October 30
The media fraternity in
Stroude of Mardigras,
He was the Publisher of the National Review Newspaper in
The viewing of Graham Stroude will take place on Sunday November 4 from 4-6 p.m. to follow by a church service at
Burial will take place in
Click here to read more GrenadaBroadcast
Born in
Jay resided in
Jay respected the young as well as the old and touched many hearts during his lifetime.
He always went above and beyond to help anyone in need, never expecting anything in return.
Besides his loving parents he leaves one daughter, Janiya Campbell of
Services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. in
Interment will follow at
In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory to
In 1989, current New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol was named Player of the Year in
But "that" is unlikely to happen here.
Keith Nordstrom/WireImage
In the MLS, the promotion of players is stats-based. There are so many numbers on the league's weekly press releases, you can get confused looking at them. Most of those statistics are irrelevant and hardly any of them are used to tell a story. Obviously, goal scoring is an exception. Goals reflect the effectiveness of forwards, and there are ratings and rewards for them. But for every other player, there are no numbers that can give an accurate account of their effectiveness.
So, though Shalrie Joseph -- one of Nicol's Revolution players -- should be a candidate for the league's Most Valuable Player award, there is little chance of his winning it.
Two years ago, Joseph was named the Revolution's MVP (by team vote). But his teammate, Taylor Twellman, won the league's MVP honor (by media vote), and Joseph was not among the finalists. That was a first. That year, the Revolution probably had MLS' best team when the voting was conducted, so the easy choice for MVP was Twellman, since he was the team's top scorer. Twellman, though, probably should have won the MVP award in 2002, when his goal scoring carried the Revolution to the MLS Cup; by '05, the Revolution were a much more well-rounded team.
Now, the Revolution have been established among MLS' perennial contenders. And Joseph is unique among MLS performers in terms of his value to the team.
There is probably no other player in the league who can cover as many roles as Joseph.
Joseph dictates the rhythm of play and wants everything played through him in his holding midfielder role. Joseph is comfortable with the ball and is a commanding presence, and this allows him to play quickly and keep the ball on the ground. Joseph also can play a well-weighted long ball, but it is this predilection to keep the ball on the ground that makes the Revolution attack effective.
The Revolution also depend on Joseph to defend against corners and set pieces, to drop into the back line when the opposition resorts to launching long balls, to defend against the opponent's best player in the midfield. Joseph is a scoring threat on corners and also takes penalty kicks. Call him the team's Most Versatile Player.
But there is no way of quantifying how a midfielder handles pressure, no measure of his effectiveness in ball distribution, no way of determining whether he is making the best decisions.
And that is the essence of soccer.
There are so many intangibles about the game. And the seamless nature of soccer makes it impossible to program situations. Players simply have to be plugged into the myriad of possible consequences of any action and be prepared for anything at any time. Nobody can tell a player where to go or what his next move should be -- he simply has to follow his instincts. Joseph is a lesson in these basics of soccer; he gets to the right place at the right time and he does something decisive.
Joseph is the essential footballer. This is not to say Joseph is perfect; his shooting from distance is erratic at best, and he seldom finishes chances in the air. But he kicks up the competitive level a notch and makes everyone around him better.
"Shalrie is the most respected defensive midfielder in the league," Revolution defender Jay Heaps said. "He wins balls and sprays the ball around; he takes on so much responsibility. I know guys on the other team fear him, because he can change a game by just being physical. He has a great sense of leadership out there, he is a vocal leader, he is involved in the group and he's not just out there for himself. He's competitive and he competes for the team, and that's why he is a successful player in the MLS."
Joseph was dissatisfied with his MLS contract status almost since Day One -- he played for the minimum salary in 2003 and earned less than $500,000 in five seasons, only recently signing a new contract that will pay him a salary in the top 10 players in the league. But, while Joseph talked of hoping to be traded or moving to
"I've been around a long time," Nicol said, "and I don't remember seeing a player who had gone through having a chance to go, then not move on, and going through all the other stuff -- but on Saturday he has given it all to the team and his teammates. He wants to stay and win a championship. Every game he's in, it's professional pride. He wants the team to win."
Frank Dell'Apa is a soccer columnist for The
WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 16, 2007 -- Restrictive press laws, access to information and resources, more visibility for issues that impact the Caribbean and its global Diaspora are just few of the agenda items to be discussed at a seminal meeting hosted by The World Bank and the National Association of Caribbean-American Journalists.
For the first time in history, journalists in the Caribbean and the United States will convene to strategize on ways to address sparse coverage of Caribbean issues in the U.S. media and its implications for the Caribbean region. The meeting will be held at The World Bank headquarters at 1818 H Street in Washington D.C.
Several distinguished journalis
So far, confirmed participants include Executive Vice President of Diversity, NBC Universal, Paula Madison; Founder of National Association of Black Journalists and lead anchor at WJLA-TV, ABC 7 in Washington, D.C., Maureen Bunyan; President of International Center for Journalists, Joyce Barnathan; Communications Director of the Knight Center for Journalism, Marc Fest; General Secretary of Caribbean Broadcasting Union, Patrick Cozier; Executive Member of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers, Michael Bascombe; President of CVM, TV, David McBean; General Manager of The Jamaica Gleaner, North America Edition, Sandra Moore; and Ambassador of Grenada and Dean of the caucus of Caribbean ambassadors Denis Antoine.
Journalists and community leaders who wish to participate must RSVP by e-mail to nacaj@nacaj.org by Oct. 26. There are no exceptions.
The National Association of Caribbean-American Journalists, or NACAJ, is a nonprofit organization founded in June 2007 to advocate for journalists, journalism professors, public relations professionals and students. NACAJ aims to offer members support and recognition, networking opportunities with the Caribbean region and its Diaspora and as a clearing house for ongoing journalism jobs and training opportunities. Membership is open to natives of the Caribbean, their descendants and others in and outside the U.S.
For more information, e-mail nacaj@nacaj.org, or call NACAJ President Ann-Marie Adams (202) 413-0171.
AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007 Opening Ceremony
Blends City’s Passion for Sport and Celebration of Excellence
Surprise Guest Muhammad Ali Inspires Athletes, Captures Spirit of Event
Closing historic
The eleven-day event, which will be the largest world boxing championships in history, will take place from October 23 – November 3 at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion.
“The Opening Ceremony captured how truly honored we feel to host these premier competitors from all across the world and celebrate their accomplishments,” said Jack Sandner, chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007.
Surprise guest-of-honor, Muhammad Ali, brought fans to their feet as he graced the Opening Ceremony with his presence. More than 40 years after he wowed the world with his gold medal performance at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Italy, Ali’s presence gave the world-class competitors at tonight’s ceremony a glimpse of what greatness can create.
“Muhammad Ali personifies the values that the Olympic Movement stands for; commitment, excellence and a devotion to making the world a better place,” said Sandner. “We could not be more pleased that he took the time to share some of his magic with those attending and competing at the AIBA World Boxing Championships Chicago 2007.”
The top eight finishers in nine of the 11 weight classes and the top four in the heavy and super heavyweight divisions in
The field is loaded with 27 World Championship medal winners from the 2005 AIBA World Championships in
Also, competing are eight Olympic medalists from the 2004 Olympic Games in
The AIBA World Boxing Championships are held every two years.
October 22, 2007
Officers of the Criminal Investigation Department arrested and charged Randy Emanuel Patrick Ash and Kevina Baldeau for a number of fraud related offenses.
Ash – 29 years old and Baldeau – 23 years old, both residents of
Both Ash & Balbeau are expected to make their first court appearance on Tuesday 23rd. October 2007 at the
The charges laid against the arrested persons include robbery with violence, burglary, forgery, uttering forge documents and fraud.
The couple was also jointly charged for defrauding the Siesta Company of Morne Rouge
Meanwhile, Officers of the Drug Squad on Sunday 21st October 2007 arrested and charged four persons in Belmont St. George’s for being in possession of ammunition and quantity of cured cannabis.
The Drug Squad operation led to the search of a
Patrick Delves – 52 year old Herbalist of Belmont, Ricky Williams - 30 year old Mason of Belmont, Skeita Alexander - 41 year old Beach Vender of La Sagesse in St. David and Christiana Williams – 20 year old
The four persons were charged for being in possession of a controlled drug, with intent to traffic and being in possession of ammunition.
The arrested persons appeared before the
Police continues its investigation and charges of possession of a firearm could be laid against the four persons.
ST. JOHN'S, Antigua - The Three Ws Oval, Barbados will be the venue for the exciting final round of matches in the 2007/08 KFC Cup.
The first semifinal will see Jamaica come up against Guyana on Thursday and in the second semifinal, host country Barbados will face defending champions Trinidad & Tobago on Friday. The final will bowl off on Sunday, July 28.
The games will be carried live on television throughout the region on all CMC member stations. Start times for all the games are 1.45 p.m. (Eastern Caribbean time).
Umpires Billy Doctrove and Clancy Mack will officiate in the Jamaica vs. Guyana match with Vincent Bullen the standby umpire. Norman Malcolm and Clyde Duncan will stand in the Barbados vs. Trinidad and Tobago match, Patrick Grazette will be the standby umpire.
Dr Eric Williams, noted scholar/historian and the first Prime Minister of
Throughout his life, Williams gave special emphasis to learning. He often said “to educate is to emancipate.” On
“You, the children, yours is the great responsibility to educate your parents, teach them to live together in harmony…To your tender and loving hands, the future of the Nation is entrusted. In your innocent hearts, the pride of the Nation is enshrined. On your scholastic development, the salvation of the Nation is dependent…you carry the future of
The contest is offered to all final year Sixth Form students in the former and current British-colonized Caribbean countries: Anguilla,
First prizewinners will receive a four-day trip for two to Trinidad and Tobago with airfare, hotel accommodations and two meals daily; a tour of the Eric Williams Memorial Collection and University of the West Indies campus; a US $1000 educational voucher; courtesy calls on the President of Trinidad and Tobago and the Speaker of the House of Representatives; a tour of Parliament; a set of Eric Williams’ books; and a framed certificate. The winning essay will also be published. In the event of a
Patrons of the Eric Williams Memorial Collection’s ‘School Bags’ Essay Competition are: Caribbean Airlines, Ltd.; Caribbean Development Bank; CARICOM; CL Financial, Ltd.; Digicel Trinidad & Tobago, Ltd.; LIAT (1974) Ltd.; Trinidad Hilton; University of the West Indies. Detailed information and runner-up prizes are listed on the EWMC’s website: www.mainlib.uwi.tt/eric.html.
The Eric Williams Memorial Collection constitutes the Library, Archives and
For more information, please contact Erica Williams Connell, Eric Williams Memorial Collection P.O. Box 561631,
October 17, 2007
Three Lecturers of The University of West Indies (UWI), who have contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will now share in the glory of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. Following the release of its Fourth Assessment Report, the IPCC was awarded the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to build up and disseminate greater knowledge about man-made climate change, and to lay the foundations for the measures that are needed to counteract such change.
The IPCC was established in 1988 by World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) to assess scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant for the understanding of climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation. It is a made up of three Working Groups and a Task Force on Greenhouse Gas Inventories. The IPCC, which has completed three full Assessment Reports, presented its Fourth Assessment Report (also referred to as AR4), titled Climate Change 2007, to the Royal Geographical Society in September 2007.
The UWI Lecturers, who have been recognised for their contributions to Working Groups of AR4, are: Dr Anthony Chen, a retired Jamaican Professor in Physics at UWI Mona Campus, Jamaica; Dr Leonard Nurse, a Barbadian Lecturer in Coastal Management at UWI Cave Hill Campus, Barbados; and Dr John Agard, a Trinidadian and Senior Lecturer in Life Sciences at UWI St Augustine Campus, Trinidad, and Chairman of the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).
Dr Chen was a member of Working Group One and Lead Author of a chapter titled, ‘Regional Climate Projections’ (Chapter Eleven) in Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Doctors Agard and Nurse were members of Working Group Two, and worked on ‘Small Islands’, Chapter Sixteen of Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Dr Agard was a Lead Author of the chapter while Dr Nurse was a Coordinating Lead Author.
Two other West Indians also contributed to Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, the contribution of Working Group Two to the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report. They are Samuel Rawlins, retired St. Lucian parasitologist of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre; and Roger Pulwarty, Senior Physical Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Colorado, USA, and Director of the US National Integrated Drought Information System.
Rawlins was a Lead Author of Chapter One, ‘Assessment of Observed Changes and Responses in Natural and Managed Systems’. Pulwarty served as a Lead Author on Chapter Seventeen, ‘Assessment of Adaptation Practices, Options, Constraints and Capacity’, and contributed to Chapter Three, ‘Freshwater Resources and their Management’.
The Nobel Peace Prize, awarded annually to people or organisations for outstanding contributions to society, is widely regarded as a supreme commendation. In 2007, the Nobel Peace Prize was divided equally between the IPCC and former United States Vice President, Albert Arnold (Al) Gore Jr. It will be presented in
The official website of The Nobel Peace Prize, http://nobelpeaceprize.org, states: “Through the scientific reports it has issued over the past two decades, the IPCC has created an ever-broader informed consensus about the connection between human activities and global warming. Thousands of scientists and officials from over one hundred countries have collaborated to achieve greater certainty as to the scale of the warming.”
The website further states: “By awarding the Nobel Peace Prize for 2007 to the IPCC and Al Gore, the Norwegian Nobel Committee is seeking to contribute to a sharper focus on the processes and decisions that appear to be necessary to protect the world’s future climate, and thereby to reduce the threat to the security of mankind.”
WICB News Release
WICB APPOINTS NEW COACH AND IDENTIFIES NEW CEO
Board Agrees on Action Plan For Immediate Performance Improvement
John Dyson, former Australian Test Player and Sri Lankan coach, has been appointed the new West Indies Coach. The rest of the Team Management will be identified and appointed subsequently. Additionally, the Board has identified a candidate for the post of CEO, subject to the agreement on terms and conditions of service as well as specific performance deliverables.
The Board has approved an innovative leadership and motivational programme at the High Performance Centre in Barbados for senior West Indies players, and a camp for the team at the same venue prior to the start of the Zimbabwe/South Africa tour. However, the Board with the agreement of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) has hired a Security Consultant to report within a week on whether the tour of Zimbabwe should take place. The consultant will look at safety, security and food integrity issues.
The Board agreed to immediate, medium-term and long-term steps for improving the present standard of West Indies Cricket. These include:
Immediate Measures:
1. A significant performance-based evaluation process as part of the new retainer contracts to be agreed with WIPA.
Medium Term Measures:
2. A review of existing territorial cricket development programmes and the development of a uniform region-wide programme incorporating the best practices regionally and internationally.
3. Senior team members will be attached to key regional organisations networked as Friends of West Indies Cricket. This will introduce some of them to the world of work while simultaneously developing their understanding of the challenges facing the Caribbean as well as the positives of regional development.
4. Greater interaction between the Board and players
5. Support for the WICB Academy.
6. An enhanced role of the WICB’s Cricket Committee in this process.
Long Term Measures:
7. Development of a professional environment in which players could better understand and practice their craft.
8. Greater emphasis and programmes from school level in all territories as part of a renewed focus on younger players within a uniform system of leadership and training.
Dear Colleagues,
Provided at the Web link below is the Final Draft 3.0 of the 2007 World Anti-Doping Code. This draft is a result of extensive consultation with stakeholders and completes a full revision of the existing World Anti-Doping Code 2003.
The publication terminates the third and final stakeholder consultation phase. For your reference and information we have established a special section on our Web site containing the updated versions of Code documents. Click here for the documents.
Adoption of the revised World Anti-Doping Code is scheduled to occur at the WADA Foundation Board Meeting during the World Conference on Doping in Sport, to be hosted in Madrid, Spain, 15-17 November 2007. We wish to thank all stakeholders who have participated in this important process for helping to strengthen the Code and for their continued commitment to doping-free sport.
Sincerely,
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The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is the international independent organization created in 1999 to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against doping in sport in all its forms. The Agency is composed and funded equally by the sports movement and governments of the world. Its key activities include scientific research, education, out-of-competition testing, development of anti-doping capacities and monitoring of the World Anti-Doping Code – the first document harmonizing regulations regarding anti-doping in all sports and all countries.
CHICAGO, Oct 24 - Grenada is represented at the International Boxing Association (AIBA) World Boxing Championships which begun on Tuesday 23rd October at the University of Illinois Chicago Pavilion in the USA.
ROLANDE MOSES, 26, who was born in Beaton St. David’s, but resides in Ontario Canada is Grenada’s only boxer competing among 53 other boxers in the Welter weight category 152 pounds (69 kilograms). Moses will step into the ring on Thursday afternoon (25thOctober) against Aboo-Iriba Yasser of Sweden.
In addition to seeking his country's first medal at this level, Rolande Moses is also seeking a place in the top eight (8) in his division which will qualify his for the 2008 Olympics Games in Beijing, China.
NEW YORK (Friday, 19 October 2007) - CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) has issued the following statement today:
Re: Letters from BBC PanoramaThe other three, Charlie Dempsey (New Zealand with Scottish birth), David Will (FIFA Vice President from the British Associations) and Isaac Sasso Sasso (Costa Rica, also from CONCACAF) no longer sit on the decision making body. Dempsey left shortly after his refusal to vote in the round following England's elimination for 2006, while Will and Sasso retired from the FIFA body this year.
Certainly, if anyone personifies fair play towards England, Warner and Blazer, who supported England's 2006 bid and in doing so stood against the 19 other members opposed, are the ones.
Panorama might have asked instead, will it be Fair Play if CONCACAF, the Confederation next in sequence for rotation of World Cup hosts, is denied the right for one of its members to host 2018 in favor of another system instigated by the desire of others to overturn a policy intended to establish fairness?
This following a recent meeting involving the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), the Local Organising Committee and the Regional Directors in Guyana.
“The meeting reiterated the call made by CARICOM Sports Ministers to support the Games and the commitment made by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to host the Inaugural Games, which will feature athletes competing in the disciplines of boxing, netball, volleyball, swimming and track and field during the period 13 – 19 July 2009,” according to a communiqué.
The meeting Chairman, Mr. Erskine King of Barbados, asked that CARICOM be represented on the Local Organizing Committee to ensure that regional concerns are addressed and make certain that CARICOM members are constantly apprised of developments related to the Games.
“This would also help to mitigate the costs of hosting the Games by identifying in-kind contributions that National Olympic Committees might be able to make. The Directors urged the organisers to build on the expertise and technical capacity honed in the region, which has recently hosted the Cricket World Cup and the FIFA Under-19 Football World Cup,” it said.
The delegation agreed to take on board the recommendations of the CARICOM Sport Directors and stated its desire to present an overview of the Games to CARICOM Heads of Government at their next
The meeting noted that while CANOC was organising the Games, their success would depend on the active support of CARICOM Governments, through their respective National Olympic Committees’ ensuring their teams’ and star athletes’ participation.
“Even more significant however, is the transcendental aim of the Games to inculcate a culture of healthy life styles, consistent with the outcomes of the recent
Joseph and defender Jay Heaps signed contracts extensions with the Revs last week. Both players have been with the team for more than four seasons.
"I am delighted Shalrie is staying with us, to be honest," Nicol said. "Had he gone, it would have been a huge hole to fill. He's a guy any coach in the league would want and he is playing in a place on the park where he can make the biggest impact. The biggest thing about him is that any coach in the league would want him on their team."
Nicol has been impressed by Joseph's ability to focus while being wooed by a rich foreign club.
Joseph at one stage was considering a $1 million-plus offer from Scottish side Celtic. But the contract renewal with the Revs is believed to be worth $1.5 million over four years.
"He had a chance to move and didn't, and the fact is, on the field, it never, ever affected him," Nicol said. "I've been around a long time and I don't remember seeing a player who had gone through having a chance to go, then not move on, and going through all the other stuff - but on Saturday he has given it all to the team and his teammates. He wants to stay and win a championship. And that helps when you try bringing players onto your team.
"Every game he's in, it's professional pride. He wants the team to win. If we have 11 players who hate losing as much as he does, we have a chance."
The Grenadian international said the Revolution's three-game winless streak (0-2-1) to close the regular season will not negatively affect the team in the playoffs. "We just have to put this behind us and get ready for the playoffs," Joseph said. "This was like a playoff atmosphere and we know it's going to be crazy in
The Revolution tied 2-2 away to Toronto FC on Saturday and starts their Eastern Conference playoffs on Saturday when they visit the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium in
by
Francique said that he is now concentrating on preparing to defend his world title and possibly an attempt at the Olympic Games in
However, he has not ruled out retirement after next year’s Olympic Games.
“This is where I am leaning towards,” he said. “I am leaning towards retirement because I don’t have anything to prove anymore. I have everything I want for me and my country.
I will see how the 2008 season goes I might go on to 2009 but I am looking at 2008 for retirement,” Francique told the Caribbean Media Corporation on Sunday.
Francique, who this year failed to qualify for the final of the 400 metres at the Pan American Games in
“I will be starting my preparations for the indoor season on November 5 and hopefully everything will be back on track,” Francique said.
“My main goal next season is to defend my world indoor title and try to make history by winning three times in a row, and after that try to make it to the Olympics.”
“I have to sit down with my coach and come up with a good training schedule because I want to prepare for both indoors and Olympics,” he said.
Francique, 31, won his first international title at the World Indoor Championships in
The contract, which was penned late last week, could see both Joseph and defender Jay Heaps at the Boston-based team for at least four more seasons.
Despite not disclosing the terms of the deal, Joseph is believed to have signed a four-year contract worth about $1.5 million.
This may have brought to an end speculation that the Grenadian is planning to depart
Celtic FC attempted to acquire Joseph after playing to a 1-1 tie with the Revolution in an exhibition at Gillette Stadium last July. The
“We’re very pleased to have both Shalrie and Jay with us for the long term,” Revolution Director of Soccer Michael Burns said. “Both players have been key components of our recent success, and carry that on the field, in the locker room and in the community. We’re looking forward to more success with them in the future.”
Joseph, 29, has been a starting defensive midfielder for the Revs since 2003 and multiple MLS MVP candidate, scoring 15 goals and 16 assists.
The Revolution concluded the 2007 regular season on Saturday with a 2-2 draw away to Toronto FC.
Joseph and the Revolution open the 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday when they take on the New York Red Bulls in Game One of the teams’ Eastern Conference Semifinal Series at the Giants Stadium in
WASHINGTON, Oct 18 – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday warned that debt remains at very high levels within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) despite recent restructuring agreements.
In a report following a staff mission to
"Restructuring agreements reached with creditors by
It said that the forecast is for a soft landing of the ECCU economy in 2007, but risks are tilted to the downside.
“While private construction is showing continuing strength, growth is decelerating in the region, reflecting disappointing tourism arrivals, hurricane-damaged agricultural production, and ongoing problems with tourist airlift. Difficulties in
The IMF said that sustaining rapid growth through reforms to improve the investment climate, including greater labor market flexibility, financial market development, and continuing regional integration will be key to maintaining and further improving living standards in the region.
The team, headed by Paul Cashin, will be visiting the six IMF-member countries of the ECCU - Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines—and key regional institutions, including the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
The IMF said that more economic reforms are needed within the ECCU to achieve fiscal targets.
“Strengthening the currency union will require establishing and meeting annual fiscal targets that can credibly achieve the ECCB's public debt to GDP target of 60 percent by 2020.
Although important reforms to place fiscal balances on a firmer footing are underway in many countries—including through the introduction of value added taxes—improved fiscal positions will require an overhaul of government expenditures, focused on enhancing efficiency of capital spending and civil service reform,” the report stated.
The IMF said that economic activity in the ECCU region was buoyant in 2006, with real GDP growth reaching over 6 percent, the highest in more than 15 years.
Activity was driven by construction spending for the 2007 Cricket World Cup (CWC), and a significant expansion in tourism capacity. While inflationary pressures have emerged due to the strong economic activity and higher world oil prices, inflation has remained in the low single digits, anchored by the regional monetary arrangement at the ECCB. Despite higher revenues, fiscal positions deteriorated in 2006 largely due to CWC-related capital spending, and the regional debt ratio remained above 105 percent of GDP.
It noted that financial sector reforms are proceeding—ECCU member governments have passed the uniform Banking Act and the ECCB has implemented several new prudential guidelines.
However, recent rapid expansion in private sector credit could end up in higher non-performing loans if tourism growth does not keep up with expectations or real estate prices decline.
“There is a need to strengthen the enforcement of the revised regulatory framework for banks, as well as supervision of the nonbank financial sector,” the IMF stated.
"It is in this context that the mission is discussing policy options with national and regional authorities. Macroeconomic outcomes in
The IMF team met with Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, Finance Minister Dr. Erol Cort and other government officials during their visit last week.
October 15, 2007
Firstly, let me point out that the observations were not an attack on the Governor General or his Office, since it is fully understood that the address he gives is what is presented to him by the Government of Grenada, and any misleading statements is clearly understood to be that of the government rather than His Excellency.
The statement suggests that the Prime Minister made his presentation before those world leaders named in the address, when as can be factually proven those leaders were not present when he made the statement. The fact that the Prime Minister subsequently attended a dinner with those leaders, where he did not make the speech as indicated.
Barry has tried skillfully to confuse the issue for those not paying attention to detail.
My comments were made as a commentator and a writer and not as president of MWAG. That was an opinion piece that I have a right to, that does not reflect the views of MWAG and Mr Collymore is just being consistent by finding reason to attack MWAG at any and every opportunity.
This clearly was an attack on MWAG that was unwarranted. He could have fairly commented on my observation without trying to bring MWAG into disrepute.
http://www.un.org/webcast
(Formatted for space)
Dated October 15, 2007
Fellow Colleagues,
I feel compelled to write to you after reading an email which I received from Media Workers Association of Grenada President Michael Bascombe, over the weekend. In an email dated October 13th which was circulated to the press, Mr. Michael Bascombe accused the Governor General and the Grenada Government of misleading the public with false information in the 2007-2008 Throne Speech. Bascombe claimed that the 2007-2008 Throne Speech was inaccurate on the basis that Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell did not present a paper on climate change to top world leaders including United States President George Bush, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Nicolas Sarkozy of France.
This accusation by Mr. Bascombe is NOT TRUE. The facts are that Prime Minister Mitchell was among two Caribbean leaders who attended a special dinner hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon at the United Nations on the night of September 24th 2007. Prime Minister Mitchell did present to these world leaders on Climate Change and the presentation was well received as was stated in the Throne Speech.
The letter by Mr. Bascombe represents not only an attack on the Government but perhaps more seriously, an attack on the Office of the Governor General. It also represents and typifies the type of journalism being practiced by some so called journalists in Grenada.
This is not the first time that MWAG executive members have attacked the Government without basis. MWAG in the past issued a release condemning the Prime Minister over an encounter with a GBN journalist. MWAG also wrote a letter accusing Government of colluding with the police to stifle the media. In both of these incidents, MWAG followed a similar pattern and reacted without getting the viewpoint of the different interested parties. This kind of action is not only biased but goes against the founding principles of journalism which are based on fairness and truth.
I therefore call on MWAG to be more responsible in their actions. I also call on MWAG to continue to be vigilant and to ensure that erroneous statements are not disseminated to the public. Recently, we in Grenada heard unfounded claims of a tuberculosis outbreak in the prison; and that a certain developer was borrowing money from the NIS. MWAG has been noticeably silent on these and many other misleading statements which have been made by persons outside of Government.
As a trained journalists myself who has worked in the regional and international journalism environment, I call on MWAG to focus more on the important issues facing journalists. Some of these issues include training, working conditions, salary levels, access to information, access to better equipment and technology and the impact of the CSME on the profession. I also believe that MWAG could focus more on promoting greater access to the media to groups that have traditionally been underexposed. These groups include members of our rural community including farmers, artists and performers, the youth, and senior citizens.
In conclusion, I call on Mr. Bascombe to be more personally responsible and on the Media Workers Association to investigate this matter given the serious nature of the statements made. I further believe that an apology to the Governor General is the appropriate course of action in this case.
Yours Sincerely
Barry Collymore
Press Secretary
