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LED STREET LIGHTS INSTALLED ALONG PALISADOES ROADWAY

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KINGSTON, Dec. 3 (JIS): Night-time visibility along the roadway between Rockfort and Port Royal in East Kingston has been significantly improved through the installation of retrofitted street lights along that corridor, at a cost of just over $5 million.

The project, being jointly undertaken by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining; Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI); and Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), entails replacement of the high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps previously used, with energy-saving Light Emitting Diode (LED) versions, assembled by the CMI.
The LED lights are expected to yield upwards of 50 per cent savings in energy costs.

The lights were symbolically commissioned into service on Tuesday (December 2) during a ceremony along the Palisadoes Road.

Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Minister, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, who was guest speaker, welcomed the project’s development and implementation, which he said resulted from a “meaningful” partnership.

“You have done this very well. This journey to conserve and to become more efficient users of energy is one that the entire country is on,” he stated.

The Minister pointed out that the Administration is undertaking a US$20 million project, through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), “where we are transforming the way we utilise electricity in the Government”, adding that “we are going to be using that as a model for the rest of the country.”

In addition, he highlighted a World Bank-funded US$4.5 million project, which will assist micro, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSME) to implement energy efficient solutions. These, he said, include energy audits “to look at areas where they need to do the transformation, and to fund the (options) that will result in greater conservation and energy efficiency.”

“So, we are on a mission,… that has been joined by the stakeholders in JPS, our partners at CMI and, we hope, now, the entire country, as we…pursue this major effort of energy conservation and efficiency and to make Jamaica a better place for us all,’
Mr. Paulwell said.

In his remarks, CMI Executive Director, Dr. Fritz Pinnock, also commended the stakeholder inputs, pointing out that the Institute is “here to make a difference in the communities.”

In her remarks, President and Chief Executive Officer of the JPS, Kelly Tomblin, said the entity is committed to developing sustainable energy solutions that will redound to the nation’s benefit.

“Tonight stands as a shining example that when we get together, we really can get something done,” she added.
Other speakers included: Deputy Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, who represented Mayor, Senator Councillor Angela Brown Burke; CMI Registrar,

Dr. Mark Broomfield; and JPS Director, Asset Management, Steve Dixon.
Installation of the street lights came under a project, which was piloted in 2013 and involved putting in 30 retrofitted lights along the Palisadoes Road at a cost of just under $1 million.

The retrofitting and assembling of the lights in the pilot phase were undertaken by engineers and technicians at the CMI, and residents of Port Royal and adjacent communities. Ten of the residents were also trained and certified as energy auditors by CMI.

The project was subsequently expanded to incorporate installation of another 200 LED lamps along Rockfort and Port Royal at a cost of approximately $5.1 million.

The expansion followed discussions involving Minister Paulwell, who is also Member of Parliament for the area, and the principals of CMI and JPS, and saw the latter entities signing a Memorandum of Understanding in August to facilitate the arrangement.

Just over 180 of the additional 200 lights have been installed, with the project slated for completion within the next few weeks.

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International Community must address conflict between Israel and Iran

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Garfield Ekon

Staff Writer

With tensions between Israel and Iran at an all-time high, a United Nations affiliated group is urging for calm and dialogue as their violent actions can cause tragic devastation on innocent civilians.

According to Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an organisation that is dedicated to promoting peace through civilian-led initiatives, “it is a clear indication that the greatest victims of war are innocent civilians. 

How could those lost lives ever be brought back? What could compensate for the outcry of children and the anguish of the youth in devastated dwellings?,” the group noted in a media statement, adding that  the international community should  take “decisive measures” to address the conflict.

It is also advocating for the establishment of “comprehensive international laws” to safeguard peace for future generations. “HWPL remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering dialogue and reconciliation, offering hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Israel and Iran,” the group said.

HWPL is a non-profit organisation, with a mission to promoting peace through education, and advocacy. It has a global network spanning over 170 countries. The organisation works to build bridges of understanding and cooperation, striving towards a world free from conflict and violence.

According to reports in various international media outlets, Iran and its militant partners on April 13 initiated a large-scale attack against Israel through launching several hundred ballistic missiles and drones. The international society expressed concerns over the possibility of war between the two states, since Tehran’s direct attack on Israel was unprecedented.

Experts have pointed out that the attack on Israel was Iran’s response to an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1, which killed seven military advisers including three senior commanders.

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CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Conference Presents Dynamic Study Tours to Promote Sustainable Practices

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The Caribbean Sustainable Tourism Conference (STC 2024), slated for April 22-24, 2024 in Grenada, will feature a series of exclusive study tours aligned with the conference theme, The 5 Ps – People, Planet, Prosperity, Purpose and Partnership. These tours have been thoughtfully curated to offer participants an enriching and unique opportunity to delve into innovative sustainability practices and glean insights intended to catalyze transformative action for a more resilient and sustainable Caribbean.

STC 2024 is jointly hosted by the Caribbean Tourism Organization in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, through the Grenada Tourism Authority, and will welcome a wide range of participants, including government officials, tourism professionals, environmentalists, members of the media and researchers.

This valuable addition to the conference will allow participants to visit various sites and interact with local communities, gaining firsthand knowledge of best practices in sustainable tourism management, conservation efforts, and community engagement. 

Study Tour Options:

  • The Underwater Sculpture Park/Grand Anse Artificial Reef Tour: Led by Aquanauts Grenada, guests dive into the intricate ecosystem of the Underwater Sculpture Park and Grand Anse Artificial Reef and learn about sustainable practices aimed at protecting and preserving these vital marine habitats.
  • Grand Etang Nature Tour: Dr. Guido Marcelle, an esteemed botanist, guides participants through the lush rainforests surrounding Grand Etang Lake to explore Grenada’s rich biodiversity and gain valuable insights into rainforest conservation efforts.
  • The Rasta Roots Expedition: Immersive Journey into Rastafari Culture and Lands: Led by Ras Ginga, an elder of the Nyahbinghi Tribe, guests experience the Rastafari culture firsthand, learning about organic living practices and farming practices of Grenada’s Rastafari community, complete with a taste of local culinary delights.
  • Mt. Parnassus Plantation and Cocoa Pod Botanicals: Experts Michael Jessamy and Tricia Simon guide participants through the cocoa and spice plantation, uncovering innovative applications of these crops in cosmetics and health products.

The conference’s diverse program, comprising presentations, panel discussions, workshops, study tours and networking opportunities, aims to foster collaboration and facilitate knowledge sharing to advance sustainable tourism in the Caribbean region.

Event sponsors and partners include interCaribbean Airways; Royal Caribbean International; Silversands Grenada; Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada’s newest resort; and LINK Strategic Partners, an international strategic communications and community engagement consulting firm with offices across the U.S. and in Manchester, England.

 Visit caribbeanstc.com for further information about the conference and registration details. To learn more about the Grenada Tourism Authority, visit puregrenada.com.

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RTCIPF Observes World Down Syndrome Day

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On March 21st, 2024, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force joined the international, regional and local communities in observing World Down Syndrome Day. 

Officers showed their support by wearing brightly coloured and mismatched socks to raise awareness. 

The head of the Safeguarding and Public Protection Unit, Assistant Superintendent of Police Grantley Williams, Training Manager Mrs Odessa Forbes and Media Relations Officer Denyse Renne visited the SNAP Centre and interacted with the students.

In a message to the TCI community, the RTCIPF noted that stereotypes perpetuate stigma and hinder inclusion, preventing individuals from reaching their full potential. 

Instead, the RTCIPF calls for individuals to foster an environment of acceptance and support where everyone is valued for who they are. 

By breaking down barriers and challenging misconceptions, we can create a more inclusive society where individuals with Down Syndrome are empowered to live fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their communities and, by extension, the TCI. 

As law enforcement officers, we must protect and serve all members of society, regardless of their abilities. 

Let’s work together to ensure that individuals with Down Syndrome are treated with dignity and respect and that their rights are upheld.

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