Day: December 7, 2022

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t Kitts and Nevis upgrades its citizenship by investment programme to boost its hospitality industry

Basseterre, Dec. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Saint Kitts and Nevis is boosting its local hospitality and tourism sector with investments received through its citizenship by investment programme.

This is according to the recently elected Prime Minister of the twin-island federation who concluded a four-day visit to Dubai, from 29 November to 3 December 2022.

Prime Minister Terrance Drew was in the state to engage with important stakeholders including high-level government officials, international investors, government-approved agents and promoters, who play a vital role in promoting and supporting the country’s recently upgraded citizenship by investment programme.

With the country’s citizenship by investment programme undergoing a facelift, Prime Minister Drew said the changes to the programme were not just superficial but would ensure that the programme achieved what it was designed for – strengthening St Kitts and Nevis’ economy.

Traditionally, the economy of the two-island state has depended on the growing and processing of sugar cane, but the impact of decreasing world prices on this commodity over the last few decades has moved the government’s attention to tourism, export-oriented manufacturing, and offshore banking.

Tourism is the mainstay of St Kitts and Nevis’ economy, with the United States, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago being some of its trop trade partners. The travel and tourism sector accounted for one-tenth of the gross domestic product (GPD) in St Kitts and Nevis in 2021 and it is estimated that roughly 200,000 tourists visited the islands in 2009.

With a revamped citizenship by investment programme that will be underpinned by better legislative and administrative oversight, Prime Minister Drew said he was confident that the programme would have even more impact on the country’s tourism sector.

The new cabinet aims to ensure that the destination continues to make strides towards the full resumption of tourism activity, including the return of airlift and cruise ship arrivals, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of the people of the Federation.

St Kitts and Nevis is committed to enhancing its tourism presence and strengthening the economic impact of the tourism sector.

Recently during November this year, Wonder of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, made its inaugural call to Port Zante in St Kitts and Nevis.  The ship from the Royal Caribbean Group brought along nearly 6,500 guests and over 2,000 crew members.  This cruise call has also been the fifth inaugural cruise call to St Kitts and Nevis since October 2022.

This year, on November 26, a superyacht named Evrima made its inaugural visit to the island sporting the finest amenities and affluent guests. Evrima accommodates 298 guests and is the first of the yachts to be introduced for the new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection line. This event maintained St Kitts and Nevis’ reputation as an exclusive destination.

According to the CIA World Factbook, tourists, mainly Americans, come to the island via cruise ships via Port Zante in Basseterre, air travel via Robert L Bradshaw International Airport, and the private airport and private dock for private yachts. St Kitts and Nevis is also home to Brimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO world heritage site.

The country’s citizenship by investment programme has been instrumental in bringing globally renowned brands such as the Park Hyatt Hotel that has recently been launched in Christophe Harbour in Banana Bay. The country will be looking to use its revamped citizenship by investment programme to develop its hospitality sector further which is a major drawcard not just for tourists, but investors looking for legitimate offshore real estate products to buy into.

Part of the change process has seen consultations with various stakeholders in the St Kitts and Nevis CBI unit who will closely now monitor and ensure that real estate projects funded by the CBI programme are completed.  To this end, the government is also seeking out reliable and trustworthy developers who are ready to put capital behind creative and strong projects that will further enhance St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment offering.

St Kitts and Nevis citizenship by investment programme stands as the oldest and one of the most trusted programmes of its kind. Since 1984, it has allowed investors and their families to legally obtain citizenship of one of the Caribbean’s most idyllic locations.

St Kitts and Nevis’ citizenship by investment programme has been pivotal in developing other important sectors such as healthcare, business, and education in the nation. With the help of the tourism industry and the citizenship by investment programme, the country has witnessed socio-economic development at a significant pace. Funds generated by the citizenship by investment programme will continue to aid the country in paving the path of development efficiently. Spending on infrastructure has made the country unrecognisable from only 20 years ago – for example there is a thriving cruise ship port complex, and new roads have been built to take pressure off traffic in Basseterre.

Prime Minister Drew was accompanied by a delegation including Marsha Henderson, Minister of Tourism, Attorney-General, Garth Wilkin; Cabinet Secretary Dr Marcus Natta; Sylvester Anthony and Veira Galloway.

PR St Kitts and Nevis

Government of St. Kitts and Nevis
mildred.thabane@csglobalpartners.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8709894

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“Islamabad Conclave 2022” Inaugural Plenary

Islamabad, December 07, 2022 (PPI-OT):“Insecurity is a characteristic of a large state as they cannot be seen as weak or giving up ground which is a paradox in itself. India falls into this category as it aims to have a dominance in the region of South Asia,” stated Mr Javed Jabbar Former Senator and Federal Minister of Pakistan, who was the Chief Guest for the Plenary Session of Islamabad Conclave 2022.

While speaking at the occasion, Mr Jabbar said that Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), over the past five decades has produced quality research and contributed to national discourse both internally and externally. He further added that insecure state transmits this insecurity to its populace and then acts on it in an irrational manner. Pakistan over the past 75 years has been able to navigate the challenges to its national policy making reasonably well.

Mr Jabbar added that Pakistan had to become a security state after independence due to presence of hostile neighbours both at its Eastern and Western borders. The Pakistan military has played an important role in establishing a sense of internal security in the country, but unfortunately years of military rule has also caused insecurity in the country.

In the end Mr Jabbar said that over the past 75 years security policy of Pakistan tells a tale successes, failures, and survival. There are reforms that still need to be carried out to achieve all-encompassing security in the country, but it will need concerted effort from all the stakeholders.

Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI, in his welcome remarks thanked the Chief Guest Mr Jabbar for opening the second Islamabad Conclave, which is a flagship event of ISSI. He stated that the idea of holding an annual Conclave germinated last year and this year the theme of the Conclave takes its cue from the recently introduced National Security Policy of Pakistan with focus on Economic and Human security of Pakistan.

Dr Talat Shabbir, Director, China Pakistan Study Centre, in his introductory remarks gave a briefing about the working of the Institute and the ambit of its activities. He also said that the Islamabad Conclave brings together practitioners from across the spectrum to talk about issues pertaining to different policy spheres of Pakistan and this year the theme of the Conclave pertains to “75 Years of Independence: Achieving Comprehensive National Security.”

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

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one-day training workshop organized by the Directorate of Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants, IUB

Bahawalpur, December 07, 2022 (PPI-OT):A one-day training workshop was organized by the Directorate of Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants, Islamia University Bahawalpur. The objective of the workshop was capacity building and career counselling of teaching and research assistants. Speaking in the opening session of the workshop, Vice Chancellor Islamia University Bahawalpur Engineer Professor Dr. Athar Mehboob said that teaching and research assistants are appointed in the universities of developed countries.

Who help teachers in teaching and research matters and also improve their skills while fulfilling these responsibilities. He said that now learning assistants are also appointed who help and guide their fellow students. He appreciated the performance of Director Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants, Prof. Dr. Naveed Aslam Mulghani and said that his appointment in all departments has made it easier for both teachers and students have helped in improving the overall quality of education.

Prof. Dr. Aftab Hussain Gilani, Dean Faculty of Law, Prof. Dr. Saeed Ahmed Buzdar, Dean Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and Shahid Afzal Durrani, Director Career Counselling and Placement Center also spoke on this occasion. Prof. Dr. Naveed Aslam Mulghani said that according to the vision of Vice Chancellor Engineer Prof. Dr. Athar Mehboob, 381 teaching and research assistants have been appointed so far.

They are appointed purely on merit and the appointed students get financial support for their educational expenses and on the other hand they start their professional life from the student age and prove to be useful people for the university and society and Shahid Afzal Durrani, Director Career Counselling and Placement Center also spoke. Prof. Dr. Naveed Aslam Mulghani said that according to the vision of Vice Chancellor Engineer Prof. Dr. Athar Mehboob, 381 teaching and research assistants have been appointed so far.

For more information, contact:
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB)
University Chowk, Gulshan Colony, Bahawalpur,
Punjab – 63100, Pakistan
Tel: +92-62-9250235
Fax: +92-62-9250335
E-mail: info@iub.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iub.edu.pk/

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Guidelines from medical experts on curbing diabetes 

Lahore, December 07, 2022 (PPI-OT):According to the latest statistics, the total number of people living with diabetes is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. The prevalence of this disease is mainly due to a lack of awareness on how to cure and curtail it by adopting necessary measures. Doctors at The University of Lahore (UOL) gave expert strategies on the effective management of diabetes at the World Diabetes Day-2022 seminar.

The Department of Medicine at the University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD) organised an awareness seminar in accordance with this year’s theme, “Education to Protect the Future,” in which the speakers, Dr. Imran Moin (Assistant Professor, Medicine), Dr. Faisal Amin Baig (Professor, Medicine), Dr. Arsalan Nawaz (Assistant Professor, Medicine), and Prof. Dr. Atif Kazmi (HoD Dermatology), discussed an overview of diabetes, current management strategies for diabetes, gestational diabetes and cutaneous manifestation of diabetes, with the house officers and students and HoDs of different departments.

Dr. Moin highlighted the epidemiology, risk factors, classification, and importance of screening, diagnosis, and complications of diabetes mellitus in detail. Dr. Baig shared knowledge about current medication strategies for managing diabetes.

He shed light on the decision cycle for person-centred glycaemic management in type 2 diabetes, the holistic person-centred approach in T2D*, lifestyle and healthy behaviours, the importance of 24-hour physical behaviours for T2D*, the current treatment algorithm, cardio renal-protective glucose-lowering medications, glycaemic management, and weight management.

Dr. Nawaz presented complexities of diabetes during pregnancy. He shared expert advice on who should be screened for GDM. Why, when, and how should one be tested for GDM? Target BSL during pregnancy, preconception management, medical nutrition therapy, medicines to be used in pregnancy, and management of GDM.

Dr. Kazmi explained in detail how diabetes affects all organs, including the skin. According to the expert, diabetes can cause changes in the small blood vessels. These changes can cause skin problems called diabetic dermopathy. Dermopathy often looks like light brown, scaly patches.

These patches may be oval or circular. He also discussed skin problems associated with diabetes mellitus. During the seminar, opportunities to strengthen the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diabetes were also highlighted.

The seminar, which was graced by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf (Rector, UOL) as a chief guest, was preceded by an awareness walk. Prof. Dr. Farrukh Iqbal (HoD of Medicine) led a walk with students and faculty who were inspired to raise awareness in society about diabetes and its dangers to human health. Banners and posters were held up enthusiastically during the walk to show the importance of diabetes and to provide compassion to those who suffer from it.

For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk

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Dr Muhammad Usman, Associate Professor FES, listed in the prestigious Photonics100 list of 2023

Swabi, December 07, 2022 (PPI-OT):Engr. Dr. Muhammad Usman, Associate Professor, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, GIKI is listed in The Photonics100 of 2023. Dr. Usman is the only Pakistani who has made to this prestigious list of top 100 people working in the field of Photonics globally. The Photonics100 list is published by Europa Science Ltd, a UK-based company publishing which publishes some of the leading photonics magazines globally.

The Photonics100 celebrates the people that drive our industry forward – the innovators, the boundary-pushers, the disruptors, and the out-of-the-box thinkers. It is the list of the people that drive our industry forward – the innovators, the boundary-pushers, the disruptors, the out-of-the-box thinkers and the R and D rock stars.

Uncover the who-who’s leading the way in photonics development and innovation by scrolling through the digital edition of The Photonics100:

https://content.yudu.com/web/tzly/0A44lnh/P10023/html/index.html?page=58&origin=reader

For more information, contact:
Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI)
Topi 23640, District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Tel: +92-938-281026
Fax: +92-938-281032, +92-938-281041
Website: https://www.giki.edu.pk/

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Abdul Moeez: Student, Baghban, and Budding Entrepreneur

Lahore, December 07, 2022 (PPI-OT):Meet Abdul Moeez, an Anthropology and Sociology senior who is making sure the LUMS community stops and smells the roses! We caught up with him on a crisp November afternoon at the khoka where he had set-up a stall with beautiful fresh blooms.

Tell us about your business!

I sell all kinds of plants – mostly succulents and cactus, but I’m slowly adding flowers to my collection too, such as chrysanthemums. A couple of times a year, I bring a selection to campus and display them at the khoka to sell.

What sets your offering apart?

What’s different about the way I approach my business is the after-sale service. Usually when people buy from nurseries, they are left to figure things out for themselves. I’ve always felt that there should be a mechanism where buyers can also learn how to take care of their plants. So, I make care cards for each type of plant, and always give my contact information so I can guide customers if they have any questions even after purchase.

I also pay close attention to the quality of pots and soil and try to pick the plumpest of plants for my customers. I want to enhance the indoor or balcony gardening experience that plant enthusiasts yearn for.

I believe presentation is key, so the pots matter too! I use only fine pots, whether they are plastic or terracotta, and sometimes I also get them painted by collaborating with fellow artists.

How did you get started?

I’ve been fond of plants and nature since childhood. My aunt used to grow them on our rooftop, and I used to watch and assist her. When I came to LUMS, I thought I would start a venture for some additional income and figured this would be a perfect way to utilise my passion.

Do you grow all your plants?

I grow some myself, and source others from local suppliers. I make my own soil as well. Regular garden soil isn’t right for indoor gardening because it gets very muddy. I make a soil mix with the right proportion of different ingredients to make it loamy and airy. Better soil saves gardeners from many gardening problems!

What are your plans for your business?

I started this business with the dream that one day it grows into a place which is a garden shop, a library, and a coffee shop at the same time. I wish to grow into a nerdy old man sitting in a cosy garden shop which provides a free reading and working space for people where they can also enjoy homemade cookies by local connoisseurs. I dream of it to become a place for nurturing the enthusiasm for growing plants, and a support system for students and locals.

What are some of the things you learnt as a business owner?

Running a business is a daunting task and requires a lot of courage and persistence. Every business starts from somewhere. There is no such thing as a ‘menial’ task. If I cannot sell things on a small stall, I cannot be the owner of a factory. The business has also been a source of personal enrichment.

What has been the response from the LUMS community?

The LUMS family has been the primary support behind me even considering starting this business. It was one of my friends who first advised me to create a social media platform for my business, and that’s how it all started. Even now, my customer base almost entirely comprises people from LUMS.

Just yesterday, a friend showed me a picture of a hostel dorm’s windowsill with one of my plants on it. Amidst all the empty windowsills it stood out and gave an impression of joy and liveliness. Adding a touch of nature gives a little enchantment in our lives!

In the short interactions that I have with people through plants, I have always witnessed plants bringing a certain kind of joy in the eyes of whoever passes by and gazes at them.

Is there anything you’d like to share with other entrepreneurs?

We are always taught to view business as a source of increasing profit. The value of a business is not only economic; we can also add value to someone’s, or our own heart. The small transactional interactions of businesses can help us build a safer, more loving society if we acknowledge the importance of morals in our life. To quote William Wordsworth:

“Small service is true service while it lasts of humblest friends, bright creature; scorn not one: The daisy, of the shadow that it casts, protects the lingering dew drop from the sun!”

For more information, contact:
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
D.H.A. Lahore Cantt. 54792
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35608000
Fax: +92-42-35725048
Website: www.lums.edu.pk