Lindsay Grant Resigns as Leader of PAM

July 17, 2012 0 Comments

In a press conference hosted on Tuesday morning, (17^th July), at the Ocean Terrace Inn, in Fortlands, Basseterre, Grant announced to the country, “Today, after many months of reflection and discussions, I have tendered my resignation as political leader of the People’s Action Movement, effective as of 30^th September, 2012.”

The PAM leader was accompanied by his two Deputy Political Leaders, MPs Shawn Richards and Eugene Hamilton. Opposition Senator, Vincent Byron, Deputy Party Chairpersons, Dr. Charles Warner and Jonel Powell were also amongst the PAM hierarchy, who were present to support their leader.

Grant explained that he has always put national interests first. “I have always been in the forefront of our party’s role in providing a realistic alternative and perspective on governmental decisions, which cannot be overstated.”

The Harvard graduate said that under his political leadership, he has been immensely proud of the strides that his party has made and the many fights that they have led all in the interest of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. “PAM has gone from having no representation in the House of Assembly when I began, to having three persons in the House and being a strong force in the fight to take our country back from the brink. We also garnered the most votes in the history of our party in the last elections.”
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He admitted though that it was indeed a great privilege to serve in “…this great party with so many talented and dedicated colleagues. Recently, we initiated a process to implement some overdue reforms within our party, to empower the grassroots and build the infrastructure which will ultimately leave PAM poised to meet the challenges of the future.”

He said that it is in this vein that he kept the commitment that he made over 10 years ago to the supporters of the People’s Action Movement. “This was the commitment that I made for a maximum of 10 years at the helm of the party. I also gave a commitment of 10 years leading the country. This is why I vigorously championed the cause, both for fixed date elections and for a fixed term for the office of Prime minister-my reason for fixed terms is the strong belief that it is a disservice to our country to have one person at the helm for any extended period of time; fresh new blood with new perspectives is always good for any institution.”

“That is why at the end of the last election, I discussed with my colleagues, that it was time for me to step aside as Leader of the Party.”

Grant has however assured the residents of the constituency where he last ran as a candidate that their fight will continue with him as their candidate in the next General Elections.

He also had a message for his party supporters in general, “We renew our strength and will continue to stride towards change.” lindsay-grant-pam-2

The process for the selection of a new National Political Leader will soon begin, to allow for the new leadership to take office from 1^st October, 2012. Meanwhile, the announcement of candidates for five constituencies, (East Basseterre, Central Basseterre, West Basseterre, St. Paul’s and Constituency Number 7-that includes districts such as Lodge, Molineux, Tabernacle, etc.) will soon be made to the public.

CFBC Host Cultural Exchange

July 17, 2012 0 Comments

Ambassador Miguel Li-Jey Tsao, of the Republic of China (Taiwan), indicated that the cultural exchange was an excellent experience for both parties.

“Cultural exchange by its nature means to be bilateral. During their stay, the Youth Ambassadors not only showcased their talent and shared the Taiwanese culture with local students but also learnt the colorful Caribbean culture.”

Dr. Hermia Morton Anthony, President of CFBC, said she was pleased that Taiwan chose St. Kitts and Nevis to host the cultural exchange. She added that cultural exchange with youth as a whole adds a dynamic element.

“It adds sustainability for better relations in our future between our countries,” noted Dr. Anthony.

Wricherley Gumbs, President of the CFBC Student Government Association, stated that the cultural exchange programme was truly a success thanks to the overwhelming participation of the CFBC students.

“I was pleased to see such a reasonable turn out. I and the CFBC students were excited to learn more about the Taiwanese culture. We participated in activities including puppetry, acting and dancing. We in turn entertained them with our folklore, masquerade and even taught them a little bit of dialect.”

At the culmination of the exchange, a banner adorned with the flag of St. Kitts and Taiwan was signed and email addresses were shared.

“The Youth Ambassadors were very friendly and I am looking forward to our next cultural exchange, said Mr. Gumbs. “Maybe in the future our CFBC students would be able to travel to Taiwan to showcase our culture there.”

The CFBC exchange aspect concluded on 13th July.

The visiting youth ambassadors are currently participating in a Camp organized by the Department of Youth Empowerment.

Electrofab to Release 20 Workers

July 17, 2012 0 Comments

Minister of International Trade, Industry and Commerce Timothy Harris says that from his interaction with several affected workers, they are worried that it will be very difficult for them to find new jobs.

“I am concerned about this not only from the perspective of the manufacturing entity, but from the human side of it. People without work find it harder to pay their bills, meet regular commitments like mortgages, take care of their children and do those ordinary things that add worth and value to their lives. I understand their dilemma and difficulty,” Harris said.

He also mentioned that he has been advised by management that a decline in market for certain products has been a critical factor in management’s decision to sever workers. Workers had indicated that three days of work on and off was not helpful to them and in that regard some opted for retrenchment.

Dr Harris said he appreciated that many businesses reduced labour hours/days with a view to maintain employee levels but under employment is a humbug and cannot lead to a long run solution, because workers become demoralized over time if they are unable to satisfy basic needs from their employment.

He also added that while the news was not bright, the viability of the export manufacturing sector is linked to the restoration of growth in the demand markets abroad, and ability of manufacturers to improve on efficiencies, enhance quality and add consumer value.