Last Modified on Monday, August 19, 2002
School Stabbing Triggers Mutual Official Concern
Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) - Salem
As a result of a stabbing incident recently at the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) Commissioner of Police John Douglas said he plans to meet with authorities at the school to plan and review strategies to stop students from carrying weapons.
Commissioner Douglas said more frequent spot checks and random searches for weapons at the school will be among the topics to be discussed in the meeting. Mr. Douglas has also expressed concern that students are harming themselves and carrying cellular phones at school, which is normally prohibited. "Children should not be taking any offensive weapons to school. It shows that if they are they have some ulterior motive," he said.
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He said a Board Meeting will convene soon and a fair hearing will be given to both sides as to what resulted in the incident and the necessary actions to be taken. Principal of MSS Ms. Kathleen Greenaway and other officials at the school declined to comment on the matter.
The police reported, two students, ages 15 and 16, were allegedly fighting over a cellular phone, during which one of the students was stabbed with a knife. The victim received stab wounds to his left chest and left arm and was treated at the hospital and discharged. The student responsible for the stabbing was arrested and charged with wounding, but was released on EC$1,000 bail later the same day. "The incident is just unfortunate," said Commissioner Douglas. "It’s just not something we condone."
HEADS TO REVISIT THE TREATY OF BASSETERRE
Anguilla's Osborne Flemming - Tourism; Antigua & Barbuda's Lester Bird - Information Technology, External Trade and Economic Relations; The British Virgin Island's Ralph O'Neal - Financial Services; Dominica's Pierre Charles -Agriculture and Labour; Grenada's Dr. Keith Mitchell - Science, Technology and Sports; Montserrat's John Osborne - Disaster Preparedness and Management; St. Lucia's Dr. Kenny Anthony - Justice and Security; St. Vincent & The Grenadines' Dr. Ralph Gonsalves - Bananas, Economics and the CSME, and St. Kitts and Nevis' Dr. Denzil Douglas - Social Development and Health.
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -- The 36th Bi-Annual Summit of the Heads of Government of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) ended here earlier yesterday with the Heads promising to take another look at the Treaty of Basseterre, which was signed some 21-years ago and gave birth to the OECS.
In a special presentation at the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday, Antigua and Barbuda's Prime Minister Lester Bird gave a historical perspective of the sub-regional body and called for a more competitive and marketing oriented approach if the organization is to stave off the onslaught of Globalization.
The group also was addressed Tuesday by Montserrat Chief Minister John Osborne, whose delegation to the meeting included Dr. Lowell Lewis, Minister of Communications and Works, Mrs. Sarita Weekes, Permanent Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. Earl "Hustler" Browne, Calypso King of Montserrat, and well- known Dramatist, Chad Cumberbatch.
The 21st anniversary was commemorated with a Cultural Presentation during the Opening Ceremony. King Hustler and Chad Cumberbatch were Montserrat’s representatives at that show.
The OECS's planned revisit to the Treaty is in an effort to make a stronger European Union-style of confederation of states. In this regard, a three-man committee will be appointed shortly, to deal with the matter.
Meanwhile, the Heads have been given specific responsibilities in order to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the organisation.
An anniversary celebration will also be held in Dominica, where the Roseau-based OECS Export Development Unit (EDU) will host an exhibition entitled, "A showcase of OECS Products", at the new Financial Centre.
The activities will also extend to St. Lucia, home of the OECS Secretariat, where a 21st anniversary awards ceremony and dinner will be held on Sunday, June 23.
In St. Maarten, meanwhile, Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescott-Williams sent congratulations to the Secretariat in St. Lucia.
She also said she intends to continue to pursue OECS membership for St. Maarten
"We recognize the importance of a regional approach in dealing with problems that confront us all. Our Caribbean people demand from us that we work together in fostering sustainable socio-economic development for our nations and people," her letter said.
The OECS was founded on June 18, 1981, and has nine members: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
Georgetown, St. Vincent revels!
After taking the first, second and sixth positions in the Common Entrance exams, staff and students at the Georgetown Primary School are still revelling in their glory. However, the school’s staff is not surprised that three of the top ten positions were copped by pupils at the school. There were smiles of satisfaction and expressions of elation but statements offered by the successful pupils, headteacher and teachers were statements of expectation rather than of surprise. For headteacher Neil Henry the victory presents an opportunity for parents of successful pupils to have more faith in the soundness of the education offered in rural schools. As such he says he hopes this victory will help to change parents’ attitude and that they will consider sending top students to secondary schools closer to home instead of automatically sending them off to urban schools. Henry attributes the pupils’ success to the tireless efforts of the teachers pointing out that upon entering Grade One, teachers begin assiduously preparing pupils for the Common Entrance Exams and for excellence as a whole. He says having parents and the entire community take an interest in the school’s well-being has also been instrumental in the school’s success. Henry says he hopes the school’s outstanding performance in this year’s exams will help to motivate younger students towards achieving their full potential. Grade Six teacher Paula Blake believes summer classes and after-school classes contributed to the pupils’ excellent performance. Alasbora Williams who is also a Grade Six teacher says a holistic approach was taken and pupils were prepared psychologically as well as academically. Both are happy with the pupils’ performance. Jozeen Springer placed first in the exams while Khantrell Alvis placed second and Kristie Gonsalves came sixth. They all feel satisfied that they performed to the best of their ability and anticipate continuing this trend at secondary school. All are desirous of entering the Girls High School.
Guyana gets US$5M wheat donation
...money from sales for agriculture projects
PHOTO: Finance Minister, Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar and U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Ronald Godard yesterday affixed their signatures to the agreement (Title I FY 2002) at the Ministry of Finance in Georgetown.
GUYANA will benefit from another grant from the United States under the PL 480 Food for Progress Agreement in the form of a donation of 25,000 tonnes of wheat valued at US$5M.
Under its terms, the Government of Guyana will sell the wheat to the National Flour Mill and the money accrued will be used to undertake agriculture development activities, especially in the area of infrastructure. Kowlessar explained that all projects and activities to be executed under the programme have to be mutually agreed upon by both parties prior to their implementation. Some the projects that have been identified include the rehabilitation and maintenance of sea defences and the construction of drainage and irrigation structures. It is envisaged that about 390,000 persons from Regions Two, Three, Four, and Five will benefit.
Three parties to join in political coalition
KINGSTON · Three small opposition parties have formed a political alliance to run against the two main parties in this year's parliamentary elections, a party official said on Monday.
Michael Williams, general secretary of the National Democratic Movement, said the decision was made Sunday at the party's quarterly meeting to merge with the Jamaica Alliance for National Unity and the Republican Party of Jamaica.
The parties want to offer "a government of national unity, which is 100 percent against tribal politics," Williams said, alluding to violence between gangs divided by party loyalties.
Suriname
Banana dispute pits government, workers
PARAMARIBO, Suriname · Police bolted the gates of the state-run banana plantations on recently barring workers from continuing to harvest the overripe fruit despite the government orders that the company be closed. Surland company's management tried to persuade the workers' union to stop the harvest, said managing director, Anand Ramkisoensing. But the workers insisted that leaving the bananas to rot in the fields would destroy the plantations The government closed Surland on April 8, saying that with $8 million in debts, it could no longer pay wages. In May, the government said it could reopen the company only if it fired more than one-third of its 1,500 full-time workers and cut salaries by 40 percent.
KSAC WARNS PLATINUM NIGHT CLUB
JAMAICA - The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation, KSAC, is warning the management of New Kingston nightclub Platinum that legal action will be taken if the establishment remains open in violation of a closure notice.
Town Clerk, Errol Green disclosed that although a verbal notice of closure was given, it took immediate effect. Mr. Green says a written closure notice will be issued to the management of Platinum Friday. He says if the club remains open the necessary action will be taken. According to Fire Prevention Services District Officer, Wayne Farquharson, in November last year, Platinum Club was given 3 months to address several breaches of the Building code. However the establishment failed to implement the recommendations prompting the closure order.
BARBADOS TO BE AWASH WITH MONEY THIS WEEK
Barbados is going to be awash with money this week – nearly $160 million.
That’s because bankers for the Mutual Life Assurance Society mailed out hundreds of checks to shareholders in Life of Barbados (LOB), the final chapter in the take-over of LOB by the island’s largest insurer. And it comes at a time when local banks are reporting very high liquidity. This was disclosed by The Mutual’s executive vice-president of investment, Patricia Downes-Grant, in response to reports that they were trying to borrow between $150 million and $190 million from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to finance the purchase of LOB shares.
Stating that no such discussions had taken place, Downes-Grant said a consortium of banks, led by Scotia Bank, had provided the financing for the purchase of the shares, and the "checks are already in the mail". Informed LOB sources noted that except for The Mutual, CIBC, NIS and a few other corporate investors, the bulk of the 2 200 shareholders, possibly as high as 1 800, was "man in the street investors" who would be receiving checks ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
"My estimation is that half of that $160 million payout will be going to the man in the street," the LOB source said. President of The Mutual Arthur Bethell confirmed he knew of no loan discussions taking place with the NIS, adding: "While I cannot say we have been having discussions with the NIS, because I have been out of the island, if we were talking to NIS, it would have nothing to do with LOB shares since the money to buy those shares was secured a while ago."
Rather than borrowing money, Downes-Grant said, The Mutual was very cognizant of the high level of liquidity in the system at the moment, and would be "issuing two instruments of investment" shortly to try to get Barbadians to invest rather than just leaving their money sitting in the bank. While the final decision on the type of investment instruments to be issued still have to be made by the board, she said, the options being considered included mutual funds and bonds.
One of the biggest checks issued to an LOB shareholder will be the one for just over $20 million to the NIS for its ten per cent interest in the company – just over four million of 41 million shares. Exactly what will be done with this money, said NIS chairman Sir Henry Forde, is still to be decided. He said the NIS investment committee had already met for this month on June 13, and would hardly meet in emergency session to consider The Mutual check.
FIVE DRUG COURIERS HELD AT SANGSTER AIRPORT
JAMAICA - Five persons were held at the Sangster International Airport Sunday night after they were allegedly found with varying quantities of ganja and cocaine.
All five were about to board flights to London. Three of the passengers had 6 point 2 kilograms or 16 pounds of ganja, while the others had 750 grams of one and a half pounds of cocaine. Charged with possession of, dealing in and taking steps to export ganja are 24 year old David Hutton, of Torjean House, Hilgrove; 23 year old Ruth Herridge of Thornton, Summerset and 25 year old Leon Hayes of Dongola Road all of London, England.
According to police reports the three were about to board a flight when routine checks were carried out and the ganja found in their suitcases. In the meantime 48 year old Doreen Rose of Barnett Lane, Montego Bay and 22 year old Pablo Frazer of Higgins Town, St Ann were on Sunday night charged with possession of cocaine.
Police reports indicate that on June 17, Mr. Frazer checked in at the Sangster International airport to board a flight destined to London. He was reportedly interviewed at the Security check point and officials suspected that he had ingested cocaine. Mr. Fraser was taken to hospital where he subsequently excreted 40 pellets of cocaine weighing 250 grams. He is scheduled to appear in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrates Court. Ms Rose reportedly checked in at the Sangster International Airport minutes to 12 Sunday night to board a flight to London. She was searched and a pair of slippers being worn by her was found to contain cocaine weighing 500 grams. Ms Rose was subsequently arrested and charged.
More than 50 persons have been held at Jamaican Airports with illegal drugs, since since ionscan [eye-on-scan] machines were installed.
MORE POLICE FOR STREETS OF SPANISH TOWN
JAMAICA - Beginning this week, additional police personnel will be deployed to the streets of Spanish Town St. Catherine.
This was disclosed recently by Senior Superintendent of Police, Derrick Shand at a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce and Business operators and other police officials following a double murder in the area on the weekend. According to Senior Superintendent Shand the police are committed to working with the Chamber of Commerce and Business Operators in the parish.
He also announced that the Crime Management Unit will be asked to make frequent checks in Spanish Town, as crime is on the increase in the area. SSP Shand also appealed to business operators to stop paying what he describes as "protection money."
His appeal followed a complaint from a business operator that a group of persons came to him trying to solicit funds for protection. During the meeting which was stormy at times some of the business operators stated that they have been robbed repeatedly, and despite complaints to the police, prior to now, nothing was been done.
One operator reported that he was robbed 17 times.
In the meantime, the St. Catherine Chamber of Commerce has passed a resolution calling on the Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips to put in place a comprehensive crime plan for the parish. The resolution which was moved by Immediate Past President of the Chamber, O'Brien Johnson, states that where crime and violence has reached an alarming proportion in St Catherine, the police in the division has been burdened with inadequate resources to help combat the problem. The Business leaders met recently to formulate strategies to deal with what they describe as the increasing problem of crime.
Last week, gunmen opened fire on the vehicle in which 48 year-old proprietor of Uncle Sam's Wholesale, Elaine Wallace of Seven East, Greater Portmore and 46 year-old Delroy Bruce of Big Lane in Central Village were travelling. The two were killed on Manchester Street, Spanish Town.
GOVT. TO ESTABLISH TOURISM ADVISORY COUNCIL
JAMAICA - In a bid to effectively respond to the challenge confronting the tourism sector, the government is moving to establish a Tourism Advisory Council. Tourism Minister, Portia Simpson Miller told Parliament recently that the proposed council is to advise government on all tourism related issues in an attempt to receive more frequent management reviews.
She says the proposed council will comprise Ministries and agencies that impact directly on tourism as well as industry leaders and stake holders. According to the Mrs. Simpson Miller, the first item on the agenda of the proposed council is the implementation of the Jamaica Tourist Board's program to reposition the destination of the sector at this critical time. She says the tourism action plan is completed and is expected to go
Lewis Will Consider Rematch with Tyson
Compiled from news dispatches
New heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis has said he will consider Mike Tyson’s call for a rematch.
Lewis recorded a superb victory over Tyson to retain his world crown in Memphis, Tennessee, on Saturday.
Tyson asked Lewis for another shot at the title following Saturday's bout, and the 36-year-old Briton said it is not out of the question, despite his comfortable win.
"I will definitely consider a rematch. It's possible. Anything is possible," Lewis said.
The British fighter won their long-awaited title bout with a stoppage in round eight. Lewis produced his best form to see off the former champion and in doing so confirmed his status as one of the great modern heavyweights. He finished the contest two minutes and 25 seconds into the eighth with a withering right hook that put Tyson flat on his back.
However, Tyson has still not decided whether he will carry on fighting after finding himself second best in Memphis.
"I might just fade into oblivion," Tyson said. "I'm just fortunate Lewis didn't kill me in there. I don't know if I can ever beat him if he fights like that.
"I might just to go New York and feed my pigeons on the roof."
Emanuel Steward, Lewis' trainer, sees no reason for the two fighters to come face-to-face for a second time after Lewis left no doubt who was the better fighter.
"For Lennox it was like a man playing with a boy," he said. "He just did what he wanted. It was one of the most systematic beatings I've ever seen a heavyweight take."
Tyson's manager Shelly Finkel is believed to be keen for Tyson to hang up his gloves after admitting he knew the 35-year-old was a beaten man early on.
"I knew from the fourth round onwards that Mike would get knocked out," Finkel said.
Should Lewis continue he will have to meet American Chris Byrd next or face losing his IBF version of the world heavyweight title.
Lennox Lewis believes that knocking out Mike Tyson in eight rounds is his "defining" victory.
The heavyweight champion battered Tyson for the majority of the contest and the fight ended when the former champion failed to rise from a second knockdown. Tyson was generous in his tribute for Lewis. "He was splendid, a masterful boxer," Tyson said. "He's a magnificent, prolific fighter." Lewis said that experience was one of the factors that allowed him to dominate Tyson.
"I've been in this game for such a long time - I'm a seasoned professional.
"I realised he wasn't able to get out of the way of my jab. In this fight, my jab definitely paid off.
"Basically, it's difficult to be aggressive against me."
Lewis conceded there was a "possibility" he may retire now, but he said that he just wanted to enjoy the victory and rest for a few weeks. He also revealed that he had broken his hand during the fight.
Castro leads effort to entrench socialist system
Havana – Fidel Castro was the first person to sign a petition Saturday to declare the country's four-decade-old socialist system as "untouchable," rejecting reform demands by Cuban opposition figures and U.S. President George W. Bush. A live television broadcast showed Mr. Castro and other top members of the Cuban leadership signing the document just minutes before more than 120,000 petition stations across the island opened.
Answering questions from reporters afterward, Mr. Castro estimated at least seven million of Cuba's 11 million citizens would sign the petition for a constitutional amendment declaring the country's economic, political and social system cannot be changed. That figure roughly matches the number of people who are over age 16 and eligible to vote.
"This is not a state activity," Mr. Castro said, insisting that the campaign was being carried out by the country's mass organizations, not his government. Shortly before signing the petition at a local communist neighborhood watch office, Mr. Castro exhorted Cubans to pay tribute to independence hero Antonio Maceo and revolutionary hero Che Guevara.
"I'm here to sign because I agree with the revolution," said Jesus Manuel Garcia, one of several dozen people who showed up at one petition station in Old Havana shortly after it opened. "I signed because it is the duty of all Cubans," said Marta Garcia, who signed at the same station. "It's important for the revolution."
Opposition activists say the petition drive is Mr. Castro's answer to their own civil liberties campaign, known as the Varela Project. Most Cubans first heard of Varela last month in a speech by former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, during his visit to the island. In Washington, State Department spokesman Phil Reeker said Mr. Castro's proposal was obviously a reaction to the Varela Project's success. "Instead of addressing this peaceful plea for change, Castro has chosen to manufacture an alternative petition supporting the current constitution and to intimidate the population into signing it," Mr. Reeker said.
Soccer fever takes over Port-au-Prince
Haitian soccer fans watch the England vs Argentina World Cup soccer match at a street market stand in La Saline in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Friday, June 7, 2002. During the World Cup, soccer fever takes over in Haiti, where the two favorite teams are Brazil and Argentina.
Carter says dialogue in Guyana can bear fruit
He backs dialogue in Guyana: former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
Former United States President Jimmy Carter has said that "a sustained commitment" is needed by all parties here to work together to solve Guyana's problems. In his Carter Center's final report on the March 19, 2001 elections here, Mr. Carter stated that "the dialogue (between President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte, which has been halted) can bear fruit...including steps to ensure more inclusive governance and to provide a foundation for sustainable development with the participation of all sectors of Guyanese society".
Hunt continues for gang that attacked Guyana Police patrol -- shot Constable still critical
Highway search: Police search vehicles at a roadblock along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway after the attack on the Police patrol in Wismar
The Police and the Guyana Defence Force continued the hunt for three armed and dangerous men who shot and critically wounded Constable Rawle Thomas in the abdomen while he was on patrol along Burnham Drive, in the vicinity of the Wismar Police Station recently. The wounded Policeman was still critical in the Intensive Care Unit of the Georgetown Hospital Public Corporation.
Boys tricked out of their pants
Archbishop Edward Gilbert
Another Brother from Presentation College, Chaguanas, is being accused of sexual molestation of a student. But he is denying he had any sexual contact with any student.
The charge comes from the son of a prominent Chaguanas family. He was a student in the 1970s along with Brother Benedict Taylor, who was recently defrocked over sex abuse allegations.The man, now married and living in Miami, claims the priest used to trick boys into removing their pants so he could caress them and do "the butt thing".
Archbishop Edward Gilbert announced recently an Antilles Episcopal Conference policy on sexual misconduct by the clergy against juveniles. It included a procedure for processing allegations. Gilbert said he had received reports of three "reasonably current" sexual misconduct cases at Presentation, Chaguanas. He also said he will not spend any money on covering up allegations of sexual impropriety.
Swiss squeeze Haiti's "Baby Doc" Duvalier
Haiti's former dictator, Jean-Claude Duvalier
Swiss-held assets of former Haitian dictator, Jean-Claude Duvalier, continue to cause headaches. The Swiss government has recently blocked assets belonging to Haiti’s former ruler, Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier, and his associates.
Crocodiles eat prison escapee
A 28-year-old Panamanian accused of killing a judge was eaten by a crocodile as he swam across a river after escaping from prison, police reported recently..
Oswaldo Martinez, accused of murdering judge Harmodio Mariscal last month during a failed robbery in Panama City, was captured by police after fleeing to neighboring Costa Rica. After being held in custody in Costa Rica, Martinez broke out of jail and was attempting to reenter Panama through the dense jungle that divides the two Central American countries.
However, Martinez was eaten alive by crocodiles as he tried to swim across the River Terraba in southern Costa Rica, according to eyewitness reports confirmed by police..
Hooper admits "fatigue fear"
West Indies captain Carl Hooper admitted to one major concern he had on the eve of the first Cable & Wireless Test against New Zealand - being knocked out even before he tosses the coin at Kensington Oval this morning.
"When you look at the team in the last game [Sunday’s One-Day International in St Vincent against the New Zealanders], the way we bowled and fielded, you can sense the guys are tired and beginning to flag a little bit," he said. His fear was two opposing batsmen getting "stuck in" and batting well for a session. In such a scenario, he sensed it "would be easy to chuck it in", adding ominously that "you might see things beginning to crack".
"These are things we’ve got to guard against; these are things that, as captain, I’m worried about." His qualms are the consequence of the protracted international season that began in Sharjah in late January with two Tests and three One-Dayers against Pakistan. It has continued in the Caribbean with five Tests and three One-Day Internationals against India and five more internationals against New Zealand. The two upcoming back-to-back Tests bring it to a merciful close.
"We’ve got tired legs and, while you want to remain loyal and go with those who’ve been doing it for you this season, at the same time I think you’ve got to be honest and open and realize that some guys are struggling. "The last thing you want to do is put them in a Test match when they can’t give you what they need really," he added.
Who says there's no life on Montserrat? 10 Catholic children take 1st communion
Ten children of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) on Montserrat between the ages of 7 to 12 received their first Holy Communion last month on the feast of Corpus Christi.
The Mass started with a procession around the church to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, which is significant to First Holy Communion as the children received the body and blood of Jesus for the first time. The young people of the parish led the singing during the Mass for the occasion.The children received a certificate, a Mass book and a pin as a memento of their first receiving of the body and blood of Jesus. They were Ronald Samuel, Ron Samuel, Lee-Ann Wade, Shennise Roache, Clarise Roache, Theron Silcott, Felixia George, Kurt Lee, Lynwal Cassell and Terri O’Garro
KSAC WARNS PLATINUM NIGHT CLUB
The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation, KSAC, is warning the management of New Kingston nightclub Platinum that legal action will be taken if the establishment remains open in violation of a closure notice.
Following a recent inspection, representatives of the KSAC and Fire Department verbally informed employees of Platinum to immediately close the nightclub as it had been declared a fire hazard. However, when RJR News visited the nightclub Thursdya night, preparations were being made for regular operations.
Town Clerk, Errol Green disclosed that although a verbal notice of closure was given, it took immediate effect. Mr. Green says a written closure notice will be issued to the management of Platinum Friday. He says if the club remains open the necessary action will be taken.
According to Fire Prevention Services District Officer, Wayne Farquharson, in November last year, Platinum Club was given 3 months to address several breaches of the Building code. However the establishment failed to implement the recommendations prompting the closure order.
BARBADOS TO BE AWASH WITH MONEY THIS WEEK
Barbados is going to be awash with money this week – nearly $160 million.
That’s because bankers for the Mutual Life Assurance Society mailed out hundreds of checks to shareholders in Life of Barbados (LOB), the final chapter in the take-over of LOB by the island’s largest insurer. And it comes at a time when local banks are reporting very high liquidity. This was disclosed by The Mutual’s executive vice-president of investment, Patricia Downes-Grant, in response to reports that they were trying to borrow between $150 million and $190 million from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to finance the purchase of LOB shares.
Stating that no such discussions had taken place, Downes-Grant said a consortium of banks, led by Scotia Bank, had provided the financing for the purchase of the shares, and the "checks are already in the mail". Informed LOB sources noted that except for The Mutual, CIBC, NIS and a few other corporate investors, the bulk of the 2 200 shareholders, possibly as high as 1 800, was "man in the street investors" who would be receiving checks ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
"My estimation is that half of that $160 million payout will be going to the man in the street," the LOB source said. President of The Mutual Arthur Bethell confirmed he knew of no loan discussions taking place with the NIS, adding: "While I cannot say we have been having discussions with the NIS, because I have been out of the island, if we were talking to NIS, it would have nothing to do with LOB shares since the money to buy those shares was secured a while ago."
Rather than borrowing money, Downes-Grant said, The Mutual was very cognizant of the high level of liquidity in the system at the moment, and would be "issuing two instruments of investment" shortly to try to get Barbadians to invest rather than just leaving their money sitting in the bank. While the final decision on the type of investment instruments to be issued still have to be made by the board, she said, the options being considered included mutual funds and bonds.
One of the biggest checks issued to an LOB shareholder will be the one for just over $20 million to the NIS for its ten per cent interest in the company – just over four million of 41 million shares. Exactly what will be done with this money, said NIS chairman Sir Henry Forde, is still to be decided. He said the NIS investment committee had already met for this month on June 13, and would hardly meet in emergency session to consider The Mutual check.
FIVE DRUG COURIERS HELD AT SANGSTER AIRPORT
Five persons were held at the Sangster International Airport Sunday night after they were allegedly found with varying quantities of ganja and cocaine.
All five were about to board flights to London.
Three of the passengers had 6 point 2 kilograms or 16 pounds of ganja, while the others had 750 grams of one and a half pounds of cocaine.
Charged with possession of, dealing in and taking steps to export ganja are 24 year old David Hutton, of Torjean House, Hilgrove; 23 year old Ruth Herridge of Thornton, Summerset and 25 year old Leon Hayes of Dongola Road all of London, England.
According to police reports the three were about to board a flight when routine checks were carried out and the ganja found in their suitcases.
In the meantime 48 year old Doreen Rose of Barnett Lane, Montego Bay and 22 year old Pablo Frazer of Higgins Town, St Ann were on Sunday night charged with possession of cocaine.
Police reports indicate that on June 17, Mr. Frazer checked in at the Sangster International airport to board a flight destined to London. He was reportedly interviewed at the Security check point and officials suspected that he had ingested cocaine. Mr. Fraser was taken to hospital where he subsequently excreted 40 pellets of cocaine weighing 250 grams. He is scheduled to appear in the Montego Bay Resident Magistrates Court.
Ms Rose reportedly checked in at the Sangster International Airport minutes to 12 Sunday night to board a flight to London.
She was searched and a pair of slippers being worn by her was found to contain cocaine weighing 500 grams. Ms Rose was subsequently arrested and charged.
More than 50 persons have been held at Jamaican Airports with illegal drugs, since since ionscan [eye-on-scan] machines were installed
MORE POLICE FOR STREETS OF SPANISH TOWN
Beginning this week, additional police personnel will be deployed to the streets of Spanish Town St. Catherine.
This was disclosed recently by Senior Superintendent of Police, Derrick Shand at a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce and Business operators and other police officials following a double murder in the area on the weekend.
According to Senior Superintendent Shand the police are committed to working with the Chamber of Commerce and Business Operators in the parish.
He also announced that the Crime Management Unit will be asked to make frequent checks in Spanish Town, as crime is on the increase in the area. SSP Shand also appealed to business operators to stop paying what he describes as "protection money."
His appeal followed a complaint from a business operator that a group of persons came to him trying to solicit funds for protection. During the meeting which was stormy at times some of the business operators stated that they have been robbed repeatedly, and despite complaints to the police, prior to now, nothing was been done.
One operator reported that he was robbed 17 times.
In the meantime, the St. Catherine Chamber of Commerce has passed a resolution calling on the Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips to put in place a comprehensive crime plan for the parish. The resolution which was moved by Immediate Past President of the Chamber, O'Brien Johnson, states that where crime and violence has reached an alarming proportion in St Catherine, the police in the division has been burdened with inadequate resources to help combat the problem.
The Business leaders met recently to formulate strategies to deal with what they describe as the increasing problem of crime.
Last week, gunmen opened fire on the vehicle in which 48 year-old proprietor of Uncle Sam's Wholesale, Elaine Wallace of Seven East, Greater Portmore and 46 year-old Delroy Bruce of Big Lane in Central Village were travelling.
The two were killed on Manchester Street, Spanish Town.
