encourage migration into their countries, or face economic contraction including a fall in government revenues and declining capacity to deliver goods and services to their people especially social services for the elderly.

This situation demands that new migration should be a planned and managed process that would be better achieved through a co-operation arrangement by CARICOM in which member countries seek skilled and unskilled workers from each other on a reciprocal basis that should include the transfer of the payments by migrants to social security and medical benefits schemes from one country to another.

To tackle this problem, CARICOM government should consider establishing a Group of Experts drawn from relevant departments of government, the Universities, the private sector and the trade union movement to study the issue carefully and produce a report and recommendations that could be discussed with the Caribbean people in town-hall meetings throughout the region, in media discussions, and in parliaments before implementation.

A good basis for the work of such an Expert Group would be the Report of a Commission for Migration and Development set up by the Ramphal Centre in the United Kingdom. The Commission is being chaired by former Jamaica Prime Minister, P J Patterson, and the report will be published later this year. (Caribbean News Now)

Guyana economy performed well in first half of 2011, says finance minister

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 05:24:03 PDT


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GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA) – Guyana’s economy for the first half of this year has performed favourably, according to Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh, who based his analysis on preliminary indicators. “It’s a little too early for me to pronounce in a quantified sense about the performance of the economy because we are still gathering the data… if I were to be guided by preliminary indications I would say that the news has been relatively good,” Singh said. Speaking to members of the media recently, Singh admitted that it would be remiss to make a definite pronouncement about the performance of the economy since such data is still being received; nevertheless he alluded to some of the sectors where performance has thus far been noteworthy. “First crop sugar and first crop rice… represent significant increase over last year’s crop. In fact the sugar first crop actually came in excess of 106,000 tonnes and you would recall that last year’s first crop sugar was in the vicinity of 82,000 tonnes,” Singh said. He drew a similar comparison to the rice output in the first crop of 2010 and 2011 and pointed to increases in gold price remaining above US$1,490 an ounce as well as the bauxite sector which has been showing positive signs in the area of production. Singh noted also that nontraditional sectors have been showing pluses. The Guyanese economy recorded a most creditable performance in 2010 amidst uncertainties at the global and regional levels and is projected to continue growing by 4.6 percent in 2011. In his presentation of the 2011 National Budget in February, Singh told the National Assembly that Guyana’s balance of payments for 2010 reflected an overall surplus of US$90.1 million. The mining and quarrying sector is targeted to achieve 2.8 percent growth and the bauxite industry is expected to recover with a 12.7 percent growth in production to 1,220,000 tonnes, as demand for aluminum continues to strengthen on the world market. Gold declarations are targeted to grow by 2.9 percent to 317,416 ounces, while diamond production is budgeted to contract by a further 10 percent as production capacity continues its migration into gold. The services sector is expected to continue playing a lead role in generating growth in the economy’s overall performance in 2011. Manufacturing is targeted to grow by 7.7 percent. The wholesale and retail sector is projected to grow by 4.4 percent, while the distribution sector is targeted to grow by 3.9 percent. Likewise, financial services, other services, and rental of dwellings are targeted to grow by 4, 4 and 1 percent respectively. (Caribbean News Now)

Police presence to be more visible in Trinidad and Tobago

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 05:22:33 PDT

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PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad -- The government of Trinidad and Tobago is moving to have a more visible presence of police officers in the communities and on the streets as part of the formal introduction of the 21st Policing Initiative, which was introduced in the Western Division a few months ago.

National Security Minister, Brigadier John Sandy

Addressing a post cabinet press conference, Minister of National Security Brigadier John Sandy said the concept “intends to ensure the entire citizenry feel more comfortable with a police presence so we have a crime free society…where victims do not feel like perpetrators”.

He outlined several elements of the programme, which includes training and instilling integrity, accountability and better communication skills to police officers.

He said the government is hoping that the initiative brings about a more proactive police service.

He said a more visible presence on the streets and communities meant police officers would be able to “respond to incidents quicker having regard to fact that the information would be relayed to them while they are on the beat. And they can investigate crimes quicker because they are on specific locations.”

He said the model was one of efficiency and effectiveness in the service. He said it was also about citizens being able to regain trust in police officers. He said it was a main concern of his in terms of the “relations between citizens and the police and we must be aware and accept the fact that the police alone cannot solve crime”.

He said he had gotten feedback from citizens that they wanted to see more police officers to have a sense of comfort.

The minister admitted some police officers had reservations about the initiative, but encouraged them to speak about their concerns and communicate to find solutions. He said there would be teething problems and resistance to change and to doing things differently, hence the reason why the initiative was extended to six months to “explore all the flaws before exporting it to other Divisions”.

He said he didn’t see the current industrial action by police officers as a stumbling block to the programme, noting that besides the five percent offer police officers were enjoying other areas of remuneration.

The minister also announced that changing the police uniform was being explored so that it conformed to “our climate, and there be standardization of equipment, weapons and vehicles”.

He said there were also other strategies in the fight against crime to be considered, but which he could not speak about. (Caribbean News Now)

Chavez talks about his medical treatment

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:52:53 PDT

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuela´s president Hugo Chavez said that his treatment after the recent removal of a tumour will continue with chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions.

“After the tumour was removed, recovery reached its top level. We are now going into a second stage and perhaps into a third that will probably include procedures like radiotherapy and chemotherapy to defend my body from threatening malignant cells,” said the president during a phone conversation with VTV television.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez exercising as part of his rehabilitation process

“However, I am not sure about it yet; it all depends on the medical evaluation,” Chavez added, as he admitted that the coming stage of the treatment could be “somewhat uncomfortable,” though he underscored his faith in overcoming any difficulty.

“The medical evaluations should continue because the threat of expansion is latent. These evaluations go organ by organ and I must not give further details,” he said.

Chavez (56) underwent surgery in Havana, Cuba, to remove a cancerous tumour from the pelvic area. On Wednesday, the head of state did not want to give more details about the zone on his body where the tumour was found, though he rejected that it was in his colon or his stomach, as some media have speculated.

“They are speculating about me having the colon cut in four pieces, or that it is my stomach, but I have nothing like that and I think they must have understood that from the activities I have been doing in this stage. It is cancer but not as bad as many would like it to be,” he said.

Chavez was able to return to Venezuela on July 4, but he still needs rigorous medical treatment that limits his public appearances and his working agenda.

“I had this big tumour. When I saw its image, I said: “My God! It was the size of a baseball,” said Chavez as he admitted that when he was diagnosed cancer he was assaulted by the ghosts of death. “When you are told the word cancer, you link it to the end,” he said and went on to explain that he lost 14 kilos last month. “But my body is stronger than I though.”

Chavez, who expects to run for presidential elections in 2012 and have a third six-year term of office, said that his disease has helped him admit “fundamental mistakes” and look at life from a different view.

“I feel better than ever. We are in resurrection time. This human being is now undergoing a spiritual renovation process,” he said.

The Venezuelan president said he is learning to “delegate” and let his ministers act on their own and work in an independent manner.

“I do not consider myself indispensable. Here, we have a process unfolding and everyone has a role to play,” the president explained.

However, he reiterated that he is in “the rearguard, but commanding” his team.

Chavez admitted that he was killing himself by personally attending to subjects from the vital state issues to the repair of a road.

“I was killing myself; I would eat everything, I used to weigh over 100 kilos and I carried three phones with me. If I saw something interesting on TV I would call a minister (…) the people would give me papers requesting a home. It was permanent anguish that did not even allow me breathe and it was my own fault,” he concluded. (Caribbean News Now)

Published courtesy of the South Journal

Bajans living above means

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:50:19 PDT

Sir Courtney Blackman (FP)

BAJANS, BOTH THE Government and consumers, are living above their means and therefore must put the brakes on their spending habits.

That’s a key message which two prominent economists, Sir Courtney Blackman and Charlie Skeete, contend the Barbados Central Bank’s second quarterly report is sending.

Using almost identical language in separate interviews, Sir Courtney, the Central Bank’s first governor, and Skeete, a retired senior economic adviser at the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, said that decisive action was needed by the Government and people to cut spending, eliminate wastage and heighten efficiency in the public sector. As a first step both urged the Stuart government to impose a wage freeze simply because the island’s finances couldn’t absorb another hike in public sector salaries and wages. (TB) (Nation News)

UN promises to help Caribbean fight organised crime

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:41:39 PDT

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UNITED NATIONS -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday urged Caribbean nations to combat organised crime on a regional level and promised United Nations assistance in the fight.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. UN Photo/Paulo Filgueiras

In a message to the heads of government of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting in St Kitts and Nevis, Ban said a “challenge for Caribbean countries is the growing threat posed by organized transnational crime and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.”

“We must consider this challenge in a regional context, as well as through the prisms of development, human rights, rule of law and security reform,” he said. “The United Nations system stands ready to work with you on these issues.”

He said the region was vital to the work of the United Nations.

“It is strongly committed to multilateralism and regional integration, and remains at the forefront in tackling global challenges – from climate change to strengthening democracy to rebuilding after natural disasters,” he said.

“Climate change is yet another urgent and growing threat to development, economic growth, public health and our very security,” he said. “You have been pioneers in calling attention to the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).”

“Please rest assured that you can count on me to continue the promotion of our common objectives for development, security and human rights for all,” he said. (Caribbean News Now)

Pastor Creflo Dollar: Overcoming Marital Issues Pt 2

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:01:44 PDT

Pastor Creflo Dollar: Overcoming Marital Issues Pt 1

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:52:12 PDT

New York state approves gay marriage

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 14:38:59 PDT

Supporters of same-sex marriages in New York celebrated after the vote

New York has become the sixth and most populous US state to allow same-sex marriage.

The Republican-controlled state senate voted 33-29 for a bill that had earlier been approved by the lower house, which has a Democratic majority.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo quickly signed the bill into law. Gay weddings are expected to start within 30 days.

It has become a contentious social issue ahead of next year's presidential and congressional elections.

"New York has finally torn down the barrier that prevented same-sex couples from exercising the freedom to marry and from receiving the fundamental protections that so many couples and families take for granted," Mr Cuomo said in a statement.

He kept his promise to sign the bill as soon as he received it after the Senate vote - rather than wait the usual 10 days.

Gay rights activists said the approval of the bill was a key victory for them, in what is seen as the birthplace of the US gay rights movement.

"It's about time. I want to get married. I want the same rights as anyone else," 36-year-old student Caroline Jaeger told Reuters news agency.

But New York's Catholic bishops said they were "deeply disappointed and troubled" by the passage of the bill, Reuters news agency reports.

Just four Republicans voted for the bill, but it was enough to make the New York senate the first Republican-controlled legislative chamber in the country to vote in favour of same-sex marriage.

New York now joins Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and also the District of Columbia, all of which allow same-sex marriages. (BBC News)

REDjet defends safety after ministers' meeting

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 14:35:59 PDT

Low-fares airline REDjet says the integrity of its safety has been "unfairly maligned", following a meeting of transport ministers in Trinidad and Tobago.

REDjet said in a statement yesterday it wanted to put the record straight, adding that it acquired two (McDonnell Douglas) MD-82 aircraft which were operated and maintained by American Airlines and, prior to the acquisition of both aircraft, received an Export Certificate of Air Worthiness from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US.

Last week, Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner met with his Caribbean counterparts from Barbados and Jamaica to discuss approvals for REDJet to operate in Trinidad and Jamaica. Possible safety issues were raised at the meeting.

"This certificate confirms that the aircraft has been maintained to comply with the maintenance programmes approved by the FAA and operated by American Airlines. Since acquisition, each aircraft has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and regulations of Barbados," the airline said.

"Barbados's regulations are based on the same International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards as used by the majority of countries in the Caribbean, including Trinidad and Tobago. To question any issue the airworthiness or safety of these aircraft based on history is, therefore, to question the integrity of the FAA and American Airlines," REDjet said.

It added, "All of REDjet's pilots, cabin crew, and flight dispatch officers are fully trained, certified and hold valid licences. REDjet outsources its maintenance to fully certified maintenance providers not only in Barbados but also in the United Kingdom. REDjet also contracts a maintenance provider in Costa Rica that is fully certified by the FAA."

REDjet said it flies to and from Barbados and Guyana, has been transporting the West Indies Cricket Board and participating teams of the relevant series to and from Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Trinidad and Tobago under a charter agreement.

"It is evident from the above that REDjet's operations and aircraft have been subject to certification by Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica for many months, and much more so than any other airline," the airline said. "REDjet can only therefore conclude that the continuance to raise these issues can only be politically motivated by protectionism." (Trinidad Express)

'Crossing God's children'

barclaysmithp2000@yahoo.com — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 14:32:57 PDT

Jaqueline Clarke, a warden at Clan Carthy Primary School in Kingston, controls students before crossing them after school on June 23. - Norman Grindley/Chief Photographer

Jodi-Ann Gilpin, Gleaner Intern

JAQUELINE CLARKE has been assisting children to cross the streets for 24 years. She works at the intersection of the Clan Carthy Primary School, and she loves every minute of it.

Clarke said although many persons might consider it to be a menial job, she is delighted every morning to "cross God's children", as she puts it.

The mother of five children, Clarke said the passion that she has for her street-crossing job keeps her going despite the fact that it is not a well-paying job.

"Di job cheap, inno, but mi love it same way mi love di children dem, and mi treat dem like a mi own, and mi nuh want no other work," she said, smiling.

Clarke said she is also driven by the relationship that she has with the children, the staff of the school, and even the taxi drivers. She said that they have an excellent relationship and that no child has ever been disrespectful to her. She tries to be friendly but yet command respect.

Now that the school's doors are about to close for the summer break and the students are about to go on holiday she admits that she is going to miss her job. However, she plans to relax at home, keenly looking forward to the next academic year. (Jamaica Gleaner)