16 February 2011

INICIA XXXIV FESTIVAL DE TEATRO DEL ATENEO

   


                                                         COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
                                15 de febrero de 2011

En Homenaje al Primer Intelectual Puertorriqueño Negro

                     DON ELEUTERIO DERKES MARTIN

Festival enfatiza en el teatro puertorriqueño del siglo XIX
y en obras nacionales contemporáneas de cruda actualidad


El señor Presidente del Ateneo Puertorriqueño, el Dr. José Milton Soltero Ramírez, el Presidente de la Sección de Teatro del Ateneo, el Dr. Edgar Quiles Ferrer, y el Rector del Conservatorio de Arte Dramático del Ateneo, el Prof. Roberto Ramos-Perea, anuncian la apertura de la 34ta edición del tradicional Festival de Teatro del Ateneo, que cuenta en esta ocasión, con 15 producciones, teatrales, 11 de ellas producidas por el Ateneo y 4 compañías profesionales invitadas.

Este año, el máximo evento cultural del Ateneo se le dedica al Primer Intelectual Puertorriqueño Negro, Don Eleuterio Derkes Martinó, en recuerdo de su vida y obra.

Don Eleuterio Derkes Martinó nació en el pueblo de Guayama, Puerto Rico en el año de 1836 y murió en la ciudad de Ponce en el año de 1883. Derkes, hijo de esclavos libertos, se licenció de maestro de primeras letras, y al igual que el Maestro Rafael Cordero, se dedicó a la enseñanza de niños pudientes y pobres de Guayama. Junto a su labor pedagógica, se dedicó con apasionada vocación a la literatura. Publicó obras de teatro, novelas, libros educativos e innumerables poesías, en las que plasmó su visión, amarga a veces y optimista las más, del futuro de Puerto Rico. Pensador activo, consuetudinario colaborador de la prensa liberal, ferviente espiritista cristiano, fue modelo del pensamiento humanista, hombre de moral y conducta sin tacha que fue modelo de los primeros grupos de organización artesana y obrera del país.

Acusado de separatismo, le fue cerrada su escuela por la dictadura de Laureano y Sanz en 1874 y fue exilado a Ponce, donde continuó una exitosa carrera en el periodismo y la dramaturgia. Es el autor de una de las piezas teatrales puertorriqueñas más importantes y revolucionarias del siglo XIX, Ernesto Lefebre o el triunfo del talento, estrenada en 1872 en el Teatro de Guayama. Amigo de Alejandro Tapia y de los círculos literarios capitalinos, Derkes, como intelectual y escritor negro, se ganó el respeto y la admiración de un mundo cultural dominado por los blancos. La hazaña de haber realizado una carrera intelectual y de haber dejado tantos escritos sobre su pensamiento reformador, cristiano y socialista, en un mundo de agrias diferencias y prejuicios raciales, le hace digno merecedor de que se le dedique el Festival del Ateneo, donde su Archivo Nacional de Teatro y Cine acaba de recopilar y publicar sus Obras Completas.

El Homenaje y los Actos de Apertura del 34to Festival de Teatro del Ateneo se llevarán a cabo la noche del viernes, 18 de febrero de 2011, a las 7:30 p.m. en el Ateneo Puertorriqueño, con una ceremonia de dedicación y semblanzas a cargo del Director de la Sección de Teatro del Ateneo, el Dr. Edgar Quiles Ferrer y del Director del Archivo Nacional de Teatro y Cine del Ateneo, el dramaturgo Roberto Ramos-Perea.

Esa noche los productores del Festival darán a conocer detalles sobre las presentaciones que a continuación se anuncian.

El XXXIV Festival da comienzo ese mismo viernes, 18 de febrero, con el estreno de la parodia furiosa y colectiva PUERTO RICO ¡URGENTE!con libreto y dirección de Roberto Ramos-Perea, escrita con la colaboración del Taller Superior del Conservatorio de Arte Dramático del Ateneo.



PROGRAMA

XXXIV FESTIVAL DE TEATRO DEL ATENEO PUERTORRIQUEÑO  DEDICADO AL PRIMER INTELECTUAL PUERTORRIQUEÑO NEGRO, EL DRAMATURGO ELEUTERIO DERKES MARTINÓ.

18 DE FEBRERO 2011
INAUGURACION Y DEDICATORIA delXXXIV FESTIVAL DE TEATRO DEL ATENEO PUERTORRIQUEÑO


18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 de FEBRERO de 2011
¡PUERTO RICO URGENTE!
CREACIÓN COLECTIVA DEL TALLER SUPERIOR DEL CONSERVATORIO DE ARTE DRAMÁTICO DEL ATENEO

4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 de MARZO de 2011
LOS "EX: NUESTRA HISTORIA DEL DESAMOR" ESCRITA Y DIRIGIDA POR CARLOS VEGA
PRODUCCIONES C3

18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 de MARZO de 2011
LA CRUZ DE EL MORRO (1862)
DE MARIA BIBIANA BENITEZ
CONSERVATORIO DE ARTE DRAMATICO DEL ATENEO
DIRECCIÓN DE BENIGNA OJEDA

1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 de ABRIL de 2011
MAMERTO
Zarzuela cómica contemporánea de WILLIAM ORTIZ
basada en "Don MAMERTO" (1886) de SOTERO FIGUEROA LA SECCIÓN DE MUSICA
y el CONSERVATORIO DE ARTE DRAMÁTICO del ATENEO MÚSICA Y LIBRETO DE WILLIAM ORTIZ
DIRECCION ESCÉNICA DE EDGAR QUILES FERRER

15, 16, 17 de ABRIL de 2011
R.U.R. de Carel Capek
COMPAÑÍA DE ADOLESCENTES del
CONSERVATORIO DE ARTE DRAMÁTICO DEL ATENEO
DIRECCIÓN DE ROBERTO RAMOS-PEREA

22, 23, 24, 29, 30 de ABRIL y 1ero de MAYO de 2011
MUCÉN O EL TRIUNFO DEL PATRIOTISMO (1833)
(Primera obra de teatro puertorriqueña)
DE CELEDONIO LUIS NEBOT DE PADILLA
COMPAÑÍA NACIONAL DE TEATRO DEL ATENEO
DIRECCIÓN DE ROBERTO RAMOS-PEREA

6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, de MAYO de 2011
SANGRE EN VINO
DE JESUS AGUAD
TALLER DE DRAMATURGIA
CONSERVATORIO DE ARTE DRAMATICO DEL ATENEO
DIRECCION DE EDGAR QUILES FERRER

20, 21, 22. 27. 28. 29 de MAYO de 2011
ERNESTO LEFEVRE o el triunfo del talento (1872)
DE ELEUTERIO DERKES MARTINÓ
CONSERVATORIO DE ARTE DRAMATICO DEL ATENEO: LABORATORIO
DIRECCIÓN DE ROBERTO RAMOS PEREA

3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 DE JUNIO de 2011
AGUEYBANÁ EL BRAVO
DE RICARDO MAGRIÑÁ
TALLER DE DRAMATURGIA
CONSERVATORIO DE ARTE DRAMATICO DEL ATENEO
DIRECCIÓN DE LUIS JAVIER LÓPEZ

17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 DE JUNIO de 2011
HAY UN GRITO EN MIS HUELLAS
DE PEDRO JUAN AVILA
CONSERVATORIO DE ARTE DRAMÁTICO: LABORATORIO
DIRECCION EDGAR QUILES FERRER

8, 9, 10 de JULIO de 2011
SOLO EL TIEMPO DIRÁ
DE IVONNE GODERICH
PRODUCCCIONES XAVIER CIFRE

15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 de julio de 2011
Carlos Canales
Producciones Ceiba

19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 de AGOSTO de 2011
LAS MANOS DE DIOS
DE CARLOS SOLÓRZANO
CONSERVATORIO DE ARTE DRAMATICO DEL ATENEO
DIRECCIÓN DE EDGAR QUILES FERRER

23, 24, 25, 30 DE SEPTIEMBRE, 1 y 2 de OCTUBRE de 2011
ILUMINADO NEGRO: HISTORIA DE UN ANONIMATO
(Biodrama sobre Manuel Alonso Pizarro: anarquista puertorriqueño negro)
ESCRITA Y DIRIGIDA POR ROBERTO RAMOS-PEREA
CONSERVATORIO DE ARTE DRAMÁTICO: LABORATORIO

21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 de OCTUBRE de 2011
PALOMA GUTIERREZ
PRODUCCCIONES LAZOS SUELTOS

4, 5, 6, 7, 11,12, 13 de NOVIEMBRE de 2011
CUEVA DE LADRONES (Premio René Marqués del Ateneo en 1983)
ESCRITA Y DIRIGIDA POR ROBERTO RAMOS-PEREA
PRODUCCIONES EN BOCA


ACTIVIDADES PARALELAS AL FESTIVAL:
(Algunas fechas se anunciarán próximamente)

FOROS DE DISCUSIÓN:
Con distinguidos invitados de diversos sectores políticos y culturales:

7 AL 11 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2011
•LA INTOLERANCIA RELIGIOSA Y LA CULTURA PUERTORRIQUEÑA.
•LA INTOLERANCIA RELIGIOSA Y LA COMUNIDAD LGBTT.
•LA INTOLERANCIA RELIGIOSA Y LA POLÍTICA.

24 DE MARZO DE 2011
•LA CULTURA COMO FORMA DE REVOLUCIÓN.


CONFERENCIA:
11 DE MAYO DE 2011
ELEUTERIO DERKES: primer intelectual puertorriqueño negro.
A cargo del Prof. Roberto Ramos-Perea

RECITAL POÉTICO:
12 DE MAYO DE 2011
La VIA POÉTICA de ELEUTERIO DERKES MARTINÓ:
primer intelectual puertorriqueño negro.
A cargo del Dr. Edgar Quiles Ferrer

PRESENTACIONES DE LIBROS y AUDIO LIBROS de TEATRO Y LITERATURA PUERTORRIQUEÑADE RECIENTE PUBLICACIÓN.


ATENEO PUERTORRIQUEÑO
P.O. BOX 9021180
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 00902-1180
TEL. 721-3877, 787-977-2307






















PUERTO RICO ¡URGENTE! ¡¡¡ESTE VIERNES!!!



Una parodia furiosa y cruda del Puerto Rico contemporáneo
"PUERTO RICO ¡URGENTE!"

"Más de 30,000 empleados públicos en la calle; un gasoducto que amenaza explotar al país; más de 1,000 crímenes en un año; el peor momento de salud mental en toda nuestra historia; la Universidad ocupada por la fuerza de choque; los políticos sumidos en la corrupción y el pillaje, los medios de comunicación vendidos al gobierno; la más cruel dictadura sobre la colonia y siempre habrá alguien que grite: "¡Estamos gozando, Papi!"...

La primera obra del XXXIV Festival de Teatro del Ateneo es una parodia furiosa de la cruda actualidad puertorriqueña titulada PUERTO RICO ¡URGENTE!, y estrena este viernes, 18 de febrero en el Teatro del Ateneo en una producción del Conservatorio de Arte Dramático del Ateneo (CADAP).

Desarrollada en colaboración con los mismos estudiantes del CADAP, con libreto y dirección del dramaturgo Roberto Ramos-Perea, PUERTO RICO ¡URGENTE!, se desenvuelve en tres actos de la más cruel y agresiva comedia y del drama más intenso y crudo que sale de la misma realidad que inspira su título.

PUERTO RICO ¡URGENTE!, comienza cuando Pito, un poderoso bichote de la droga y el reguetón, secuestra a una prominente periodista radial para enseñarle cuál es el verdadero Puerto Rico y no el que muestran los medios de comunicación. Ante la periodista desfilarán alcaldes adictos, estudiantes arrestados y policías abusivos, periodistas vendidos a los intereses del gobierno, senadores corruptos y ministros religiosos que van a la compra de legisladores, íconos culturales fraudulentos como taradas modelos de TV y muñecas chismosas, así como analistas políticos comprados por los partidos, padres que violan a sus hijas, los desesperados desempleados de la Ley 7, el mundo de la droga que corrompe la inocencia y el mundo de las discotecas de reguetón en toda su crudeza... todas condiciones que suman un país en urgencia, absurdo y desesperanza.

En PUERTO RICO ¡URGENTE!, el protagonista se da cuenta que su única salida es atacar el mal desde su raíz y ese ataque tendrá desafortunadamente que ser agresivo, violento y cruel, ya que el pacifismo, las llamadas al diálogo y la esperanza misma han resultado inútiles. Pito llevará a la periodista a presenciar su decisión final y desesperada. Desde la más hilarante parodia furiosa hasta el insoportable realismo de algunas escenas, más de 30 actores del CADAP interpretarán su visión de Puerto Rico, como una clara contribución al debate que debe impulsar la cultura, en específico el teatro, a la condición social presente.

El dramaturgo y director de PUERTO RICO ¡URGENTE!, Roberto Ramos-Perea, señaló que "no hay mejor señal de compromiso de la juventud puertorriqueña que la participación desde las trincheras de la cultura a la discusión de los derroteros del país. Esta obra pretende abrir espacio para lo que nos negamos a hablar, lo que no queremos ver ni discutir sobre Puerto Rico. La juventud puertorriqueña, que muy bien se representa en el centenar de estudiantes de Teatro del Ateneo, ha dicho presente en esta necesaria discusión a través del arte, que es su mejor método de conciencia y lucha".

PUERTO RICO ¡URGENTE!, cuenta con las actuaciones de Nelson Alvarado, Melissa Reyes, Luis Javier López, Ricardo Santiago, Jessyka Rodríguez, Sonia Rodríguez, Jorge de los Ríos, Ricardo Magriñá, Olga Vega Fontánez, Zulaika Ginés, Mayra Echavarría, Julia Pizarro, Emilio Graciano, Jesús Aguad y Eddie Fuentes entre los personajes principales, acompañados de una veintena de actores de la Compañía Nacional de Teatro del Ateneo, y los Talleres Superior, Avanzado y Básico del CADAP. Regiduría de Samaris Hernández; Coreografía de Joealis Fillipeti, Iluminación de Verónica Rubio, Sonido de Julián Ramos, Utilería de Diana Cabán y Coralys Fernández. Escenografía de Ángel Casto Pérez. Producción de Yasiris Alvarado y Dyanira Camacho.

Las funciones de PUERTO RICO ¡URGENTE!, se llevarán a cabo viernes 18 y 25, sábado 19 y 26 a las 8:30 p.m. y domingos 20 y 27 de febrero de 2011, las 4:30 p.m., en el TEATRO DEL ATENEO en San Juan. La obra DEFINITIVAMENTE no es apta para menores y no se hacen reservaciones por el cupo limitado de la sala.

PUERTO RICO ¡URGENTE!, es parte del XXXIV Festival de Teatro del Ateneo dedicado al primer intelectual puertorriqueño negro, Don Eleuterio Derkes Martinó.

Para mayor información: Conservatorio de Arte Dramático: 787-977-2307.
Entrevistas y Coordinación de Medios, Angela Mari Menades8@gmail.com.

15 February 2011

Wikileaks Reveals U.S. Perspectives on British Dependent Territories

A U.S.  GUIDE TO THE BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORIES

Passed to the Telegraph by WikiLeaks

9:09PM GMT 04 Feb 2011 Ref ID: 09LONDON1039
Date: 5/1/2009 15:02
Origin: Embassy London
Classification: CONFIDENTIAL
Destination: 08LONDON2667|09LONDON993|09NASSAU169
Header: VZCZCXRO4441PP RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHNP RUEHROV RUEHSRDE RUEHLO #1039/01 1211502ZNY CCCCC ZZHP 011502Z MAY 09FM AMEMBASSY LONDONTO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2183INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITYRUEHBU/AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES PRIORITY 0297RUEHBH/AMEMBASSY NASSAU PRIORITY 0203RUEHPL/AMEMBASSY PORT LOUIS PRIORITY 0137RUEKJCS/JCS WASHDC PRIORITYRHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITYRHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE PRIORITYRHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE PRIORITYRUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 1425RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITYRUVNSAO/NAVSUPPFAC DIEGO GARCIA PRIORITYRUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITYRUENAAA/SECNAV WASHDC PRIORITY

Tags: PGOV,PREL,ECON,ETRD,MOPS,MARR,AY,CJ,FK,GI,IO,PC,SH,TK,UK
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 LONDON 001039 SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/WE E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/29/2029 TAGS: PGOV, PREL, ECON, ETRD, MOPS, MARR, AY, CJ, FK, GI, IO, PC, SH, TK, UK SUBJECT: A GUIDE TO THE BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORIES REF: A)NASSAU 169 B)LONDON 993 C)08 LONDON 2667 

Classified By: Political Affairs Counselor, Rick Mills for reasons 1.4 (b, c, and d) Introduction and Summary ------------------------
1. (C) The British Overseas Territories (BOT) are fourteen far-flung possessions under British sovereignty that hearken to the era when Britannia truly ruled the waves. One Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) official accurately characterized the BOTs as "remnants of empire" -- acquired by Great Britain when the phrase "the sun never sets on the British Empire" could be spoken without a trace of irony. The territories run the gamut from remote locales without a permanent population, such as South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, to largely autonomous entities like Bermuda. Some, such as the Falkland Islands and Gibraltar, are subject to sovereignty claims by other nations - although the overwhelming percentage of the populations of both the Falklands and Gibraltar strongly prefer to remain under British rule. The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT, which includes the atoll of Diego Garcia), Ascension Island, and the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on Cyprus, are notable for their strategic value to the US government. The BOTs comprise a mosaic of distinct cultural traditions, reflecting their worldwide locations. Since 2002, BOT citizens have been British citizens, with limited exceptions. However, the BOTs are not constitutionally part of the UK. Each has a distinct constitution and a unique legal relationship to the UK. HMG guarantees the defense of all BOTs and handles their foreign relations. Many aim for economic self-sufficiency, with tourism and finance playing a significant part in the economies of many BOTs.


3. (SBU) This telegram provides an overview of the BOTs. The FCO Country Profiles pages at www.fco.gov.uk offer specific information about individual BOTs, as does the CIA World Factbook. Both are valuable sources of in-depth information about the BOTs, as are the websites of many of the BOTs themselves. End Introduction and Summary.
What They Are -------------

4. (SBU) The fourteen BOTs are, in alphabetical order, Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Antarctic Territory, the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Cayman Islands, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on Cyprus, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, the Pitcairn Islands, Saint Helena and its dependencies (Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha), South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The BOTs are sometimes mistakenly lumped in the popular British imagination with the Crown Dependencies. However, Crown Dependencies are possessions of the British Crown, as opposed to BOTs or colonies. Crown Dependencies are the Channel Island bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea.

5. (C) Facts and figures about each BOT are available on the FCO's Country Profiles pages at www.fco.gov.uk. As one FCO officer with extensive experience covering OT issues recently told Poloff, these territories are "the remnants of empire." Indeed, Britain acquired most of them at the apogee of its national power and prestige, with dates of acquisition ranging from the 17th to the early 20th century. Bermuda was the first, settled in 1609; Britain claimed the last, the British Antarctic Territory, in 1908.

6. (U) The overall population of the BOTs totals approximately 200,000, ranging from 67,000 in Bermuda to about 50 on the Pitcairn Islands. Some BOTs have a transient population, but no permanent inhabitants. For example, the LONDON 00001039 002 OF 004 inhabitants of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands include British officials, scientists, and support staff from the British Antarctic Survey who maintain scientific bases on the islands. The transient populations of the BIOT atoll of Diego Garcia and Ascension Island in the South Atlantic consist of U.S. and UK military personnel, as well as civilian contractors of various nationalities.

Where They Are --------------

7. (SBU) Gibraltar and the Sovereign Base Areas on Cyprus are the only BOTs located in Europe and fall under EU jurisdiction. -Five OTs -- Anguilla, the BVI, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands--are located in the Caribbean Sea. Bermuda is situated in the North Atlantic, off the U.S. coast on roughly the same latitude as Charleston, South Carolina. -The Falklands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha, and Ascension Island are all located in the South Atlantic. Tristan da Cunha is the most remote inhabited island in the world, about 1700 miles west of Cape Town. -The Pitcairn Islands, officially named the Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands, are a group of four volcanic islands in the South Pacific 1550 miles southeast of Tahiti. Only Pitcairn Island - the second largest - is inhabited. -The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), which comprises the Chagos Archipelago and includes the atoll of Diego Garcia, lies between Africa and Indonesia. -The British Antarctic Territory comprises that sector of the Antarctic south of latitude 60 degrees south, between longitude 20 degrees and 80 degrees west.

So What IS a British Overseas Territory? ----------------------------------------

8. (U) The BOTs are constitutionally not part of the UK. Each has a separate constitution. All have governors that are appointed by Queen Elizabeth II, except the uninhabited ones. For these, HMG appoints a commissioner, who is an FCO employee. The governors and commissioners dually represent HMG in the BOT and the BOT before HMG.

9. (U) Each BOT is constitutionally unique. The degree of self-government depends on the BOT's constitutional relationship with the UK. Larger, more developed BOTs are largely autonomous in regard to their internal affairs, as is the case with Bermuda, Gibraltar, the Falklands, and others. The common thread among them is recognition of UK sovereignty, acknowledgment of the Queen as the Head of State, and British citizenship.

10. (U) HMG can and will intervene directly and significantly in a BOT's internal government under extraordinary circumstances, as is presently the case in the Turks and Caicos Islands (see Paragraph 16). Larger BOTs, such as the Cayman Islands and the BVI, have popularly-elected legislatures and executive heads, and the UK-appointed governors have limited control over local affairs. For example, Gibraltar has an independent parliament and the governor does not intervene in local affairs; Bermuda is largely self-governed, and practically independent in all areas other than foreign relations and defense. The Falkland Islands and Saint Helena have elected legislative councils, but the governors appointed by the Queen are the heads of government. The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia have no locally elected government and are represented by the Commander of the British Forces in Cyprus. Cypriots who live in that BOT are subject to the LONDON 00001039 003 OF 004 laws of Cyprus.

11. (SBU) The BOTs are supported in HMG by the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA). UKOTA acts like a lobbying group in London; it exists to promote and defend the common interests of the BOTs, as well as promote cooperation and common positions among BOT governments. UKOTA's members are the BOT governments themselves, represented by a delegate named by each government.

Who are BOT Residents? ----------------------

12. (U) With the signing of the British Overseas Territories Act in 2002, nearly all residents of the BOTs became full citizens of the UK. There are limited exceptions. For example, those connected solely with the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus are not entitled to full British citizenship. Some BOT citizens had British citizenship prior to the 2002 Act, e.g. Falkland Islanders. The 2002 Act changed the official name of the areas from British Dependent Territories to British Overseas Territories.

13. (U) Although the BOTs are united by their common British sovereignty, they are a mosaic of different cultures. For example, Gibraltar is a melting pot of English, Spanish, and North African influences. The Falkland Islands are mostly populated by people of British origin, with more sheep than human beings on the islands. Bermuda and the Caribbean BOTs are vibrant mixtures of diverse cultures and languages. Unsurprisingly, these sunny BOTs are popular tourist destinations for UK residents. Some BOTs have unique languages or dialects. For example, Pitcairn residents speak "Pikern," a mixed language of 18th century English dialect infused with Tahitian elements.

Economy -------

14. (SBU) Tourism and financial services account for most of the revenue generated in the BOTs. Shipping and the sale of fishing licenses are also revenue sources for many BOTs. As philatelists know, the BOTs also generate revenue from the sale of postage stamps. HMG has, for example, issued stamps for the BIOT and the uninhabited British Antarctic Territory. Many BOTs are self-sustaining, except for defense costs. Saint Helena, the Pitcairn Islands, and Montserrat depend on subsidies from HMG. The BOTs do not make a direct contribution to the British Exchequer, although some contribute towards the cost of the governor and his staff.

15. (U) Bermuda has an economy roughly the size of all the other BOTs combined. Bermuda's economy is based on providing financial services for international business and tourism. According to the FCO, the Bermuda per capita GDP in 2007 was USD 91,477.

Problems --------

16. (C) The FCO has identified several problems facing the BOTs. According to the FCO, many BOTs face challenges common to all small island economies, i.e. smaller countries risk marginalization in a globalized economy. Some BOT economies are fragile because of dependence on one or two sectors (e.g. tourism and international finance). Some of the BOTs, especially those in the Caribbean, are vulnerable to drug-trafficking and associated crime. In some instances, the lack of a developed civil society, a strong legislature and/or a vibrant press mean there are few checks on the executive. For example, in July 2008, HMG conducted an inquiry into allegations of corruption in the Turks and Caicos Islands' government. The embattled Premier resigned and HMG intervened directly in governance (see ref A). The final report of the Commission of Inquiry has been delayed until the end of May, the FCO has confirmed. The islands are LONDON 00001039 004 OF 004 currently deeply in debt, due in large part to executive mismanagement.

Who Else Claims Them? ---------------------

(SBU) Some BOTs are sources of international controversy based on competing sovereignty claims. Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in 1982, but Britain retook them after a fiercely fought, seven-week-long armed conflict. Argentina's constitution claims the Falkland Islands, although Argentina agreed in 1995 to no longer use force to press its claim. HMG continuously rejects requests for sovereignty talks between the UK and Argentina, citing the strong preference of the Falklands' population to remain British subjects. Argentina also claims South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

18. (C) HMG will contest Argentina's claim for sovereign rights (including oil and mineral rights) to seabed surrounding Britain's South Atlantic Overseas Territories, including the Falkland Islands. Great Britain will submit its own claim for seabed rights for its South Atlantic territories to the UN body that considers claims for seabed rights. HMG does not presently plan to file seabed rights claims for the British Antarctic Territory, but will reserve the right to make claims in the future (see ref B).

19. (SBU) Gibraltar was ceded from Spain to Great Britain in 1713 by the Treaty of Utrecht. Although Spain claims Gibraltar, the population overwhelmingly wants to remain under British sovereignty. HMG has affirmed that it will not consider independence or a power-sharing agreement with Spain without the consent of Gibraltar's citizens.

20. (SBU) Mauritius claims the Chagos Islands (BIOT), contending that the islands were "wrongfully detached" by the UK before Mauritius became independent from British colonial rule. The BIOT has been the subject of a legal battle between HMG and some of the islands' former inhabitants, whom the UK relocated off the archipelago in the early 1970s. "Chagossians" and their advocates contest the legality of the islanders' resettlement and seek the right to return (see ref C).

Strategic Relevance -------------------

21. (C) Diego Garcia, in the BIOT, presently is home to a joint U.S.-UK naval support facility. The atoll is of vital strategic importance for defense purposes to the U.S. and UK, including in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Note. For further information about the U.S. Navy Support Facility on Diego Garcia see www.cnic.navy.mil/DiegoGarcia. End Note.) Ascension Island (Saint Helena BOT) is the location of Wideawake Airfield, which is a joint facility of the RAF and the U.S. Air Force. The island was used extensively by the U.S. during WWII and was integral to British success in the Falklands War. 22. (C) The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on Cyprus are geographically distinct military bases. RAF Akrotiri is an important aircraft staging point and one of the few major RAF stations located outside the United Kingdom.

Visit London's Classified Website: XXXXXXXXXXXX TOKOLA

Algiers Declaration on Fiftieth Anniversary of Decolonisation Declaration



The two-day conference held in Algiers last December to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations Decolonisation Declaration brought together key figures in the decolonisation of Africa.


ONU-DECOLONISATION-RESOLUTION-CELEBRATION
ALGERIE - O.N.U
Mercredi 15 Décembre 2010  

(English translation below)



1- Le cinquantième anniversaire de la résolution 1514 (XV) du 14 décembre 1960 portant Déclaration sur l’octroi de l’indépendance aux pays et aux peuples coloniaux,a été célébré à Alger, les 13 et 14 décembre 2010.

2-D’éminentes figures de la lutte anticoloniale ont participé à cette Conférence, aux côtés de personnalités du monde politique, de la communauté diplomatique, des Organisations internationales, régionales et sous-régionales, de la société civile, des milieux de la création littéraire et cinématographique, et de la presse et des médias audio-visuels.

3-Les participants ont rappelé les sacrifices consentis par les peuples coloniaux pour la reconnaissance de leur droit à l’autodétermination et l’indépendance et ont souligné, en particulier, le rôle important des femmes et des jeunes dans la lutte de libération et dans l’édification de leurs pays.

4-Les participants se sont félicités du rôle important de l’Organisation des Nations unies et de l’ex-Organisation de l’Unité Africaine dans l’accélération du processus de libération des peuples coloniaux conformément à la résolution 1514 (XV).

5-Les participants à la Conférence ont noté avec satisfaction que, depuis l’adoption de la résolution 1514 (XV), un grand nombre d’anciens territoires coloniaux ont recouvré leur indépendance et siègent en qualité d’Etats membres souverains au sein de l’Organisation des Nations Unies, assumant pleinement leurs responsabilités individuellement et collectivement, en vue de la mise en œuvre des buts et principes de la Charte des Nations unies.

6-Les participants se sont félicités de la Déclaration par la 65ème session de l’Assemblée Générale des Nations Unies de la période 2011-2020, Troisième Décennie Internationale pour l’éradication du colonialisme.

7-Les participants se sont également félicités de la célébration par l’Assemblée Générale des Nations Unies du cinquantième anniversaire de la Déclaration sur l’octroi de l’indépendance aux pays et aux peuples coloniaux.

8-Ils ont aussi salué l’apport significatif des médias et du cinéma dans la prise de conscience des méfaits du colonialisme et la défense des buts et objectifs définis dans la Déclaration sur l’octroi de l’indépendance aux pays et aux peuples coloniaux. Ils ont souligné leur rôle dans la promotion et le soutien aux droits civils et politiques des peuples opprimés, notamment en Palestine et au Sahara Occidental, à travers l’éclairage qu’ils apportent à la lutte et aux souffrances de ces peuples.

9-Ils ont souligné que le colonialisme, sous toutes ses formes et dans toutes ses manifestations, est contraire aux buts et principes de la Charte des Nations Unies et aux normes du droit international.

10-Réaffirmant la validité et la pertinence de la Déclaration sur l’octroi de l’indépendance aux pays et aux peuples coloniaux, les participants ont exprimé leur conviction que le parachèvement de la décolonisation est inéluctable.

11-Les participants ont exprimé leur solidarité avec les peuples des territoires non autonomes qui aspirent à exercer leur droit à disposer d’eux-mêmes dans le cadre préconisé par la résolution 1514 (XV).

12-Les participants ont souligné, à cet égard, que le peuple palestinien et le peuple du Sahara Occidental sont en droit d’attendre de la Communauté internationale un soutien plus ferme et une action plus résolue en vue de l’exercice de leur droit à l’autodétermination. Ils ont décidé de faire de cet objectif une priorité de leur action.

13-Ils ont, pour cela, encouragé les écrivains, les cinéastes, les artistes, les journalistes et la société civile dans son ensemble à poursuivre et à intensifier leurs actions de sensibilisation et de mobilisation de l’opinion publique mondiale sur la justesse de ces aspirations.

14-Les participants appellent à l’adoption au sein de l’Organisation des Nations Unies et dans l’ensemble du système des Nations Unies, de mesures efficaces pour l’application intégrale de la Déclaration sur l’octroi de l’indépendance aux pays et aux peuples coloniaux.

15-Les participants ont rappelé que, conformément au droit international et aux résolutions pertinentes des Nations Unies, aucun prétexte lié à la superficie du territoire, à la situation géographique ou à l’importance numérique des peuples ne saurait être recevable pour empêcher le libre exercice des peuples encore colonisés de leur droit à l’autodétermination et à l’indépendance.

16-Les participants ont exprimé leur préoccupation face à l’impunité avec laquelle les puissances occupantes poursuivent leur agression et appellent le Conseil de Sécurité à assumer ses responsabilités à cet égard.

17-Les participants ont noté que la Résolution 1514 (XV) a aussi jeté les bases du droit au développement. En effet, elle a inspiré notamment :

-la Résolution 1803 (XVII) du 14 décembre 1962 relative à la souveraineté permanente des Etats sur leurs ressources naturelles ;

-la Résolution 3281 (XXIX) du 12 décembre 1974 portant Charte des Droits et Devoirs Economiques des Etats.

18-Les participants ont relevé avec satisfaction les efforts déployés pour consolider les indépendances nationales, à travers la reconstruction des structures étatiques, sociales et économiques que la colonisation s’était évertuée à briser. Ils ont, à cet égard, noté que malgré ce lourd héritage colonial qui a généré des contraintes de toutes natures et un système de relations économiques internationales qui ignore largement leurs intérêts, les pays nouvellement indépendants ont enregistré des avancées indéniables dans leur processus de développement politique, économique et social.

19-Les participants ont mis en relief le fait que, nonobstant les difficultés auxquelles ils continuent d’être confrontés, les peuples des pays qui ont recouvré leur indépendance connaissent une dynamique de progrès multidimensionnelle que le système colonial rendait impossible.

20-Les participants ont considéré que cette dynamique s’est inscrite dans le prolongement naturel de la délivrance du joug colonial, et confirmé la pertinence de la politique de non-alignement, qui a beaucoup contribué non seulement au raffermissement des indépendances, mais aussi à l’atténuation des tensions dans le monde.

21-Les participants ont estimé que la coopération Sud-Sud et l’intégration régionale contribuent à la préservation de l’indépendance et à la facilitation de la participation équitable des pays ex-coloniaux à l’économie mondiale.

22-Ils ont apporté, à cet égard, leur soutien aux programmes en cours au niveau régional et inter-régional en Afrique, en Asie et en Amérique Latine, ainsi que dans l’établissement de partenariats stratégiques entre ces régions.

23-Les participants ont noté que les pays ex-coloniaux s’efforcent de promouvoir un partenariat mutuellement bénéfique avec les autres pays tout en veillant à la préservation de leur capacité autonome de décision et de leur souveraineté sur leurs ressources naturelles.

24-Les participants ont renouvelé leur attachement à la démarche d’indépendance de décision dans les relations internationales poursuivie par les pays nouvellement indépendants, qui aspirent à participer pleinement à la conduite des affaires mondiales dans le cadre d’un multilatéralisme rénové.

25-Les participants ont exprimé leurs remerciements au Président Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA et au gouvernement et au peuple algérien pour l’excellente organisation de cette importante Conférence et se sont félicités de la qualité des débats et des conclusions auxquelles elle a donné lieu.

*****

UN-DECOLONIZATION-RESOLUTION-CELEBRATION
ALGERIA - UN
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Algiers Declaration

1 - The fiftieth anniversary of resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960 on the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, was celebrated in Algiers on 13 and 14 December 2010.

2 - Prominent figures of the anticolonial struggle took part in this Conference, along with personalities from politics, the diplomatic community, international organizations, regional and subregional organizations, civil society, media creative writing and film, and the press and audiovisual media.

3 - The participants recalled the sacrifices made by the colonial peoples for recognition of their right to self-determination and independence and stressed in particular the important role of women and youth in the liberation struggle and in building of their country.

4 - Participants welcomed the important role of the United Nations and the former Organization of African Unity in accelerating the process of liberation of colonial peoples in accordance with resolution 1514 (XV).

5 - The Conference participants noted with satisfaction that since the adoption of resolution 1514 (XV), a large number of former colonial territories regained their independence and serve as a sovereign member states within the Organization of the United Nations, assuming full responsibility individually and collectively, to implement the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

6 - Participants welcomed the statement by the 65th session of the UN General Assembly for the period 2011-2020, Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.

7 - The participants also welcomed the celebration by the UN General Assembly's fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

8 - They also welcomed the significant contribution of media and film in the awareness of the evils of colonialism and defense goals and objectives outlined in the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples. They emphasized their role in promoting and supporting civil and political rights of oppressed peoples, especially in Palestine and Western Sahara, through the light they bring to the struggle and suffering of these people.

9 - They stressed that colonialism in all its forms and in all its manifestations, is contrary to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and norms of international law.

10 - Reaffirming the validity and relevance of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the participants expressed their conviction that the completion of decolonization was inevitable.

11 - The participants expressed their solidarity with the peoples of the Territories who aspire to exercise their right to self-determination within the framework advocated by resolution 1514 (XV).

12 - The participants stressed, in this context that the Palestinian people and the people of Western Sahara have come to expect from the international community support firmer and more resolute action to exercise their right to self-determination. They decided to make this goal a priority in their action.

13 - They have, for that, encouraged writers, filmmakers, artists, journalists and civil society as a whole to continue and intensify their advocacy and mobilization of world public opinion on the accuracy of these aspirations.

14 - The participants called for the adoption within the United Nations and the entire United Nations system, effective measures for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

15 - The participants recalled that in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, for any reason related to land area, the location or the size of peoples can not be acceptable to prevent the free exercise still colonized peoples of their right to self-determination and independence.

16 - The participants expressed their concern at the impunity with which the occupying powers are continuing their aggression and called on the Security Council to shoulder its responsibilities in this regard.

17 - Participants noted that Resolution 1514 (XV) also laid the foundations for the right to development. Indeed, it has inspired in particular:

-Resolution 1803 (XVII) of 14 December 1962 on permanent sovereignty of States over their natural resources;

-Resolution 3281 (XXIX) of 12 December 1974 Charter of Economic Rights and Duties of States.

18 - The participants noted with satisfaction the efforts to consolidate national independence, through the reconstruction of state structures, social and economic colonization had strived to break. They have, in this regard, noted that despite the heavy colonial legacy that has generated all kinds of constraints and a system of international economic relations that largely ignores their interests, the newly independent countries have demonstrated progress recorded in their process of political development , economic and social development.

19 - The participants highlighted the fact that notwithstanding the challenges they still face the peoples of the countries which regained their independence is a growing multi-dimensional progress that the colonial system made it impossible.

20 - The participants felt that this dynamic has occurred in the natural extension of the grant of colonial rule, and confirmed the relevance of the policy of non-alignment, which greatly contributed not only to the strengthening of independence, but also mitigation of tensions in the world.

21 - The participants agreed that South-South regional integration and contribute to preserving the independence and facilitating the equitable participation of former colonial countries into the global economy.

22 - They brought in this regard, support to ongoing programs at regional and inter-regional levels in Africa, Asia and Latin America, as well as in establishing strategic partnerships between these regions.

23 - Participants noted that the former colonial countries trying to promote a mutually beneficial partnership with other countries while ensuring the preservation of their autonomous capacity of decision and sovereignty over their natural resources.

24 - The participants renewed their commitment to the process of independent decision-making in international relations pursued by the newly independent countries that aspire to participate fully in the conduct of world affairs as part of a renewed multilateralism.

25 - The participants expressed their thanks to President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the Algerian government and people for the excellent organization of this important conference and welcomed the quality of discussions and conclusions to which it gave rise.

14 February 2011

Wikileaks Reveals US Synopsis of UK Dependent Territory Developments

http://bernews.com/2011/02/wikileaks-bermuda-sought-help-on-crime/

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 LONDON 002857
NOFORN SENSITIVE SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/WE E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER PHUM ECON EFIN ETRD KCRM KDRG

SUBJECT: UK HOSTS OVERSEAS TERRITORIES LEADERS AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Greg Berry for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

1.(C/NF) Summary: The UK hosted delegations from eleven British Overseas Territories (BOTs) for the annual Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC), held December 7-9 in London. UK Under-Secretary of State Chris Bryant met with BOT leaders both bilaterally and jointly, and topics of discussion included good governance, managing public finances, borrowing guidelines, crime, and the future of the BOTs. In a meeting with Poloff on December 17, Head of Bermuda and Caribbean Section in the Overseas Territories Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Tony Bates provided details of the OTCC discussions and, separately, inquired about two Bermuda-related Uighur issues. End Summary.


2.(U) The UK hosted delegations from eleven British Overseas Territories (BOTs) for the annual Overseas Territories Consultative Council (OTCC), held December 7-9 in London. Head of Bermuda and Caribbean Section in the Overseas Territories Directorate of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Tony Bates told Poloff in a December 17 meeting that bilateral meetings were held between UK Under-Secretary of State Chris Bryant and BOT leaders on December 7, a Forum with NGOs and other members of civil society was held on December 8, and the Council itself was held on December 9.Bates said that the major issues addressed included good governance, the importance of maintaining sound public finances, borrowing guidelines, and crime.


3.(SBU/NF) Bates said that the December 7 bilateral meetings focused mainly on borrowing guidelines and contingent liabilities, and noted that the UK lends to the BOTs as needed, up to a pre-set limit, but assumes no liability for the BOTs if something goes wrong financially. Bates said that the result of the bilateral discussions was that the UK would review its borrowing guidelines in the hopes of “relaxing them a bit.” Bates noted that it is the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands that most need to borrow at the moment.


4.(SBU/NF) Bates said that the Forum held on December 8 addressed a wide range of issues, including good governance, human rights, and crime prevention, and was led by NGOs and other members of civil society. Bates noted that this was the first year that the Forum was held, and said that there were mixed feelings about the success of the event. Bates said the outcomes of the Forum were “of minimal significance.”


5.(C/NF) Bates said that Under-Secretary Bryant chaired the December 9 Council, and that though there were some “quite frank” discussions, the debate never got heated on uncomfortable. Bates said that an important part of the Council was the discussion on crime, which is a particular problem in Bermuda and in the Cayman Islands. Bermuda has requested foreign assistance in combating its crime problems, and the West Midlands police (which has experience battling gang-related crime) as well as the FBI and the Miami-Dade police department are scheduled to visit Bermuda to provide assistance and training. Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush said he favored using capital punishment as a crime deterrent, saying of criminals that the Cayman Islands should “let them hang”; but Bates said that there was “no chance” of capital punishment being instituted in the Cayman Islands.


6.(SBU/NF) Bates noted that the discussion of good governance included mention of the UK’s imposition of direct rule on the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) earlier this year, after an investigatory committee found TCI to be “rife with corruption.” Bates said that Under-Secretary Bryant assured BOT leaders that the UK had no interest in micro-managing the affairs of the BOTs; however, Bryant cautioned that he was accountable to Parliament for the governance of the BOTs and therefore would step in when he had concerns about poor management and inadequate governance.


7.(SBU/NF) Bates said that there was some discussion of the future of the BOTs – would they move toward independence? Bates acknowledged that in some territories there would be a move toward independence, but he emphasized that the decision rests with the people, and not with the local government, and that the UK therefore expects that independence must come through a referendum rather than through a local government decision. Bates said that if independence was “the stated wish of the majority of the people” of a BOT, the UK “would not stand in the way.” LONDON 00002857 002 OF 002


8.(SBU/NF) Bates said that, overall, the OTCC was a success in that “everyone left feeling they had had their say.” Bates said that the OTCC was first and foremost an opportunity for BOT leaders to “come to London, meet the Minister, and say what they think.” In this regard, the UK said that this year’s OTCC fulfilled its purpose.


Bermuda/Uighur Issues ———————


9.(C/NF) Separately, Bates raised two issues pertaining to Bermuda and specifically to the four former Guantanamo detainees who were resettled on the island earlier this year. Bates first asked about a recent local Bermudan newspaper article that said that the Uighurs expected to get passports within a year based on comments from their lawyers and a U.S. army general. Bates said the UK was “alarmed” at this report, but Poloff assured Bates that no one in the USG had made any promises of passports for the Uighurs. Bates went on to say that the Uighurs were ineligible for refugee travel documents, ineligible for any sort of travel document that Bermuda might give them, and, at least for the next several years, ineligible for British passports that would accompany UK citizenship. He said that it appeared that the only passports they were eligible for were Chinese passports, but that there was, of course, no chance of them getting those.


10.(C/NF) Bates said that the Uighur issue was not raised by either Bermuda Premier Ewart Brown or Under-Secretary Bryant at the OTCC – according to Bates, Premier Brown has already heard Bryant’s take on this issue plenty of times. Bates said that the UK was waiting to see how the closing of Guantanamo Bay proceeded, but that as of now the UK plans to raise the Uighur resettlement issue with Ambassador Fried’s office via UK Embassy Washington at some point in January.

Visit London’s Classified Website: XXXXXXXXXXXX

12 February 2011

Inter American Commission on Human Rights Grants Precautionary Measures for Rapa Nui


Commission of the Organisation of American States expresses concern that "Rapa Nui people's life and integrity are at risk due to acts of violence and intimidation reportedly carried out by police in the context of demonstrations and evictions."


Inter-American Commission on Human Rights
PM 321/10 - Rapa Nui Indigenous People, Chile

On February 7, 2011, the IACHR granted precautionary measures for the Rapa Nui Indigenous People of Easter Island, Chile. The request for precautionary measure alleges that the Rapa Nui people's life and integrity are at risk due to acts of violence and intimidation reportedly carried out by police in the context of demonstrations and evictions. The Inter-American Commission asked the State of Chile to immediately bring an end to the use of armed violence in the execution of State administrative or judicial actions against members of the Rapa Nui people, including evictions from public spaces or from public or private property; to guarantee that the actions of State agents in the framework of protests and evictions do not jeopardize the life or physical integrity of the members of the Rapa Nui people; to inform the IACHR within 10 days about the adoption of these precautionary measures; and to update this information periodically.


U.S. Senator and Congressional Delegate Send Letter to Chilean President on Rapa Nui Crisis


Daniel K. Akaka, Senator from the U.S. state of Hawaii, and Congressional Delegate Eni F. H. Faleomavaega, Delegate from the U.S. territory of American Samoa sent the following joint letter on 3rd February:

February 3, 2011
His Excellency Sebastián Piñera
President of the Republic of Chile
Palacio de la Moneda
Santiago, Chile


Dear President Piñera:


We are writing to express our concern over the situation unfolding in Easter Island (Rapa Nui), where Chilean armed forces have been carrying out forced evictions of Rapa Nui natives over the past five months. We continue to be very concerned about the physical safety of all of the Rapa Nui; but right now we are especially concerned about the welfare and security of Hito clan members inside the Hanga Roa Hotel. Several sources have informed us that heavily-armed Chilean police are surrounding the hotel, 24 hours a day. We have also been alerted that the electricity has been cut off, and that there are no provisions for food or medical care. At one point, it was reported that there were 13 individuals trapped in the hotel. Of the 13 individuals, 2 were children, 6 were women, and one was elderly and medically-compromised (diabetic). Sources say the clan members have no way to communicate with anyone outside the hotel, including their defense attorneys.


The Chilean government has threatened to evict the clan members inside the Hanga Roa Hotel on February 8, 2011. Some of the evictions carried out by Chilean troops in recent months have resulted in injuries to the Rapa Nui natives. According to news reports, an eviction on December 29, 2010 was carried out against peaceful protesters gathering at a public square. Some of these individuals suffered serious injuries, including fractures and head wounds, after police forces reportedly fired buckshot pellets at their heads. We are concerned that evictions on February 8th could lead to more injuries should Chile follow through.


We are also concerned by (1) the failure of the Ministry of the Interior to seriously consider the legitimate land ownership claims of the Rapa Nui clans; (2) criminal prosecutions of Rapa Nui political leaders for their involvement in the peaceful Rapa Nui land rights campaign; and (3) the ongoing disproportionate use of force by Chilean Special Forces against Rapa Nui clan members. These actions undermine the basic legal, political, and human rights that both of our countries share.


It is our understanding that the Chilean executive branch is operating unilaterally in its Rapa Nui policy. Chile’s Congressional Commission of Foreign Affairs and the Human Rights Commission of the House of Representatives both requested a review of your government’s policies regarding treatment of the Rapa Nui Nation. Likewise, the Chilean Supreme Court has spoken, most recently rejecting an amparo filed by a private party against the Hito clan. We also note the January 12th statement of the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which expresses similar concerns regarding your government’s policies.


Mr. President, we are also aware that on October 3, 2010, the Rapa Nui people filed a request for “precautionary measure” from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, of which Chile is a member. Because the Commission has yet to make a decision on the measure and since the number of Rapa Nui near the hotel grounds will soon increase from the support of other clans, there is an even greater need to prevent the February 8th eviction. We are concerned about reports that Chilean forces continue to target peaceful Rapa Nui individuals, including unarmed women and children. We strongly urge you to lower tensions on Rapa Nui by removing the police forces patrolling the Hanga Roa Hotel. Food, water, medicine, and other life-sustaining provisions should be immediately provided to the individuals inside the hotel. They should also be provided the means to communicate with their supporters outside the hotel, including their defense attorneys. Finally, we also urge you to refrain from the use of disproportionate force in dealing with peaceful Rapa Nui protesters occupying their ancestral land on the entire island.


It is our hope that your government will undertake efforts to peacefully resolve this conflict with the Rapa Nui Nation.

11 February 2011

Sint Maarten PM to CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting

Prime Minister Wescot invited to attend in view of recent autonomous political status for Sint Maarten 



GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (GIS) – Honorable Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams, has informed the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Honorable Prime Minister of Grenada Tillman Thomas that she accepts the invitation extended to attend the next meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.

Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, recommended to the CARICOM Chairman that an invitation should be extended to Sint Maarten since it has achieved an autonomous country position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Hon. Prime Minister Wescot Williams says that she is looking forward to this meeting and having the opportunity to look at the prospects it offers in forging future relations across national and regional borders.

In 1972, Commonwealth Caribbean leaders at the Seventh Heads of Government Conference decided to transform the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) into a Common Market and establish the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which the Common Market would be an integral part. The signing of the Treaty establishing CARICOM, Chaguaramas, 4th July, 1973, was a defining moment in the history of the Commonwealth Caribbean.

The objectives of CARICOM are to improve standards of living and work; the full employment of labour and other factors of production; accelerated, coordinated and sustained economic development and convergence; expansion of trade and economic relations with third States; enhanced levels of international competiveness; organization for increased production and productivity; achievement of a greater measure of economic leverage and effectiveness of Member States in dealing with third States, groups of States and entities of any description and the enhanced co-ordination of Member States’ foreign and foreign economic policies and enhanced functional co-operation.

There are 15 countries that are members (Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago) of CARICOM and five are associate members (Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Turks & Caicos Islands).

Hon. Prime Minister Skerrit is expected to arrive on the island for official business Friday evening at 9.00pm at which time the Prime Minister will welcome him.

Editor's Note: Sint Maarten was part of the erstwhile Netherlands Antilles which enjoyed observer status in relevant CARICOM committees prior to changes in the CARICOM structure eliminating the committees in favour of ministerial councils.

10 February 2011

Council of UN General Assembly Presidents Meets with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Secretary-General Meets Heads of UN Assembly Presidents CouncilMeeting took place at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

From left to right:

Dr. Hon. Julian R. Hunte (Saint Lucia), Chairman of the Council of Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (Rep. of Korea);  Jan Kavan (Czech Republic), Vice-Chairman of the Council ; and Dr. Carlyle Corbin (Virgin Islands), Executive Secretary of the Council of Presidents.

08 February 2011
United Nations, New York
UN Photo/John McIlwaine

09 February 2011

Compensation for "damage caused by colonialism" proposed at UN

Request for the inclusion of a supplementary item in the United Nations agenda. The General Committee of the United Nations should take up the matter later in 2011.


Letter dated 29 July 2010 from the Permanent Representative of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations:


   I have the honour to request, in accordance with rule 14 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, the inclusion in the agenda of the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly of a supplementary item entitled “Compensation for damage caused by colonialism”.

   In accordance with rule 20 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly, an explanatory memorandum in support of the above request (annex I) and a draft resolution (annex II) are annexed hereto.

   It would be appreciated if the present letter and its annexes could be circulated as a document of the General Assembly.

(Signed) Abdurrahman M. Shalgham
Ambassador
Permanent Representative


Explanatory memorandum

The majority of the peoples currently represented at the United Nations have, in the course of their history, undergone the bitter experience of colonialism. The colonial Powers occupied their land and subjected them to the harshest and most inhuman forms of treatment, in blatant violation of human rights and the principles
of dignity enshrined in all divine religions and human cultures.

The damage of colonialism extended to every aspect of life in the colonized territories. The inhabitants were mere slaves to their colonial masters. In many cases, they were sold into slavery and transported to other countries at vast distances from their homeland. Colonialism perpetuated slavery, exploiting slaves and raw
materials from colonized territories in order to advance colonial countries and build modern civilization.

Inhabitants of colonized countries were killed and subjected to collective and individual imprisonment, forced migration, exile and enslavement. Attempts were made to obliterate their national languages and cultures and replace them with the language and culture of the colonizer.

The colonizer forcibly enlisted hundreds of thousands of inhabitants of colonized countries, who lost their lives in wars from which they had nothing to gain. As a result, their families were subjected to unbearable suffering.

The colonized countries sustained massive damage as a result of illegal economic exploitation, the massive draining of resources, the plundering of natural wealth and cultural and historic property, and environmental contamination caused by radiation from nuclear testing, which led to considerable human and material
damage.

The crimes of colonialism contributed significantly to the difficult economic and social situation which a majority of the peoples of the African continent continue to face. That predicament has forced millions of inhabitants to risk their lives in order to emigrate to the wealthy countries, their former colonial masters. While the colonists have departed from many countries, landmines and explosive remnants of war remain from the colonial era, which continue to take lives and hamper development efforts. The States that planted or left the landmines bear responsibility for their removal. They should promptly assist the affected countries in their efforts to remove landmines and explosive remnants of war by providing maps, the necessary technology and expertise.

In 1960, the United Nations General Assembly played an important role in ending colonization through the adoption of resolution 1514 (XV), containing the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

The time has now come for it to complete that task by removing the damage of colonialism and criminalizing the latter as the worst human rights violation.

By virtue of resolution CM/RES/1339, adopted on 1 June 1991 in Abuja, the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Organization of African Unity, which has since been succeeded by the African Union, decided to establish a group to set out clearly the extent of Africa’s exploitation, the liability of the perpetrators and the strategy for achieving reparation.

In its statements and at its summits, the Non-Aligned Movement has called on colonial States to compensate colonized peoples for the damage inflicted. In order to build confidence among States, remove ill will and consolidate international cooperation on the basis of justice, equality and mutual respect, there is an urgent need for colonized peoples to receive an apology and equitable compensation. Poor peoples would thereby gain an opportunity to invest in programmes to combat illiteracy, poverty, hunger and disease. Compensation would also help to stem illegal migration from poor to wealthy countries.

A number of States with a colonial past have apologized to the peoples they colonized. Austria and Hungary have apologized to the Balkan peoples, Japan to China and Korea, and Australia to the indigenous Australians. Italy recently apologized to the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and agreed to pay compensation to the
Libyan people. Such initiatives should lead all States to criminalize colonialism and compensate its victims. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya therefore requests the inclusion of a supplementary item on the agenda of the General Assembly entitled “Compensation for damage caused by colonialism”, and wishes to submit a draft resolution on the topic.


Draft resolution
Compensation for damage caused by colonialism

The General Assembly,


Recalling the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,


Reaffirming the importance of effective protection of and respect for human rights, including the right of peoples to self-determination in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, international human rights law and the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples contained in General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) of 14 December 1960,


Commending the important role played by the United Nations since its establishment in ending colonialism in non-self-governing territories, including through the adoption in 1960 of General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) and the follow-up to its implementation,


Reiterating its conviction that all of the effects of colonialism and racial discrimination must be eliminated, and human rights violations curbed,


Noting that the colonized peoples were subjected to economic exploitation, their resources drained on a massive scale, and their natural resources and cultural and historic property plundered,


Further noting that certain colonized territories sustained massive damage as a result of their illegal use by colonial powers, including for nuclear tests which contaminated the air and sea with radiation and harmful materials, displaced inhabitants and transformed their natural way of life,


Mindful of the suffering of colonized peoples under foreign occupation and the violations of international law to which they were subjected, including killings, collective and individual imprisonment, forced migration, exile, enslavement and attempts to obliterate their national languages and cultures and replace them with
the language and culture of the colonizer,


Conscious that the concealment of realities concerning colonized territories and the conditions of their inhabitants under foreign occupation has resulted in the distortion of the history of colonized peoples, causing considerable moral damage,


Conscious also of the suffering of the families of hundreds of thousands of inhabitants of colonized territories who were enlisted by the colonial powers and lost their lives in wars from which they had nothing to gain,


Mindful of the role of colonialism in perpetuating slavery and exploiting slaves and raw materials from the colonized territories in order to advance the colonial States and build modern civilization,


Reaffirming the principle that peoples under foreign occupation have permanent sovereignty over their natural resources,

Expressing grave concern at the continuing suffering of many of the peoples subjected to colonialism as a result of the mines and explosive remnants of war which were left by colonialism and continue to take lives and hamper development efforts,


Recalling its resolutions 3534 (XXX) of 9 December 1975, 35/71 of 5 December 1980, 36/188 of 17 December 1981, 37/210 of 20 December 1982, 38/162 of 19 December 1983, 39/167 of 17 December 1984 concerning the remnants of war, 55/2 of 8 September 2000 containing the United Nations Millennium
Declaration, and 60/1 of 16 September 2005 containing the 2005 World Summit Outcome,


Recalling also the relevant resolutions and recommendations of other international and regional organizations and, in particular, the Non-Aligned Movement, the African Union, the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the United Nations Environment Programme,


Reaffirming the relevant resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights adopted at past sessions concerning the effects of intervention, aggression and military occupation which violate the right of peoples to self-determination, as well as other human rights enshrined in international humanitarian law,


Mindful of the historic precedents for compensation in respect of damage arising from occupation, wars and their effects and, in particular, the compensation that followed the two most recent World Wars,


Expressing its regret that adequate measures have not been taken to resolve issues related to the colonial past, such as apologies; compensation for the loss of property and lives; removal of explosive remnants of war; and restitution of cultural property to its countries of origin,


Recognizing that equitable compensation for colonized peoples would enable them to invest in programmes to combat illiteracy, poverty, hunger and disease, in addition to promoting the realization of the Millennium Development Goals and sustainable development and helping to stem the flow of migration from poor to
wealthy countries,


Emphasizing that an apology and the provision of equitable compensation for colonized peoples would prevent the recurrence of colonialism,

Emphasizing also that compensation for the colonial period would build confidence among States; remove ill will; consolidate international cooperation on the basis of justice, equality and mutual respect; further the common good; and promote international peace and security,


1. Reaffirms that colonialism in any form or manifestation, including economic exploitation, is inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; constitutes an illegal act; and contravenes the values and ethical codes established by the divine religions and human cultures across the ages;


2. Reaffirms also its determination to take the necessary steps for the complete elimination of the effects of colonialism, and to ensure that all States comply with the pertinent provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;

3. Expresses concern at the human and material damage sustained by the peoples subjected to colonialism, damage that has hampered their efforts to eradicate poverty, hunger, disease and illiteracy and achieve economic growth;

4. Emphasizes that the peoples that have endured colonial control, or continue to do so, have a right to receive an apology and equitable compensation from colonial States in reparation for the damage sustained;


5. Welcomes the fact that certain States have declared their responsibility for the illegal practices of their former colonial Governments, have apologized for those practices and have expressed their preparation to pay appropriate compensation for the human and material damage incurred;


6. Requests all States whose former Governments were involved in the implementation of colonial policies promptly to rid themselves of their colonial legacy, and to work to erase the effects of that period by apologizing to the colonized peoples, providing them with equitable compensation for the human, economic and social damage inflicted, returning their cultural and artistic property, and helping them to reclaim the land contaminated by radiation and harmful materials;


7. Emphasizes that formerly colonized peoples have a right to recover all of their archives, including official documentation in the possession of the colonial powers concerning those peoples and their homelands;


8. Stresses that it is important for States subjected to colonialism to be given preference in trade exchanges and priority in the receipt of financial and technical assistance towards programmes and steps aimed at promoting their economies;


9. Requests the Secretary-General to present an outline for the establishment of an international mechanism to evaluate requests for compensation in respect of colonial damage, taking into consideration the views of Member States, the Human Rights Council and relevant non-governmental organizations;


10. Requests all States to inform the Secretary-General of the measures taken in implementation of this resolution;


11. Requests the Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of this resolution to the General Assembly at its sixty-sixth session;


12. Decides to remain seized of the matter.

07 February 2011

Saba, Statia Gear up for Elections

First polling since the two islands were partially integrated by the Netherlands

Daily Herald

ST. EUSTATIUS--No less than five parties will be contesting the first Island Council election under Statia's new constitutional status. The ruling Democratic Party (DP) of St. Eustatius, Progressive Labour Party (PLP), United People's Coalition (UPC), St. Eustatius Empowerment Party (STEP) and independent candidate Wilhelm "Joshua" Spanner will be contesting five seats in the Island Council.

At 9:45am, Spanner was the first to present himself to Head of the Civil Registry, Ricardo Tjie-A-Loi. Asked about his party's name, Spanner replied he would receive a number, not a name. The UPC, headed by former DP member and current independent Island Councilman Reginald Zaandam, was the second party to submit its candidates' list to the Civil Registry. Other names on the UPC list are Elvin Henriques (2), Vilma van Zoest (3), newcomer to the political arena Bernadine Schmidt (4) and Derrick Simmons Jr. (5).

STEP was the next party to present its list. Party leader Franklin Brown, who is determined to win the election, presented a list with three candidates. These include besides Brown, number two Glenn Schmidt, and newcomer in politics Koert Kerkhoff.

Brown said STEP wants to give hope back to the people. "Hope is what STEP stands for and for empowering the people in taking their rightful places back in the community of St. Eustatius, and to strengthen the social and economic development of our island in protecting our local businesses." He encouraged all voters to come out and vote.

Current opposition leader for the PLP Clyde van Putten presented a list with ten candidates. Headed by Van Putten, other candidates on the PLP slate are Millicent Lijfrock-Marsden (2), Laurens Duiveman (3), Richelline Leerdam (4), Arlene Spanner-Schmidt (5), Brenda van Putten (6), Esmond Roosberg (7), Sonaida Smithen-Windefelde (8), Orlando Sanchez Rivera (9), and Renaldo Redan (10).

Van Putten announced that his party and Zaandam's UPC have closed an electoral alliance for the upcoming election. After the signing of the agreement, members of both parties joined for a photo outside the Civil Registry.

The ruling Democratic Party was the last party to present its list of candidates on Tuesday afternoon. Party leader Rueben Merkman led his party and supporters to the Civil Registry under the accompaniment of honking cars.

Some of the other parties had also arrived at the Civil Registry with some pump and circumstance, including balloons on the sound of blowing car horns.

Rueben Merkman is the third member of his family to run for office. His late brother Earl Merkman was the youngest commissioner on Statia, his sister Edris was also a commissioner on the DP slate, and now he has taken up the mantle from Julian Woodley to lead the DP.

Number two on the DP slate is first timer Koos Sneek, current treasurer of the St. Eustatius Business Association. Other candidates include current Island Councilwoman Adelka Spanner (3), newcomer Maritza Patrick (4), Commissioner Julian Woodley (5), first timer Maya Leon Pandt (6), Donald Zimmerman (7), Jeremiah "Jerry" Obispa (8) and Commissioner Roy Hooker (9).

The process at the Civil Registry went smoothly and without incidents.

Island Governor Gerald Berkel and Acting Prosecutor Jacques van der Horde and members of the Main Voting Bureau were on hand to monitor the process, while members of the public were anxiously waiting to hear whose names would be on the political slates.

As usual, the candidates will be contesting five seats in the Island Council. The number of seats in the Island Council has not been increased under the island's new status, but with the introduction of the principle of dualism the newly elected commissioners will no longer also be members of the Island Council.

During previous drafts of the law on the special municipalities of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (WolBES) different numbers have been discussed, up until a nine-member Island Council. The final version of the law, as passed and amended by Dutch Parliament, left the number of seats at five. This all means that the two-member Executive Council will need the cooperation of a five-member Island Council for the approval of ordinances, policies and decisions.

Party lists submitted on Saba Nomination Day



Wednesday, 19 January 2011 00:46 .SABA--Governor Jonathan Johnson officially received the electoral party lists with the names of candidates for the March 2 Island Council Election on Tuesday. Windward Island's People's Movement (WIPM) and Saba Labour Party (SLP) are the two parties that will take part.

At 10:00am, represented by its leader Rolando Wilson, WIPM submitted a preliminary list of six candidates.
The SLP, represented by Ishmael Levenstone, followed suit at 11:00am, submitting a list with three candidates. Current party leader Akilah Levenstone's name was absent from this list. She announced her withdrawal from politics after the election. After the registration, a follow-up, closed-door meeting was held between the party leaders and the Governor.

Acting as chairman of the Main Voting Bureau, Governor Johnson said a public meeting will be held on Friday, January 21, whereby he will officially announce the names of the candidates. Election Day is set for Wednesday, March 2, when all eligible voters are called to cast their votes for one of the five persons who will represent the community in the Island Council. Two polling stations will be available: one in The Bottom and the other in Windwardside.

While in the past voters were required to cast their votes in the polling station closest to their residence, the current rules allow voters to freely choose where they want to vote. Following the October 10, 2010, integration of Saba into the Netherlands, new laws and regulations have become applicable in local elections.

These new electoral laws will be posted on Website http://www.rijksdienstcn.com/ of the Kingdom Department for the Dutch Caribbean (Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland, RCN).

RCN communication advisor on Saba and Statia Alida Francis assured that efforts are currently underway to have the laws translated and posted both in English and Dutch by the end of January.

More information will thus become available to the public in an effort to dissipate any misinformation or confusion.



.