The Good Book says money answers all things but following the budget presentation it seems many things will remain unanswered. It would be overly optimistic for anyone to think other-wise knowing the current economic climate. As a matter of fact it has been contracting over the last few years regardless of the various attempts made by the government to promote financial growth.

Today is recognised as International Anti-corruption Day.

Over the years the people of the federation have witnessed a steady decline in the lot of our young people and various attempts to try and stem the downhill flow of attitudes and behaviour exhibited by them have not been as successful as we all have hoped that they would be.

“Food prices – from crisis to stability” has been chosen as this year’s World Food Day theme to shed some light on a trend that is hurting the poor consumer, the small producer and agriculture in general. Food prices, which were stable for decades, have become increasingly volatile.

As we celebrated International Day for Disaster Reduction, yesterday, the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has certainly given us much to ponder on in his message.
He reminded us that “each time disaster strikes, nature is often blamed.  Rarely do we think about human actions that increase risk and turn danger into catastrophe.

Newslink would like to take the opportunity to say to the teachers of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis that you are doing a great job.

Whatever has become of the notion that parents and teachers are partners? It has been tested and proven that teachers and parents working hand-in-hand greatly benefit students. But in recent times, we have seen or heard of occasions on which parents dare to break this partnership by verbally abusing teachers or even threatening to injure them.

Gang violence has reached a crisis level.  One major step in solving a crisis is admitting there is a problem and taking action thereafter.  There is really no time to talk; there is only time to act.  Consultations and meetings convened from now on should formulate immediate action plans.

A study commissioned by the Ministry of Health, St. Kitts and Nevis has revealed that over 30 per cent of 13-15 year old youth are sexually active?
According to MOH, the study was conducted in the Federation in March this year from a sample group made of 1,740 students from Form 11 and Form 1V.  We would hope that parents, churches, communities and relevant government departments and private institutions will be moved to act urgently to formulate new approaches and to scale out existing best practices.

We want to join with the president of the Chamber of Commerce in noting that our economy is suffering as a result of the crime situation that is clearly hurtling recklessly out of control.