Caribbean Agency for Media Services

Citizens outraged!

Friday, June 26th, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

STOP PRESS

A sewage system in the middle of a residential area!!  It keeps  getting worse!!  When will it end?

Men from River Sallee Fathers Organisation making a difference

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

By Chrislyn Wellington

CIMCS

CAMS News Line

St. Patrick’s:

A St. Patrick organisation which focuses on FATHERS vows to make a difference in the lives of families within the River Sallee and surrounding areas.

In recognition of and observance for the 2009 Father’s Day the organisation held a week of activities within the River Sallee community. From Saturday 13^th June, to Sunday June 21^st, the week of activities focused mainly on “The responsibilities of Father’s as men, to the law, to Natural Disaster and as a Role Model”.  

Lectures were held at the River Sallee Government School and included persons from River Sallee and surrounding areas. Presentations were made by the Governor General, Mr Carlyle Glean and Mr Claude Douglas. Men were challenged to make a positive difference in their communities, homes and on their work places. Presentations were also done by a representative from NaDMA and the Royal Grenada Police Force.

Also forming part of the activities was a Church Service which was attended by all members of the organisation, a health fair, a road race from Anglican School grounds (Sauteurs) to River Sallee Junction and on the final day which was, ‘Father’s Day” a grand day of fun and frolic was held at the River Sallee Playing Field.

The River Sallee Father’s Organisation was launched in February 3^rd 2008 at the River Sallee Government School. The organisation aims to promote responsible fatherhood by providing opportunities for social fellowship, health education and training which is expected to develop their spiritual, mental, social and physical lives.

According to founder and President Pastor Dave King, the main objectives of the organisation are to bring fathers together, promoting positive messages by setting examples for the boys and young men of the community, maintaining community properties, developing the community and also helping fathers in cultivating a well balance and healthy lifestyle.

Since its inception the organisation has made many accomplishments.  Some of which includes a dinner for the senior citizens of River Sallee and surrounding areas, community clean-ups  and training for fathers was also provided.

Other members of the executive are Vice President Mr Garvin Charles, Secretary Mr Godwin Wildman and Treasurer Mr Leon Francois. At present, the organisation consists of 30 persons and according to the secretary Mr. Wildman, membership is opened to all fathers of River Sallee and surrounding areas who can wholeheartedly subscribe to the principles of the organisation.

The availability of financial services in St. Patrick’s and St. Mark’s…. who is eligible?

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009 | Cams commentary | Comments Off

CAMS News Line

St. Patrick’s 

June 15^th, 2009: If you live in St. Patrick’s or St. Mark’s and you are interested in accessing financial services, where do you go? What is available for the poor and vulnerable? Can the small business man or woman, the farmer or fisher-folk have a window of financial opportunity to remain in business and succeed?

When the River Sallee Cooperative Credit Union (RSCCU) held the ceremony for the opening of its branch office on Main Street, Sauteurs on May 28^th 2009 – both the Prime Minister Tillman Thomas – who is also the Parliamentary Representative for St. Patrick’s East – and General Manager Mrs. Cicely Wilson spoke about reaching a wider target audience with greater financial services

The Grenada Cooperative Bank is one of two banks in St. Patrick’s that offer financial services to the public. The other is Republic bank. Both these banks are commercial in nature and operate basically on a profit making level.

There are two other credit unions in St. Patrick’s – they are the Hermitage Credit Union and the River Sallee Cooperative Credit Unions. There is one in St. Mark’s, the Grenada Union of Teachers Cooperative Credit Union.

A close examination of the services offered and the ‘target audience’ of these institutions revealed that the people of St. Patrick’s and St. Mark’s may now have a window of opportunity to access ‘needed’ financial services in these times of economic ‘melt-down’. The question is however, just who are eligible?

Services available

During an interview with Ms. Ria Jones a Loans Clerk, she outlined some of the services available. Ms. Jones pointed out that the Bank is involved in quite a lot of community activities targeting the younger members of society including students.

These include the ‘Honey Bees Junior Savings Account’ – from birth to age 18, and focuses on saving for the children’s future. According to Ms. Jones this service allows the youngsters to develop good savings and spending habits. It is expected that the children will “understand the concept of money, whilst learning the importance of saving”.

The ‘Super Starter Education Investment Plan’, according to this senior member of staff, is the ideal way to fund the increasingly expensive cost of higher education. It is more than just savings, Ms. Jones noted – adding that “it’s a well planned investment strategy for educational advancement”.

Co-operative Bank has recently launched their Higher Educational Loan Plan (HELP) product which is geared towards financing education needs. This new product offers affordable interest rates, attractive benefits and is superior to other education loans being offered by other lending institutions.

Ms. Jones said it is expected that this new product will be beneficial to persons pursuing education at the tertiary level and beyond. It also offers a gold and platinum repayment plan which is expected to cater to the needs of all persons interested in and qualify for the facility.

According to the 2008 financial report the bank has recorded a total asset of EC$445,445,516.00 at the end of its financial year. Customer loans and advances were EC$229,608,813.00, while their income before taxes stood at EC$5,427,655.00 and the net income after taxes were EC$4,551,543.00

The bank with a service of more than 30 years to St. Patrick’s is not only targeting the youngsters. In fact the bank has a very positive relationship with pensioners and workers generally. The services available also include payments of bills – NAWASA, GRENLEC, FLOW, LIME – and financial and investment advice.

The manager of that institution – Mrs. Ladyclair Noel has been with the bank from inception, describes the bank as a seasoned and experienced financial services provider to the people of St. Patrick’s and surrounding parishes. Mrs. Noel with pride said not many can boasts of such accomplishments. “The quality of service is what keeps the people coming to us…. we have no fear about our competition we are unmatched when it comes to financial services”, a most relaxed and confident manager quipped.

Credit Unions

The River Sallee Cooperative Credit Union stands out as a leader in its own rights. Although that financial institution was established more than 40 years ago based in the village of River Sallee, they have grown to expand to Main Street Sauteurs.

With a membership of more than 3,000 and assets exceeding EC$9 million, General Manager Mrs. Cisely Wilson believes that the credit union is poised to take off. The services offered focus on the rural communities in St. Patrick’s as well as communities in other parishes – including persons living in the Diaspora (outside of Grenada).

At the end of their financial year – December 2008 – the credit union boasts of assisting 238 persons with loans totaling EC$2,276,789.73 in areas of housing, land purchase, motor vehicles purchase and business. The institution has also provided EC$113,943.51 in debt consolidation as part of their rescheduled loans for 2008.

The credit union is now talking about reaching a wider target audience and partnering with government to in providing greater and efficient services. They too offer bill payment services, loans for its membership at very low interest rates targeting the fisher-folk, the small business man/woman, farmers among others.

Other credit unions in this jurisdiction are the Hermitage Cooperative Credit Union (HCCU) and the St. Patrick’s Cooperative Credit Union (SPCCU). These are much smaller unions with fewer members. The SPCCU has been absorbed by the Grenada Union of Teachers Credit Union and is likely to have a greater impact on the people of St. Patrick’s and surrounding areas.

Cap Bank fiasco

The Cap Bank fiasco is still a bitter pill for the people of both parishes to swallow. Up until recently the only financial services available in St. Mark’s was Grenada’s Home Grown – Cap Bank, now there is the GUT Cooperative Credit Union. The people of St. Mark’s had heavy investments in Cap Bank – the only financial services provider at that time.

There are scores of depositors still counting their losses with the failed Cap Bank. One senior citizen from River Sallee cannot come to terms with her loss of EC$100,000.00. A family man is still crying (today) that his home and house are ‘gone’ up in smoke. He said, he has lost his family – divorce – the invested portion of his assets – more than EC$75,000.00 – from the court. are ‘no more’. He is a ‘sad’ investor waiting for some good news.

Who is eligible?

All these institutions need people to access their services and would encourage all of St. Patrick’s and St. Mark’s to ‘come in’ and let’s talk. The credit unions seem to be going out on a limb to increase membership. The banks may be focusing on communities and the younger population – at least during this period – although not exclusively.

What is certain though is that what ever financial needs you may have, once you can have the necessary pre-requisites, your application will be given consideration. The choice of commercial banks or credit unions is entirely up to your needs for financing. It may be just a phone call away – make the first step – seek an appointment, and this can change for ‘good’ you and your family’s future.

OECS CHAIRMAN, PRIME MINISTER TILLMAN THOMAS WANTS DEEPER REGIONAL INTEGRATION

Saturday, June 13th, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

ST.GEORGE’S, GRENADA – Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas has called for a renewed thrust among OECS states for the strengthening of the integration process, describing it as one of the best options for the sub-region in the face of globalization. He welcomed the Manning initiative as “a move in the right direction.”

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 48^th meeting of the OECS Authority in Montserrat this week, the Prime Minister said the OECS leaders were meeting in “very difficult times.” 

“The challenges of globalization, natural disasters, reducing poverty, achieving economic growth and now a world financial market in turmoil, collectively have extremely negative implications for the political and social stability for our vulnerable states,” he said.  

The Prime Minister, who is also Chairman of the OECS Authority, pointed to the steady rise in food prices, the decrease in direct foreign investment and a tourism sector which continues to struggle from a fall in visitor arrivals and spending, as some of the characteristics of the region’s future economic fortunes. 

“As a result, I believe that one of the best options open to us remains the pursuance of the strengthening of our integration process. This we should pursue with renewed vigour. Our actions must be decisive, bold and pragmatic,” the Prime Minister said.  

He said while the economic outlook for small states may be bleak, there is a need to “seriously consider any initiative that will fortify and strengthen the efforts of our organization to achieve sustainable economic development.” 

Pointing to the Manning Initiative, an attempt by Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Patrick Manning to integrate further with the OECS, the Grenadian leader said any arrangement that values and respects our uniqueness; that seeks to preserve it and at the same time, promotes the equitable sharing of the benefits to be derived, “must be embraced.” 

“I am aware that some of us are rather tentative about the proposal, but I think that we have to be open, confident and pragmatic enough, to discuss anything that seeks to enhance the goals of our grouping. Indeed, I am informed that our OECS treaty arrangements are not expected to be affected negatively.”   

The Grenadian leader said the team of consultants, led by Professor Vaughn Lewis, is hard at work seeking to finalize, by year’s end, a study that will generate and foster wide discussions on the matter.  

The Prime Minister said he is “firmly committed to regional integration”.

Journalism students attend media workshop

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CAMS Students attend workshop on Protocol

St. George’s GRENADA: October 2008: Six students from the 2008 journalism class and their Training Coordinator, including a former graduate from CAMS training, participated in the half day workshop on Protocol and Etiquette, held at the Presentations Boys College on Saturday October 18^th.

 The workshop was organized by the Media Workers Association of Grenada (MWAG) as part of their on-going education and training development for members of the media. The workshop was facilitated by Mrs. Alice Thomas-Roberts. More than fifteen persons attended the workshop.

President of MWAG Rawle Titus encouraged participants to embrace the opportunities to develop their skills for their chosen profession.

 Some of the issues discussed include Understanding the principles of Protocol; Etiquette, ethical behavior, professionalism and mode of dress.

CAMS Training Cordinator Mr. Milton Coy after the workshop describes it as very timely and should be used as a platform to build and train ourselves in the media studies and development.

Letters from La Baye

Saturday, June 13th, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

By Stanley Charles 

St. George’s: November 08^th: – I went to La Baye last week end (1/11/). My Saturday morning started with breakfast at a family home – breakfast included salt fish, eggs, laced with local delights plus pears and oranges – normally breakfast would be my favorite ‘chocker’ (roasted sprats, which is pound in the mortar and goodies added to it) –  good conversation and the mourning the death of Polly, a well loved parrot, which met its waterloo by another pet at the home – a little dog which had not yet learned how to play without killing – Polly died on its way to the vet. 

The family was anxious to know if the time had come for me to write the book. I would have to tell who bought the Gairy’s ticket, which politician wanted to set up a pirate radio station to undermine a government, which politician led cabinet into prayer and he prayed for God to give him strength to kill off his enemies, which former ambassador to the Court of St. James (UK) son tried to go into the private rooms of Buckingham Palace, which politician asked British officials if his daughter was a virgin and which politician at a luncheon in St. George’s held the plate to his head and licked. 

I said the kind of book which will sell is ‘kiss and tell’ – like the man who was chosen to be Governor General but the British pointed out to the Grenadians that he very rarely slept at home and he spent most of his time with the other woman. I said kiss and tell books grab headlines and become best sellers but this kind of exposure in a country like grenada is perhaps better for my late night sex show. 

The late Errol Maitland and I held several discussions about my starting a sex show. He urged me to start immediately but I understood him, the day after you start he will be demanding his money. Paul Roberts of Spice Capital Radio (SCR) had also discussed a sex show but while I am wedded to doing a sex show, I am not minded to do a radio sex show. 

In La Baye I was literally jostled by well meaning people who felt the Government information was poor – lots of comparison with the previous government – people are ‘pissed’ and some among their numbers think I should offer to help – is we government, now you free you must help us. One must admit that I was particularly touched by an old man in the Grenville market who said he always prayed for me and he hoped I will help the government – they can’t handle – you find? – I redirected the conversation saying they have the support of the country; he inquired what about this American woman, what can be done about her? A passerby stopped to say, send her home – make sure they pay you Mr. Charles and are we going to get La Baye TV? His wife urged me to help we government, they jail you but we know you is one of us, we need you. 

I thanked them all only to be surrounded later at the fish market with some people thinking I can just take over and start as they say speaking for the prime minister – is we time now, help us, we not going to jail you, you is we, we know what you can do. I became a sponge for the NDC taking a barrage of anxious criticism. I agreed to help one of the local camera men put stories together for the St Andrew’s area. I came under great pressure in La Baye from people on the street. The parang king – Sethie T boy, he stood around waiting for me. He obviously wanted to talk to me but he had to go.  

I had an intense conversation with a young woman who threatened – I suppose its funny – to rape me if I did not help the NDC. Later an NDC political activist and I, who commands my respect, expressed nervous concern about information. Boy we need somebody like you, he said. I agree to engage in talks about jobs and development for La Baye – coastal development and a race track – both of which I am wedded to. 

Those responsible for disseminating information on and on behalf of government – not only are they adrift in the information ocean, they have no GPS. They display a total disconnect from how modern information works. Before I left La Baye I gave a word of comfort to one of the leading wealth generators in the area. I said I will help if asked but from a distance. In my opinion when it comes to information the NDC can be equated to that of a ‘slasher’ (self mutilation). 

I was a part of the old NDC and one has deep painful memories of how they approach politics and their attitude towards information – their total lack of political will. The old NDC like the new, can boast of educated men and women among their number with great love for country – politically disconnected from the majority of people deluded themselves into believing the government was independent of the party and the party was an irritant and of course the NDC did not understood the culture of Grenadians – they allow the civil servants to pilot the country – ministers appeared to be subordinated to ministry officials. The old NDC ushered in the free press, privatization aggressively promoted small businesses, agriculture command centre stage, tourism and fisheries allow growing. In real terms, modern Grenada owes its architecture to the NDC, however they refused to understand that a free press had to be governed – parliament was lively, parliamentarians were allowed to speak at length, the rule of law like now was not impeded. They did all the right things. The NDC even soften its tone towards professionals who were trained in Cuba.  

The old NDC ‘neglected’ its base under valued information. NDC the party was left out of the loop – a rising politician sensing the NDC was rudderless, seized the moments. “Mr. Prime Minister…… what do you know….. I don’t know, I don’t know” This was one of the telling head blows to the old NDC. Another and perhaps it’s the most defining is a local calypso “Grenada for sale”. That song destroyed the NDC’s public image. The radio phone ins and talk show was high jacked by political activist. People perceived the NDC to be divided and not in ‘control’. In Grenadian culture control is central – yes boss, “we love our leader, we love him the best of all” (Gairy) “no Bish, no revo” (Bishop). The Grenadian psychic feeds and some would say depends on ambivalent dictator type. The present NDC appears oblivious to the political history of their fore runner. One can imagine not long from now someone or a part of the government will try to take control of the politics – the NDC needs to publicly orchestrate its politics. Appeasement is ‘valueless’ in politics. It should be noted that the NDC has a clear mandate no civil servant got elected – political leadership cannot be wimpish, the NDC cannot give the impression, it is capitulating to civil servants. For some strange reason some among us and its not a number that can be ignored have perceived the government to have misplaced its ‘road map’. The government enjoys the support of the nation and its friends, while anxious are eager to see the government command a nation rather than appearing to be followers of public opinion. 

The NDC enjoys the confidence of the nation. These are extraordinary hard economic times. The world is experiencing seismic economic shift. You inherited a bankrupt country. A country is in need of leadership at every level. This is not just the hour of our discontent. It is our watershed. You must take control. You have a mandate. Grenada’s culture militates against the acceptance of perceived wimpish political leadership. You need to REEL and COME again. Your friends think you are on the ‘bridge’ but you are not at the ‘wheel’. 

EDITOR’s NOTE:

Stanley wrote his letter from La Baye before it became clear that the government’s handling of ‘information’ had been identified as an achilles’ heel for the NDC administration prompting ‘expected’ changes at the Gardens.

Sedition! Is it necessary?

Saturday, June 13th, 2009 | Cams | Comments Off

By Stanley Charles

Staff Writer, CAMS

 October 26^th – St. George’s GRENADA: I have been exposed to the ill conceived argument that Stanley Charles ‘deserves’ what he got. He interfered with the man – we know, you don’t interfere with politicians; he causes the man to ‘pressure’ everybody in the media.

Stanley Charles thinks he is better than us just because he went to England and he is trained. These English people come here they build houses, fence them off and they lorded over us – Stanley Charles went to jail because he talks too much.

There was a time when one would be ‘livid’ but the media in Grenada is home to some people who are there as a place of employment and are ‘yokel’ type beholding to others in most case political agents of predatory status.

This does not diminish my drive to enlist those in the media who command editorial to ventilate the seditious laws – you are charged with enlightening the public – you benefit or enjoy what is call privilege, because of your position as a public watchdog – you form public opinion – the abrogation of criminal sedition and seditious libel need your ‘considered’ engagement.

I stayed away from the human right aspect of law as it relates to Stanley and George Worme but I have written a letter to the Grenada Human Rights Organisation Inc (GHRO) inviting them to engage the issue too.

What follows is part of the legal argument which went before the law lords in the George Worme case: Privy Council Appeal No. 71 of 202

“…..The Submissions of Counsel in Outline

In brief, Mr Nicol QC for the appellants contends that section 252(2) of the Code, as it falls to be interpreted and applied in the light of sections 253 to 257, is inconsistent with their right of freedom of expression under section 10 of the Constitution.<span style=”mso-spacerun: yes;”

PM Thomas: the ‘power of the Diaspora’ – working to build Grenada

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CAMS’ News Line

St. Patrick’s 

Prime Minister Tillman Thomas has described the contributions by Grenadians living abroad to their homeland as ‘very timely’ and ‘positive’ for the development of Grenada. Speaking at the commissioning of the new Modern Information Technology Lab at the St. Patrick’s R C School on Wednesday 10^th June Prime Minister Thomas said the donation by the ex-students of the school is evidence of the “power of the Diaspora’. 

The Prime Minister said government will soon set up a ‘Desk’ in the ministry specifically to deal with issues relevant to the Diaspora. Recognizing the enormous contribution being made by Grenadians living outside of Grenada, Prime Minister Thomas said “we want to work closely with Grenadians everywhere for the all-round development of this country”, adding, especially at “this critical time of economic downturn”. He noted that Government can work with the Diaspora to also develop health care, tourism, culture, sports and other aspects of Grenadians’ lives. 

Prime Minister Thomas, who is also the Parliamentary Representative for St. Patrick’s East, commended the principal and staff of the school for the initiative and the creative approach to learning. All students of the St. Patrick’s will be introduced to the computer as an aid for learning, the Principal Mr. David Hopkin said at the ceremony. 

Nevertheless, the Prime Minister warned against using the computer for negative purposes. He said we should guard our children from the many negative images and information that can be found on the internet. There are ‘dangerous characters’ out there who are waiting to destroy our young ones, he noted. 

There was also a call for proper care and maintenance of the computers. We have to ensure that the contributions made by our brothers and sisters in various organisations and different countries, are made to work for us and not against us. We need to take ownership of it, protect it and maintain it, the Prime Minister said. 

We are committed to a knowledge based education and to obtain knowledge we must have competent and qualified teachers and a school that is fully equipped Prime Minister Tillman Thomas said at the ceremony. He pledged his continued support for education and the overall development of everyone within the St. Patrick’s East constituency. 

The Parliamentary Representative for St. Patrick’s West – Hon Joseph Gilbert – a past student of the St. Patrick’s RC School described the occasion as an emotional moment for him. He spoke about the importance and significance of becoming computer literate in this competitive world of work. He called on all students to make positive use of this opportunity to enhance their education through this information technology lab. He also praised the ex students in New York for their generous contribution.

Modern information technology lab opens at St. Patrick’s RC School

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CAMS’ News Line

St. Patrick’s 

The St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic School now has a modern Information Technology Laboratory. The Lab consists of Seventeen computers, a donation by the New York based St. Patrick’s RC School association, valued at approximately US$36,000.00. 

Principal of the school Mr. David Hopkin described the commissioning of the Lab as historic and a positive day in the life of the school. He said all students will have the opportunity to interact with these ‘modern state of the art’ computers and the teachers will have the opportunity to use the computers as an aid to their teaching. An Information Technology teacher will be assigned to the school to begin classes in the new school term – September 2009, the principal said at the ceremony. The Ministry of Education has contributed the wireless internet service on the computer system. 

President of the Ex Student Association, Mr. Anthony Robertson – himself a past principal of the school, said they were happy to return something ‘tangible’ to the school which gave them an academic foundation in life. The group consists of twelve past students – living and working in New York. Mr. Robertson called on the students to embrace the opportunity to move with the technological age. The former students have also contributed over US$6,000.00 in scholarships for students of the school. 

Ministry of Education’s representative – Mr. Maudlyn James – the Education Officer responsible for St. Patrick’s, described the availability of these computers as a positive development for primary school education in Grenada. We are happy that the past students of this school have made this vision a reality to make our students become computer literate, Mrs. James said.  “It is not a dream any more, but today marks the dawn of reality. The reality in that information from far and wide can be accessed in our class rooms. Mrs. James also noted that this moment sets the stage also to ensure inclusive education is on stream in Grenada”. 

There were cultural presentations by the students. They included a welcome by Grade One students, a dance presentation from a group of girls, the school song by the students and a presentation by the school choir – under the direction of Mrs. Shirley Robinson – a former cultural officer in the Division of Culture. The ribbon was cut by a Kindergarten student – Shelisa Phillip – while the unveiling of the plaque was done by Mr. Leroy Phillip, a member of the Ex Student Association. 

Father Fredrick Isek MSP of the School Management Board and Parish Priest officiated during the blessings of the Lab.

St. Patrick’s Anglican School shines in the North – two in top 60

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CAMS’ News Line

St. Patrick’s 

The St. Patrick’s Anglican School, Sauteurs is the only school in St. Patrick’s to record passes in the national top sixty. Forty (40) of the sixty (60) students from the school were successful in the 2009 Common Entrance examination. 

Two of the twenty were in the top sixty – they are Janelle Charles who placed 32^nd and Lamarr Fraser who placed 54^th in the island.   

Twenty (20) of the twenty-five (25) students from the River Sallee Government School recorded passes; from the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic School 46 of the 61 students who sat exams were successful; At the Chantimelle School, they sent 11 students and 8 received passes; the other school – Hermitage Government School had 39 passes from their 82 students who sat the examination. 

The St. Patrick’s Anglican School can also boast of the 10 year old student Angelo Gilbert, who joined the common Entrance class in January of this year and was successful in the exam. Angelo is the son of the Parliamentary Representative for St. Patrick’s West Hon. Joseph Gilbert. 

Mr. Steven George, principal of St. Patrick’s Anglican school was proud of the achievements of the children and extends congratulations to all the successful students and their parents, especially the outstanding ones.