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Wednesday, January 30, 2013

CRIME, VIOLENCE TAKING TOLL ON CARIBBEAN ECONOMIES - IDB



WASHINGTON D.C., United States, Sunday January 27, 2013 – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says several commissioned studies have revealed that crime and violence have had a dramatic impact on women, youth and the economic well-being of families in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The new studies “underscore the more hidden dimensions of the cost of crime” on regional economies, by looking at issues such as women’s health and property values” said a statement issued by the organisation.

The studies were the result of a call for proposals to academics and other experts to use innovative and appropriate methodologies to measure the cost of crime and violence in the region, the IDB said. Out of a total of 117 proposals received, eight were presented by their authors at a January 24–25 seminar at the IDB headquarters here.

“The children of women who have suffered from domestic violence have a greater risk of being born underweight, and grow up with more feeble health, with less chance they will be vaccinated and more likely to suffer from diarrhea,” said the IDB about one of the studies. 

The Washington-based financial institution said Latin American and Caribbean citizens cite crime and violence as their top concern, above unemployment, healthcare and other issues.

It said the region suffers from some of the world’s highest homicide rates, stating that 20 of the world’s most violent cities are located in Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Crime has tangible direct costs, such as the cost of funding a private and public security infrastructure to prevent and combat crime,” said Ana Corbacho, sector economic advisor of the IDB’s Institutions for Development (IFD) Sector, which covers citizen security at the IDB.

Gustavo Beliz, an IDB specialist, said “a better understanding of the economic costs of violence and crime is vital for public-sector decision-making in the citizen security sector. “It allows for a discussion more grounded on hard information, among officials in ministries who deal with the areas of security, planning and budgets".

The IDB said it aims to support the efforts of public institutions to better prevent crime and violence with actions that include social initiatives focused on the creation of opportunities for young people, strengthening management of police and penal justice, and with better rehabilitation. (CMC)




A BRIEF PHOTO TOUR OF CHOISEUL VILLAGE



Choiseul Village is perhaps the most untouched part of the Choiseul District. While the surrounding communities of la Fargue, Reunion and Le Riche have moved on by leaps and bounds, the capital has stood relatively still in terms of modernization. Yet, it is naturally beautiful and to a great extent mirrors our treasured history and culture! We can consider Choiseul Village a natural heritage site, a living monument of the district. Here are some photos which tell the story!
UPPER MAIN STREET

LOWER MAIN STREET

THE LATE LORD TENNANT BOUGHT OVER THOSE BUILDINGS AND STARTED THEIR REFURBISHMENT

THE RC CHURCH STANDS OUT AS A PIECE OF CLASSIC ROMAN ARCHITECTURE

THE CHURCHYARD AND BELFRY

THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING HOUSES THE GOV'T OFFICES


THE CREDIT UNION AKA "GOD'S BANK" IS LOCATED ON MAIN STREET NOT FAR FROM THE CHURCH

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A PITON OF SILT IN A VILLAGE



In the height of the seemingly everlasting controversy which has been dogging the Choiseul Fisheries Pond for some time now and all its implications around it, the "pic" below evoked a "sense" of wonder: the evolution of a Piton in the Carib Village of Choiseul. 

The mountain of dredged silt from the entrance of the pond is an indication of the magnitude of the problem facing the local fishermen and the authorities. The big question is: Can anybody solve it? Will the new "Sputnik" excavator solve it or worsen it?
A TOWERING PITON OF SILT IN THE VILLAGE

They say the beauty of science and engineering is making the impossible happen, once the resources are available. Indeed, after the invention of the Model T Ford, Henry Ford coined the phrase “Nothing is Impossible”! 

THE SPUTNIK EXCAVATOR ON ITS MAIDEN DREDGING VOYAGE
For how long will the corresponding sophistry and illusion (or is it punditry?) - political and otherwise - continue to grow before science and engineering intervene to bring in a lasting solution?

"NO-NO" BELIEVES WE ARE WASTING OUR TIME!
The peripatetic and philosophical local character (from Morne Sion) known as "No-No" who was watching the dredging operation had his own take on it. Today, He told to me (in Kweyol): "All the fellahs who build the pond and all dem fellahs who believe they can reverse nature are nothing else but fools! It's God's work" Is No-No right?