St. Lucia Business Focus 97 by AMS St. Lucia

Issue No. 97 May/Jun 2018

e r u t a e F l a i c e p S h t l a e H s s e n l l e W & Live a healthy, balanced life

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No. 97

MAY/JUN 2018

CONTENTS FEATURE 26. 28. 30. 32. 34. 36. 38. 40. 42. 44. 46. 47. 50. 52. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 60. 62. 64. 65. 66. 68. 69. 70. 72. 73. 74. 76. 78. 79.

Hygiene for a Healthy Balanced Life Your Business Body M-Care Where Caring is Our Calling Cardiac Implantation – An Introduction Cardiovascular Medical Centre – Matters Of The Heart CIBC – Caribbean Crusaders For The Cure of Cancer People's Discount Pharmacy Ltd. – Your Health, Our Business The Truth About Chronic Kidney Disease Caribbean Dialysis St. Lucia Let’s Get Mental Government Proposes National Health Insurance Scheme U-Med Clinic – THe Socio-Economic Impact of Diabetic Foot Amputations St. Lucia Eye Centre Still Preserving The Gift of Sight Neurosurgery: We’re Going Farther, So You Don’t Have To! The Dreaded Pap Smear Indications & Complications Of Upper & Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopies Lupus Awareness: May is Lupus Month Migraine: Don't Suffer in Silence Vision Express – New Location Could Art Be Your Medicine? Business Plan For Your Health Obesity: Not Only An Adult Issue The Rise Of Organic Food Health Benefits To Some of Our Local Foods Food Safety Tips It Can Wait: Why You Shouldn't Skip Lunch University Sourthern Caribbean – The Holistic Education of Experience The Truth Behind Leptospirosis Getting A Grip On Garbage Disposal Occupational Hazards & Workplace Safety Poor Indoor Air Quality: The Silent Killer Workplace Stress: Is Your Workplace Slowly Killing You? Take Yoga To Work

80. Evacuation Planning 82. H & L Environmental Services – Improving The Quality Of Your Indoor Environment

4. Editor’s Note 6. Business Briefs

Environmental Focus

94. Major Food Companies Increase Efforts to Make All Packaging Recyclable by 2025 95. Urban Grow Project Slated for Central Castries 95. Experts Forecast Slightly Heavier 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Economy & Trade Governance Guru 8.

Does Your Board Know What It’s Doing?

Leaders Corner

10. Hands-On Leaders Wanted

Money Matters

12. Highlights Of The 2018/19 Budget

Business Tech

16. Expert Warns Caribbean Must Strengthen Its Internet Infrastructure 17. Digicel Restructures Management Team 18. World Bank Announces Report On Regional “Jobs Of Tomorrow” 19. CANTO Announces Innovation Awards 20. Mc Dowall Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) 22. Barbados-based GIFTS Seeks to Transform Regional Financial Sector 84. SMA Quality Awards Spur Excellence 88. The Chairman's Reserve Range Of Premium Rums Gets A Super Premium Upgrade

Tourism In Focus

90. CTO and CDB Partner to Double the Number of Hospitality Assured Certified Businesses 91. Tourism Numbers Continue To Climb 92. SLHTA Launches ‘Young Leaders Development Initiative’

96. 98. 98. 99

Chamber Of Commerce Discusses CIP EU Unveils 12 Million Euro Security Programme for the Caribbean Caribbean Export & CDB Partner to Launch WE-Xport 100. Boutn Rum Marks Its Debut in the U.S.A 100. New IDB Report Finds Investment Shortfalls, Inefficiencies Limiting Caribbean Growth 101. CDF Grants St. Lucia US$452,800 to Boost Village Tourism and Export Capacity 101. CEDA and TEPA Host Grant Proposal Writing Workshop

Youth In Focus

102. The Inaugural Get In The Ring St. Lucia 104. St. Joseph’s Convent Key Club 105. Education and Childhood Development – The Role of Education in Learning For Work

In The Know

106. Is Your Business Hard-Wired For Success? 108. Levern Spencer Gets Hero’s Welcome Home 108. Meme Bete and Natmed set for Trade Facilitation 109. Getting to know our NRDF Board members, Mr. Derek George 110. Gated Communities – Are They Really Secure? 112. Major Moves 114. New Company Registrations 116. Advertisers Index BusinessFocus

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BUSINESS FOCUS

Live a Healthy, Balanced Life! Health is wealth and in this issue our Special Feature focuses on ‘Health and Wellness’. From birth through to death, the life cycle provides us with a myriad of health challenges, many of which can be hereditary and others can be self-inflicted due to personal lifestyle. In today’s age, we have access to the internet and a world of online information to guide us on best practices for healthy living and avoiding illnesses. Despite this, we must all find the time and discipline to act in our own best interest by taking the best possible care of our individual bodies to enjoy a good, long and healthy life both at work and at leisure. In short, we need to be conscious of our food intake and live a healthy, active lifestyle. Many of us have adhered to this approach, resulting in us being healthier and living longer than our previous generations. Some of us are not so lucky and are exposed to surviving with major illnesses that deplete our resources with high medical bills and ultimately are dying at much younger ages.

Lokesh Singh Editor / Managing Director

Health care is a hot topic for discussions as it relates to the current state of our national health care system with specific emphasis on our hospital network and health care delivery. The availability and delivery of quality health care is an important element in ensuring a good quality of life for all citizens and moreso should be structured and ready to deliver medical and institutional support in the event of a catastrophe or major emergency, especially should such an unfortunate event occur at our major airport or seaport. Government has been charged with the mandate for management and delivery of primary health care through its network of hospitals and health centres across the island. The current state of our principal hospitals are in an unacceptable condition and cannot support the heath care needs of our citizens. Hence, it is in the national best interest that Government engage all stakeholders at the soonest to discuss and agree the best way forward in addressing the current problems and expedite the construction and completion of adequate and quality hospital facilities to support the entire population. With limited resources available to the country, and an inability to provide an adequate allocation of funds to the health and other sectors in the annual national Budget, the Government is challenged to fulfil its mandate compounded by shrinking funds from donor countries and agencies. This has opened the door for investments in the health sector by the private sector, resulting in a number of private medical clinics and related services being established, offering a range of health services to the public. A National Health Insurance System proposed by the Government is a welcome initiative which is timely and hopefully will augment the offerings of health insurance coverage currently available.

BUSINESSFOCUS Business Focus magazine is published every two months by Advertising & Marketing Services Limited (AMS), Saint Lucia. Publisher/ Managing Director: Lokesh Singh - lokesh@amscaribbean.com Project Manager: Ashwini Singh - ashwini@amscaribbean.com Editor’s Note Editorial Assistants: Kezia Preville | Stan Bishop Graphic Designer: Tannel George | Carlisle Searles Advertising Sales: Cennette Flavien - cennette@amscaribbean.com Cleopatra Jules - cleopatra@amscaribbean.com Webmaster: Advertising & Marketing Services Photography: Ashley Anzie | Stan Bishop | Nicole Edgecombe Janelle Sargusingh | CDB | OECS | CARICOM | FLOW Keats Compton | Digicel | CHTA Contributors: Lokesh Singh | Dr. Chris Bart | Olivier Bottois Stan Bishop | Kezia Preville | Dr. Minerva King Keats Compton | Dr. Curby Dwaine Sydney Shani Victorin | Dr. J. R. Daniel | Dr. Merle Clark Dr. Celia McConnell | Dr. Aylwin Benjamin Dr Cleopatra Altenor | Nicole Edgecombe Orjan Joe Lindberg | Janelle Sargusingh Rohan John Baptiste | Mandy Preville-Findlay Alison S Gajadhar Editorial, Advertising, Design & Production: Advertising & Marketing Services P.O. Box 2003, Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: (758) 453-1149; Fax: (758) 453-1290 email: ams@candw.lc www.amsstlucia.com, www.businessfocusstlucia.com Business Focus welcomes contributions from professionals or writers in specialized fields or areas of interest. Reproduction of any material contained herein without written approval, constitutes a violation of copyright. Business Focus reserves the right to determine the content of the publication.

We trust that you will enjoy reading the wide array of health articles written by several of our health practitioners and follow the practices suggested for a healthy, rewarding and long life. We also appreciate your feedback on the many articles on various subjects which will impact our businesses and daily life.

Issue No. 97 May/Jun 2018

Look us up online at www.businessfocusstlucia.com and share the magazine with your business associates, friends and family.

On The Cover Health & Wellness

Happy Reading!

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Special Feature Health ess ln & Wel Live a healthy, balanced life

Fast Cash

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS

BUSINESS FOCUS

NHC Promises More Affordable Housing

New Projects, Initiatives For Fire Service

more than two years, students studying and non-HR professionals, for example, lawyers. The guidelines are being finalized.

Minister for Home Affairs, Justice, and National Security, Hermangild Francis, has lauded officers of the Saint Lucia Fire Service (SLFS) for their dedicated service.

Chairman of the National Housing Corporation (NHC), Timothy Mangal, has asserted that the cost of owning a house and land package in Saint Lucia will be reduced due to a number of government housing projects in the pipeline. “You are not going to see those exorbitant prices like $300 a square foot or $250 a square foot for an incomplete structure as in the case of the Monchy development. We are more likely to see prices of $80,000 for a starter home and house and land package in the region of $110,000 in Saint Lucia and that would be very affordable for our people,” Mangal stated. The NHC Chairman confirmed that limited funding of EC$1.5 million has been allocated under the housing construction programme. “You may have heard the Prime Minister talking about public-private sector partnership. This is the way that we will be proceeding in this year onward. We will be looking to an NHC partnering with the private sector in doing affordable housing for the people of Saint Lucia, and we have made strides to date in this regard” Senator Mangal added. Mangal noted that the NHC has done the Forestiere development and is ‘rationalising’ the Talvern development while making ‘very good progress’ in terms of the Choc project design.

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Francis said the fire officers continue to perform their duties with distinction under the most trying circumstances. To address some of the dire issues confronting fire officers, Government will continue to undertake projects and initiatives at fire stations. According to Francis, during the new financial year, government will expend resources to address several priority areas within the SLFS, some of which include revisiting the Standard Operating Procedures, the promotion policy, and allowances for officers acting in higher positions.

Another objective is to be on various statutory boards to help push the association’s message. Benefits for non-HR professional include access to information in our library and attending events which could be of benefit to their own development. The association, which it is hoped should be fully functional before the end of this year, is modeled after the international Human Resources Management Association and proposes to maintain the highest standards and affiliations to achieve its mandate. Once all is in place before the end of the year, the plan is to host its first event by next year.

New Three-Pronged Airline Alliance for Caribbean

The granting of more autonomy to the Fire Chief in dealing with certain disciplinary matters, and the construction of a new fire service headquarters are two other priority areas for the Department of National Security.

St. Lucia Human Resource Management Association Formed An interim steering committee of the proposed St. Lucia HR Association has been set up with Perry Longville of HRM Solutions as Interim President and former VP, Gorretti Paul of HRWise as Communications Officer, Vina Frederick of J.E. Bergasse as Treasurer and Naomi Frederick of Ladera as Secretary. Professional members would comprise practicing HR professionals in the field for

Three Caribbean airlines have formed an alliance which promises to make it easier and cheaper for travelers to move between 32 countries. Antigua-based LIAT, Air Antilles of Guadeloupe and St. Maarten’s Winair have joined forces under the CaribSKY project which is co-funded by the European Union’s INTERREG Caribbean programme to the tune of 4.7 million Euros. Details of the project were revealed in mid-April during a media conference

BUSINESS BRIEFS offshore acreage internationally, with the hope of generating more investment and exploration opportunities. He further disclosed that, in consideration of the industry’s renewed interest in offshore deep-water exploration, particularly within the Caribbean region, it was Barbados’ intention to restart its licensing efforts within the next year.

at La Creole Beach Hotel and Spa in Guadeloupe. Air Antilles Chief Executive Officer, Serge Tsygalnitzky, said CaribSKY will allow passengers to travel on any of the three airlines on one ticket. This will be facilitated through codeshares and interline agreements. At the same time, LIAT, Winair and Air Antilles will be able to share know-how, optimize schedules and bring their teams together while maintaining separate identities. Together, it projected that the three airlines will operate 25 aircraft and transport 1.4 million passengers every year on 70,000 flights.

Commission on Caribbean Communications Resilience Meets with FCC

Commonwealth. Three of these nine posts will be in the Eastern Caribbean, with new British Resident Commissioners’ offices in Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These posts, along with the existing Resident Commissioner’s office in St. Lucia, will form an expanded network of UK representation in the Eastern Caribbean, under the auspices of the British High Commission in Barbados. In addition, there will be new UK posts in the Bahamas, Lesotho, Swaziland, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.

He gave the assurance that as a touristoriented country, great care was being taken in the pursuit of this initiative in order to ensure the preservation and protection of the coastal and marine environment.

Jamaica to lead development of Caribbean Tourism Innovation Centre

Oil Exploration Offshore Barbados to Start Soon Following presentation of a plan to establish a Centre of Tourism Innovation through the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Jamaica was asked to lead the development of a similar centre for the region, the Ministry of Tourism has said.

Members of the Commission on Caribbean Communications Resilience (CCCR) met with United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) representatives on April 5 to discuss new ways to increase the resilience of regional communications infrastructure to extreme natural events. The CCCR was formed after the devastation of the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season in the Caribbean, to investigate the factors that led to connectivity outages, communications infrastructure failures and restoration delays in the Caribbean. It is made up of subject matter experts from Internet, technical and academic bodies, as well as representatives from the Internet and telecommunications industry.

UK Expands Its Diplomatic Network Across Caribbean UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in April announced an expansion of the UK’s overseas network, with the opening of nine new diplomatic posts across the

Exploration of Barbados’ potential offshore petroleum resources is expected to begin within the next year. Minister with responsibility for Energy, Senator Darcy Boyce, said that Barbados had successfully negotiated exploration licenses for two blocks within BHP Billiton and had awarded another block to Repsol. “BHP Billiton is now in the final stages of the EIA (Energy Information Administration) process, and once completed, we expect exploration to begin within the next year,” he disclosed. Noting that Barbados had a substantial offshore petroleum acreage comprising more than 70,000 square kilometres, Boyce said it was the intention of the Energy Division to continue to market the island’s

The announcement was made during the 63rd meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization Regional Commission for the Americas (CAM) in Asunción, Paraguay. Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, noted that the new model of TEF, restructured to operate as Jamaica's Centre of Tourism Innovation, will “create the added value that the industry needs to go one step further, by being ahead of competition and defining the new ways in which Jamaica is going to remain topof-mind in the industry”. The restructured TEF will include new divisions which will use big data to monitor new trends in the industry globally to guide decision-making within the ministry.

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Governance Guru BUSINESS FOCUS

Does Your Board Know What It’s Doing?

Does Your Board Know What It’s Doing? By Dr. Chris Bart FCPA, F.CIoD Chairman, The Caribbean Governance Training Institute

When an organization fails, or just gets into trouble, it’s always surprising to learn that, despite having a marquis Board comprised of well educated, highly respected and ‘corporately successful’ individuals, the enterprise was poorly governed. Interestingly, the root cause of the governance problem often has a common explanation. Directors, both individually and collectively, did not seem to have a clear – and shared – understanding of what their job entailed, at least insofar as preserving the public’s trust in its corporate institutions. Incredibly, they just didn’t seem to know what was really expected of them. Why? It’s because in the not-too-distant past, most Directors – especially the very senior ones - viewed their Board jobs as a sort of ‘ultimate career achievement’ or ‘reward’ for successfully climbing the corporate hierarchy. Indeed, the typical Director was already an active or recently retired CEO. Moreover, one could only be ‘invited’ to become a Director and ‘to serve’ on a Board. This was one job for which one could not ‘apply’. And part of the deal in being invited involved already knowing someone on the Board – especially the Board Chair and/or CEO. Additionally, accepting a board appointment typically carried the tacit understanding that the newly appointed Director was not there to make waves, but to make new friends in high level places. Of course there was a job - of sorts - to do in terms of reviewing and approving financial statements, patiently listening to the presentations of management and always expressing continued confidence in the CEO and his team. But that only took about an BusinessFocus

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hour’s time and the Board only required meetings around four times a year. Nothing too strenuous. And while the pay was not so great, the ‘perks’ of travel and entertainment were sometimes bordering on the obscene. Interestingly, what made the system work all these years was the fact that Boards placed a tremendous amount of trust in their CEO who, as their friend, could be relied upon for his unquestioned integrity and probity. Any protestations or expressions of doubt that might be made by renegade Directors concerning the Dr. Chris Bart, FCPA, FCIoD is a recognized global governance authority and Co-Founder of the Caribbean Governance Training Institute. The Institute is the first to offer throughout the Caribbean an intensive 3 day governance program leading to the prestigious and internationally recognized Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation. For more information visit CGTI’s website: http:// www.caribbeangovernancetraininginstitute.com/ or phone Lisa at 758 451 2500

actions or proposals of the CEO would either be met with the classic “Look, just trust me” response from the CEO or a Board culture that would quickly sideline the offending drones. But it was this unaudited - and ultimately betrayed - trust which eventually proved to be the undoing of unsuspecting Boards and the methods by which they chose to govern their corporations on behalf of various stakeholders.

Each of the high frequency charter items listed above underscores the importance which most Boards place on these topics. But they also serve as a warning to those who have chosen not to include them. Accordingly, in promoting a true culture of good governance, every Board must be prepared to defend their choices regarding the inclusion or exclusion of these items (or any others) in their Charters.

Accordingly, each tranche of governance scandals has been followed by new governance codes and guidelines - or revisions to old ones - proposing the kinds of Board structures and processes that would hopefully help restore the public’s confidence in its corporate Boards and capital markets. The most famous of these governance codes is the US Sarbanes-Oxley legislation. But, in one form or another, all governance codes have called for the Board of every publicly listed corporation to adopt a written ‘Board Mandate’ which should specify the Board’s functions and responsibilities. The purpose behind the mandate or ‘Board Charter’ is to help make clear the job of the Board and its Directors and to finally remove the first and primary obstacle to creating a culture of good governance i.e., Directors who don’t seem to know what is expected of them. This is not to say that once written down, a Board will actually carry out what is stated in its Charter – or even perform its assigned responsibilities with enthusiasm. But without such a document, it is clear from recent history what the consequences would most likely be. A Board Charter therefore is the first step in creating the clarity necessary for helping directors understand their Board’s job and ultimately for assessing their Board’s adherence to its stated requirements. But what do these Board Charters actually look like? What sort of information is contained in them? And which aspects of governance have Boards chosen to emphasize in detail versus those they have decided to give short shrift?

The low frequency components. Twenty-one (57%) of the Board Charter components were identified as appearing in less than 33 percent of the documents. Clearly, these items are not high on the radar screens of most Boards in this study. However, it was still somewhat surprising to find that, in today’s governance cautious world, many of these components had such low scores. For example, it seemed unusual not to have Board Charters outlining with greater mention frequency their Board’s position with respect to its ‘legal obligations’, ‘third party dealings’, ‘director share ownership’, ‘conflicts of interest’, ‘confidentiality’, ‘succession planning’ and even ‘corporate social responsibility’. Why they figured so poorly and scored so low, however, is currently unknown. Time will tell if any of them gain traction in the future.

My investigation To address these questions, I examined a sample of Board Charters (118 out of 276) that came from the publicly listed companies comprising the S&P/TSX Composite Index. From these charters, a list of 37 labels or categories was created for organizing the information contained in them. The number of pages comprising each charter was also recorded. What does a typical Board Charter look like? The average Board Charter size was observed to be 7 pages in length with a range of 1 to 56 pages. In terms of their content, none of the 37 Charter information categories was mentioned 100% of the time. However, some categories were mentioned significantly more often than others. For instance, the top ranked items garnering greater than 80% mention were: Roles and responsibilities (93.2%), Strategic planning (91.5%), Performance evaluations (86.4), Responsibility for setting the strategic plan (82.2%) and Committees (80.5%) In addition, there were several other charter components that appeared with considerable frequency ranging between 59 and 76 percent. These included: Board composition (76.3 percent), Succession planning for executives (73.7 percent), the Board’s responsibility for risk management (72.9 percent), the Director Nomination process (72.0 percent) and both Director and Board independence (64.4 and 59.3 percent respectively).

The Way Forward In conclusion, the way to build better boards is by having better informed Directors. In this regard, there is no doubt that tremendous peace of mind and value is derived for an organization’s stakeholders when they know that their enterprise has strong governance practices in place as enumerated and published in their Board (and other) charters. So here’s two big uncomfortable questions for Caribbean directors: does your organization currently have a board charter?; and, to what extent are all the legal, regulatory and governance best practices required of a modern board clearly spelled out in it? If you think that there is room for improvement in the way this document and its companion ones (i.e. committee charters and board/committee chair charters) are constructed and executed, you might want to suggest that members of your board consider going to one of the corporate governance training programs currently available in the region – like the extraordinarily unique 3 day Chartered Director Program (“C. Dir.”) currently being offered exclusively by The Caribbean Governance Training Institute. Over 500 Caribbean directors have attended this program to date (including all the Governors of the ECCB and the entire Government of Saint Lucia!) By attending programs like this one, your organization’s stakeholders would then know that their interests are being represented not just by individuals with successful track records in business, but also by men and women who have the governance qualifications - and the certification - necessary for effective board leadership and oversight of their organization’s strategic activities. After all, it’s not education which is expensive, but rather ignorance.

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Volume 10

LEADERS

Hands-On Leaders Wanted

CORNER Hands-On Leaders Wanted By: Olivier Bottois

An increasing trend in job advertising from corporate Human Resources to recruiters is to look for “hands-on” leaders. A noticeable requirement on most managerial job postings lately. The message is clear: everyone is looking for people who actually work and do not simply stay behind their desks and titles, getting someone else to do all the work. It also means executives who are “engaged” with their associates and clients. Hands-on leaders are visible and very much present in the operation on a day to day basis. They show up at work! They spend time with their teams and they enjoy being in the trenches communicating their passion to others, influencing, role modeling. They “say what they do and do what they say”. They have the pulse on the ground and make decisions based on their firsthand knowledge of the issues. They are able to identify business opportunities in real time. Their presence is essential and visible. However, I would find out from a future employer what their definition of “hands-on manager” means in their company culture as it is often misunderstood as micromanaging. A hands-on manager is willing to do the same as their employees but should never micromanage and bark orders.. They should not behave as “directors” but show the way, teach, show “how to” grow in their role side by side. Micro managers get too involved in the work and prevent the work from being done. Micro managers are essentially hands-on managers who overstep the bounds of management and get too involved in the work of their employees. A micro manager tends to assign tasks to employees and then hover over them while they complete the work often resulting in employee frustration and lack of productivity. Hands-on managers “trust” their team and feel comfortable helping them and often learning from them on how to improve the operation. BusinessFocus

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As managers we focus on systems and structures, as leaders we focus on people. Hands-on leaders demonstrate passion, care and conviction, inspiring their teams to be greater. They raise the bar but they do it side by side with the team, providing regular feedback, conducting employee coaching sessions, leading by example, keeping communication open, clear and honest. A strong hands-on leader listens, invites feedback, incorporates relevant input and responds to employee comments or concerns. Hands-on leadership also recognizes the value of employee input. Once a job description is in place and goals have been set, the hands-on leader can step back and let the employee execute. By contrast, micromanagement ensures control and creates more work for the boss. Hands-on leaders establish reciprocal respect from their employees. They advocate team spirit and establish creditability with their customers. Leaders: Spend time in the trenches with your people. Teach them. Help them grow. Be present. Celebrate victories together. Be engaged. Be hands on! Olivier Bottois is a third generation hotelier with broad hospitality experience in France, England, Germany, Canada, USA and The Caribbean. He is a Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts alumni who led Leading Hotels of The World, Relais & Chateaux, Small Luxury Hotels and Preferred Hotels properties as General Manager, Managing Director and HOA President. After the successful repositioning of Ladera Resort in St Lucia (2011-2016) as Vice President of Operations & Marketing, Bottois joined Marriott "Autograph Collection" in the US, before returning to the Caribbean recently. Olivier is based in Saint Lucia and the US, currently working on repositioning hotel projects and asset value enhancement for indépendant owners in the West Indies. Follow Olivier on Linkedin: Olivier JP Bottois

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MONEY MATTERS

Highlights Of The 2018/19 Budget

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2018/19 BUDGET Highlights of the 2018/2019 Budget Government identified six key areas on which it would focus for the first four years of its five-year tenure. • Creating Sustainable Employment • Re-engineering Social Services • Reforming Government • Improving Security and Justice • Building Capacity in Renewable Energy • Adapting to Climate Change Saint Lucia Economy Preliminary figures for last year indicate that the economy has started to grow again by 2.5%, driven largely by a strong recovery in the tourism sector and also reflected increased activity in construction, wholesale and retail and manufacturing sectors with positive spin-offs on other sectors. Financial Sector Structural Reforms Government committed to fast-tracking reforms to improve the environment within which financial institutions operate with a focus on the following interventions: • Broadening the scope and making it easier to use multiple sources of collateral • Reforming the existing framework surrounding insolvency • Reforming the existing framework surrounding foreclosure:

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Outlook For 2018 Continued growth anticipated for 2018. Renewed investor, business and consumer confidence in Saint Lucia’s economy. The construction and tourism sectors expected to expand with the commencement and continuation of the following projects: • Fairmont in Choiseul expected to commence in second quarter of 2018 • Marriott Courtyard at Pointe Seraphine • Sandals La Source and Gregg Norman Golf Course • Bay Gardens residences • Dreams and Secrets in Canelles, Micoud • Continued development of the Pearl of the Caribbean Project During this budget cycle, government will also concentrate on: • Investing in people • Upgrading physical infrastructure • Improving public sector efficiency, and • Managing the cost of debt Education • The GiNet initiative will facilitate the integration of technology into the classroom. • In September, two Centres of Excellence will be established to serve as bases for fostering lucrative careers. One will be involved in sports, the other creative arts and culture. • Overarching education policy, EQUIP, will focus on the following short- and medium-term targets:

• Improving relevance and quality of instruction across the system. • Enhancing special needs education. • Rationalization and repair of school plant to make it learning and teaching friendly. • Teacher training and professional development. National Apprenticeship Programme • Redoubling efforts to expand the National Apprentice Programme to train youths in areas that will provide immediate or nearterm opportunities. Building Social Resilience • Focus on transforming Soufriere Mini-Stadium into national facility to accommodate FIFAsanctioned international football and IAAFsanctioned Track and Field events. • Establish facilities as part of Community Hubs within wider community settings like Dennery South and smaller ones like Desruisseaux and Micoud Playing Field. • Transitioning Victoria Hospital to OK-EU Hospital will be completed during this financial year. Investment In Infrastructure • Continued comprehensive $70 million programme to rehabilitate national infrastructure to increase productivity, guard against extreme weather events and enhance our competitiveness as a destination for business and tourism. • Rehabilitation of West Coast Road and Millennium Highway with grant of 28.6 million pounds sterling received from UK Government. • Reconstruction of 5.3 km of the highway from La Toc Roundabout to Cul-de Sac. • Resurfacing of 18 km of West Coast Road between Roseau and Colombette. Ports of Entry • Hewanorra International Airport to undergo major expansion via US$100 million loan from Taiwan. Village Tourism • Grant funding received from CARICOM Development Fund for establishment of institutional framework and preparation of a road map and business plan for village tourism. Water Resources • Pipe replacement project in Castries and from Choc to Cap Estate. • De-silting of John Compton Dam. • Major Vieux Fort North Water Supply Project to create a safe, efficient, reliable, climate resilient and sustainable supply of potable water to all residents of Vieux Fort over the longterm. • Drilling of arterial wells as an additional source of potable water. Housing • Housing Construction Programme to provide units for sale to first-time homeowners and retrofit the houses of vulnerable residents in Anse La Raye. • Relocation of vulnerable communities in Odsan and Bexon and an informal settlement in Anse Ger, Micoud.

• Allocation of $4 million from the Revolving Loan Fund to make over 400 lots available through National Sites & Services Programme for low and middle income earners. Agriculture Agricultural Transformation Programme of the Banana Accompanying Measures (BAM) project which commenced in May 2013 expected to conclude during 2018/19 financial year. Security and Justice • Discussions with financiers to build, operate, lease and transfer a new Police Headquarters in Castries and a new Police Station in Gros Islet. Residency Programme • Introduction of new Residency Programme for high net worth individuals to take up residency in Saint Lucia. Managing The Cost Of Debt • Public debt grew at a slower rate of 4.9 percent over the preceding three years and translates to a debt-GDP ratio of 68.8% and needs to be placed on a sustainable path. • Large portion of the EC$3.1 billion debt stock matures in the upcoming year, comprising both Treasury Bills and Bonds. • EC$12 million allocated to the sinking fund. Fiscal Strategy • To enhance the overall efficiencies of expenditures, while ensuring that capital spending is aligned to building resiliency and addressing infrastructure gaps. • To manage expenditure levels by seeking ways to reduce the debt servicing burden. Revenue Measures • Increasing the Existing Fuel Price Cap: Raising the excise tax rate on gasoline and diesel from $2.50 to $4.00 per imperial gallon effective June 2018, the additional $1.50 earmarked as a dedicated revenue stream to finance maintenance and upgrade of road network and related infrastructure such as bridges.

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May/Jun

BUSINESS FOCUS MONEY MATTERS

Financing The 2018/19 Budget • Total budget amounts to $1,487, 583,200, representing 1.8% reduction from the 2017/18 Approved Estimates. However, it represents an increase of 8.9% over the preliminary outturn. • Recurrent expenditure accounts for 80.8% and amounts to $1,202,955,300, while capital expenditure accounts for 19.2% and amounts to $284.63 million. Budgeted amount for recurrent expenditure includes $137.05 million for debt principal repayments. Sources of Funding • Recurrent revenue of $1.1billion comprising: a. Tax revenue of $1billion (90.9 percent) b. Non-tax revenue of $100.84 million (9.1 percent) • Capital revenue, including proceeds from sale of assets totaling $7.72 million; • Grants totaling $69.69 million from friendly governments and multilateral institutions including: c. Taiwan -- $22.19 million; d. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) -$11.97 million; e. World Bank (IDA/IBRD) -- $9.8 million; f. European Development Fund (EDF) -- $6.72 million; g. Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) -- $4.66 million, and h. United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) -$4.84 million. • Government Instruments, including bonds of $233.12 million; and • Other loans of $67.81 million comprising: i. Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) -- $25.66 million. j. International Development Association (IDA) -- $28.55 million, and k. Taiwan -- $13.58 million Allocation of Expenditure • Economic sector to receive largest share of total expenditure -- $862.3 million or 58% of total. This represents an increase of $82.69 million or 10.8% over the previous financial year.

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

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Of the total amount to be spent on the Economic sector, $135.5 million or 15.7% is allocated to capital expenditure while $726.75 million or 84.3 percent represents the share allocated to recurrent expenditure. Department of Finance will receive largest share (60.8 percent) of this amount totaling $524.64 million. 98 percent of total expenditure by the Department of Finance is recurrent, with $415 million budgeted for debt service payments and retiring benefits. Budgeted expenditure under the Department of Infrastructure is $92.54 million with $51.22 million dedicated to capital expenditure. In road infrastructure, $14.95 million earmarked for bridges and culverts while $5.23 million will be spent on Disaster Recovery Programme. Allocation of $71.05 million to Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation for capital expenditure, of which $26.97 million is for the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP). Allocation of $18.91 million to St. Jude Hospital Reconstruction project and $18.6 million for Constituency Development Project (CDP). Allocation for investment towards Department of Agriculture -- $47.92 million -- of which $$26.8 million will be capital expenditure. Key investments in agriculture will be $4.38 million under Banana Productivity Improvement Project and $3.02 million under the Agriculture Transformation Programme. Allocation of $10.98 million to complete Dennery Water Supply Redevelopment Project and $4.85 million to commence similar project in Vieux Fort. Capital expenditure of $32.03 million in the Department of Tourism, of which $26.9 million goes towards tourism marketing to support marketing and airlift. Allocation of $416.14 million proposed for social services sector, of which $371.86 million is recurrent and $44.28 million capital. Capital investments worth $12.95 million budgeted for Department of Equity, of which $6.49 million is for Home Care programme, while $3.26 million is allocated to Youth Empowerment for Life Project and $1.93 million to BNTF 9th Programme. • Under the Department of Health, the capital expenditure amounts to $7.9 million which is dedicated to the New National Hospital infrastructural works and commissioning in the amounts of $4.7 million and $2.66 million, respectively. • Proposed capital expenditure under the Department of Education is $2.45 million, of which $2 million is for St. Lucia Education Quality Improvement Project. • Capital investment to the Department of Housing, Urban Renewal and Telecommunications worth $17.9 million. • Allocation of $138.5 million to justice sector to which total expenditure of $138.5 million is allocated. • Allocation of $61.46 million to General Service agencies, with $24.1 million towards capital expenditure. • Allocation of $9.06 million to the Organs of Parliament.

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Expert Warns Caribbean Must Strengthen Its Internet Infrastructure

BUSINESS FOCUS

Expert Warns Caribbean Must Strengthen Its Internet Infrastructure

An Internet expert has called for greater regional network resilience and security and is urging Caribbean countries to strengthen their critical Internet infrastructure if they are to defend against the growing threat of climate-change-driven natural disasters. The expert, Bevil Wooding, is also urging regional countries to adopt the new strategies if they are to keep up with the world's growing digital economy. Wooding, the Caribbean outreach director at the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) said 'in today's world, the security, resilience and robustness of computers networks are critical to the development of the digital economy. “The Caribbean can no longer afford to leave important decisions about network build out, network resource management and network infrastructure spend only to commercial telecommunications providers. Those issues are now the concern and the responsibility of governments, private network operators and even end users,” said Wooding, who works with the US-based non-profit organisation responsible for Internet number resource management. Wooding, who is also the Strategic ICT Advisor for the St Luciabased OECS Commission, told officials attending the 36th Executive Council meeting of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), that the regional regulator has established a special commission to identify “actionable recommendations for improving Caribbean network resilience”. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

He also highlighted current efforts by regional and international non-profit Bevil Wooding organisations to address the Internet Strategist issue, noting that the CTU, ARIN, the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG), Packet Clearing House and others are already collaborating on initiatives “to develop greater awareness and technical capacity in computer network design, management and cybersecurity.” OECS Director General, Dr Didacus Jules, said that the devastating impact of the 2017 hurricane season on several Caribbean territories has put a spotlight on the importance of strengthening the resilience of the region's communications network and infrastructure. “As a region, we must have a clear, strategic approach to building out Internet infrastructure to drive business innovation and economic development,” Jules said, warning that, the global economy will become increasingly unforgiving to regions with failing, outdated or unsecured technology infrastructure. “If we do not act with urgency to address this, the impact on our economic and social development can be more devastating than last season's hurricanes,” he added. ¤

Restructures Management Team

Ray Leclercq Chief Financial Officer

Tristan Gilbertson Group General Counsel

Chris Severson Group Chief People Officer

Hussain Suliman Group Chief Operations Officer

Digicel Restructures Management Team

Part of Strategy to Get the Company Back to Growth Two years into the Digicel 2030 global transformation programme, newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer Alexander Matuschka has restructured the senior management team. Led by Matuschka, who took over the reins of the business at the start of February 2018, Digicel Group’s new senior management team comprises Group Chief Financial Officer Ray Leclercq, Group Chief People Officer Chris Severson, Group Chief Legal, Regulatory and External Affairs Officer Tristan Gilbertson, and Group Chief Operations Officer Hussain Suliman. Hussain previously worked with Matuschka at Veon, one of the world's largest integrated telecommunications services operators headquartered in Amsterdam, Holland. Matuschka, in a press release from the company, said restructuring of management is one of three focus areas to get the company back to growth.

“This is the next step in our Digicel 2030 global transformation programme, and is a natural evolution. There are three areas we need to focus on in order to get back to growth. Put simply, they are the right organisational structure, the right governance and the right culture. With these in place and working effectively, we will be successful,” he said. “It's a very exciting time for us; we are at an inflection point in the business and in our industry. And, having met some of the wonderful talent in our organisation, I am confident that we can deliver on our goals. This is all about building a positive future for Digicel, for our customers, and for our communities.” According to the telecommunications company, the management team reshuffle will aid in ensuring that the team is as close to customers as possible and to drive fast and effective decisionmaking. Digicel's six large markets will report directly to the Group CEO — with the remaining markets also reporting to him via a cluster structure. With clusters comprising four to six markets of smaller size but with similar characteristics and market drivers, Digicel reckons that the cluster markets will benefit from closer proximity, guidance and support from senior management. “This delayering approach is consistent with the plans announced at the launch of the Digicel 2030 global transformation programme and represents the next planned phase of the programme,” the company said. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

World Bank Announces Report On Regional “Jobs Of Tomorrow”

BUSINESS FOCUS

World Bank announces report on regional “Jobs of Tomorrow”

Technological innovation and automation are accelerating at a blistering pace. So much so that fears of a dystopian future in which machines and artificial intelligence displace human workers are becoming commonplace. But a future of robots and automation is only part of the story. New technology can be a pathway to a better tomorrow across Latin America and Caribbean countries — a world with new and better jobs; not just a world with more robots. It is true that many of the low-skilled and less complex jobs are being replaced by automation. That’s why the jobs of the future will demand new, more sophisticated skills. Some studies estimate that as much as 65% of the children in primary school today will end up doing jobs that don’t even exist yet. Beyond automation, technology and innovation are reshaping nearly every aspect of our lives and in good ways. From Tierra del Fuego to Tijuana, in the biggest mega-metropolises like Sao Paulo to the smallest villages in Oaxaca, technology is changing lives at a scale and pace rarely seen before. The World Bank report The Jobs of Tomorrow: Technology, Productivity, and Prosperity in Latin America and the Caribbean, published in April, shows how adopting technology enhances productivity. With more productivity, companies can lower variable costs, expand production, reach more markets, make more money and, in the process, create more and better jobs. Studies on Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico find that lower-skilled workers can, and often do, benefit from adopting digital technologies. Companies that use better technology increase output and often hire more high and lowskilled workers as they expand. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Scotiabank

CANTO Announces Innovation Awards

& Trade Exhibition in Panama. Ms. Wankin revealed that “At CANTO we believe excellence should be rewarded, promoted and repeated. Our Innovation Awards celebrate our members’ achievements in the various categories of excellence. The Innovation Awards are biennial awards honoring the highest achievements from the mobile sector of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, celebrating member organizations that are blazing a trail within the sector. The Innovation Awards was introduced at the 33rd Annual Conference & Trade Conference in Dominican Republic in 2017 and officially launched in February, 2018.

Teresa Wankin, Secretary General of CANTO, announced the Innovation Awards event which is a latest joint initiative of the Marketing & Communications and the Corporate Social Responsibility Working Committees of CANTO. The event is a new award system to acknowledge and reward excellence to its members which will be celebrated at a ceremony to be held at the upcoming 34th Annual Conference

There are seven categories namely: The Technology Award, Connecting the Unconnected Award, The Best Supplier to Network Operators Award, Award for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Best ICT Transformation Project, Working Committee Chairman Award, and Awards Designated by Judges: Best Mobile Network Award, and Government Leadership Award. The winners will be announced at the Innovation Awards Dinner at the 34th Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition in Panama.

National Utilities Regulatory Commission

NATIONAL UTILITIES

REGULATORY COMMISSION

We're Online! Our new website is finally here! Features Include:

• Interactive Interface • Easy Navigation • Enhanced Search • Mobile Ready Interface • Facebook, Youtube and Twitter Links

About The National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) The NURC is an independent regulator with broad responsibility for licensing and economic regulation of utility services within the energy, water and sewerage sectors in Saint Lucia. The NURC is further authorized to licence and regulate all renewable energy generation by private persons/entities; and where applicable sets rates, technical and service standards for the sectors and entities that it regulates. Find the latest regulatory developments, news and events on your desktop or mobile devices! Visit us at:www.nurc.org.lc National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) P.O. Box CP6307, Sans Souci, Castries Phone: (758) 456-0790 / 456-0866 Email: info@nurc.org.lc BusinessFocus

May/Jun

BUSINESS FOCUS

Mc Dowall Broadcasting Corporation ( MBC)

ABOUT MC DOWALL BROADCASTING CORPORATION (MBC)

MBC TV/Real FM is the fastest-growing multi-media company inCorporation St. Lucia. Mc Dowall Broadcasting ( MBC) The station emerged from a medium disseminating health information in 2012, to one premiering the latest in news, current affairs, music and other forms of popular entertainment. MBC/Real FM which opened its doors in 2011 has averaged a top 5 spot in both television & radio in the Annual Media Survey. The company has the largest social media following of all media houses in St. Lucia with a combined 65,000+ followers. The station prides itself on strong local content, providing a platform for creativity in various fields to showcase their talents. One of its flagship programmes “Zafe Nous” is bilingual (creole and English) and is the most viewed morning television program on island hosted by Jahiem and Yardie. Real FM is an award winning media entity, one that continues to bring innovative and patriotic content to the fore. Real FM is known for its popular “Morning Express” program, philanthropic drives and has been thumping the airwaves on 91.3 and 91.5 FM for the past six years with its varied segments. Daily simulcasts provide the opportunity to reach both our viewing and listening audience for the price of one and MBC offers the most competitive rates among the major players…show us better and we’ll match it! MBC’s production department is a cut above the rest with modern HD technology. Our production department will take care of customers advertising and marketing essentials from scripting of advertisements to the final output. Our team is ready to work with you to create a marketing solution that fits your vision and budget from TV commercials, audio production, documentaries and VNR’s. We’re driven by our passion for creating websites and marketing pieces that drives results. We are the audio visual experts! Barnard Hill, Castries :(758) 453-7458 : mbctelevision@gmail.com : www.mbcslu.com

MBC TELEVISION SAINT LUCIA

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

MBCREALTV

MBCREALFM

Geraine Georges - News Director / Anchor Geraine Georges is a Dominican Native who made Saint Lucia her home from the age of eight. Her career path began as a Store supervisor in 2004 and progressed to Sales and Marketing Manager for the Avis franchise in Saint Lucia from 2007- 2011. In 2013 she started her career with online media and in December 2014 joined Mc Dowall Broadcasting Corporation as a Senior Sales Executive. She quickly progressed into broadcast and has since held positions within News and Sports Journalism before being promoted to News Director in 2016. Geraine holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a minor in Marketing and is at present pursing a Master’s Degree with the University of South Wales. Geraine said “I believe in factual, non-bias and informative news content and I am proud to be part of a company that is quickly revolutionizing the dynamics of media in the Saint Lucian context.

Nigel Nicholas - Content Creator/Programme Director and Radio Manager Nigel Nicholas is a past student of the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School and attended the New England Institute of Technology, in Rhode Island, USA. This young talented Saint Lucian entrepreneur is skilled in New Media Technology and Broadcasting and is also a talented songwriter and music producer. In 2007, Nigel was introduced to radio by radio personality Massana Morrison who at the time was on Hit Radio. He started off there as a radio announcer and later did a syndicated radio show with Jam’n 97FM in Bermuda. He later moved to Real FM, where he became a noted radio personality and was also the Programme Director for the station. Three years later, he was offered the opportunity to work with Kairi FM where he moved from Programme Director to Station Manager. After three years at Kairi, Nigel returned to REAL FM in 2018, where he is now Content Creator/Programme Director and Radio Manager. Nigel, who is trained in Audio and Video Production, is also skilled in web design and social media marketing.

Ernell Sextius - Operations & Production Manager Ernell Sextius began his career in media as a Programme technician for Choice TV in 2009, working there until 2012. That same year, he began working with calabash TV as a Programme Technician, holding that position until 2013. From July 2013 to present, he has been employed at MBC/REAL FM where he is now the Operations and production Manager. He is presently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Human resource with ABE UK. Ernell’s wealth of experience in local, regional and international production has made him very competitive in his field.

Germaine Anius - Technical Manager Germaine Anius joined MBC as a full time employee in 2016. His professional approach to the job helps MBC to stand out as a cut above the rest with excellent technical work. Germaine started in the technical field in 2011 and brings a wealth of experience to his portfolio. He plays a vital role in keeping our brand thriving.

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

BUSINESS TECH

Barbados-based GIFTS Seeks to Transform Regional Financial Sector Barbados-based GIFTS Seeks to Transform Regional Financial Sector

unions to ensure they are positioned for success in the financial environment. At a breakfast meeting at the Hyatt Regency in March, representatives of the credit union and TT financial sector learnt about gifts core banking solution which can facilitate internet banking, credit/debit card processing, electronic payments and its One Caribbean debit card. The features are available without the high development and integration costs associated with similar offerings in the Caribbean market. Among them, GIFTS integrated switch, provides local, regional and international connectivity for credit unions. GIFTS is the authorised representative of the Quatrro Group and International Financial Systems (ifinancial), SumeruEntiger and Fernhill Associates in the Caribbean and Latin America. Regional financial technical solutions company, Global Integrated Fintech Solutions (GIFTS), is ready to take its banking solutions to the world, but beginning here in the Caribbean. The Barbados-based companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first stop is Trinidad, where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offering its advanced technological innovations to local credit

LUCELEC

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

A total of 75 local credit unions and other financial institutions formed part of the integral session, where local credit unions were also introduced to the opportunity to minimise operational and overhead costs, especially given that regulators are becoming increasingly aware of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) issues.

h t l Hea ess n l l e &W Special Feature BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Health ess ln l e W &

numbers of all the organs of the body and cell types. Of the 70 kg weight of an average human body, nearly 25 kg is nonhuman cells or non-cellular material such as bone and connective tissue. The body consists of many different types of tissue, defined as cells that act with a specialised function. The study of tissues is called histology and often occurs with a microscope. The body consists of four main types of tissues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; lining cells (epithelia), connective tissue, nervous tissue and muscle tissue.

The Human Body The Human Body is composed of many different types of cells that together create tissues and subsequently organ systems which ensure homeostasis and the viability of the human body.

The human body is composed of elements including hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, calcium and phosphorus. These elements reside in trillions of cells and non-cellular components of the body.

The study of the human body involves anatomy, physiology, histology and embryology. The body varies anatomically in known ways. Physiology focuses on the systems and organs of the human body and their functions. Many systems and mechanisms interact in order to maintain homeostasis, with safe levels of substances such as sugar and oxygen in the blood. The body is studied by health professionals, physiologists, anatomists, and by artists to assist them in their work.

The adult male body is about 60% water for a total water content of some 42 litres. This is made up of about 19 litres of extracellular fluid including about 3.2 litres of blood plasma and about 8.4 litres of interstitial fluid, and about 23 litres of fluid inside cells. The content, acidity and composition of the water inside and outside cells is carefully maintained. The main electrolytes in body water outside cells are sodium and chloride, whereas within cells it is potassium and other phosphates.

Body Composition Elements of the human body by mass. Trace elements are less than 1% combined (and each less than 0.1%).

The body contains trillions of cells, the fundamental unit of life. At maturity, there are roughly 30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;37 trillion cells in the body, an estimate arrived at by totalling the cell

BusinessFocus May/Jun

Cavities of the Human Body Human anatomy is the study of the shape and form of the human body. The human body has four limbs (two arms and two legs), a head and a neck which connect to the torso. The body's shape is determined by a strong skeleton made of bone and cartilage, surrounded by fat, muscle, connective tissue, organs, and other structures. The spine at the back of the skeleton contains the flexible vertebral column which surrounds the spinal cord, which is a collection of nerve fibres connecting the brain to the rest of the body. Nerves connect the spinal cord and brain to the rest of the body. All major bones, muscles, and nerves in the body are named, with the exception of anatomical variations such as sesamoid bones and accessory muscles. Blood vessels carry blood throughout the body, which moves because of the beating of the heart. Venules and veins collect blood low in oxygen from tissues throughout the body. These collect in progressively larger veins until they reach the body's two largest veins, the superior and inferior vena cava, which drain blood into the right side of the heart. From here, the blood is pumped into the lungs where it receives oxygen and drains back into the left side of the heart. From here, it is pumped into the body's largest artery, the aorta, and then progressively smaller arteries and arterioles until it reaches tissue. Here blood passes from small arteries into capillaries, then small veins and the process begins again. Blood carries oxygen, waste products, and hormones from one place in the body to another. Blood is filtered at the kidneys and liver. The body consists of a number of different cavities, separated areas which house different organ systems. The brain and central nervous system reside in an area protected from the rest of the body by the blood brain barrier. The lungs sit in

the pleural cavity. The intestines, liver, and spleen sit in the abdominal cavity Height, weight, shape and other body proportions vary individually and with age and sex. Body shape is influenced by the distribution of muscle and fat tissue. Health and Disease Health is a difficult state to define, but relates to the self-defined perception of an individual and includes physical, mental, social and cultural factors. The absence or deficit of health is illness which includes disease and injury. Diseases cause symptoms felt, seen or perceived by a person, and signs which may be visible on a medical examination. Illnesses may be from birth (congenital) or arise later in life (acquired). Acquired diseases may be contagious, caused or provoked by lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use and diet, arise as the result of injury or trauma, or have a number of different mechanisms or provoking factors. How we live dictates the quality of life we will enjoy. Many health issues are genetic and can be managed whereas others are created by our lifestyle. Some of the Major Illnesses and causes of death are detailed below: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the deadliest disease in the world. Also called ischemic heart disease, CAD occurs when the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart become narrowed. Untreated CAD can lead to chest pain, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Risk factors for CAD include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, family history of CAD, diabetes and being overweight.

respiratory infections. They can also be caused by bacteria. Coughing is the main symptom of a lower respiratory infection. You may also feel breathlessness, wheezing, and a tight feeling in your chest. Untreated lower respiratory infections can lead to breathing failure and death. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - is a long-term, progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD. There’s no cure for COPD, but its progression can be slowed with medication. The best ways to prevent COPD are to stop smoking and to avoid secondhand smoke and other lung irritants. Cancers - Respiratory cancers include cancers of the trachea, larynx, bronchus, and lungs. The main causes are smoking, secondhand smoke, and environmental toxins. But household pollutions such as fuels and mold also contribute. In developing countries, researchers project an 81- to 100-percent increase in respiratory Asian countries, especially India, still use coal for cooking. Solid fuel emissions account for 17 percent of lung cancer deaths in men and 22 percent in women. Early detection can improve your outlook and reduce the symptoms of respiratory cancer. Diabetes - is a group of diseases that affect insulin production and use. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas can’t produce insulin. The cause isn’t known. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or insulin can’t be used effectively. Type 2 diabetes can be caused by a number of factors, including poor diet,

lack of exercise, and being overweight. While diabetes isn’t always preventable, you can control the severity of symptoms by exercising regularly and maintaining good nutrition. Adding more fiber to your diet can help with controlling your blood sugar. Cirrhosis - is the result of chronic or longterm scarring and damage to the liver. The damage may be the result of a kidney disease, or it can be caused by conditions like hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. A healthy liver filters harmful substances from your blood and sends healthy blood into your body. As substances damage the liver, scar tissue forms. As more scar tissue forms, the liver has to work harder to function properly. Ultimately, the liver may stop working. Long-term alcohol use and abuse is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis, so avoiding alcohol can help you prevent damage. While deaths from some diseases have increased, those from more serious conditions have also decreased. Some factors, such as an increasing life span, naturally increase the incidence of diseases such as CAD, stroke, and heart disease. But many of these diseases are preventable and treatable. As medicine continues to advance and prevention education grows, we may see a reduction in death rates from these diseases. A good approach to lowering your risk of any of these conditions is to live a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and exercise. Avoiding smoking and drinking in moderation can also help. For bacterial or viral infections, proper hygiene can help prevent or reduce your risk.

Stroke - A stroke occurs when an artery in your brain is blocked or leaks. This causes the oxygen-deprived brain cells to begin dying within minutes. During a stroke, you feel sudden numbness and confusion or have trouble walking and seeing. If left untreated, a stroke can cause long-term disability. Strokes are the leading cause of long-term disabilities. People who receive treatment within 3 hours of having a stroke are less likely to have disabilities. Lower Respiratory Infections - A lower respiratory infection is an infection in your airways and lungs. It can be due to: influenza, pneumonia, bronchitis or tuberculosis. Viruses usually cause lower BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Hygiene for a Healthy Balanced Life

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Hygiene for a Healthy Balanced Life By: Dr. Minerva King

What is Hygiene? A combination of conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and preventing disease, especially through cleanliness. (Source – Oxford dictionary) The human body becomes colonized by different forms of germs or microbes (bacteria, fungi, etc) from exposure during birth and thereafter dependant on our environment, nutrition, medications, hormonal balance, age, temperature and geographical location. On average the human body has 10 times the number of microbes than cells in the body. These microbes live in groups in different regions of the body forming normal microbial flora and can be classified as follows: 1. Skin Flora: microbes which live on the skin ( Staphylococcal, Streptococcal, Fungi) 2. Nasal Flora: microbes in the nasal cavity ( Staphylococcal most common) 3. Conjunctival Flora: few microbes (Staphylococcal) 4. Oral and Respiratory Tract Flora: microbes found in the mouth, ear, pharynx, lungs 5. Gastrointestinal or Gut Flora: microbes in the stomach and intestinal tract. 6. Urogenital Flora: vaginal flora (Lactobacilli), penile flora and distal urethral flora. The ecosystem of the human body is dynamic and the balance is maintained through different mechanisms such as: • Strong Immune system • Balanced Hormonal Levels • Adequate nutrition • Hygiene The Normal Microbial Flora plays important roles in protecting our bodies such as: • Changing the pH so that foreign bacteria does not grow • Competing with foreign germs for space and food • Producing compounds (bacteriocins) that kill foreign bacteria • Help digest food in the gut • Synthesis of Vitamin B12 • Boosting the Immune System Good Personal Hygiene Assists in reducing the quantities of foreign germs from invading and causing illness in the human body through simple measures done regularly, which may include: BusinessFocus

May/Jun

10.

Washing hands after using the toilet Washing hands before preparing food and eating Bathing with soap and water at least twice daily Washing hair with shampoo and water at least once weekly Brushing teeth at least twice daily to reduce cavities and gum disease Changing into clean clothing after every bath Washing clothing after use Washing bed sheets and linen at least once weekly Hanging clothing out in the sun for at least 3 hours to kill some germs such as yeast and sarcoptes scabei (scabies mite) Covering your cough or sneeze

General Hygiene Practices that decrease the transmission of germs in the environment from causing illness in the human body. Examples of such methods or general habits include: 1. Cleaning surfaces daily (door handles, telephones) 2. Cleaning food surfaces before and after use (kitchen counters) 3. Proper garbage disposal 4. Refrigerator cleaning at least once monthly 5. Adequate storage of food 6. Cleaning the shower or tub 7. Dust surfaces 8. Sweep and mop floors 9. Clean toilets These germs and parasites are invisible to the naked eye but are present in the environment. The majority of microbes require optimal temperatures between 36 – 38 degrees Celsius for multiplication; the human body is usually 37 degrees Celsius the most ideal host. It should be considered that microbes also multiply between 5 – 60 degrees Celsius but at different rates. A weak immune system or break in the barrier system may cause invasion of germs and subsequent illness. Practicing good hygiene decreases the spread of some common illnesses such as: • Gastroenteritis (food poisoning) • Common cold and Flu • Head Lice (pediculosis) • Scabies • Skin Infections • Intestinal Parasitism • Pneumonia • Conjunctivitis Good Hygiene combined with proper nutrition, exercise, mental health, stress reduction, regular wellness checks and spiritual balance may be the recipe for a healthy balanced life. Dr. Minerva King is a St Lucian national and graduate of the University of Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba. She is a General Practitioner and Sexual Health Physician. She has been practising in St. Lucia since 2005 serving at the STI Clinic at the Victoria Hospital and her Private Practice with offices located at Gablewoods Mall, Sunny Acres, Castries. She can be contacted at gashamed@gmail.com

We’re Going Farther, So You Don’t Have To! At CANA NEURO SERVICES, we provide a myriad of services to pediatric and adult patients including comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, treatment and surgery for conditions ranging from brain tumors to nerve disorders. Some of these conditions include:

Cana Nuro Services

BRAIN, SPINE & NERVE CONDITIONS: • Head/Brain Injury • Skull & Spine Fractures • Brain & Spine Tumors • Brain & Spine Cysts • Trigeminal Neuralgia • Subdural Hematomas • Epidural Hematomas • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage/Stroke

• Brain Aneurysms • Sciatica/Back Pain • Spinal Stenosis • Spine Fractures/Dislocations • Herniated/Slipped Discs • Myelomeningocele • Skull Reconstruction • Congenital Abnormalities • Hydrocephalus & More…

THE ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM (EEG) BRAIN TEST Tracks and records brain wave patterns Evaluates electrical activity in the brain Helps detect potential problems with brain’s activity

Cana Neuro Services, Tapion Hospital, Castries, St. Lucia

Tel: (758) 459 2228/ 714 5503 BusinessFocus www.cananeuro.com

May/Jun

Health ess ln & Wel

Your Business Body

Your Business Body By Shani Victorin

It’s 2018 and for the last three years we have seen a spike in “excellent ways to slim down, lose the belly fat and so much more.” Let’s take a moment to examine this more thoroughly. Think of the body like a business. For the business to be healthy it needs good resources. This is not limited to financial resources but other resources such as equipment, mentors and advisors. If there are no resources the business cannot survive. Furthermore, a mismanagement of these resources can be detrimental to the business.

These activities for an hour three times a week will help to improve your mood, give you a boost of energy, manage your weight, and combat chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.

The body is no different. In this instance the resources the body requires are nourishment from food, rest, exercise, and water. The mismanagement of these body resources results in a lack of productivity through illness and may even cause death.

The final lifestyle change is to increase your water intake. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to hydrate. Hydrate regularly throughout the day. One glass of water every two hours is sufficient. Adding fruits, vegetables and even what we consider seasonings such as ginger, lemongrass, cucumber, and/or lemon to the water makes it more palatable in addition to giving the body added nutrients and vitamins.

Quick fixes let you see quick results, however, it is unsustainable and causes more harm than good. Strategic planning and a focus on the long term goal is what helps the business and the body remain healthy. The best way to achieve that is by making lifestyle changes. The changes you make in your lifestyle are not temporary but permanent changes that initially may be difficult, but in the end will be worth it. Of course before embarking on any lifestyle change it is recommended to speak with your health care provider to ensure that the changes you make will be appropriate for you. Exercise is an important part of the lifestyle change. Persons can opt from a wide range of activities for example yoga, playing a sport or dance based aerobics like Socacize as a form of exercise. BusinessFocus May/Jun

Alongside exercise is rest. Often overlooked, rest is critical because it allows the body to recover from physical activity, and helps just like exercise to refresh the mind and the body. Resting during exercise, after exercise and getting enough sleep will increase your overall productivity.

Investing in your body with adequate exercise, rest and water will ensure that you and your business are healthy. Shani Victorin is the General Manager of Socacize St. Lucia with over seven years in the fitness industry. Socasize is a creative blend of Afro-Caribbean dance movements and aerobics. As a fitness expert, she works with various gyms and businesses to foster healthy living. She can be contacted on socacizestars@gmail.com

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“Where Caring is Our Calling”

M-Care Where Caring is Our Calling By Stan Bishop

In the health and wellness sphere, M-CARE Medical Clinic is fast becoming a household name in Saint Lucia. This medical practice, it seems, is all about constantly transforming and improving its game. From the inception, the private primary healthcare clinic targeted the health needs of people in the island’s north, first opening at Rodney Heights in 2014, and then at Royalton Saint Lucia Resort & Spa in 2017. Four years on, the clinic still offers immediate care, management of chronic diseases and ongoing wellness. It caters to people of all ages. Should the need for specialist services arise, they make referrals. This is all done with a caring and human touch under its expressive and catchy tagline, “Where Caring is Our Calling”, and with a high level of excellence, professionalism and dedication. Dr. Jeaneen Payne who has two decades of experience in General Practice, said despite experiencing unending red tape prior to setting up business, there was the challenge of being in business in a less-than-favourable economic climate. M-CARE Medical Clinic, which opens from 8:00 a.m. daily, currently has four reputable and dedicated doctors on rotation who are among Saint Lucia’s finest. The extended opening hours for Rodney Heights -- closing at 6:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday, at 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and at 1:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays – are perfectly convenient and coincide with the opening hours for pharmacies. However, at Royalton, there is 24-hour service, seven days a week to serve staff and guests. No other private medical facility on island can boast such extended opening hours. The nature of the business providing medical care is a very personal one. Most people look for a doctor who first inspires the confidence that they’re going to provide them with the care they really need. M-CARE Medical Clinic’s reputation is such that clients keep coming back because patient care is of paramount importance.

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May/Jun

Dr. Jeaneen Payne MB;BS. Dip. Family Medicine General Practitioner

Dr. Misrak Nega Liku, MD. Dip. Ophthal. General Practitioner

Dr. Lorena Lambert MD. General Practitioner

Dr. Nicole Hunter-Cole MB;BS,Dip. Fam. Medicine General Practitioner

Tricia Ferguson Registered Nurse

Jenalyn Joseph Registered Nurse

Mrs. Kate Matty Clinic Administrator

Olivia Sydney Registered Nurse

Felicite St. Rose Customer Care Assistant

Hansranie Indarpersaud Oﬃce Assistant

Leah D’Auvergne Registered Nurse

M-CARE’s philosophy is that you must establish a credible name and reputation through compliance with best practices, for clients to not only come to you, but to stay with you so that you have repeat business. This is something that M-CARE has been able to accomplish: build a credible, respected and well-established brand in a short space of time. Another hallmark that sets M-CARE Medical Clinic apart includes the fact that there isn’t another model like it available locally. While many doctors operate doctor’s offices and go by schedules for operations, M-CARE Medical Clinic opens seven days a week (including public holidays) and has an open, walk-in facility. However, one of the main factors that makes M-CARE Medical Clinic different – apart from being seen when you’re well for your ongoing wellness – is that when you’re sick and really need to see a doctor, you can. The easy access to a doctor and the quality and standard of care that is provided is what sets M-CARE Clinic apart. This is to the credit of the amazing team of dedicated professionals that comprise the staff. In response to the question of what the future holds for M-CARE Medical Clinic, Dr. Payne said: “I think we’re just trying to consistently do better and grow. We’re just trying to perfect the model we have created and improve on it every single day and see where it lands us.”

M-Care Medical Clinic

“Where Caring is Our Calling”

#1 Alfiona Plaza, Rodney Heights, Gros Islet (758) 453-2552 / 452-9032 | info@memberclinic.com

Services:

General Care | Urgent Care Cardiac Monitoring | ECG Wound Care Chronic Disease Care | On-site Laboratory On-site Physiotherapy * Wheel Chair Access

Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sundays & Public Holidays: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Cardiac Implantation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An Introduction

Cardiac Implantation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; An Introduction By: Dr. J. R. Daniel

Implantable Cardiac devices are used to diagnose and treat abnormal and often life threatening heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmia). The devices facilitate and optimise heart function through the use of leads which are placed within the heart chambers and fixed onto the walls of the heart while being connected to a generator which is generally beneath the fat, and skin of the left or right upper chest. The concept at the core of pacing goes back as far as ancient Rome, where physicians used the natural electrical discharges of Electric Rays to treat patients with Gout and other painful diseases. Throughout the centuries, experiments were conducted with animals, cadavers, and humans. In 1932, Dr Albert Hyman, an American Cardiologist built the first, hand cranked, spring driven, artificial pacemaker. In 1962, the first permanent Transvenous (non-thoracotomy) pacemaker implantation was reported. BusinessFocus May/Jun

Dr. J. Romel Daniel, OBE, FRCP, FESC, FACC, has been the Consultant Cardiologist at Victoria, St. Jude's and Tapion Hospitals for nineteen years. He ended his tenure at Victoria Hospital in January 2018. His unwavering commitment to service can be seen through his work at St. Jude's Hospital where he has been volunteering his skills over all these years. He's a founding member of the St. Lucia Heart, Lung and Blood Foundation and has been very instrumental with the World Pediatric Project in enabling St. Lucian children to acquire the best cardiac care possible at no cost to them. Dr. Daniel introduced Interventional Cardiology to St. Lucia just over a decade ago and many locals and tourists have benefited from his life saving implantation of cardiac devices.

In its normal state, the heart beats an estimated three billion times over a normal human lifetime. Each beat is coordinated. The system is known as the CARDIAC CONDUCTION System and is made up of Nerve tissue which generates electrical impulses which, when conducted through Cardiac muscle, causes the heart chambers to contract in sequence, allowing the blood to be pumped throughout the body. The basis of the Cardiac conduct system includes the following: (1) S A node or Sino Atrial node – the natural pacemaker of the heart. (2) AV node – the “gate keeper “of impulses to the ventricles. This allows the atria sufficient time to contract before the ventricles do. (3) Bundle of His, (L) Bundle and (R) bundle nerve tissue. These specialised fibres are located inside the muscle walls of the heart and allow the impulses passing through them to generate, in its normal state, the synchronised contraction of the ventricles and the ejection of blood contained therein.

untreated hypertension or diabetes, toxic substances like excess alcohol, and heart valve problems.

If any of the above systems are affected by disease, then one can get a: (1) Bradycardia – a slowing or pausing of the heart beat which can be severe and life threatening. (2) Tachycardia – a fast heartbeat which can be dangerous and provoke sudden cardiac death if ventricular tachycardia, fibrillation intervenes. (3) Heart Failure – where the heart’s ability to pump blood is compromised. These can result from heart attacks,

In the above cases one may have to implant - Conventional pacemakers, Implantable defibrillators, or Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy (CRT) devices. It is important to contact your physician for palpitations, unexplained fainting /Syncope, shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, or strokes, since these may be the presenting symptoms of a greater cardiac problem.

Manoel Street, Castries Tel:1 (758) 451-2920 Cell: 1 (758) 720-2246

Fax: 1 (758) 451-7447 Web: www.egsfreight.com Email: info@egsfreights.com

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Cardiovascular Medical Centre

Cardiovascular Medical Centre – Matters Of The Heart

Jeanice Stanley-Jean, MD. Consultant Cardiologist

Welcome

to Saint Lucia’s only full-service Heart Center We offer personalized, high quality heart care in Saint Lucia’s only full-service Cardiovascular Medical Center. From primary to secondary, you’ll find a full line of clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic out-patient services, with the convenience and caring of a competent and dedicated team of professionals. The quality of care offered at the CardioVascular Medical Centre means that the best possible results and the quickest access are now available right here on island. We offer you advanced equipment and the latest technology to perform the most comprehensive cardiac services including:

#51 John Compton Hwy Sans Souci, Castries P.O. Box 1168 BusinessFocus May/Jun

We Treat • Heart Problems • Chest pain • Heart Rhythm Problems

• High Blood Pressure • Cholesterol problems

Services • Cardiology consultations • Executive medical evaluations • Rest ECG/EKG • Stress ECG Testing • Echocardiograms • 24 hour ambulatory ECG monitoring (Holter) • 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) • Pacemaker & Implantable Cardioverter Deﬁbrillator (ICD) consultations & evaluations • Hospitalized Care • Family Medicine (house calls) • Pharmacy (coming soon) • Laboratory services We also offer a full range of small medical monitoring devices and supplies for your convenience. : cmcstlucia@candw.lc : (758) 452-1231 (758) 484-6868 :cmcstlucia

Jeanice Stanley-Jean M.D. CEO / Medical Director, Cardiovascular Medical Inc.

Dr. Jeanice Stanley-Jean, is a Saint Lucian Cardiologist who has been in practise for over 15 years. She is the owner of the Cardiovascular Medical Centre with practising/admitting privileges at the Tapion Hospital. She graduated from the University of Medical Sciences, Camaguey, Cuba in 1998 with first class honours. For her outstanding performance, the Cuban government awarded her a national scholarship to specialize. In December 2002, Dr. Stanley-Jean completed a specialist degree in cardiology at the University of Havana-Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery. Prior to pursuing post graduate studies, she was employed as a Senior House Officer at Victoria Hospital and later as a District Medical Officer for Dennery. On her return to Saint Lucia in 2003, she started her private practice, the Cardiovascular Medical Centre. Over the years she has continued to hone her skills through pursuing several post graduate courses and training programmes (including cardiology, echocardiography and pacemaker implantation) in the UK, the USA, Mexico, Trinidad, and Puerto Rico. As a clinical Cardiologist, Dr. Jeanice Stanley-Jean, has a wide variety of interests in general cardiology, and women’s health in particular. Her patients present for guidance and treatment of congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation and other cardiac dysrhythmias. They also seek expertise on preventive cardiology, risk stratification and pre-operative assessment. She believes in individualized approach to cardiac care and emphasizes shared decision-making with her patients. She is passionate about quality healthcare and the development of Cardiology Services, particularly in her home country Saint Lucia. In recognising the myriad of challenges in the provision of health care services in the country and having a strong conviction that she can make a difference in improving health care services, she took the bold decision to expand the range of cardiovascular services offered at a convenient and conducive location – Corner of Desir Avenue and John Compton Highway, Sans Souci, Castries, Saint Lucia. Volunteerism and community service is familiar turf for her, being a co-founder of the St Luke’s Medical Clinic – a free monthly clinic for the indigent which she has operated for 15 years (since 2003). Her other contributions to the community include, facilitator of the adult literacy programme in Dennery, medical advisor and deputy chair of the Protective Services Compensation Commission (2014 -2017), a member of the Fond d’Or Foundation, better known for their production of Fond d’Or Jazz. Dr. Stanley-Jean, has been an active member of the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association since 1998. She served twice as the Assistant Secretary, as President 2015 and 2017, and is currently the immediate past president, Chair of the SLMDA’s Continuing Education Committee and member of the SLMDA’s Negotiations Committee. Her other professional affiliations include, American Heart Association, Association of Black Cardiologists, Cuban Society of Cardiology, World Medical Association, Secretary of the Caribbean Cardiac Society and a council member of that body since 2012. She co-authored a research paper, “Non Invasive Electrical Markers in Patients with Brugada Syndrome”, Archivos de Cardiología de México, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Volume 7 6, Number 1, pp 52-58, January-March 2006.

BUSINESS FOCUS

Health ess ln & Wel

CIBC – Caribbean Crusaders For The Cure of Cancer

CARIBBEAN CRUSADERS FOR THE CURE OF CANCER Walk for the Cure has become the flagship activity of the CIBC FirstCaribbean COMTRUST Foundation, and one of the Caribbean’s largest cancer fundraising and educational initiatives raising over USD$1.5 million over the last six years since its launch in 2012. The importance of finding a cure for cancer and the need for ongoing research to halt the devastating impact of this disease on the lives and livelihoods of millions of families across the Caribbean and the globe is amplified through the strident voice of advocacy of the 3000-strong employee base of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank and of the social programmes of its parent company, CIBC. Led by its parent company in Canada, CIBC which has been affiliated with the cause for 21 years, donating millions to breast cancer research in Canada, and to the support of those afflicted and their families wherever the bank does business. In the region, this spirited advocacy across the 17 Caribbean territories where the bank has effectively branded the first weekend of October every year with the staging of its annual, signature event, Walk for the Cure. The bank’s mobilisation of corporate partners and hundreds of thousands of walkers from Bahamas in the North to Trinidad in the south provides a strong Caribbean dimension to parent company CIBC’s Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Run for the Cure - Canada's largest single-day, volunteer-led fundraising event dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research, health education and advocacy programs BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Within the Caribbean, the funds generated from the walk are truly life-changing, as they are used primarily to assist with the purchase and maintenance of equipment used in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, to provide assistance, care and counselling to patients and their families as well as to raise awareness, and stress the

importance of early detection, through education campaigns across the region. CIBC FirstCaribbeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Walk for the Cure beneďŹ ciary partners in Saint Lucia are Faces of Cancer and the Saint Lucia Cancer Society.

CIBC First Caribbean

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May/Jun

BUSINESS FOCUS

People’s Discount Pharmacy Ltd. People's Discount Pharmacy Ltd. – Your Health, Our Business

Your Health, Our Business

By Stan Bishop

For over two decades, People’s Discount Pharmacy Ltd. has been a driving force in the Saint Lucian health-care landscape. That’s because it’s always striven to do two things: care for the people it serves and ensure that discounts remain a common feature. Rosemary opened the doors of People’s Discount Drugs Ltd in a small location on Brazil street. In July 1995 a few months later Rosemary and her husband Jose’ moved to a new location on Laborie street. In July 2016 people’s Discount Drugs became responsible only for the fixed assets of the company. The operational arm of the company was then changed to People’s Discount Pharmacy Ltd Prior to opening the business, Rosemary was employed with a major department store as a manager and pharmacist for 17 years. She now serves as Managing Director of People’s Discount Pharmacy Ltd. “After a while, I got tired of working for people -- I wanted to do something for myself,” she said. “While I had many

responsibilities there, I didn’t feel like there was any personal benefit coming from all those efforts. Besides, I wanted to see different things happen in the field of pharmacy, so I decided to move into business on my own.” From the inception, People’s Discount Pharmacy Ltd. began offering a 10% discount to senior citizens on Wednesdays. That service is now available everyday to senior citizens. The pharmacy moved on to doing blood pressure and blood sugar readings, pregnancy tests, and cholesterol tests. Rosemary said that went very well because they were providing services that people -- unless they went to the doctor or health centre -- did not have access to. Starting out with five employees initially, business picked up very quickly because there was a viable market for their services, Michel said. Other services, such as patient counselling, were added when in 2001, the more spacious St. Louis Street location was acquired. Currently, 21 employees serve the two locations, including two pharmacists and a few technicians. Michel said managing the business was made easier because she had taken some management and marketing courses to ensure that she had what it took to run a business. Even keeping up with the competition was not a problem because she was well-known, she said. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

“There were a number of things that other pharmacies did not do that I wanted to do, such as implementing a computerized system,” she said. “So we were the first to begin a computerized system whereby we could monitor our patients.” People’s Discount Pharmacy Ltd. carries a wide range of pharmaceuticals, many of which are exclusively available at that pharmacy locally. However, if some drugs are unavailable here in Saint Lucia, the pharmacy sources such items for clients. Michel said People’s Discount Pharmacy Ltd. cares about its clientele. In fact, its motto is ‘Your health is our business’. “We want them to know that we offer quality pharmaceuticals at a good price. We also source our goods -- most of which come from England or Canada -- from reputable companies. So we know we’re offering the best,” she explained.

services as well as those who provide such services.

Although medical equipment is a small niche market, it is something that is necessary. As such, wheelchairs, walkers, commodes and other important items for the sick and elderly is a market People’s Discount Pharmacy Ltd. got into a few years ago. With health and wellness fast becoming one of the world’s major global industries, she also had some advice for those who depend on such

“My advice, especially to young people, is that it’s a noble profession -- but it’s hard work. You have to be determined to work hard, care for and take an interest in people. As a pharmacist, I always believe that we should not sacrifice our professional integrity at the altar of profit. I also believe that people need to take control of their health by understanding that pharmaceuticals are not things to be played around with,” Michel explained.

People's Discount Pharmacy Cnr. Of Chisel & St. Louis Streets Castries, Saint Lucia :452-4281 :www.peoplesdiscountpharmacyltd.com

Laborie Street Castries, Saint Lucia :451-6070 :peoplesdiscountdrugs@gmail.com BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Health ess ln l e W &

The Truth About Chronic Kidney Disease

The Truth About Chronic Kidney Disease By: Dr. Merle Clark

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is undoubtedly a major public health problem. It is widely considered to be an emerging epidemic of the 21st century, at a time when chronic non communicable diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer result in the large majority of deaths among citizens of the world, this compared to previous centuries when infectious diseases were the pathologies which threatened the very existence of mankind. CKD is principally a long term complication of inadequately controlled diabetes and hypertension but many other pathologies (some congenital, some genetic) and lifestyle choices can predispose one to the disease. Globally, one out of every ten persons, in their lifetime, will develop chronic kidney disease in one of its stages and those numbers will inevitably continue to rise if action is not taken now! It is noteworthy that CKD is more prevalent among people of African descent relative to other races, therefore we in the Caribbean are particularly susceptible, given the fact that we are predominantly descendant from African slaves. The factors which make chronic kidney disease particularly threatening are the exorbitant cost of treating late stage kidney disease the fact that every organ system can potentially be affected when kidneys fail therefore leading to premature invalidity and death. In the US for example the End stage kidney disease population is approximately 0.2% of the population but treating said population takes up 2% of healthcare budget. In their context, that translates to billions of dollars. Here in Saint Lucia the situation is somewhat similar, in that the number of patients who undergo renal replacement therapy (dialysis in our case) is a very small percentage of the general population, however the BusinessFocus May/Jun

cost of providing dialysis far surpasses that of providing many other essential services. Currently, a total of 108 patients are being dialysed at St. Jude and Victoria hospitals and approximately 18 at the private unit at Tapion hospital. The large majority of the patients in the public system are low income or unemployed so despite the fact that dialysis is heavily subsidised they are unable to contribute financially, therefore the burden is almost entirely that of government. Many of the patients in the private sector also receive government support. The other important factor to note is that there are still number of patients with End Stage kidney disease who require dialysis but currently cannot access said service due Dr. Merle Laureen Clarke successfully obtained a scholarship to study in Cuba in 2000. She completed her studies in 2007 and served as an intern from 2007 to 2008 and thereafter Senior House officer on Internal Medicine and Oncology. In 2010, she successfully undertook post-graduate studies in nephrology, which is widely perceived as being morbid and boring, but to her is supremely exciting, fulfilling with endless possibilities for improvement. Her focus has been not only on practicing clinical nephrology but campaigning for healthier lifestyles and prevention of chronic kidney disease, given its significant social, biological and financial toll.

to inadequate capacity in the public sector. The other modalities of renal replacement therapy are kidney transplantation and peritoneal dialysis, neither of which are offered on island and are also quite expensive. It is important to note that the large majority of patients on dialysis or awaiting same are young, potentially productive members of society, the mean age of dialysis patients here in Saint Lucia is early to mid forties. Given the impact of CKD, the fact that there are over 100 patients receiving dialysis, approximately 62 awaiting same, hundreds more already diagnosed with stages 3 and 4 and statistical likelihood that there are many more walking around undiagnosed, we as a small, resource strapped nation, have no choice but to focus on prevention of the disease and there are many basic steps that can be taken in that regard. Primary healthcare services must become more efficient and robust. Patients must be made to understand that they, not their physicians are principally responsible for their health and well being and that the role of healthcare providers is to provide guidance and support. Many cultural norms which lead to fundamental distrust of healthcare providers and preclude patients accessing healthcare services early, or using therapies which have been scientifically proven to be effective in lieu of unverified “natural remedies” need to be overcome.

alcohol, not smoking, getting a routine physical exam done yearly. If someone is already Diabetic and/or Hypertensive, ensuring that blood sugars and pressures are controlled, this may require the use of pharmaceuticals so it is imperative that patients adhere to said drugs and that they understand the importance of overall self management and preventing long term complications of their disease which can have significant negative social, biological, psychological, financial implications as well as lead to premature invalidity and death.

Diabetes and Hypertension are responsible for over 60% of cases of CKD, we must therefore focus on preventing these diseases. This in large part involves lifestyle modification and prudent lifestyle choices. Healthy, balanced diet, exercise, adequate fluid intake, keeping weight in check, not consuming excessive amounts of

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May/Jun

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Caribbean

Dialysis St. Lucia

Caribbean Dialysis St. Lucia

St. Lucia Dialysis, Tapion Hospital 2nd Flr, Tapion Reef,Castries St Lucia Tel: 758 459 2620 Fax: 758 459 2621

Tapion Dialysis St. Lucia Limited was established in 2004 by medical Caribbean Dr. Dialysis Lucia practitioner, MartinSt. Didier and Nurse Manager Catherine Lane. At Tapion Dialysis St. Lucia Limited, we provide patients who have been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease with Hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is one type of renal replacement therapy – meaning a treatment that replaces the functions of the kidney. It ﬁlters waste, removes ﬂuid and balances electrolytes in the body.

Tapion Dialysis St. Lucia Limited opened its doors to accommodate the dire need in Saint Lucia for Dialysis. In Saint Lucia, the Ministry of Health, over the years, has recorded signiﬁcant increases in the number of patients being diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease and, unfortunately, there is limited availability where the treatment is oﬀered. To date, our unit provides treatment to twenty-eight patients, who otherwise would be put on a list and have to wait for an available space which would not be conducive.

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May/Jun

Unfortunately, Saint Lucia does not have an institute where one can obtain training in Hemodialysis. Most of our Dialysis Nurses are chosen from other countries where they are educated speciﬁcally for dialysis. However, students who successfully graduate from the nursing programme at Sir

Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) obtain the basic information needed to be trained by our Nurse Manager. Tapion Dialysis St. Lucia Limited is located on the ground ﬂoor at Tapion Hospital, which is the only location at present.

At present, our team compromises of medical practitioner, Dr. Martin Didier, Nurse Manager Catherine Lane, four nurses and the administrative assistant/accounts clerk, who work closely with Dr. Merle Clarke, who is the Nephrologist at Victoria Hospital. At Tapion Dialysis St. Lucia Limited we are a private unit. We seat six patients per shift which affords each patient adequate interaction time with their nurse. Dr. Didier makes regular rounds and in the event he is not present, his office is also located at Tapion Hospital, therefore his responses are prompt. Being in a hospital setting has the advantages of immediate emergency assistance, pharmacy, radiology and laboratory services. Because we are a private unit, we accommodate people from all over the globe who travel for both business and pleasure to Saint Lucia. Tourists who suffer from Chronic Kidney Disease who want to visit our beautiful island of Saint Lucia can do so.

Caribbean

Dialysis St. Lucia

ST. LUCIA DIALYSIS PROVIDES DIALYSIS IN A TROPICAL CARIBBEAN SETTING. FINALLY YOUR DREAM CARIBBEAN VACATION CAN BE YOURS WITHOUT COMPROMISING YOUR DIALYSIS CARE. WE PROVIDE ALL VARIATIONS OF RENAL DIALYSIS, CONVENTIONAL DIALYSIS AND HIGH EFFICIENCY DIALYSIS. WE OFFER THE COMPLETE RANGE OF TREATMENT OPTIONS AND SUPPORT SERVICES TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF CARE POSSIBLE FOR OUR VISITORS

St. Lucia Dialysis, Tapion Hospital 2nd Flr Tapion Reef, Castries

Tel: (758) 459-2620 | Fax: (758) 459-2621 BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Health ess ln & Wel

Let’s Get Mental

Let’s Get Mental By Elizabeth Serieux, PhD MPH

Mental Health is more than just the absence of mental disorders; in other words, just because we are not suffering from or have not been diagnosed with a mental disorder does not mean that we are mentally healthy. Mental health, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “is a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. As we can see, this is a really comprehensive and detailed definition which makes it clear that our ability to function as individuals and collectively as a society are both underpinned by us being in a state of good mental health. Our abilities to think, to have good relationships with each other, with ourselves, to earn a living, to indulge our passions, to find our passions and enjoy life are all dependent on us being in a state of good mental health. As obvious as this may seem right now, it is not something that we think about very often and, for the most part, we take our mental health status for granted. How many of us are actively engaged in promoting and protecting our mental health? We are, for the most part, more concerned with our physical health and appearance and even then so many of us encounter so many barriers (selfmade and otherwise) to engaging in health-promoting behaviours. BusinessFocus May/Jun

Unlike most physical illnesses, mental disorders have the additional burden of being heavily stigmatized and it is not atypical for people living with them and their families to be discriminated against. What this effectively does is perpetuate our long-held assumptions and keep our taboos firmly in place, making it even less likely that any discussion of mental health will be about “us” instead of about “them”. We maintain the status quo because we don’t want to be associated with mental illness, even if that

Dr. Elizabeth Serieux graduated from the University of Georgia, earning a PhD in Public Health (Health Promotion and Behavior), a Master’s Degree in Public Health (Health Policy and Management) as well as certificates in Global Health, Gerontology and Disaster Management. During this same time, she also managed to earn a post-graduate certificate in Instructional Design from the University of the West Indies, become a Rotary International Foundation Global Scholar and secure grant funding from the Caribbean Public Health Agency to implement a research project on non-communicable diseases in Saint Lucia. She is now Assistant Professor, Health Promotion Program, at the Department of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Professions, at the University of South Carolina, Beaufort.

means we never really get to experience true and optimal mental health. Well, what if we flipped the coin? What if we turned our attention away from those who have been diagnosed with a mental disorder and we started looking at mental health promotion in the general population? I think we’ll find that, at the core, the solutions are one and the same. We’ll find that the things we need to do as a society to promote and protect our collective mental health are the same things that can prevent the development and/or progression of mental illness in individuals and, with this approach, we can do them without stigma, without shame, without discrimination. So, what are these things? Well, primarily, anything that improves social and/or psychological well-being promotes mental health. We’ll look at this from an individual as well as from a collective standpoint. First, however, I want you to do this: draw a small circle in your mind, or even better, on a piece of paper, and label that circle “the individual”, then draw a larger circle all around that first circle and label that one “relationships”. Continue by drawing another circle around this one and label it “community”. Finally, draw a fourth circle encompassing all of the others and label it “society”. What you have just created is a representation of the SocialEcological Model of Health. What it depicts is the interplay that exists among the four factors – individual, relationships, community and society. So, for instance, what we do as individuals is affected by our relationship context, our community context and societal context – it is the scientific version of “no man is an island.” Essentially, what this boils down to is that we share a responsibility – we have to do our part as individuals but that has to be complemented by action in all of the other areas – relationships, community and society. Likewise, what is done in any one of these circles affects all of the others. Think about that for a minute. Now, let’s explore the simple steps we can take as individuals and then look at what we need to do as a collective to promote mental health. As individuals, our aim is to decrease our stress hormone (cortisol) and increase the body’s feel good chemicals (endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin) -- some of the seemingly small but most important things we can do are: • • • •

Get enough sleep. Drink enough water. Eat nutritious food. Treat ourselves kindly and with respect – make time to engage in old hobbies and/or seek out new experiences. • Spend time outdoors, in nature, with family and friends. • Take a daily break from technology – disconnect, unplug, unwind.

• Move – get active, at least half an hour, every day. • Express kindness, love, gratitude. • Fake it till you make it – smile, even when you don’t feel like it – it will lower your heart rate and calm you down. • Practice mindfulness – remember two words; focus and awareness. Focus refers to concentrating on what you are doing in the present moment, while awareness refers to recognizing and releasing distractions, both internal and external, as they come up. • Write – start and keep a journal – it helps reduce depression, anger and anxiety by helping us process upsetting experiences. • Practice forgiveness – yes, even toward that person in traffic. • Be optimistic – try to find the silver lining in every situation. I know some of these activities may appear simplistic, but I assure you they have all been tried and tested and they really are some of the primary ways in which we can help ourselves to enjoy better mental health. Now, bearing in mind, that even if we all do all of these things, there are still the other contexts (circles) to consider. So what can we do at the wider levels? For starters, we need to take care of our children. Prolonged exposure to stressful situations like violence and poverty actually affects their neurological development and makes them more susceptible to mental issues later on in life. Therefore, as a society, taking a life course approach to mental health is absolutely essential. Other considerations include the conditions in which our lives all unfold – some of the specific actions with the biggest bang for the mental health buck that we should promote are: • • • • • • •

Life skills programmes Education – access and quality Violence prevention programmes Poverty reduction programmes Support for our elderly Social protection for our poor Workplace wellness programmes

I think by now, we can see a pattern emerging: the very things we need to do to promote good overall health and a stable society are also by and large the same things that promote mental health. There is no health without mental health; therefore, let’s take it out from under the carpet and make it a central part of our lives as individuals and of our policies and practices as a nation. Let us do it strategically and supported by the science and so now, go take a walk outside for 10 minutes while you think of what you will do starting today to promote mental health as an individual and as a Saint Lucian.

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Government Proposes National Health Insurance Scheme

Government Proposes National Health Insurance Scheme The Government of Saint Lucia is once again proving that it is willing to approach longstanding problems in Saint Lucia in new ways that would benefit the entire population. Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet announced in his Budget Address on Tuesday April 3rd 2018 that the current administration is taking a bold approach to tackling the issue of health care once and for all as every Saint Lucian has the right to high quality medical care that they can afford. “With health care costs skyrocketing, in tandem with the expectations of our people for first-world medical care, we must find a sustainable way to finance these costs,” stated Prime Minister Chastanet. “My Government is of the view that a universal National Health Insurance Scheme is the best way forward and we are currently receiving technical assistance from the Pan American Health Organisation and the European Union in this regard.” The National Health Insurance Scheme will involve the entire population and the Prime Minister stated that the Government envisages that both employers and employees will make mandatory contributions, in much the same way as they do now to the National Insurance Scheme. In the proposed plan Government is expected to make contributions on behalf of pensioners and persons on the poverty list. BusinessFocus May/Jun

The Prime Minister called on the population to embrace change in order to fix our broken systems and in our pursuit of excellence. “As a responsible Government, we are duty bound to provide the best health care we can for our citizens at the most affordable cost and this is what we are setting about to achieve.” The Prime Minister said that the alternative would mean raising taxes to meet the costs of managing health facilities “but it still would not benefit those who could not afford it.” “We believe that the best option is to implement a National Health Insurance Scheme that neither favours nor discriminates against any Saint Lucian.” The Government is currently receiving technical advice and after consultation with the health care professionals it is the hope to institute the health insurance before the end of this fiscal year. It is expected that the National Health Insurance Scheme when implemented will give Saint Lucians power over their health care choices and ensure healthcare benefits are equally available to everyone.

U-MED CLINIC 758) 453-3636 urmedclinic@gmail.com Micoud St.,Castries, Saint Lucia

THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF DIABETIC FOOT AMPUTATIONS As we have all heard Diabetes affects 1 in 4 Grade 0 - when the skin is still intact but adults in the CARICOM states and more there are bony deformities, calluses and Clinic THe Socio-Economic Impactofofthe skin of the foot. This foot at critically, it is U-Med associated withâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;many darkening complications.Diabetic This article willAmputations focus on risk requires shoe modification, serial Foot diabetic foot infections and the examination by your doctor and patient socio-economic impact that this complication education. has, which may in most cases lead to limb Grade 1- superficial ulcer, with no sign of amputation. infection. This ulcer needs debridement (removal of dead tissue with or without a What is a diabetic foot infection and how scalpel) and contact casting. does it lead to amputation? Grade 2- deeper ulcer, penetrating skin, fat Diabetics are at increased risk of developing and ligaments but not bone, with infection. foot infections due to co-existing factors which This requires operative formal debridement favour infection. These factors are neuropathy and contact casting. (nerve damage), peripheral vascular disease and poor blood sugar control. There is Grade 3- deep abscess formation or bony decreased perception of pain and temperature, infection, also requires operative formal decreased sweating makes the skin dry and debridement and contact casting. cracked and lastly, the onset of foot U-Med Clinic deformities which lead to the formation of Grade 4- partial gangrene of foot, effects pressure ulcers. limited to foot, requires either local or larger amputation. With the accompanying vascular disease, the wound heals slowly due to poor circulation of Grade 5- extensive gangrene, with necrosis oxygen and healing factors. Poor glycaemic of the foot and systemic signs of infection (blood sugar) control creates the perfect requires extensive amputation, be it below environment for bacteria to thrive, coupled or above the knee. with high blood sugars and low oxygen concentration in the infected tissue. If left Loss of Productive Years and costs untreated, the infected limb becomes implications unsalvageable and may lead to amputation. Considered that globally, an amputation happens every thirty seconds, of these 54% Management of a Diabetic Foot Infection are diabetics. Research done and published in There are various classes of the diabetic foot 2010, found that 38 million USD and 467 infection and so different courses of management:

Dr. Gennie Isaac-Louisy graduated in 2007, receiving her MD certification from the Institute of Medical Sciences of Havana Cuba. She has provided 10 years of medical service at the Hospitals and Health Centres across the island. She became a certified Fertility Education and Medical Management (F.E.M.M.) teacher in 2012 and to date, provides fertility medical care. By 2015, she had completed her postgraduate diploma in Endocrinology and Diabetes from Queen Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University of London. She has served on the executive of

million USD were the annual costs of managing people with diabetes in Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago respectively. In 2000, annual deaths from diabetes was estimated at 339,035 in Latin America and the Caribbean. This translated to a loss of 757,096 productive years and a cost of over 3 billion USD for that year. It was found that over 700,000 people became permanently disabled due to diabetes and its complications such as amputations and blindness, resulting in a loss of over 12 million years of productive life and at a cost of over 50 billion USD. What can be done to avoid this complication of diabetes? Controlling blood sugar reduces the damage to nerves and blood vessels, and if an ulcer does occur it reduces the risk of amputation. Keep your regular doctor appointments to ensure you are controlling diabetes optimally. Quit smoking as smoking can worsen heart and vascular problems and reduces circulation to the feet. Avoid walking barefooted and do not apply heat to your feet without testing the temperature first. Trim toe nails along the shape of the toe and file away sharp edges, and do not remove cuticles or open blisters on feet. See a health care provider or podiatrist (foot specialist) for even minor issues. Wash feet daily with soap, pat dry, use moisturizing cream to feet but not between toes. Check the entire surface of both feet and use a mirror or ask for help if you cannot see the entire foot yourself. Choose cotton socks that fit loosely and shoes that are snug not tight. Ask your doctor more about shoe requirements for a diabetic. Most importantly, seek routine foot examination from medical provider.

Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Council (SLMDA) and Caribbean Council of Family Practitioners (CCFP), is a member of the Endocrine Society and has fellowship with the Reproductive Health Research Institute of Chile. In 2017, she became the proprietor of U-MED CLINC located on the first floor upstairs Hang Ten on Micoud Street. There she practices Family Medicine attending to children, women and men of all ages, but also specializes in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Fertility. Additional services that are available at the clinic includes, inter alia, comprehensive diabetic foot care and wound management.

Health ess ln & Wel

Martinique / Saint Lucia Medical Co-operation By: Keats Compton

A Gateway to Advanced Medical Care and Support for Saint Lucia Martinique and St. Lucia have had a unique relationship, based on history and geography. During the mid-18th century, they were a single colonial entity under French rule, with Martinique actually being administered from St. Lucia. Geographically, the shortest distance between them is just over 20 miles. These two realities, more than any other, would have determined the course of this unique relationship. Martinique has been a fully-fledged political entity within the French Republic, with the same rights and privileges as the similar political entities in continental France, including, but not limited to, defense, health care and education. As a consequence, the delivery of Health Services in Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana is provided on the same basis as in continental France, with access to the advanced- level facilities of the French National Health Service. Thanks to the Martinique/St. Lucia relationship referred to above, St. Lucians have had access to advanced services not available here, for a very long time, driven by personal relationships between physicians in our two islands, without much official underpinning. The Cancer Center at Clarac carries a plaque BusinessFocus May/Jun

thanking a named specialist for his support between 1981/1991, presented by St. Lucia’s Cancer Society. France has however, been very supportive – the François Dolto Maternity Wing at Victoria Hospital was opened in 1993.

Keats Compton is a former Senior Telecommunications Manager with Cable & Wireless in St Lucia. He has since served as Saint Lucia’s Consul General to Martinique and the French West Indies Territories based in Fort de France, Martinique. He has since developed a passion for furthering French linkages and support for St Lucia and the other OECS Member States with an emphasis on the Health care sector. He currently serves as Secretary-General of the Caribbean Doctors Association and can be contacted at dfa.caraibes@gmail.com

Attempts to tighten medical co-operation between Martinique and St. Lucia have waxed and waned since the 1980s. In 1995, a delegation led by Hon. Stephenson King, the then Minister of Health, visited La Meynard (CHUM) to discuss Tele-Medicine, sponsored by Cable & Wireless. The rational was that costs to the patient would be reduced if online diagnosis could obviate the need to travel to Martinique. This was never realized due to incompatible telecoms system. With the advent of the internet, the ICU at Victoria Hospital now engages the ICU in Martinique on consultation! In 2010, another Ministerial delegation led by Dr. Keith Mondesir, signed a Cancer Management Accord with the Réseau Oncologie de la Martinique, the provisions of which remain in abeyance. Notwithstanding these setbacks, the University Hospital of Martinique, together with the privately owned Clinic St. Paul, have been the mainstay of both routine referrals and Emergency Medical Evacuations (EMEs) from our three hospitals, as well as private practitioners for decades. This record of medical cooperation has been recognized and published in the West Indian Medical Journal of the University of the West Indies (see https:// www.mona.uwi.edu/wimjopen/article/57).

Mr Compton presents a Ventilator on behalf of the Doctors Association to Victoria Hospital Within the past several years, this informal cooperation, which has, for instance, enabled St. Lucian children to benefit from Cancer treatment in France, under the 2006-2010 Maternal and Child Health Inter-Caribbean Partnership, (Dr. Remi Bellance), the Reseau Perinatal de la Martinique (Children’s Healthcare Network with Dr. Serge Chalons), the Regional Council of Martinique, and St. Lucia’s Dr. Jacqueline Bird, has been augmented by structural changes. The University Hospital of Martinique (CHUM), recognizing the increasing use of Martinique as a referral destination, in conjunction with the then Regional Council of Martinique (now Territorial Collectivity of Martinique), sought to assign formal responsibility for regional medical co-operation to Dr. Dabor Resiere, a Toxicologist and Critical Care Specialist. In addition to being the Deputy Head of the ICU at the CHUM, Dr. Resiere is also the President of the Caribbean Doctors Association (CDA), a French-registered non-profit association, whose membership includes Drs. Romel Daniel and Martin Didier of St. Lucia.

in the following disciplines: Intensive Critical Care (ICU), Radiology and Sterilization. On an as-required basis, he has also arranged training in Ebola & Zika management. All sessions are/have been conducted in both Martinique and St. Lucia – the latest of which was a 2-day ICU programme for 20 St. Lucian nurses on Apr. 19/20 at the new OKEU Hospital. This will be followed by the next round of Radiology training before the end of May. He is also engaged in sourcing and donating equipment and material to our three hospitals, and conducting research on an anti-venom for Fer-deLance snakebites. As a member of the St. Lucia Medical & Dental Council, he is consulted by local physicians seeking additional information on particular cases. St. Lucia has been fortunate to have had access to such advanced facilities at its disposal for a very long time, and that such access will continue unabated. The beneficiaries have been the general public, as well as the professional staff whose capacity to deliver better healthcare, here in St. Lucia, increases as they receive more and more training. It is perhaps worth noting that costs of the donations and training referred to above have been borne by French taxpayers, and not St. Lucians. France is also the largest contributor to the EU funding mechanism which gave St. Lucia the OKEU Hospital. The cost of providing adequate Healthcare is constantly rising. It is the hope that the extent of our cooperation with our French and other benefactors will also deepen.

Dr. Resiere’s involvement in the promotion of regional medical cooperation has seen the coming together of agencies such as the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the French Regional Health Agency (ARS), the EU’s INTERREG funding mechanism, the CHUM, and of course the CDA, to facilitate training and teaching BusinessFocus

May/Jun

BUSINESS FOCUS

St. Lucia Eye Centre Still Preserving The Gift of Sight A Family Of Companies In Three Locations In The North And South Of The Island

St. Lucia Eye Centre & Family Eye Care Still Preserving The Gift of Sight

outstanding ophthalmologists and we saw a lot of glaucoma patients.” Dr. Remy then did a short stint of training with the University of Texas, followed by a residency at the Hebrew University in Israel where he learned the latest techniques in eye care.

On his return to Saint Lucia in 1987, Dr. Remy was the only Ophthalmologist at Victoria Hospital, where his experiences, although under challenging circumstances, turned out to be By Stan Bishop some of the most rewarding in his medical career. With a Eye Centre shortage of adequate equipment at the hospital at the time, When St. Lucia Eye Centre and later Family St. EyeLucia Care were established in the 1990s, their owner set his sights on he was forced to improvise. He retired from that position in creating a brand that would guarantee top quality eye care 2006, and since then has dedicated his services entirely to to patients. Since then this Family of Companies, has the private practice of Ophthalmology, having created St. continued to deliver on that promise, now being one of the Lucia Eye Centre in 1992 in Castries, and later, Family Eye longest serving and the leading eye care service on the Care in Rodney Bay and St. Lucia Eye Centre (South) in Vieux island. In the process they have helped thousands of St. Fort. Lucians see life much clearer. At the time of starting his practice in Ophthalmology, Dr. The founder, owner and CEO of the companies is Remy recalls that glaucoma and cataracts were the main home-grown Ophthalmologist, Dr. Emsco Remy. Dr. Remy problems. Today, the list includes diabetic retinopathy, did not start his career in eyes - when he first returned to macular degeneration, dry eyes and computer eye strain. Saint Lucia in 1977 after completing his medical degree at With the growing demands placed on the eyes -- including UWI and internship in The Bahamas, he worked as a gener- people’s fixation on cellphones and computer screens -- Dr. al practitioner with the Government of Saint Lucia as Remy says taking care of what are proverbially referred to as District Medical Officer for the Eastern Division (Dennery the “windows to the world” assumes paramount imporand environs). In 1978, he was transferred to the Southern tance. Division (serving Micoud to Saltibus). “At all three of our It was shortly afterwards that he turned his sights to eye locations, we examine, and educate care through his encounter with the International Eye treat Foundation. When that Foundation came to Saint Lucia to patients, as much we can. establish a formal eye care system for the island the then Our emphasis is on total St. Lucian Government enticed Dr. Remy to abandon his eye care. Our plan is to thriving general practice and become part of this new eliminate, to the best of our ability, as many eye thrust in ophthalmology. care problems and their “It was an eye opener working with the team of final year sequelae as we can,” Dr. residents and consultants from Harvard who brought the Remy explained. “Our latest technology to the island, solving a myriad of eye professional and dedicatproblems,” he said. “I spent three years with them before ed team of eye care practigoing to Barbados for a year where I got a view of a more tioners including two British-oriented eye care system. I worked with three ophthalmologists and an BusinessFocus

May/Jun

optometrist, and a total of nine staff members (most of whom have been with us from the inception) are always ready to offer their professional service to keep our patients’ vision in top shape. We have always had a great relationship with our patients. We thank them for their loyalty and support.” Through it all, Dr. Remy and his staff maintain a commitment to society. According to Dr. Remy, there are serious social problems in Saint Lucia which is why his family of companies St. Lucia Eye Centre and Family Eye Care inculcate in their practice a socially-conscious mission. They are proud of the voluntary work they do such as offering clear vision to people who cannot afford to pay for it. Dr. Remy assures that many of the problems associated with the eyes can be prevented and treated if only

people would realize that the gift of sight is not guaranteed forever. The connection between diabetes and the eyes is a major concern, especially with the high rates of diabetes in Saint Lucia. He laments that many people either refuse to acknowledge or are ignorant about that connection. “People with diabetes don’t really take care of themselves as they should, so it affects the brain, central nervous system, eyes and kidneys,” he explains. “If you have diabetes for over ten years, there’s a strong possibility that it has affected your eyes. It can lead to bleeding, decrease in vision and, finally, blindness. So, it is a serious medical and social issue. Glaucoma – a major cause of blindness among blacks – is a stealthy, dangerous disease. The danger of this scourge is that it has no initial symptoms and it is irreversible. It can be picked up by a thorough eye exam and then it can be managed but not cured.”. Dr. Remy says that proper eye care helps alleviate all kinds of eye problems. People reaching the age 40 for example, usually start having presbyopia, not a disease, but difficulty in seeing close objects especially noticeable when reading. Younger people who spend a lot of time on digital devices are also showing more signs of digital eye strain. “Sight is a blessing - we should cherish it. We should make it a policy to have a comprehensive eye exam regularly. If you have been diagnosed with an eye disease, understand that you must check it regularly,” Dr. Remy | cautions. BusinessFocus May/Jun 51

Neurosurgery: We’re Going Farther, So You Don’t Have To!

combined experience. The team is headed by neurosurgeon, Dr. Curby Dwaine Sydney and assisted by Professor Dr. Esteban Roig Fabré, who collaborate to bring the highest standards of neurosurgery care to our patients. Cutting edge neurosurgical equipment are used to facilitate the complex and delicate surgeries performed. Procedures include but are not limited to:

Neurosurgery: We’re Going Farther, So You Don’t Have To! By Dr. Curby Dwaine Sydney

In common lore, brain surgery was often regarded as the most surreal and intangible of the medical specialties. Perhaps to some, it is even considered a métier beyond rocket science. However, with the exponential explosion of medical technological advances of the 21st century, and a dash of perseverance, this seemingly elusive dream is but a reality for St. Lucia today. The brain constitutes approximately 2 percent of the human body, yet is responsible for all its functions. It is this organ that makes us human, allowing the capacity for art, language, moral judgement, and rational thought. Our personalities, memories, movements and how we sense the world all originate in this most delicate organ. It allows us to feel, think, act, live and love. This three pound organ is made up of more than 100 billion nerves that communicate in trillions of connections, constituting the nervous system; a complete network of neurons (nerve cells) which include the brain, the spinal cord and all the nerves in the body. The term “neurosurgery” is short for neurological surgery. The American College of Surgeons defines Neurological Surgery as the discipline of medicine and that specialty of surgery that provides the operative and non-operative management (i.e. prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, critical care, and rehabilitation) of disorders of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, including their supporting structures and vascular supply; the evaluation and treatment of pathological processes which modify the function or activity of the nervous system, including the hypophysis; and the operative and non-operative management of pain. As such, neurosurgery encompasses conservative and surgical management of adult and pediatric patients with disorders including, but not limited to, brain tumors, head injuries, intracranial aneurysms, hydrocephalus, trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain) and a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the spine such as, spinal canal stenosis, herniated discs, sciatica, tumors, fractures, spinal deformities and congenital abnormalities. What is currently available in St. Lucia? Neurosurgical services are currently available in St. Lucia, provided by a team of specialists at Cana Neuro Services. The neurosurgery team comprises two neurosurgeons with approximately 50 years BusinessFocus May/Jun May/Jun

Brain and spine microsurgical procedures Craniotomies for head injury and stroke patients Cranioplasty (skull reconstruction) Discectomies Microdiscectomies Laminectomies Spine Fusions Ventriculostomies for intracranial pressure monitoring Shunt placements for hydrocephalus

The incorporation of advanced technology optimizes efficiency, patient safety and outcomes. Other services include the Electroencephalogram (EEG) brain test which is ordered by physicians to detect abnormalities in the brain’s electrical activity. It is useful in the management of patients with seizures, strokes, behavioral disturbances, head injuries, headaches and much more. A major part of diagnosing and evaluating patients in neurology involves the use of imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and angiograms. These along with advanced medical imaging software permit multiplanar reconstructions and 3D volume rendering, facilitating diagnosis and meticulous preoperative planning. Patients are thrilled to know that they can access high quality neurosurgical care locally and at a reasonable cost. This saves them and their families the hassle of having to travel abroad for medical care, thus allowing them to have the support they need. At the heart of CANA is trust and reliance in divine healing and restorative power. A core value embraced by its directors is that true healing comes from God.

Dr. Curby Dwaine Sydney, a St. Lucian native, earned his medical degree from the Instituto Superior de Ciencias Medicas (Superior Institute of Medical Sciences) Camaguey, Cuba, with academic distinction. He later participated in a Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology Observership at Taipei Medical University – Wanfang Hospital, Taiwan in 2007. In 2013, he successfully completed his rigorous residency training in Neurosurgery with academic distinction at the prestigious General Calixto Garcia University Hospital, Havana, Cuba. His graduate dissertation and Board Examinations were completed at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Cuba. Dr. Sydney is one of the founders of Cana Neuro Services, St. Lucia, and is currently its CEO and chief consultant neurosurgeon.

Renwick & Company Ltd

For more information contact: Celestial Self Development Centre, 99 Chaussee Road, P O Box 835, Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: 758.453.1924 Email: info@celestialsdc.com

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BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Ideally, you should have your first pap smear at age twenty one or within three years of becoming sexually active, whichever comes first.

The Dreaded Pap Smear

Some believe you don't need a pap smear if you've passed menopause. One in four cervical cancers develops in women older than sixty five years. However, after age seventy, you do not require a pap smear once you've met the following criteria: 1. You have not tested positive for HPV (a virus which can predispose you to developing cervical cancer) 2. You've had 3 consecutive normal pap smears 3. You've had no abnormal pap results in the last 10 years 4. You've had no history of cervical cancer 5. You don't have a weakened immune system due to diseases such as HIV Some believe that you should douche before doing a pap smear. The opposite is true as douching may remove some of the cells your doctor is trying to collect on the smear. Here are a few tips before doing the pap smear:

The Dreaded Pap Smear By: Dr. Celia McConnell

Whether you've gone to the doctor for the first time or not, one of the questions women dread is, when last have you had a pap smear. The look I generally get says "do we really have to go there?" Yes, we need to go there. Far too often I see women who've been sexually active for years, have had a child or two, have a family history of cervical or other cancers and have never had a pap smear or may have had one done sometime before but never continued routine screening. Cervical cancer is very common in women but the good news is that once it's detected early, it can be cured. Early detection however can only come through screening which is where the pap smear comes in. What I've found in those who've never had a pap smear is that many of them have been reluctant due to the fear driven in them by their own female colleagues, family members and friends. Many express fear because they don't want to find out they have cancer, or they were told it's a painful procedure and the speculum we use to expand the vagina is big, cold and hard. This is furthest from the truth. I would say with an open mind, a relaxed state and after being adequately informed, most patients would admit it's a bit uncomfortable and understandably so but definitely not painful. The metal speculum used can be cold but these days, the speculum is made of plastic and hence it's not cold and not as hard as the metal. With regards to the size of the speculum, it comes in small, medium or large and hence the appropriate size would be chosen for the procedure. I'd like to mention a few more myths and facts about the pap smear which should hopefully erase some doubt and encourage every woman to have her pap smear done. BusinessFocus May/Jun

1. Ideally it should be done in the middle of your menstrual cycle 2. Avoid sexual intercourse, vaginal medicines, spermicidal foams, gels and creams for two days before the procedure as these may obscure abnormal cells. Another point of contention is whether or not a pap smear is needed after a hysterectomy. In women who've had a total hysterectomy (cervix also removed) it's no longer necessary. However, women who've had a partial hysterectomy (cervix not removed), should continue having pap smears according to their physicians' recommendations. If you're called in to discuss your pap smear results or to repeat the test, it doesn't mean you have cancer. Many times a repeat is necessary because the first smear was inadequate for analysis. Also, the test result may have indicated an abnormal bacteria requiring treatment or there may be early cellular changes which would require further testing and treatment. Therefore, I'd like to encourage all women to visit their doctors to have their pap smears done and men, please encourage the women in your lives to get tested. Early detection saves lives.

Dr. Celia McConnell is a General Practitioner of sixteen years. She graduated from the University of Guyana in 2001 with her MBBS and in 2013 she earned her Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes (Distinction) from the Cardiff University. Dr. McConnell has spent over a decade working in the emergency rooms at Victoria and Tapion Hospitals and is a certified American Heart Association instructor in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Dr. McConnell currently operates her GP practice in the Fitz St. Rose Medical Centre on Micoud St, Castries where she sees patients of all ages and gender. She has a keen interest in diabetic patients as they are so vulnerable to developing many complications. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a member of the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association, Secretary of the Saint Lucia Heart, Lung and Blood Foundation and Vice President of the Saint Lucia Arthritis and Lupus Association.

Indications & Complications Of Upper & Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopies

Indications & Complications Of Upper & Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopies By Dr. Aylwin Benjamin

An upper endoscopy is indicated in the diagnostic evaluation of signs and symptoms of a wide variety of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. In addition, there are multiple therapeutic indications for upper endoscopy. Diagnostic Reasons Patients with upper abdominal symptoms, including pain, nausea and vomiting that is not responding to therapy by your physician. These include: • New onset symptoms of pain, nausea, vomiting in patients over 50 years old • Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia) • Painful swallowing (Odynophagia) • Persistent vomiting of unknown cause • Persistent of recurrent gastric reflux symptoms in spite of treatment • Active or recent upper gastrointestinal bleeding • Iron deficiency anemia with weight loss • Caustic ingestions to evaluate esophagus and stomach • Some evaluations of diarrhea in patients suspected of having small bowel disease Screening Reasons Reasons include screening for esophagus and stomach cancers in people with a personal history and family history of cancers and in cigarette smokers. Also, patients with liver disease who are at high risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding as a result of portal hypertension. Therapeutic Reasons Therapeutic reasons include: • Removal of accidentally ingested foreign bodies • For biopsies and removal of gastric lesions • Placement of feeding tubes in patients who no longer can swallow • Treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Reasons For Lower GI Endoscopies These are also in carefully selected patients and include but not limited to: • Screening for colon cancer, colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening and surveillance. The age at which screening starts is dependent on the patient’s age and family history. • Lower gastrointestinal bleeding or in patients with a positive blood stool test. • Lower abdominal symptoms, including pain, chronic diarrhea or abnormal lower gastrointestinal imaging. • Complications are similar for both upper and lower GI endoscopies and include bleeding, which increases with more complex therapeutic procedures like removal of tumors or biopsies. • Perforation -- these can happen with complex procedures especially of the esophagus and colon. • Infections -- though the infection risk is overall low, there have been reported cases of Hepatitis B and C infections after endoscopic procedures. Dr. Aylwin Benjamin is a Consultant Internist attached to both the Tapion and Victoria hospitals in St. Lucia. Dr. Benjamin is a total University of the West Indies graduate having completed his undergraduate Bachelors, undergraduate Medical Degree and Post Graduate Specialty at the UWI. He is passionate about academic medicine, research and forward thinking medicine and has a special interest in Gastrointestinal Diseases among other highly specialized areas of Internal Medicine. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Lupus Awareness: May is Lupus Month

By Dr Cleopatra Altenor

or part of the body. In black people, the organs most commonly affected are the kidneys, followed by the heart and brain in the form of complications such as stroke and cardiovascular disease. Besides joint pain and swelling, the other symptoms of Lupus include: • Red rash in the shape of a butterfly across the cheeks and nose • Rash in sun-exposed areas • Sun sensitivity i.e. development of rash in the sun • Mouth or nose sores • Sharp chest pain on deep inspiration • Protein in the urine • Swelling of feet, or fluid accumulation • Blood problems (like anemia or low white cell count or low platelet count) • Seizures • Abnormal or psychotic behaviour, even including depression • Unexplained fever • Fingers or toes turning purple from cold or stress (Raynaud’s phenomenon) • Extreme fatigue Lupus symptoms do not present all at once. Signs and symptoms may come and go over time, which makes diagnosing it difficult. It has been shown that on average it takes about 6 years for a patient to be diagnosed with Lupus from start of symptoms to diagnosis. Lupus patients also experience periods of increase in inflammation and symptoms, referred to as “flares” or periods of “remission” where they are completely symptom free. Some patients may have long periods of remission. We do not know what causes Lupus and for now there is no known cure. However we do know that there is a genetic influence and lupus can run in families, or that it may be associated with other autoimmune conditions. Triggers like infections, extreme stress or trauma, some medications, hormones (both male and female), as well as ultraviolet light (both sunlight and artificial lights, such as fluorescent light) can cause Lupus to flare. That is why wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30, as well as avoiding UV light is important.

So you still don’t know what Lupus is right? You still think it is a cancer??? Well, you probably missed the article in last year’s May/June issue. May is Lupus Awareness Month and every year it seems appropriate to have a conversation about this mysterious illness which is unfortunately still not well known by many. The name 'lupus' (Latin for 'wolf') is attributed to the thirteenth century physician Rogerius who used it to describe erosive facial lesions that were reminiscent of a wolf's bite. It is lesions like this which can cause people to fear the contagiousness of Lupus. So let’s recap; Lupus is a non-communicable, chronic, rheumatic, autoimmune condition. That’s quite a mouthful, but why is it really important to know about this? Well, 90% of persons with lupus are women, and they are usually between the ages of 15 and 44. And guess what else; it is 3 times more common in “black” people than “white”. That’s why we need to know about it! That profile fits a large number of us or our loved ones. In Lupus, the immune system which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies which attack the body’s own tissues and organs causing inflammation. Because most times the symptoms include joint or muscle pain and swelling it is considered a rheumatic disease, and it is chronic because the disease may last a lifetime and can come and go for many years. In Systemic Lupus, which is the most common type, affecting about 70% of lupus patients, this inflammation can occur in literally any organ BusinessFocus May/Jun

There are many drugs which can be used to manage Lupus. Antimalarials e.g. hydroxychloroquine are recommended for everyone with lupus. They help with joint pain, rash, mild chest pain, fatigue. They have been shown to reduce frequency and severity of flares and help protect from kidney damage. Practising a healthy lifestyle, involving stress management, adequate sleep, good nutrition and regular exercise are also part of treating Lupus. It is also very important to do a selfmanagement program, like “Viv Byen”, which is run by the St. Lucia Arthritis and Lupus Association and be part of a support group which encourages positive thinking and attitude. Dr Cleopatra Altenor is a 2006 graduate of Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI St. Augustine Campus. She works as a General Practitioner at the Bay Medical Centre in Tapion, Castries. She also assists Dr Amanda King, Consultant Rheumatologist, in providing care to rheumatology patients in St. Lucia and from other islands. She is currently the President of the St. Lucia Arthritis and Lupus Association. Dr. Altenor is also a wife, and mother of two children.

Migraine: Don't Suffer in Silence

Migraine: Don't Suffer in Silence Migraines are triggered by various conditions including stress, depression, anxiety, hormones, diet changes, alcohol abuse and caffeine. The heightened pain can render even the most controlled person catatonic and unable to function normally. How do we live with migraines? The answer like the question is simple, some of us simply cannot. To fully understand what occurs during a migraine, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delve into its anatomy. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a migraine? Migraines are severe, recurring and painful headaches which more often than not precede sensory warnings and other symptoms. Some very common symptoms include moderate to severe pain on one or both sides of the head, throbbing or pulsating pain, the inability to undertake physical activities and sensitivity to light and sound. Luckily, most persons who experience migraines can often identify the triggers which include allergies, light sensitivity and stress. In some cases, there is a particular warning symptom before the migraine starts and this can give just enough time to act before a full attack occurs. It is notable that persons can take over-thecounter meds to help eliminate or lessen the pains associated with migraines. However, in chronic cases, more drastic measures must be undertaken with the counsel of a medical practitioner. Migraine triggers Although the actual cause is unknown, migraines are thought to be caused by an abnormal activity in the brain which affects the way in which the nerves communicate as well as cause the chemicals and blood vessels in the brain to be off balance.

Common triggers include: Hormonal imbalances: changes in hormones like those experienced during menstruation and menopause in women, can trigger migraines. Emotional changes: intense stress, depression, shock and sometimes anxiety have been identified as triggers. Physical causes: extreme fatigue, lack of sleep, shoulder and neck tension, overexertion and even exercising can cause migraines. Diet: alcohol and caffeine can contribute to migraines as well as intense dieting with low caloric intakes. Dehydration and low sugar levels are also potential drivers. Medication side effects: some sleeping pills, hormone replacement therapy and contraceptives are possible triggers. Environment triggers: flickering lights, strong smells, second hand smoke and bright lights have all been known to trigger migraines. Vertigo or double vision: feeling dizzy or suddenly have double vision? Some migraine sufferers complain of these symptoms before the onset of their migraine. Getting prescription glasses has been notable as a good support system in these incidences. Knowing the warning signs and finding ways to safeguard against the intense sensation which can affect your everyday functionality, can decrease the effects of the migraine. Ensure you get sufficient sleep and reduce stresses at work and home. Stay hydrated especially with water and avoid certain foods which intensify the cases of migraines. When in doubt, seek medical help to diagnose your particular case and assist in identifying your personal triggers. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suffer alone.

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Vision Express

Vision Express – New Location

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A full Eye Examination, including Glaucoma Screening, is offered in Vieux Fort by the Vision Express Team of Four Optometrists. Plus, there is a weekly full Contact Lens Clinic including the fitting of Gas Permeable and Scleral lenses. Lenses for Keratoconus are also fitted.

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Dr Mora Rodriguez , Ophthalmic Surgeon oﬀers weekly consultations in Vieux Fort for Eye Trauma , Eye Infections , Glaucoma Treatments and Pre and Post Cataract Surgery . The new Vision Express, Vieux Fort, has provision for Minor Eye Surgery.

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Dr Mora Rodriguez

Health ess ln l e W &

if I suggest that we should all include some form of art practice in our health plan; along with sufficient exercise, rest and healthy eating, but that’s exactly what I am doing! Why? Well according to the emerging scientific research creative practice has benefits for our physical, cognitive, emotional, psychological and even spiritual well-being. Since the 1940s the field of psychology has utilized art in all its forms to help people recover from trauma, heal depression and anxiety, and process a range of traumatic life events. However, it is not necessary to engage the services of an art therapist in order to experience the beneficial effects of art. Rather, anyone willing to doodle, scribble, colour, draw or paint can begin to feel the healing impact of art, as it is the process and not the product of art making that improves well-being.

Could Art Be Your Medicine?

Could Art Be Your Medicine? By Nicole Edgecombe, Ph. D. Clinical Psychologist and Artist

Do you remember what it was “Art opens closets, like to make art as a 5-year-old? What it felt like to dip your brush airs out the cellars or even better, your fingers, into and attics. It brings the luscious pots of luminous healing.”colour? Do you recall the hours Julia Cameron of joy spent making shapes that told your story even if no one else could understand it? Then eventually, one day the inevitable critique began and you were encouraged to paint within the lines and admonished that “Trees can’t be purple they must be green.” All of a sudden there was a right and a wrong way to make art and for many of us this juncture marked the beginning of our loss of interest in creative activity and the beginning of the belief that we are neither creative nor artistic! But what if the gift of creativity, which I am happy to report we all have, has benefits that far outweigh the ultimate goal of doing it right or making it beautiful? What if making art holds the secret to improved health and well-being? Well, in fact that is very much the case, and it seems the world is waking up to this truth. Now I know many of you will be skeptical BusinessFocus May/Jun

Making art reduces stress, the bane of our 21st Century existence. Brain imaging scans have revealed that the stress relieving impact of making art results from the fact that making art induces a state of deep relaxation that is similar to meditation, with all its associated benefits. It improves self-esteem and self-worth and contributes to a sense of accomplishment. Art allows us to express feelings and experiences for which there are no words. While the stress reduction benefits of making art are reason enough to consider including art as part of a healthy lifestyle, there’s even more. Currently, visual arts are being utilized as part of the treatment plan for people facing a range of health conditions. Art has been used to assist cancer survivors, Alzheimer’s patients, and people living with chronic illnesses; and in particular chronic pain, to heal, cope, manage stress and to better adjust to their health status and experience a better quality of life. Art increases the number of new connections between brain cells resulting in the recovery of memories and other cognitive functions in patients with dementia and better educational outcomes for students. The integration of art into health programmes results in shorter hospital stays, reduction in reports of pain following surgical procedures, decreased need for sedatives and other medications and decreases in infection rates. During a recently held art workshop here in St. Lucia, participants who were experiencing a variety of health challenges reported significant improvements in anxiety, coping, stress relief and overall quality of life following

Nicole Edgecombe is a Clinical Psychologist, mother, wife and intuitive artist. As someone who has lived with chronic physical conditions for several years she views her art practice as a vehicle for healing. Through her art she transmutes fear into hope, pain into joy and despair into optimism. As a self-taught artist she revels in what she does not know, enjoying the freedom of discovery and the mystery in mistakes and she shares all that she is learning with students in small group art workshops and one-on-one painting sessions with people interested in developing a healing art practice. You can follow her artist journal on Instagram, Facebook or through her website www.nicoledgecombeart.com

the five-week process art workshop. One participant who was experiencing the symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder reported significant lessening of her symptoms, including a reduction in nightmares, and she was able to reduce her reliance on medication. In addition, another participant who was recovering from brain surgery at the start of the workshop stated, “Joining this programme has been liberating for me. I am now much more active particularly in my mental activity, using colours, combining and blending them for effect and allowing subject matter to evolve naturally. Art has allowed me to express myself in a new creative way, allowing me to find spiritual peace within.” The benefits making art are far reaching and this article only begins to scratch the surface of all the ways art can heal us. So, if I’ve peaked your curiosity about the art-healing link the good news is that you already possess all the skills you need to venture into the healing world of art making. You are a creative force to be reckoned with! Remember, contrary to what you may have been told there is no right or wrong way to make art, there is only “I don’t listen to what your way. I invite you to let your imagination roam free the art critics say. I and to venture again into the don’t know anybody world of art and experience joy, relaxation and good who needs a critic to health. Happy art making!

find out what art is.” – Jean Michel Basquiat

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May/Jun

Business Plan For Your Health

Business Plan For Your Health By Azelia Glace, MS RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist)

Deadlines, proposals, board meetings, marketing ventures, productivity, profits and so on are all entities which constantly plague the mind of the typical business focused individual, however, where does health, wellness, nutrition and exercise fit in? Let’s be honest, most of us have some idea of what needs to be done – eat right and exercise for at least 30 mins on most days. Simple, right? Definitely not! Lack of motivation, discipline, and proper guidance especially in the age of ‘information overload’ is key. In addition effective monetary and time management strategies are needed. Research has shown that poor nutrition has been linked with impaired neurological function in terms of our fine motor skills, processing of information, memory and may even contribute to vehicular collisions1. One specific study illustrated that physicians at the workplace who received healthy foods and sufficient fluids as compared to their regular crazy poor eating days, exhibited improved cognition and better patient care when they were better nourished.2 The research speaks for itself, and it leads you to question whether you are being as efficient and productive as you should and could be? For these reasons, I have assembled a few tips which will assist you in being well on your way to organizing that oh so important ‘nutrition business plan’ for your health! Tip #1 Know your nutritional goals Throughout life you set goals for a multitude of things but tend to let your health and nutrition goals lag in the background until a crisis occurs. It’s time to change this. Yearly physicals and general lab tests lay the foundation for goal setting. Once these are completed you should work closely with a credentialed dietitian BusinessFocus May/Jun

nutritionist to help you ascertain whether you need to maintain, lose or gain weight - this is where the goal setting begins. Your goals will also take into account any medical issues revealed from your yearly medicals. Once all goals are set, your dietitian can design a calorie specific nutritional lifestyle management plan for you, which will assist you in being well on your way! Azelia Glace - George is a Registered Dietitian Nutrionist (RDN) licensed in the US by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics formerly known as the American Dietetic Association. She has completed a pre-med Honors Undergraduate Degree in Biochemistry which she received from Fairleigh Dickinson University in NJ, followed by a second undergraduate degree in Nutrition & Food Science with a concentration in Medical Dietetics from Montclair State University also in New Jersey. Remaining at Montclair, she then pursued a Masters in Nutrition & Food Science with a concentration in Nutrition Education and in the last year of her Masters simultaneously attained the RDN license. She currently works in the capacity of Dietitian at Victoria Hospital, and maintains her own private practice where she provides nutritional consultations and counseling, she conducts seminars, and also offers local, regional and international consultancy services. Her goal is to utilize and share her knowledge and training gained to benefit patient care in the Caribbean.

Tip #2 Get acquainted with portion sizes There is a significant ‘portion distortion’ which exists in the Caribbean, and it’s time for us to be ‘in the know’. The poor nutrition referenced above in the research, encompasses both ‘under’, and ‘over’ nutrition. Therefore, not getting enough nutrients as well as consuming too many, even if they are considered good for you can also be detrimental to your health. In other words, you need to strike a balance and consume the right amounts of the right types of foods to fit your caloric goals. Measuring utensils including food scales and measuring scoops are a great help. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has done an excellent job in offering a simple yet pertinent pictorial representation which serves as a plate portioning guide. Persons with intolerances, allergies or aversions to dairy or vegans can substitute with other options. You should also be aware of what makes up one serving in the various food groups (see Table 1), and based on a plan designed for you by your dietitian nutritionist, be aware of the number of servings recommended at each meal. Tip #3 Be ‘food smart’ It pays to not only be business savvy, but also food savvy. Just like it’s important to know what investments or business endeavours will give you the Fig.1 USDA illustration of what a most for your buck, the same typical food plate should look like applies to your food choices. When you’re on the go grabbing something to eat, or Food 1 Serving quickly preparing lunch in the Cooked rice & 1/2 Cup morning, you want to ensure pasta that the foods you gravitate Bread 1 oz towards are ‘nutritionally Peas & Beans 1/2 Cup dense’, meaning, that per Milk 8 oz serving of food (whether it Ground Provisions 11/2 oz is per cup or per ounce etc.) Bananas & Apples 1 small 4oz fruit you are getting more than just one (beneficial) nutrient and Meat & Fish 1 oz vitamin. For example ‘whole Table1. Serving sizes of a few grain’ and ‘whole wheat’ typical food items based on the choices in the starchy foods diabetes exchange lists system (breads, pastas, rice and other grains) are more nutrient dense than the ‘white’ choices we seem to be enamoured with, which are considered ‘empty calorie foods’ since they mostly contain simple sugars. Fruits, vegetables, ground provisions, nuts and legumes (peas and beans) are nutrient dense as well, hence the need to incorporate more of these options into your day and these work great on ‘meatless’ days. In addition, you want to choose foods which are lower in sodium (keeping in mind that most deli meats, canned foods and hard cheeses are higher in sodium), less fried food options, leaner meats, low fat dairy and fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, which are rich in the heart healthy omega 3 fatty acids). Now that’s being food smart! Tip #4 Lunch is in but out!

well nourished to start off our day. While I agree that breakfast is highly important, my concern is that lunch and ‘lunch time’ has become basically non-existent. It is now common practice to skip lunch, work through it, grab a quick unhealthy snack, or eat at our desks while tending to heaps of paper work and who knows what else. We are all guilty of it and we need to stop this craziness asap! Honour your lunch time (hence ‘lunch is in’) and remove yourself from your regular work-space if you can (hence ‘lunch is out’), to allow your body and mind to be refueled in a different environment (go to the lunch room, another coworker’s office, eat by the beach when you can etc), so that you are able get through the rest of your work day and perform your tasks as efficiently as possible. Tip #5 Make your money work for you! Money, money, money! Oh how we would be thrilled if it was inexhaustible, but unfortunately it isn’t and as such we need to use it wisely. Healthier food choices have always been characterized as more expensive, and while this is true in some instances it is not for all. This is where we honestly need to put in some time to shop around and buy more local produce - especially those in season which is significantly cheaper. What is also beneficial is being aware of portion sizes as was explained in Tip#2, in that way you come to realize that you really do not need to purchase as large quantities of some items especially meats which tend to be more pricey. Brand named items are normally more expensive, however you may get a similar item right next to the brand named item that is significantly cheaper and nutritionally equivalent. This is where you will need to do some comparisons of food labels and peruse the aisles. Items which you use in larger quantities and which have longer shelf lives or which can be frozen you can purchase from wholesalers. And let’s not forget – we can grow our own! I sincerely hope that you will utilize these tips and begin to truly assemble a nutrition business plan for your health! Just remember that while we are busy building our ‘business/ career empire’, if we are not attentive to our ‘self-health empire’ and that crumbles, then everything else will quickly follow suit as well!

References 1. Lieberman, H., Bathalon, G., Falco, C., Kramer, F., Morgan, C., & Niro, P. (2005). Severe decrements in cognition function and mood induced by sleep loss, heat, dehydration, and undernutrition during simulated combat. Biol Psychiatry, 57, 422-429. 2. Lemaire, J., Wallace, J., Dinsmore, K., Lewin, A., Ghali, W., & Roberts, D. (2010). Physician nutrition and cognition during work hours; effect of a nutrition based intervention. BMC Health Services Research, 10, 1-9

A good, nutritionally sound breakfast has always been said to be the most important meal of the day, because we need to be BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Health ess ln & Wel

Obesity: Not Only An Adult Issue

Obesity: Not Only An Adult Issue Obesity has been steadily on the rise and is highlighted as a cause for major concern with national attention given. Overweight is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulated that presents a health risk. Although obesity in adults is quite topical due to the upsurge in cases, it is noteworthy that cases among children have steadily increased as well and are deserving of much needed attention to address this national crisis. Why the sudden rise? Many factors highlight the correlation between the rise in cases of obese persons and the nutritional habits of the candidates to pinpoint the root of the problem. As the diet shifts towards energy-dense foods which are high in fat and sugars but low in vitamins and nutrients, there is usually a downward spiral in physical activities which leaves room for weight gain. Reasons for rise? • Unhealthy eating patterns • Lack of physical activity • Rise in cost of living • Associated health issues How can obesity be prevented? Although adults combat obesity with dieting, since children’s bodies are still growing and developing, dieting becomes an option only under the supervision of a doctor, in select cases, as extreme changes in diet can be detrimental to growth. BusinessFocus May/Jun

Adults and children alike should seek medical support when dealing with cases of obesity as this can be due to other underlying health conditions which would need a specialized approach to resolve. To prevent obesity and deal with being overweight, some notable practices include: • Accessing your weight to ensure you are within the healthy weight range. • Gaining nutritional education. • Restricting the ingestion of poor dietary options including carbonated drinks, fast foods and sweets. • Adopting healthy eating habits which include protein and vegetables. • Planning meals in advance to ensure healthy options are always available. • Adding regular exercise and physical activities like sports. • Reducing sedentary activities such as watching television and playing video games. • Focusing on good health and not a specific goal weight. • Researching restaurants before eating out. • Adding higher nutrient, low calorie foods to shopping list. A visit to a health practitioner, the nearest health centre, polyclinic or hospital can help you identify your issues and help you transition to a healthy new you.

The Rise Of Organic Food

The Rise Of Organic Food Most of us dread our annual check-ups, especially when we are shamefully aware of our shortcomings in keeping up the suggested dietary advice dished out by our doctor. Some of us scramble to cut out bread or maybe dairy and others hit the gym for a couple days to prepare for the next big check-up.

• Immune system boost as genetically-modified products have been known to increase infant mortality and weaken immune systems • Animals are fed a natural diet and kept free range • Prevents cancer and premature aging

In searching for a quick fix to healthy living, organic food has been around for a while, with promises of non-genetically modified foods, fresh and delicious options which will give you a clean bill of health. Free range, all-natural and other buzzwords have also been associated with organic foods but studies have proven that, by definition, being free range or staying all-natural doesn’t always make a product great for you (we won’t be delving into this particular argument just yet but very interesting reading for a health-conscious person).

With so many benefits, it is small wonder that more households are opting for organic products and the numbers keep increasing each year. Sounds amazing when you think about it. However, there is a downside to organic foods which may surprise you. Organic foods typically cost more as the farming techniques required to grow organic food, for example, require more labour-intensive methods than conventional farming and a higher range of skills.

What makes a food organic, you may ask? Food is considered organic in nature when it is grown without the use of man-made fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators or livestock additives. This means that for a product to be considered organic, no genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be present. Further, in organic farming practices, farmers are now using age-old techniques like crop rotation and the use of animal manures to help replenish soil fertility and grow nutritious crops in a self-sustaining manner. Health benefits of organic food • Higher nutritional levels • Produce/products which contract fewer pesticides • Fresher and better-tasting products • Better for the environment • Better-tasting meats as organically-raised animals are given no antibiotics, growth hormones or fed animal byproducts • Less fat content in animals, so heart-healthy option

Additionally, their shelf life is a lot shorter, and you would be paying higher prices more often if you opt for only organic as you would need to make more trips to the supermarket or green grocer to replenish your pantry. When weighing the health benefits specifically, the disease prevention, due to consuming organic products and by-products, paying a bit more now than major medical bills later seems like a fair trade. Wouldn’t you agree? Nonetheless, it must be noted that organic foods do have a small number of chemicals which are allowed in the production process so they are not completely chemical-free and research has shown little difference between nutritional qualities of organic food versus conventional food which is arguable for both sides. All in all, organic foods have cemented their place in the history books as being a safer option. Why not try planting some herbs or carrots in the backyard to start your very own organic garden?

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Health Benefits To Some of Our Local Foods

CUCUMBERS

Cucumber is a fruit which originated in India almost 10,000 years ago. It grows on a creeping vine that develops these cylindrical, edible fruits throughout the year and they are usually eaten fresh or pickled.

You are probably familiar with the phrase “cool as a cucumber”, which speaks directly to the soothing and cooling nature that cucumbers have when eaten. Health of Benefits Cucumbers are:

Deliciously tangy and one of the most highly prized natural foods in South Asia, the tamarind – the melodic name of which comes from the Persian "tamar-I-hind," meaning "date of India" – is gaining recognition and appreciation throughout the world. This exotic fruit is widely grown and readily available throughout the islands of the Caribbean where it is consumed in its raw state or processed into many popular Caribbean culinary delights. TAMARIND

CARROTS Tamarind trees produce an abundance of fruit. After harvest, tamarind can be eaten fresh off the tree as young green or ripened fruit. The ripened fruit can be processed into tamarind balls and even tamarind drink. Today, tamarind sauces have grown in popularity as an additive to daily cooking.

Health of Benefits Tamarind are:

Carrots are one of the most widely used and enjoyed vegetables in the world, partly because they grow relatively easily and are very versatile in a number of dishes and cultural cuisines. They are categorized as a root vegetable. The taproot of the carrot is the part of the vegetable most commonly eaten, although the greens are still beneficial in salads and other forms. The type of carrot most commonly eaten around the world is the domesticated variety of the wild species named above and it is native to Europe and Southwestern Asia. Both adults and children like them because of their crunchy texture and sweet taste, so this is one of the valuable vegetables for parents, as children seem to enjoy eating them, which is a rare exception! Health of Benefits Carrots are:

OKRA Okra is a flowering plant that is known as ladies’ fingers or bhindi and is most highly prized because of its seed pods. Okra is frequently used in dishes from the Caribbean to China, and its popularity is increasing all the time, particularly because of its various uses. This vegetable pod can be used as a pickled vegetable, or an ingredient in soups, and side dishes, and is also utilized for its oil, which can be extracted and used as a vegetable oil. SOURSOP

Health Benefits of Okra are

BusinessFocus May/Jun

The taste of the soursop fruit is a delicious combination of strawberry and pineapple, with other sweet and citrus notes that make it very popular. It is widely cultivated in the Caribbean and is most popularly grown for individual consumption as a garden fruit. The soft pulp and fiber of the fruit are used for

symptoms, and reduce excess gas. It is also good for enhancing sexual activity and relieving the pain related to menstrual disorders, nausea, and flu.

beverages, desserts, smoothies and as a wealth of traditional medical treatments. While the flavour is enough to make this a popular fruit, the rich vitamin and nutrient content of the fruit includes Vitamins B and C and a number of antioxidant compounds. The juice from soursop has been used topically, while pulverized seeds and decoctions made of leaves are also popular forms of natural remedies. You can also use the leaves and pulverized seeds to brew a powerful tea, which also has a number of impressive effects on the human body. Health benefits of soursop • Kills parasites • Reduces inflammation • Improves respiratory conditions • Sedates the body and mind

• Heals the skin • Treats certain kinds of cancer • Boosts the immune system • Soothes the stomach • Relieves pain.

PASSION FRUIT

Passion fruit is an intriguing and mysterious fruit that has a surprising number of health and medicinal benefits for those fruit lovers who add it to their diet. Passion fruit looks a little strange growing on its creeper vine, which can wrap itself around almost any surface and cling onto it, seeking sunlight. This fruit is widely eaten around the world, and has been for hundreds of years. There are more than 500 varieties of it, and they are usually yellow or dark purple. The interior is filled with a firm, juicy meat and an abundance of seeds. The fruit is regularly squeezed for the highly beneficial juice and you often see it added to other juices to improve the flavour and add an exotic taste.

Today, ginger is on the FDA’s list of generally safe foods and is often used to mask the taste of bitter medicines such as cough syrups

COCONUT Coconut trees are considered wonder trees by mankind. Not only the fruit but the whole palm is reported to be very useful. Coconuts provide coconut water and the flesh inside the nut. The water and flesh supply us with essential nutrients that can keep our stomachs full and give us the energy to increase endurance. There is evidence of coconuts being used in India over 3,000 years ago. In India, coconuts are regarded as one of the most sacred of fruits and they are offered to deities as tokens of gratitude. One of the names of coconut in Sanskrit is KalpaVriksha meaning an “eternal tree” or “tree which fulfills all wishes”. That name has been given due to the fact that coconut palm is such a versatile tree and almost all parts of the tree can be put to beneficial use. Coconut water and coconut flesh are not the only two types of food obtained from coconuts. Some of the by-products of coconuts include mature coconut meat, coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut wine, coconut vinegar, and many more. NONI

Passion Fruit is a popular breakfast food, juice, snack, and flavour additive to salsa, sauces, salads and desserts. GINGER Ginger, is a flowering plant whose root or rhizome is used as a spice. In many places, it is mostly used in sweets and alcoholic beverages such as ginger beer and wine. Ginger is one of the most ancient spices well-known for its health benefits, which include its ability to boost bone health, strengthen the immune system, and increase appetite. It helps prevent various types of cancer, improve respiratory conditions, aid in digestion, eliminate arthritis

Historically, many parts of the noni plant were used both externally and internally for a variety of health purposes, alone or in combination with other herbs. Today, the principal part of the noni plant used for health purposes is the ripe fruit, which is used as a dietary supplement for various chronic diseases, including cancer. Health benefits of Noni • Treats arthritis • Lowers risk of gout • Boosts energy • Moisturizes skin • Fights aging

• Treats scalp irritation • Prevents cancer • Boosts immunity • Reduces stress • Treats fever BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Food Safety Tips

Food Safety Tips Food is the gateway to sustainability. Whether you consume a fully organic diet or opt to mix conventional and organic foods, be sure to keep these tips in mind: • Select a variety of foods from a variety of sources. This will give you a better mix of nutrients and reduce your likelihood of exposure to a single pesticide. • Avoid contamination. To reduce the risk of contamination, avoid buying damaged cans or torn packets. • Buy fruits and vegetables in season when possible. To get the freshest produce, ask your grocer what is in season or buy food from your local farmers market. • Read food labels carefully. Just because a product says it's organic or contains organic ingredients doesn't necessarily mean it's a healthier alternative. Some organic products may still be high in sugar, salt, fat or calories. • Read best buy date carefully. Besides ensuring products aren’t close to expiration, ensure recommended storage instructions are adhered to for longer lasting products and to avoid spoilage. • Exercise caution when buying perishables. If perishables like dairy products, meat, fish or poultry have been stored out of fridges, be cautious when making a purchase as these may have already turned and pose a health issue. • Keep food covered. Protecting your food from contaminants like dust, insects, bodily fluids like sneezes is essential for minimizing the spread of germs. Use airtight containers for best results. BusinessFocus May/Jun

• Separate raw and cooked food. Always package and store cooked foods above raw foods in the fridge to minimize contamination. • Keep perishables at certain temperatures. Perishable foods should be kept hot at above 60 °C or cold below 5 °C. • Wash and scrub fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water. Washing helps remove dirt, bacteria and traces of chemicals from the surface of fruits and vegetables, but not all pesticide residues can be removed by washing. Discarding outer leaves of leafy vegetables can reduce contaminants. Peeling fruits and vegetables can remove contaminants but may also reduce nutrients. • Keep fridge organized. Ensure your food is arranged properly in the fridge to ensure proper circulation of cold air around it. Never overstock the fridge. • Bacteria can grow quickly. Dairy products and meats especially can become breeding grounds for bacteria so clean surfaces after use to stop the spread. • Wash hands thoroughly. Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food. • Dishcloths should be cleaned an all times. To ensure germs aren’t spread, ensure all kitchen cloths are washed regularly.

It Can Wait: Why You Shouldn't Skip Lunch

It Can Wait: Why You Shouldn't Skip Lunch Busy schedules, weight loss or even medical reasons are all vital motives for missing a meal. More new age diets give strict instructions on caloric intake with some more drastic options forbidding the usual lunch time meals. Likewise, in the busier time of the month like payroll for accountants, or end of month reports for managers, more often than not, lunch is often skipped to get the job done with the goal of making up later on in the day. So, whether deadlines are looming, or you are looking for a quick fix in your weight loss battle, skipping a meal may work but lunch may not be the best meal to skip. Metabolic Change Research has shown that skipping lunch and having a larger meal later in the evening to ward off hunger pangs can be quite risky and causes changes in metabolism. Increased Chances of Diabetes By delaying meals, glucose levels become elevated and insulin delays which over time can lead to Diabetes. Bad Weight Loss Although any weight loss may seem like good weight loss, experts have a different view. When skipping meals (without expert advice on dieting), you will more often than not drop water weight and not fat and essentially gain weight a lot quicker when you start eating normally which usually comes back as belly fat. Depletion in Nutrients If careful planning isn’t adhered to in types of fasting or dieting like intermittent fasting, you can run the risk of becoming nutrientdeficient. Fatigue Food is fuel for the body. Nutrient-packed food keeps you going. Remove the food and remove the fuel which can result in fatigue – your body’s way of letting you know it needs a top-up.

hormones such as insulin, lipids such as cholesterol and one’s ability to maintain normal blood pressure. Exercise becomes tedious With low energy levels, maintaining an exercise regime would be quite impossible. The combination of low blood sugar coupled with mental and physical strain in every day life would make it near impossible to complete even the simplest workout. Compromised Immune System If not done correctly, skipping a meal can cause change in moods, severe headaches, and weakened immune system which could lead to infections. Poor Concentration With a drop in blood sugar levels comes many conditions which challenge your ability to focus. Added to the major hunger and sometimes harsh retorts for the slightest thing, your brain stops functioning as it should. Beware of the Bloat As the digestion system is spun out of control, you can become severely bloated due to constipation and gas. To fully understand the body’s make-up and what works best for you, visit your nutritionist or local health practitioner to get an accurate assessment of your needs. Remember, your body’s reaction to a skipped meal is dependent on numerous factors besides your workload or weight loss goals. Our bodies react in various ways depending on our age, health and diet which can be good in some cases or detrimental to health in others. Whatever you decide, remember your body goes into survival mode when deprived, so carefully plan out dieting if that’s what you are after and stop cycles of fasting and binging, especially when the food you are binging on isn’t nutritionally valid.

Higher Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Skipping meals can strain the body and lead to an increase in BusinessFocus

May/Jun

BUSINESS FOCUS

University of the Southern Caribbean

University Sourthern Caribbean – The Holistic Education of Experience

The Holistic Education Experience University of the Southern Caribbean

By Stan Bishop

Having the right skills set is one of the most important criterion that employers look for when hiring. That is why getting the right kind of education is a key deciding factor in whether one gets employed or not. This philosophy is shared by the best, most competent and highly-trained team of lecturers at University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) Saint Lucia campus where a high premium is placed on the holistic learning experience. Since 2007, the Saint Lucia campus, located at Sunny Acres, has been oﬀering students the highest standard of learning that adequately prepares them for the world of work. These programmes are also oﬀered at USC’s other campuses in Trinidad (where there are two campuses, including the main campus), Barbados, Antigua, Guyana and Tobago.

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Programmes oﬀered at the Saint Lucia campus are Bachelor’s Degree programmes, including:

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• • • • • • • • • •

Bachelor of Arts in Business (Finance, Accounting, Human Resource Management, Management) Economics Elementary Education Social Work Behavioural Science Psychology Sociology Computing Dietetics (starting in September) AS-BS in Nursing Certiﬁcate in Paralegal Studies (starting in September) online

Most of these programmes run for four years and students can enroll at USC directly after leaving secondary school. USC also accepts students who would have done Associate Degree programmes elsewhere. However, they are usually encouraged to complete their programmes in three if they choose to work at a faster pace. Students also have the option of beginning their studies at the Saint Lucia and completing them at the Trinidad campuses -- or vice versa. USC is recognized by Andrews University and accredited by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago. USC has also been approved by the Ministry of Education in Saint Lucia. Classes are held in small intimate classrooms at the campus, which offers students a family-oriented environment with personal one-on-one time with the lecturers. Students also benefit from a learning environment where a high level of synergy is encouraged and classes are taught by highly-competent lecturers who are very knowledgeable in their respective fields. All of this is done at class times that are convenient for students.

Aside from classwork, students also engage in field work and community programmes, thereby fulfilling their corporate social responsibility. This component of the programmes also gives students the opportunity to connect with the community at the grassroots level. Another benefit for students is the chance to land internships where they get first-hand practical experience which can have an inherently positive impact on their course work. “USC gives students a well-rounded education,” said Catherine Inglis-Leon, who has been Coordinator of USC’s Saint Lucia campus since 2013. “We focus not only on the core aspect of the programme, but also offer enrichment programmes that incorporate the spiritual aspect. Other aspects include music, arts and craft, counselling and nutrition, physical education and science.” For most of the programmes, entry requirements are five passes at the CSEC level, including Mathematics and English. However, for Psychology, Social Work and Sociology and Behavioural Science, Mathematics is optional. Flexible payment plans are also available for students who meet the entry requirements.

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

The Truth Behind Leptospirosis

The Truth Behind Leptospirosis As we delve deeper into the disease which has seen increasing numbers over the past few years and related deaths, the question must be asked: what is leptospirosis? Medical practitioners agree that leptospirosis is an infectious bacterial disease also known as Weil’s disease, grippotyphosa or canicola, spread by the urine of infected wild animals ranging from dogs, horses, pigs to rats and other rodents. The bacteria, or leptospira interrogans, produces a wide range of symptoms which usually occur in phases causing kidney or liver failure, respiratory issues, meningitis and, in extreme cases, death. The bacteria are so potent that they can survive in freshwater and soil for months, making it quite dangerous in the tropics. Once water sources are contaminated, transmission to human beings is inevitable. Ways the bacteria transmit to human beings? • Breaks in the skin • Mucus membranes • When ingested Unfortunately, leptospirosis has very varied symptoms and it can be challenging to point out if you are indeed infected as it mimics signs of dengue fever and other such ailments. Additionally, in some cases there are no signs at all with some manifesting after two days to as long as four weeks after the initial infection. Luckily, in the two-phase process discussed earlier, the onset of the following combination of symptoms is a good indicator the patient has been infected and should be tested so treatment can be administered before the second phase symptoms which can lead to death. Symptoms of leptospirosis (first phase): 1. High fever 2. Chills 3. Headache 4. Muscle aches and pain 5. Sore throat and problems swallowing 6. Stomach pains 7. Vomiting 8. Diarrhea 9. Jaundice 10. Arthritic pains in joints or muscle pain 11. Rash 12. Reddish eyes BusinessFocus May/Jun

Symptoms of leptospirosis (second phase): 1. Renal failure 2. Pulmonary hemorrhage 3. Cardiac arrhythmias 4. Pneumonitis 5. Septic shock With such diseases which are not fully understood, leptospirosis comes with quite a few preconceived notions. A large portion of the populace may have actually been exposed but with a healthy system were able to survive the initial attack and never realized they were infected in the first place as all symptoms left as quickly as they came. Some myths about leptospirosis: • Human-to-human transmission is not possible. THIS IS A MYTH! Although human-to- human is considered weakly contagious, infected persons can release the leptospirosis in their urine or blood and persons handling the wet bedding or blood-soaked material of an infected person can be exposed to it. Pregnant women can also infect their unborn child. Although most could shed the organisms for a few weeks before releasing all, reports indicate that some persons can remain contagious for up to 12 months after the initial infection in rare cases. • Only persons who work on farms or live in squalor dwellings can get leptospirosis. THIS IS A MYTH! Although occupational exposure has seen persons working in farms being predisposed to contamination through soil and water with the bacteria, they are not alone. Persons handling unwashed produce at the market, picking fruits and nuts like coconuts covered in infected urine can all be exposed. Even participating in outdoor activities in contaminated areas puts you at risk. • Heavy rains will wash away the bacteria. THIS IS A MYTH! Heavy rainfall can actually increase the bacterial infection allowing it to flourish, especially in areas prone to flooding. Care should be taken when water sources are used during these periods. When in doubt, consult your health care practitioner or visit the nearest health centre or hospital for assistance.

Getting A Grip On Garbage Disposal

Getting A Grip On Garbage Disposal By Stan Bishop

For many years now, indiscriminate dumping of garbage has been problematic for not only cash-strapped governments, but also citizens who lament the unsightly and unhealthy practice. The problem is so prevalent in Saint Lucia that it is not uncommon to see highways and byways strewn with litter as vagrants and animals rummage through the contents for anything deemed edible. Figures compiled by the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA), the main garbage collection agency, suggest that an estimated 82,546.84 tonnes of garbage was generated between April 2016 and March 2017. Statistically, each Saint Lucian generates about 1.2 kilos of garbage each day. With the preservation of the environment now taking centre stage, buoyed in part by concerns about climate change, issues like conservation and national pride are becoming more nuanced as Saint Lucians are being called on to do their civic duty in keeping the country clean. In short, taking care of the environment is everyone’s job. The Saint Lucia National Trust (SLNT), which is charged with ensuring that all natural resources are used wisely, is another agency that continues to stress the importance of safe and effective garbage disposal practices. “We do partner with a number of agencies, including the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA), to try to address the litter problem,” SLNT’s Director, Bishnu Tulsie, told members at the Trust’s annual general meeting last November. “It’s a national problem, one which should really be taken on by everyone – led by the SLSWMA. But it is something that we’re very mindful of.” For nearly a decade now, government has been in the process of regularizing a refund policy for plastic bottles, which are being used for a myriad of purposes by industries, including the bottling of soft drinks. These used plastic bottles often wind up in the strangest of places, including the Castries Harbour, after heavy rainfall. Not only does such a practice prove unsightly, but it also paints a not-so-glossy picture for an island described as a paradise is the sun and also threatens the marine wildlife. The situation has reached such a sore point that many believe that government needs to stop kicking the can down the road as far as enacting and enforcing legislation to address the problem.

Part of the problem stems from the fact that despite regular public service messages discouraging indiscriminate garbage disposal, many communities still fail to adhere to the rules prescribed. For instance, it is not uncommon to find people still throwing out garbage days before scheduled pick-ups that attracts stray animals. The result is not only unsightly, but creates the foundation for the spread of diseases. Take Castries, for example, a city that has over the years become overrun by rats and stray animals such as dogs and cats. After a long day of business, these animals feast on the garbage that would have been strewn along the streets by stores and pedestrians. Moreover, food stores are often targets of these vermin, resulting in the spread of diseases. Of late, there have been cases of leptospirosis, resulting in sickness and – worse – death. Leptospirosis, spread mainly by mammals such as dogs and rats, is an infection caused by corkscrew-shaped bacteria called Leptospira. Signs and symptoms can range from none to mild such as headaches, muscle pains, and fevers, to severe with bleeding from the lungs or meningitis. If the infection causes the person to turn yellow, have kidney failure and bleeding, it is then known as Weil's disease. If it also causes bleeding into the lungs, then it is known as severe pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome. While there is no one way in curbing the risks that threaten public health safety as it pertains to how garbage is disposed, there must be some consensus on the matter. Taking shortcuts by circumventing the rules governing the proper disposal of garbage is an exercise that is not only summed up in exorbitant dollars and cents in the end, but is also a life or death issue. As such, here are some tips to follow when disposing of garbage: • Recycle by putting trash such as plastics, paper, cans and cardboard into a designated recycling bin and have it picked up during your normal trash service. • Try composting by putting compostable garbage items in a bin located outside your home. Such items include untreated paper products, biodegradable plastic, any part of a fruit or vegetable such as the seeds or rinds, food, and matches. • Put non-recyclable or non-compostable trash items into a garbage bag and then into a trash can. • Dispose of hazardous materials, such as batteries and heavy duty cleaning products, in a safe and environmentallyconscious manner. When it comes to the environment, image plays an important part in demonstrating how people feel about it as well as their general health. That is why the phrase “keep your country clean” is not an understatement, but actually a mantra that every citizen needs to embrace. Stan Bishop began his career in journalism in April 2008 as a reporter for The VOICE newspapers in Saint Lucia. His areas of coverage include current affairs, politics, tourism, environmental issues, business, arts and entertainment and human interest. He also had two regular columns that were run in The VOICE, namely Strictly Business and If You

Asked Me. From March 2017 to February 2018, he was Editor of The VOICE. He is now Business Feature Writer for Business Focus Magazine and News Reporter/Presenter for Vybe Radio. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Occupational Hazards & Workplace Safety

Occupational Hazards & Workplace Safety By Kezia Preville

What’s an Occupational Hazard? The Cambridge dictionary defines occupational hazard as a danger that is connected with doing a particular job for example hearing loss from excessive noise while working at a nightclub. Hearing loss is indeed a danger with other consequences like loss of limbs, eyes and other body parts, electrocution, broken bones, cuts and the list goes on. Bottomline, a potential source of harm or adverse health effect on someone at work, would constitute an occupational hazard. Can you identify the occupational hazards in your place of work? Are measures in place and do you follow the rules to safeguard yourself? Prime examples of occupational health hazards • Ergonomic Hazards: These hazards are related to physical factors which are harmful to the musculoskeletal system. Every occupation has the potential to strain the body especially if repetitive motion is involved. Although hard to identify, hazards like poor lighting, repetitive motion, awkward movement and poor posture (uncomfortable seats for example), all pose ergonomic hazards. • Physical Hazards: They are quite common and constitute a variety of conditions which may be encountered in everyday work life. Examples include slips, trips, exposure to loud noises, working from extreme heights and unguarded machinery. • Chemical Hazards: When a worker is exposed to chemical substances, chemical hazards are present. Hazards include BusinessFocus May/Jun

cleaning solutions, vapors ad fumes, carbon monoxide and any gas (including odorless varieties). • Biological Hazards: These are more associated with healthcare professionals as they generally affect persons who handle infectious plant material, people and animals. Examples are blood, bodily fluids, animal care, insect bites, bacteria and viruses. OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards have been adopted in specific industries like construction, with very explicit conditions in place to secure workers on sites. Signage, Kezia Preville is a UK graduate possessing a Master’s in Business Administration. She is a Business Development Specialist with over 10 years’ experience working with regional and national firms. Kezia is passionate about Marketing and Public Relations, working with clients seeking to enter new markets, provide stellar service and develop their Corporate Social Responsibility goals. Currently she manages AdVizze Consulting Inc, hosts the annual Job Fair Expo and the Enterprise Development Forum & Marketplace. Contact her at AdVizze Consulting Inc on info@ advizze.co or visit www.advizze.co.

strict clothing requirements down to the recommended storage for specific tools are all covered in the standards. These standards don’t only protect sites which are known to be hazardous but have designed useful ways in which other workplaces can manage the security of its workers. For the identified types of hazards, it is essential to note the provision of the corrective footwear, eyewear and sometimes breathing apparatus as some immediate ways to safeguard workplace occupants who would include staff and visitors. Having the correct signage to inform of hazards and ensure the proper gear is used while entering the hazardous zone can save lives. For more common hazards like physical hazards, a change in furniture can increase productivity and alleviate back pains, for example, if the job requires sitting for long periods. Hazard Prevention & Control Simplified Identifying the hazards or threats and developing a risk assessment to underscore the severity of the hazards and the potential outcomes require a unified approach. To accurately ascertain the level of exposure after the hazard has been identified, factors including the access, the numbers of persons in space and the use of the space are all considered. Check out the process: 1. Collection of existing data on workplace hazards: collect existing information which could be seen on operating manuals, inspection reports, injury records, any safety programmes, feedback from employees, health safety officer and OSHA. 2. Inspection of workplace for safety hazards: inspect the workplace as over time equipment would be worn out and some common housekeeping practices decline. Conduct

regular inspections on all work areas and tools and record inspections so hazardous conditions are corrected. Make a space-specific checklist to be thorough. 3. Identification of health hazards: as this is more complex, a professional may be included in the inspection process to ensure an expert review is undertaken. Identify if hazard is chemical, physical, biological or ergonomic and keep records of the medical reports associated with incidences. 4. Development of incident investigations: workplace incidents from injuries to close calls and illness create a roadmap of potential hazards. As such, conducting profound investigations can tremendously assist in the identification of the hazard, development of resolutions and safeguarding staff. 5. Identification of hazards associated with emergency situations: preparation for hazards associated with emergency situations must be recognized and fully understood (A worst case scenario). Work with the relevant team to identify foreseeable emergency scenarios and nonroutine tasks which account for types of material and equipment, controlling of fires, explosions, spills or disease outbreaks for example and evacuation scenarios. 6. Characterization of the nature of hazards and development of controls: assessing the hazards already identified in relation to the workers eminent exposure is the last step. Each hazard would be identified and the severity of the potential outcome assessed so interim controls can be implemented with the aim of designing permanent solutions in the future.

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BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Health ess ln & Wel Poor Indoor Air Quality: The Silent Killer

Poor Indoor Air Quality: The Silent Killer By Orjan Joe Lindberg

Indoor air quality (IAQ) or indoor environment quality is related to how a person’s health, comfort and ability to function in various activities can be affected by the quality of the air. ‘Good’ IAQ can be summarized as indoor air which has comfortable temperature and humidity and allows for adequate fresh outdoor air while controlling indoor/outdoor pollutants through sufficient air changes (ACH) in a building. IAQ STANDARDS • ASHRAE 62.1 – 2010/3: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality • ASHRAE 62.2 – 2010/3: Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low Rise Residential Buildings (3Floors & less) • ASHRAE 55 – 2010/3: Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy • The IMC, IECC, IBC, OSHA, USEPA & USGBC have adopted this Ventilation Criteria PRINCIPLE FACTORS The main factors which affect IAQ are temperature and humidity, occupants, building materials, infiltration, building pressurization, Volatile Organic Compounds, and Biological Contaminants. 1. Temperature & Humidity: There is no ideal for comfort for these factors which is dependent on the preference of the occupants. The Indoor Design Conditions can recommend specific temperature & humidity values for various space and building types. IMC, IECC & ASHRAE 90.1 standards list comfortable ranges. Recommended indoor temperature range as between 21oC - 26oC [70oF – 79oF]. Recommended indoor relative humidity levels range from 35% to 65%. BusinessFocus May/Jun

Elevated humidity levels promote dampness, condensation, damage materials & equipment, promote the growth of mold etc. 2. Occupants: Activity type and even overcrowding can increase many pollutant levels. As occupants relate to the people who occupy a space in a building, depending on the activity, they contribute to altering the IAQ by increasing sensible & latent heat load, CO₂ levels, humidity and biological contaminants. An active Mechanical Engineer for the past 15 years, principally in the field of building services and specializing in HVAC, Plumbing & Mechanical designs, supervision, consulting and contracting with nearly five years’ experience as a Lecturer of technical studies in the building services programme. Orjan Joe Lindberg has a Bachelors, Masters degree and various professional certifications in indoor environmental quality, energy efficient building services and ASHRAE essentials. Currently he is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Saint Lucia and serves as the Public Relations Officer for the Association, Member of the National Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Association Inc (NARA), and an active full member of the American Society of Refrigerating Engineers (ASHRAE). Contact Mr. Lindberg on orjanjlindberg@ gmail.com

3. Building Materials: Materials such as carpets, ceiling tiles, and blinds all make up the different types of building material which can affect indoor air quality. Selection & Type can contribute to the absorption or dissipation of humidity, pollutants, sensible heat and mold and bacterial growth. 4. Infiltration: Or also known as building leakage, allows unknown quantities of air to flow in or out of a building at different rates depending on the type & method of the Building construction. This can affect the energy consumption, temperature & humidity levels, air flow (drafts), entry of contaminants etc. These Buildings can be categorized as Leaky – 0.6 CFM/SF, Average – 0.3 CFM/SF or Tight – 0.1 CFM/SF 5. Building Pressurization: This refers to the pressure levels in a space in relation to the outdoor air pressure. It determines how the air flows through the building and can be influenced by the direction of the wind on the building. - Positive – Higher pressure than the OA, air flows from this space naturally through diffusion. - Neutral – equal pressure with the OA, air does not flow naturally and may need to be forced ventilated. - Negative – Lower pressure than the OA, air flows to this space naturally through diffusion. 6. Pollutants: Pollutants are common air contaminants (Hydrogen Sulphide, Ozone, Particulates, Tobacco Smoke, inorganic compounds, etc.) which can exist in different concentrations through various activities; from construction

materials or equipment dissipating chemicals into the IA; to stagnated AI increasing concentrations of gases such as CO₂, CO, refrigerants pesticides etc. Particulates are solid suspended particles which can be classified as respirable (≤ 5 microns); and non-respirable (2.5 to 10 microns) and are the cause of many respiratory ailments. Hydrogen Sulphide Gas is an odourous gas escaping from sanitary drainage plumbing, septic tanks and sewers where traps fail allowing this and other gases to contaminate the indoor air. 20 PPM: OSHA Standard. 7. Volatile Organic Compounds: Or VOCs refer to organic chemical compounds which adversely affect the IAQ, health and general environment. These can originate from paints, adhesives, new furnishings, wall coverings and office equipment such as photocopying machines. Chemicals include formaldehyde and benzene. 8. Biological Contaminants: Stagnated indoor air due to poor ventilation, damp areas and materials, high humidity levels and water intrusion can promote the growth of many biological contaminants such as: - Mold – a fungi which thrives on damp surfaces. Mold can also be air borne and spores can trigger allergies and respiratory problems. - Bacteria – pathogens which promote disease such as legionella, can grow in warm damp areas. These microbes are also air borne. - Dust mites – small insects among others which can breed in moist areas ¤

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May/Jun

Workplace Stress: Is Your Workplace Slowly Killing You?

Workplace Stress: Is Your Workplace Slowly Killing You? Stress kills. Sometimes slowly. As pressure builds up and tensions rise, stress can have adverse effects on your body. Since stress is a reaction to situations in one’s life either at home, work or a combination, some factors which manifest as a result can include loss of appetite, fatigue and mood changes due to hormonal imbalances. From missed deadlines, no opportunities for growth and poor working conditions, to heavy workloads, salary disputes and staffing conflicts, stressful work situations come in all forms. As stress does not affect everyone in the same way, some adjustments must be made to help someone cope or for you to find coping mechanisms.

Ways to Eliminate Stress at Work • Take a deep breath and count to ten. Take some personal time to calm down. • Eliminate interruptions throughout the day to minimize disruptions, especially when you have a deadline. • Maintain a good diet and eat on a timely basis to relieve stress on your body and ensure your system is functioning properly. • Sleep and sleep well. Getting a solid night’s sleep will not only rejuvenate you but eliminate the hours you lay awake thinking of work issues. BusinessFocus May/Jun

• Identify stress triggers and learn to control them. • Check out when the work day ends. Do not bring your work stressors home. • Plan ahead and try not to deviate. Keeping a schedule can help ward off surprises during the day. • Listen, then respond. Sometimes a quick response can aggravate a situation and heighten stress levels. • Find relaxing activities like yoga to help rejuvenate. • Speak to someone and get it out of your system. Coworkers can support if your workload is in question. • Turn to the Human Resources department for support. • Add exercise to your regimen to help relax your mind. • Mind what you eat as high sugar and carb-loaded foods are triggers you should steer clear of. • Reduce your caffeine intake as it can put you off-balance. • Give up smoking or decrease the amount of nicotine as it is a stimulant and can increase anxiety levels. • Planning is great but sometimes you need to allow situations to develop as you can’t always control every situation. • Laugh your pants off. Who says work has to be all work and no play? • Request a transfer or simply take time off.

Health ess ln & Wel

Take Yoga To Work

Take Yoga To Work By: Janelle Sargusingh

presentation or anything that you need a boost of confidence for then step into warrior 2 also known in Sanskrit as Virabhadrasana II. This pose of power, poise and strength will give you the boost you need to tackle any situation. Begin by standing with the feet wide apart and toes pointing straight ahead. Then turn on your right heel so that the toes of the right foot now point to the right, the left toes can turn in slightly. Ground down into the feet to feel stable, strong and balanced. Straighten the legs to prepare and keep your chest forward. Inhale to lengthen the spine and as you exhale, extend your arms out to the sides as you bend the right knee to come just behind or on top of the right ankle. Arms are parallel to the floor as you expand through the chest and fingers, lengthening through the crown and grounding down through the feet. Gaze over the right middle finger as you continue with an even breath. Repeat on the left side. Meditation – The Bliss of No Thought Being still and silent for a time and doing nothing, not even thinking, can be daunting. Meditation is sometimes described as that space between thoughts where there is no thought. The practice of meditation is to increase the duration of that space. While there are many practices that can help get you there (breath awareness, repeating a mantra, focusing your attention on fixed point or object, etc.) being in meditation is a state of no action, no effort, just being. There is no battle or negotiation with thoughts, they come and go and you remain equanimous. Our attachment to a result or outcome is usually what keeps us from having a “successful” meditation. Sit with no expectation, judgment or agenda from 2 to 20 minutes.

Yoga isn’t just for the studio or shala. This flexible practice can be taken anywhere; from the beach, to the streets and now to your office. And why not? Can you think of a better place to practice being calm and focused? Besides improving balance, flexibility and strength, yoga improves mental clarity, creativity (think problem-solving) and calms the nervous system so that we can deal with stressful situations that present themselves. One practice (10, 30 or 45 minutes a day) can help your aching neck and hunched shoulders, relax and unwind you after a long day, boost your confidence for that important meeting, calm you down after a confrontation, inspire a flow of creativity and energy into a strategic planning session and help you connect and strengthen work relationships.

From increasing creativity and mental sharpness to improving health and wellbeing, it’s no wonder so many corporations are supporting their valuable human resource with Yoga, meditation and breathing sessions.

It may not be practical to have a full yoga session at your desk whenever you need it but there are several ways to reap the benefits of this transformative practice during your work day.

Namaste Janelle Sargusingh Yoga with Ja

3 Ways to Practice Yoga At Work

Note: Always talk to your doctor before engaging in any exercise program, especially if you are pregnant or suffer from any illness. Remember to trust your judgment and only do what feels safe and comfortable for you.

Pranayama – Take a Breath, or 5 Sit with your hands on your thighs, palms facing up or down. Close your eyes and begin to observe your breath. Notice your inhales as the breath enters the nostrils and moves through the nasal passage and to the lungs. Also notice your exhales as the breath leaves the body, past the throat and out the nose. Begin to lengthen your inhales and exhales, slowing down the breath. Next as you inhale allow your awareness to take the breath to your belly noticing how it gently expands and how it softly falls with your exhale. Continue with your slow and deep (into the belly) breathing (no more than 10) until you feel calm and peaceful. Resume your normal breath which will be slower. Asana – Power Pose If you’re getting ready for a power meeting, interview, evaluation,

If you want to bring yoga to work try joining or organizing a group class twice a week for your office or take a private session just for you if you need to. Find a teacher who will come to your office, corporate event, retreat or team building sessions and create a program based on your specific requirements. Start with these 3 and watch as the practice transforms your life and work experience.

Janelle Sargusingh is a 200hr certified Yoga teacher and Access Bars practitioner based in St. Lucia. She teaches group and private yoga classes, beach yoga and facilitates yoga retreats / experiences. Contact and follow her at Yoga with Ja (@yogawithja) on Facebook or Instagram or via email at yogawithja@gmail.com. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Health ess ln & Wel

so far from the fire that they may not be in danger which may lead to business disruption. Phased Evacuation In larger more complex buildings like high rise buildings, phased evacuation is adopted. This strategy will allow people who aren’t in immediate harm from the fire to delay their evacuation period. Those most at risk will evacuate the building first, then the floor above will evacuate after. The other floors will then evacuate to avoid congestion on the escape routes. This will present obvious benefits. These benefits may include reduced escape route sizes, with staircases a significant advantage.

Evacuation Planning

Evacuation Planning By Rohan John Baptiste

Most design teams and architects are usually surprised to hear that in the early stages of their fire safety and building plans, a Fire Evacuation Strategy should be considered in renovations and new building designs. To some regular building users, when a fire alarm sounds, occupants simply evacuate. Seems straightforward, right? In some situations, this is not always the case as it might not be desirable or possible for a routine evacuation to occur. Depending on the occupants and the building designs, Fire Safety Engineers design appropriate evacuation strategies. In new building designs, evacuation strategies should be decided upon by the stakeholders as it will impact the design of the building and will entail requirements for escape route dimensions, fire compartmentation and the reactions of the fire alarm. To better under understand how fire evacuation strategies work, let’s review the three most common categories: Simultaneous, Phased or Progressive evacuation. Simultaneous Evacuation In most buildings, the evacuation strategy in case of a fire alarm will be by the means of everyone’s reactions due to the warning signals noticed when a fire has been discovered. Occupants will then make their way to the exits, and then to an assembly point away from the building. This simple evacuation strategy is called simultaneous evacuation. This may lead to the unnecessary evacuation of people, for instance, in situations where people are BusinessFocus May/Jun

A delay in full evacuation can be introduced, however fire compartmentation requirements will be greater since it must be ensured that it is maintained for the life of the building. The fire alarm system will be more complex to allow for evacuation zones in the building. The system should be capable of giving different signals (warning and evacuation) or give the required voice messages. In order for the evacuation to be successful, occupants are required to react in accordance to this strategy and should be considered in great detail. The design must carry some resilience to compensate for alternative behaviour from people. Such considerations of behaviour can be predicted using specialist fire engineering techniques and software which take into account all possibilities and likely timings. Progressive Horizontal Evacuation In a hospital and a daycare home, full evacuation of the building is not normally desired. Patients may not be able to evacuate in vertical escape routes, therefore horizontal escape routes are required. This is a deviation of phased evacuation called progressive horizontal evacuation. To ensure this, fire compartmentation is required to ensure people can move from the point of the fire to a relatively safe place. This scenario also requires a complex fire alarm system with an alert signal to adjacent zones and an evacuation signal provided to given zones. Training may be required in fire safety management which will require staff to have complete understanding of the evacuation procedures and carry them out as required. There are varieties of evacuation strategies and the appropriate strategy must be selected to suit the needs of the building and its occupants. Selecting the wrong strategy for the building will lead to problems during evacuation and could potentially put the occupants in danger. Rohan John Baptiste, MSc, BEng. F.S.E, M.A.P.E.S.L -- Currently lectures in the Division of Technical and Management Studies (DTEMS) at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. He recently graduated with an International Master of Science in Fire Safety Engineering (I.M.F.S.E) and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Possessing a keen knowledge in research, analytics and problem solving, along with report writing of fire engineering. He is a Fire Safety Engineer as well as a Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Consultant. Contact him at rjb.cfses@outlook.com.

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H & L Environmental Services – Improving The Quality Of Your Indoor Environment

Improving The Quality Of Your Indoor Environment Our establishment was founded in December, 2015 and registered as an LLC in September 2017. The company has both the technical expertise and equipment necessary, to conduct Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) assessments, mold identification and remediation. H&L Environmental Services was formed as a result of the persistent recurring mold issue within indoor environments and the lack of technical expertise to effectively remedy the problem. OUR SERVICES CAN BE CATEGORIZED AS FOLLOWS: H & L Environmental Services Laboratory Services: - Mold identification via the following methods: Direct Microscopic Examination • Bulk • Swabs • Tapelift • Dust • Spore traps Culture plates • Bulk • Dust • Swabs Indoor Air Quality Assessments: Conducting Indoor Air Quality Assessments to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Agency) standards. Identify mold etiology and other issues that lead to poor indoor air quality. Conduct testing of the air column for particulate matter and microbiological contaminants. Collect readings for toxic gases and particulate matter of select spaces which includes: • Total Volatile Organic Compounds

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• Carbon Dioxide CO2 • Carbon Monoxide CO • Particulate Matter Psychrometric Analysis which includes : • Temperature • Relative Humidity • Dew Point • Surface Temperature A detailed report post inspection is provided to the client outlining the following: data collected, findings, causes of poor indoor air quality and recommendations to remedy the issues identified.

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Mold Remediation Mold remediation involves the reduction of mold spores on all items and within the air, following standard operating procedures as outlined by standards used by all certified remediators. H&L Environmental Services prides itself on the creation of a safe indoor environment under our internationally recognized certification attained from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Common Symptoms of poor Indoor Air Quality • Headaches • Fatigue and weakness • Memory loss, inability to concentrate • Vertigo • Light sensitivity • Itchy & red eyes • Respiratory symptoms • Sinusitis • Coughing • Shortness of breath • Asthma-like signs• Runny nose • Itchy throat • Muscle cramps, constant nerve pain, pain in the joints, aches not caused by inflammatory arthritis, “ice pick”pain • Persistent nerve pain • Numbness and tingling sensations • Metallic taste • Abdominal pain, diarrhea, appetite changes, nausea • Night sweats or temperature regulation issues

Some ways of knowing that the IAQ is affected are: • Moldy and musty odor • Visible signs of mold • Frequent allergic symptoms and other aforementioned symptoms • Frequent illness of staff or family members • Condensation problems • Past water problems (plumbing issues, flooding, leaks etc.)

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SMA Quality Awards Spur Excellence

SMA Quality Awards Spur Excellence Biennial Awards Scheme Continues To Inspire By Stan Bishop

When the St. Lucia Manufacturers Association (SMA) held its Quality Awards ceremony in March 2012, it was a huge dose of encouragement for the local manufacturing sector for a number of reasons. Today, those reasons are still evident. For starters, it was the first recognition programme run by the Association and was based on quality management principles and third-party assessment of the companies. Companies were not selfnominated. Instead, they were visited by auditors from the Bureau of Standards who assessed their procedures and records and prescribed a score based on an established scoring system. The auditors’ reports were subsequently reviewed by a panel of judges and companies are recognized with awards at the following levels: Gold, Platinum and Diamond, which all came with established requirements. Fast-forward to Saturday, April 14, 2018 when SMA held its fourth biennial Quality Awards with its standards remaining high. Awards are also given out in other categories, namely: Product and Service Quality, Human Resource Development; Implementation of Standards and Best Practices; Social Responsibility; and Leadership. Following the initial awards ceremony, another category -- the Lawson Calderon Eco-Manufacturing Award -- has been added with many companies vying for the coveted prize. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

This year’s Quality Awards lived up to expectations as many of the companies -both seasoned and newcomers -- seemed pleased that they were able to not only raise their standards but be rewarded for their efforts. Organizers expressed an upward trend in performance of the participating companies. Among the night’s big winners were Top Stone Fabrication Limited, Natmed Limited, Saint Lucia Linen Limited and Baron Foods Limited. Chief Executive Officer of Baron Foods, Ronald Ramjattan, said he was elated at his company winning four Diamond awards, one Platinum and the top award -- the President’s Award for Excellence. He said competition was tough but Baron Foods Ltd. was ready to conquer. “This year, the challenge was heightened in the sense that they have separated the companies by size,” he said. “So it means that Baron Foods was competing with companies like the (Windward and Leeward) Brewery, Duboulay’s (Bottling Co. Limited) and (St. Lucia) Distillers. Yet, I pulled the carpet from under their feet.” Despite the big wins, however, Ramjattan said there can be no place for complacency in a sector where anything can happen at any moment. To be a game-changer, he said, one has to embrace the need to work harder and the pursuit of excellence and

quality must be unceasing. For a company that exports its wide range of products to over 30 countries, including the United States, Canada and Europe, Ramjattan said standards for even labelling must be adhered to. As a past president of the SMA, Ramjattan said it was also an impressive showing by the smaller companies that have demonstrated that they have what it takes to remain competitive. He said the SMA’s mantra is to improve the quality and excellence of members regardless of size. “We want the SMA to drive the younger members of the Association to reach our level,” Ramjattan said. “The number of young companies that achieved Diamond awards this year -- that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re so happy for the young members.” Nicholas Barnard, Managing Director of Saint Lucia Linen Services, which processes and rents linen for mainly hotels, said his company is a first-timer to the Awards. The company won several awards, including the Lawson Calderon Eco-Manufacturing Award for recycling waste oil to produce energy as well as recycling water for use in its operations. “Customers themselves are actually demanding that their suppliers are greencertified,” he said. “So I think it’s the right way to go, obviously for the economy. Continued on pg 86

Top Stone Fabrication Ltd.

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We’ve been recycling waste oil to produce energy since 1994, first out of necessity, and we’ve learned how to do it very well.” Barnard also hailed the awards as a step in the right direction for the local manufacturing sector: “These awards are great because what they do is inspire you. They sort of set you goals and show you that you can win. So it’s a very good and winning mantra to have.” SMA President, Richard Duboulay, said despite the past few years being difficult and trying times for manufacturers, caused in part to the global economic situation, the local manufacturing sector has been able to maintain its competitive advantage. He cited examples such as the implementation of Article 164, the removal of payment of VAT on the ports, and the most-recently-proposed draft amendment to the Fiscal Incentives Act for manufacturers as positive steps taken by government. Duboulay said manufacturers must adapt to the ever-changing demands of the global marketplace. Competition, he said, forces businesses to look at alternative ways to reduce costs, procure better quality raw materials at lower prices, seek alternative energy sources, develop new business models, including the forging of regional and/or international alliances and partnerships, adopt quality standards and maximize the use of up-to-date technology. Sourcing cheaper sources of finance continues to be the most arduous challenge faced by small and mediumsized manufacturers, he said, adding that through organizations such as the SMA, TEPA, ITC, and Caribbean Export, access is

now more readily available for assistance in training of staff, energy audits, access to low-cost materials. He also underscored the need for setting high benchmarks in the sector. “The purpose of this gathering here is to recognize and celebrate those whose companies would have successfully incorporated all of what the Association has been preaching in the pursuit of quality and excellence. This excellence is measured through the implementation of standard benchmarks throughout their businesses,” Duboulay explained. “These companies have reaped the benefits of adopting and implementing the recommendations of the Bureau of Standards and those of internationallyaccredited institutions and organizations in all areas of their business from human resources, energy-efficient production methodology and technology, energy audit recommendations, and marketing, to name a few.” Feature speaker, Mark Maloney, Managing Director of Preconco Limited in Barbados, shared his success story with the gathering, explaining how he went from worrying about how to pay his five staffers when the company first started about two decades ago to now owning several companies and being a major player in various markets. “We see challenges as opportunities and we remain focused, committed and determined to the vision we have set for ourselves to achieve,” Maloney said. “I guess you can say that we embraced the well-known motto: ‘Forward ever, backward never’”.

Minister for Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs, Bradly Felix, told the manufacturers to continue placing a high premium on quality as their very survival and competitiveness in the global business space depends on it. “As a country and as a sector, we must aspire to become not just nationally or regionally but globally competitive through the attainment of high quality standards in our products,” Felix said. “In recent years, we have seen a manufacturing sector that has undertaken significant upgrades in plant and machinery, high levels of certification and standards, HAACP compliance and in some cases a bigger footprint in the OECS and wider regional market in terms of exports.” Felix said that despite high production costs driven by the high cost of inputs and energy, cash flows and logistical delays by suppliers, the manufacturing sector has been tenacious and resilient, realizing a real growth estimate of 3% in the past year. He said increased activity in the food, beverage and fabricated metal sub-sectors accounted for an estimated 73% of total value of output in 2017. Moreover, in 2017, the manufacturing sector contributed 5.6% to the GDP, an injection of EC$171 million into the local economy. Felix said discussions are at an advanced stage with Invest Saint Lucia to allocate an appropriately retrofitted factory shell to serve as an incubator for young manufacturers. He noted that the application of VAT on raw material inputs, which has been a major concern for manufacturers, has been addressed with the introduction of the deferred payment of VAT system last November. He also encouraged manufacturers to continue being innovative to remain relevant and competitive. “We can take the newly-developed products and tweak them and make various changes and adaptations that better suit the taste and preference of niche markets or consumers in general, thereby enhancing the value and attractiveness of our product offerings” Felix explained. “This is exactly what China and some other countries have and continue to do so well albeit with some more resources. We need to do the same within our limited means on a smaller scale.”

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

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May/Jun

The Chairman’s Reserve Range Of Premium Rums Gets A Super Premium Upgrade! The Chairman's Reserve Range Of Premium Rums Gets A

Super Premium Upgrade

St. Lucia Distillers is excited to finally announce the arrival of its latest version of the rum, 1931, which has now been placed under the Chairman’s Reserve brand. This is a perfect marriage between the distinguished Chairman’s Reserve brand and 1931, which is the epitome of Super Premium Rum. The significance of this winning combination can only be fully appreciated with an awareness of the history of 1931. Mr. Denis Barnard founded a new distillery in 1931, which was commissioned in the Mabouya Valley near Dennery. In 1972, some forty one years later, that distillery merged with the Geest distillery in Roseau Valley, giving birth to St. Lucia Distillers. In 2011, under the leadership of Laurie Barnard, son of Denis Barnard, St. Lucia Distillers introduced the first of six limited editions of 1931, in celebration of eighty years of rum-making by the Barnard family. Each annual edition varied in blend and was differentiated by the colour of the presentation box. Saint Lucian native, Mr. Evanius Harris, who is the Master Blender at St. Lucia Distillers and creator of 1931, has been crafting blends for over thirty years. Mr. Harris commented: “What makes Chairman’s Reserve 1931 a super-premium rum is the intricate process which involves blending rums distilled in Coffey and Pot Stills, aged in bourbon barrels. This mixture is then infused with sugarcane rum indigenous to St. Lucia Distillers.” Mr. Harris continued to state “ Eighty seven years later, the union of Chairman’s Reserve and 1931 in a subliminal sense, symbolizes the amalgamation of the two distilleries which has continued to create exceptional rums.” At the recently held 2018 World Spirits Awards; Chairman’s Reserve Gold, Spiced and The Forgotten Casks all won gold medals. 1931 Sixth Edition captured the Double Gold Medal & Spirit of the Year and St. Lucia Distillers walked away with the Distillery of the Year award. Chairman’s Reserve 1931 is now available at all major retail outlets. Chairman’s Reserve has provided consumers with another great product to experience what it means to enjoy the finer life.

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May/Jun

St. Lucia Distillers

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TOURISM

CTO and CDB Partner to Double the Number of Hospitality Assured Certified Businesses

CTO and CDB Partner to Double the Number of Hospitality Assured Certified Businesses CDB Approves US$233,000 to Support HA Certification Programme The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is looking to double the number of businesses recognised as Hospitality Assured (HA), the certification programme that promotes business and service excellence. At present, 33 of the 80 tourism and hospitality businesses involved in the programme have been certified as Hospitality Assured, according to Sharon Banfield-Bovell, the regional human resource development consultant with the CTO. Banfield-Bovell and Janice Smith-Kipps, an experienced HA assessor and trainer of HA assessors, recently conducted a regional HA programme assessor training workshop at the Ocean Terrace Inn in St. Kitts and Nevis. “The aim is to raise the number of certified business this year by 30,” Ms. Banfield-Bovell said. The assessor training workshop, the third of its kind, is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which has approved over USD$223,000 in support of the HA (Caribbean) certification programme, and which, through its Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services (CTCS) Network, has been promoting the HA programme as a key means to support the development of tourism quality, business excellence and customer service delivery in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), especially owner-managed businesses in the tourism sector. “The CDB’s injection of funding support will allow for 30 micro, small or medium tourism enterprises in specific CDB borrowing member countries - Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and The Grenadines - to participate in the HA certification programme and to achieve one of our strategic goals of strengthening the business performance and overall competitiveness of the tourism sector in the Caribbean,” BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Ms. Banfield-Bovell stressed. The project will come to an end in June this year and the CTO is encouraging tourism businesses to get onboard and fill the remaining 18 available spaces and seek to put in place an effective service quality management system, with the support of the programme’s key personnel, the business advisors and assessors. At the opening of the St. Kitts workshop, Michel Thomas, the CDB’s operations officer, noted: “CDB fully supports the programme, as the Bank recognises the importance of enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs in the tourism sector, which plays an integral role in the social and economic development of a number of CDB Borrowing Member Countries”. Twenty-one participants from 13 CTO member countries – Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turks and Caicos Islands - participated in the five-day workshop, which was aimed at providing the necessary training to equip participants with the knowledge and performance requirements of HA assessors. Hospitality Assured is a service quality management certification owned by the Institute of Hospitality in the United Kingdom, managed and operated by the Hospitality Limited, U.K. and developed specifically for the tourism sector, to promote and reward the highest levels of service and business excellence. Hospitality Assured in the Caribbean is managed and promoted by the CTO. Any hospitality, leisure, tourism or service-oriented organization is eligible for Hospitality Assured certification, be they large or small, single or multi-operational.

Tourism Numbers Continue To Climb

Tourism Numbers Continue To Climb By Stan Bishop

MINISTER FEDEE SAYS MORE GOOD NEWS ON THE WAY Saint Lucia’s Tourism Minister, Dominic Fedee, says local tourism officials are encouraged by the continued growth and performance thus far for the year in all sub-sectors of the tourism industry. He said preliminary year-to-date figures for February point to a 5% increase over last year’s buoyant season. According to Fedee, the month-on-month performance for February increased by 6.4% over last year. There was also a 14% growth in the U.S. market segment while the U.K. market segment increased by 10%. The Caribbean showed positive signs as well, improving by 2%. Despite experiencing some challenges, Fedee said the yachting sector rebounded with a 30% increase in arrivals. He said such growth figures have the potential to be sustained as long as the requisite plans and programmes are implemented. “All of this would mean nothing if we don’t put policies in place to ensure that the growth that we’re seeing in tourism actually redound to increasing economic participation and economic penetration on the local populace,” Fedee said. “So we’re moving ahead steadily with village tourism because we believe that will no doubt be the single largest policy prescription that this government will institute in this financial year.” Fedee said government hopes to have the proper structures in place to facilitate the marketing, standards, training and registration so as to help small businesses operate successfully. This will include a new entity coming on-stream that will comprise 17 various agencies, all aimed at improving the island’s tourism product. Across sectors, Fedee said, micro-enterprises still face many challenges gaining the trust of financial institutions which are often reluctant to provide the relevant financing. As such, he said government stands ready to fill that void by investing funds in the development bank so as to make financing less of a headache for tourism-related businesses.

Fedee said World ARC wrapped up in early April, following an 18-month-long race, adding that 25 yachts sailed around the world in the event. He said the feedback from the event continues to be positive for the destination. “The ARC continues to be a tremendous partnership and it still is the signature yachting event for Saint Lucia,” Fedee said. “The yachting sector continues to play a significant role in the economic penetration that it generates for Saint Lucia.” Fedee said Saint Lucia continues to attract increased demand from the airline sector and that two major agreements are to be signed soon to raise the capacity for Saint Lucia by nearly 3,000 seats weekly – or roughly a 10% increase in total airlift capacity coming to Saint Lucia. The plan, he said, is to increase the room stock by 2,000, which represents a 50% increase. He also spoke of other overall plans for the tourism sector. “Our plans for the establishment of a new airport terminal so that we can improve the services and the facilitation of travelers and carriers coming to the destination are actually well on-stream,” the tourism minister said. “We’re hoping that that project can start sometime in August where we will see a tremendous advancement of our airlift sector (and) our capacity to accommodate more private and larger jets as well from around the world.” Fedee said these improvements are crucial because should Saint Lucia not undertake expansions in the airlift sector, the propensity for growth and the ability to service the number of new investments would become impossible. He also spoke of the OECS Tourism Competitive Project, of which Saint Lucia is a part, saying that government will spend about $5 million in the advancement of the project. However, he said Saint Lucia will spend about $40 million over a six-year period towards improving the overall tourism product, including upgrading the Castries Market. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

BUSINESS FOCUS

SLHTA Launches ‘Young Leaders Development Initiative’ SLHTA Launches ‘Young Leaders Development Initiative’

As part of its continued mission to grow the tourism industry’s human resource capacity, the Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association has launched the SLHTA Young Leaders Development Initiative. The project, inspired by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s People Development Committee program, aims to develop the talents of young employees in an effort to propel them into middle management positions in tourism and related sectors.

Led by a committee of SLHTA Hotel and Allied Member professionals, the initiative will target employees under the age of 35 with the goal of preparing them for middle management positions in the industry. Some of the key objectives include encouraging young tourism professionals to share the importance of tourism to lives and livelihoods in St. Lucia and to embrace the tremendous opportunities which the industry presents for employment, entrepreneurship, career development and advancement. The programme has engaged the Association’s public and private sector partners to provide training and mentorship opportunities that will build individual capacity and encourage upward mobility for participants in their respective fields. The programme is expected to unfold over a 2 year period thus allowing the participants ample time to absorb the full benefits of all the learning opportunities that will be offered to them. It is also expected that the programme will incorporate an overseas internship component which will allow participant to gain regional exposure in the tourism industry. The SLHTA, over the last few years, has identified the professional development of the industry’s workforce as one of its key mandates.

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Tyrone's Wrecker Service

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ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

Major Food Companies Increase Efforts to Make All Packaging Recyclable by 2025

Major Food Companies Increase Efforts to Make All Packaging Recyclable by 2025 As Worldwide Efforts Focus on Reducing Plastic Waste Nestle wants to make all of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, the Swiss food giant said in a release in April, becoming the latest food company to vow to reduce plastic waste. European governments have stepped up efforts to reduce plastic waste littering land and sea, and companies across the food supply chain are following suit. UK supermarket chain Waitrose pledged to ban disposable coffee cups from its shops by this autumn. “Plastic waste is one of the biggest sustainability issues the world is facing today. Tackling it requires a collective approach,” Nestle Chief Executive Mark Schneider said in a statement. The world’s biggest packaged food company said it would focus on eliminating nonrecyclable plastics, encourage the use of plastics that allow better recycling rates and eliminate or change complex combinations of packaging materials. “We are working on changing the colours used for our plastic packaging. Lighter colors are easier to recycle,” Nestle sustainability expert Duncan Pollard told reporters on a call. Nestle rival Unilever said recently it had struck a partnership to pioneer a new technology which converts PET (polyethylene terephthalate) waste back into virgin-grade material for use in food packaging. The company already committed last year to making all of its plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

Coffee chain Starbucks is doing its bit by offering customers a discount on their drink if they bring in their own tumbler or cup. The British government announced plans last month to introduce a deposit return scheme for single-use drink containers and EU regulators have said they want to increase recycling of plastic, after China banned imports of “foreign garbage” from the start of 2018. Caribbean Governments have also stepped up the focus on disposal and recycling efforts to protect the environment and our water resources. Many islands have already banned the use of plastic bags and there are increased efforts to manage our rivers and coastal zones to ensure environmental sustainability and the protection and viability of the vital tourism industry. This action is likely to have negative effects on employment across the Caribbean where many countries have companies which have invested heavily over the years to manufacture plastic and cardboard packaging. In Saint Lucia, we have the current case of banana exporter Winfresh recently announcing the implementation of an industry industry-wide trend among UK supermarkets to move from cardboard to recyclable plastic IFCO crates. This decision to switch from the use of cardboard cartons produced in St Lucia has now placed some 150 jobs under threat as well as a possible negative impact on the economy.

Urban Grow Project Slated for Central Castries Urban Grow Project Slated for Central Castries

Residents of Castries Central constituency get set to grow well! Hon. Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, the Minister with responsibility for External Affairs who is also the Member of Parliament for Central Castries, has embarked on an innovative agricultural initiative aimed at her constituents, dubbed the Urban Grow Project. The Urban Grow Project was developed to tackle the underlying issues facing the communities who will be participating in its inaugural project. By design, the project’s main focuses are: • to develop and drive small-scale agricultural enterprises and kitchen gardening among the residents of central Castries; • to provide small business technical support for those engaging for income generation; • to generate eagerness among families in farming or gardening

activity; • to develop farming and gardening systems specific to urban sector and inner-city life, utilizing traditional and innovative methods; • to provide essential vegetables and fresh produce for older and disabled persons who are unable to grow for themselves. The Urban Grow Project will provide participants with technical skills, advice and support taking into account their specific circumstances and what support they will require to start growing. It will also provide access to essential tools, farming equipment and inputs so the participants are fully equipped to undertake the endeavor. Access to land for small scale enterprises, kitchen gardening and assisting with the development and maintenance of a model teaching garden are all part of the exercises in the project. As part of the Project, organizers are considering a Rent-a- Row programme that will enable individuals to rent a row in a garden for the purposes of starting a kitchen garden; a horticulture and flower gardening segment for domestic and urban beautification; and a quarterly family cook-up in which communities get together and cook what they have grown. The initiative is part of a long-term sustainable plan to deal with unemployment and develop the country’s human resource through agriculture.

Experts Forecast Slightly Heavier 2018 Atlantic Hurricane Season Hurricane researchers at Colorado State University are predicting all tropical storms. While you can still find a list of storm names on a slightly above-average 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season. An their website, the names are now maintained and updated by the average season produces 12 named storms.Slightly Heavier 2018 World Meteorological Organization. Experts Forecast Atlantic Hurricane Season A primary factor in their forecast is the relatively low likelihood of a significant El Niño. The CSU Tropical Meteorology Project team is predicting 14 named storms this season, seven of which will become Hurricanes. They expect three of those Hurricanes to reach major Hurricane status, meaning sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater. Researchers are comparing this year’s Hurricane season to 1960, 1967, 1996, 2006 and 2011. “The years 1960, 1967 and 2006 had near-average Atlantic Hurricane activity, while 1996 and 2011 were both above-normal Hurricane seasons,” said Phil Klotzbach, research scientist in the Department of Atmospheric Science and lead author of the report. When Superstorm Sandy hit nearly five years ago, it was considered a 500-year storm, and experts are concerned the Tri-State area’s coastline is no more prepared for such storms now. Researchers say there is a 63 percent chance for a major Hurricane to strike the U.S. coastline this season. The average for the last century is 52 percent. 2018 Atlantic Tropical Storm Names Starting in 1953, the National Hurricane Center originally named

Each list of names is used in a six-year rotation. That means this year’s list will be used again in 2024. However, if a storm is considered too deadly or damage caused by a storm deemed too costly, the name is no longer to be used for reasons of sensitivity. In those cases, a name is replaced during an annual World Meteorological Organization meeting. Here are the names of all the Atlantic tropical storms for 2018: Alberto Beryl Chris Debby Ernesto Florence

Gordon Helene Isaac Joyce Kirk

Leslie Michael Nadine Oscar Patty

Rafael Sara Tony Valerie William

Residents of Saint Lucia are urged to take all necessary precautions as we prepare for the 2018 Hurricane season. Ensure that you are covered by the relevant insurance and effect the necessary repairs to your property to ensure the safety and security of your families and businesses. It is also important that you stock up with food and emergency supplies and clear your surroundings of all debris which may become flying missiles that can cause harm. Follow the media for all news releases from the local authorities as it relates to Tropical Storm development and movements across the region. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

ECONOMY & TRADE

Chamber Of Commerce Discusses CIP

Chamber of Commerce Discusses CIP By Stan Bishop

Citizenship by investment was the heart of discussion when the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture hosted a business luncheon at Bay Gardens Inn on April 13. The main objective of the luncheon was to address the Chamber’s membership and wider business community about the implications of Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), including changes made to the CIP legislation.

Currently, the investment options for participating in Saint Lucia’s CIP are: (1) making a donation to the National Economic Fund, (2) investing in government bonds, (3) investing in approved real estate projects, and (4) investing in enterprise projects. However, Devaux said all of the applications received thus far have been via donations to the National Economic Fund route which was lowered to US$100,000 last year.

According to the Chamber’s Executive Director, Brian Louisy, the Chamber felt the need to review the current state of the CIP so as to get a better understanding of what the challenges have been, what threats and prospects exist, as well as the overall progress of the programme.

In 2016, eighteen applications were submitted to the programme and 13 granted while 279 were submitted in 2017 and 78 granted. While there was a budgeted revenue target of $43,200,000 in 2016/17, actual contributions made to the government amounted to $13,395,300. For the 2017/18 period, while there was a budgeted revenue target of $43,011,200, actual contributions made to the government amounted to $27,828,246. Devaux said the difference between budgeted revenue targets and contributions made to the government stems from the fact that monies are only collected when applications are approved.

“The changes that were made to the legislation had the intention of improving the programme and also generating greater interest and participation,” Louisy said in his introductory remarks. “So we felt it was only fair (to have a review of it).” Chairman of the Citizenship by Investment Board, Ryan Devaux, was the feature speaker at the luncheon. He said that while questions continue to be raised regarding the CIP, every effort is employed to ensure that due diligence remains paramount by following the strictest and highest of standards. Devaux said one of the aims is not to be among the fastest in the market to approve applications, and that there was no place for expediency undermining quality control. BusinessFocus

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Devaux said the CIP Unit is fully-staffed by people who have a varied range of expertise in the industry. He added that the Unit can handle the volume of applications coming in thus far. However, he said should the pace of applications pick up, additional staffing would be employed. Despite these positives, he said, the programme still faces some challenges. “We’re well respected within the international community and with our foreign allies. We do meet with those parties, in some

cases every month. We do continue to receive very positive feedback about the standards they believe we’re keeping, which makes it somewhat surprising that the same foreign friendly governments – you know, we can see some of the articles that are published which suggest very differently,” Devaux said. Devaux said that in response to every criticism levelled at the CIP, the Unit makes a serious attempt to address those concerns. One of the changes being mulled, he said, was the introduction of biometrics so as to boost security and integrity of the programme. Another avenue being pursued is the introduction of legislation that would implement a panel to replace the Minister as it pertains to the appeals process for applications. In the current make-up of the CIP, Devaux said there was not a lot of additional leveraging of benefits to countries offering the programme as most of the applicants do not come to the states where they participate in the programme. “It’s simply a one-time investment to allow them to be able to travel,” he said. “It’s ease of travel, that’s what they’re trying to achieve, and that’s what these programmes cater to. We decided to be in the game and that’s where we are.” Despite growing concerns about citizenship by investment programmes in Saint Lucia and farther afield, Devaux stated that second citizenship is a growing industry, adding that Saint Lucia continues to maintain its position as an attractive place to work and live. People from around the world, he said, continue to show interest in that quality and the island needs to capitalize on its competitive advantage. During the question and answer session that followed, many concerns were raised, among them the issuing of passports to foreign nationals who, in many cases, needed such documents for the sole purpose of traveling yet have similar rights as everyone else holding such passports. Another concern was whether any decision had been taken as to what percentage of the Saint Lucian population should be citizens via the programme.

I don’t think Saint Lucia will get to 500 immediately just because of what’s out there in the market at the moment.” Chief Executive Officer of the CIP Unit, Nestor Alfred, chimed in on the discussion, asserting that while such concerns exist about the Citizenship by Investment Programme on the domestic level, other jurisdictions, including St. Kitts, have been able to adapt to the programme. “St. Kitts has been in this programme for about three decades. Has its population increased? It hasn’t. Countries like Malta and countries in Europe which have offered this programme over many years, have their citizenship or the populations increased? They haven’t. “There’s a fundamental reason why people see the attractiveness of these programmes. For the Caribbean region, it’s because we have visa-free status with a number of countries (that) those persons see the need to be granted citizenship by either of these Caribbean islands. It, therefore, gives them international mobility. That’s what they want,” Alfred explained. Alfred said that while some applicants to the programme might choose to stay in Saint Lucia after being granted citizenship, “as a nation, we have to decide: do we have the capacity to develop this country?” He said the greater fear was not being able to employ the appropriate due diligence as well as the possibility of those gaining citizenship via the programme using such a privilege for sinister purposes. “The world is changing,” Alfred said. “America was developed by immigrants. So we have to decide whether we want this country to be run by Saint Lucians – born Saint Lucians – or do we want a country that has a diversity of minds and thoughts and spirit to bring this country to the level where it wants to go.”

However, Devaux said the issue was much broader than that: “I think the overall objectives from the very beginning were to try and facilitate investment into the country and the development of, perhaps, our tourism sector as the main pillar, that is real estate development, etc. “When it comes to trying to define what that population outside should be, we have not had a lot of discussion. But I think the economics of it, or just the numbers, historically, we believe there are about 2,500 applications a year. Again, it’s hard to get actual numbers from all the jurisdictions. But some of the numbers you hear suggest that number may have grown. “At the moment, we don’t have a position as to how many that number should be. We removed the 500 maximum per year. BusinessFocus

May/Jun

BUSINESS FOCUS

EU Unveils 12 Million Euro Security Programme for the Caribbean

EU Unveils 12 Million Euro Security Programme for the Caribbean The multi-million dollar Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Crime and Security Programme was launched recently in Barbados, amidst concerns that Caribbean countries with relatively small populations are facing security challenges and the need for the region to adopt a multi-disciplined, multi-national approach to crime and security. Head of the European Union Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, Daniela Tramacere, said as a result, regional integration and collective security mechanism have really become imperatives. “Given the scarcity of resources required to address such a multiplicity of security issues, we the European Union, we share this philosophy in favour of regionalisation, we see actually regionalism as a stepping stone to a more effective way to global multilateralism. “We believe in the value of contributing our best resources and capabilities to alliances and partnerships and to enable others with fewer resources to assume responsibilities in their own region,”: she said, noting both regions share a commitment to global peace, progress, prosperity as well as to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. “The impact of crime on citizen security is of great concern to us as well and it is undermining substantially the sustainable development of the region,” Tramacere said, as she gave a rationale behind the EURO 12 million (One Euro =US$1.29) initiative being funded under the European Development Fund (EDF). She said the collateral damage of the drug trade is “huge and obviously takes an important toll on society, fuels corruption, undermines the rule of law and leads to more organised crime. “It is a truism that crime has a negative impact on legitimate business and investment and this is unfortunately all too true in the BusinessFocus

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Caribbean where estimates suggest that reducing the homicide rate by one third only from its current level could more than double the region’s rate of per capita income and economic growth.”

Daniela Tramacere Head of the European Union Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, and CARICOM/CARIFORUM

But she warned against ‘quick fixes” in dealing with the crime and security situation and urged the development of strong professional institutions that approach security challenges from an objective space, multidimensional and multi-stakeholder perspective. “This is why we prefer alternatives to traditional incarceration for non-violent drug offenders and put emphasis on a common sense approach to protecting public safety. So our strategy against drugs will only bear fruit unless it follows a balanced approach in which drug demand and supply are enforcing each other and we believe programmes like, for example, the drug treatment courts, should be a significant part of a security strategy that promotes better outcomes…. “The use of alternative sentencing can help to address the issues of prison overcrowding as well as reduce the economic and social costs associated with incarceration. Most importantly, they can unite families, help communities feel safer and more secure and make lives whole again. “We must break the vicious circle of arrest, trials and release (and) when people get out of prison, only to land back in court for repeated offences. We know that this path is not easy, it requires hard work,” she said.

& Partner to Launch WE-Xport micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) totalling approximately US$18 million and benefitting 974 MSMEs across the region.

Caribbean Export & CDB Partner to Launch WE-Xport

The Bank’s support for interventions targeting women business owners builds on research it commissioned in 2016, which identified gender disparities in access to credit across the Region. As part of its response, the Bank is also collaborating with regional development financial institutions to develop gender policies. Executive Director of Caribbean Export Pamela Coke Hamilton expressed her gratitude to CDB for catching the vision of WEXport during the project’s early stages and partnering on the critical access-to-finance pillar.

Project to Provide Greater Access to Finance for Women-owned Businesses Accessing finance to fund business ventures has long been an issue across the Caribbean, especially for women. Now that the Caribbean Export Development Agency and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) have joined forces to tackle this challenge, sourcing funds could become easier for women-owned businesses in the Region. The two organisations recently signed an agreement to collaborate on a new programme, Women Empowered through Export (WEXport), to support capacity-building for women-owned businesses to facilitate their access to finance. A key component of the new initiative which was launched in March 2018 by Caribbean Export will be “Access to Finance” and will include a two-day workshop that aims to increase participants’ understanding of the requirements of financial institutions and how best to meet them. Ongoing technical assistance through regional business support organisations will also be available to participating companies through the CDB-funded component. “CDB recognises the importance of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as contributors to economic growth and development in our Region. We welcome the opportunity to partner with Caribbean Export to give women-owned businesses the support they need to gain better access to financing. We view WE-Xport as another opportunity for the Bank to directly advance women’s entrepreneurship, and help women business owners overcome one of the greatest obstacles they face when looking to grow their businesses—unlocking financing,” said CDB’s Director of Projects Daniel Best. During his statement at the signing of the agreement, Best noted that between 2013 and 2017, CDB provided lines of credit to

“As we brainstormed ways of supporting women-owned businesses, we recognised that we needed to address the constraints they face in applying for funding. The project which we are collaborating on with the CDB will seek to increase the capacity of women entrepreneurs to better prepare proposals to meet the requirements of the financial institutions,” she said. “Through your support we will be able to provide training and technical assistance (TA) to 10 women-owned MSMEs and 10 Business Support Organisations (BSOs).” Caribbean Export works closely with the European Union to implement a range of activities that support the development of the region’s private sector. Their cooperation for the empowerment of women via WE-Xport is poised to be a game changer for women who participate in the upcoming programme. WE-Xport aims to strengthen and support women-owned enterprises to increase their access to finance, improve and build their capacity as entrepreneurs, increase access to markets (including networking and being integrated to value chains) and advocate on issues and public policies that negatively affect female entrepreneurs. At the signing, Luis Maia, Head of Co-operation at the EU Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, reminded attendees that the EU Delegation and Caribbean Export have worked together for 20 years to achieve regional development. “Caribbean Export has been a valued partner in our cooperation with the region, and without their assistance we would not have been able to fulfil our mandate towards private sector development and otherwise. Currently the EU is contributing EUR24 million to increase employment creation, inclusiveness, particularly for youth, women and indigenous groups, and overall poverty reduction in CARIFORUM countries through targeted interventions that provide new and innovative frameworks for growth and development,” Maia told the attending audience.

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

New IDB Report Finds Investment Shortfalls, Inefficiencies Limiting Caribbean Growth

BUSINESS FOCUS

New IDB Report Finds Investment Shortfalls, Inefficiencies Limiting Caribbean Growth

A new Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) macroeconomic report, has found that investment shortfalls and inefficiencies are limiting growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the IDB's 2018 Macroeconomic Report, 'A Mandate to Grow', which was released on the sidelines of the IDB's annual meeting recently held in Mendoza, Argentina, Latin America and the Caribbean should grow more strongly in the coming years though the region will continue to underperform with regards to the world economy, due to both low levels of and low- quality investment. The report said the region's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow an average of 2.6 per cent in 2018-2020, “which is in line with historical growth rates (2.4 per cent is the average growth rate from 1960-2017)”. But the report states this rate “lags behind regions such as emerging Asia and Europe, which are expected to grow 6.5 per cent and 3.7 per cent respectively over the same period”. It also said even these moderate baseline growth projections may be at risk. The Washington-based financial institution said a negative global asset price shock — perhaps triggered by faster than expected inflation — could shave off 0.7 per cent of regional growth per annum (2.1 per cent of GDP over the next three years).The IDB said an alternative scenario “sees higher-than-expected US growth coupled with somewhat higher interest rates and more action on trade policies.

“This combination may be neutral for the US economy that continues to grow strongly,” the IDB said, noting that the report argues it would be negative for Latin America and the Caribbean. The report stated that the combined impact could trim the baseline scenario by 0.3 to 2.3 per cent growth for 2018-2020, with higher impacts on Mexico and the Andean region. “The good news is that most of the region is back on the growth path,” said IDB Chief Economist José Juan Ruiz. “However, growth is too slow to satisfy the desires of the region's expanding middle class. The single biggest challenge is increasing the levels and efficiency of investments to make the region more productive, make growth faster, more stable, and shield the region more from external shocks,” Ruiz added. The report noted, too, that one of the main reasons for the region's economic underperformance is low productivity growth. it stated also that an innovative analysis of the region's growth performance, which considers the significant increase in labour skills, indicates that growth in productivity has been flat between 1990 and 2017. By contrast, emerging Asia registered a 0.22 per cent average annual productivity increase over the same period. Only subSaharan Africa performed more poorly, the IDB said.

Marks Its Debut in the U.S.A Targets Increased Exports and Market Penetration After nearly half a century of being solely available in the Caribbean heritage and genuine time-honoured revelry from an already island of Saint Lucia, Bounty Rum has paved Rum its way into the United enthusiastic base.” Boutn Marks Its Debut in thefanU.S.A States. The portfolio includes: Bounty White, Bounty Gold, Bounty Spiced, Bounty Dark, Bounty Lime and Bounty Coconut, and pays Bounty Rum has been launched across 15 American states in 2018 tribute to the heritage of Saint Lucia, as it captures and conveys thus far, and SPIRIBAM plans to have distribution in more than 25 the island’s most dynamic and festive qualities. American and Canadian markets by the end of 2018. Customers across the United States (with the exception of those from AL, To mark its debut in the United States, Saint Lucia’s most popular IL, KY, MI, MS, NH, SD and UT) can order Bounty Rum and have it and beloved rum brand has earned some of the highest scores conveniently shipped directly to their home. To order, simply visit from Ultimate Spirits Challenge over other prestigious rum brands. www.bountyrum.com and follow the “SHOP NOW” button. Bounty Premium Gold Rum and Bounty Premium Dark Rum rank as two of the six “Finalist and Great Value” contenders within the Bounty Rum is produced by St. Lucia Distillers, which is located Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) 2018 - USC rum category, with in the beautiful and agriculturally rich Roseau valley in Saint scores of 94 and 93 points respectively. Lucia. The brand was established in 1972 as the principle brand of St. Lucia Distillers, a united venture created when the last two “After 45 years of gaining popularity with American visitors to distilleries of Saint Lucia merged. Saint Lucia, we are proud to finally bring Bounty Rum, the Spirit of Saint Lucia, to the United States,” exclaims Benjamin Jones, Bounty rums are double distilled from Guyanese molasses Managing Director of SPIRIBAM North America, the Saint Lucian and aged two to three years in ex-bourbon casks. Enjoyed by rum brand’s importer. “Bounty Rum has uncanny brand loyalty to generations of Lucians, Bounty Rum is known for its distinct, clean those who appreciate fine Saint Lucian rum craftsmanship and for and smooth mouthfeel and clean, medium-bodied profile which the people in love with the culture of the island. There is no other makes it a versatile rum and ideal for mixing. rum brand that can deliver this fantastic level of quality, value, BusinessFocus

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CEDA and TEPA Host Grant CDF Grants St. Lucia US$452,800 to Boost Village Proposal Writing Workshop Tourism and Export Capacity CEDA and TEPA Host Grant Proposal Writing Workshop CDF Grants St. Lucia US$452,800 to Boost Village Tourism and Export Capacity

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (L) and Rodinald Soomer, CEO of the CDF, exchange signed agreements The CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) and the Government of Saint Lucia in March signed two grant agreements for a combined value of US$452,800 (EC$1,222,560) to provide technical assistance to strengthen the institutional infrastructure and implement new programmes for trade competitiveness and tourism development. CARICOM said US$332,800 (EC$898,560) is to be used for the development of a revised National Export Development Strategy for Saint Lucia which will be coordinated by the Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) to strengthen the export capability of the Member State. Additionally, US$120,000 (EC$324,000) will be used to establish the institutional framework and roadmap for Village Tourism, coupled with the provision of business development support to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to enhance their capacity to provide goods and services for the Village Tourism market. These agreements constitute the first tranche of support being provided to St. Lucia during the CDF’s Second Funding Cycle (2015-2020), and will form part of a broader Country Assistance Programme (CAP) intended to deliver benefits to the Member State through targeted initiatives in investment, export promotion and enterprise competitiveness. During the CDF’s First Funding Cycle, Saint Lucia received US$6.2 million (EC$16.7 million) in support in the form of three grants and a concessionary loan to finance programmes for export promotion, youth agri-entrepreneurship, energy efficiency and SME development

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) in cooperation with the European Union (EU) is working with the Saint Lucia Trade Promotions Agency (TEPA) to sensitize the local business community on the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme (DAGS). The agencies hosted a one-day proposal writing workshop for businesses and Business Support Organizations (BSOs) to increase the awareness and understanding of accessing the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme. The DAGS Sensitization workshop was hosted on Monday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bay Gardens Beach Resorts, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet. The workshop informed participants of the grant, how to apply and the process of reimbursement. The DAGS was specifically designed to provide financial assistance to legally registered exporting firms. Firms not presently exporting but are looking to build their capacity to export can also apply for this funding. The DAGS programme enables companies to submit proposals to fund a range of business development projects from the purchase of equipment for modernisation, the upgrade of facilities to meet international food and quality standards or the enhancement of products and packaging for export. Previously companies have utilised grants to implement alternative energy systems that would reduce their production costs and make them more competitive for export and even to train staff and develop collateral materials for export marketing and promotion. The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Christ McNair, Manager – Competitiveness and Export Promotion, Caribbean Export Development Agency. The Agency is scheduled to open the call for proposals for the Direct Assistance Grant Scheme on April 23. BusinessFocus

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YOUTH IN FOCUS

The Inaugural Get In The Ring St. Lucia

The Inaugural Get In The Ring St. Lucia The St. Lucia of Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture has taken the lead in introducing numerous youth initiatives through its two youth programs Junior Achievement and The St. Lucia Youth Business Trust. One notable achievement is the Get In The Ring competition. The Get In The Ring is one of Global Entrepreneurship Weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (GEW) biggest startup competitions where startups are connected to investors, customers, talent and corporates. GEW is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest celebration of innovators and job creators who launch start-ups and bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. It aims to inspire the next generation of future entrepreneurs and business leaders by building and developing their confidence and ambitions. Every November, with the support of partners, thousands of activities such as business competitions, essay contests, mentoring sessions, talk shows, large scale conferences and networking events are planned and executed during GEW. The week is also used to launch new initiatives, showcase projects and raise the profile of entrepreneurship in their locality. Over the last seven years approximately 40 corporate sector entities, government agencies, young aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, schools and individuals have partnered with the chamber to develop and host activities in celebration of GEW St. Lucia.

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The beacon activities of the Chamber include Panel Discussions, Fashion Competitions, the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) challenge and the Entrepreneurs Forum done in collaboration with RBC Royal Bank of Canada. The DECA Idea Challenge is a premier event of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), where student teams are dared to tap into their creativity and transform a mystery item into an original creation within eight (8) days. In 2016, this global competition was introduced to schools island-wide; challenging students to recycle Plastic water bottles into a new product. A total of 11 submissions were received from 8 schools and innovations included book holders, aquaponics system, class furniture substitutes and a fishing pot. Banse La Grace Combined and Ciceron Secondary Schools were among 2,000 submissions from 12 countries to compete in the global finals with the fishing pot and desk respectively. It is notable that in 2017 with rubber bands being the mystery item, three schools qualified for the finals of the competition from among 2,000 submissions received worldwide and vying for cash prizes of US$500 and US$750 respectively: Gros-Islet Infant School - one of only 6 finalists in this age group category; Vieux

Fort Comprehensive Secondary School - one of the 12 finalists in the High School Category and with Vieux Fort Comprehensive A Level Department one of only 4 finalists in the College/University Category. Gros-Islet Infant School was judged the overall winner in their category with the creation of the pencil leashes made with rubber bands. The Chamber counts such achievements as critical to the development of its youth programs and a driving force to the continued development and execution of such programs. This global achievement set the tone for the Get In The Ring competition. Despite the many challenges of getting partners involved, the team resiliently forged forward and was able to garner enough support to have the event in time for the ultimate submission date in April 2018. Get In The Ring is an initiative whereby Start Ups under 8 years get to pitch their idea in front of a panel. Twenty-three submissions came through the website which was created for the purpose of the initiative and a shortlist of twelve qualified for the preliminaries, with Patrick Eze of Ezegreen Energy Company Ltd, Vernon Jean of Easy Click Books, Kevin Williams of Simply Innovative Solutions, Johanan Dujon of Algas Organics, Denelle Florius of EcoCaribe and Samuel Lubrun of Kl Productions selected to compete in the national finals. The finals were a grand affair ‘made for television’ in partnership with Calabash TV.

prep time for the winner to represent his/her business on the global stage in May 2019. More females are urged to join the battle and be part of this global movement. For more information on how to get involved in the GEW activities slated for November 2018 please email gewslu@ gmail.com or info@stluciachamber.org or call 452-3165 . You can alternatively pay us a visit at the American Drywall Building, Vide Boutielle.

After successful battle rounds, Patrick Eze’s waste oil converted to dishwashing liquid emerged victorious and qualified to pitch his idea at the Global Meet up in Caiscas, Portugal in May 2018. Best of luck to Patrick and Eze Green Energy Company. Invest St. Lucia will join the delegation to travel to Portugal for the global meet up, where many avenues for investments to be brought into St. Lucia to help develop the economy. Such activities are seen as stepping stones to the advancement of the market in a dynamic way. A number of GEW Partners supported Get In The Ring through finance and technical support including the Department of Commerce, the German Savings Bank International Foundation St. Lucia, Invest St. Lucia, 1st National Bank, CIBC/First Caribbean International Bank, Caribbean Cinemas, WLBL, Renwick & Company, Fineline Graphics, Calabash TV, Kerwin Peter, FLOW, Webster Joseph, Patrick Chester and Peter & Company Distributors. Although the late responses of the partners affected the early start of the Get In The Ring, the support received was instrumental in making this event a huge success. The Chamber extends appreciation and thanks to all supporters in making Get In The Ring a reality and urges Government and corporate St. Lucia to continue supporting the GEW activities and has placed a call for new partners to “Get In The Ring” to assist St. Lucia and young St. Lucians reach new heights. The second edition of the Get In The Ring will take place in November 2018 during the Global Entrepreneurship Week with an aim to increase the number of participants and allow for more

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BUSINESS FOCUS

St. Joseph’s Convent Key Club

St. Joseph’s Convent Key Club Society has a debauched convention of painting our young people negatively. Therefore, anytime we have altruistic teenagers, we must laud and commend them. The St. Joseph’s Convent Key Club fits this description without a shadow of a doubt. SJC Key Club is a nonprofit, nongovernmental, service club, which falls under the Kiwanis International body. Presently, the group consists of one hundred and fifty active members and is facilitated by a Faculty Advisor, who is a teacher at the school. These one hundred and fifty members have answered a call to serve, as this is the backbone of the Key Club – serving the children of the world, one project at a time! They meet regularly on a Monday afternoon after school and discuss ideas and projects they can undertake. The resolve of this club is to assist children and improve the lives of persons, especially children. Thus far, the group has participated in numerous charitable activities. Some of these include the delivery of hampers to indigent persons island wide. Additionally, the girls have visited preschools to read to preschoolers and also feed them, thus giving the teachers a much needed break. They also helped to improve the aesthetics of a preschool in their community, by repainting the shapes found on the grounds of the preschool. At their own school, the key clubbers have assisted the janitors in their work by helping to clean the school grounds and their court area. These key clubbers are excited about volunteering and it is with this spirit of munificence that they gave of their time to ensure that disadvantaged children enjoyed parties in their honor during the 2017 Christmas season. Further, rather than liming with their peers, the key clubbers sacrificed their free time to assist with preschool sports. Alas, it is the small things that lead to big things! Hence, the SJC Key Clubbers embarked on a major project to revamp the Kindergarten Class at the Dugard Combined School, in Dugard Chousieul into a state of the Art Classroom. This new classroom will be like no other in Saint Lucia, equipped with child friendly BusinessFocus

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furniture which can be used to teach shapes and colour, an audiovisual area equipped with a computer and smart tv, reading loft and kitchenette equipped with a refrigerator, mini table and chairs, microwave, electric kettle and utensils. This major project will touch the lives of not only the children of the class and the teacher, but also the school community and the Dugard area, as the project has reached far and wide, since employment was generated through the payable services of various persons including: carpenter, painter, electrician, cook and driver. This is just the beginning, as these Key Clubbers have already began planning other projects, which includes renovating the special education classroom at a primary school and improving a preschool by adding updated amenities. It must be noted that the funding for these projects comes through grants, fundraising ventures and the aid of sponsorships from corporate citizens or NGOs. These young people have a special fire when it comes to voluntary work and should be encouraged to stand and be counted as they endeavor to continue changing the world, one child at a time, one project at a time!

Education and Childhood Development – The Role of Education in Learning For Work

Education and Childhood Development – The Role of Education in Learning For Work By Mandy Preville-Findlay

I wonder how many of us if asked – Did you always want to be a ……….. (insert current profession here)?, would be able to say an emphatic ‘Yes!’. How many of us understood that that Geography lesson would come in handy when exploring a new country whilst on a cruise holiday or going on our next island adventure? How many of us truly understood that learning problem solving skills would hold us in good stead when deciding how many buckets of paint would be needed to give our living rooms two coats of full coverage? How many of us got the point of debating the next hot topic with our friends over a dal from the canteen? Learnt to backup our points; understood that it was ok to have differing points of view while remaining civil, friends, colleagues, and professionals? I came to these questions whilst reflecting on my journey from Class Teacher to Development Coach, now running my own consultancy business. Having had contact with hundreds of professionals over the years and now working with them through coaching sessions to reflect on their developmental needs, questions around what is this all for arise all the time. The constant push to meet ever changing academic standards and preparations for the next summative assessment have caused some to become disillusioned with the existing education landscape; many opting to find new challenges in different fields. It is therefore amazing that despite the growing number of more academically qualified personnel as employers are lamenting the poor quality of their preparedness for work. This invariably leads to more questions. Does education expose and prepare us for what is out there in terms of developing our true potential or is it even more of a tick box exercise to placate societal demands for qualifications than it was 20 years ago? How well do we learn about our talents, develop those talents and existing skills or learn new ones? It occurs to me that the school children of today will be in our position in the next decade or two and, instead of being quick to bemoan their lack of preparedness; we would have to consider whether we have equipped them with the necessary skills to

become active citizens. Ones prepared to take up the challenges of our technologically focused society. There is still time to change, the outcomes are not yet written but one has to first see this as a concern to recognise the need for change. If the purpose of education is to teach us how to learn then surely the focus on interpersonal skills needs to be as high on the agenda as academic prowess. The crux of the matter is seated in the area of values, what we promote as the ultimate goal. Very few of the professionals I coach and mentor cite how qualified their colleagues or clients are as cause for workplace conflict or unmet targets. Instead, poor manners, low self-esteem, lack of awareness of personal space and difficulty facing challenging situations are frequently mentioned. Interweaving elements of this more explicitly into the core curriculum from primary level provides an avenue through which education can link For over 20 years, Mandy has worked within the education sector to promote progress through expert capacity building. With a Masters in Development Management, Mandy acts as a catalyst for leadership development through coaching, mentoring and managing organisational change. She has worked as the Head of School in various key schools across the UK, and is currently a Director at Preville-Findlay Development Ltd coaching various school heads to work within the sector. As a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) based in the UK, Mandy is also exploring ways to improve the lives of youth, through the charity sector. She firmly believes in developing youth capacity is the key to national, international and global sustainable progress. Contact her on mandy.preville@gmail. com BusinessFocus

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Is Your Business Hard-Wired For Success?

IS YOUR BUSINESS HARD-WIRED FOR SUCCESS? By Alison S Gajadhar PhD

Seven Basic Questions You Need to Ask as a CEO or Business Owner It is a well-established fact that economies are cyclical – characterized by natural fluctuations between expansion (growth) and contraction (recession). While this macro-economic feature presents a nice fulcrum for politicians to dramatize their performance or their opponents’ ‘failures’, as someone who has been involved in business over the years, I cannot help but wonder why only some businesses are able to ride the crests and troughs of these economic waves, while others seem to succumb to the fluctuations of domestic and global economic cycles. Whatever the factors influencing the length of these periods, it appears that only some businesses manage to transcend generation after generation, while others are unable to – irrespective of their size: micro, small, medium or large enterprise. Have you ever wondered in which category your business belongs? In my search for answers, a logical place to begin seemed to be with an analysis of the behavioral patterns of the top tier Fortune 500 companies, and to look more closely at some successful smaller enterprises both regionally and internationally, to find out what they all have in common, notwithstanding the differences in their size or geographic location. It turns out that irrespective of the industry, whether service, manufacturing or other, there are indeed some proven common threads that drive the operation of these companies. Influenced by my Quality Management background and deep appreciation for measurement, I have converted these common features into the following seven basic questions that I believe should be asked by anyone interested in their business’ survival : BusinessFocus

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Dr. Alison S. Gajadhar, PhD GDL CDir, has had over 20 years of experience as a senior executive in both the public and private sector. Dr. Gajadhar is a Chartered Director with a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, a Graduate Diploma in Law, and Post Graduate Certificates in Project Management, Quality Management and Productivity. She considers herself as a pioneer in the promotion of quality management systems and standards within the local industrial and service sectors, as well as in the development of related regulatory and non-regulatory Conformity Assessment Programmes. Dr Gajadhar founded and operated a solar water heating company and a beverage manufacturing plant. She is a former Independent Senator in the St Lucia Senate and served as a Director of several private and public sector entities both locally and regionally. Dr. Gajadhar, possesses a blend of practical experience and understanding in corporate governance, business operations and Government regulatory processes. Dr Gajadhar is the Principal Consultant at KMA Consulting Ltd. A firm which provides independent consulting services to corporate entities and public institutions to improve overall organizational/business performance. She can be contacted at alison@kma.consulting

1. Do you know your interested parties, and their needs and expectations? All successful companies have a deep understanding of the environment in which they operate, and know that the raison d'être for survival is to satisfy the identified need(s) of existing or potential customers, while balancing the expectations of these customers with the needs and expectations of all other interested parties. Interested parties can be individuals or entities that add value to your business, or are otherwise affected by your business operations. In addition to customers, these parties include business owners/shareholders, people within the organization (employees), suppliers, partners, and society. The needs and expectations of these various interested parties can change quickly, are different, and many times are in conflict. Effective top managers anticipate these changes and employ techniques to ensure that the expectations of all parties are balanced, and needs are satisfied in a manner to ensure the profitability of the business. 2. Is the purpose for the existence of your company well articulated and understood by all interested parties? The need to define why your business exists, and how you want your business to be viewed by interested parties, is often trivialized and over-looked. However failure to do so, makes it difficult for the people within your organization and other interested parties, to accept and support your strategies to achieve the goals set for your business. 3. Are your strategies and policies clear and well communicated to all levels within the organization? In successful organizations, financial and economic objectives are clearly established and communicated to everyone within the organization, and strategies and policies for achieving these objectives are well formulated and aligned to the purpose and values of the organization. People within these organizations all demonstrate a good understanding of top management’s strategies and policies, and a high level of acceptance and support for decisions taken.

and the values and character of its leaders. In successful organizations, decisions and actions taken are based on an analysis of facts, balanced with experience and intuition when necessary. Importantly, top management in successful organizations ensure that they have adequate data and information to understand the effect of a decision on the interrelationships between processes, in order to mitigate problems associated with an improvement in one area that can create deterioration in another area. 7. Is your organization charactized by improvement, innovation and learning? All successful organizations have a focus on making continual improvements in its processes and products, innovating where necessary to satisfy changes in demand, and learning from its mistakes and the mistakes of others. This philosophy is necessary to respond to changes in its internal and external conditions, and to create new opportunities for growth. Importantly, however, successful organizations do not innovate in an ad hoc manner, or simply to follow ‘the trend’. Instead, in these organizations, the decision to innovate is guided by a process that takes into consideration, among other things, the capacity and resources of the organization. While necessary, the task of addressing these questions need not be daunting, and is certainly not ‘rocket science’. As a business owner, you may choose to attend to these issues on your own, or seek competent external assistance to guide your business through the process.

4. Are your resources managed well? In successful organizations, all internal and external resources needed to achieve the organization’s objectives in the short and long term, are identified and managed effectively and efficiently. These resources include finance, people, suppliers, infrastructure and equipment, knowledge, information and technology, and natural resources such as energy and water. 5. Are the activities in the workplace organized by function, and managed in an interrelated manner? In successful organizations, all activities are organized by function, and are identified as being part of a process that produces an output that the customer either interacts directly with, or is necessary for the production of the output that the customer interacts directly with. Each process has an owner who is accountable for the quality of its output, and the interrelationship and interdependence of activities, inputs and outputs are carefully managed, to ensure efficient and effective use of the organization’s resources.

Grant Thornton

6. Are your decisions based on factual evidence that you can trust? Decision-making is not a simple process, and inevitably involves some level of uncertainty and subjectivity, which is usually influenced by the culture within the organization BusinessFocus

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IN THE KNOW

Levern Spencer Gets Hero’s Welcome Home

Spencer won gold in the women’s high jump in Queensland, Australia, after clearing the bar with a season’s best effort of 1.95 metres. The 33-year-old was met by her family, government dignitaries and sports officials as she arrived at Hewanorra International Airport. Following a short welcome ceremony at the airport, a motorcade accompanied Spencer to Castries where a celebration was held in the Derek Walcott Square.

Levern Spencer Gets Hero’s Welcome Home

Spencer said she started this sporting season very apprehensively after being forced out of competition due to injury last year. She said the homecoming felt extra special. “I am glad that one of my big sporting dreams has now been realized, in that after two previous bronze medals in 2010 and 2014, I brought home a Commonwealth gold medal, something I will forever cherish,” Spencer said, dedicating her victory to Saint Lucia.

Saint Lucia’s international high jumper, Levern Spencer, returned home on April 19 to a hero’s welcome after creating history by becoming the first Saint Lucian to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

“I trust that it was a proud moment for all Saint Lucians as it was for me,” she said. “Because this is all that I have sought to do for my professional career, that is to place Saint Lucia on top of the world and to show that, despite our size, we can soar to great heights.”

Meme Bete and Natmed set for Trade Facilitation Saint Lucia Trade Export Promotion Agency (TEPA) through a customized market-entry strategy which would be tailored to their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canada Trade product-line through research undertaken by MBA students with Facilitation Office (TFO) which provides free market research experience in international business. The companies are expected to Saint Lucian Exporters, has helped support two more local to receive a comprehensive report which would encompass companies. For the past fifteen years, the TFO has successfully current sector and product specific data including market size delivered export market studies and strategies for selected and trends, competitive analysis, channels of distributions, exporters and products which were seeking to enter and or pricing strategy and structure, lead generation and market entry Meme Bete and recommendations Natmed set which would be best suited for the respective expand within the Canadian market. company. for Trade Facilitation Meme Bete a local designer bag manufacturer and Natmed, a naturopathic product brand, have both met the criteria. The two While Meme Bete has already signed off on the scope of works local companies went through the application process and met with Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario which has the eligibility criteria which qualified them for a free market entry been assigned to conduct the study and develop the market entry strategy, Natmed is still determining its own internal strategic study for the Canadian market. marketing focus before the next move. In 2015, TEPA executives participated in Canada’s Exporters’ Gateway to the Canadian Market exchange which was a five- Since the formalization of this relationship between TEPA and day familiarization tour and training programme held in major TFO, the executives TEPW have benefited from the extensive business hubs of Toronto and Montreal in Canada. This main knowledge sharing and capacity building support which has been function was to assist developing countries to enhance the designed to provide the agency with the tools to provide strategic guidance and valuable connections with clients in the Canadian capabilities of exporters to trade and do business in Canada. markets. Under the agreement with TFO, market research is provided under the four-year programme, Canadian Market Access and Capacity Other businesses seeking to advance and expand their business Building Services (2014-2018) where Canadian universities portfolios in the Canadian market are encouraged to reach out to provide technical support and assist in carrying out the required TEPA to ascertain whether their company’s meet the criteria in upcoming opportunities for market research and support. research. The companies will receive Canadian import market analysis and a BusinessFocus

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Getting to know our NRDF Board members, Mr. Derek George Mr. Derek George joined the board of the National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF) in July 2017. He is an Accountant by profession. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) with over 15 years in auditing (includes internal) and over 10 years in senior management. He holds a Bsc. in Economics and Accounting from The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus, Barbados; and attained the Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) qualification through self study. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Eastern Caribbean (ICAEC) (St. Lucia Chapter). He has had IFRS training by IASB trainers through the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank funded by the World Bank. He has conducted training in IFRS for the ICAEC – St. Lucia Branch. As we know, the National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF) is a private, Non-Governmental, non-profit organization established on April 26th, 1983 under the laws of St. Lucia to promote research and development and the expansion of the economic development of St. Lucia. NRDF emerged from the Caribbean Research Centre St. Lucia, (1978 – 1983), a similar Non-Government, non-profit institution created to co-ordinate, support, and undertake socio-economic research projects. Two major components of NRDF’s operations are small enterprise development and institutional strengthening. These include the provision of technical assistance, training and credit to small enterprises. NRDF also operates a Training Centre, a fully equipped Conference Room with audio-visual resources, computers and other classrooms and a Research Library. Some founding members were Geoffrey Jennings-Clark, Edsel Edmunds, Kelvin Felix, Gregor Williams and Bryan Walcott. Mr. Walcott is still active member of the organisation to date. “ I have been with the NRDF as a board member for 6 months. During my time at Chase, Skeete and Boland I was the Audit Senior responsible for the audit of the Organisation, so I am aware of its role and responsibilities. “ Mr. George explained. He had been approached by the General Manager, Mr. Ronald Charles to join the board due to his skill set.

Getting to know our NRDF Board members, Mr. Derek George

He sees his role on the board as: “ ...to provide an unbiased view on matters presented to the Board. It is also to ensure that good corporate governance is practiced by the Board and the management of the organisation along with guidance on financial matters.” Mr. George appreciates that the board is comprised of.. “persons with different skill sets, legal, investment, credit / loans, human resource, finance, information technology and of course an “everyday person” who brings the “everyday person” views to proceedings. “ He cites the lack of resources as being a major challenge for NRDF, however, he goes on to assert that “...despite the lack of resources, the creativity of people to achieve their goals, just shows that where there is a will there is always a way”. The NRDF team is a group of hard working individuals who want to see the Foundation succeed. The key areas of the Foundation are the training and microfinancing, two vital areas which can assist in the growth of the economy. “We need more trained persons to assist in developing new and efficient ideas of doing business, providing training programs that will assist the citizens to be self reliant. The other area would be to increase the financing of the small business sector to assist them in their development. That also means obtaining a source of funding that will allow that to happen.” He recently lost his wife, Bernadette, and has two sons, Geoffrey and Denis. His hobbies include: reading, self development, football and gardening . BusinessFocus

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Gated Communities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Are They Really Secure? Gated Communities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Are They Really Secure?

A spreading phenomenon throughout the Caribbean are gated residential communities. The growth of crime or more exactly the growing fear of crime is leading to an expansion in the number of these communities. Many individuals, particularly older persons, are opting to live in these complexes, often selling their existing homes to purchase houses in gated developments. For most of these persons the rationale is that these communities are seen as secure but the question is, are they really secure? The answer to this question is important not simply because it underlies the reason why individuals bought property within the community but also, although individuals may not realize it, because thieves often target gated communities. All developers of gated communities seek to give the community an attractive appearance and that gives the impression that the people who live in those communities are wealthy. Once an area has the appearance of wealth it becomes a target for thieves and so gated complexes are frequent targets of thieves. The answer to the question of if gated communities are secure is that it depends. So what are the factors that might make a gated community not secure. To answer that question one must first start by defining what is considered a gated community. Most individuals simply look at the fact that there is a gate that must be opened to gain entrance to the community and define the community as a gated community. That very thinking is what often causes a community that has been called a gated community to not be secure. In trying to decide if a gated residential complex would be secure you have to examine if there is access into the community from other points. Can a person simply go to the back of the community and walk in? A few years ago the son of a friend of the writer was robbed in their home in a gated community. This home is built on a hill side in a community with a locked guarded gate at the entrance to the area but you can climb the hill from another community, walk across and then descend into the gated community. This is precisely the route that the intruders took to be able to rob. So that a residential complex that merely has a locked gate at the entrance is not really a secure complex. It therefore stands to reason that to begin considering a gated community as being secure the entire community has to be enclosed. However one needs to ask if those gated communities that are completely enclosed either by wall or fence are they secure? Part of the answer to that question rests with the issue of how high is the wall or how impenetrable is the fence, such that it can prevent intruders from gaining easy entry. Another part of the answer to that question lies in another question. Who is patrolling the compound to see that no one is climbing over the wall from outside? An associated question is, can the patrol see BusinessFocus

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the entire perimeter of the compound or is their view blocked by the houses within the compound. Without regular patrols that can view the entire perimeter an enclosed gated community is not truly secure. In search of the factors that might make a gated community not secure, let us return to the gate at the entrance to the community. How is that gate opened - Does everyone have a remote for opening the gate or is there a common code to enter into a panel that will allow the gate to be opened. Often with gated communities where a code has to be entered in a panel, the requirements of daily living force them to give the code to the maid, baby sitter and gardener or the residents get lazy finding it too troublesome to come to the gate to receive deliveries and so give the code to the pizza delivery man. Eventually the code becomes common knowledge among persons who do not live in the community and can eventually be known by thieves. A more secure community would have a guard at the gate who controls access but even with such a measure there can be shortcomings. How does the guard know who should be allowed to enter the compound? Is there a system where the residents must provide the names of any visitors so that the guard would know who to admit? One gated community in West Palm Beach Florida has such a system but has added to it by requiring that visitors provide photo-identification so that the guard can know that the visitor is indeed the person that the resident is expecting and that photo-identification is scanned and stored as a permanent record of the visit. So the answer to the question of if gated communities are truly secure really is that it depends and it depends on if the other elements of security are also in place. Brian Ramsey has a B.A. in Accounting & Management, along with an M.B.A. in Finance and over 29 years in the Caribbean security field. He is the Regional Development Director for Amalgamated Security Services Limited which operates in Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St Lucia, Guyana, Antigua and is the parent company of Alternative Security Services (St. Lucia) Limited.. He is also the Chairman of the Caribbean Institute for Security and Public Safety. He can be contacted at bramsey@assl.com.

EVENTS 2017/8 LOCAL AND regional entertainment, trade shows and conferences

Human Resource Training- HR for Non HR Managers May 16-18th, 2018 – Celestial Self-Development Centre, Castries. St. Lucia Many managers and supervisors have varying degrees of involvement in HR related activities and it is critical that they understand, and operate within best practice and comply with legislation. HR for Non HR Managers is a three-day course taking the line manager through the complete employee life-cycle from pre-recruitment to post-termination as well as covering key employment legislation affecting the employer-employee relationship. For more information view: https://www.facebook.com/events/2089841571289899/

Beauty is Global May 21-22, 2018 – The harbour club, rodney may marina, St. Lucia Kubi Springer will be in St. Lucia on 21st-22nd May at the Beauty is Global two day event. Held at The Harbor Hotel, this event is designed for those in the beauty and make-up industry For more information view: https://www.shebuildsbrands.com/events/st-lucia-beauty-is-global

EBCCI International Dance Conference May 23-26th, 2018 – The Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica The First International Dance Conference and Season of Dance held in 2014, closed the annual International Diaspora Arts Festival of the EBCCI. Its introduction sought to address the dance festival void in Barbados, showcasing the crème de la crème of dance from the cultural landscape of Barbados and the full geo-political region, in a non-competitive space, outside of NIFCA and the Community Independence Competitions. For more information view: http://www.cavehill.uwi.edu/ebcci/events/3rd-biennial-international-dance-conference-en.aspx

38th Annual Caribbean Insurance Conference June 3-5th, 2018 – The Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica The Insurance Association of the Caribbean (IAC) Inc. is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion and growth of the Caribbean Insurance Industry. Its membership is diverse with a large contingent of registered affiliates located throughout the Caribbean, Canada, Europe and the United States that specialise in every field of insurance. For more information view: http://iac-caribbean.com/conference/

Caribbean studies association Annual conference June 4-8th, 2018 – Havana Cuba This annual conference proposes integrating education, culture, and emancipatory thought as the fundamental reflexive axes for furthering the process of decolonisation in the Caribbean. All three concepts deepen our understanding of the re-appropriation and recuperation of memory— be it individual, collective, social or historical— in these territories. For more information view: http://www.caribbeanstudiesassociation.org/annual-conference-2018/

Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum June 22-24th, 2018 – Hyatt Regency, Miami FL CHIEF is the premier educational forum for Caribbean hospitality and tourism professionals. CHIEF is where the hospitality industry unites to learn from each other, break the molds and set a new normal for the industry. http://www.chtachief.com/

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BUSINESS FOCUS

Major Moves

Correction Bankers Association of St. Lucia CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Country Manager, Mrs Ladesa JamesWilliams was elected as Vice President of the Saint Lucia Bankers Association as part of the new Executive for the ensuing term. RBC Country Manager Mrs Sandra Fontenelle has been appointed Secretary of the Saint Lucia Bankers Association. The photograph of Mrs Ladesa JamesWilliams (above) was inadvertently labelled as Mrs Sandra Fontenelle in our Issue 96 – March/April 2018. Business Focus offers our sincere apologies for this error and any inconvenience caused.

Clinton Reynolds has been appointed Chief Communications Officer at the St Lucia Tourism Authority effective April 23, 2018. He is a veteran B r o a d c a s t journalist and a well-known media personality with local, regional and international broadcast media outfits for over 20 years, bringing innovation and strategic leadership to every position he has held. He graduated from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, USA with an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication (Radio/TV). Mr. Reynolds is a former President of the Media Association of Saint Lucia, leading BusinessFocus

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MAJOR MOVES

the organisation from its inception in February 2012 to November 2016. He also brings to the position of Chief Communications Officer a decade of experience in media and communication consultancy, where he has lent his expertise to a wide range of organisations and agencies. Christopher Gustave joined the St Lucia Tourism Authority as the Caribbean and Events Marketing Manager on April 11, 2018. He brings 15 years of marketing and leadership experience to the position, having led diverse marketing teams across the Caribbean. He has developed a reputation for his enthusiasm, creativity and leadership that motivates people into action. Mr. Gustave is experienced in formulating and implementing resultsbased marketing campaigns and also brings strong analytical capabilities to the SLTA. Mr. Gustave is certified as a Hospitality Educator (CHE) by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. He also holds an MBA with distinction, with a concentration in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the University of the West Indies, and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business Administration from the Oxford Brooks University, School of Finance and Management, in the United Kingdom. He has also been involved in academia as a Lecturer in Management at the UWI Open Campus.

The Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards has a new Director. The newest addition to the SLBS Management team is Mr. Verne Emmanuel, who brings with him more than 10 years of experience in the field of engineering and project management.

Verne Emmanuel is a Chemical Engineer who possesses advanced practical and technical knowledge and a passion for continuous improvement through the use of clean technology and best practice. He has a proven track record in developing efficient water, waste water and quality management systems in the process industry and implementing successful environmental management initiatives in sustainability projects. A certified Green Project Manager, Emmanuel possesses a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering, Masters in Project Management and a Masters in Reliability and Risk Engineering.

The National Workers Union (NWU) has a new Secretary General. Thirty (30) year old Mr. Johann M. Harewood has been appointed by the NWU’s Central Committee to the position of Secretary General. Mr. Johann M. Harewood is a graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine, Trinidad with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Management. He joined the National Workers Union in December 2011 and was assigned the responsibility of Finance Administrator in the NWU’s Finance Unit. In 2015 he was promoted to the position of Assistant Secretary General of the NWU with additional responsibilities for industrial relations. Mr. Harewood has represented the NWU at a number of local, regional and international Conferences, Congresses and Industrial Forums. He is currently a member of the IndustriALL Caribbean Council and the UNI Global Union Americas Youth Executive.

MAJOR MOVES

Mrs. Inge Smidts has been Chief Executive Officer of Cable & Wireless Communications since February 2018. Mrs. Smidts served as Chief Marketing Officer at Liberty Global. Mrs. Smidts served as Senior Vice President of Residential Marketing at Telenet Group Holding NV from November 2009 to January 2016. Mrs. Smidts joined the Telenet Group in November 2009 and was responsible for Go-to-Market. Prior to joining the Telenet Group, she had over ten years of experience at Procter& Gamble, where she started as Assistant Brand Manager and was regularly promoted up to Business Leader for the Benelux Paper business. She has been a Director of Frequency Networks, Inc., since June 2016. Mrs. Smidts holds a Master of Economics degree from UFSIA in Antwerp and an MBA in Marketing from the IAE in Aix-enProvence. Flow welcomes Wayne Auguste to its family, in the capacity of B2B Manager. Wayne holds a first degree in Accounting and an MBA (Finance). He is an entrepreneur Wayne Auguste whose work and business experience span a wide range of business models and industries. Since graduating from the University of the West Indies (Mona) in 1995, he has worked with East Caribbean Financial Holdings Company Limited (ECFH) as a management trainee, and has held various middle and senior management positions in retail, corporate banking and marketing throughout the local banking community and sub-region. In February 2012, Wayne formalized consulting relationships to create Avance Inc., a business advisory and project finance consulting firm. He has led several project financing and debt restructuring consultancies across the

region and collaborated on various strategy formulation and implementation projects in retail, financial services and telecommunications. Wayne prides himself on building strong value added relationships with internal and external customers which he believes is the cornerstone for customer retention. We are pleased to announce the appointment of Jancel Jn. Baptiste as the Human Resource (HR) Generalist for the four southern Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) ventures markets Jancel Jn Baptiste (Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines). Jancel will be based in Saint Lucia. Jancel’s career has spanned six sectors and includes 14 years in the utility industry. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resource Management, certification in International Arbitration (CIArb) and Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH). As the HR Generalist for the South, Jancel’s portfolio will include (but will not be limited to) supporting the implementation of employee engagement, talent and management/leadership development, capacity building and employee relations. Jancel is passionate about making a difference in organisations and has a proven track record of supporting the development and implementation of people strategies which deliver measurable employee and business benefits. McClaude Emmanuel has joined our Commercial Team, in the capacity of Marketing Specialist. Mc Claude is a business professional with extensive McClaude Emmanuel experience in media management and marketing. He holds a BSc in Economics and Management Studies from the University of the West Indies and an MBA with a specialization in Marketing from the Monroe College’s King Graduate School. He is also an accredited

Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Business Professional in the field of Marketing from the International Business Training Glynn Goodman has been appointed Fleet and Facilities Manager. Glynn assumes operational responsibility for the Fleet and Facilities function. The Fleet and Facilities Leader Glynn Goodman is responsible for ensuring that all company property and fleet is maintained as specified and that safety and security standards are implemented and adhered to in accordance with company policy and applicable laws. Therese FlaviusPrimus assumed the role of Workforce Management Dispatcher, Vieux Fort effective 16 April. As a Workforce Management Dispatcher, she Therese will be responsible Flavius-Primus for scheduling and prioritizing installation, service and maintenance calls, and dispatching activity to the field technicians and contractors within a fast-paced environment. KAHLIL JULES has been appointed Fixed, IP and Transmission Supervisor. He is responsible for the daily operations of all core network nodes and installation of all new hardware, Kahlil is also charged with ensuring that systems and staff are able to respond to the demands of new technology deployment through demonstrative methods. He tests and maintains backup powering systemsincluding generators, uninterruptible power supplies, and DC rectifiers. He also retains his prior role as Transmission Technician, which pertains mainly to fault reporting and rectification, routine and non-routine maintenance of Fibre Optic undersea cable systems, Digital Multiplexes, Ciena MUXES, MPLS, NGN, Alcatel and Calix equipment. BusinessFocus

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BUSINESS FOCUS

Contact:

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY

NATURE OF BUSINESS

DIRECTORS

A1 Optical Inc

Eyewear, Online Shopping

Augustus Francis, Curlin Francis

ADG Consulting Inc

Business Services consulting

Christopher Roberts

Advantage Business Consultants Ltd.

HR Management Services

Lisa Elaine Bowe

Banana Countree Ltd

Restaurant and Bar

David Cooper, Corey Devaux Paul Cooper

Branford Electrical Services Inc

To carry on the business of electricians, mechanical engineers and manufacturers, designers, workers, repairers of and dealers in electrical and electronic apparatus and good and manufacture.

Rufus Branford

Carib Properties Ltd

Property Holding Company

Dirk Wertenbruch

Caribbean Seafood Cuisine Ltd.

Food and beverage

Angela Felicien, Imran Felicien Adolph Charles Duplesis

Caribbean Seafood Enterprises Ltd.

Seafood merchandising

Carlos Hernandez Anthony Jaye

Caribbean Film Portal

Filming

Avril Edwin Geraldine Imoya Monroque

Causeway Commercial Ltd.

Property Holding Company

Rhory Mc Namara Holly Hughes-McNamara

Cool Comfort Limited

To provide quality air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, installations, repairs and servicing customized to satisfy the needs and requests of each individual client both residential and commercial.

Simon Albertie Yvette Justin-Albertie

Cornerstone Construction Inc

Business will be involved in Quarrying, Construction of Roads, houses, building and bridges as well as the sale and distribution of cement, stones, sand and other products used in construction

Rex Suckoo Vivian John

DCK Building Solutions SL, Ltd

Holding Company

Stephen Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo

Entertainment Management Ltd

Artist management, Entertainment services

Kenroy D. Justin

Environmental Testing and Consultancy Services Ltd.

Laboratory testing services for water, soil, laboratory equipment procurement, Consultancy, ISO Management Systems Auditing

Nickla Louisy

Exeqtech SLU Limited

Construction Management Company

Michael Paty

Exotic Flooring Inc

Supply and install flooring â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Residential and Commercial

Michelle Charles, Oswin Joseph

Express Construction Inc

General Building and design and construction and all related services. Wholesale and retailing of general hardware and building supplies and all related services

Chandler Mater Stephen Mater

BusinessFocus

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114

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY

NATURE OF BUSINESS

DIRECTORS

GEON Holdings Incorporated

Manufacturing, Agriculture / Agro Processing, Wholesale / Retail Distribution

Johanan Dujon

GV Capital

For property ownership

Martina Mladenova Georgia Vassileva

Hardwood Lumber Supplies & Construction Inc

Sale of wood and construction

David Lionel, Shelba Lionel Albert Brandis

Highland Cove Inc

Property Holding

Eldorana Pust

Hoblr Inc

Sales and Marketing of local business

Jonathan Gillmor

HSL Ltd

Property owner/ Landlord

DTCo Services Ltd.

Industrial Engineering Services Ltd.

Mechanical and engineering services

Audrey Orlando Hussein Iva-Lisa Laomi Mendes-Hussein

Infinity Desktop Publishing & Typing Services Ltd.

Typing Services, Desktop, Publishing

Lilia Albert, Stephen Louis

Interlink Advertising Agency Incorporated

Advertising Agency

Alandy Penny, Abigail Joseph

Islander Progress IT Solutions (IPIS) Inc

Date recovery services, Software and app development training, IT consultant services

Alvin Prospere

Kairos Group Inc

Consultancy

Maundy Lewis

Kers Limited

Holding Real Estate Assets

Alan James Donnelly Jane Louise Donnelly

KMA Consultancy Limited

Consultancy practice

Alison S. Gajadhar, Peter I Foster

La Plasse Inc

Small business marketing and development

Garry Prospere

Landholding Pigeon Island Inc

Landholding

Starfire Inc

Lucian Thriller Adventures Inc

Tours

Starfire Inc

M. Horne Group Incorporated

Importation and exportation of shell-fish. Production and bottling of local juices. Vehicle rentals.

Miguel Edison Horne

Maison Renee Limited

Real estate

Crown Nominee Service Limited

Moon Bay Limited

Real estate

Crown Nominee Service Limited

MS Prestige

Import & export

Salvatore Merolla

New Start Inc

To carry on the business of wholesale/retail of merchandise.

Shaoming Shen

NYS Caribbean

Retail of sunglasses, cosmetics and accessories

Avishay Cohen

BusinessFocus

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115

BUSINESS FOCUS ADVERTISERS INDEX

COMPANY

Advertisers Index

Page

Abby's Exotic Blend

Advertising & Marketing Services Ltd

Cana Neuro Services

Cardiovascular Medical Centre

Care Services

Caribbean Awning Production Company Ltd.

Caribbean Dialysis St. Lucia

Celestial Self Development Centre

CIBC First Caribbean

Cool Breeze

Demerara Mutual

Dr. Azmina Long & Associates

Easy Care Centre

Easy Click Books

Eden Herbs

EGS Freight Services

Ernst & Young

114

Fast Cash

FICS

FLOW

1&2

Grant Thornton

107

H & L Environmental Services

Kleydun Consulting Services

103

Lazarus Funeral Home

LUCELEC

M-Care Medical Clinic

Mc Dowall Broadcasting Corporation ( MBC)

Med Care

National Utilities Regulatory Commission

NIC

People's Discount Pharmacy

Renwick & Company Ltd

29 & 53

Scotiabank

Simply Natural

St. Lucia Distillers

St. Lucia Eye Centre

The Trophy Centre

Top Stone Fabrication Ltd.

Total Health Care Pharmacy

Tyrone's Wrecker Service

U-Med Clinic

University of the Southern Caribbean

Vision Express

COVERS Automotive Art

IBC

FLOW

IFC

Harris Paints

OBC

BusinessFocus

May/Jun

116