Caribbean Times 28th Issue - Monday 14th June 2016

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6 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g Monday 13th June 2016 PIT Amendment Bill debated and passed Joanna Paris On Friday, members of the Lower House of Parliament, gave a nod of approval towards the passage of the Personal Income Tax (PIT) Amendment Bill 2016. The mover of the legislation, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Corporate Governance, Prime Minister, the Hon. Gaston Browne in his introductory remarks explained the benefits associated with the removal of PIT. He indicated that as a result of the passage of the bill, effective June 30 th , PIT will be totally abolished and added that the parliamentary debate was just the beginning of a long awaited process. The nation’s leader further noted that the abolition of PIT will give the people of Antigua and Barbuda more By Justin Peters The professional, the Vagabond, Superman, Ricard Drue is one of the most prolific Soca artists coming out of Antigua and Barbuda, something that has been achieved through hard work and a love for the art and his fans. With his rise to fame after his breakout hit “Superman” and follow-up chart toppers “Vagabond” and “Professional” Ricardo is here to stay. Always extremely thankful for all that he has achieved, he remembers where his road began and believes in giving back to society in any way that he can. It is in the spirit of giving that he decided to produce a fete for children, about children economic power to contribute to the nation’s growth and development. “The elimination of Personal Income Tax is designed to empower Antiguans and Barbudans and will also put 37 million dollars back in the pockets of the people of this country. This just one way to ensure that there is greater equity in the system”, Prime Minister Browne explained. He highlighted the fact that 25% percent of the working class has carried the burden of paying the tax for the last 10 years and further outlined that the elimination of PIT is a “promise made and promise kept”. Prime Minister Browne also said that the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) has always been opposed to the tax because of its unfair and to benefit children. ID Land as it has been dubbed is the definitive event for children this Carnival season. With all of the fetes that are hosted every year, with the exception of the children’s carnival parade, preteens tend to be wholly excluded from fetes. The event slated for July 10th 2016, fills that gap and will be hosted by TJ Da DJ and will feature an explosive lineup of local entertainers such as Kid Viscous, Baby Eve, Junior Rampler (the reigning Junior Soca Monarch, MnM Music, the amazing Gurin Hunte the Magician, Sprit Starz Cheerleaders, the Good Vibes nature. Now that persons will have more income available to them, the government encourages persons to invest wisely as the government seeks to pursue a policy of entrepreneurship socialism. “What we recommend, Mr. Speaker, is for individuals to invest these funds wisely, get a loan, invest in a retirement property basically acquire assets and not to take the funds and go and splurge in a foreign country, invest here”, the nation’s leader advised. Veteran politician and Seniour Minister, Sir Lester Bird, gladly voiced his support for the abolition of PIT, which he described a further step forward in the economic development of Antigua and Barbuda. Soca artiste giving back to society Band and the Antigua Dance Academy. The charity event is sponsored by Digicel Joe Mike’s G Productions Online, ID Nation, Merryland and Vybz FM. 100% of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Mount St. John’s Medial Centre Children’s Ward.
Monday 13th June 2016 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 7 Formal process towards CCJ underway By Everton Barnes The government has followed up on its commitment to see Antigua and Barbuda delink from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) as its final court of appeal to acceding to the Caribbean Court of Justice in its Appellate Jurisdiction. Last Friday, the government introduced into the House of Representatives two pieces of legislation - the Constitution (Antigua and Barbuda) Referendum Bill and the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda (Caribbean Court of Justice) (Amendment) Act – which is the formal signal that the process towards adopting the CCJ is fully underway. “By introducing the two bills in parliament, the government is setting the legal framework for the conduct of a referendum that will seek to The Department of Environment will be conducting surveys within the McKinnon’s, Yorks and Gambles communities over the next two weeks. This survey will assist with data collection for the proposed “lntegrated approach to physical adaptation and community resilience in Antigua and Barbuda’s northwest McKinnon’s watershed” project. This project focuses on increasing the resilience of the communities to climate change through three components: 1.Upgrade urban drainage and waterways to meet projected climate change impacts abolish the JCPC as the country’s final appeal court. As this is entrenched in the Constitution changing it requires a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives and a two-thirds majority of the people who vote in a referendum in order for it to be take place,” he explained. Further, Benjamin added Joanna Paris The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda will be begin training a number of new recruits shortly. Twenty three persons have already been chosen for the exercise with plans being made to swear in more individuals ahead of the six month preparation process. This forms part of efforts, as the force seeks strengthen its numbers to further curtail illicit activities in the twin island nation. In an interview with local media, Superintendent of Police, Atlee Rodney, said that the that the government is putting things in place to ensure that the measure is approved by the people when they vote. He said already several interest groups have indicated a willingness to work along with the government in its public education campaign designed educate the public about the JCPC and the CCJ. 2.Revolving Loans for homes in McKinnon’s watershed to meet new adaptation guidelines established in the building code and physical plan 3. Adaptation mainstreaming and capacity building NGOs and community groups to sustain project interventions Climate change has been on the forefront of many discussions and its impacts have deleterious affects on the communities, particularly individuals who may be classified as vulnerable. This pilot project will focus on assisting the vulnerable persons within this community to adapt to climate change through innovative means. The AG said the campaign will be launched in earnest right after the annual Carnival festivities with the referendum likely to take place in October this year. The National Coordinating Committee headed by Ambassador Dr. Clarence Henry was appointed to spearhead the public education campaign. Police recruits to begin training soon training will be facilitated by local officers. He added that the recruits will be trained in several areas to include: basic drills, physical fitness, criminal law and procedures, customer service, sociology and police procedures as well as handling domestic violence and cybercrime. Superintendent Rodney indicated that the full training package in currently being prepared. The law enforcement agency continues to receive kudos from government officials and members of the public for the increase efficiency in its operations. Department of Environment conducting surveys in the McKinnon’s, Yorks and Gambles communities Funding from this project will be sourced through the Adaptation Fund, and the surveys, along with the consultations, which will follow, will add credence to the project and assist with its eventual funding and implementation. This project is being developed with the collaboration of the Directorate of Gender Affairs, National Office of Disaster Services, Development Control Authority, APUA, and other key partners. The Department of Environment therefore seeks the collaboration of the members of the McKinnons, Yorks and Gambles communities as we seek to ride the climate wave.
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Caribbean Times 28th Issue - Monday 14th June 2016

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