British Colonialism in Turks & Caicos Islands to be addressed at U.N.

UK refusal to change Constitution will be exposed worldwide, says Premier Ewing

Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing

Todeline Defralien, SUNtv News Reporter

The Turks and Caicos Islands will take to the world stage to highlight the United Kingdom's refusal to make important amendments to the country's Constitution, said Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing.

Addressing a public press conference on Monday September 7th, 2015 at the Gustavus Lightbourne Complex, Downtown, Providenciales, Premier Ewing said that for the United Kingdom Government to return the Turks and Caicos Islands to self-rule and "still not trust Government to make decisions for themselves or decisions on the behalf of the people because of mistrust is not democracy”.

He added “So for the United Kingdom Government to, at this juncture in our development, deny and have no interest whatsoever and outright and blankly state categorically ‘No I am not interested in changing anything in that Constitution’ is indeed a slap in the face of democracy and a slap in the face of all of us Turks and Caicos Islanders who took time out of their busy schedule at work to come out to each and every one of those town hall meetings and to gave their contributions and let their voice be heard."

The Premier said, “This is not a PDM issue, this is not a PDA issue or PPP issue or whichever other party comes up after this. This is an issue of the Turks and Caicos Islands because I am here today, you here tomorrow and each and every one of us will feel it and our children will feel it when the time comes. So it is important that we stand together on this issue of constitutional advancement and constitutional reform. It is important that we do so. In the meantime, I have discussed with the Leader of the Opposition and we have agreed that we will sit and plot a way forward, because there are many ways to attack and challenge the status quo; but we have to begin with engagement and full engagement of the United Kingdom Government head on. And so we decided that we will establish a bi-partisan team and we will find ourselves in the first instance into the United Kingdom and sit with the members of Parliament and the FCO on this very issue of constitutional reform and show them why it is necessary for us to get what we the people ask for and demand."

According to the Premier: “We also will make sure that such efforts are taken not only to the United Kingdom Government but to the international arena, because the world have to understand that the United Nations convention is being violated by the United Kingdom Government. Because if I can’t ask for a single amendment to a constitution you categorically outright deny us those amendments when the people in the House of Assembly voted for them then you are indeed in violation of the UN convention.”

Ewing said it took time for members of the House of Assembly to debate those issues and come up with the unanimous decision on the changes.

He said the refusal by the UK to make Constitutional changes is "a slap in the face to all of our elected members of the House and a slap in the face of democracy in the Turks and Caicos Islands”.

The Premier added: “We must realize that power is the strangest thing and if you want to be a Government and if you are a Government elected, you must have the ability to do something. You must have the ability to make decisions for the people and we all understand what the trepidation may be, but that is not for you. You have to give us the power, you the people gave us the power when you elected each and every one of us into office and so we now need to take the power of you the people with us and we need you the people to rally behind us to demand the changes that you went to every Town Hall meeting for and asked for to be made in our Constitution”.

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Gov’t to ask for UN help

Turks and Caicos 

Weekly News

TCI to petition United Nations on UK’s refusal 

of constitutional changes

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands Government has signalled its intention to head to the United Nations Committee to air their concerns about the United Kingdom’s refusal to accept proposed constitutional changes.

Speaking at a town hall meeting on Monday, September 7, Premier Rufus Ewing called on members of the public and the Opposition to join the Government in its petition to the international body.

He told the gathering that the issue has to be taken to the international arena, as the world needs to understand that the United Nations Convention is being violated by the United Kingdom government.

"We have another opportunity to state our case to the United Nations Committee because we have had invitations and I will extend that invitation to the Opposition and members of the public who would like to petition the UN.

"We were invited to submit our petition about our concerns such as the refusal to give constitutional advancement and we as a Government will take up that opportunity and I am inviting the Opposition members and any other member who would like to attend that meeting to rally and petition the UN because that is the only way we are going to get true representation in this country,” Ewing urged.

He added that the TCI cannot look to the British for representation, as they are conflicted.

"We have to represent ourselves with the help of others other than the UK government.”

The Premier stated that there needs to be a constitution so that the Government can do what the people elected them to do and one which will ensure that they can govern properly.

He said it does not matter which party is in power, the same problems will exist.

"For the United Kingdom to have an election, let a Government come into power and still does not trust that Government to make decisions for themselves and on behalf of the people, is not democracy.

"So for the UK government to deny and have no interest whatsoever – outrightly, blanketly and categorically state that no I am not interested in changing anything in that constitution is indeed a slap in the face of democracy and all Turks and Caicos Islanders.”

He noted that everyone knows what the UK’s trepidation is, but that the country needs to rally together to demand the changes they made an effort and a sacrifice to put together.

"It is important that we stand together on the issue of constitutional advancement and constitutional reform, it is important that we do so.”

He added that he and the Leader of the Opposition have agreed to sit and plot a way forward, as well as put together a bipartisan team to go the UK to sit with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Members of Parliament to show them why it is necessary for the TCI to get what the people asked for.

"Every time I go to the Governor his usual question is - this is what they say, this is the constitution that you have if you don’t like it you can call a referendum.

"So I am telling you that we have to push and push at this door until that time comes and if you think that you have had enough and we think we have had enough then that is an option that we have to strongly consider and make a decision as Turks and Caicos Islanders,” the Premier advised.

He noted that it is not his decision alone, but the decision of all Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Sint Maarten Governor "There is no basis not to form a new government"

Governor Holiday concludes consultations

The Daily Herald

Harbour View – On October 5, 2015, His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, drs. E.B. Holiday, concluded consultations regarding recent political developments.

As was communicated earlier, the Governor received a letter on September 30th, 2015, from three members of Parliament, Mr. F. Richardson, Mr. S. Matser and Mr. M. Lake, in which they informed the Governor that they withdrew their support from the present coalition government. Subsequently the Governor was informed that on September 30th, 2015, just after noon Parliament of Sint Maarten passed a motion of no-confidence against the current cabinet of ministers. According to article 33, second paragraph, of the Constitution of Sint Maarten, if a minister no longer has the confidence of the Parliament, he shall make his position available. It is noted that thus far the ministers have not made their positions available to the Governor.

The Governor also received a separate letter signed by the 4 members of the NA-fraction, the DP-fraction, the USP-fraction and members of Parliament S. Matser and M. Lake in which they informed him of their willingness to form the next government of Sint Maarten. The letter included an attached Governing Accord signed by the abovementioned 8 members of Parliament.

Moreover, following the motion of no-confidence the Council of Ministers invoked article 59 of the Constitution of Sint Maarten and submitted a national decree to call for new elections and dissolve Parliament to the Governor.

Considering these political developments and the importance of an orderly political and constitutional process for our country the Governor held consultations with the Prime-Minister, the leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament, the independent members of Parliament, the Chairman of Parliament and the Vice Chairperson of the Council of Advice between September 30th and October 5th, 2015.

Having reviewed the correspondence that he received and following completion of the consultations regarding the current political developments the Governor has informed parties that there is no basis not to form a new government based on the new majority in Parliament. Governor Holiday is herewith appealing to all stakeholders to do all that is necessary to maintain and protect the integrity of our constitutional democracy and to foster actions in keeping with our constitution based on the rule of law.

Sea Rise Forcing Bikini Resettlement (Marshall Islands)

wwno.org

70 years after nuclear testing exile

By Giff Johnson 

RNZI Marshalls Correspondent

Radio New Zealand International

Nearly 70 years after they were uprooted to make way for United States nuclear weapons testing, Bikini Islanders are now reeling from rising seas and have asked Washington to aid a new resettlement.

For decades, Bikini islanders have struggled to survive on Kili, an inhospitable and isolated island with no lagoon for fishing or calm anchorage for boats. Repeated ocean water flooding over the past four years and a runway that turns to mud when it rains pushed the Bikini Council on Thursday to request US government assistance to relocate a population that has lived in exile since the start of nuclear testing at Bikini in 1946.

The United States tested 24 nuclear weapons at Bikini, including its largest hydrogen bomb, Bravo, at 15 megatons in 1954. Early in the testing, radioactive contamination of all the target ships created the first case of immediate, concentrated radioactive fallout from a nuclear explosion.

Bikinians have suffered from health impacts of the testing for decades and a struggle continues to get adequate compensation from the US and full disclosure about its testing programme. The Bikini people now also hope for American help to overcome the upheaval they increasingly face from the change in sea levels.

The Bikini Council has approved two resolutions, requesting US Interior Department assistance to gain Congressional amendments to allow the Resettlement Trust Fund for the People of Bikini, established in 1982 by US public law, to be used for relocation outside of the Marshall Islands.

"In the future, we may have no option but to relocate," said Bikini Mayor Nishma Jamore, explaining why the Council adopted the resolutions following public hearings in Majuro and Ejit, and a council meeting on Kili.

"We are preparing for the future. Climate change is real. We are feeling and experiencing it. In the future we will have no choice [but to relocate]."

Resolution 46 noted that since their resettlement to Kili in 1948, the change from an atoll environment to a single island with no lagoon "continues to take a severe psychological toll on the people."

But added to this long-term problem for life on Kili is the impact of sea level rise. The resolution said that Kili and Ejit Islands have been covered by high waves at least five times in the last four years, resulting in contamination of all wells on both islands.

The mayor said that "because of ongoing deterioration of conditions on Kili and Ejit Islands, many of the people of Bikini living on these islands want to move out of the Marshall Islands, primarily to the United States."

US to be held to its promise

As it stands, the resettlement fund specifically restricts resettlement spending to the Marshall Islands. However Mr Jamore said US officials were supportive of seeking amendments to the existing US law governing trust fund use when Bikini representatives visited Washington DC earlier this year.

"The Americans said 'we will always take care of you as the children of America'  (wow...) and we believe that if promises are made, they will be kept," said Councilwoman Lani Kramer. "After 70 years there has to be some action to get the people off this small island."

Resolution 54 says that it has become clear that "conditions on Kili Island are similar to those facing the people of Bikini on Rogerik in 1946, of being placed on an island that cannot sustain the population."

The US Navy evacuated Bikini islanders from Rongerik in 1948, two years after their initial resettlement for the first nuclear tests, because the islanders were starving. They were then moved to Kili Island where about 800 people currently live.

"Kili Island can no longer sustain a population of more than a few hundred people," the resolution said.

The Bikinians say they are asking for US government help because they consider that the Resettlement Trust Fund was never designed to finance a relocation of the entire population from Kili Island - a move Mayor Jamore says is essential. The Bikinians said the US government remained morally responsible for the welfare of the Bikinians "due to its failure to ever conduct a radiological clean-up of Bikini Atoll in order to repair the damage it caused from the nuclear testing."

"I believe that if you borrow something from someone you should return it in the same or better condition," said Kramer. "They [the Americans] really need to clean up Bikini. I believe even if we don't go back they should clean it up no matter what."

American Samoa Governor complains of U.S. longline fishing in its waters

"The unilateral application of U.S. laws against the wishes of the elected government of the territories is standard practice. In this case, such unilateral measures are in direct opposition to the "rule of law" through United Nations legal opinions, decisions and resolutions which have consistently recognized that marine resources belong to the territory - not the administering power. But, then, when have the big powers adhered to international law as it relates to their "territory or other property?"  Following international law is for other countries, apparently. 'Do as I say, not as I do.'  But, then, it is colonialism. What do we expect? At some point, we will recognize it for what it is." Them just maybe, we can begin to have a real dialogue on a genuine process of decolonization. - a Pacific specialist

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Excerpts from U.N. Resolutions on American Samoa

"Urges the administering Powers concerned to take effective measures to safeguard and guarantee the inalienable rights of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to their natural resources and to establish and maintain control over the future development."

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Samoa News

Am. Samoa entitled to protect its resources says Lolo

Cites protections promised in Deeds of Cession to oppose LVPA petition

By

 Fili Sagapolutele

fili@samoanews.com

Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has informed US Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker that the American Samoa Government opposes the proposal which would allow large US flagged longliner vessels to fish in portions of the Large Vessel Protected Area (LVPA) in the waters of American Samoa.

In his five-page letter released late Thursday by the US National Marine Fishery Service, the governor outlined his reasons for opposing the proposal made by the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council.

Citing the Deeds of Cession — the first deed is for the islands of Tutuila and Aunu’u and the second one is for the Manu’a islands — Lolo says both prohibit the Council's action.

“In each deed, the leaders of these islands peacefully ceded control of their lands, including the vast body of water surrounding those lands, to the United States.” He says total area ceded by the leaders of Tutuila, Aunu'u, and Manu'a to the US measures more than 28,000 square miles.

The United States, in consideration of the peaceful cessation of this vast area, “made a solemn promise to the people of these islands to protect their rights in the lands and other property within the Ceded Area,” Lolo said, adding that the Ceded Area is affected by the Council’s proposal.

He says the Council approved the proposed LVPA amendments, while ignoring his request to delay their decision. In his view, said Lolo, this violates the United States' solemn promise to the people of Tutuila, Aunu'u and Manu'a.

By allowing large longline “fishing vessels to invade the LVPA, the Council’s proposed action threatens to rob the people of these islands of the opportunity to nurture and practice their culture— let alone access the natural resources surrounding their islands,” he said.

Furthermore, these large vessels, with larger catch capacity, could easily deplete the fishing stock; and their presence in these waters will likely discourage local fishermen from practicing traditional fishing methods for fear of being run over by the larger longliners.

ALIA PROGRAM

The governor also said that ASG has started a program to encourage natives of American Samoa to fish the waters around the islands. This program involves a significant investment in the building of new traditional fishing boats (alias) with capacity to prolong the fishing trips of local fishermen, he said.

ASG, through the federally funded American Samoa Small Business Credit Initiative, will provide funding to successful applicants from villages to encourage local fishermen to take up the practice of fishing as a method to earn a living, he said.

According to the governor, ASG plans to roll out this new plan in fiscal year 2016.

Additionally, ASG received a technical assistance grant from US Interior Department’s Office of Insular Affairs for the development of a prototype fishing vessel, called a super alia.

Lolo said the Council’s proposed action will stifle ASG's alia initiative and will likely kill the program before it becomes effective, as the incentive to fish these waters will be extinguished as bigger boats fill the waters where these alia would have thrived.

INCOMPLETE DATA

When the Council held a public hearing on Jan. 28 this year in the territory, Lolo said the Council’s staff stated that the data showed no alia longline fishing activities in the last few years.

However, the Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources (DMWR) has data that shows one local alia has been fishing longline since the establishment of the LVPA in 2004, and is still fishing up to this day, Lolo said.

“The Council based its decision to reduce the LVPA solely on the decrease of the [small] alia longline fishing activities,” he said. “However, there are about 30 alia that have switched from longline fishing to trolling and bottom-fishing activities.”

He said large longline vessels target albacore tuna, they also by-catch other pelagic species, which are the target of the other 30 local alia.”

Lolo pointed out that local alia fishing occurs predominately in the LVPA zone, and therefore, allowing large longline vessels into this area will create competition and gear conflict.

DMWR has data that shows the catches of the indigenous alia fishing fleet, he said, and these data include longline fishing, trolling and bottom-fishing on the off-shore banks.

Lolo also said the Council's decision did not take into consideration the growing sports and recreational fishing that occurs within the LVPA.

Lolo, in his letter opposing the LVPA exemption, also said that the recent trend of US policies, “including the usurpation of our fishing grounds for the sanctuaries, the creation of monuments, and the suggested invasion of our 50-mile zone by large [longline] fishing vessels, suggests that the United States is forgetting its promise to the people of this territory.”

“While American Samoa does not necessarily oppose allowing certain longliners to temporarily fish within its 50 mile zone, it strongly opposes the procedure,” he said. “American Samoa should be allowed to decide, or at least have a say in, the use of its resources, especially given the Deeds of Cession.”

In closing Lolo said ASG requests that the Council’s proposal be rejected and denied.

Bermuda begins recovery from effects of Hurricane Joaquin

More than 15,000 without power this morning

Lisa Simpson

More than 15,000 customers were without power this morning as a result of Hurricane Joaquin.

As of 7am, Belco crews were rolling out to begin restoration efforts, according to a spokeswoman for the utility.

“We will first focus on essential services and then move on to restoring the largest areas that are out, at which time thousands of customers will have restored power at once,” she said.

A total of 15,380 customers were out of power at 7am: 6,897 in the central parishes, 3,315 in the eastern parishes and 5,348 in the west parishes.

The spokeswoman added: “We ask the public to please remain off the roads if they can, so that Belco and other essential service crews can move about efficiently to restore power and clear the roads.”

Belco crews were stood down at about 9.30pm last night as the weather conditions deteriorated.

They had been working throughout the day and evening and made good progress restoring areas experiencing power outages, the spokeswoman said.

As of 8.30pm yesterday, 7,503 customers were without power — 3,252 in the central parishes, 2,236 in the eastern parishes and 2,015 in the west.

Residents are asked not to post outage reports on Facebook and Twitter, unless it is an emergency, as engineers are aware of the large areas.

“By calling 955, your call generates a work order. However, if you cannot get through, please be patient, chances are engineers are already aware.

“If you can not get through, know that we are aware of major outages and will respond as the weather permits and as per priorities.”

Belco announced yesterday that it implemented its emergency preparations for response to Hurricane Joaquin with equipment and crews ready in the eastern, western and central locations.

In the event of widespread power outages after Hurricane Joaquin, Belco said restoration work would begin in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

Am. Samoa Governor Critical Of (U.S.) Coast Guard’s Overzealous Enforcement

Samoa News

Lolo says fishing vessels being deterred from dropping catch 

at canneries

By Fili Sagapolutele

(PAGO PAGO, American Samoa)  During a meeting last week, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga reiterated his concerns to US Coast Guard officials about the impact the federal agency’s enforcement practices in the territory have had, which discourage fishing vessels coming into the Port of Pago Pago to unload their catch for the canneries — which are the economic backbone of American Samoa.

Last month, the governor wrote to Coast Guard Rear Admiral Vincent B. Atkins, commander of the USCG District 14 Honolulu, calling for the USCG to be sensitive to American Samoa’s dependency on the tuna industry when performing their duties, and urged the Coast Guard to work together with the territorial government to better serve the people.

The governor’s request followed an incident where two fishing boats were detained indefinitely because of suspected environmental violations, and he has been told that canneries are routinely frustrated in their fish procurement operations when boat owners or reefer carriers refuse to deliver to American Samoa "out of concern for what they perceive to be overzealous USCG boarding parties and inspectors."

Last week the governor met — on island — with Coast Guard Capt. Shannon Gilreath, the USCG Commander of Sector Honolulu, and captains of the Port of Honolulu and Port of Pago Pago. At the meeting the governor repeated his concern about the impact of the enforcement practices of the USCG, which is discouraging many fishing vessels from entering Pago Pago Harbor to unload their catch.

"This affects the canneries and threatens suspension of production, which translates to purchasing power reduction thus affecting all of the private businesses as well as government revenue," according to the Governor’s Office in response to Samoa News inquiries.

Gilreath acknowledged the Governor's concern and said "we will work collaboratively to address enforcement practices which discourage fishing vessels to off-load their catches at the canneries."

While on island, Gilreath also met with the American Samoa Fishery Task Force and the Board of Marine Inspectors, which comes under the purview of the Port Administration. Tri Marine International officials also attended these two meetings, and Tri Marine’s chief operating officer John Hamby was among the company officials at the meeting. (Tri Marine and StarKist Samoa are members of the task force and the Board of Marine Inspectors).

Tri Marine spokesperson Heidi Happonen said last week that the task force and Board of Marine Inspectors "are working closely and collaboratively with the Coast Guard for the benefit of the Territory’s tuna industry, which includes the fishing boats that deliver tuna to American Samoa."

Its local operations include a US flagged purse seiner fleet and the Samoa Tuna Processors cannery.

Samoa News has been told by at least one captain of a purse seiner vessel, which used to be based out of American Samoa that over the last several months they no longer come here, due to the over-the-top USCG inspections, choosing instead to ‘transship’ in Samoa, as well as pick up their supplies, etc.

Meanwhile, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has yet to issue a decision on Tri Marine’s petition that would allow US flagged purse seine vessels, which unload their catch at the local canneries, to fish in the US EZZ and on the high seas.

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Am. Samoa Governor Critical Of Coast Guard’s 

Overzealous Enforcement

Lolo says fishing vessels being deterred from dropping catch at canneries

By Fili Sagapolutele

(PAGO PAGO, American Samoa)  During a meeting last week, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga reiterated his concerns to US Coast Guard officials about the impact the federal agency’s enforcement practices in the territory have had, which discourage fishing vessels coming into the Port of Pago Pago to unload their catch for the canneries — which are the economic backbone of American Samoa.

Last month, the governor wrote to Coast Guard Rear Admiral Vincent B. Atkins, commander of the USCG District 14 Honolulu, calling for the USCG to be sensitive to American Samoa’s dependency on the tuna industry when performing their duties, and urged the Coast Guard to work together with the territorial government to better serve the people.

The governor’s request followed an incident where two fishing boats were detained indefinitely because of suspected environmental violations, and he has been told that canneries are routinely frustrated in their fish procurement operations when boat owners or reefer carriers refuse to deliver to American Samoa "out of concern for what they perceive to be overzealous USCG boarding parties and inspectors."

Last week the governor met — on island — with Coast Guard Capt. Shannon Gilreath, the USCG Commander of Sector Honolulu, and captains of the Port of Honolulu and Port of Pago Pago. At the meeting the governor repeated his concern about the impact of the enforcement practices of the USCG, which is discouraging many fishing vessels from entering Pago Pago Harbor to unload their catch.

"This affects the canneries and threatens suspension of production, which translates to purchasing power reduction thus affecting all of the private businesses as well as government revenue," according to the Governor’s Office in response to Samoa News inquiries.

Gilreath acknowledged the Governor's concern and said "we will work collaboratively to address enforcement practices which discourage fishing vessels to off-load their catches at the canneries."

While on island, Gilreath also met with the American Samoa Fishery Task Force and the Board of Marine Inspectors, which comes under the purview of the Port Administration. Tri Marine International officials also attended these two meetings, and Tri Marine’s chief operating officer John Hamby was among the company officials at the meeting. (Tri Marine and StarKist Samoa are members of the task force and the Board of Marine Inspectors).

Tri Marine spokesperson Heidi Happonen said last week that the task force and Board of Marine Inspectors "are working closely and collaboratively with the Coast Guard for the benefit of the Territory’s tuna industry, which includes the fishing boats that deliver tuna to American Samoa."

Its local operations include a US flagged purse seiner fleet and the Samoa Tuna Processors cannery.

Samoa News has been told by at least one captain of a purse seiner vessel, which used to be based out of American Samoa that over the last several months they no longer come here, due to the over-the-top USCG inspections, choosing instead to ‘transship’ in Samoa, as well as pick up their supplies, etc.

Meanwhile, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has yet to issue a decision on Tri Marine’s petition that would allow US flagged purse seine vessels, which unload their catch at the local canneries, to fish in the US EZZ and on the high seas.

BVI REMAINS A TRUSTED PARTNER IN ASIA PACIFIC REGION

Press Release

September 30, 2015

BVI House Asia has celebrated its second anniversary in Hong Kong and Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE is pleased that the Territory remains a trusted partner in the Asia Pacific Region.

In an address to business leaders at the Business BVI Asia 2015 Second Annual Regional Conference in Hong Kong, Premier Smith stated, “We are still in the right place and at the right time. The BVI is immensely proud and fortunate to have been working with Asian businesses and individuals as they achieved economic success and Asia experienced incredible growth over the last 25 years.”

The Honourable Premier said Asia will continue to make its mark with vitality, financial success and innovation. He added that despite some current concerns, the economic experts predict a reasonably good outlook for Asia’s future.

“The BVI remains at the forefront of international corporate structuring for cross-border transactions and investing worldwide,” Premier Smith said.

Premier Smith stated that the Territory’s characteristics, such as a familiar legal system based on English common law, internationally compliant regulations and tax neutrality, make the BVI an especially attractive jurisdiction for pooling capital globally and investing it in markets where legal barriers or political risks would otherwise deter investment.

Premier Smith also announced a number of significant BVI initiatives, including the BVI Financial Services Commission’s establishment of an office at BVI House Asia to work directly with regional clients on BVI regulatory matters. He added that the BVI

Financial Services Commission will launch special external access to its platform for filing transactions in November.

Presentations made at the conference included “China’s One Belt One Road Regional Development Strategy”; “Future Disruption in the Offshore Space: Where will the next ‘Uber’ come from?” and “Emerging Wealth in China: Millionaire Households & Ultra High-Net Worth Households.”

Director of Economics Unit, The Economist Group, Beijing, Dr. Qian Liu also spoke at the event and stated that the “BVI is sitting on a sweet spot with the rise of China”.

Other notable speakers included Justice Barry Leon of the High Court of the Virgin Islands (Commercial Division); Jonathon Clifton, Group Managing Director of OIL; Matt Roberts, Partner of Harneys Hong Kong; Michelle L. Georges, Asia Representative, BVI Financial Services Commission; and Elise Donovan, Director of Hong Kong-based BVI House Asia.

Ms. Donovan said that BVI House Asia is proud to support Business BVI Asia for the second time in Hong Kong, a key global financial centre where they have had a physical presence since 2013. She said in addition, the office has recently launched a website to serve as a portal of information and will continue to expand its services to better serve BVI’s business partners in the region.

The conference was held on September 23 under the theme “Pivoting to Asia – A View Beyond the Horizon. Over 100 industry experts and leaders from the most progressive businesses in Asia and the BVI attended the event and exchanged insights and knowledge about the offshore industry. BVI House Asia, the representative office of the Government of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in Asia Pacific, was pleased to be the sole diamond sponsor of the conference for the second consecutive year.

VIRGIN ISLANDS MAKES STRIDES IN SHIP REGISTRATION SECTOR

PREMIER SMITH: "WE ARE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION IN THE SHIP REGISTRATION INDUSTRY"

Press Release

This is a historic occasion as the Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry as its key maritime administration arm, continues to move forward with purposeful resolve to make this area of our economy stronger and more vibrant.

Over the past year and recent months the Government has made some key decisions that we believe will continue to open avenues for growth within the maritime industry of the Territory.

The Virgin Island Shipping Registry is a member of the prestigious United Kingdom Red Ensign Group of Ship Registry. This group is renowned for quality and safety in maritime administration. Most recently, Cabinet has approved and I have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom to empower the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry to operate as a full Category One Register of Ships within the Red Ensign Group.

This means that the once fully executed, restrictions on the size and type of vessels which are allowed to be registered under the flag of the BVI will be removed. The VISR will be able to offer their services to a wider market internationally.

We are steadily moving forward in ensuring that we are compliant with international maritime law. The process of enacting the Maritime Labour Convention into BVI law is afoot. This convention said to be the “Seafarers Bill of Rights” deals with the Seafarers Living and Working conditions.

Some of you may be aware of a recent public seminar held by the Shipping Registry to inform the public and industry stakeholders, how the law will affect them individually and as maritime service providers.

We are also working on amendments to Merchant Shipping legislation to make it fit for purpose for the shipping registry to face the emerging challenges in the industry.

Marketing the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry is key to increasing the growth of the number of ships registered in the BVI. In 2014, 234 ships were registered in the BVI, and I am pleased to report that this year, up to mid-August, 166 ships have already been registered.

The VISR has over 3750 vessels in their register consisting of mostly yachts and tugs. However, as a full Category One register, the Territory will be in a position to enter the larger ships market.

Furthermore, in our continued efforts to be responsive to our clientele, particularly in the European market, this year my Government opened a London Office of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry and placed a Business Development Manager to market the registry, respond to clients in the UK and EU sector, as well as attend to their survey, certification and registration needs.

I am also very pleased to announce that the Shipping Registry has joined the Red Ensign Group Joint Marketing Forum. This forum will have a strong presence in the London International Shipping Week in early September this year where a unique networking opportunity for leaders across all sectors of the international shipping industry is available.

It is anticipated that the VISR delegation will meet with some of the shipping industry biggest players and will take the opportunity to emphasize the advantages of doing business with the BVI.

In addition, the Virgin Islands will have a strong presence at the upcoming Monaco Yacht Show slated for September 23-26. This is an annual event that showcases the expertise of the super yacht industry in their respective fields. The show is expected to have its usual presence of shipping registries, yacht owners, designers, ship yards and providers of ancillary maritime services. This show is largely attended by people of high net worth who own super yachts.

Along with promoting our shipping registration services the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry of the BVI booth will also showcase the Territory as a destination of choice for sailing and tourism.

Today, I am pleased however, not only to give that brief update on the work of our shipping registry, but to mark this momentous occasion in the evolution of our shipping registry.

We believe the decision of SVITZER Americas to open a management office in the Territory, and to register their vessels under the British Virgin Islands flag is clear evidence that the Government of the Virgin Islands is moving in the right direction in the ship registration industry.

With around 430 harbour and offshore tugs, SVITZER is the largest service provider in the world for towing vessels used in maritime operations.

I understand that the center will manage the operations of approximately 70 tugs in the Americas. The Virgin Islands as an established and pioneering center for global business, secure and stable jurisdiction and a world renowned marine environment, is very conducive for establishing a shipping company. Furthermore, today is a welcomed development which highlights the value added services and benefits which continue to be derived from our financial services industry.

We are delighted to associate with a world renowned company such as SVITZER and are happy to note that SVITZER has committed to bringing more vessels to be registered with the BVI. Work to bring the second vessel STATIA CORONI into the Virgin Island Register has already commenced. All good news!

I commend the work of the Acting Director of the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry Captain Raman Bala and his team at the Shipping Registry for coordinating and making this event possible.

Ladies and gentlemen, today progress continues. Mr. Snoei, I am indeed pleased to officially welcome SVITZER to the Territory, we thank you for choosing BVI as your flag and we look forward to a long lasting partnership with the company.

Declaration of the 3rd World Social Science Forum

Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa 

Conseil pour le développement de la recherche en sciences sociales en Afrique 

Conselho para o Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa em Ciências Sociais em África 

مجلس تنمية البحوث الإجتماعية في أفريقيا 

Hosted in Durban, South Africa, the World Social Science Forum 2015 took place against the backdrop of multiple transitions that affect global governance, resource utilisation, social relations and quality of life leading to increased global inequalities. The Forum is the most significant gathering of scholars and policy-oriented intellectuals drawn from all the regions of the world and across different disciplinary interests in the social sciences and humanities.

It serves as a platform for presenting new knowledge and insights, re-thinking received wisdom, charting new directions, promoting innovation in the research-policy-action nexus, and nurturing new international partnerships.

Issues of justice and growing inequalities at global, regional, national and local levels and their impact on the quality of life of populations as well as on the sustainability of resources justifies the theme for the 2015 World Social Science Forum “Transforming Global Relations for a Just World”. The theme built upon critical issues that permeated debates during both the 2009 and 2013 editions of the Forum which focused respectively on the themes “One Planet – Worlds Apart” (2009) and “Social Transformations and the Digital Age” (2013) and addressed issues of power asymmetries, injustices, disparities, disjunctions and the divide that pervaded contemporary global realities.

Organized by the International Social Science Council together with the co-hosts – the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa and the Human Sciences Research Council under the patronage of UNESCO – the Forum shone a spotlight on the nature and dimensions of injustice and inequality, including:

1. Macroeconomic policy choices and their impact;

2. The extent and consequences of income and asset inequalities;

3. Inequity in global governance, where the views of the majority of states are excluded in making major decisions regarding global affairs in various institutions and fora;

4. Agreed international legal instruments that uphold human rights are not fully implemented;

5. The impact of inequality in terms of patterns of production and consumption influencing the sustainability of resources;

6. The impact of gender, race and class inequalities, as manifested in unequal access to education, health, resources, employment and other social benefits;

7. Generational inequalities that exclude a majority of the youth and the elderly;

8. Wage inequalities and labour unrest;

9. Poverty and experiments in combating inequality; and

10. Lessons learned from the action of social movements, civil society, and governments, as well as policies, programs, and best practices. Over 1000 people from 84 countries came together in Durban, South Africa to share their experiences on research undertaken in the areas of injustice and inequality and to analyse the impact of these scourges. The Forum brought together leading thinkers and policy makers from around the globe with the objective of furthering collective understandings of inequalities for the purpose of addressing injustice. Participants addressed the trends, magnitude, nature, causes, manifestations and drivers of inequalities and injustices. This encompassed not just issues such as access to basic services including water, sanitation, health, education, and housing, relations among peoples, and overall quality of life, but also the national and international processes that generate inequality. The Forum provided a platform for seeking solutions to and effective strategies for these injustices and sharing experiences among people from the different countries.

The Forum also enabled participants to witness local manifestations of inequality in Durban, South Africa as well as the efforts of non-governmental and community based organizations to address injustice and inequality. Participants learned and shared lessons that can be adapted to different settings.

Inspired by this experience, we, the participants of the 2015 World Social Science Forum held on the 13-16 of September, 2015 in Durban, South Africa under the theme of “Transforming Global Relations for a Just World,” are concerned with the consequences of injustice and inequality for the quality of life for global populations as well as with the sustainability of global resources. 

As a result, we declare that we shall:

(a) Pursue theoretical and empirical research including development of reliable and multi-dimensional indicators on inequalities and injustices;

(b) Produce evidence to highlight issues requiring urgent attention and action, support advocacy and inform policies to respond to them;

(c) Support efforts to address asymmetries, disparities, divides, and lack of autonomy in knowledge production through the creation of transformative knowledge programs;

(d) Participate in programs and efforts that aim to end injustice and inequality;

(e) Make every effort to reduce income inequalities and promote equity, starting with scientific institutions where we have influence;
(f) Support measurable progress to overcome inequalities, including through the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals;

(g) Promote policies, programs, and values that act to end gender inequality;

(h) Promote the integration of youth in work places through providing them with the
necessary skills to enter the labour force;

(i) Support efforts to achieve legally binding and universal agreement on avoiding
dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system; and

(j) Promote inclusive societies based on universal values and human rights.

The World Social Science Forum and the World Social Science Report advances social science research and awareness of these issues.

We believe that together, bolstered by our social science knowledge, skill and power, we will contribute to end injustice and inequality globally, regionally and locally as well as in our own work and home spaces.

Statia meets with UN, starts process for more autonomy

The Daily Herald

NEW YORK/ORANJESTAD--The St. Eustatius Government delegation that met with the United Nations (UN) Decolonisation Committee in New York this week has decided to proceed with the process to gather international support for the island to be placed back on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories (NSGTs). Drafting a St. Eustatius Constitution is part of that process.

Also, a white paper on St. Eustatius’ present status as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), including examples of the Dutch Government’s neglect of its responsibilities, will be prepared, as well as a draft UN resolution for re-inscription on the list of NSGTs.

The Statia delegation that met with the UN this week consisted of Commissioner of Constitutional Affairs Reginald Zaandam, Progressive Labour Party (PLP) party leader and Island Council Member Clyde van Putten, and United People’s Coalition (UPC) leader in the Island Council Reuben Merkman and advisor Xavier Blackman. 

During the constructive exploratory consultations at the UN in the past days, the delegation discussed the process of having St. Eustatius placed back on the list of NSGTs with a number of Member States, stated a press release on Wednesday.

“St. Eustatius will continue to garner regional and hemispheric support for re-inscription. During the process, the Netherlands will also be included in the consultations. Now that the delegation has been able to personally present and extensively explain Statia’s case to UN Member States, the process of developing regional and hemispheric support can be expedited and formalised,” the delegation stated.

Furthermore, a framework for a St. Eustatius Constitution as a more autonomous entity in relation to the Netherlands will be drafted, it was announced. This Constitution will be prepared with the assistance of experts on decolonisation and will be submitted to the Statia people for consultation purposes.

The delegation took its case regarding the constitutional change and decolonisation process to the UN based on four positions, with the backing of an Island Council motion that was adopted on May 28, 2015.

The first position is that the Netherlands has not complied with resolutions 1514, 1541, and 2526 of the UN Charter since 1954 and during the dismantling process of the Country the Netherlands Antilles.

According to the delegation, this non-compliance also has been argued by legal scholars like Steven Hillebrink, Charlotte Duijf and Afred Soons in their publications, and is supported by a motion of Parlatino as well.

“Non-compliance with these resolutions means that the process of decolonisation of the former colonies of the Netherlands has not been completed as yet, and that the colonies were unjustly removed from the list of NSGTs by the UN when the Charter of the Dutch Kingdom was ratified.”

The second position is that the Netherlands has not given proper content to the constitutional wishes of the Statia people, seeing that they have never voted for integration into the Netherlands. Hillebrink, Duijff and Soons have confirmed this position as well.

“The third position is that the Netherlands continues to abuse its position as (former) colonising power, violating basic human rights and unlawfully interfering with the local political process in St. Eustatius in a biased manner,” it was stated.

“A number of examples have already been clearly outlined by Commissioner Zaandam and include the boycott of St. Eustatius by the Dutch Government and the cutting of formal communication lines between appointed governing officials, imposing supervision without a proper motivation, and a subliminal public relations campaign emphasising presumably positive results of the Dutch policies and actions on the other two Caribbean Netherlands islands.

“Basically, the Dutch Government and their local allies are telling the Statia people that as long as its lawfully elected government dares to question the Dutch Government, look out for the best interest of its people and does not roll over and play dead, the island and its population will be punished by The Hague for not giving in to all its demands,” the delegation stated.

Fourth, St. Eustatius wishes to negotiate and achieve a change of its constitutional relationship with the Netherlands based on the different referenda that were held.

“This change can be accomplished by completely revising the outdated and impractical Kingdom Charter to accommodate the right to self-determination of all the Caribbean territories, and address issues like the democratic deficit and dispute resolution within the Kingdom. Solving these issues will benefit all that are involved, including the Netherlands.”

Based on these positions, St. Eustatius wishes to be (re)inscribed as a NSGT until such time that the decolonisation process has been completed and/or all issues pointed out have been resolved in a satisfactory manner, the delegation made clear.

A recent example of successful re-inscription is the case of French Polynesia. This precedent has created the opportunity for St. Eustatius to seek support for its cause, starting with a meeting between Councilman van Putten and Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves earlier this year.

“Statia’s coalition government will continue to protect the best interests of the island and its population in the broadest sense of the word. To achieve sustainable social-economic development and a prosperous future for the entire population and not just a happy few, the constitutional challenges need to be addressed first and foremost.

“During its visit to New York, the delegation has laid the groundwork for doing so and as such the objective of the visit has been achieved.” The delegation thanked its advisers and everyone at home and abroad who support Statia’s “quest for justice and fairness, and the improvement of the well-being of its citizens.”