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Martinique.
Towards a congress on “the high cost of living”
While tensions are only partially easing in Martinique, the president of the Executive Council of the Territorial Collectivity, Serge Letchimy, brought together socio-professionals and several local elected officials or their representatives on Monday, November 4. According to Serge Letchimy, whose remarks were relayed by 1ère, the objective was to “find out what our capacity was to not only find one-off solutions, but to go much further", within the framework of a change in legislation. "If we make a proposal for a bill to the government, what do we do?" asked Serge Letchimy. It is within this framework that there was a very open, very broad debate, with all the technical risks that must be understood. We want to do this together, with the oppositions and the best formula will be during a congress. So I made the proposal that it take place before the end of the year, so that all of Martinique gets to work, makes proposals for this congress with the 34 mayors, the parliamentarians, the EPCI [Public Intercommunal Cooperation Establishments]... "If the majority alliance of the opposition in the Assembly, the "Gran sablé pou Matinik" welcomes the president's proposal, the first remark " that after more than two months of mobilization initiated by the RPPRAC citizen movement, the political representatives mandated by the population (as well as the unions), are all confronted with the distrust of a part of the public in this issue of the high cost of living.
Dominican Republic.
The film industry brings in 168 million in nine years
Between 2011 and 2019, the law promoting cinematographic activity made it possible to generate contributions amounting to more than $168 million. In an article in Dominican Today published on Monday, November 4, based on figures provided by the General Directorate of Cinema, "the Dominican film industry has created more than 25,000 jobs" in the last three years, more than half of which are held by women. The article states that tax incentives encourage local production and cultural diversity, which has allowed the production of 195 films between 2010 and 2018, compared to only 101 films in the previous 88 years. In addition, 88% of service providers in the sector are local micro and small enterprises, contributing to formal job creation and tax revenues.
Saba.
Hunting of stray “cattle” is open
In a statement relayed by Saba News, the government informs the general public that “the intensified hunting of stray cattle” will take place between November 4 and December 20. To ensure public safety, the trails where hunting is planned will be closed during hunting hours. Clear signage will be posted at the trail entrances and exits to indicate the closures. “ Please ensure your safety by respecting these closures,” the government asks. The recovery of animals killed in hunting areas will be a top priority during this operation. “The butchery station is operational for the rapid processing and preservation of meat,” it is specified in the press release, in which the governance insists: “We ask residents and visitors to refrain from entering closed trails and areas on hunting days.”
Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Citizenship by investment: revised requirements
The Saint Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) recently announced significant changes to its Citizenship by Investment program. Particularly with respect to real estate offerings. In a dedicated article on the subject, the Observer notes that the minimum investment for real estate has been reduced from $400,000 to $325,000, while the threshold for a single-family home has been lowered from $800,000 to $600,000. These changes, "developed after consultations with local and international stakeholders," the article says, are aimed at stimulating demand and supporting the Federation's economic growth by aligning the program with current market needs. Other notable changes include a reduction in the eligibility age for dependent parents from 65 to 55 and a reduction in the fee for adding newborn children from $30,000 to $7,500. CIU Board of Governors Chairman Calvin St. Juste said the changes maintain the standards set by the St. Kitts and Nevis CBI program over the past four decades, “ ensuring that the evolution of the program will respond to the sustainable development agenda of the island states.
Cayman Islands.
Collapse of the ruling coalition
Clearly, St. Barthélemy is not unique in the failure of political alliances. In the Cayman Islands, the recent resignation of four members of the ruling coalition marks the second collapse of a coalition government in just four years. The outgoing members include Deputy Prime Minister Andre Ebanks, Minister of Sustainability and Climate Resilience Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Health Minister Sabrina Turner and Parliamentary Secretary Heather Bodden have all resigned from the United People's Movement (UPM) with immediate effect. "In recent months in particular, the level of dysfunction and disorganization, as well as the lack of professionalism, puts the country at risk of poor decision-making and reputational damage that could have long-term negative consequences," the four resigning officials said in a joint statement carried by the Caribbean National Weekly. A situation that Governor Jane Owen analyzed this way: " As many have said, a calm and stable government remains the priority. As you all know, the Cayman Islands have a strong constitution that has stood the test of time and the sound democratic principles upon which our constitution is based. » According to Jane Owen, the Cabinet can continue to function provided it has a quorum of five ministers, including the Prime Minister. At the same time, it goes without saying that the opposition Progressive Party MPs are on the lookout, ready to « provide the leadership the Cayman Islands need," they said. Former Prime Minister McKeeva Bush warned that "pushing the country into early elections does not bode well for a stable country."
Cuba.
Guantanamo region evacuated amid flood risk
More than 66,000 people have been transported to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba's far east ahead of imminent heavy rains late last week. These violent rains threatened a region already badly affected by Hurricane Oscar, announced local television on Sunday, November 3, according to the daily newspaper Le Monde. Seven of the ten municipalities in the province of Guantanamo, located about 1,000 kilometers southeast of Havana, have been evacuated and the refugees are now in San Antonio del Sur (13,600 people) and Imias (more than 2,000), "where Oscar caused "historic flooding and killed eight people two weeks earlier," the article's author said. Oscar, a Category 1 hurricane, hit Cuba on October 20 before weakening into a storm
