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Needs Must Power Plant

Photo By Erasmus Williams

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
April 12, 2013 (CUOPM)

A three-prong plan to reduce electricity costs has been presented and accepted by the Federal Cabinet of the Government St. Kitts and Nevis.

Minister of Information, Sen. the Hon. Nigel Carty has disclosed that Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Energy, the Hon. Dr. Earl Asim Martin on Monday during the routine Cabinet meeting, presented a comprehensive three-pronged plan to reduce the cost of electricity to residents and nationals of the Federation.

“The Hon. Deputy Prime Minister explained that in addressing the unacceptably high cost of electricity in St. Kitts and Nevis resulting from the very high cost of fuel imported from overseas, he was adamant that government adopt a medium-term strategy to bring immediate relief lasting about three years and a long-term strategy to reduce the cost of electricity over many years in the future,” said Sen. Carty.

He said that under his medium-term plan, the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Asim Martin proposes to subsidise the fuel charge to all residential consumers, and this will be done in a manner to promote efficient use of electricity.

“The plan is as follows; consumers burning less than 250KWh will pay zero fuel charge and additionally will benefit from further reductions in the principal part of their electricity bills. This intervention will benefit 65% of all residential consumers. Persons using between 250 and 350Kwh will pay only half (or 50%) of the fuel charge; persons consuming between 350 and 450KWh will pay 60% of the fuel charge; persons burning between 450 and 500KWh will pay 70% of the fuel charge; consumers using between 500 and 800KWh will have to pay 80% of the fuel charge and beyond 800KWh, residential consumers will have to pay 90% of the fuel charge,” Sen. Carty said.

He reported in the post Cabinet Briefing, that Deputy Prime Minister Martin was very strongly of the view that while the government must help consumers to meet the unavoidably high cost of electricity, there must be a component of the programme to encourage the practice of conservation and to encourage responsible consumption to make the programme sustainable.

“Dr. Martin intimated that the high cost of fuel on the world market is driven by demand or consumption, and consumers all over the world, St. Kitts and Nevis included, have a responsibility to reduce their consumption of electricity in order to push the price of fuel downwards,” said Minister Carty.

With regard to the long-term interventions, Deputy Prime Minister Martin proposed two initiatives.

Firstly, a project for immediate implementation but which will have long-term impact will provide low interest, long-term loans for the purchase of solar energy systems for up to 600 residential consumers in the first instance. The term of the loan of approximately EC$15,000 will be 5% for 10 to 20 years which will mean a monthly payment of about EC$100 to EC$160 with no down-payment. For consumers using electricity beyond a certain threshold, this is a very viable option to reduce electricity cost and to contribute to the development of the emerging renewable energy sector in our country as electricity generated in excess by these solar energy systems will be sold back into the grid and monies collected for it. The fine details on the criteria for accessing this programme will be made available at the Ministry of the Deputy Prime Minister at the Needsmust Office.

Dr. Martin proposed that the Federal government continue to give very strong support to the geothermal energy project to harness the benefits of a much cheaper source of energy over the long term.

The analysis shows that taking all things into consideration, outputs of electricity from the geothermal energy project can decrease the price of electricity to as low as 15 cents per Kwh.

In addition, Dr. Martin requested of the cabinet provisional approval for the completion of the final phases of a wind energy development project to be developed in Belle Vue mountain as another renewable energy initiative to help reduce the cost of electricity over the long term.

Baroness Margaret Thatcher

Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
April 11, 2013 (CUOPM)

Former British Prime Minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher was a true patriot and stateswoman, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said Tuesday.

Dr. Douglas, in a message of condolence to British Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. David Cameron, said “Baroness Thatcher was a true patriot and stateswoman and her resoluteness and boldness of character combined with her passion for her country and politics will long be remembered.”

“Mrs. Thatcher’s rise to become the first female leader of her Party and soon thereafter the first female Prime Minister of Great Britain were two outstanding achievements which will continue to inspire and spur on young women the world over,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

He noted the pivotal role Mrs. Thatcher played in European politics, “especially at the end of the Cold War, as well as her signature contributions to the transformation of the British economy will remain in the memory of many for a long time.  Her impact on British life and society will continue to occupy a central focus and to enjoy longevity amongst historians.”

“On my own behalf and that of the Government and people of the Federation I extend sincere condolences to her family and friends as well as to you, the British Government and public. May you use your good offices Sir, to convey to her children, Mark and Caroline and to other loved ones our sense of grief at their loss at this time,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

Nevis Health Official – Dr. Judy Nisbett

Charlestown, Nevis
April 10, 2013

Medical Officer of Health in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Dr. Judy Nisbett, issued an urgent call to persons on Nevis to know their blood pressure readings, take steps to prevent high blood pressure and control it if you are affected by it.

She was at the time delivering a message on behalf of the Ministry of Health on Nevis Television Channel 8 on April 8th, 2013, to mark Nevis’ annual observance of World Health Day, celebrated on April 7.  This year’s theme was “Hypertension” more commonly known as High Blood pressure (HBP), an illness which had become a global health crisis and Nevis was not immune to the high incidence of HBP.

“In Nevis Hypertension was the leading cause of hospitalisation in 2011 and diseases of the circulatory system, caused primarily by Hypertension were leading causes of death in that same year. This has been a trend for a number of years.

“High Blood Pressure is often termed the silent killer with most persons having no sign or symptoms. Many with HBP are not aware that they have the disease, thus the importance of regular blood pressure checks,” she said.

Dr. Nisbett said the disease could be averted if persons took stock of their behaviour and lifestyle related factors which, if not done, had a tendency to put them at high risk of developing the illness.

She pointed to the high intake of salt, being overweight, lack of physical exercise and the overindulgence of alcohol and tobacco consumption. Notwithstanding she said the illness could be prevented and pointed to a number of measures that could be taken to do so.

“High Blood Pressure can be prevented and controlled by adopting healthy lifestyle modifications. Actions that you can take include: eating a healthy diet consisting of locally grown fruits, vegetables and other produce, whole grains, lean cuts of meat, high fibre and low fat,” she said.

Regarding the usage of salt, Dr. Nisbett urged persons to limit their use added to food.

“The total daily intake of salt should be no more than 5grams or one teaspoon. Cook using our local herbs to flavour your food instead of salt and seasoned salt. Avoid processed foods since many are high in salt and read labels to see that salt of sodium content,” she urged.

However, for those who had HBP, Dr. Nisbett said lifestyle changes may not be enough to treat the disease and prescription medicines were required to control the illness.

“It is important that those medicines are taken regularly,” she said and also urged them to prevent and manage other medical conditions like Diabetes.

“About 60 percent of persons who have Diabetes also have Hypertension. Having both conditions doubles the risk of the cardiovascular disease. It is therefore important for Diabetics to keep their blood pressure less than 130/80,” she informed.

Dr. Nisbett stated, that the Ministry of Health would continue its prevention and treatment efforts of Hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors, to advance the goal of a 25 percent reduction in premature deaths from Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by 2025. The move was in keeping with the 2011 United Nations high level meeting held on NCDs.

“The Ministry is committed to decreasing the burden of disease caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure but you too must play your part,” she told the Nevis public.

Know The Risks Before Investing

Charlestown, Nevis
April 09, 2013

The Nevis Investment Promotion Agency (NIPA) has a new website. The announcement came on April 08, 2013 by Officer in Charge Ms. Kimone Moving.

According to Ms. Moving, the new website offers quick and easy access to essential information on investment opportunities in Nevis from international financial services to alternative energy.

“The website boasts a modern, colourful design and is divided into seven sections: who we are, what we do, why invest in Nevis, investment opportunities, an investment guide, press and a downloadable resource area.

“The website’s user-friendly nature provides users with efficient access to investment opportunities on all sectors in Nevis. Other new functions will include a promotional video and photo gallery. The website can be accessed by visiting http://www.nevisipa.org/ , she said”

The Nevis Investment Promotion Agency was set up by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) to create an investor friendly environment which facilitated the ease of doing business by being the investor’s point of contact in matters related to investment opportunities in Nevis.

It was also given the mandate to explore, attract and promote investment opportunities that would stimulate economic growth and contribute positively to the island’s long term development.

NIPA is a member of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and operates under the mission:  “To provide the intelligence, the tools and the support necessary for investors to exceed their financial objectives on the island of Nevis”.

Locally Grown Produce

Charlestown, Nevis
April 08, 2013

Minister of Agriculture in the Nevis Island Administration Hon. Alexis Jeffers said though he was impressed with the volume of vegetable and livestock production on the island, in the short term,  he would like to see more young persons involved in agricultural production and the introduction of more technology in the sector.

He made the comment at the end of his first official island-wide tour on April 02, 2013.  During the tour, the Agriculture Minister had a firsthand opportunity to observe agricultural production on the island and to find out the challenges faced by those involved in the sector.

“I would like to see agriculture at the point where we are self sufficient, meaning that importation of some of the products that we can produce here is done away with and that is in the short term. Also, I would certainly like to see more farmers getting on board starting with our young men and women.

“Obviously there is money to be made in farming but most persons decide not to get involved in farming because of perhaps the hard work involved. [In March] we had the handing over of a shade house at Charlestown Secondary School, that indicates that there are new technologies that we will have to introduce here in Nevis, so we will encourage our young men and young women to get involved,” he said.

According to Mr. Jeffers, the Department of Agriculture would have to begin identifying farmers already involved in the sector who offered that type of technology which made the business of agriculture easier, more productive and enjoyable.

“I would like to see more farmers being offered the necessary technology that would make farming more enjoyable and more productive and those are the things we have to concentrate on over the next year or so,” he said.

The Minister spoke positively about the enthusiasm in agriculture on the island and spoke on the positives and negatives he had witnessed during the tour and underscored his commitment for the agricultural sector.

“I can truly see the interest. As you drive around the island the interest is there in agriculture but of course, the negative is that persons don’t seem to feel like they are getting the support from the Agricultural Department. I think that is something we have to turn around quickly because we do want to ensure that we have that sustainability in agriculture and food production continue on the island, so that we can feed ourselves.

“I do believe, based on what we have seen today, there is indeed hope. We just have to figure out a way to overcome those hurdles that we have encountered in the past that are still in our way,” he said.

With regard to the two Government-owned estates visited, Mr. Jeffers explained that there were disappointments but under his watch,  heplanned to revamp the Maddens and Indian Castle Estates.

“That’s where the negative comes in. We have some challenges at Indian Castle…The fence down there is a challenge that needs to be addressed. There are dedicated herdsmen and farmers down there and they need the incentive to continue day after day, to ensure that we protect those areas and ensure those animals are well taken care of.

“Maddens presents a more challenging situation for us…The estate has certainly taken some backward steps but we looked at it and we have come up with a plan moving forward to bring that estate back in shape. It would take some time. Everything is a work in progress but once we are able to clean that estate up and do the necessary fencing, I am sure we can enhance the livestock farming in that area,” he said.

The Agriculture Minister stated that he wanted to see both estates returned to their glory days when the Government-owned Abattoir was supplied with livestock from the farm.

“I want us to feed our Abattoir with livestock or eat from these estates. The importation of meat I would like to see that reduced and that would be the plan moving forward. So livestock would have to play a major part in our strategy moving forward, in terms of feeding our people with our locally produced beef, mutton and poultry,” he said.

The tour began with a visit to the Nevis Abattoir and Meat Processing facility and Veterinarian Division at Prospect, Farmer Sias Persaud at Clay Ghaut, Government owned livestock and agricultural farms at Indian Castle Estate, onion production, storage facility and Cotton Ginnery at New River Estate, Stock Farm at Maddens Estate, Farmer Ellis Philip at Potworks and ended at the storage room of the Department of Agriculture’s Marketing Division in Charlestown