Montserrat's Chief Minister named chair of OCTA ministerial conference

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BRADES, Montserrat (GIU) – Chief Minister of Montserrat, Reuben Meade, on Monday accepted the chairmanship of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) ministerial conference.

Speaking in New Caledonia at the European Union and OCT Forum, which is the annual gathering of representatives from all of the OCTs and EU member states, the chief minister said it was “both an honour and a privilege to serve the OCTA family in this office. I see my election not only as a serious responsibility but as an opportunity to support the diverse agenda of the OCTs.”

Meade said the targets set by the EU to be achieved by the year 2020 provide “the basis for hope in the OCTs, if we can fully benefit from such an agenda.”  These include:

i. Employment of 75% of their 20 – 64-year-olds.
ii. Investment of 3% of EU’s GDP in Research, Development and Innovation.
iii. Reduction of greenhouse gases by 20% below the 1990 levels (conditioned on international agreement).
iv. Achieving 20% energy from renewable and 20% increase in energy efficiency.
v. Reduction of the school drop-out rates to below 10% and at least 40% of 30 – 34-year-olds completing tertiary education or its equivalent.
vi. Reduction in the levels of poverty and social exclusion by committing to 20 million fewer people at risk of poverty and social exclusion.


However, he said “we must strive for simplicity above complexity; social justice and order above discrimination and pride; and, a cleaner and more sustainable environment above destruction and greed.
“It is no doubt a challenging time to be the chairman of OCTA. We must face the:

• effects of protracted global economic and financial decline;
• falling levels of disposable incomes of our people; and
• increasing challenges of war and natural disasters and their demand on scarce resources.


“There is a need for open discussion about where we all are today. A discussion about what needs to be done individually and collectively to achieve a sustainable future and a realistic allocation of resources to make that future happen. That discussion will include pushing for progress on the [Economic Development Fund] EDF 10 programmes. We continue to face many difficulties in the finalization of the frameworks for the funds to be released,” Meade stated.

He said the OCTs are encountering “the continuous changing of the goal posts in the development of the relevant documentation and processes. We must strive to develop an understanding with the relevant officials in the relevant directorate to overcome these difficulties.”

Meade reiterated his commitment to working with all the OCTs and the European Union to build and focus efforts on a sustainable future and hoped that the Brussels meeting, he is to chair later this year, will show that substantial progress had been made and OCTs “would feel much better about the future of our people.”

Calls for integration of EU and OCT resources for sustained growth

BRADES, Montserrat (GIU) – Chief Minister of Montserrat Reuben Meade has expressed his disappointment at the absence of several key European Union representatives at the EU/OCT Forum now ongoing in New Caledonia and called for more resource integration to reach the established goals.

During his first intervention at the forum, the chief minister said missing from discussions, among others, are members of the EU environment directorate, which is one of the key areas up for discussion in the New Caledonia meetings. He supported a suggestion from the British Virgin Islands to hold all future forums in Brussels, rather than the present practice of rotating the venue dependent on which nation was at the helm.

He noted that many had travelled for miles to “work collectively to build a stronger future” for those they represent. However, he said “some EU directorates relevant to current OCT projects are not attending this Forum as well as regional EU delegations… due to budget considerations.”

“The presence of these personnel is vital at our annual Forum. It provides the opportunity for the OCT’s to dialogue with the Commissioner, the Task Force and the Delegations to share information and in some cases, to plan the way forward for a speedier progress of the SPD, programmes and projects, to which all are in agreement. Given the importance of this issue, I support the intervention by the British Virgin Islands that future fora should be held in Brussels. This would give the opportunity for all players in the partnership who are involved in facilitating the support to OCTs to be present and can share critical information. Given the scarcity of resources, we have to be mindful of the cost effectiveness of hosting these fora outside of Brussels,” Meade said.

The chief minister, who is the incoming chairman of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA) Ministerial Conference, said Montserrat is confused by the various pronouncements coming from the European Union.

On the one hand, the joint position papers (JPP) and the political resolutions (PR) speak to partnerships, mutual benefits, and common policies but yet “some of us seem to be under constant threat of losing our economic base and have our reputations undermined by policy directives, activities and pronouncements by the European Union.”

He added that they expected the economies of the OCTs and their way of life should “be protected by our most senior partner(s).”

“We commit to standards of accountability, transparency and good governance and the [European Union] Commission commits to a package of assistance. The goals of our partnership are noble, the standards we aspire to are laudable and the Commission’s support demonstrates their continued commitment to us.

“I dare say that this is a partnership where the member states can suspend or remove our Constitutions, veto our laws, prevent us from borrowing and determine who we have economic and social relationships with. This is a situation that can make political and administrative governance difficult, if not impossible. As a consequence, scarce resources must be diverted from critical programmes into areas where we have had no record of a problem or the volume and quantum of the transactions is miniscule. This is all happening at a time when development and budgetary aid are stagnant or falling, economic activity forecasts are gloomy (notwithstanding short term recovery) and there are both a subtle and overt pressures for OCTs to live on declining budgets.

“This may very well spell disaster for many OCTs that have one or two sector economies, lack natural resources and where government expenditure dominates economic activity. The JPP and political resolution provide a consensus for consideration. However this need for consensus probably masks some of the more specific and serious sustainable development issues of individual countries,” the chief minister’s statement read.

Meade said the potential power of the EU/OCT Forum must be highlighted with the organs of the EU able to transform the economies of the OCTs.

“This underscores the need for balance in using standard policy directives across the diverse range of circumstances within the OCTs. I wish to emphasize the need to integrate and harness the resources and potential of the OCTs for the mutual benefit of the EU/OCT family. It is the only way that we can use our combined economic potential to achieve long term sustainability for all of our peoples,” he said.

Meade also welcomed Bonaire, Curacao, St Eustatius and St Maarten to the OCTA family and wished them well as they developed their governing structures.

Anguilla Honours Its Revolutionary Leader James Ronald Webster

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Aspire To Leadership, Webster Tells Youth

The Anguillian 

Anguilla’s Revolutionary Leader, James Ronald Webster, has called on the island’s young people to prepare themselves for leadership. He was at the time delivering an address on the national holiday on Wednesday, this week, to mark his 85th birthday.


Speaking at the ceremony at the Webster Park, he said there was a need for a committed and invigorated group of young people to turn Anguilla’s challenges into opportunities for economic and social growth. He asked them to look at his example in which he emerged from a poor and little known, but ambitious, youth to become the revolutionary leader and first Chief Minister of Anguilla. The address, in which he also expressed a desire to be given an opportunity to fully retire from public involvement to meditate in private, follows:

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Address of James Ronald Webster

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen and the Youth of Our Nation
Greetings:


It is with great pleasure that I extend sincere thanks to all of you on this grand occasion, and I bid you a most cordial welcome. I assure all of you that your presence here, in demonstration of your love and respect for me, is greatly appreciated.


I am indeed happy today to be celebrating my 85th birthday, a special milestone in my journey. I take this opportunity to give Almighty God thanks and praise for sparing my sinful life to see such a ripe age, and for the hope of an even longer existence.


It is said, and probably true, that the first thirty years of anything, be it life, a career or a vocation, are worth all the remaining years. Yet in those precious years, we make mistakes; buthave opportunities to correct them; and we seek to learn and achieve on a road to near perfection, in an imperfect and difficult world. Thanks to the varied experiences of those first thirty years, which help to shape our destiny and mine in particular.


As we reflect on the past years, particularly from 1967-1984, during my term of office, we have much to rejoice about.We have lived, and continue to live, in a country which is peaceful, and where our people enjoy harmonious living despite the many political, social and economic challenges and changes that have come our way.


There were many ups and downs in the early years of our revolution. However, with trust, patience and steady focus on our journey, we eventually obtained legal separation from St. Kitts and are successfully coping with nation-building.


Despite the pressures exerted by St. Kitts, Britain and from other sources, along with our scarce natural resources, wehave remained undaunted. We have made, and are making, every effortto ensure that each young person receive quality education and have hope for a brighter future.


During the revolutionary years, we were able to protect and respect the rights of our citizens; show respect for the sovereignty of our neighbours; and demonstrate how a people can live in love, unity and peace. We also safeguarded the resources of our country for future generations of Anguilla and I hope that this practice, which may have since been allowed to fail, will now continue. Throughout all of those difficult years of our revolution, we remained resolute in our commitment to our island and to Almighty God, our Heavenly Father.


As a young nation, looking towards independence,Anguillians must continue to have faith in God and love our neighbours. If we, as nation, adhere to the rights and wishes of our people, and as family and friends live in peace and share each other’s pains, we will continue to grow from strength to strength, moving steadfastly and united towards a new frontier. The road travelled since 1967 has been long, sometimes eventful and lonely, but we made it, and will continue to succeed, God being our helper.


At this juncture in our history, we are faced with social, economic, constitutional and other problems, some caused by ourselves. We must use the energies and talents we have to confront and overcome these challenges, whether internal or external. We are matured men and women and must demonstrate a sense of responsibility, strength, unity and, where necessary, patience and compassion in dealing with various situations.


We must keep in our thoughts that we are a people struggling for the same cause in the name of freedom and prosperity for all the inhabitants of our lovely homeland. We fought a revolution in 1967 in which there was no bloodshed and avoided a civil war, so to speak. Let us now concentrate on promoting peace, unity and love among ourselves.


There are great challenges ahead. As we continue struggling to reach a safe harbour we cannot afford to sit idly by. Just recently, Anguilla was blessed with a high per capita income, with Anguillians thereby enjoying a more comfortable standard and quality of life. This is what we desire for our homeland – to be a just, caring, prosperous and equitable society.


It is therefore with deep regret that the joys and splendour we had are no more in our grasp. The table has turned in the opposite direction. Today, instead of being surrounded by, and enjoying, the bounty that was ours at the commanding heights of the economy, we have high unemployment, economic stagnation and unbalanced budgets, to mention a few. We also have, most unfortunately, growing crime, with the highest prison population per capita in the Caribbean.


It will take a group of dedicated and invigorated young people, men and women, to turn Anguilla’s challenges into opportunities for economic and social growth and discipline. We are a maturing society, and with national maturity must come responsible governance and political finesse by our leaders.


Among the relevant imperatives which tend to be overlooked by some of us, are good and wise leadership, dedication, honesty and goodwill. With the varied problems facing Anguilla, the stage should now be set for young men and women to come forward to make a decisive commitment to political involvement and leadership.


I always felt that active participation in the political process is vitally important. This is because I think that political involvement is a powerful vehicle by which a people are able to choose their path to personal, public, social and economic development.


It is a Government’s responsibility to inspire its people to improve their standards of living, to create the necessary opportunities for them and to guard their individual rights. Public life is a crowning career for young men and women and it is a most worthy ambition. Clean politics and leadership must be seen as an honourable adventure for those wishing to work towards nation-building.


Seeking political office is an enormous national commitment. But only well-qualified persons in terms of education, dedication and integrity, and with the right leadership charisma, should be selected for public office at the highest level. This holds true whether it is by the ballot box or other forms of legal appointment.


It is here that I wish to emphasise a special appeal to the young people of Anguilla. Aim high. Whatever task comes your way, do it well for you never know what opportunity or calling awaits you. You must be ready to seize every opportunity when it presents itself.


I can only speak about myself as a prime example. I never went to College. My parents were poor, my father being a humble fisherman and my mother an ordinary housewife. As a boy, I travelled to St. Maarten in search of employment and got a job with a wealthy couple. They had no children of their own. They adopted me and I started working on their estate as a shepherd boy, and took on greater responsibility over the 27 years of my service for them. They eventually died and left a fortune for me.


Some years later, I returned to Anguilla. As fortune would have it, I ended up being the Leader of the Anguilla Revolution and the first Chief Minister. That has earned me global recognition. I set out to steer Anguilla along a path of self-determination, political stability, prosperity, prudent fiscal management and a peaceful and safe social environment. My trust was in Almighty God to guide me and through Him, all things were made possible. I rejoice in the fact that He used the foolish toconfound the wise and made the impossible possible.


I am not a John the Baptist, or Stephen, or a martyr in any way. I kept going because there were people who believed in, and trusted, me; people who were looking to me to change the course of history for Anguilla. They followed me and were willing to put their time, energies and entire selves where their trust and faith lay. Many of them are now dead, but their memories will always remain with us. Thankfully, some of them are present here today, among this vast crowd. To you, and those who have passed on, I offer eternal thanks and call for a round of applause.


I am aware that, in addition to the resolve and involvement of my peoplein the early years of political development in Anguilla, there is a debt of gratitude owed to a number of other people. They are our friends and supporters in and outside Anguilla whose help I also graciously and gratefully acknowledge today.


We are gratified that Anguilla has reached this moment in our history, where we are free from oppression and domination from St. Kitts, and on a path for further self-determination in these post revolutionary years.


I am appealing to all Anguillians, old and young, to bury their differences and ill-will and to seek to be united again. Let us make this emerging nation a land of glory and opportunity; a land where we can say with pride and joy that we are Anguillians; a land in which paradise has been regained, with God being our great leader.


I am grateful to the Government of Anguilla for honouring me with this full national holiday for the second time. I am also grateful toall who organised this celebration and all of you who are now here with me celebrating my 85th birthday. Many thanks, above all, to our Heavenly Father, above all, for His bounteous gift of long life to me.


I am a humble man but I believe, as an individual, that I have faithfully and honestly done my part in serving my people and country to the best of my ability, with God’s guidance. My active political career is over, but my life is not ended. I trust that despite all the gratitude and recognition being paid to me today, and later on, that I may be given an opportunity to spend my last moments quietly to meditate on, and look forward to, my eventual exit from this life, and to that grand and glorious reward that awaits me and all who remain faithful and true to God, our Father.


I offer my heartfelt thanks and love to all.
May the Good Lord bless and keep you always.

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A Message from the Youth

Submitted by Shellecia Brooks
National Youth Ambassador Corps

Happy Birthday Mr. Ronald Webster

Ronald Webster, the Father of our Nation, is undoubtedly the greatest of Anguilla’s revolutionary leaders.


I will briefly examine five characteristics of Mr. Webster which enabled him to achieve such a feat. I will then look at how young people (that is me and you, this present and future generation) can emulate and utilize these characteristics to better our lives, the lives of others and contribute to Anguilla’s development.

A quote by Henry Kissinger states that ‘the task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been. Real leadership skill involves getting people to do something they have never done or are not even sure is possible.

Ronald Webster did this when he successfully brought Anguilla from a state of being referred to as the ‘backwater of the Caribbean’ through a complete social, economic and political metamorphosis. If we know our history, we know this was no easy task.


Mr. Ronald Webster possessed vital characteristics which made him such a successful leader. The most noteworthy of these are his faith, his vision, his determination, his charisma and the fact that he was a good shepherd.


I will deal with each characteristic in turn.


Firstly, his faith. Articles, books and quotes about Mr. Ronald Webster often compare him to the biblical character Moses and indeed like the story of Moses, Mr. Webster came and ‘delivered Anguillians out of the hands of the Kittitians. He was a man who stood by the scriptures and his faith. Memorable quotes include


‘Let the world know that Anguillians are men who place their trust in God Almighty. He goes on later to say ‘our strength is in the people of Anguilla who, by their courage will always stand as free men….Have faith in your God and your Government and we will overcome.


Secondly his vision. Mr. Webster had a vision of a better Anguilla. His primary objective and burning desire was the advancement of the wellbeing of the Anguillian people. He instilled in the minds of the people that their goals were achievable whatever the odds. He advised them ‘our battle will not be won by force but by your support under the Almighty hand of God.’ It was through this vision he was able to lead Anguillians to freedom.


Thirdly he was Determined. He had a Will of steel/unflinching resolve (often referred to as stubbornness). He never accepted a compromise. Mr. Webster stubbornly resisted any proposal which would give St. Kitts even a semblance of control over Anguilla. For example, when some Anguillian leaders signed the 1967 Barbados agreement, which would put Anguilla back under the umbrella of the St. Kitts Government, Webster refused to sign despite open threats from the British officials who were present.

Mr. Webster explained at a political meeting ‘Britain cannot bribe away the spirit of the Anguillian people with a few miles of tarmac road, a few water pipes and an airstrip.


This is a fantastic example of his leadership role of striving against difficult odds, yet remaining resolute and determined in the face of adversity during the revolution.


Fourthly, he was Charismatic. Indeed, he was revered by most. ‘He was the light of the revolution and people followed him without question. To quote Jerimiah Gumbs: ‘when Mr. Webster says act, do not question him. And the late John Thomas: ‘when Mr. Webster is wrong he is right. And when he is right, he is double right.’


Fifthly, he was a good shepherd. It was the destitute and forgotten people of Anguilla, an island once regarded as “a backwater of the Caribbean”, that he was prepared to give his life for in their liberation from the feared Bradshaw regime in St. Kitts.

All of these qualities contributed significantly to his emergence as leader of the Anguilla revolution of 1967. Mr. Webster refused to crawl when he had the vision to soar and a conviction to make the changes he wanted to see.


Walter Lippman said ‘The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men, the conviction and the will to carry on.


Today I urge everyone, particularly young people to remember the extraordinary and dramatic events of 1967 and the years that followed. Let us seek as young people to take up the mantle of leadership and emulate the characteristics that our great revolutionary leader Mr. Ronald Webster exemplified.


Have Faith


Anguilla was and remains a primarily Christian society. As we move forward, as youth we must put God first in our lives and in our country’s development. Let us continue to encourage our youth to attend church and to practice faith and the lessons taught in the bible.


Follow your Vision


Without a vision a people and a nation will perish. Young people must be included now in drafting this vision for Anguilla as we move forward in Anguilla’s development. Young people you must also have a vision for your personal life and the role you wish to play in Anguilla’s development. Always seek to make a positive difference. If you have a vision to make a positive contribution in sports, youth or community advocacy, in public service, through the ministry or as a political leader, do not let anyone belittle or undermine that vision. Like Ronald Webster, follow through with your vision regardless of what adversity you may face.


Remain Determined


Many argue that young people show little interest in anything, lose interest quickly and do not follow through on action and initiatives. The youth of Anguilla have so much promise, so much knowledge and so much creativity and talent. Let us, like Mr. Webster show determination and unflinching resolve in our initiatives. If we would like to see youth representatives on all public and private boards let us fight for that. If we would like to see the creation of more youth friendly spaces and parks, let us fight for that. We must stand firm and resolute and indeed have a will of steel to ensure the youth voice is heard.

Youth must also demonstrate determination in the pursuit of our education and our goals. Remember success requires hard work and commitment.


Display Charisma


There are some young persons who have a natural charisma. That is, others are drawn to them and others look to them for leadership and advice – thus they are able to influence many. Sometimes after observing young people, I pull a young person aside and say ‘you are a natural leader’ – use those leadership qualities for good and not evil. Like Mr. Webster, use the skill of charisma to improve Anguilla in some way.


A Good Shepherd


There are also some youth who are good shepherds. John Quincy Adams said ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more - you are a leader. Indeed he could have also said you are a good shepherd. Many of us will find ourselves in leadership positions. This role may be in youth organizations in our schools, churches, NGO’s or in the public or private sector. The important thing to remember is to be humble and to always put the needs of those who you have been entrusted to lead first. If we all did this, youth and adults alike we would certainly create a better Anguilla.

In conclusion, youth of Anguilla, we should never forget the role played by Mr. Ronald Webster in Anguilla’s development. We should also never forget the unity displayed by the Anguillian people as they stood resolute for a better future. Faith, vision and determination and a genuine love for Anguilla must be the foundation on which youth will continue to build to ensure continued positive development for Anguilla. The present and future generations of Anguillians must and will continue to take Anguilla forward.

Thank you Mr. Webster for laying such a strong foundation for Anguilla’s Youth. Happy Birthday and We love you.












Cayman Islands Constitutional Commission Opens New Website

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Official Statement

Constitutional Commission Press Briefing 2011

Launch of Constitutional Commission website

Thank you for attending today’s press briefing.

A primary function of the Constitutional Commission is to promote understanding and awareness of the Constitution and its values and to publish reports, discussion and information papers and other documents on constitutional matters affecting the Cayman Islands.

Today we are pleased to announce the official launch of the Commission’s new website http://www.knowyourconstitution.ky/. This new website will serve as an important, interactive resource tool for residents and visitors offering educational materials for teachers, downloadable copies of the Constitution, and discussion papers on constitutional matters and legislation submitted by our legislators, citizens and organisations.

The website includes several key sections:

• A Learning Centre for everyone who wants to know more about the Constitution. It includes information on government, the constitutional negotiations and national celebrations. It also features some work by our next generation of civic leaders. The section provides links to websites for the other United Kingdom Overseas Territories constitutions and allows teachers to post school projects and lesson plans.

• The Constitution belongs to the people of the Cayman Islands so it is critical that every citizen understands and protects its provisions. The only way our citizens can carry out this important responsibility is to get involved and to learn the constitution. The Get Involved section provides visitors with networking links to other constitutional institutions, the Governor’s office, Cabinet Office, Legislative Assembly, Judicial
Administration, Cayman Islands Government, local non-governmental organizations and regional and international institutions. We invite the public to visit this section and to share your ideas, concerns and questions with us.

• The Commission supports open and transparent public discussions so that everyone in the community is aware of our work. The Publications link allows the public to read and print copies of all of our reports, minutes of our meetings and laws.

• The Media section lists news items and multi-media reports that have either been produced by the Commission or the printed or electronic media. Videos will be posted regularly so that the public can view important events relating to the Constitution and good governance.

• The Galleries section includes pictures of events involving the Commission including the historic signing of the new Constitutional order and the Governor’s Reception to mark Constitution Day in July 2010.

• For persons seeking answers to key questions, we have developed an easy to read Frequently Asked Questions section. The Commission plans to continue to expand this section so that we can add any question that would make it easier for everyone to learn the provisions of the Constitution.

• The website also allows persons who wish to contact us to send us a message via email. We believe the website is a significant achievement towards fulfilling one of our functions to promote understanding and awareness of the Constitution. We invite all residents to visit the site regularly and to send us any feedback or questions you may have.

We would like to thank Mr. Jason Webster from the Constitutional Secretariat’s office and the hard working team at GIS Marketing and Communications, specifically Cornelia Olivier who designed the site. We would also wish to acknowledge the individuals and organisations that have submitted documents for posting to the site. It is this level of support and interaction that we encourage so that we can continue to keep constitutional issues at the forefront of the national dialogue.

In closing, the next phase of the Commission’s work now moves to the district level. We are planning to hold a series of district meetings in partnership with the elected district representatives beginning in April. These public meetings and discussions will allow us to meet residents and to explain our work and to answer any questions about constitutional matters. The dates and locations for the meetings will be released shortly once all of plans have been finalized.

We thank you for attending today’s press briefing and we are now available to respond to any questions you may have at this time.

ACLU Asks Justice Department To Intervene In Serious Human Rights Abuses In Puerto Rico

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Letter Cites Allegations Of Extreme Police Misconduct And Suppression Of Free Speech


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org


WASHINGTON – The American Civil Liberties Union sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) today urging it to intervene in serious human rights and civil liberties abuses reported to be occurring against the people of Puerto Rico at the hands of the territory’s government. The ACLU asked that DOJ conclude its ongoing investigation of allegations of serious incidents of police violence and the suppression of free expression – including numerous reports of violent attacks against peaceful protesters and racially motivated police abuse – and take action to end these egregious practices.

“At a time when our nation is riveted by the power of peaceful demonstrations and their importance to our democracy, the horrific abuses reported to be taking place in Puerto Rico have flown too far under the radar,” said Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union. “It is nothing short of shocking to think that these breathtaking incidents could occur unchecked in America, and any abuses must be stopped.”

According to the letter signed by Romero, police abuse has escalated and free expression has been under threat since Gov. Luis Fortuño came into power two years ago. University students at peaceful protests have been subjected to violent attacks and arrest, while female students have been inappropriately touched by police officers during the protests. Government proceedings have been closed to the public and protesters at the legislature have been pepper sprayed, beaten and shot at by police. Tens of thousands of workers have been fired and their criticism of government policies repressed.

The ACLU’s letter, addressed to Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez, details many examples of allegations of police abuse and speech suppression, including:

• violence against student protesters, with students being beaten, maced, shot at with rubber bullets and sexually assaulted by police;

• violence against protesters on the steps of the legislature after government proceedings were closed to the public;

• racially-motivated beatings of members of minority communities by police officers;

• the execution of a man lying on the ground following an argument with a police officer over a traffic violation;

• the unsolved murder of a man of African-Puerto Rican descent, suspected to be an extrajudicial killing by police officers;

• the fabrication of drug-related charges against over 100 residents of a housing project in the city of Mayaguez;

• the violent and inhumane eviction of members of the Villas del Sol squatter community, including the denial of fresh water to the community for eight months;

• numerous incidents of abuse of the homeless by police officers; and

• the de-certification of the Puerto Rico Bar Association and legal action against bar members designed to stifle political dissent.

The letter concludes: “[T]hese allegations raise troubling questions about the Puerto Rican government’s commitment to the human rights of its citizens and the First Amendment’s protections of freedom of assembly, expression and the right to petition the government. We hope that DOJ will soon conclude its investigation and intervene into these unconstitutional practices.”

The letter called on the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ to release a report of its findings.

The full text of the letter to the Department of Justice can be found below:

March 10, 2011

Mr. Thomas E. Perez

Assistant Attorney General

Civil Rights Division

United States Department of Justice

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20530-0001

Re: DOJ Investigation into allegations of abuses by the Puerto Rico Police Department

Dear Assistant Attorney General Perez:

As you know, beginning around May 2008, the ACLU of Puerto Rico began reporting allegations of a pattern and practice of violent police misconduct against the citizens of Puerto Rico to the Department of Justice. These incidents have increased both in their frequency and intensity and other recent actions also raise troubling questions about the Puerto Rican government’s commitment to First Amendment protections. We are writing today to urge you to bring your team’s investigation to a close and issue your report and findings. We hope that DOJ will soon be able to intervene and provide some remedies to help end the Puerto Rico Police Department’s abuse against the Puerto Rican people.

While we understand you have been briefed on this investigation, for background purposes, a few of the allegations of abuses bear repeating:

• Villa Cañona:

Between 2007 and 2008, residents of Villa Cañona, in the town of Loiza, Puerto Rico, an African-Puerto Rican community dating back hundreds of years, were victims of police aggression, which were, in part, racially motivated. Residents became prisoners of their own community. The ACLU denounced the ongoing abuses, while taking on the case of Evelyn Rivera, a single parent of two minors, one of whom is afflicted by severe brain damage. This Villa Cañona family was a victim of abuse on three different occasions.

• Miguel Caceres case:

In October 2007, a police officer executed a man in the town of Humacao, Puerto Rico, during an argument between Caceres and the police officer over a traffic violation. Caceres was shot four times to the back in broad daylight while he lay on the sidewalk. Many citizens looked on and the incident was filmed.

• Jorge Polaco de Jesús case:

Also in October 2007, police officers shot to death a young 26 year old man of African-Puerto Rican descent; a resident of Carolina, Puerto Rico. The precinct involved is the very same implicated in the Villa Cañona community abuses. Mr. Polaco was taken away by the officers, allegedly to get the young man immediate assistance at a hospital located five minutes away. He arrived at the hospital DOA one and a half hours later, with 7 bullet wounds to the back and one bullet to the front left shoulder. The circumstances of Jorge Polaco’s death suggest an extrajudicial execution, but no official local or federal investigation has been conducted, despite ongoing requests. One of the two officers was transferred and has very recently been implicated in the coma-inducing beating of another citizen. The second officer left the jurisdiction within a month and is now an officer in a southern state.

• Mayaguez false prosecution cases:

In 2007, a group of police officers were found to have fabricated drug-related charges against many residents of a housing project in the City of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. While an FBI sting put several of these officers behind bars, the practice continues. It is believed that over 100 citizens are still behind bars as a result of these fabricated cases.

• Dominican Community claims of police abuse (known incidents 2008 through the present):

Dominican leaders, the ACLU, and other civil rights advocates, have for many years denounced incidents of extreme police abuse motivated by national origin and racial profiling in several locations known to be predominantly Dominican communities, specifically in the Santurce sector of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

• Villas del Sol Community human rights abuses (2009 – 2010):

The government attempted to forcefully evict the residents of Villas del Sol, a squatter community comprised mostly of indigent families of Dominican origin. Police officers violently attacked members of the community, which mainly consisted of female heads of households and children, beating them, using pepper spray, tasers and in some cases tossing the women over concrete barriers. The water was also turned off for approximately eight months, while two epidemics simultaneously afflicted Puerto Rico – the AH1N1 virus and the Dengue hemorrhagic fever. After the situation was brought to the attention of the Department of Justice and the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights, the Puerto Rican government reinstalled the community’s running water supply.

• Police abuse against the homeless population (known incidents 2008 through 2010):

The police have engaged in many incidents of abuse against the homeless community, including obstructing a federally funded needle exchange program and arresting and physically abusing its participants. Many of the homeless are beaten, maced, and later charged with possession of drug paraphernalia or violation of municipal ordinances. The ACLU has also exposed the practice of humiliating the homeless, stripping them naked, and taking them out of town, sometimes in unmarked cars, and dropping them off at random locations.

In addition, since Governor Luis Fortuño came into power two years ago, police abuse has escalated and now free expression is under great threat. We have reported that university students at a peaceful protest have been subjected to violent attack and arrested by the hundreds, while female students have been inappropriately touched by police officers. Government proceedings were closed to the public and protestors at the legislature have been pepper sprayed, beaten and shot at by police. Tens of thousands of workers have been fired and their criticism of government policies repressed, while the legislature and federal courts suppress lawyers’ rights to speak out against their government. Specifically, the following are some of the most recent allegations of events:

• Puerto Rico’s Governor Luis Fortuño has made the troubling statement that he will not allow protests and expression from what he calls the “extreme left.” In what seems to be enforcement of an anti-First Amendment policy by the university’s Chancellor, massive police forces have been deployed at the University of Puerto Rico to suppress student protests over fee hikes.

• Starting in the summer of 2010, students of the University of Puerto Rico have been involved in a strike in opposition to an enrollment fee imposed by the UPR administration, after massive administration cuts to the university’s budget. In order to quash the peaceful protests, the government of Puerto Rico activated the Riot Squad Unit, who joined the elite SWAT unit on several occasions, resorting to extreme police brutality against protesters. Students have been mercilessly beaten, maced with pepper spray, and shot at with rubber bullets. Police have also applied torture techniques on immobilized student protesters, including the illegal use of nightsticks to provoke serious and permanent injuries, and the application of pressure in the neck, eye and jaw of the protesters to provoke pain and cause unconsciousness. At most events young women are the first to be targeted for police violence and have also been sexually harassed, groped and touched by police.

• At the University of Puerto Rico all forms of expression have been prohibited, through a Resolution issued by UPR Chancellor Ana Guadalupe; a resolution which Governor Luis Fortuño ordered armed police officers to enforce. The resolution, which was to be in force for a period of 30 days, has since been extended twice and is still in effect. On February 9, 2011, a group of students participated in civil disobedience on campus, consisting of a paint-in. During the paint-in, students peacefully and without interrupting the educational process, painted messages of protest in a limited area of the street at the front of the main library, in defiance of the Chancellor’s absolute prohibition on any form of protest. Students immediately came under extremely violent attack by members of the police force’s heavily armed SWAT and Riot Squad teams.

• On June 25, 2010, the President of the Puerto Rico Senate cut off public access to legislative sessions, even though it is constitutionally mandated that all sessions are open to the public. On June 30, 2010, at a protest at the steps of the Capital Building over the closing of access to legislative sessions, protesters were beaten, pepper sprayed, and shot at by the Puerto Rico police. A member of the legislature’s minority party was beaten and her arm broken as she was trying to enter the session; while many other young women were beaten. In one case, a mother who attempted to shield her young daughter from physical abuse was also beaten and dragged.

• In another troubling development, the Puerto Rico Bar Association, an organization viewed as a forum for dissent against the government, was recently de-certified through legislation, which the governor signed into law. In addition, some Bar Association members, with close ties to the majority party, filed what has been described as a “politically motivated” class action against the Puerto Rico Bar Association. Although a court order prohibited the president of the Bar informing lawyers that they could opt-out of the lawsuit, which could destroy this 171 year old institution, he did so anyway, and was thrown in jail by the federal judge hearing the case. He stayed in jail for four days until poor health forced him to pay a $10,000 fine so he could be released for medical treatment.

• In addition to the debacle and related violence at the University of Puerto Rico, in the past two years, legislation has been passed that would prohibit protests at construction sites, at any government building that renders educational services, and other locations rendering government services, under penalty of criminal prosecution.

Clearly, these allegations raise troubling questions about the Puerto Rican government’s commitment to the human rights of its citizens and the First Amendment’s protections of freedom of assembly, expression and the right to petition the government. We hope that DOJ will soon conclude its investigation and intervene into these unconstitutional practices.

Thank you for your consideration. We hope to hear from you and your investigation team soon. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.

Sincerely,

Anthony D. Romero

Executive Director

Turks & Caicos Islands demands end to Direct British rule in place since constitution suspended in 2009

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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands (CMC) — Supporters of the Turks and Caicos Islanders United for Justice and Equality (TCIUJE) took to the streets here yesterday, demanding an end to British rule and a return to parliamentary democracy that was halted by London in 2009.

"We are on the streets today looking for an election date, we need a date for the elections," TCIUJE spokesman Devon Williams told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

"By and large elections were four years ago and we are ready for another election. The British have been here for two years to do whatever they had to do, give us back an election so that we can put our own people back into office," he added.

London in August 2009 resumed daily administration of the affairs of this British Overseas Territory, disbanded the locally elected government and suspended the legislature after a Commission of Inquiry said it found widespread corruption under the administration of former premier Michael Misick.

The former premier, who resigned in March 2009, after the commission made its findings public, in a statement this week called on all Turks and Caicos Islanders, churches and political parties to put differences aside and "unite to fight the common enemy — the British.

"They (the British) have divided and conquered us. Let's show that we are wise and we will not be defeated. We are after all one people, there is strength in unity and if we unite we can peacefully defeat the British Empire as the great Indian statesman Mahatma Gandhi did. He once stated, referring to the British, "they cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them".

Misick accused London of staging what he termed a "modern-day coup" in the Turks and Caicos Islands while the rest of the world was not watching.

"All of the democratic institutions have been suspended. The governor (Gordon Wetherell) is now the executive, the legislative. He sits on a panel that decides who should be prosecuted. He appoints judges and so his position is no different than that of the strong man that made a recent coup in Niger or any other recent coup around the world.

"In fact, it's worst because even in Honduras after the coup they left the parliament in place," he said.

Both the People's Democratic Movement (PDM) and the Progressive National Party (PNP) have come out in support of the call for fresh elections and the end to British rule.

PDM leader Doug Parnell urged supporters to participate in the demonstration, while PNP leader Galmo Williams said it was time to "put aside differences".

"The Progressive National Party supports the statement of the leader of the People's Democratic Movement made at their press conference of last Thursday calling for a unity march of Turks and Caicos Islanders on March 8," he said.

"As (former) leader of the PNP I take this opportunity to publicly accept Mr Parnell's open invitation to join and participate in this march for national unity on behalf of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

"Our prayer is that God would bless our country as we unite and put aside our differences for the betterment of all of our people," said Williams who succeeded Misick as premier.

(Meanwhile, PNP Leader Clayton Greene in a statement indicated that the Turks and Caicos Islands "was engaged in a struggle - it is the price of progress for our people.)"

The TCIUJE is accusing London of occupying the British Overseas territory "indefinitely" adding "that is just unacceptable.

"We need an election, we need democracy, it is a shame. In the Caribbean, in the western hemisphere, there is a small country existing without no democracy, no democratically elected government, no local government officials, all people are brought in to occupy this country. We are demanding an election," said the TCIUJE's spokesman.

He said the election date should be announced "right away" and accused the police of using force to try to break up the demonstrations.

"As we speak now the officers are in their riot gears are beginning to arrive and they are preparing to use force and physically take the streets back," he said.

*****

*CARICOM reiterates its call for return to democratic governance for Turks & Caicos Islands*

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE TWENTY-SECOND INTER-SESSIONAL MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM)

25-26 FEBRUARY 2011, ST. GEORGE'S, GRENADA

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS’ CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUE

"Heads of Government received an update on the situation in the Associate Member, Turks and Caicos Islands and reiterated their call for direct rule to be replaced by self rule and for a return to democratic and representative governance for the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. "

Organisation of American States Special Meeting on Peoples of African Descent

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The Chair of the Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) has convened a special meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 15, at 10:00 a.m., to celebrate, pursuant to General Assembly resolution AG/RES. 2550 (XL-O/10), the International Year of People of African Descent. The meeting will be held in the Simon Bolívar Room of the OAS Headquarters.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

SPECIAL MEETING TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL YEAR

OF PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT

[AG/RES. 2550 (XL-O/10) “Recognition of the International Year for People of African Descent”]

Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Place: Simón Bolívar Room

1. Welcome and Overview by the Secretary General, Mr. José Miguel Insulza

2. Presentation by Ms. Maria Guillén, IACHR Rapporteur on the Rights of Afro-Descendants and against Racial Discrimination

3. Presentation by Congressman Donald M. Payne, U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District

4. Presentation by Dr. Cary Hector, Professor at Quisqueya University in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

5. Presentation by Ms. Paula Moreno, Former Minister of Culture, Government of the Republic of Colombia

6. Joint Presentation by Ms. Epsy Campbell and Mr. Walter Robinson, Co-Chairs, National Committee on Discrimination, Costa Rica

7. Presentation by Sir Clare Roberts, Former IACHR Rapporteur on the Rights of Afro-Descendants and against Racial Discrimination

8. Presentation by Danilo González, Chair of the Working Group to Prepare a Draft Inter-American Convention against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance

9. Interventions by member states

10. Comments by OAS-registered civil society organizations

*******

FORTIETH REGULAR SESSION OEA/Ser.P

June 6 to 8, 2010 AG/RES. 2550 (XL-O/10)

Lima, Peru 8 June 2010

Original: Spanish

AG/RES. 2550 (XL-O/10)

RECOGNITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT(Adopted at the fourth plenary session, held on June 8, 2010)

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT:

That the Charter of the Organization of American States establishes as one of the principles of the Organization recognition of the fundamental rights of the individual without distinction as to race, nationality, creed, or sex;

That the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man establishes that all men are born free and equal, in dignity and in rights, without distinction as to race, sex, language, creed or any other factor; and

That the Inter-American Democratic Charter proclaims that respect for ethnic, cultural and religious diversity in the Americas contributes to strengthening democracy and citizen participation;

AWARE of the historical bonds and shared experiences which tie together the American and African continents, the fundamental contributions of persons of African descent and their communities in the Americas, and the importance of recognizing and preserving that heritage;

BEARING IN MIND that in February 2005, in recognition of the racial discrimination that persists against persons of African descent in the Americas, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) established a Special Rapporteurship on the Rights of Persons of African Descent and on Racial Discrimination, in order to promote the recognition and the rights of those persons;

RECALLING the relevant provisions on people of African descent contained in the declarations of the Summits of the Americas, as well as in the Declaration of the Regional Conference of the Americas (Preparatory meeting for the Third World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance), held in Santiago, Chile, in 2000; and

RECALLING FURTHER the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993, and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, adopted by the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance in 2001;

CONSIDERING that the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 64/169, “International Year for People of African Descent,” which proclaimed 2011 the International Year for People of African Descent, with a view to strengthening national actions and regional and international cooperation for the benefit of people of African descent in relation to their full enjoyment of economic, cultural, social, civil, and political rights, their participation and integration in all political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of society, and the promotion of greater knowledge of and respect for their diverse heritage and culture; and

CONSIDERING that countries of Africa and the Americas, in the framework of bilateral and multilateral forums, have committed themselves to encourage regional and interregional initiatives to promote democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the eradication of poverty, hunger, inequality, and social exclusion through the exchange of experiences among their regional organizations and subregional organizations, including the African Union and the Organization of American States, in matters of strengthening democracy and integral development at regional and interregional levels; and

WE REAFFIRM our steadfast commitment to address the scourge of racism, discrimination, and intolerance in our societies as a problem affecting society in general. To that end, we will continue our efforts to conclude the negotiations for the Draft Inter-American Convention against Racism and All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance,

RESOLVES:

1. To take note of United Nations General Assembly resolution 64/169, “International Year for People of African Descent,” which proclaimed 2011 the International Year for People of African Descent.

2. To reaffirm the importance of the full and equal participation of people of African descent in all aspects of political, economic, social, and cultural life in the countries of the Americas.

3. To reiterate the instructions given to the Permanent Council through resolution AG/RES. 2489 (XXXIX-O/09) to convene a second special meeting on cooperation between the Americas and Africa, with the participation of the African diplomatic corps and representatives of the African Union Commission as well as OAS permanent representatives.

4. To instruct the Permanent Council to hold a special meeting to celebrate International Year for People of African Descent that includes on its agenda, before the forty-first regular session of the General Assembly, the topic of people of African descent in the Americas.

5. To request the Permanent Council to report to the General Assembly at its forty-first regular session on the implementation of this resolution.

Interagency Group on Insular Areas Holds Successful Plenary Session in Washington, D.C.

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Pursuant to Executive Order 13537 of 14th April 2010,  the Inter-Agency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) addresses issues related to US relations with four of the five territories under their administration. The IGIA is co-chaired by the White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Interior, and is comprised of representatives of  various US federal agencies. The elected governors of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the US Virgin Islands attend the annual meeting in Washington, D.C. A separate task force chaired by the White House handles issues related to the fifth and most populated US dependency of Puerto Rico.


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chief executives and Congressional leaders from each of the US insular areas gathered this afternoon for the 2011 Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA) meeting with senior-level representatives from over twenty Federal agencies to discuss issues of importance to American Samoa (AmSam), the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam (GU), and the U.S Virgin Islands (USVI).

In his opening remarks, Assistant Secretary Anthony M. Babauta thanked the governors and Members of Congress for attending and expressed this Administration’s commitment to ensuring the interagency collaboration is a fruitful and positive endeavor for the islands. Assistant Secretary Babauta was joined by White House Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Nicholas Rathod who sat in for Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Ms. Cecilia Muñoz. Also present at today’s plenary session were Governors Togiola Tulafono (AmSam), Benigno Fitial (CNMI), Eddie Calvo (GU); along with the Congressional delegation from the US Territories, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (AmSam), Congresswoman Donna Christensen (USVI), Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), and Congressman Kilili Sablan (CNMI). Also in attendance were member of the Guam Legislature; Sens. Rory Respicio, Judith Guthertz, and Frank Blas Jr.


US federal agency presentations at the 2011 session included:

2010 Census and Rollout for the Territories;


Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) and Bureau of Economic Analysis collaboration to collect GDP data for the territories;


OIA/NREL Initiatives in the Pacific Territories and Energy Initiatives in the Virgin Islands;


Small Business Administration;


Health and Human Services on the Health Care Reform Act;


Education on ARRA Funding – Status of Awards and Projects;


Maritime Cabotage in the Territories;


DHS Implementation of Federal Immigration Law in the CNMI;


USDA Rural Development Models for Economic Development

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Functions of the Inter Agency Group on Insular Areas

(Executive Order 13537)

Sec. 2. Functions of the IGIA. The IGIA shall:

(a) advise the President on establishment or implementation of policies concerning the Insular Areas;

(b) solicit information and advice concerning the Insular Areas from the Governors of, and other elected officials in, the Insular Areas (including through at least one meeting each year with any Governors of the Insular Areas who may wish to attend) in a manner that seeks their individual advice and does not involve collective judgment, or consensus advice or deliberation;

(c) solicit information and advice concerning the Insular Areas, as the IGIA determines appropriate, from representatives of entities or other individuals in a manner that seeks their individual advice and does not involve collective judgment, or consensus advice or deliberation;

(d) solicit information from executive departments or agencies for purposes of carrying out its mission; and

(e) at the request of the head of any executive department or agency who is a member of the IGIA, with the approval of the Co-Chairs, promptly review and provide advice on a policy or policy implementation action

affecting the Insular Areas proposed by that department or agency.

Sec. 3. Recommendations. The IGIA shall:

(a) submit annually to the President a report containing recommendations regarding the establishment or implementation of policies concerning the Insular Areas; and

(b) provide to the President, from time to time, as appropriate, recommendations concerning proposed or existing Federal programs and policies affecting the Insular Areas.

Defining Citizenship in Kanaky / New Caledonia

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by Nic Maclellan

In October 2009, the French government launched a ‘grand debate on national identity’. Through the Ministry of Immigration and National Identity, the government set up a website asking ‘For you, what does it mean to be French?’

This initiative sought community perspectives on citizenship in an age of globalisation and migration into Europe from Africa, the Maghreb and Mashreq. It also came at a time when France, Belgium and Switzerland were engaged in debates over Islam and the banning of the burqa, hijab and mosque minarets.

But this debate over nationality, identity and citizenship also raises significant issues for people living in France’s overseas dependencies.

What does citizenship mean for people in the Pacific islands colonised by France—New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna and French Polynesia?

Preminent expert on Pacific Affairs Nic Maclellan examined these key issues in a discussion paper in the journal "State Society and Governance in Melanisia" of  the School of International, Political and Strategic Studies of the the Australian National University. 

The full article is highly informative, and can be read at the website of the journal. 

New Caledonia Economic Issues Examined

*****

 TOURISM IN TROUBLE, NICKEL MINING IMPROVES

But economy still slow after financial crisis

by Nic Maclellan

Buoyed by massive French grants and major reserves of nickel and other strategic metals, New Caledonia is a wealthy nation. The nation has an average per capita income greater than New Zealand’s and much higher than neighbouring Melanesian nations.


But these figures mask significant disparities between ethnic communities and also between people on public service salaries and those working in the rural areas.  A central feature of the Noumea Accord process is to promote economic and social “rebalancing” between the capital Noumea, the outlying Loyalty Islands and the rural areas of the main island Grande Terre.

Currently three quarters of all businesses are located in the Southern Province, together with the major industrial, tourism and energy infrastructure, while the rural areas lack many core resources for development.

Last year’s elections highlighted the gulf between Noumea and the bush: the failure of the anti-independence parties to win any seats in the Loyalty Islands Provincial Assembly and only two of the 22 seats in the Northern Provincial Assembly is a reflection of their inability to address core issues of social and economic development for these largely Kanak areas.


Nickel improves


Nickel mining and smelting is the backbone of New Caledonia’s economy, but has been affected by the boom and slump of recent years.  There has been a rising demand from China and other emerging economies, but catastrophic falls in pricing and production during the global financial crisis.

Global nickel prices rose sharply in 2005 and 2006 to a peak of nearly US$25 a pound by May 2007, but the 2008-09 crisis drove prices back to the level of a decade ago at US$4-5 a pound (the London Metals Exchange saw global nickel prices fall 43.3 percent in 2008 and 30.5 percent in 2009).

In the aftermath of this slump, nickel processing and production in New Caledonia slowly improved in the early months of this year, after significant falls in 2008 and 2009. As well as the long-running SLN smelter in Noumea, the industry is looking at two major projects in the north and south.

The Goro project in the south, run by Brazil’s Vale Corporation, has suffered a series of incidents that have delayed operations. Production was due to begin last year, but has been delayed several times.

The use of high-pressure acid leaching technology to process the nickel laterite has caused a series of environmental problems, including a spill of thousands of litres of sulphuric acid in April 2009. This killed fish and flora and threatened pollution of a World-Heritage listed lagoon.

In contrast, the Northern Province’s major hope is the Koniambo project: an open cut mine, nickel processing plant, 300MW power station, desalination complex, mining town and deepwater port at Vavouto.

The US$3.85 billion project is run by Koniambo Nickel SAS (KNS), a joint partnership between the Swiss conglomerate Xstrata and the province’s Société Minière du Sud Pacific (SMSP).

Driving towards the Northern Provincial capital Kone, a small rural town of 2400 residents, you come across a range of new public and private housing estates, as construction at the Vavouto project expands.

There will be significant shifts in population as workers move to take up employment in these new projects, creating a “VKP corridor” of development from Voh to Kone and Pouembout.

With some 4000 jobs available by the end of 2010, there is renewed debate about local employment, an influx of Asian labourers and the need for investment in skills and training.


There are numerous signs of the way the province is being transformed: road construction to link outlying tribes to Kone; new sporting, cultural and educational facilities; a new water reservoir above the provincial capital.

Along with the new Tieti Tera Beach Resort in Poindimie, the Le Néa Hotel opened its doors in Kone in December 2009, one of six projects created by a tourism offshoot of the province’s investment company, Sofinor.

Skills and training


There is a significant imbalance of employment opportunities between the provinces, with unemployment three times higher in the Loyalty Islands than in the Southern Province.
By March this year, the number of job seekers in New Caledonia had grown to 9,000 (10 percent higher than the year before).

There are relatively few Kanaks with higher degrees after 157 years of colonisation, although the Noumea Accord has promoted a range of training programmes for Kanaks and other New Caledonians.


The Cadre Avenir programme is a scheme funded 90 percent by the France Overseas Ministry and 10 percent by the local government, where New Caledonians receive scholarships to study in France or complete vocational and professional training. In 2009, the programme cost 706 million French Pacific francs (AU$8.2 million).


But there are also significant imbalances in the training provided by France under the scheme. Of the 957 trainees (out of 1,155) who have successfully completed their Cadre Avenir courses by the end of 2009, only two percent became self-employed entrepreneurs, while 60 percent took up public service positions.


According to figures released by the Institut d’Emissions d’Outre-Mer (IEOM, the central bank for France’s overseas territories), the number of public servants is slowly increasing. By December 2009, there were 14,522 permanent public servants and 9,016 contract workers (with the number of short-term contract workers increasing 7.4 percent in 2008-9).


This is a reflection of the imbalance of employment opportunities in the wage sector in New Caledonia’s distorted economy: out of 82,230 workers employed in 2009, 51,996 work in the services sector, but only 2,198 in agriculture and fisheries and 4,355 in the mining and smelting industry.

Tourism


Each year, the tourism industry seeks to cross the symbolic mark of 100,000 visitors, but New Caledonia faces competition from other islands nations which have a range of airlines and much lower prices for restaurants and accommodation—tourism dropped below 100,000 in 2009 for the first time in years.


Tourism hasn’t bounced back after the financial crisis—in 2009, there was a four percent drop in the number of tourists compared to the previous year, with numbers down from France (-13.2 percent), Japan (-6.4 percent) and New Zealand (-21 percent).


After a steady increase in the number of cruise ships over the last decade, only 79 boats docked in 2009, 10 less than the previous year.


Even though tourism infrastructure is now expanding beyond Noumea to the North and Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia lacks diversity of tourism markets seen in competitors like Fiji (from backpackers to family-friendly hotels, golf courses to five star luxury hideaway islands).


In spite of this, changes to visa requirements and the signing of working holiday agreements between France and Australia have created increased opportunities for travel.


Australia remains the largest tourist destination for New Caledonians and wealthier residents of Noumea have significant property investments in Queensland.


More New Caledonians travel to Australia than to France each year, at a time when the number travelling overseas has increased from 69,477 (2000) to 111,598 (2008).