Regional

For many in the United States, Memorial Day is set aside to recall the memory of those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice -their lives- fighting for the cause of freedom. This day of reflection begs of all to recount the past as we collectively shape the future. And while it ought to be a day of national mourning, it has evolved into an occasion for families to gather, for friends to commiserate, and the day which culturally begins summer. And this holiday continues to evolve…

OECS Heads of Government wrapped up the 47th Meeting of the OECS Authority in St. Lucia with plans to continue public dialogue with OECS nationals on the proposed Economic Union among Member States.

June is Romance Month in Antigua and Barbuda and the twin-island Eastern Caribbean State, already established “as an award-winning destination for weddings and honeymoons,” has come up with a new sequel to its tourism marketing programme. The well-thought-out initiative is called Romantic Rhythms Music Festival. It is geared towards promoting the State as a major cultural music centre and a growing attraction for thousands of visitors from its regional and international tourism markets during the period June 12-15.

The Opposition Peoples Action Movement (PAM) in St. Kitts wants the ruling Labour Party Government there to designate Dr. Kennedy Simmonds a National Hero.

Premier Joseph Parry of the Nevis Island Government, his Deputy, Hensley Daniel, and Legal Adviser, Patrice Nisbett, met with a large number of Nevisians residing and working in Anguilla at the Scouts and Guides Ruthwill Auditorium on Sunday, April 20. The meeting was called to update the Nevis nationals on their Government’s achievements and the continuing programme of development.

On Tuesday October 10th, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) invited the President of the Optimist Club of Anguilla, Penny Hope-Ross, to attend the award ceremony for the Junior Achievement programme that was started in St. Kitts a year ago.

The Honourable Chief Minister Osbourne B. Fleming led a delegation to St. Kitts for the 43rd Authority Meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The other six persons in the delegation were the Honourable Minister of Finance, Victor F. Banks; Honourable Minster of Social Development, Mcneil Rogers; Permanent Secretary, Foster Rogers; Principal Assistant, Evalie Bradley; Special Advisor Public Relations, Curtis Richardson; and Member of the House of Assembly, Honourable Hubert Hughes.

The 42nd Meeting of Heads of Government of the OECS opened on Monday at the Malliouhana Hotel, Meads Bay in Anguilla following the Official Opening Ceremony yesterday which heard addresses from Director General of the Authority Dr. Len Ismael, Chief Minister Osmond Flemming of Anguilla and Acting Chairman Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony.

As airlines around the world register losses, face bankruptcy and seek more and more government funding, one of the Caribbean’s oldest indigenous airlines is taking a new tack. Garry Cullen, CEO, expects to secure the viability of LIAT with an integrated suite of strategies, including a web-based distribution system, direct customer relationships, upgraded fleet and convenient schedules, and competitive pricing.

The Caribbean District of Optimist International announces that Adrian Elcock has been elected as its 14th Governor for the Optimist year October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006.

OECS Member States are finalizing arrangements for their joint participation in one of the world’s biggest boat shows, the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle, France, September 7th to 12th 2005.

From Erasmus Williams—Press Secretary St. Kitts Government

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS (FEBRUARY 18TH 2003) –
Representatives of Nevis’ two political parties, the ruling Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) and opposition Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) have advised of their preference not to participate in future Federal Elections and to expeditiously seek full Autonomy for the People of Nevis.

Fourteen newspapers in the Eastern Caribbean have signed on as members of the Eastern Caribbean Press Council (ECPC) at its official inauguration in St. Lucia at the weekend.