Archive for the ‘Politics’ Category

LORD ASHCROFT POLLS: NEW CORONATION POLL FINDS LEAD FOR REPUBLIC IN ANTIGUA, BAHAMAS AND JAMAICA – OTHER CARIBBEAN NATIONS WOULD STAY WITH THE CROWN

LONDON, May 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas and Jamaica would vote to become republics in a referendum tomorrow, according to new research from Lord Ashcroft Polls. The other five countries in the Caribbean region where King Charles is head of state would choose to remain constitutional monarchies.

How countries where King Charles is head of state would vote tomorrow in a referendum on the monarchy – Lord Ashcroft Polls

Findings from the survey include:

  • More said they would vote for a republic than the monarchy in Antigua (by 47% to 45%), the Bahamas (by 51% to 27%) and Jamaica (by 49% to 40%). The remainder in each case said they didn’t know or would not vote.
  • More said they would vote to remain a constitutional monarchy than to become a republic in Belize (by 48% to 43%), Grenada (by 56% to 42%), St Kitts & Nevis (by 52% to 45%), St Lucia (by 56% to 39%) and St Vincent and The Grenadines (by 63% to 34%).
  • More than 75% of pro-republic voters in all 8 countries polled in the region said that becoming a republic would bring real, practical benefits. The remainder said the monarchy was wrong in principle and should be replaced whether there were practical benefits or not.
  • Most pro-republic voters in Jamaica and St Kitts said the monarchy had been good for their country in the past but makes no sense today. In the other 6 countries, most pro-republic voters said the monarchy should never have been part of how their country was governed.
  • In all 3 countries where more would vote for a republic than to keep the monarchy, majorities (53% in Antigua, 69% in the Bahamas, 75% in Jamaica) agreed that “in an ideal world we wouldn’t have the monarchy, but there are more important things for the country to deal with.”
  • Despite their “referendum” votes, majorities in Antigua (55%) and Jamaica (62%) agreed that the monarchy meant they had more stability in their country than they would have without it. With the exception of the Bahamas, majorities in all countries polled in the region agreed that the King can unite everyone no matter who they voted for, and that the royal family cares a lot about their particular country.
  • Asked to choose between two statements, people in Antigua, Belize, St Kitts, St Lucia and St Vincent were more likely to see the monarchy as a valuable force for stability and continuity; those in the Bahamas, Grenada and Jamaica were more likely to see it as part of a colonial past that has no place in their country today.
  • Majorities in all 8 countries polled in the region had a positive view of King Charles, except the Bahamas (38%).
  • In 7 of the 8 countries, most said the monarchy made them feel more rather than less warm towards the UK (people in the Bahamas were divided 50-50). Clear majorities in all 8 said that if their country became a republic they would want to remain part of the Commonwealth.
  • Aside from Antigua, the Bahamas and Jamaica, the polling found that voters in Australia, Canada and the Solomon Islands would vote to become republics if a referendum were held tomorrow.

4,077 adults were interviewed online in Antigua & Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and The Grenadines in February and March 2023. A total of 22,701 adults were interviewed in the 15 countries in which King Charles is head of state. The full report, Uncharted Realms: The Future of the Monarchy in the UK and Around the World, together with full data for each country,is available for free at LordAshcroftPolls.com

LORD ASHCROFT KCMG PC is an international businessman, philanthropist, pollster and author. He is a former Deputy Chairman of the UK Conservative Party and honorary Chairman of the International Democrat Union. His recent political books include Going For Broke: The Rise of Rishi Sunak, First Lady: Intrigue at the Court of Carrie and Boris Johnson, and Red Knight: The Unauthorised Biography of Sir Keir Starmer.

LordAshcroftPolls.com //  LordAshcroft.com //  Twitter/Facebook: @LordAshcroft

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3 May 2023

by caribpr

Politics

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LORD ASHCROFT CORONATION POLL FINDS BELIZE WOULD VOTE TO KEEP MONARCHY

LONDON, May 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Belize would vote to keep the monarchy in a referendum tomorrow, according to new polling from Lord Ashcroft. However, six countries – including three in the Caribbean – would vote to become republics tomorrow, according to the survey.

How countries where King Charles is head of state would vote tomorrow in a referendum on the monarchy – Lord Ashcroft Polls

Findings from the survey include:

  • 48% of Belizeans said they would vote to keep the monarchy in a referendum tomorrow, while 43% would vote to become a republic. 9% said they didn’t know or would not vote.
  • 52% said they thought a referendum tomorrow would result in Belize staying with the Crown, while 43% thought the country would choose to become a republic. However, 48% thought the country would choose to be a republic if a referendum were held in 10 years’ time, compared to 39% saying they thought Belize would still choose the monarchy.
  • Lord Ashcroft’s polling found six countries where more said they would vote to become a republic tomorrow than to keep the monarchy. Three were in the Caribbean – Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas and Jamaica – plus Australia, Canada and the Solomon Islands.
  • 71% of Belizeans voting to stay with the Crown said the monarchy was a good thing for the country; the remainder said either that the alternative they ended up with would probably be worse (14%) or that the process of changing would be too disruptive (15%).
  • 95% of those saying they would vote to become a republic said this would have real, practical benefits for Belize. Only 4% said the monarchy was wrong in principle and should be replaced whether there are practical benefits or not. 74% of pro-republic voters said the monarchy should never have been part of how Belize was governed; 24% said it had been good for the country in the past but makes no sense today. 86% of them said they had been happy to continue with the monarchy under Queen Elizabeth, but now it was time for change.
  • 61% of Belizeans, including 93% of pro-republic voters, agreed that “in an ideal world we wouldn’t have the monarchy in Belize, but there are more important things for us to deal with.”
  • Two thirds (66%) of Belizeans agreed that the monarchy “might seem a strange system in this day and age, but it works”. Just over half (53%), though only 19% of pro-republic voters, said the King can unite everyone in the country no matter who they voted for.
  • 60% said the royal family should be scaled down and its costs significantly reduced. 57% said it needed to modernise in order to survive.
  • Asked to choose between the two statements, 57% said they saw the monarchy as a valuable force for stability and continuity; 43% saw it as part of a colonial history that has no place in Belize today.
  • By just 51% to 49%, Belizeans said they thought the King and the royal family care a lot about Belize. By the same margin, they said the royal family did a better job of connecting with ordinary people than elected politicians.
  • 58% of Belizeans said the monarchy made them feel warmer towards the UK, and 42% less warm. 52% said they thought becoming a republic would weaken ties with the UK, and 70% said they would want to remain part of the Commonwealth if Belize became a republic.

510 adults in Belize were interviewed online in in February and March 2023. A total of 22,701 adults were interviewed in the 15 countries in which King Charles is head of state. The full report, Uncharted Realms: The Future of the Monarchy in the UK and Around the World, together with full data for each country,is available for free at LordAshcroftPolls.com

LORD ASHCROFT KCMG PC is an international businessman, philanthropist, pollster and author. He is a former Deputy Chairman of the UK Conservative Party and honorary Chairman of the International Democrat Union. His recent political books include Going For Broke: The Rise of Rishi Sunak, First Lady: Intrigue at the Court of Carrie and Boris Johnson, and Red Knight: The Unauthorised Biography of Sir Keir Starmer.

LordAshcroftPolls.com //  LordAshcroft.com //  Twitter/Facebook: @LordAshcroft

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3 May 2023

by caribpr

Politics

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As Mid-Terms Gear Up A Caribbean American Voter Leverages Educational Products To Empower The Disenfranchised

CARIBPRWIRE, WASHINGTON D.C., Thurs, January 6, 2022: Caribbean-born, US voter, Juliette Adams, a thought advocate and creator of The Frederick Press, has launched a creative, civic education tri-initiative to empower the politically disenfranchised in the U.S.

Launched on January 1, 2022, Education/Actions/Self-Investments, (EASI), was created within the framework of the Gifted & Magical 95 Percent (G&M 95%) series, a five-book political tool kit.

As Congresswoman Yvette Clarke highlighted at the Caribbean American Voter 2020 Townhall, low self-esteem contributes to the community political apathy, a feeling of powerlessness, and hopelessness, disenfranchisement and damaging the direction of one’s destiny in democracy.

Deployment of an EASI vehicle assists as an educational solution, said Adams.

The Funding vehicles, ‘A Human Capital Star – Civic Education Thought Initiative,’ is on Kickstarter and continues through January 28th.

‘Gifting Knowledge For Democracy Preservation,’ is on GoFundMe and ‘Legislative Input – Powering Economic Democracy,’ on Indiegogo, continues through February.

The community can opt to become revitalizing democracy players through creative and innovative civic education advocacy with the projected mid-term sweep of the House and Senate seats by Republicans.

Adams believes that a fundamental reason for Caribbean-American political firsts is their personalized cultural democracy, strong spirituality, love of freedom, and high education prioritization. Firsts include Caribbean American Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm (D – NY), Vice-President Kamala Harris, whose roots extend to Jamaica, (D), Congresswoman Mia Love, whose roots extend to Haiti, (R – UT) , and Lieutenant Governor-Elect, Jamaican Winsome Sears (R -VA).

EASI also applies to the underserved white community, evident in the September 18, 2021 rally. It highlights the powerful Trademark of Education in competitive politics, as the issue unexpectedly switched the VA governorship to Republican Glenn Youngkin and his running mate, Caribbean American Winsome Sears.

If the Virginia “Education” win directs mid-term campaigns, the Caribbean American community has an EASI route to be recognized for its substantial contributions, and the influence to direct national and regional policy, said Adams.

The Caribbean American thought advocate added: “It manifests Warren Buffett’s words: ‘Philanthropy is harder than business. You are tackling important problems that people with intellect and money have tackled in the past and had a tough time solving. So, the search for talent in Philanthropy should be more important than the search for talent in investment.’”

Educate, Inform, Embolden, Engage/Empower the EASI way, said Adams. “Support an EASI Grassroots Philanthropic Civic Education today.”

MEDIA CONTACT

Juliette Adams

202-733-0408

[email protected]

The Frederick Press


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6 Jan 2022

by caribpr

Politics

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Caribbean Celebration Of The US’ First Female Caribbean American Vice President Scheduled Ahead Of The 59th Presidential Inauguration

CaribPR Wire, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Dec. 18, 2020: Caribbean American voters turned out in huge numbers to select the Joe Biden/Kamala Harris ticket on November 3, 2020. On Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend, January 17, 2021, they will be an impressive gathering in cyberspace with some of the Caribbean’s most notable artistes, dignitaries, and organizations globally to mark another dynamic moment in history – the pending swearing in of Harris as the first black and female, Caribbean-American US vice-president at the 59th Presidential inauguration.

Invest Caribbean, the number one global private sector, investment agency of the Caribbean, has initiated the Caribbean American Action Network, (CAAN), a collective of Caribbean American and Caribbean organizations, to present a live, virtual, Caribbean inauguration party under the theme: “Celebrating #CaribbeanAmericanKamala.”

This dynamic, virtual celebration is set to feature signature performances from some of the Caribbean’s top entertainers, including Jamaican-born dancehall star, Flourgon, who in January settled a USD 300 million lawsuit with Miley Cyrus for his 1988 Jamaican chart-topping hit single, ‘We Run Things.’

It will be co-hosted by the first Black woman in a James Bond movie, Trina Parks, whose roots extend to Barbados, through her mother, and to Antigua through her grandparents.

Also set to perform will be Barbados’ own Soca King, Edwin Yearwood of ‘All Aboard’ fame; Krosfyah of “Pump Me Up” fame; as well as rising stars, Toni Norville and Kirk Brown; Jamaican gospel singer Joan Meyers, of ‘Can’t Even Walk’ fame; independent Jamaican artiste Janine Jkuhl of ‘Sway’ fame, Owen Dalhouse who recently released ‘Heal the Soul of America;’ as well as Guyanese Menes De Griot and Shanto, along with Frankie McIntosh, Maxie Gouevia and Rashid Thorpe. De Griot, an African spiritual leader, herbalist, and master drummer who has performed at the Million Women March and Tribute to The Ancestors, will open the event with a powerful pouring of libation to the ancestors, followed by a group performance on drums.

Top speakers bringing messages of congratulations and greetings include Congressman Adriano Espaillat of NY, one of only a few Caribbean born US Congressmembers; the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Sir Hilary Beckles; Chair of the CARICOM Consular Corps of New York, Counsel General of Barbados to NY, O. St. E. Mackie Holder; Dr. Michelle Chester, the corporate director Employee Health Services at Northwell Health who delivered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the US, and several Caribbean Diaspora leaders, including ICN CEO and CAAN’s founder, Felicia J. Persaud; President of ICN and CAAN co-founder, Dr. Sheila Newton Moses; Caribbean Immigrant Services founder, Irwine Clare, Sr., O.D.; Global Village Book Publishing LLC’s Aubry Padmore; Coalition for the Preservation of Reggae Music’s Carlyle McKetty and Esther Austin of Esther Austin Global.

The Vice President-Elect, Kamala Harris, is expected to deliver a message of her own to the Caribbean Diaspora and Caribbean people globally.

“This is a historic moment for us as Caribbean people in these United States, who have been here since slavery and we are convinced that VP-elect Harris represents the best interest of all Americans, inclusive of those who share her Caribbean ancestry,” said the brainchild of the event, Caribbean-America immigrant, journalist, entrepreneur, and advocate,” Felicia J. Persaud.  “America and the Caribbean region have always enjoyed a positive working diplomacy and no doubt, this will be reinforced, as we now have a strong ally in the White house.  We are proud that she is one of us.”

“Not only did Caribbean voters help to elect the first female, Caribbean American US Vice-President, but now we are marking this moment, in the history of the Caribbean Diaspora memorable, and making it known globally, that she is not only, African American, Indian American, but Caribbean American with a rich heritage,” added Dr. Sheila Moses Newton.

The live stream will kick-off at 7 p.m. EST on January 17, 2021 on the Facebook, Twitter and YouTube platforms of One Caribbean Television, (OCTV), as well as on Radio 102.9FM in Antigua & Barbuda. On Inauguration Day, OCTV will air the event on broadcast television across the Caribbean.

CAAN, The Caribbean American Action Network, and an initiative of Invest Caribbean, marks the coming together of several Caribbean Diaspora organizations to country to serve the millions of Caribbean Americans in the US, in the areas of civic engagement, civil rights and immigration, business funding and grants and health. CANN is a call to action for all Caribbean immigrants and Caribbean Americans, and for others to join us and come together in the best interests of the US and the Caribbean region.

Sponors include: Team Jamaica Bickle, Coalition For The Preservation Of Reggae Music, Global Village Book Publishing, LLC, Esther Austin Global, One Caribbean Television, News Americas News Network, CaribPR Wire, Hard Beat Communications, The Haitian Times, Radio 102.9FM. For partnership opportunities contact joe at hardbeatcommunications.com.

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY

Kathy Bronson

Hard Beat Communications

kbronson at hardbeatcommunications.com

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18 Dec 2020

by caribpr

Politics

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One in five people in Latin America and the Caribbean experiences sexual extortion, or knows someone who has, survey says

Report highlights citizens’ views and experiences of bribery and corruption

BERLIN, Sept. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ – A new report from Transparency International reveals that more than half of all citizens in 18 Latin American and Caribbean countries think corruption is getting worse in their country and governments aren’t doing enough to tackle it. Corruption is a major concern for ordinary people; 85 per cent of those surveyed believe government corruption is “a big problem”.

Read the report

The report, entitled, Global Corruption Barometer (GCB) — Latin America and the Caribbean, for the first time shows one in five people experiences sexual extortion when accessing a government service, like health care or education, or knows someone who has.

Data also shows that 71 per cent of people think that sextortion happens at least occasionally.

Equally troubling, one in four people was offered a bribe in exchange for votes at national, regional or local elections in the past five years. In a damning indictment of low trust in government, 65 per cent think their government is run by and for a few private interests.

These alarming statistics underscore the disproportionate effect that corruption has on women, and suggests a significant lack of political integrity among government leaders. The office of the President and Prime Minister, as well as Members of Parliament, are seen as the most corrupt group or institution by 53 and 52 per cent of people respectively.

“Too often, presidents, parliamentarians and other political leaders act in their own self-interest, at the expense of the citizens they serve,” said Delia Ferreira Rubio, Chair of Transparency International. “In a region where anti-corruption efforts are building momentum despite recent setbacks, citizens continue to demand more and better from their governments.”

People’s actual experience with bribery is similarly concerning. More than one in five people who access public services, have to pay a bribe. This is equivalent to approximately 56 million citizens.

Across the region, police earn the highest bribery rate (24 per cent), while other services like utilities, including electricity and water, are close behind (19 per cent). 

Despite these challenges, an overwhelming majority of people remain hopeful. Seventy-seven per cent believe ordinary citizens can make a difference in the fight against corruption.

“Citizens have the right to report corruption and expect that politicians act with integrity,” said Patricia Moreira, Managing Director of Transparency International. “Corruption eats away at society and undermines institutions. Political leaders need to listen to the clear demands of citizens to tackle corruption and strengthen democracy.”

Transparency International recommends political leaders take the following actions:

  • Recognise and address specific gendered forms of corruption, including with gender-sensitive reporting mechanisms.
  • Strengthen integrity of elections and enforce sanctions against vote-buying, with transparent campaign finance and support for fact-based journalism.
  • Empower individuals, civil society and media to report corruption, including with comprehensive legislation to protect whistleblowers.
  • Implement the Lima Commitment, including publicly reporting on progress since the VIII Summit of the Americas.

For more information, including a full list of recommendations, go to: anticorru.pt/gcb2019lac

Report
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Country cards

About Transparency International
Through chapters in more than 100 countries and an international secretariat in Berlin, Transparency International has been leading the fight against corruption for the last 25 years.

About the Global Corruption Barometer
The GCB is the largest, most detailed survey of citizens’ views on corruption and their experiences of bribery in Latin American and the Caribbean. Between January and March 2019, the GCB surveyed more than 17,000 citizens in 18 countries across the region. The surveys were conducted by Ipsos in 13 Latin American countries, Market Research Insights in 4 Caribbean countries and by Public Domain Limited in the Bahamas. For more details on the methodology, a full list of countries surveyed and information on the survey approach, please see here.

Transparency International has been working to fight corruption for the past 25 years.

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23 Sep 2019

by caribpr

Politics

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Hot on Hillary Clinton’s Trail: Bernie Sanders makes presidential bid for 2016

NEW YORK, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ – Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders steps up to the plate as the contender against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today with his formal announcement to run for president.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150430/213081)

In spite of Sen. Bernie Sanders doubts’ of Clinton’s political slant on major issues, the tone is obvious that he anticipates a fair fight for the Democratic position and advancing to the General Election based on his stellar approach on topics that average Americans can relate to.

Bet on Bernie Sanders 2016 (formerly known as Ready for Bernie Sanders 2016 PAC) unleashed the red carpet to Sen. Sanders presidential bid with a public display on a ‘Bet on Bernie’ themed billboard in New York, Time Square last week, as reported by New York Daily News in hopes to build up awareness for the New England senator and exploit his roots as a native of Brooklyn, New York.

Supporters from all over the country have pledged their support on social media from the normal civilians to well known celebrities, as Bill Maher, who posted an image and link to an article in regards to the upcoming announcement of Sanders’ presidential bid today.

Bet on Bernie Sanders 2016 chief director Cary Lee Peterson says “We have been here since the beginning and saw this day coming. He’s hands down the people’s choice.”

The independently organized Sanders’ 2016 hybrid PAC encourages people to visit betonbernie.com to get familiar with Sen. Bernie Sanders character, policy, and history as an American political figure. Peterson states that “the website is active for awareness and he hopes to raise awareness for Sanders across the country.”

Article by: Sheila Dawson

Image with caption: “BETONBERNIE.COM: Sen. Bernie Sanders for president. Born & bred in Brooklyn. 30+ years in Congress, not a flaw. The world is ours. GO VOTE! (CNW Group/Cyber Media Services)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150430_C6662_PHOTO_EN_15990.jpg

For further information: Cyber Services Media, Contact: [email protected]

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30 Apr 2015

by caribpr

Politics

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