Budget Address of British Virgin Islands Premier D. Orlando Smith

2013 BUDGET ADDRESS

 ''THE PATH TOWARDS ECONOMIC GROWTH''

INTRODUCTION

1. Madam Speaker, I move that the bill entitled, Appropriation Act 2013, be read a second time and that in so doing invite this Honorable House to extend its customary indulgence, in permitting me to read the Budget Address.

2. Madam Speaker I would like to first thank God for the good fortune of these islands during the past eight months and more as we have been spared the wrath of natural disasters that affected many of our neighbors in the Caribbean and the North Eastern United States. Allow me to also express my sincerest appreciation to the people of the BVI for being patient through this period of significant challenge.

3. I am today happy to say that in keeping with our strong maritime traditions, we have weathered the storm of the global economic down turn, and righted the ship; it is now time to adjust our course onwards on “the path towards economic growth”. Madam Speaker on this course we will need all hands on deck.

4. Just over a week ago the US reelected President Barack Obama. Many of us experienced a great sense of euphoria at this outcome, but we noted that the very next day the stock market plunged, driven by concerns about a slowing economy in Germany and other parts of Europe; and of course the debate relating to averting the 'fiscal cliff' began in earnest. It is no secret that our economy is hitched to that of the United States. We use their currency as our only tender, the greater part of our tourism comes to us from or through that country, we import most of our goods and services from there, and many of the investors among us hail from that nation as well. We therefore know and must bear in mind, that a

sneeze in the US economy inevitably results in our catching the flu, and so we must maintain focus on the outcome of developments in the US over the next several weeks.

READ THE FULL BUDGET ADDRESS HERE.

St. Maarten tops world average for growth in passenger traffic

~ Records 7% increase during first half ~

PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten continues to prove itself as a preferred destination for travellers with a seven per cent increase in passenger traffic during the first seven months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, exceeding the world average of six per cent.

Map by Wikipedia

The figures revealed during the Strategy Summit held at the World Routes conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, show that St. Maarten has held its own despite the economic and financial challenges faced by nations around the globe.

Compared to 485,936 total enplanements from January 1, 2011, to June 30, 2011, Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) saw an increase to 520,018 total enplanements during the first half of 2012.

Various airlines servicing the island also revealed that they were showing healthy load factors for the country, with some indicating that performance of their St. Maarten routes exceeded company expectations.

JetBlue announced that the performance of its San Juan-St. Maarten route during the slow period was better than the airline had anticipated, while United Airlines said its extended seasonal service had surpassed expectations. Delta, the third-largest airline in the world, reported that its load factor to the island was a very healthy average of 90 per cent.

Map by Capitol Air

"As a destination that focuses many efforts on tourism, we are thrilled with these figures," said St. Maarten Tourist Bureau interim director of tourism Augusto Priest. "We will continue to work diligently to promote St. Maarten as a destination of choice and that would enable us to increase passenger traffic."

Officials of the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications and of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, and management of PJIA (airport code SXM) participated in the St. Maarten delegation at the conference.

Anguilla Tennis Academy develops future Caribbean athletes

British Virgin Islands delegation sees Anguilla's Tennis Academy as model

The Anguillian Newspaper ®Local online newspaper updated weekly with the latest stories, news and photos.

L-R: Mitch Lake, Jeremiah Frett and Steve August

The Anguilla Tennis Academy (ATA) is serving as a model for other Caribbean islands wishing to develop a facility for children in particular.

The latest interest shown in the ATA has come from the BVI Lawn Tennis Association. A two-man delegation, comprising Jeremiah Frett, the organisation’s Public Relations Officer, and Steve Augustine, an Architect, visited Anguilla several days ago and met with Mitch Lake, the ATA’s Founder and President.

“From our research, prior to coming to Anguilla, we felt the ATA was a model worth investigating and we came to see if we could adopt such a model or various aspects of it in the Virgin Islands,” the BVI Lawn Tennis PRO told The Anguillian.

“The information shared would advance the efforts of the BVI Lawn Tennis Association to build a tennis academy because it created a bench-mark for us to work from. We do not have to reinvent the wheel. Mitch shared his experiences from humble beginnings to the world-class academy that you have in Anguilla.”

Mr Frett said his organisation was still in its infancy. “We are in discussion with a prospective land owner and Steve Augustine, from SA Architect, has agreed to design the facility,” he told the newspaper. “We found Mitch to be very passionate about developing the sport of tennis not just in Anguilla but throughout the Caribbean. His insightfulness, know-how and willingness to share such information deem him as an ambassador to the sport of tennis. The facility and programme of the ATA under his leadership is commendable.”

Mitch said that one of the things he could do would be “to foster a relationship whereby in my summer camp, either a week before, or after, I may look to share some of my international coaches with the BVI.” He explained that, in such a way, the Association there could “create a spark in tennis, in order to push the grassroots programme, which would encourage Government officials and other persons in the BVI to realise that there is a market for tennis.”

Mr. Lake was certain that “once we can show that the sport is growing, the facility will get the funding it needs. I can help them in that regard.”

In the meantime, Mitch Lake presented a supply of rackets from the Anguilla Tennis Academy to Mr.Frett for the use of the BVI Lawn Tennis Association. “We are truly grateful for the unexpected kind gesture of the rackets donation,” the Association’s PRO stated. “These rackets will be distributed to children in our junior programme.”

Mr. Frett was grateful for Mr. Lake’s assistance and generosity during the two-day visit of the BVI delegation.

Threat to CARICOM Exports of Rum to the United States

PRESS RELEASE

Caribbean Community Secretariat, P.O. Box 10827, 

Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana;

Tel: 592-222-0001/0075 Fax:  592-222-0171; E-mail: <carisec3@caricom.org

NO: 321/2012                                                                     DATE:  11^th December 2012

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana)

  

Statement issued by the Thirty-Fifth Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED)

on the

Threat to CARICOM Exports of Rum to the United States

 

The Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, on 10-11 December 2012, underlined that rum production and export are critical to the social and economic well-being of the Region. In addition to being the largest agriculture-based export industry in CARICOM, the rum industry is a substantial employer and a major contributor to foreign exchange earnings and government revenues.

Therefore, CARICOM continues to have serious concerns about the threat to the competitiveness of Caribbean rum in the United States (US) market resulting from the massive subsidies provided by the Governments of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and Puerto Rico to multinational rum producers in those territories. The nature and scale of these subsidies are such that they threaten to distort rum markets not only in the US but elsewhere.

Time is not on the side of the Caribbean rum industry. Given the likely deleterious effect of these subsidies on the long-term viability of an industry which is of such critical importance to the economic fabric of so many countries in the Region, the COTED supports strongly the deep commitment of CARICOM countries to pursuing all avenues available to secure a resolution of this matter that restores the competitive balance in the marketplace.  

The COTED calls on the United States to engage early with Caribbean rum-producing countries with a view to achieving an outcome that will support the continued competitive access for Caribbean rum to the US market.

Hawaiian Kingdom Accedes to International Criminal Court

Hawaiian Kingdom Deposits Instrument of Accession to the Jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court with the United Nations Secretariat in New York 

 NEW YORK, December 10, 2012 — This afternoon the Ambassador-at-large and Agent for the acting Government of the Hawaiian Kingdom, H.E. David Keanu Sai, Ph.D., deposited with the United Nations Secretary General in New York an instrument of accession acceding to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) at the Hague, Netherlands. The ICC is a permanent and independent tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands, that prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The ICC only prosecutes individuals and not States.

 

The instrument of accession was deposited with the United Nations Secretary-General in accordance with Article 125(3) of the ICC Rome Statute, which provides, “This Statute shall be open to accession by all States. Instruments of accession shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.” The instrument of accession was received and acknowledged by Mrs. Bernadette Mutirende of the United Nations Treaty Section, Office of Legal Affairs, at 380 Madison Avenue, New York.

By acceeding to the ICC Rome Statute, the Hawaiian Kingdom, as a State, accepted the exercise of the ICC’s jurisdiction over war crimes committed within its territory by its own nationals as well as war crimes committed by nationals of States that are not State Parties to the ICC Rome Statute, such as the United States of America. According to Article 13 of the ICC Rome Statute, the Court may exercise its jurisdiction if a situation is referred to the ICC’s Prosecutor by the Hawaiian Kingdom who is now a State Party by accession.

The current situation in the Hawaiian Islands arises out of the prolonged and illegal occupation of the entire territory of the Hawaiian Kingdom by the United States of America since the Spanish-American War on August 12, 1898, and the failure on the part of the United States of America to establish a direct system of administering the laws of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The United States disguised its occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom as if a treaty of cession annexed the Hawaiian Islands. There is no treaty.

On August 10, 2012 a Protest and Demand of the prolonged occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom, being a non-Member State of the United Nations, was deposited with the President of the United Nations General Assembly pursuant to Article 35(2) of the United Nations Charter. The Protest and Demand was acknowledged and received by the Office of the President of the Sixty-Sixth Session of the General Assembly.

Individuals of the State of Hawai‘i government who have committed war crimes have been reported to theUnited States Pacific Command and the United Nations Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Switzerland, for deliberately denying a fair and regular trial to Defendants, irrespective of nationality, and with the Hawaiian Kingdom’s accession to the jurisdiction of the ICC, these alleged war criminals now comes under the prosecutorial authority of the Prosecutor of the ICC.

Regarding the occupation of Hawaiian territory, the ICC is authorized under the Rome Statute to prosecute individuals for:

•   war crime of destruction and appropriation of property;

•   war crime of denying a fair trial;

•   war crime of unlawful deportation and transfer of persons to another State;

•   war crime of unlawful confinement;

•   the transfer, directly or indirectly, by the Occupying Power of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies;

•   war crime of destroying protected objects dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes, historic monuments;

•   war crime of destroying or seizing the property of the Occupied State;

•   war crime of compelling participation in military operations;

•   war crime of outrages upon personal dignity;

•   war crime of displacing civilians. 

H.E. David Keanu Sai, Ph.D. represented the acting Government of the Hawaiian Kingdom in arbitral proceedings before the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Larsen v. Hawaiian Kingdom, (119 International Law Reports 566), at The Hague, Netherlands, and also did an interview with South-South News, a news agencey of the United Nations, regarding the prolonged occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Contact: David Keanu Sai, Ph.D.

Telephone:  (808) 383-6100

E-mail: interiorhk@hawaiiankingdom.org

U.S. Virgin Islands Mulls electrical connection with Puerto Rico

WAPA is seeking environmental assessment of connecting St. Thomas to Puerto Rico grid

BY ALDETH LEWIN (DAILY NEWS STAFF) 

ST. THOMAS - The project to connect the Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico's power grid is one step closer to becoming a reality now that the V.I. Water and Power Authority is moving ahead to conduct an environmental impact study.

A Request for Proposals has gone out seeking a consultant to asses the environmental impact of a proposed power transmission cable connecting Puerto Rico to the Virgin Islands.

The 50-mile cable would connect the Harley power plant on St. Thomas to the Fajardo substation on the east coast of Puerto Rico.

A possible St. Croix interconnection would be from Frederiksted to the Yabucoa substation in southeastern Puerto Rico, a distance of about 80 miles. While technically feasible, the St. Croix connection would be about 340 feet deeper than any existing cable worldwide. It would require additional laboratory testing and likely be much more expensive.

WAPA also is evaluating an interconnection from St. Thomas to the British Virgin Islands, according to officials.

The environmental impact study will include several required studies related to the construction and operation of the cables: a bathymetric study; a benthic study; an archaeological investigation; and a landing-site survey.

The main environmental concern is what impact the cable would have on the ocean floor.

Federal permitting agencies, as well as state permitting agencies in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, will be involved in the environmental review of the project.

The cable landing sites will require coastal zone management approval, WAPA officials said.

"This is the last round of studies. Once we get this back, then we can secure the financing," WAPA Executive Director Hugo Hodge Jr. said Monday.

The study follows two previous technical studies: one on the feasibility of the submarine interconnection and a second to evaluate the highest level of renewable energy - such as solar and wind - that the utility can put onto its grid with and without interconnection to Puerto Rico.

Siemens Power Technologies Inc. conducted the two studies, which were funded through a $200,000 appropriation from the V.I. Legislature and a $475,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The report found that upgrades to the territory's system would be needed before the interconnection could be implemented.

Hodge said the utility would enter into a commitment with Puerto Rico to purchase a minimum of 10-20 megawatts, with options to buy more power if needed.

The transmission cable most likely would carry up to 200 megawatts.

Hodge said the plan is to then sell power to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) or other Caribbean islands.

"We plan to sell to BVI and down the chain from there," he said.

Once all the studies have been complete, financing is secured and permits are in place, the project should be done within a year, Hodge said.

"It takes about six to nine months to make the cable and about 60 days to lay the cable," he said.

The WAPA board has included the interconnection to Puerto Rico as a viable option in its Energy Production Action Plan. The plan says interconnection will allow WAPA to integrate more renewable energy production without impacting the stability of the grid; reduce air emissions; reduce overall electric rates and produce fuel savings; allow for more efficient power generation; allow preventive maintenance work to be done on equipment without interrupting service; and reduce the risk of damage or loss of power from hurricanes and other natural disasters or fuel shortages.

Officials hope the interconnection will lead to a Caribbean grid system similar to mainland electrical grids. Such a grid would increase reliability and lower rates, according to WAPA.

WAPA is looking for federal funding and exploring other financing options to pay for the interconnection. WAPA estimates the project would cost between $125 million and $300 million, depending on whether one or both islands are connected; the size of the cable; and other infrastructure upgrades that may be needed to maximize the efficiency of the undersea cable.

Hodge said at least one agency has offered a low-interest loan to complete the project, but all options will be considered.

Cuba and Southern African Liberation - Pambazuka

Pambazuka

The unknown story

Isaac Saney

2012-12-05, Issue 609

cc D M

One of the greatest military victories in African history, conducted jointly by Angolan and Cuban troops in 1987-1988 in the Angolan town of Cuito Cuanavale, is little known in global history

Cuba's direct, extensive, critical and decisive role in the struggle against the apartheid regime in South Africa is little known in the West. As 2012 marches into 2013, we are in the midst of the 25th anniversary of a series of military engagements that profoundly altered the history of southern Africa. In 1987-1988, a decisive series of battles occurred around the southeastern Angolan town of Cuito Cuanavale. 

When it occurred, these battles were the largest military engagements in Africa since the North African battles of the Second World War. Arrayed on one side were the armed forces of Cuba, Angola and the South West African People's Organization (SWAPO), on the other, the South African Defense Forces, military units of the Union for the Total National Independence of Angola (UNITA - the South African proxy organization) and the South African Territorial Forces of Namibia (then still illegally occupied by Pretoria).

Cuito Cuanavale is marginalized in the west, frequently ignored, almost as if it had never occurred. However, the overarching significance of the battle cannot be erased. It was a critical turning point in the struggle against apartheid. From November 1987 to March 1988, the South African armed forces repeatedly tried and failed to capture Cuito Cuanavale. In southern Africa, the battle has attained legendary status. It is considered THE debacle of apartheid: a defeat of the South African armed forces that altered the balance of power in the region and heralded the demise of racist rule in South Africa.

Cuito Cuanavale decisively thwarted Pretoria's objective of establishing regional hegemony (a strategy which was vital to defending and preserving apartheid), directly led to the independence of Namibia and accelerated the dismantling of apartheid. The battle is often referred to as the African Stalingrad of apartheid. Cuba's contribution was crucial as it provided the essential reinforcements, material and planning.

Read the full article: 

http://pambazuka.org/en/category/features/85677

Also see: 

Independence Commission announced for Turks & Caicos Islands

House Of Assembly Convenes  Governor Announces Independence Commission Written by fp Turks & Caicos staff The Turks and Caicos Islands House of Assembly convened Nov. 28 for the first time since 2009 when the U.K. took over direct control of government under the governor. Illustration by AVIS.TC  Amid much emotion and fanfare, new government officials were joined by others in a church service on the capital island of Grand Turk before a parade and procession to House chambers for the opening ceremony and swearing in. Elected members were joined by four members appointed by the governor. His Excellency the Gov. Ric Todd selected former Consultative Forum Chairwoman Lillian Misick and former forum member John Philips. He also appointed Ruth Blackman on the advice of the majority Progressive National Party and Clarence Selver on the advice of the opposition People’s Democratic Movement. One of the first official actions was the selection of Robert Hall as House speaker in a 10-9 vote that fell along party lines. Hall is a former popular radio talk show personality and a former PNP member of the House. The House also deferred consideration of an Integrity Commission report on recommended salaries for the new government representatives. In his address to the House, the governor said one of the “greatest charges” of his government would be to take the country on a path from a U.K. overseas territory to an independent nation. “We will convene a commission for independence whose mandate will be to define the process required to achieve this goal by the creation of specific developmental targets” Todd said. “The achievement of these objectives will enable this eventual transition when called for by our people to a free and fair referendum on the question.” Both parties have said independence should be the goal of government but only after thoroughly examining and explaining the process and holding a referendum. ______________________

ANGUILLIAN LAWYER SWORN IN AT US VIRGIN ISLANDS BAR

Published by anguillian 

Anguillian Judge Rhys Hodge and new Attorney Khalida Lloyd

An Attorney-at-Law of Anguillian parentage was sworn in as a member of the US Virgin Islands Bar in St. Thomas on November 16.

Attorney Khalida Nicole Lloyd is the daughter of Mr. Lesley Harry Lloyd of Anguilla and Dr. Sezilee Smith Reid of the British Virgin Islands. She was sworn in before Justice Rhys Hodge, an Anguillian Judge serving in St. Thomas.

Attorney Nicole Lloyd graduated from the North Carolina Central University School of Law in May 2010, and was sworn in as a member of the North Carolina Bar in August that year. For the past two years, she has been practising law, in the St. Thomas, at Legal Services of the Virgin Islands, Inc.

Prior to her practice with the US Virgin Islands Legal Services in November, 2010, Miss Lloyd held several positions. These included Judicial Intern at the US District Court in North Carolina; Legal Aid of North Carolina-Advocates for Children’s Services; Law Clerk with the Child Advocacy Commission in Durham, North Carolina; Judicial Intern at the 2nd Judicial Circuit in Tallahassee, Florida; and Communication Services Branch Assistant in Crystal City, Virginia.

TAKING INDEPENDENCE IN ANGUILLA SERIOUSLY

by Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles

Published by anguillian 

Rev. Dr. H. Clifton Niles

        

Much has been said and written in recent times about independence for Anguilla. Some speak as though it can be achieved within a year or so, while others argue that it will take a very long time to achieve, if at all. Still there are others who think that independence is not a viable constitutional option for Anguilla. Despite all the talk, not much real progress is being made and not much will be made in the current atmosphere and with the current approach.

The basic question driving the independence move is this: “Will Anguilla and Anguillians be better off by remaining an Overseas Territory of Britain or by becoming an independent state?” Put another way, the central issue is: “Will it be more advantageous for Anguilla to remain a colony of Britain, with all the attendant “limitations” and privileges”, or will it be better for Anguilla to embrace the daunting challenges and opportunities which will undoubtedly come with self-determination and independence?” This is a very weighty matter which cannot be addressed in any adhoc, light and cavalier manner. Neither should it be dismissed as a “pie in the sky” idea. Let us therefore take the issue of independence for Anguilla seriously and study it properly. Our future wellbeing is wrapped up in it.

Let me be clear and state up front that I believe this issue of independence for Anguilla should always be an option on the table until it is achieved. However, anyone who is sane and realistic will have to admit that true independence is not an attainable goal in the next one or two years. Given where we are as a colony today, and what needs to be done, more time is needed to reach the goal. I firmly believe though, that with wise and mature leadership and with prudent planning, meaningful independence can be attained by 2020 DV. By meaningful independence I mean, in part, real national self-determination which is grounded in self-reliance and full respect for democracy – especially the separation of powers – and the supremacy of the rule of law.

Despite all the hype over independence the fact is that to date, there has been no meaningful national discussion of the pros and cons of independence as it relates to Anguilla. Further, there has not been any real or effective dialogue with the British on the subject. I venture to say that there will be no independence for Anguilla unless there is that national debate followed by a national decision and the bilateral dialogue. Independence is a very important step, with consequences which are so far reaching for every citizen, that it behooves us to ensure that everyone who calls Anguilla “home” has ample time to understand the implications of independence, and then to participate in deciding the way forward. This cannot be rushed in a few weeks or months and so the sooner we begin the process of education and dialogue the better.

Map by Wikipedia

I have heard mention of the 1980 Anguilla Act and the understanding of some persons that under this Act Anguilla can move into independence without a national decision through a referendum. While the word “referendum” is absent from the 1980 document, it speaks of an Order in Council, and historical precedence dictates that there must be a referendum. In addition, the British authorities have made it quite clear, in more recent times, that Britain is not opposed to any Overseas Territory choosing to go independent – and if a territory so chooses, the British authorities will help that territory achieve its goal. They have been equally clear that such a choice must be a definite wish of the people expressed through a referendum. Even if the British were not so clear, the people of Anguilla would wish to use the instrument of the referendum to decide the issue. No one party, be it government or opposition, can presume to usurp this basic right of the people.

I want to believe that we are all in one accord on this basic right; if not, I wish to say to any who think otherwise: “Stop wasting precious time. There will be no independence for Anguilla without a referendum.” As Anguillians we take independence seriously and a referendum cannot be optional in this matter.

I wish now to make some suggestions that I believe could be helpful, if they were discussed more broadly and taken on board as part of the “Roadmap to Independence.”

FIRST:Embrace the fact that independence is a serious matter and is the business of every Anguillian. We must do all we can to make sure that everyone is engaged even if everyone is not for it. Get rid of all party grandstanding and rise to the level of true patriotism and nationalism. The fact is that if independence is a good thing for one it is good for all of us, and if it turns out to be a curse it is a curse for all of us. I call on all our politicians and loyal supporters to allow the greater national good to supersede your (less than perfect) party loyalty. There is great virtue in dialogue and in debating differences of opinion in a civilized respectful manner. Great gains are made through dialogue.

SECOND: Redirect our time, energy and effort to ensure that the present Constitution is qualitatively updated before the new Governor assumes responsibility. I believe the advantage of having the new Governor assume office under an updated Constitution can be readily seen, and would be a major victory step in light of the fact that independence is some years away.

The draft Constitution which was presented to the Government in February 2012 already proposes many changes in our governance, which very likely will become features of an independent Constitution. Implementing these changes in governance will provide useful experience and preparation for the time of independence. Pull out that draft, tweak it and adopt it. It would be better than going for another 6-8 years with the present inhibiting one.

THIRD: Commission immediately a comprehensive study of Anguilla’s readiness for independence. Such a study should report on, among other things: (a) the overall state of the island’s readiness (or lack thereof) for independence in 2020; (b) adjustments needed to existing institutions and laws etc., so that they can be truly democratic and serve a new era; (c) new and additional necessary things which need to be in place in any independent state in this modern world; (d) a suggested “Roadmap to Independence 2020,” or some more appropriate date.

FOURTH: Embark on a national programme of education which will culminate in decision-making by way of a national referendum. Informing this programme of education will be the report of the study which was commissioned earlier. Everyone must be prepared for the new future.

FIFTH: Engage the British meaningfully in independence preparations. This must be a very important aspect of the process, recognizing that they have long experience in this. When negotiations begin at this stage, it must be very clear from the start that independence is the clear and freely expressed wish of the people of Anguilla, that there is the necessary political maturity among our leaders, along with sound economic preparation, infrastructural sophistication, and a superior level of appreciation and respect for law and order from top to bottom.

I believe that if negotiations with the British can begin with a clear demonstration of these things, any reservation or reluctance on their part will have to give way. It has been stated more than onceby British officials that while they will not stand in the way of any Overseas Territory wishing to become independent, they will not encourage it. I call upon all our politicians, administrators and leaders to demonstrate, by your maturity, judgment, thoroughness and objectivity, that Anguilla is ready for a new future.

Chagos Islanders continue their fight to return home

The UK Chagos Support Association

Islanders to challenge Chagos marine reserve with new evidence

 November 25th, 2012 

by Robert Bain 

Royal Courts of Justice / Photo: Ell Brown (via Flickr)

The High Court will consider new evidence on the Chagos islanders’ historic fishing rights and the government’s flawed feasibility study of resettlement, when it hears a judicial review of the Chagos marine reserve next year.

The marine reserve, put in place in 2010, effectively bans the Chagos islanders from returning home. The islanders are challenging it in the courts, arguing that the consultation that preceded the decision was flawed. The case was originally due to be heard this month but has now been put back.

The new evidence comes from recently uncovered documents about the 2002 feasibility study (which the Foreign Office had previously said did not exist) and newly released evidence from Foreign Office archives about historic fishing rights in Chagos.

Judges have also asked the consultant that conducted the feasibility study for the government to release all documents they hold that relate to it.

US diplomatic notes released by Wikileaks suggest that preventing the islanders from going home was in fact one of the government’s intentions when it created the marine reserve. The Foreign Office officials named in the leaked cable will be cross examined as part of the judicial review.

A case by the Government of Mauritius at the International Tribunal on the Laws of the Sea will be heard in July.

See also:  

Senior Government officials to face cross-examination over Wikileaks cable

Curaçao-Set Little League Baseball Drama 'Boys Of Summer'

Indiewire.com

 BY TAMBAY A. OBENSON

African Diaspora Film Festival 2012 Preview

Continuing pre-festival highlights of films scheduled to screen at the upcoming African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) - the festival's 20th edition, to be held in Manhattan from November 23 to December 11.

Tribeca and ESPN Films documentary Boys of Summer, directed by Keith Aumont, stars Vernon Isabella and the Curaçao All-Star Team.

The film's short story goes... On the tiny Caribbean island of Curaçao, they take their Little League Baseball very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that Manager Vernon Isabella has sent his Little League All-Stars to the Little League World Series for an unprecedented 7 consecutive years. However, in the summer of 2008, the boys are faced with new challenges that could jeopardize their 8th chance at the championship. They must overcome injuries, team bickering and Puerto Rican Little League players who’ve already matured in order to do their team, manager, and nation proud.

At its core, Boys Of Summer is a film about baseball as a universally beloved pastime; about children carrying the privilege and burden of a nation's pride; about athletes competing at the highest level and the unexpected camaraderie that develops between these boys as they do what they love.

It'll screen on Tuesday, December 4 at 11AM at Teachers College (New York).

Barbados government establishes Reparations Task Force

Caribbean360.com

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, – The Barbados government has established a 12-member Reparations Task Force that would be responsible for sustaining the local, regional and international momentum for reparations.

It will also conceptualise and articulate strategies, frameworks and projects to accept and manage financial and other resources.“They will also further the research and publication of works that make the case for reparations and self-reparations at individual, community, national, regional and international levels, among other things,” said Culture Minister Stephen Lashley.

Culture Minister Stephen Lashley said Barbados supports the argument that reparations should be made to the people of African descent in the Caribbean. (File photo)

The Task Force is chaired by Professor Pedro Welch and Lashley said it would provide advice and support to government, through the Commission for Pan-African Affairs, on sourcing financial, in-kind and technical assistance resources to implement a package of reparative initiatives.

These projects will include government collaborating with the University of the West Indies to mount a regional reparations conference, which would lead to the formation of a Caribbean commission; and the establishment of a Multi-ethnic Research Centre, a National Museum on Slavery and a Centre for Reparations Research.

Lashley said Barbados supports the argument that reparations should be made to the people of African descent in the Caribbean and has been expressed repeatedly its position over the years at various high-level international meetings.

“It is now acknowledged internationally that Barbados’ historic and pivotal leadership role during the preparatory meetings and at the 2001 World Conference Against Racism ensured that reparations remained on the global agenda in the face of fierce resistance from some countries.

“Against this resistance, forceful Caribbean, African and African-Diasporic negotiations got the World Conference Against Racism to agree that the transatlantic trade in Africans was a crime against humanity and called for reparations in the Durban Declaration,” he said.

He acknowledged that while some Barbadians might argue against pursuing reparations because of certain pre-conceived ideas, some historians, legal thinkers and Pan-Africanists do not believe those views should “diminish the moral or legal force of arguments in favour of reparations”.

Lashley has already said that any resources acquired from reparations should be used for “transformative national development”.

At least three Caribbean countries are exploring the possibility of setting up Reparations Commissions.

The International Centre for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) says States have a legal duty to acknowledge and address widespread or systematic human rights violations, in cases where the state caused the violations or did not seriously try to prevent them.

“Reparations initiatives seek to address the harms caused by these violations. They can take the form of compensating for the losses suffered, which helps overcome some of the consequences of abuse. They can also be future oriented—providing rehabilitation and a better life to victims—and help to change the underlying causes of abuse,” ICTJ said. (CMC) 

Op-Ed: Rum Subsidies in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands

by Frank W Ward 

Chairman

West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers’ Association 

The views are his alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the WIRSPA.

Caribbean Journal Op-Eds are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Caribbean Journal.

RUM HAS A SPECIAL PLACE in the hearts and minds of Caribbean people. It is the product of an industry mainly comprised of small, local distillers which, as a significant economic operator, brings much needed foreign exchange, adds value to primary agriculture and contributes to the revenues of governments struggling to cope with the consequences of severe economic reversals.

The Caribbean is not only rum, but rum is truly of the Caribbean and through these small producers forges an identity associated with the islands and countries from which it comes.

That is why measures being taken by the governments of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and Puerto Rico to provide rum producing companies located in these territories with huge subsidies using a programme that returns to these territories the excise taxes on all rum sold in the mainland USA have, in 2011, prompted the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association Inc. (WIRSPA), the regional industry association to ask CARICOM governments to formally express their deep concern to the US Administration.

These companies, which collectively account for the bulk of sales of rum internationally, also benefit from the excise taxes collected on CARIFORUM rums sold in the USA.

CARICOM wrote to the US Trade Representative in December of 2011 and subsequently raised the issue at a meeting of the US-CARICOM Trade and Investment Council in March in Georgetown.

More recently, in June 2012, a technical meeting was held between CARICOM (and included the Dominican Republic) and the representatives of the USTR and Departments of State, Commerce and the Interior. In addition, subsequent to a meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government in July 2012, a letter expressing the concern of the region was written to President Barack Obama.

The Caribbean’s case revolves around the fact that subsidies offered by the USVI and Puerto Rico are inconsistent with the obligations of the US at the World Trade Organization, in as much as they involve prohibited export subsidies, make use of discriminatory taxation, and cause adverse effects to the interests of other WTO members — in this case, the countries of CARIFORUM.

Specifically, the region’s concerns relate to the application by the USVI and Puerto Rico of a “cover-over” programme which has an admirable developmental purpose and which remits 98 percent of all excise taxes collected on rums sold in the US back to these territories.

In 2010, this amounted to approximately $450 million, and includes the excise taxes paid on CARIFORUM rums sold in the USA.

In order to secure a greater amount of this “cover-over” support, the USVI and Puerto Rico have, since 2008, offered extremely generous concessions, subsidies and other long-term support for rum production in those territories.

Estimates suggest that, in some cases, the value of the operating subsidies alone exceeds the actual production cost per litre of rum. It is also believed that the combined new production capacity resulting from the subsidies offered will be equivalent to at least 80 percent of current US rum consumption.

Unsurprisingly, rum producers in the Anglophone Caribbean, Haiti and the Dominican Republic have viewed this development with alarm.

So, too, have CARIFORUM governments which have recognized the dangers for themselves and the region’s largest agriculture-based export industry which generates an estimated $500 million in foreign exchange and well over $250 million in tax revenues, which is to say nothing of the industry’s role as an important provider of employment or its close relationship to tourism.

What is important to understand is that this involves significant matters of principle over subsidies and fair competition, key components of the WTO regime on trade in goods.

For this reason, the dispute is at a government-to-government, rather than an industry level.

There is also a sense that the manner in which the cover-over programme is being used raises serious questions about the consistency of the United States in adhering to its obligations at WTO.

The United States has for many years taken a leadership role in promoting strong WTO disciplines on trade distorting subsidies, so it is surprising that it has allowed a situation of competitive harm to arise.

CARIFORUM countries may not have considerable political and economic muscle to flex in Washington, London and Brussels, but the region has the facts and strict rules of world trade on its side.

While there is understanding across the region of the economic problems facing the Caribbean territories of the US, by allowing a development programme to be used to subsidize rum production in those territories, the US is damaging one of the few competitive industries that CARIFORUM nations have and which helps underpin their small and vulnerable economies.

The concern is that if the matter goes unchallenged, it will result in CARIFORUM producers seeing their share of the US market wiped out by subsidized product, and induce other rum-producing companies to locate in the USVI and Puerto Rico and benefit from such largesse.