Day: March 1, 2023

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St Kitts and Nevis Receives Support in Plan to Launch Education for Sustainable Development

Basseterre, March 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Ministry of Education in St Kitts and Nevis will receive a grant of US$90 000,00, from the Japanese Fund-in-Trust to equip them to develop an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) framework for the country’s education sector.

UNESCO identified the Cape Verde Islands and St Kitts and Nevis to receive technical assistance in the context of ESD for 2030. Both countries that are Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were recognised as probable success in efforts to integrate education for sustainable development.

In 2022, the Senior Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Dr. Tricia Esdaille, submitted the St Kitts and Nevis’ ESD plan that included the 2023-2024 feasibility of delivery timeframe and anticipated outcomes in the country. UNESCO together with Japan-fund-in-trust considered to provide technical assistance to Lesser Developed Countries (LDCs) and SIDS to deploy the ESD project.

The ESD project will consist of policy development and related training policymakers; pilot school-level projects; educator training; support for youth-driven project-based learning; and local community-level activity including various stakeholders.

On 23 February 2023, St Kitts and Nevis Ambassador to UNESCO in Paris, H.E. David P. Doyle, met with the Japan Ambassador for UNESCO, His Excellency Atsuyuki Oike, and his Deputy Permanent Delegate and Minister, Ms. Hirayama Naoko, to extend their appreciation to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Social Development, Gender Affairs, Aging and Disabilities, Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Henley.

“The Japan-fund-in-trust is very welcome and will significantly scale up St Kitts and Nevis’ institutional capacity in developing an ESD plan applicable across all sectors of the Federation’s education and training framework.” Ambassador Doyle said.

Ambassador Oike added that, “The Government of Japan is proud to be associated with supporting this ESD initiative in St Kitts and Nevis, which marks a tangible example of my government’s ESD technical assistance programme targeting LDCs and SIDS.”

The current total contributed funds for the ESD project that will bring the two UNESCO fund-granted initiatives into the country, has reached a total of US$136 000,00, with the aim to strengthen the national educational policy framework. UNESCOs education projects are active in parallel with each other across the country, under the guidance of the country’s Ministry of Education and the St Kitts and Nevis National Commission for UNESCO for the 2022-2023 period.

“We are thankful for the ongoing support and technical assistance of UNESCO in bolstering our national efforts to advance ESD for 2023. With the additional aid of Japan-fund-in-trust, we are further heartened and empowered to carry out a programme of work that will result in the development of national ESD policy framework and action plan.” Emphasised Dr. Tricia Esdaille.

Dr. Tricia Esdaille had also stated that the ESD targets need to remain clear and the outcomes for the country that communicate education as the Federation’s forefront for sustainability.

With the St Kitts and Nevis education sector showing promise with the aid from the ESD, St Kitts and Nevis is primed for growth. The focus on development is an invitation to the sustainable business-minded investors to take advantage of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, with its recently updated regulations that set a new tone for the whole investment migration industry.

Not only is the St Kitts and Nevis CBI Programme the oldest, but it is also the most trusted in securing investor’s second citizenship in the one of the most idyllic islands in the Caribbean.

On 1 April 2018, the Sustainable Growth Fund Option (SGF) was introduced to advance St Kitts and Nevis’ economic development. The SGF is a transparent process, whereby investors have full visibility into where the funds are being used in the economic development of the Federation.

The SGF has an exclusive Limited Time Offer (LTO) for qualifying applicants to have the opportunity to obtain their citizenship for themselves and qualifying dependants, under the accelerated application process.

The LTO is from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023, the Government and Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) have offered qualifying applicants to contribute a reduced amount of US$125 000,00 for LTO and non-accelerated applicants.

The processing time of the applicant for the 60 days starts as soon as the CIU formally acknowledges the qualifying investor’s application; the applicant will be mandated to undergo background and due diligence checks, to ensure that they meet all the requirements to obtain citizenship, which includes documentation that will be reviewed and approved by the CIU through an authorised agent; once the qualifying applicant receives an approval letter from the Government, the applicant may then submit their contribution fees, and as soon as this is completed they will receive their Citizenship certificate; and may then apply for a St Kitts and Nevis passport.

The contribution under the SGF LTO period are as follows:

  • US$125 000,00 per main applicant.
  • US$150 000,00 per main applicant and spouse included.
  • US$170 000,00 per main applicant and up to three dependants, whether or not a spouse is included and irrespective of age of dependants.
  • US$25 000,00 for each dependant 18 years and over.
  • US$10 000,00 for each dependant under 18 years of age.
  • LTO and non-accelerated applicants are required to submit a due diligence fee of US7 500,00, and US$4 000,00 for each depedant 16 years and over.
  • There is a separate process after the issuing of the citizenship certificate, for the applicant to apply for their St Kitts and Nevis passport.

As of 1 July 2023, the processing time will revert to the legislated 90-day processing, after official acknowledgement from the CIU, and the minimum contribution will be US$150 000,00, which is an increase of US$25 000,00, per main applicant. The Government fees will also increase, depending on the number of dependants. If the applicant wishes to apply under the accelerated route, the applicant will be required to pay a premium due diligence fee.

PR St Kitts and Nevis
Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
+44 (0) 207 318 4343
chantal.mabanga@csglobalpartners.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8779365

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SA companies to showcase at Foodex

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) is set to position 23 South African companies as strategic suppliers of packaged and processed food products at the 48th International Food and Beverage Expo (Foodex) in Japan.

 

Foodex Japan, which takes place from 7 to 10 March 2023, is one of the largest annual food and beverage tradeshows in Asia.

 

The exhibition has been a highly successful trade event since its debut in 1976, serving not only Japan’s $700 billion food market but also many lucrative Asian markets.

 

The Deputy Director-General of Trade and Investment South Africa at the dtic, Lerato Mataboge, explained that the company delegation assembled for this showcase represents varied expertise in the food and beverage value chain.

 

“Our delegation is made up of companies that range from small, medium and micro enterprises, emerging exporters, and woman-owned entities, amongst others,” she said.

 

“We have aimed to assemble a formidable team of companies that will put a respectable South African showcase on the world’s stage while advancing our developmental imperatives.”

 

The Deputy Director-General said she was looking forward to staking a claim on the Japanese food market and returning with trade leads, partnerships and trade deals.

 

Although South Africa currently has a positive surplus in its trade with Japan, Mataboge said it is still driven mainly by the export of raw materials.

 

“Our strategic objective is that of achieving value-added exports as envisaged in the re-imagined industrial policy of South Africa. There is an opportunity for South Africa to establish itself as a larger player in the niche market that is Japan, as well as other regions in the global economy,” she added.

 

 

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Public purse will be protected during National State of Disaster

Acting Director-General of Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Nomonde Mnukwa, says government has measures in place to ensure that the public purse is protected from corruption and looting during the National State of Disaster related to the energy crisis.

 

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, gazetted the regulations for the state of disaster on Monday following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of a National State of Disaster during the State of the Nation Address in February.

 

Mnukwa said accounting officers in State departments are responsible for making sure that fraud and corruption measures are abided by throughout this period.

 

“Due to the fact that we are the public service and we utilise public funds, we have to have a responsible and accountable public service and on top of that, we have to make sure that we have mitigating measures against possible corruption and fraud during this period.

 

“The accounting officers are responsible for taking steps to ensure that anti-corruption measures are implemented during the emergency procurement. Any procurement that is undertaken during this period must be published and reported to Parliament within the month of expenditure by the accounting officers and authorities, including details of such procurement and reasons for deviation from normal procurement procedures.

 

“We do believe that as government, with these mitigating measures that we putting in place, the coffers of the State will be protected from possible corruption and fraud,” she said.

 

Mnukwa said the regulations also go a step further to ensure that no state funds are misused.

 

“The regulations have a prescript, in terms of the Auditor General, to conduct real time audits and reports on accounts and financial management of all emergency procurement undertaken during the National State of Disaster period,” she said.

 

The regulations

 

Mnukwa explained that the regulations set out how government will move with increased speed to mobilise its resources to mitigate the impact of severe energy constraints.

 

“The general measures of the regulations… are just to ensure that all institutions within the national, provincial and local spheres of government… must, for the duration of the declared National State of Disaster – within their available resources – firstly adopt energy saving measures to contain the effects of the disaster and prevent escalation of the electricity supply shortfall.

 

“Secondly, [they must] ensure continuous operation of health services, water infrastructure and other specified essential services and infrastructure… including installing alternative energy sources or other measures to provide an uninterrupted power supply,” she said.

 

Mnukwa said the regulations also allow government departments to “implement a raft of measures to protect the public interest” and ensure that essential services remain delivered.

 

“The continuous provision of services will be achieved through the installation of alternative energy sources, measures to provide an uninterrupted power supply and essential infrastructure being exempted from load shedding schedules.

 

“These exemptions will be undertaken in a manner that does not result in an increased risk of placing the national grid under pressure. The regulations will also enable the release of personnel across the various state organs for the rendering of emergency services and other resources in general,” she said.

 

The gazetted regulations are available at https://www.gov.za/documents/disaster-management-act-national-state-disaster-impact-severe-electricity-supply.

 

 

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Deputy President Mabuza’s term comes to an end

Deputy President David Mabuza has resigned as a Member of Parliament (MP) following his request to President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign from his position.

 

He served as Deputy President from 2018 and his resignation marks the end of his term.

 

President Ramaphosa has thanked Mabuza for his service over his term, particularly in his engagements with different groups and formations in society.

 

“The Deputy President has undertaken the responsibilities of his office with dedication. I am grateful for the support he has provided to me throughout his term and for the leadership he has provided to the work of government.

 

“His contribution has been valued by the many constituencies with which he has engaged, including traditional leaders, military veterans, civil society formations and international bodies.

 

“As Leader of Government Business, he has ably managed the relationship between the Executive and Parliament, working to ensure that the transformative legislative programme of this administration is advanced,” President Ramaphosa said.

 

The Presidency said an announcement with regards to the appointment of a new Deputy President will take place “in due course”.

 

 

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Authorities probe death of two at PRASA depot

Law enforcement authorities are investigating the deaths of an employee and a contractor who passed away at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) Salt River Depot in the Western Cape.

 

“PRASA deeply regrets the loss of life and extends its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. The two lost their lives while they were conducting testing and commissioning of refurbished motor coaches on Monday,” PRASA said on Wednesday.

 

The Western Cape management activated emergency procedures once the incident occurred.

 

“Regrettably emergency service personnel declared that the pair had lost their lives. The families of the deceased have been notified and family and deceased’s immediate colleagues are receiving comprehensive support,” PRASA said.

 

Source: South African Government News Agency

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No credible evidence that death penalty deters crime – Lamola

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ronald Lamola, says there is “no credible evidence” to suggest that the death penalty is more effective at deterring criminality than long prison sentences.

 

The Minister was addressing the 13th International Congress of Justice Ministers in Rome on Wednesday morning, where dialogues are being held between both death penalty abolitionist and retentionist countries.

 

“Countries that have death penalty laws do not have lower crime rates or murder rates than countries without such laws. Where the death penalty has been there, (there are) also no significant changes in either crime or murder rates.

 

“As we gather here today, there is consensus that the State-sponsored vengeance in the form of the death penalty does not alter society. If anything, it makes the world even more violent and inhumane.”

 

Lamola explained that although the values of South Africa’s Constitution and international law are “mutually reinforcing and interrelated”, South Africa has taken the stance to affirm the right to life in “our extradition and mutual legal assistance framework”.

 

“Our Extradition Act… makes it clear that where an offence is punishable by death or any other inhumane or degrading punishment under the laws of the requesting State… South Africa will be obliged to engage the requesting State to provide assurances… that the death penalty or other inhumane or degrading punishment will not be imposed, or if imposed, will not be carried out.

 

“We believe that this approach will enable us to not only uphold a human rights culture in the world but ensure that our commitments in forums like these and in other multilateral institutions are credible and continue to spread across,” Lamola said.

 

He emphasised that the role of the justice system is “not a pursuit of vengeance but justice”.

 

“Justice does not only judge the person before the court, it adjudicates the actions of society as a whole.

 

“Therefore, the ultimate solution in addressing the harms that criminals accrue to society is not limited to afflicting a consummate response on the perpetrator, but also helping society understand why our communities produce individuals who are of this calibre,” he said.

 

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Henley & Partners: Invest in Namibian Real Estate and Secure Residence Rights

LONDON, March 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The world’s latest investment migration option — and Africa’s second — the Namibia Residence by Investment Program has been launched by Henley & Partners, the global leaders in residence and citizenship planning.

The Namibian government is actively seeking foreign investment to boost the country’s economic growth and diversify the economy. The program provides numerous opportunities for international investors seeking a foothold and growth on the African continent, including tax incentives, financing, and a one-stop bureau service for international companies. For a minimum real estate investment of USD 316,000 in the new luxury golf and eco-friendly President’s Links Estate in Walvis Bay, successful investors will receive a five-year, renewable work permit which gives them the right to live, do business, and study in Namibia.

Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, Dominic Volek, says, “We are delighted to announce this innovative new residence by investment offering in Africa. Namibia’s stunning landscape, attractive tax system, and business-friendly environment make it an ideal option for international entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, or retirees. There are fewer than 600 real estate units available in this exclusive coastal estate that qualifies for residence, so investors need to move quickly if they want to take advantage of this limited opportunity to secure residence rights in one of the most nature- and wildlife rich countries in the world.”

One of Africa’s fastest growing private wealth markets

The total private wealth currently held on the African continent is USD 2.1 trillion and is expected to rise by 38% over the next 10 years, according to the Africa Wealth Report, published by Henley & Partners in partnership with New World Wealth. Namibia is expected to be one of Africa’s fastest growing markets going forward, with high-net-worth individual (those with wealth of USD 1 million or more) growth of over 60% forecast for the next decade (until 2032). According to New World Wealth’s December 2022 statistics, Namibia holds USD 26 billion in total investable wealth. The average wealth of a resident of Namibia (wealth per capita) is USD 10,050, ranking as the third highest in Africa after Mauritius and South Africa. The nation is home to around 2,100 high-net-worth individuals and three centi-millionaires (with wealth of USD 100 million or more).

To attract inward investment, the government has made major improvements to its tax system in recent years. Namibia operates a source-based tax system, which means that foreign residents are generally only taxed on the income they generate in the country. What is more, tax rates are relatively competitive compared with many other emerging markets and particularly with neighboring countries such as South Africa. The top rate of income tax in Namibia is a modest 37%, but perhaps most notably there are no capital gains, estate, gift, inheritance, or net wealth/worth taxes.

Unprecedented interest in domicile diversification

Currently, the President’s Links Estate is the only investment route for the Namibia Residence by Investment Program. Group Head of Real Estate at Henley & Partners, Thomas Scott, says international real estate has always been a reliable asset class for global investors due to its long-term staying power. “Real estate–linked investment migration programs such as the offering in Namibia have the additional advantages of enhancing your global mobility and expanding your personal access rights as a resident or citizen of additional jurisdictions, creating optionality in terms of where you and your family can live, work, study, retire, and invest. The potential gains over the lifetime of this investment include the core value of the asset, rental yields, and global access as an ultimate hedge against both regional and global volatility.”

Volek points out that there has been significant and ongoing growth in the demand for residence and citizenship by investment options over the past few years. “The appeal of investment migration for affluent families is truly universal due to its many benefits, ranging from domicile diversification to global mobility enhancement, to accessing world-class education and healthcare, to having a plan B in times of turmoil. No matter where you were born, or where you currently reside, wealthy investors can futureproof themselves and their families for whatever might lie ahead through investment migration options such as the new Namibia Residence by Investment Program.”

Media Contact

Sarah Nicklin
Group Head of PR
sarah.nicklin@henleyglobal.com
Mobile: +27 72 464 8965

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