St. Lucia Business Focus 104

Issue No. 104 Sept/Oct 2019

Celebrating

H E WA N O R R A A I R C A R G O S E R V I C E S

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JQ Motors Limited

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No. 104

BF

SEPT/OCT 2019

CONTENTS FEATURE HACS

28 The Air Cargo Business in St. Lucia 30 The History of HACS 32 Operations - Staff Profiles: Hewanorra Air Cargo Shed 34 An Overview of the Pioneers a) Eldridge Stephens 38 An Overview of the Pioneers b) Peternise Stephens 42 An Overview of the Pioneers

c) Rhon C. Stephens 46 From Whence We Came Q&A with Eldridge Stephens 48 The Future of Air Cargo Q&A with Rhon C. Stephens 52 Congratulatory Messages and Testimonials 54 HACS Staff Professional Friendly and Focused on Service 60 Phoenix Services Ltd. - A Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Agency 62 Staying Ahead of the Curve 64 The Way Forward 4 Editor’s Note 6 Business Briefs Coaching Culture 8 How to Engage Employees – A Manager’s Guide Leaders' Corner 10 Ready For A Promotion?

Economy & Trade 12 The Power Of Partnerships 13 Saint Lucia gives Stellar Representation at CARIFESTA XIV 14 Export Saint Lucia To Revitalize Apiary Industry 15 GCG Ground Acquires Caribbean Dispatch Services Ltd. 15 Consumer Protection Advances in Saint Lucia 16 UK Economy Shrinks for First Time Since 2012 As Brexit Bites 17 Caribbean Economies Growing

Business Tech 18 Caribbean Potential & The Digital Wave 20 CXC to Go ‘Fully Digital’ in 2020 21 NCPC Presents ProTool 21 W2E Now – The App Which Provides a Digital Platform for Menus of All Restaurants in St. Lucia 22 SLASPA - Port Showcase 2019: Participate In The First Of Its Kind Money Matters 24 Corporate Social Responsibilty 25 Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC) Elects New Executive 26 Invest Saint Lucia Supports Next Generation of Business Leaders 26 Saint Lucia Fisher-Folk to Benefit from PostDisaster Insurance Must Reads 66 On Presence 67 Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. 45th Anniversary Celebration Environmental Focus 72 Plastic Recycling Project ‘RePLAST OECS’ Launches in Saint Lucia 74 Caribbean Sugar Industry Faces ‘Binary Choice’ 75 Fusarium Wilt of Banana and Plantain: A Threat to Regional Economies and Food Security 76 NOAA Increases Chance for Above-Normal Hurricane Season 77 LUCELEC Sun Power Exceeds Expectations 77 CDB Wins Top Industry Award for Driving Geothermal Energy Development in Region Tourism Focus 78 SLHTA’s 55th AGM Pledges Deeper Commitment Towards Achieving Industry Goals 82 BREXIT’s Effect on Caribbean Tourism 84 Pack Smarter, Travel Lighter 85 The Jus’ Sail Foundation Continues to Make Waves in Saint Lucia 86 Tourism Figures Reveal ‘Fifth Record-Breaking Month for The Year’

86 Saint Lucia Offers Worry- Free Holiday Guarantee Program 87 Saint Lucia to Establish Tourism Satellite Account 87 Saint Lucia Shines at CTO Media Day In The Know 88 Fence Toppers 89 Facebook Launches Tool to Let Users Control Data Flow 90 10 Tips to Have A Good Day at Work 91 Grenada PM Lauds Joint UWI, Rum Industry Initiative Youth In Focus 92 US Government & The Caribbean Development Bank Join Forces to Support Saint Lucian Youth 93 2019 CSEC/CAPE Results are Out! 94 Student Volunteers Join OECS and CCRIF SPC to Continue Flood Mitigation Works 95 CCRIF Internship Programme 2019 Supports 19 Young Caribbean Professionals to Gain Work Experience in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation 96 Fifteen Students Benefit from Daren Sammy Foundation Scholarships 96 Daren Sammy Cricket Academy to Expand to Region 97 The Sandals Intern for A Day Experience 97 Youth Participate in UNESCO Sand Watch Project Health Focus 98 Persons Impacted and Affected Take Up The Call To “Walk For The Cure” In 2019 99 PAHO Wants Maternity Protection Laws Implemented in The Caribbean 100 Cancer is the Second Leading Cause of Death in The Caribbean 100 Measles Cases Are on The Rise in Europe 101 Events 102 Major Moves 104 New Company Registrations 106 Advertiser's Index

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Leadership with a Vision to the Future!

Saint Lucia has just come through unscathed with the passage of Hurricane Dorian – the first major storm of the 2019 Hurricane Season.

We must commend the Government and local authorities for the planning and preparations made as the storm approached.

In the Caribbean, we always have to plan for the annual Hurricane Season with the hope that all such major storms will move out into the open Atlantic Ocean.

The same analogy applies to the business community. Life and business are dependent on the environment and conditions which will affect the smooth operations of enterprise. Hence, leaders whilst planning to launch and grow their business, must also plan for all of the possible negative elements – human and natural, which may impact the business.

Lokesh Singh Editor / Managing Director

Large corporate entities are built upon an organizational structure which caters for upward mobility in current operations or the addition of new persons based on expansion. This provides the insulation against possible shocks due to the transition of personnel.

In Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean, our business community comprises a number of family owned enterprises and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) which do not have the benefit of such organizational structure and neglect to plan for the long-term including succession planning.

In this issue, we feature and celebrate Hewanorra Air Cargo Services (HACS) as they observe 25 years of business operations. This family enterprise was created

by Eldridge Stephens who had the vision to involve his son, Rhon Stephens in the business which was envisioned to grow exponentially with the projected economic growth in the country. He welcomed and exposed Rhon to the intricacies of the business at a very early age. Little did he know that he would have been called upon to serve Saint Lucia overseas on short notice. A young Rhon was thrust into the leadership of the company as its Executive Director. He has since been at the forefront of the company’s expansion and diversification for over ten years, positioning the company as a leading entity in the Air Cargo sector in Saint Lucia.

BUSINESSFOCUS The Saint Lucia Business Focus magazine is published every two months by Advertising & Marketing Services Limited (AMS) Ltd., Saint Lucia.

Managing Director: Mr. Lokesh Singh – lokesh@amscaribbean.com Project Manager: Ms. Ashwini Singh – ashwini@amscaribbean.com Editor’s Note

Advertising Sales: Ms. Cavell Robertson – cavell@amscaribbean.com Graphic Designer: Ms. Darleen Smith Editorial Assistance: Ms. Alisha Ally Webmaster: Advertising & Marketing Services (AMS) Ltd. Photography: Ashley Anzie | Ashwini Singh | Hewanorra Air Cargo Services (HACS) | Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. OECS | SLHTA Contributors: Lokesh Singh | Ashwini Singh | Hewanorra Air Cargo Services (HACS) | Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. Surren Maharaj | Olivier Bottois | Nirmala Maharaj Alisha Ally | Hanniffa Patterson | Kezia Preville Lyndell Halliday | OECS | Sir Ronald Sanders Paul Allen | SLHTA | Brian Ramsey | Trudy O. Glasglow Contact Us: Advertising & Marketing Services (AMS) Ltd. P.O. Box 2003, Castries, Saint Lucia Tel: (758) 453-1149; Fax: (758) 453-1290 email: info@businessfocusstlucia.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.

On The Cover: Eldridge Stephens & Rhon Stephens Hewanorra Air Cargo Services (HACS)

Issue No. 104 Sept/Oct 2019

Implementation of a Succession Plan has played a critical role in the continued operations and success of HACS. A young leader has emerged tirelessly applying himself, thus successfully managing the opportunity afforded him and thereby continuing to build the business.

We trust that you will enjoy reading this edition with the many articles from our contributors and others as we keep you abreast of happenings in the world of business.

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

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Celebrating

H E WA N O R R A A I R C A R G O S E R V I C E S

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• Cooking gas – both Sol and TexGas • Telephone top up – Lime/Digicel • Vehicle accessories, car batteries, air fresheners • Lottery Tickets • Oils and lubricants • Ice • Convenience store

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BUSINESS BRIEFS St. Lucia, T&T, Barbados to Receive US$21M to Treat Toxic Waste

Business Briefs BUSINESS BRIEFS Saint Lucia Secures Two Additional Direct British Airways Flights

Grantley Adams International, Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International, Tortola’s Terrance B. Lettsome International, and Jamaica’s Sangster International Airports.

IAM, which was founded in 1989, is constructing the first FBO at St. Lucia’s Hewanorra International Airport, which will also be included in the deal.

Signature will also take over IAM’s VIP suite services in Barbados and Grenada, which will expand its Elite Class program to five airports in the Caribbean and the UK. It provides guests with luxury lounges and expedited transfers to commercial flights, allowing them to bypass the airline terminal entirely.

Global Environment Facility (GEF) will be allocating US $21 million to fund the planning and implementation of the Caribbean activities to manage and eliminate toxic chemicals and wastes.

The Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Planning and Development said the allocation will be made available through a programme entitled ‘Implementing Sustainable Low and Non-Chemical Development in Small Island States (ISLANDS)’, which includes the collection of baseline information and the identification of country needs in an effort to prevent the build-up of Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), mercury and other harmful chemicals.

In this regard, the executing agency for the Caribbean region, BCRC-Caribbean hosted a two-day Regional Inception Meeting for the GEF funded Programme in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) on August 27-28, 2019 at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre.

This meeting included environmental agencies and technical officers in the environmental field from Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Suriname.

“Signature Flight Support’s purchase of Ease of access to the now trending and fun- IAM Jet Centre is a valuable addition filled Caribbean destination of Saint Lucia to our growing network of Caribbean from the pivotal United Kingdom (UK) FBOs,” said Mark Johnstone, CEO of BBA market has been significantly enhanced.

Aviation and Signature. “IAM has an Following high level discussions with established reputation for excellence in government and tourism officials, premium aviation passenger and ground handling carrier British Airways (BA) on Thursday, throughout the region, and the addition August 22, broke news of the introduction of their five FBO locations complements of two additional direct flights per week to our worldwide network, our strategic expansion into additional North Saint Lucia.

American markets, as well as the growth Taking effect next summer, the no-tag of our Signature Elite Class VIP passenger flights will commence July 4, 2020 and will services division.” run through August 29, 2020. The flight offers three classes of service and will add an average of 600 additional seats weekly Government Reintroduces to facilitate travel to the island.

The additional flights will bring British Airway’s scheduled direct service from London to Saint Lucia up from 7 to 9 flights weekly. Currently Saint Lucia is serviced by 14 direct BA flights that interconnect between London, Trinidad and Grenada.

Signature Makes a Splash in the Caribbean

The Government of Saint Lucia and the Department of the Public Service is inviting applications from eligible public officers for inclusion under the Tuition Refund Programme for the academic year 2019/2020.

The BCRC-Caribbean will continue to serve as a resource for technical guidance and will work with the GoRTT to strengthen the waste management capacity of the country by encouraging key stakeholders and the public to join efforts in transforming towards sustainable consumption practices through development of a circular economy.

Signature Flight Support has greatly expanded its FBO network in the Caribbean with the purchase of IAM Jet Centre and its affiliated companies. The BBA Aviation subsidiary will acquire bases at Barbados’ BusinessFocus

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Tuition Refund Programme

The Tuition Refund Programme encourages government employees to adopt a more disciplined approach to their studies and places the onus on them to be more committed to their study programmes by developing a greater sense of responsibility for their own training and personal development.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Public Officers sponsored under the programme are assisted by the Government of Saint Lucia through the reimbursement, in part, of eligible training costs upon successful completion of their studies.

St. Lucia Zouks to Replace St. Lucia Stars

Eligible training costs include tuition fees, the educational institution’s official examination fees, registration fees, and costs associated with prescribed textbooks.

The Tuition Refund application form can be obtained at http://www.govt.lc/forms/ tuition-refund-application-form.

Schools Undergo EC$10M In Rehabilitation Works

The St. Lucia Zouks are back in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The Zouks will replace the St. Lucia Stars for the 2019 season following the CPL’s management’s recent termination of the participation agreement with the company operating the Stars franchise.

The Zouks will be playing matches in St. Lucia and across the Caribbean in this year’s league, which takes place from September 4 to October 12. However, Guardian Media Sports understands that the CPL will be taking over the management of the Zouks for this edition until a full-time owner comes on board.

The owners of the tournament decided to The Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, take over the franchise to keep it alive after Hon. Allen Chastanet and Minister for last-minute talks with the Stars franchise Education, Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert, last holders broke down. The players who have week visited schools around the island been drafted by the Stars are expected to undergoing renovations in time for the be taken care off by the CPL so that they coming academic year. The prime minister can participate in the tournament. said that despite the improvements, there The Zouks was the original name of the is still more that needs to be done.

St. Lucia franchise when it was founded “Last summer we invested EC$10 million in 2013 and it still resonates with cricket in the rehabilitation of schools,” he said. fans around the world. St. Lucia is one “This summer, we are again investing of four islands in the Caribbean known another EC$10 million in the rehabilitation for its zouk music, making it the perfect of over 50 schools across the island. name for the team.

Although this is a substantial investment, it still feels like a drop in the bucket. To put this into perspective, over the last two Saint Lucia and the Republic years we have spent roughly EC$1 million of China (Taiwan) to Host 12th to address issues at the Babonneau Annual Saint Lucia-Taiwan Secondary School, and it is still a long way from where we would ideally like it to be.

Partnership Trade Show “During the tour, I was troubled to learn from one principal that her school hadn’t received any major capital investment since it was built in 1982. This is utterly unacceptable. Our teachers and students deserve better.”

The prime minister added that the government remains committed to investing the necessary resources until every school provides a world class atmosphere for teaching and learning.

The Ministry of Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development

and Consumer Affairs in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will once again be hosting its Annual Saint Lucia-Taiwan Partnership Trade Show.

This grand event will be held at the Golden Palm Events Centre, Rodney Heights, from Friday, November 29th to Sunday, December 01st, 2019. This is the 12th consecutive Trade Show to be held in Saint Lucia. The Trade Show provides an avenue to showcase a wide range of quality goods and distinctive services giving the general public and business community an opportunity to experience the best of Saint Lucia and the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Additionally, businesses from both countries profit the opportunity to develop strategic trading and networking alliances to promote their goods and services in the globalized market. The Taiwanese contingent is also keenly interested in seeking agents for the retail of their products.

Government Hosts First Ever Cabinet Meeting in Vieux Fort

For the first time ever, the Government of Saint Lucia held its weekly Cabinet meeting in Vieux Fort.

The decision for Cabinet to meet in the south signifies government’s desire to decentralize the operations of central government, and also serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight government’s intention to focus on the development of the south.

Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet said: “As we all know, for many years the south has been heralded as the “new frontier” for development, however it has never materialized. Currently, there are several major projects which are ongoing in the south of the island. These include construction of the new private jet terminal, the redevelopment of the Hewanorra International Airport, the reconstruction of St. Jude Hospital, OJO Labs, and the Pearl of the Caribbean project which is nearing completion of its first phase.”

The prime minister added that government will continue to work alongside the people to make changes for the better.

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How to Engage Employees – A Manager’s Guide

How to Engage Employees – A Manager’s Guide

By Surren Maharaj

Kevin Nurse, a NY Times bestselling author and keynote speaker, stated “Employee engagement is the emotional commitment an employee has to the organization and its goals.”

So then, how do the leaders in our organizations set about to engage their employees? It is said that the higher the level of employee engagement, the higher the level of employee satisfaction.

Satisfied employees equal more satisfied customers. Understanding the level of passion your employees have for their jobs puts you way ahead of your competition because I am of the opinion that one of the most important factors to business success is employee engagement.

Organizations should want their employees to have great pride in what they do and in the company they work for. They put forth their best efforts; a practice that can only benefit the goal of your organization.

It’s important to look at what drives your employees to carry out their jobs with a great sense of pride.

Managers will do well to understand a bit of the background of their employees. Not only their skill sets but a bit about their family life, hobbies, etc. Then managers must learn how to positively blend this knowledge into a productive environment.

Leaders should ask, just how much do my employees genuinely know about the company’s future? How dedicated are they to helping it expand and be successful? If you aren’t sure of the answers yet, it’s okay.

There are ways to determine the level of BusinessFocus

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employee engagement among your staff, • How well does the leadership of the as well as learn how to engage employees. organization understand what motivates their employees?

What then is Employee Engagement?

Is engagement simply knowing if someone likes their job? When employees are working towards a common goal aligned with the business vision they are more motivated. It is the sense of purpose they feel for the organization that makes them more engaged. Leadership must understand this level of engagement then they can work on making it even better. However, engagement is a two-fold approach. The first is as I have mentioned, “love for their job” the second, and perhaps even more important, is the level of engagement with their managers. (This looks at how the employees feel about their supervisors and whether they are being treated fairly – the concept of mutual respect applies here). With high levels of employee engagement, all aspects of your business increase. We see an increase in production and customer satisfaction.

Worker competency also improves.

How then can we foster a culture of engaged employees? You can begin by asking a series of questions about your organization: • Are your company’s goals and visions clear and concise?

• Is there a clear link between the employee’s work and the company’s goal?

• Does the employee understand their goals?

• How well do they understand their contribution to the company’s success?

• Do the managers of the company possess the skills to lead a successful team?

As you can see, taking a closer look at the leadership of the company will assist you in getting a handle on the employee engagement issues. When employees are engaged: • The workplace becomes more positive • Office atmosphere improves • Customer service increases and so much more “Paychecks can’t buy passion.” Brad Federman So how do we go about engaging our employees? Here are 10 tips to help your employees become more engaged: 1. Get to know your Employees – Learn a little about them and their background and their personal goals. This will allow you to build a better rapport with them. Employees who feel valued tend to be more vested in their work and performance.

2. Let them know how the company is doing – Employees are the cornerstone of the organization. Keep them informed when the company is doing poorly and when it is excelling.

3. Support them and the authority you’ve granted – Place confidence in your employees. When you have assigned them a task, give them the confidence,

space and authority to complete the task.

4. Recognize your team and their hard work – Understand what form of recognization that works best for your employees. Words of encouragement (“Thank you”, “Good job”) goes a long way to push your employees forward.

5. Encourage teamwork among employees – When a team works well together it guarantees the success of the company.

6. Listen to and act on employee feedback – Having regular meetings to determine what areas of your workplace environment need improvement is an important part of keeping the employees engaged with the company.

7. Create a workplace environment free of fear – Allowing your employees to make choices without having to run everything up to the chain of command allows them great moments within their career. In so doing, employees take greater ownership in their jobs and of the organization.

8. Motivate, inspire and coach your employees – Creating a positive workspace goes a long way towards making your employees happy and comfortable. Management sets the tone and when they show employees that they care for the “whole” employee and not the job employees are more engaged.

9.

Let them show you how well they can lead – For your employees to feel passionate about their work and strive for only the best outcomes, they need to know that the company has faith in them. A good way to show them that is by allowing them to display their leadership and skills without any interference from managers or owners in the company.

Surren Maharaj (MBA; BA; PCC) is the Principal Consultant and Chief Coach for Boundless Coaching Consulting and the President of the Life Coaching Association of Trinidad and Tobago.

As a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), he is part of an international community of Coaches and is constantly called upon by local and regional clients.

10. Encourage their personal development – Helping employees understand growth within the company not only helps to encourage their development but allows you to retain them on staff in a capacity in which they can elevate their levels of engagement. n

He has designed and delivered coaching courses. He is an active Mentor with YBTT and one of the Shell LiveWire Trainers. His career history includes over 20 years of expertise in Leadership and Management in the financial, logistics and retail sectors of Canada.

Advertising & Marketing Services

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Volume 16

LEADERS'

Ready For A Promotion?

CORNER

Ready For A Promotion?

By Olivier Bottois

At some point in our career we all felt ready for that promotion with title and salary increase often attached to it. So how do you know that you or someone on your team is ready for promotion? What makes you think you or your team member are ready? On that topic I reflected on my own career and the mentees that I promoted over the years.

about their position but the company’s performance as a whole. If they see a process that could be improved, they would let someone know. I love to see critical thinking.

without being asked. Those who are engaged in the company feel connected to its success and will take the position more seriously and are passionate about their job and purpose!

Born Leader Too many managers base promotions on tenure or individual achievements. I look for leaders who naturally emerge in a group People ready for a promotion have certain setting. Why? While an employee may be characteristics in common and they don’t a star individual contributor, that doesn’t just ask for a promotion if they want it, mean they will excel at management and they demonstrate they have what it takes leadership. That’s an important distinction. to move up and excel: The best managers don’t manage – they lead. They achieve results and win by Drive to Improve Knowing when somebody is ready for influencing the attitudes, behaviors, and promotion is not so easy, and people efforts of others. They usually emerge generally believe they are ready before regardless of title or seniority, and they they really are, so management of the have a natural intuition for what motivates others. When those skills benefit the entire process is key. team, it shows that they are not only ready In terms of the signs they exhibit which to do more but will actually thrive with the suggest they are ready such as suggesting added responsibilities. To identify these ways of improving things is important. I natural leaders, keep an open channel of always pay attention to employees who communication with teams and managers challenge more senior employees – not in and regularly reality check the talent an aggressive way, but in a productive way. available in the company.

Once somebody becomes comfortable in their knowledge and ability, they will They Delegate feel confident in challenging more senior Candidates ready for promotion display members of the business on issues related leadership traits by holding people accountable and delegating. They give to their area of expertise. people space to work and don’t require Offer Solutions absolute control.

Candidates ready to be promoted show value to the company by offering solutions. High Engagement They are team players and look at the Employees who are ready for a promotion big picture. They are not just thinking typically show high engagement with the company and a willingness to do more

Quiet Success An employee ready for promotion is an employee who constantly demonstrates a positive impact on the business without bragging about their skills.

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Peer Endorsement I tend to pay attention to what a person’s colleagues are saying about them. It is not about a person putting themselves forward.

If I notice that a certain employee’s name is constantly brought up by their peers as an achiever and important contributor to the team’s success, then this is an employee who needs advancement to help our company achieve even more.

Support for Colleagues A number of factors should be considered when promoting an employee. Efficiency, loyalty, meeting and exceeding deadlines are just some of them. If the employee’s promotion includes leadership responsibilities, then a key component in determining if that employee deserves the promotion is to ask them what they have done to help their team members in the last 24 hours. The answers will give managers a true sense of their natural leadership abilities and gives insight into the potential relationship between the company and the employee once they become a leader. Is their professional approach centered around themselves,

the company, or their team? From there, you may draw your own conclusions.

know that they are interested in moving up whenever the right opportunity emerges. Meeting with their supervisor for their performance evaluation is a great opportunity for employees aspiring to a promotion to discuss their personal goals and they would follow up on opportunities made during that meeting or appraisal.

Maturity An employee who is willing to take responsibility for themselves, including being able to handle their own failures in a mature way, is often an employee who deserves advancement. If someone is able to admit they made a mistake, this They Also Keep an Eye on Internal Job is a sign of maturity. If that same person Postings – They Apply for The Job also deals with the situation, learns from it, When a suitable opportunity presents and ensures the mistakes are not repeated, itself, employees seeking a promotion this is a sign they will make a great leader. would apply for the job and give the The ability to admit when you’re wrong application process their very best effort. shows honesty and integrity, two qualities They would research the job as carefully that any good leader will possess. as they would an outside opportunity.

They would consider submitting a written Self-Directed Development proposal that shares their plan of attack Team members who take their career and should they be hired for the position. skill advancement into their own hands are often good candidates for promotion.

Not everyone takes advantage of all the opportunities. Employees taking control of their own career is one of the most telling signs.

They Communicate with their Supervisor A candidate ready to be promoted does not wait for the perfect step-up job to be posted. They let their supervisor

Quality Aggregates

In a nutshell: Employees ready for a promotion show they are prepared before they ask to move up and if they don’t get the job, they show persistence and try again! Ideally, they have done the job informally for a while, stepping up at every opportunity and ultimately recognized as the natural choice for their new position.

Olivier Bottois is a third generation Hotelier with broad hospitality experience in France, England, Germany, Canada, USA and The Caribbean. He is Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts alumni who led Leading Hotels of The World, Relais & Chateaux, Small Luxury Hotels and Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties as Hotel General Manager.

After the successful repositioning and expansion of Ladera Resort in Saint Lucia (2011-2016) as Vice President of Operations & Marketing, Bottois joined Marriott “Autograph Collection” in the US. He is presently engaged in projects with Lussoria & Associates Inc, providing leadership and talent search recruitment services to the hospitality industry.

Engage Olivier on LinkedIn: Olivier JP Bottois

Grant Thornton

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ECONOMY & TRADE

The Power Of Partnerships

the power of partnerships

By Nirmala Maharaj

Social entrepreneurship in developed and developing countries is recognized as an entrepreneurial process through the innovative use of resources and capabilities of starting and developing ventures with emphasis on an embedded social goal seeking to improve the quality of life of citizens. Resources and capabilities therefore play a vital role in the development of social ventures.

Ambition to Scale Having started off their activities as localized and small scale, social ventures do have ambitions to scale their impact beyond small projects. Social ventures view scaling or replicating as taking the project that has assisted in resolving a problem in a limited way and duplicating it so that the project’s impact on society becomes wider i.e. it helps more people in more places, and deeper i.e. it reduces the negative effects dramatically which requires the acquisition and conversion of different types of tangible and intangible resources and capabilities from venture start up.

Resource Challenges However, social ventures do face challenges in acquiring resources for replication of their models. For instance, while social ventures exist globally, those in developing countries are in a comparatively disadvantageous position for its development due to its institutional environment. Research has shown that social, economic, political, demographic and technological macroenvironmental forces based on a social venture’s geographical area can impact on the resources available to the enterprise.

For example, in Trinidad and Tobago, a developing country in the Caribbean BusinessFocus

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region, social entrepreneurship is still characterized by small scale projects, according to the Social Entrepreneurial report by the General Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) in 2012 (Valera and Soler, 2012). A critical issue of social entrepreneurship in this country is lack of legal recognition and policies. As a result, the social entrepreneurs face various challenges including access to quality human capital, lack of access to financial capital and lack of support to grow and become sustainable. This has consequently led them losing many opportunities and lack of sustainability. Therefore, social ventures operating in developing countries encounter macroeconomic environments that render quality of resources scarce and expensive to obtain.

Even in developed regions, with more resources, the tension between the social goals and the financial returns make the mobilization of resources difficult. This tension does not prevent social ventures from charging market prices or marketing to customers who are likely to pay higher prices for their products and services. The resource constraint is even more severe due to the economics for the social venture which makes it difficult to attract, retain and compensate skilled staff. Therefore, the hybrid social-financial mission constricts the ability of social ventures to acquire resources which is made even more challenging due to macroeconomic forces.

Power of Partnerships Research has shown that firms in less developed countries may rely on managerial partnerships in order to overcome institutional challenges.

Managerial partnership consists of the personal connections social venture

managers develop with officials in the government and industries. Firms in developing economies facing challenges to acquire resources from established institutions to grow their business must build managerial ties through their personal connections with related entities to supplement for formal institutions and ease of doing business. Managers therefore use their partnerships with government officials (i.e. political ties) and or business ties to navigate their resource constraints.

Firms with strong managerial partnerships are better able to exploit internal resources as they are exposed to more opportunities for acquiring them. Firms with strong internal resources are however better able to leverage for external resources. Firms with superior resources have more opportunities to create new resources and recombine resources resident internally and externally to the firm. The strong internal resources signal to external partners the commitment a firm can make which can influence the willingness of other parties to cooperate with them. Thus, in developing economies, managerial ties exert great influence over firm development. n

Nirmala Maharaj is passionate about developing a strong, integrated relationship with academia, government, private and non-governmental organisations that will nurture, develop and grow social entrepreneurs in the Caribbean region.

As a social entrepreneur guru, she is a writer in this subject area in her column of the Trinidad Guardian entitled – About Social Entrepreneurship. Her doctoral research is also in the area of social entrepreneurship. She is the Director, Internationalisation and Institutional Relations at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business (UWIALJGSB). Her research contact details are +1 868 689 6539 or you can e-mail her at socialprogressinst@gmail.com

Saint Lucia gives Stellar Representation at CARIFESTA XIV

Saint Lucia gives Stellar Representation at CARIFESTA XIV

By Alisha Ally

CARIFESTA XIV kicked off at the Queen’s Park Savannah in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday August 16th with more than twenty countries from around the Caribbean region parading around the largest roundabout in the world.

The Saint Lucia delegation eighty-people strong including cast members of the theatrical productions A Little Folk Tale, Belelesh and Silent Scars, poets, writers, band members, art and craft vendors, the media and Government officials.

After welcoming the regional delegations and patrons during the opening ceremony, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister for Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Dr. Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said CARIFESTA serves as a vehicle to foster greater cohesion within the region.

Similarly, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley noted that the festival is essential in validating the need for one people, one space.

Organisers are cognizant of the evolution of the festival over the last 46 years and expects that it will garner greater value for key stakeholders like artists, cultural entrepreneurs, hosts and sending governments, and the CARICOM Secretariat.

One of the major highlights of CARIFESTA XIV is the Grand Market at the Grand Stand Queen’s Park Savannah, where festival goers can shop, dine and lime.

Drenia Frederick, the Artistic Director for

CARIFESTA’s Team Saint Lucia, said: “This is an investment for producers and crafts persons to show what we can produce in terms of manufacturing. It’s also a means of networking. Many performers will be attending dance workshops, theatre, drama, music, and poets will be hosting poetry readings and lectures—it’s really an exchange. The festival is more than just itemized music on a stage. We discuss issues related to Caribbean life, our future, and how are we channelling this creative industry.”

Frederick believes that the CARIFESTA components allow for the infusion of different cultural practices and enables Caribbean people to celebrate their differences and their similarities.

On Monday August 19th, Saint Lucia’s CARIFESTA road show moved to San Fernando where an appreciative audience experienced the varied talent and creativity of Saint Lucian dancers and musicians. The performance, at the Napa Rima Bowl in San Fernando, told the story of a people’s resilience after the atrocities of slavery.

Frederick said, “Traveling and performing has been an enriching experience. The performers have had to adapt as they travel to different venues, each unique in its own way. For the Saint Lucians, it is a learning experience – one they hope will inspire a greater love for arts and culture in Saint Lucia. The Saint Lucian cast was

also inspired by the deep appreciation of audiences wherever they performed.”

As Sir Edwin Carrington, Former Secretary General of CARICOM once said, “CARIFESTA embodies Caribbean integration. It is here that the people of the region come together; co-mingle, creating one community, one people. That is integration.

Further, this event strengthens the bonds between us, displays our creativity and ingenuity and demonstrates to the world the best that this region has to offer.

CARIFESTA celebrates our Caribbean being in a way that no other single event can.”

The Caribbean Festival of Arts or CARIFESTA symbolizes a Caribbean commonality, reinforcing unity in diversity. The first Caribbean Festival of Arts was staged in Puerto Rico in 1952. When the West Indies Federation was formed, CARIFESTA was staged in Trinidad and Tobago, to mark a new era in regional integration. In 1970 in Guyana, the idea for a grand Caribbean Festival took shape. The first staging of the new vision of the Caribbean Festival of the Arts took place in 1972 where it was then decided at a CARICOM Heads of Government meeting to establish a permanent unit with the Secretariat to coordinate CARIFESTA events.

In 2021, Antigua and Barbuda will have the opportunity to continue the rich tradition of showcasing the Caribbean. n

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ECONOMY & TRADE

Export Saint Lucia To Revitalize Apiary Industry

Apiculture, the more technical term for beekeeping, is the maintenance of bee colonies, commonly in man-made hives. The honey produced in the hives is harvested and used by various sectors including food and beverage, cosmetics and health and wellness.

As a healthy alternative to sugar, honey is used by the health conscious; it is used in treatments from massages to facials and also additive to premium cosmetic brands. The by-products of honey production are also very valuable.

Apitoxins and bee-venom are used in the treatment of many nerve-borne illnesses; flower pollen and royal jelly are used by men as aphrodisiacs; beeswax is used a lot by cosmetologists. In other words, the apiary industry has great financial potential and Export Saint Lucia and the Ministry of Agriculture with assistance from Compete Caribbean have initiated a plan to develop and grow the industry.

EXPORT SAINT LUCIA TO REVITALIZE APIARY INDUSTRY

Association and OECS. The projects were evaluated by two Investment Panels who deliberated over which proposals should be funded.

Saint Lucia’s Bee City Cluster was successfully presented and defended Another critical component of the by a representative from the Cluster project is the implementation of a solid Development Project committee and governance structure for the industry. The will receive funding to facilitate and Mille Fleurs Honey Producers’ Cooperative execute the plans outlined in the afore- Society Ltd has been chosen to undertake mentioned project. this governance task. President of the Mille Fleurs Uraline Alphonse says she is At a recently convened presentation to excited about the plans moving forward. stakeholders, a member of the project

development team Ms. Yvonne Agard “With the project we’re hoping to see Mille appraised attendees of the process Fleurs as the structure for beekeepers, involved in securing funding and plans/ where they could come and get the objectives articulated in the CDP. Ms. Agard necessary input and insight on their said that “honey was chosen because it is business. So, we’re using the cooperative one of those products which is in great to put everything in place to better demand in the specialty food market. facilitate the beekeepers.”

We went about developing the program, Export Saint Lucia CEO, Sunita Daniel said meeting all the conditions of the donor that “We welcomed this initiative as it agency and it was accepted. Subsequently provided invaluable capacity building for we had to defend the project in front of an Saint Lucia. It also brought about funding international panel of judges and a couple which will assist in the development and of weeks later we got the go ahead.” growth of the Apiary Industry, a very potent She also indicated that out of 7 regional industry, one which is growing globally, projects, Saint Lucia’s Honey Cluster especially with the health conscious. Our Development Plan was one of four which desire is to increase production of highwere successful in securing funding. quality natural honey which is export ready and globally competitive. We are John Charlemagne, a beekeeper from the extremely thankful to all the stakeholders Horizon Brothers Honey Producers says he for their hard work and especially Compete is excited about the project, particularly Caribbean for this initiative.” the implementation of standards for

In March 2019, Export Saint Lucia along with some regional Business Support Organizations (BSO’s) and private sector businesses were the beneficiaries of a Cluster Development Training Program

by Compete Caribbean. The training was designed to increase the capacity of the attendees towards the development of clusters in industries that showed the potential to benefit from clustering.

Subsequently, Compete Caribbean issued a call for proposals for Cluster Development Plans (CDP) that they would honey producers. fund if successful. Export Saint Lucia “We try to bring in an educational being the executing Agency coordinated component, because it’s no longer an the submission of two proposals with under the bush trade. It calls for proper assistance from Ministry of Agriculture, knowledge and application of apiculture SLBS, NCPC, IICA, SLCSI & Beekeepers standards, to ensure that we have a product Associations/Cooperatives, Cocoa Growers BusinessFocus

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that is a proper representation of Saint Lucia. Doing this project in collaboration with various entities like the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards and Export Saint Lucia we know that it will bring about success.”

Beekeepers and cooperatives say they are eager to get the ball rolling on the implementation of the Cluster Development Project and thank the various agencies spearheading the initiative. They say they look forward to the successes to be derived out of the project. n

GCG Ground Acquires Caribbean Dispatch Services Ltd. GCG Ground, a division of Goddard Enterprises Ltd has expanded its Ground Handling business with the acquisition of Caribbean Dispatch Services Ltd. (CDSL) in St. Lucia.

It is expected that the company’s 234 employees will remain unaffected by the acquisition which took effect on August 20th 2019. The company presently provides a full suite of ground handling services to both narrow and wide body aircraft at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in St. Lucia. CDSL presently services all the leading airlines that land at UVF including- Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Jet Blue, Thomas Cook Airlines, Sunwing Airlines, TUI Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways and West Jet.

Consumer Protection Advances in Saint Lucia

Consumer Protection Advances in Saint Lucia

By Ministry of Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs

GCG Ground Acquires Caribbean Dispatch Services Ltd.

Senior members of the GCG Group and CDSL Team from left Sherill Rismay - CDSL Human Resources Assistant, Lynda Pantoja – GCG Group Human Resources Manager, Aaron Grant – CDSL Acting General Manager, Bruno Barrientos – GCG Ground Handling Division Manager

CDSL Customer Service team for American Airlines

Managing Director of Goddard Enterprises Ltd Anthony Ali stated “We are extremely pleased to have the experienced team at CDSL as part of the Goddard Group through GCG Group. We know that both organisations will benefit by the association and look forward to working closely with the entire team there.”

through Goddard Catering Group (St Lucia) Ltd. We welcome the addition of the CDSL employees to our team of over 4,200 dedicated employees across the Caribbean and Latin America. We look forward to taking care of our customers and to working closely with all stakeholders in St Lucia and contributing to the growth and development of the country in general and tourism in particular.

President GCG Group Stewart Massiah commented “I am both humbled and excited by the opportunity to expand our Ground Handling operations to St Lucia where we have operated since 1987

CDSL has been providing ground handling services at UVF since 1994 and UVF is now the sixth Airport in the Caribbean and Latin America where GCG Ground provides ground handling services. n

The Consumer Affairs Department (CAD) is a step closer in the advancement of consumer protection in St. Lucia.

exchange and if we change it for you now and it happens a second time we not going to do it for you again. This is going to be something of the past.”

Legal Officer at the Ministry of Commerce Dylan Norbert-Inglis revealed that the consumer protection act passed in 2016 will soon have a commencement date.

Norbert-Inglis said: “It is now awaiting a commencement date which has not yet been given as a number of issues have been noted in the current draft. These issues are currently being discussed with the attorney general’s drafting unit, and we are working assiduously to remedy some of these issues. It is believed that within short order we should have the amendments ready for the act so that the amendments can be passed and a commencement date be given.”

Meanwhile, the National Consumers Association (NCA) has long advocated for the enactment of consumer protection legislation.

Former NCA President Hubert James said: “The question when you go to the stores, they tell you there’s no refund then no

James added: “I think the NCA over the years, over the past 12 plus years, has waited patiently, with a little bit of anxiety, to see this consumer protection act is passed.

I think it will bring a sense of relief to the Saint Lucian public and the consumers. To ensure that when they purchase anything from the private sector or from anywhere, there is a mechanism they can use. If they have any dissatisfaction with the service given to them, there is a place of redress.”

The Complaints and Investigation Unit at the Consumer Affairs Department is tasked with that responsibility of redressing consumer issues. The process is simple, if you the consumer has tried to resolve the matter with the business place and it has not been resolved, you come into Consumer Affairs and fill out a form, giving a statement of fact. Thereafter, the CAD will intervene on your behalf to settle the matter with the business. n BusinessFocus

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ECONOMY & TRADE

UK Economy Shrinks for First Time Since 2012 As Brexit Bites

UK Economy Shrinks for First Time Since 2012 As Brexit Bites

By Associated Press

The British economy unexpectedly shrank in the second quarter for the first time since 2012 as Brexit uncertainties heaped pressure on firms, official figures showed Friday.

shutdowns to April as they concluded that “tumbling business investment and the early weeks of a no-deal Brexit would stagnating productivity.” be the most disruptive. The combination of Sajid Javid, Britain’s new Treasury Chief, these Brexit-related developments led to a conceded that this is a “challenging” sharp 1.4% quarterly decline in the output period for the global economy, but insisted The decline is set to raise alarm that of production industries. the fundamentals remained “strong.” the economy could experience its first The fact that the overall economy “Wages are growing, employment is at a recession in a decade. Traders in currency performed worse than anticipated is record high and we’re forecast to grow markets appeared to reflect that concern, likely to increase concern about Brexit’s faster than Germany, Italy and Japan sending the pound down across the board, corrosive effect on the economy. Business this year,” he said. “The government is including to another 2-1/2 year low against investment, which has been historically determined to provide certainty to people the dollar of $1.2065. weak since the country voted in June 2016 and businesses on Brexit — that’s why we The drop illustrates the market to leave the EU, weakened further in the are clear that the U.K. is leaving the EU on disappointment to the quarterly second quarter, contracting by 0.5%.

31 October.” contraction, which lowered the annual “Brexit uncertainty, and to a lesser extent, The British economy is not expected to growth rate to 1.2% from 1.8% in the weaker global demand, has reduced firms’ fall into recession — commonly identified first quarter. Most analysts expected the appetites to expand,” said James Smith, as two quarters of economic contraction economy to flat-line. an economist at ING bank. “Meanwhile, — just yet as car manufacturers will be In seeking to explain the fall in the April- contingency planning activities for a operating in August, having brought June period, the Office for National no-deal Brexit are costly and often forward their maintenance period earlier Statistics noted there was “increased resource-intensive, reducing scope to lift in the year. And with all the talk of a novolatility around the U.K.’s original capital spending.” deal Brexit again, firms could start to build planned exit date from the European Union in late March.”

Brexit was meant to happen on March 29, but was delayed to the end of October after Parliament rejected the withdrawal agreement that the previous prime minister, Theresa May, had negotiated with the EU. Before the extension was granted, many firms used up warehouse space to help them cushion the likely disruption from Britain crashing out of the EU on March 29 without a deal. That stockpiling boon helped the economy grow by 0.5% in the first quarter. When the extension was granted, there was less need for firms to stockpile.

The run-up to the original Brexit date also prompted many car companies to bring forward their annual maintenance BusinessFocus

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May’s successor, Boris Johnson, has insisted that Britain will leave the EU on Halloween come what may. Johnson is demanding the bloc renegotiate the deal it struck with May’s government, something that EU leaders are refusing to do. That has stoked fears that Britain will leave the EU without a deal, which would see tariffs and other restrictions imposed on traded goods.

Most economists think that a no-deal Brexit would lead to a deep recession; even Brexit’s most passionate supporters say it would be disruptive in the shortterm. The Bank of England has indicated there is a one-in-three chance of a recession early next year even if a smooth Brexit is negotiated.

John McDonnell, economy spokesman for the opposition Labour Party, blamed the government’s “Brexit bungling” for

up their stocks again. Figures also showed that British consumers remain upbeat as wages are rising solidly.

However, Brexit uncertainty looks like it will get more acute in September, when Parliament returns from its summer recess and the political debate and maneuvering around a no-deal Brexit intensifies.

Opposition lawmakers are likely to try to bring down the government with a noconfidence vote in an attempt to avert a no-deal Brexit.

With so much in flux, business investment could take a further hit and consumers may also opt for caution as Halloween looms. Add in worries over the global economy as a result of the trade conflict between the United States and China, and it’s clear there are lots of ghouls and ghosts about.n

Coco Palm Resort

Caribbean Economies Growing The Economic Commission for grow by 2.2 per cent up from Latin America and the Caribbean 1.8 per cent in 2018.

(ECLAC) said economic growth It said that the slightly weaker across the Caribbean region is performance of the goods expected to increase slightly producing economies can to 2.1 per cent this year. ECLAC be linked to subdued global launched its “Economic Survey commodity prices. of the Caribbean 2019,” and the other hand, according to the Trinidad-based “On improvement in construction ECLAC deputy director, Dillon Alleyne, economic growth and tourism is expected strengthened across the Latin to contribute to the better America and Caribbean region economic performance of the service producing economies. in 2018.

All of the 15 Caribbean He said weighted average real economies assessed in the growth in the region rose to Economic Survey are expected two per cent last year relative to post positive growth in 2019 to -0.1 per cent in 2017 and that for the first time since 2007. amongst the fastest growing economies were Anguilla (10.9 “More specifically, Dominica (9.9 per cent), followed by Antigua per cent), Antigua and Barbuda and Barbuda (7.4 per cent), (5.9 per cent), Grenada (3.3 per Monserrat (5.2 per cent) and cent) and St Kitts and Nevis (3.1 per cent) are expected to be the Grenada (4.1 per cent). outstanding contributors to this “This growth trend is expected to positive forecast.” continue in 2019, as economic growth across the region is Alleyne said driving this expected to increase slightly to outturn is an anticipated strong 2.1 per cent,” he said, noting performance in tourism related that in particular, average activities, the construction growth rate of the Organisation sector, as well as robust results of Eastern Caribbean States in the Citizenship by Investment (OECS) economies is expected (CBI) programmes following to strengthen to 4.2 per cent in the reduction in the minimum 2019, which is above the global investment requirements for growth rate of 2.6 per cent as the CBI programmes by some well as the regional growth rate. OECS economies with Dominica having one of the lowest CBI ECLAC noted that the goods investment requirements. producing economies are expected to post a growth rate He said in the case of Guyana, of two per cent in 2019, down economic activity is also from 2.2 per cent last year, expected to accelerate (4.6 while the service producing per cent) ahead of the first economies are expected to commercial oil production in early 2020. n

Caribbean Economies Growing

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BUSINESS TECH

Caribbean Potential & The Digital Wave

Caribbean Potential

By Hanniffa Patterson

With the new digital wave comes myriad opportunities for the Caribbean, to step up and make a mark on this bold (new) world. Gone are the days when social media was seen as just a game. People are now realising that we are on the tail end of a digital revolution and that now is the time to jump in and make some moves, before we are left behind.

In this article I’ll unveil a few things that as Caribbean citizens, the digital wave has brought to us.

OPPORTUNITY FOR ONLINE LEARNING Though unemployment has reportedly decreased, it is no secret that the Caribbean still has a large unemployed population.

This is both an opportunity for students to learn on their own, but also for potential teachers to come to the fore and make money teaching their skills online — not just to the region, but to the world. And this brings us to my second point.

Today the barriers to entry have been reduced significantly. Almost everyone has a smartphone capable of filming or photography, and there are numerous free and paid apps which can do highlevel post production.

INCREASED JOB OPPORTUNITIES

I rarely now head to Photoshop or my computer to edit photos as I did in days of old. I have several free or cheap apps for that which, honestly give comparable photo editing for the time and effort required. Traditional professional tools such as a DSLR camera or Photoshop tools are simply not necessary.

One compliment Caribbean people often get when they travel is how well they speak English. There is definitely a market for fluent English speakers in numerous areas, be it in customer service, as virtual assistants, in online teaching, writing, or as voice over talent.

This is facilitated by the many VoIp services So why aren’t we doing more, why aren’t such as WhatsApp, Skype and Zoom and we creating more? Why aren’t we putting more content online?

In addition, there are many people who the advanced recording applications are not interested in the traditional on our smart phones. Thanks to these This is probably one of our greatest areas lengthy and expensive three- and four- applications our citizens are more able to of untapped potential in this digital age. year college options. The digital world is acquire new skills, upgrade themselves, FUTURE ROLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT an outstanding alternative to present to and be able to then deliver these services As we do step up to meet the need, them. Currently, we can learn so much to an international market, not just locally. the Government may need to create through the Internet — whether through CONTENT CREATION AND strategies to monitor and manage the the school of YouTube or other online ENTERTAINMENT EXPORT product leaving the island, to ensure educational platforms.

We are natural entertainers and creatives. that people are trained well and that our People are now able to attend courses The ratio of creativity to the size of the brands are being preserved. With the from the comfort and privacy of their nation is truly immense. There is really potential of exportation, there is also the homes, in various subjects, and for much something in the water. But are we truly risk of exporting low-quality content and shorter durations. capitalising on this potential? The digital fuelling a stereotype.

A three-month online course could equip age is driven by content.

The citizens will also have to get on board an individual with real, valuable skills.

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and realise that the brand is not just

& The Digital Wave

something the Government is trying to push, but that the brand is everyone’s brand, and so should be preserved and cared for. This meaning even in how and what we share about our beautiful islands online.

We’ll have to learn to use social media responsibly.

DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL SKILLS How are we capitalising on the opportunity to create highly skilled persons in tech? People who will have the technical skills to create the machines and software of the future?

Companies could partner with some of these technical schools so that students could be trained and streamlined for certain skill sets from early on.

In France, by the time they get to high school, students choose schools that are focused on their area of interest.

So a teenager who hopes to become a baker, or work in media, or even become an engineer, attends a high school that offers courses geared toward this particular subject or skill. These schools then produce highly skilled, laserfocused professionals.

So “technical high”, should no longer be perceived as something to be looked down on. We are in a technical age. Such

schools should be teaching courses on machine learning, coding etc. There is still time for us to jump in and learn and evolve with these new industries.

I still remember how ridiculous it looked when I said I was studying social media marketing. I’ve since had a few friends confess and apologise for their disbelief in the leviathan that social media has turned out to be.

One 2015 CNN article suggests it has created over “455 million jobs around the world and added 227 billion, to the world economy” — and that was in 2015.

Facebook and social media did not exist 20 years ago. This is mind-blowing. Let us ensure we equip our youth and people in the Caribbean to ride the wave.

Such areas could prove to be areas of equalisation for the region, as a great digital marketer in the Caribbean is just as good as one located in Europe or the US. Let’s just get our people competent and confident.

DEVELOPMENT OF ESSENTIAL SOFT SKILLS Finally, with the new global digital and tech opportunities we will also have to shore up on our soft skills — things such as manners, discipline and integrity.

When dealing with clients and colleagues

around the world, certain cultural excuses, will not be tolerated.

When part of a remote global team, one can’t log in at 8:50 for an 8:00 meeting and explain it with “Island time”. Nor will the fact that you are working from home be an excuse for lying about how many hours one worked for the day. We will have to learn to work in a new paradigm, while maintaining old, universal values.

Every country will be called to do the same, but as a region we will have to focus on those areas we traditionally struggle in so as to stand out and compete in the global market.

The Caribbean is ideally placed geopolitically and culturally. This presents an opportunity for us on so many levels.

We are close enough to the major political players and are geopolitically aware enough to play, or be seen as relevant players.

Let us position ourselves as a source for a highly skilled workforce, as the Caribbean’s creative hub, and as the source for the most talented entrepreneurs. All within our reach, thanks to this digital revolution.

Let us act now…n

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BUSINESS TECH

CXC to Go ‘Fully Digital’ in 2020

CXC to Go ‘Fully Digital’ in 2020 An e-learning hub and on-demand testing are among innovations the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has announced, as it moves ahead with the full “digital transformation” of regional secondary education next year.

And the regional exam body continues to tout the benefits of its fledgling primary school exit assessment in the Eastern Caribbean.

All multiple-choice papers and Wesley also praised the Caribbean several other paper tools are to Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) be made available electronically, exams – CXC’s common entrance Wesley said. The British Virgin exam currently administered Islands is the first territory to in the Eastern Caribbean states administer all exams electronically. – as proving to be of great He told educators: “Test preparation benefit to students. He noted is also being done automatically. that Montserrat serves as the And this is what is going to be best example in the region able to allow us to offer tests on in administering the ‘elevendemand because we are now plus’ test, and encouraged robustly building a huge database other countries to follow suit as electronically so we at the click according to him, it lays a sound of a button we can generate foundation for students leaving an examination meeting all the primary school.

Speaking in Montserrat at the official release of the results of this year’s exams, new CXC Registrar Wayne Wesley said specifications required from the change is expected to take the syllabus. effect in 2020, and will also “Script marking, that’s what we’re involve the transformation of engaged in now. All our exams operations at the Barbados-based except for a few which we’re examining body. still working through are being marked electronically online to Wesley said: “After all most of speed up the process and to our young people growing up ensure that we can quickly collate right now are more adept at the and make grades available to you use of technology than us older on time.” folk. And so, we need to get into their space so that we can maximize learning.”

The change will see students having access to on-demand testing, scheduling and an e-learning hub. The Registrar said: “One of the things that we want to accomplish here is that the infrastructure will be in place so that the best teachers across the system will be made available to everyone on the learning hub.”

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The CXC chief declared: “It tells us that the foundation from the CPEA and the CCSLC (Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Competence) is really causing students to do better because we’re building on the principles established.”

He also encouraged the modification of the CPEA to allow students to learn a foreign language early in their education.

Students will also be able to access “One of the modifications that their exam results electronically, I’m thinking about, is that it is Wesley said, as CXC has piloted important for this new generation e-certificates to candidates who that they are bilingual. And the registered last year, and they will best way to get a generation soon be receiving their results bilingual is to start from and certificates online. CXC is kindergarten,” Wesley said. n advising employers of the new system, so that they will accept the e-certificates, he said, adding that it is also a safeguard against damage from disasters.

The ProTool provides comprehensive assessments of various business operations.

sector, and the micro to large businesses that are members of the SMA.

“Right now we do not have a tool. The larger companies have systems in place to measure but the majority don’t have any way of measuring their productivity.

I don’t even think they see it as a hindrance, but the bigger companies look at it in a holistic way because this is what will drive their business. But I think if every business does it, it will show us within the sector what areas need improving, and what we need to “Measuring productivity is important do to be more productive.” for any business, as it is important to Compete Caribbean will be assisting the assess performance and how efficiently NCPC in creating an online application resources are utilized,” NCPC Director for the ProTool for greater access Fiona Hinkson said, as she presented the and availability for businesses. The ProTool at the annual general meeting ProTool, designed and created by the of the Saint Lucia Manufacturers NCPC will be officially launched during Association (SMA). “Productivity is Productivity Awareness Week (October different from measuring profitability 14 to 18.) because it assesses how efficiently The NCPC has also presented the the inputs of resources, labour, and ProTool to the Saint Lucia Chamber of capital are used.”

Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture. n Micro toNCPC large manufacturers Presents were recently introduced to the ProTool, a ProTool productivity-measuring tool created by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC).

The ProTool will allow businesses to measure productivity levels while providing qualitative and quantitative assessments of various business operations.

NCPC

PRESENTS PROTOOL

SMA Executive Director Paula James, said the ProTool holds many benefits for the

W2E Now – The App Which Provides a Digital Platform for Menus of All Restaurants in St. Lucia

W2E Now – The App Which Provides a Digital Platform for Menus of All Restaurants in St. Lucia

W2E (Where 2 Eat) is the newest Mobile App in St. Lucia which serves as a single source for the menus of all restaurants in St. Lucia! W2E allows St. Lucians to browse the menus of all restaurants on the island – from Cap Estate to Vieux Fort, from their mobile phones.

add photos, new menu items, specials, promotions and more. Reach your existing and new customers and keep them up to date. The business version of the app is available by selecting “W2E Business” in the Settings menu.

Feeling for something specific… like tacos or steak? Use the search feature, and see where it is located. Not sure which restaurants are nearby? Simply select your location and you’ll immediately get nearby restaurants along with directions! Hungry, but not sure what you want? “Shake” the app and see what it suggests.

For further information on W2E Now, please contact Huanna Leon or Benton Bowers at business@w2enow.com. n

W2E is the best app that you didn’t know User friendly, convenient and informative, you needed. Download it now from the W2E makes deciding on a place to eat, Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. easy and hassle-free. W2E is the place to Follow us on social media @w2enow, check discover new restaurants and new dishes, out our website –www.w2enow.com and and it provides an avenue to read and write keep up with our updates, and to get great reviews as you dine around the island. restaurant and food recommendations!

For restaurant owners, W2E allows you full control to manage your listing –

W2E Now BusinessFocus

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PORT SHOWCASE 2019 PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST OF ITS KIND:

PORT SHOWCASE: A Promenade of Port Connectivity bringing together businesses within the air and seaport community.

Date: September 23rd – 25th Venue: Harbor Club Hotel, Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia Three full-packed days of powerhouse maritime and aviation industry discussions, presentations, first-hand insights with exceptional networking activities.

PARTICIPATING INDUSTRY PARTNERS • • • • • •

Shipping Agents – Cargo Carriers Financiers Cruise Agents Air Cargo Customs & Excise Non Vessel Operating Common Carriers

• • • • • •

Trucking Companies Customs Brokers Tour Operators Air Cargo Immigration Airport Ground Handlers

PORT SHOWCASE 2019 - CONNECTING PEOPLE, PARTNERS AND THE WORLD REGISTER AT WWW.SLASPAEVENTS.COM BusinessFocus

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St. Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority

St. Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority

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MONEY MATTERS

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY

Corporate Social Responsibilty

Identifying the Perfect Cause!

By Kezia Preville

Why Corporate Social Responsibility?

The cornerstone of Corporate Social Responsibility is the manner in which a company conducts business ethically; the social, economic and environmental impact on the environment in which the business operates. A business with ethics would consequently pass on its value systems and beliefs to its employees and customers, and this fundamentally becomes the driving force behind its customers’ buying behaviour. Practice what you preach! When customers see evidence of your charitable work or social consciousness, then buying your products, using your services and becoming an advocate for your business will follow.

Corporate Social Responsibility is classed as: 1. P hilanthropic Giving which entails donations of one’s time, cash and or resources to a charitable undertaking.

Most cases include causes of a human rights, national disaster relief, sporting, arts development, educational or poverty reduction nature. While some entities may choose to remain anonymous, most must highlight their involvement in the activity to create goodwill among staff and customers (and for tax purposes at times).

2. Environmental Sustainability initiatives would focus on ways in which pollution can be limited, the reduction of greenhouse gases and raising awareness of the environmental issues.

An example is the reduction of the carbon footprint by using energy saving bulbs and smart building systems to reduce emissions.

3. Economic Responsibility would focus the company’s long-term growth goals on achieving a predetermined set of ethical, environmental and philanthropic practices. As the company BusinessFocus

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improves their operations it would simultaneously engage in sustainable practices to achieve these goals.

What do you believe in?

As a company, beliefs and values can be based on a myriad of areas including the employees’ personal convictions.

When choosing the right cause, it is not necessary to have a direct link between the nature of the business and the cause for a partnership to be formulated. A good example is a firm producing mattresses may consider supporting a young sports club through its internal social group through training, uniform donations and other hands on aspects. In this instance, the firm has chosen a cause based on the needs of the community and an activity the team may be interesting in supporting.

In such a situation, the company has chosen to be socially responsible through an activity which affects the community in which it operates and add value to the direct grouping.

On the flip side, a retailer of footballs made from recyclable material may support the same sports club by donating footballs. The company is similarly supporting its community but has gone beyond philanthropic support and has also given based on environmental sustainability.

Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility?

Companies see Corporate Social Responsibility as part of their main strategic goals. Thusly, initiatives have be known to develop brand recognition, boost the business’s reputation, help

augment sales and increase customer loyalty. Ensuring that the core of the initiatives accomplishes its main goals as it relates to the community support is crucial. The additional benefits which support the company’s internal agendas is also essential and an added value at the same time.

Need more information on how to find a cause or develop a programme to support an environmental, social or charitable cause? Seek support from an agency to find the right fit! n

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.

Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC) Elects New Executive

Khalil Alli – New President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC)

Khalil Alli, from Guyana, has been elected as the President while David Simpson, from Barbados, has been elected as the Vice-President.

Alli joined the ICAC Board as the director for Guyana in 2011 and served as its Secretary over the years 2013 to 2017 and then as Vice-President from 2017 to 2019. He is a member of the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana and served as its President from 2008 to 2011. Alli is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and is a partner with a public accountancy practice in Guyana.

Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC) Elects New Executive the role of, and the need for an ICAC has grown over time, in direct relation to the promulgation of legislation and international rules, regulations and norms applicable to our profession. With eight member-bodies representing just over 4000 members, we have asserted the position of the ICAC such that we are officially recognized as a regional body by the International Federation of Accountants, the World Bank and the other similar international bodies. As a Board, we have been working assiduously to keep the organization effective and capable of fulfilling this increasingly important role,” noted Alli in his inaugural speech.

Some of the present priorities for ICAC, as set out by Mr. Alli, include:

Public Financial Management “In many of our economies, government spending continues to be a significant contributor to GDP. Despite this, most of our governments continue to apply cash accounting instead of accrual-based accounting. Many of our governments have committed to the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards but full and effective adoption has been slow. In 2017, the ICAC collaborated with the IFAC, with support from CPA Canada, to initiate the sensitization of senior government functionaries from across the region on the process and benefits of transitioning to IPSAS as the basis of public sector financial reporting. We will continue our efforts in this regard, complementing those of our member bodies that have already initiated actions in this direction.”

Representation of the Regional Profession “As the standardization of rules and regulations becomes embedded across the region, it is clear that we must have a voice in the crafting of these standards and in the direction of the global profession.

Once thought to be impossible, the region has now seen that representation on the international governance and standard-setting bodies is certainly within our reach. The service of Pamela Munroe Ellis and Lisa Padmore on the IFAC Board, and Andrew Braithwaite on the SMP Committee of IFAC is clear evidence of this. The ICAC will more actively pursue regional candidates for openings on these international bodies.”

Simpson served as President of the PAO Development Institute of Chartered Accountants of “The ICAC will also continue to work Barbados (ICAB) from 2012-2014 and closely with member bodies to develop was a member of its council from 2005 to common strategies to improve on their 2017. He joined the board of the ICAC in oversight role of the profession. The ICAC June 2015 and served as Treasurer from has been highly successful in coordinating 2015 to 2019. Simpson is a fellow of ICAB and negotiating a common approach and the Association of Chartered Certified to practice monitoring, a key facet of Accountants (ACCA). He currently an effective quality assurance program. provides accounting and other financial Presently, the ICAC is focused on the management advisory services to small Investigation and Disciplinary processes Technical Matters and medium-sized enterprises. of member bodies. In September 2018, “The ICAC will continue to focus on areas Andrea St. Rose from Saint Lucia has the chairpersons of Investigation and of common challenge for professionals been named a Director representing the Disciplinary committees from across across the region, serving as a conduit Eastern Caribbean. The other directors for member bodies benefitted from the for high-quality resources from outside the 2019 – 2021 term are Gowon Bowe insights of senior personnel from ACCA the region. One identified challenge on from The Bahamas, Claude Burrell from of the United Kingdom. It was evident the horizon is the introduction of IFRS 17 Belize, Raymond Campbell from Jamaica, from that interaction that improvements on Insurance Contracts, which is set to Michael Lutchman from Suriname and are necessary in members’ rules and overshadow IFRS 9 in terms of complexity.

Denise Chinpire O’Reilly from Trinidad processes. The ICAC will advance As Caribbean insurers and actuaries and Tobago. this initiative and facilitate further are turning their attention to this new standard, there will be need for guidance “Formed as a forum for the advancement opportunities to assist members’ efforts on its implementation and application.” n of the accounting profession in the region, in this regard.”

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MONEY MATTERS

Invest Saint Lucia Supports Next Generation of Business Leaders In keeping with its mandate to spur investment, Invest Saint Lucia has lent its support to a youth mentorship initiative organized by local company HR Wise.

Called the EDGE Youth Mentorship Program. The not-for-profit program is designed to equip young persons between the ages of 16 and 21, with the information and life skills required to manage their transition from the school environment into the workplace and develop into well rounded citizens.

The EDGE annual 3-week summer workshop, followed by internship opportunities, serves as an induction program for young Saint Lucians about to enter the world of work and is designed to improve knowledge, clarify workplace expectations and build strong work ethic.

The program covers topics such as career planning and development, communication,

workplace etiquette, customer excellence, employment essentials, personal brand, interview skills, social media and attitude, entrepreneurship, among others.

Speaking at the formal cheque presentation ceremony, Ms. Goretti J Paul, founder and Managing Director of HR Wise, expressed her deep gratitude for Invest Saint Lucia’s continued support and emphasized the value of this innovative exercise, “EDGE serves as a platform for responsible corporate citizens to work together and make a positive impact on the social transformation of our young persons. This important group is key to the future success of our companies and by extension our country.”

Commenting on Invest Saint Lucia’s sponsorship, Marketing Officer Shirlyn Elliodore stated that “For Invest Saint Lucia, the program is a perfect platform to engage young persons on the benefits

Saint Lucia Fisher-Folk to Benefit from Post-Disaster Insurance Fisher-Folk in Saint Lucia and Grenada are the first in the Caribbean to be covered under a unique insurance policy post the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Lucia and Grenada will be the first to benefit under this insurance policy, the release disclosed.

It quoted CCRIF’s representative, Elizabeth Emmanuel as saying that her mission was to raise awareness of this product by promoting it to the fisheries sector on island.

Invest Saint Lucia Supports Next Generation of Business Leaders

ISL's Communications and Marketing Assistant, Yves Peter mentoring youth on entrepreneurship

of youth entrepreneurship. We see this program as a nursery for many young and aspiring business-oriented individuals to grow to appreciate entrepreneurship on a small and global scale as well as the intangible value of career-oriented mandates and goals. In addition, there is the added benefit of having access to a pool of job ready applicants but more importantly participating in engineering the overall success of Saint Lucia’s future business leaders.” n

Saint Lucia Fisher-Folk to Benefit from PostDisaster Insurance for hurricanes, tropical cyclones, excess rainfall and earthquakes.

Parametric insurance differs from Indemnity insurance as it provides quick liquidity, within fourteen days, to governments post a catastrophic event. It is also calculated based on the severity of the disaster. CCRIF and its products are known as ex-ante risk financing instruments.

According to a release from the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC), with fisher-folk usually counting their losses post the hurricane season they sense relief is finally at hand.

“We have been working on bringing this The release noted that a team from the product to market. The World Bank, “St. Lucia has been a member of CCRIF since World Bank alongside officials from the CCRIF, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries its inception in 2007. St. Lucia has received Caribbean Catastrophy Risk Insurance Mechanism, and the US State Department four payouts. Many persons in the recent Facility (CCRIF SPC) were recently on island in collaboration with the governments of times would have remembered Matthew in to launch the first of its kind insurance St. Lucia and Grenada have been working 2016, in which St. Lucia received a payout. policy specific to the fisheries sector. for something like two and a half to three To date CRIFF has made 38 payouts to 13 years to bring this product to market. I of its 21 member governments, payouts It explained that the Caribbean Oceans and think we are very excited about it and so totaling US$139 million,” according to Aquaculture Sustainability Facility acronym too are our fishers,” Emmanuel stated. the NCPC.n COAST, is an insurance product geared at safeguarding the livelihood of fisher-folk in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Though earmarked for the Caribbean region St. BusinessFocus

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She noted that CCRIF was formed as the first multi-country risk pool in the world providing parametric insurance products

HACS

Celebrating SPECIAL FEATURE

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The Air Cargo Business in St. Lucia

The AIR CARGO BUSINESS IN ST. LUCIA The industry took its rise in St. Lucia with the commissioning of the Hewanorra International Airport in 1971. Much emphasis was placed then on the exportation of breadfruit, mangoes and other non-traditional crops to the United Kingdom. Import cargo was then very minimal.

In the 1980’s, the government’s economic focus had been built on the tripod of Agriculture, Tourism and Manufacturing. With that, the need of additional airlift emerged and as a consequence, new destinations and capacity for the carriage of air cargo became available to London, Europe, North America, Canada and the Caribbean.

The decline in our economic fortunes in the areas of agriculture and manufacturing in the past, were brought about as a result of the WTO ruling on trade, tropical storms and hurricanes and the opening of new and cheaper labour markets in South and Central America and elsewhere.

Notwithstanding, the exportation of fresh fruits and vegetables continued to enjoy its fare share of the market.

The carriage of fruits and vegetables accounts for over 75% of the total air BusinessFocus

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cargo business at the Hewanorra cargo facility. The growth in the ocean freight business, now poses as a contender, given its comparatively cheaper rates and increased volumes. Even then, there is an opportunity to marry the two (Air/ Ocean Freight) services in light of the development of a Cruise Ship Port in the south, along with the increase activities envisaged at Port Vieux Fort.

Airports and two Seaports. The G.F.L. Charles Airport and Port Castries located in the Capital, Castries and Hewanorra International Airport and Port Vieux Fort in the south of the country. These infrastructural developments are aptly suited for the creation of the “Cargo Hub” concept. This could be well served at the Hewanorra International Airport facilities in particular. The trans-shipment of air cargo will be well catered for and as prescribed by the industry.

While there has been a decline in some sections of the manufacturing sector, the established electronics, beverages, CARICOM governments, in their approach paper products, roofing and other light to CSME have agreed to identify and industries continue to hold their own. promote Extra-Regional Exports. The The importation of raw materials and necessary mechanisms (Trade Agreements equipment to satisfy the various needs and Market Study) are being worked out will remain a permanent factor. The to ensure a great measure of success. At expansion of existing hotels and the a meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture construction of new ones give rise to much held in St. Lucia in 2002, the following optimism in the industry. The proposed were some of the aspects enlisted in an HIA development, the construction of an action plan: International Standard Racing Track and its accompanying facilities and the proposed • Strengthening institutional capacity. development of a Cruise Ship Port among • P roduction and Marketing and others, are indicators of the limitless • Private Sector participation. possibilities for growth in the air cargo business in the future.

It is important to note that in this sector local handling services are carried out Ideally, St. Lucia has positioned itself

by American Airlines, Amerijet, and to serve the needs of its importers and Hewanorra Air Cargo Services. exporters with the existence of two

Congratulations for your years of continued support and excellent customer service

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The History of HACS

The history of HACS

HEWANORRA AIR CARGO SERVICES (HACS) – THE COMPANY Hewanorra Air Cargo Services (HACS), a subsidiary of Phoenix Services Ltd., is a duly incorporated business under the Companies Act, 1995 of St. Lucia.

We are primarily involved in the business of: • Cargo Handling.

• Customs Brokerage.

HACS has taken on its own identity since securing its first five-year lease to operate the Cargo Terminal at Hewanorra International Airport. There we focus totally on and provide an unmatched level of cargo handling service to our numerous clients on all sides of the industry i.e. shippers, consignees and airlines alike.

The company came into being on 06 June 1994, and carries with it personnel with a wealth of experience in the industry. It is made up of individuals who, through dint of hard work and training, possess a sound knowledge in all aspects of aircraft, ramp, cargohandling and customs brokerage. This is complimented by our highly skilled, qualified and experienced Personnel in management. The team’s training BusinessFocus

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and orientation in management and Sunwing. We also previously served as customer service have redounded to the agents for American Airlines, Air Liberte, dynamic and successful handling of the Caledonian Airways, Air 2000, Britannia cargo business. Collectively, our directors Airlines, BWIA International, Air Jamaica, and staff share over one hundred (100) Canada 3000, Sky Services, AOM, Royal years in the airline industry, the majority Airlines and Helen Air. of us at that time, having been previously employed with LIAT (1974) Ltd., then A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE handling agents for BWIA, British Airways, The effectiveness of this company Air Canada, several Charter Companies has been contingent largely on the competence, experience, knowledge and American Airlines. and enthusiasm of a highly motivated Hewanorra Air Cargo Services became team. Our personnel are trained and an approved and registered Cargo Agent qualified in the appropriate areas to with IATA, as at 31 July 1996. The IATA ensure the continuity of quality service numeric code assigned to the company is to the satisfaction of Airlines, shippers 58-1-0885. This is undoubtedly a mark of and consignees alike. Our attendance at our determination to provide an efficient Cargo seminars and conferences, have and quality service to our customers. gained for us a great deal of experience in Since coming on the scene in 1994, it all aspects of the service. Members of our became necessary to open a branch staff have been trained in the handling of office in Castries, which is housed in the Dangerous Goods and Live Animals, Cargo LIAT-operated Cargo Warehouse, at the Rates, Cargo automation, Cargo and Mail G.F.L. Charles Airport. This has allowed handling, Customer Service, Accounts for effective linkage and a reliable system and Customs Brokerage. All our staff are for the transfer of cargo to and from computer literate. the respective bonded warehouses and ultimately ensuring the satisfaction of OUR TEAM our customers’ needs. Unfortunately, this The current composition of our staff operation had to be discontinued as a structure will satisfy the mediumresult of changes effected by the Authority term plans of the company. The staff in the sector. It is hoped that prudence compliment of twenty (20) ensures will direct a correction to the anomaly and the effective day-to-day running of the hasten the return to normalcy. company. We have a well-diversified team who consistently contribute to the needs Currently, HACS acts as Cargo Handling of customers and the airlines alike.

Agents for Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Air Canada, Delta Airlines, West Jet, Notwithstanding the present abilities Caribbean Airlines, TUI Airlines and of the staff, new areas of training and

development will be undertaken to cater to the growing needs of both the staff and the industry. Greater emphasis will be placed on Training in; (1) Cargo Automation (2) Customer Service (3) Handling of Dangerous Goods (4) Cargo Security and (5) Customs Brokerage.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE Despite the established operational hours during which goods may be cleared from the bond, HACS will ensure that delivery of urgent, perishable and valuable goods is facilitated outside of these hours. However, Customs approval must be secured in advance and the requisite payments must be made to the appropriate authorities. It is also important to note that facilitation of exports outside of these hours can also occur and so staff are on hand to ensure freight is delivered to aircraft among other operational functions.

SAFETY & SECURITY The security of air cargo is synonymous with safety, professional handling and the quality of service meted to our customers.

HACS has a responsibility to the contracted carriers to ensure that security requirements are adhered to. Currently, the service of General Security Services is utilized in the performance of appropriate security processes needed during the acceptance of cargo for carriage.

HACS continues to be an active participant in all matters and discussions related to security and safety organized by the Airport Authority and other major stakeholders.

OUR MISSION To provide an economical and un-matched level of quality service to the satisfaction of all customers, while at the same time, facilitating the development and advancement of the cargo business in St. Lucia.

OUR VISION To remain the premier air cargo handling company in St. Lucia. To ensure the success of all who have a stake in the business and exploring new ventures in related fields.

CONTACT US Telephone : 758 454 8686 Fax : 758 454 8600 EMAIL: Admin : rhonc@candw.lc Operations : hacs@candw.lc Hewanorra International Airport P.O. Box 301 Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia BusinessFocus

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Operations

Staff Profiles: Hewanorra Air Cargo shed

Operations - Staff Profiles: Hewanorra Air Cargo Shed

MICAIAH POLEON

EMMERSON DANIEL

Year of Employment: 2009 Position: Senior Cargo Agent

Year of Employment: 2004 Position: Senior Cargo Agent

In his 10th year of being a member of staff Micaiah his demonstrated his love for the air cargo business. In addition to working at the main office, he also has responsibility for the Caribbean Airlines operation at GFL Charles cargo shed. He is always willing to assist when called upon and is always up to a challenge.

Emmerson is a seasoned cargo agent and his ability to execute his duties over the years has lead him to be the Lead British Airways agent. His knowledge of the operation and love for technology has created that synergy necessary to adapt to the automation within the cargo industry. He is a valued team member at HACS.

Year of Employment: 2018 Position: Cashier Determined and focused defines Glennora and her work ethic. She is a pleasure to work with and continues to excel in the tasks allocated to her. Her ability to adapt to the new accounting system and manage various aspects of the customer service experience is exemplary.

GLENNORA JOHANNES Year of Employment: 2018 Position: Cargo Agent Denzel is relatively new to the staff and has proven him himself to be efficient and eager to learn. His contribution thus far is commendable and we look forward to having him develop as a cargo agent through training and day to day experiences.

DENZEL MENTOR BusinessFocus

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(L-R) : Gaphie, Valance, Valence, Lee, Webster, Gidian

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An Overview of the Pioneers - a) Eldridge Stephens

An Overview of the Pioneers ELDRIDGE STEPHENS Chairman

The son of a fisherman and a sanitation worker prides his achievements on his upbringing, the principles of hard work, respect for others, love of self, family and community along with the other underlying and nurturing values inculcated in him by the grandparents and grand aunts who raised him in his formative years. The shortcomings or needs of the day, together with the disadvantages of the social structure of earlier years were challenges that were confronted and surmounted with the assistance and support of teachers, parents, extended family and friends.

He remains eternally grateful to all who played a part in his evolution and accomplishments and most especially, Peternise, his wife of 46 years.

He was educated at the Vieux Fort Boys Primary school and appointed a Pupil Teacher there in 1963. Later, he was awarded a three-year scholarship to the St. Mary’s College, in order to gain a secondary education.

A CAREER PATH At the end of this, Eldridge returned to rejoin the teaching staff at the Vieux Fort Boys Primary but within one year of his return left to take up a position at the Vieux Fort Post Office. Shortly BusinessFocus

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after (six months) he resigned to take up a job as an Asphalt Inspector during the construction of the Hewanorra Airport runway. With that construction job coming to an end, a job as a store keeper at the Halcyon Days Hotel was secured towards the end of 1970.

By July of 1971 he gained employment as an Airline Agent at the Hewanorra International Airport with Leeward Islands Air Transport (Liat), later to become LIAT (1974) Ltd. He took advantage of and succeeded in all aspects of training to include supervisory and management training available in the industry and provided by Liat, British Airways, BWIA, Air Canada, Pan Am and Aer Lingus.

Such training had taken him to London, Ireland, USA, Canada and many of the Caribbean islands.

Notwithstanding the training received in Supervisory and Management with the company and in an effort to enhance his skills, he pursued training in Small Business Management, Principles and Techniques of Management and Organizational Behaviour, with the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College Continuing Education Programme. Eldridge spent some 23 years with LIAT (1974) Ltd., there becoming the Superintendent in charge of the operations at Hewanorra International Airport for approximately 15 years until the operation closed in 1994.

Having been made redundant in 1994 and there being no likelihood of another

job offer within the company, Eldridge thought that he should consider selfemployment and as a result established and registered his own company, Phoenix Services Ltd. The passenger and ground handling services were put out to tender

by SLASPA at that time and so an effort was made with the assistance of a friend to secure the passenger and ramp handling concessions at the HIA. This proved unsuccessful. It was then that he, being undaunted, turned to family and so established the Hewanorra Air Cargo Services (HACS) business name. The purpose was and still is to provide Air

Eldridge back in the day as Supervisor of LIAT

and only local cargo company in St. Lucia to be registered� he touted, a feature we are very proud of. Thus recognised, the doors were opened to begin to negotiate cargo handling agreements with Air Canada, British Airways and BWIA now Caribbean Airlines initially. Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines and WestJet (including the afore-mentioned), are among the principal carriers in our portfolio today.

Eldridge And Peternise At His Investiture

Cargo Handling and Customs Brokerage Services. Cargo handling, was seemingly the forgotten baby, as there was a dearth of interest in that element or arm of the industry by the relevant parties. To him this was an opportunity that should not be missed.

Like every small business, teething problems, both large and small, would surface during the infant stage of the business. A spirit of steadfastness, sacrifice, belief and perseverance are tools in their armory which were beneficial in their quest to overcome the odds. Many of the home-grown issues were met head-on.

But for the determination and astuteness of the owners and the team of competent and dedicated staff, HACS would have been a thing of the past. The bastardly attacks from known and unknown quarters posed to us a formidable and troubling challenge. Attempts to blatantly compromise and manipulate established rules and regulations to the advantage of a preferred or selected few, must never be allowed as acceptable. Many soon found out, that the business of Cargo handling has never been a mundane task and that the absence of qualifications and experience, together with recognition and bona fide agreements, will always stand between the genuine and the bogus.

HACS survived to fight another day.

He promptly sought the permission and agreement of the carriers and LIAT management to fill the void created by the discontinuation of cargo services provided

by LIAT (1974). He was determined that the cargo operations at Hewanorra The imposed journey as a home-based airport should not be allowed to be company which led to the want of a home, disrupted for want of a service provider. saw HACS being moved un-ceremoniously The understanding of the Authority was in 2002 from the cargo operations location. secured (thanks to Mr. Herald Wilson), The first stop was at a building in the Free while they prepared for and until the Zone, only to be forced to make a hasty formal tendering process was complete. retreat to an NDC factory shell in the area Further, no carrier would officially engage the services of the company, until it had been registered with IATA, notwithstanding the ability, knowledge and qualifications possessed.

HACS entered the tendering process and fortunately won the favour of the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority in June of 1994. This was still not adequate to gain contractual arrangement with the Airlines. Eldridge recounts that, the encouragement, assistance and support of Mr. John Buchanan, then Area Manager of Air Canada, would eventually see the registration of the company with IATA in 1996. “This made our company the first

and later to the Daher Commercial building in Beane Field, Vieux Fort. The unsavory acts by operatives left management dumbfounded. The disruptions of the past were costly, distracting and a drain on their energies. Even the treatment of our cargo attendants was harsh to say the least. Notwithstanding, they did not allow their service, nor contractual obligations to suffer. They remained focused and purposeful in the face of all the aggravation. HACS now operates an administrative department at New Dock Rd., while the cargo operations department currently functions at the Hewanorra Cargo Facility.

Eldridge at High Commission Office in London

Caption here Eldridge and Peternise after their Golden Jubileegoes Celebration BusinessFocus

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Services Inc., having been called upon by the shareholders of the company (All stevedore at Port Vieux Fort) to assist them in getting the undertaking off to a good start – a role he takes seriously as if the business was his own.

THE SPORTSMAN

Eldridge with Rhon and his Family

COMMUNITY/NATIONAL SERVICE LION ELDRIDGE – THE VOLUNTEER & STANDARD BEARER

Jones Fellowship Award, The International President’s Awards and the International President Leadership Award.

A distinguished member of the Lions THE COMMUNITY MAN Club of Vieux Fort from 1981, he has Mr. Eldridge Stephens could be described as held senior positions at the Club, Zone, a consummate community service worker.

Region, Sub-District and Multiple District Being the son of a fisherman, he was levels. Lion Eldridge, as he is referred to invited by Mr. Hamilton Vitalis to assist in the Lions organisation, was elected with the administration of the Goodwill District Governor for Sub-District 60B Fishermen Cooperative he organised in in 1999-2000, as he followed in the the 1970s. There he accepted the position footsteps of Deceased Past District of Secretary and later acted as Secretary/ Governor, Lion Roger Eudoxie, to be the Manager. He served there during the second St. Lucian to hold this position. period 1972-1974.

The following year, he rose to the highest A member of the St. Mary’s College St office in the Multiple District, Chairman John Ambulance Brigade who later in life of the Council of Governors. He became rose to be former Chairman of the St. John the first St. Lucian to occupy that position. Council of St. Lucia. He continues to be a Lion Eldridge cherishes the memories of member of the council and was honoured the friendship made in the 24 countries with the Order of St. John of Jerusalem of our two Sub-Districts. He appreciates (OSt.J) – Serving Brother Award for his the experiences and leadership training work as Chairman. acquired as a Lion. A recipient of several He is a past Secretary and former awards, the most notable are the Melvin President of the St. Lucia Industrial and Small Business Association, who worked with former President Patrick Joseph and other board members to breathe life and give impetus into the organisation. Much was achieved during their tenure of office.

A former President of the Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School PTA. He worked closely with the school’s administration to ensure there was harmony and a safe environment from which to deliver quality education to the students. He said that there were some challenges which were unsurmountable until good sense prevailed.

Eldridge and Peternise dancing the night away

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He currently serves as Chairman of the recently formed company, PVF Stevedoring

His exploits in the field of Sports particularly in athletics, cricket and football during his youth were exemplary. At St. Mary’s College he played football in both divisions and showed some promise in track and field events. He came to the SMC as a recognised footballer, having played the sport for his club and represented his community, Vieux-Fort, at an early age. He was also a member of the Vieux-Fort Cricket Team but while he was a useful player, he had no claim to fame in this sport.

On his return to Vieux Fort, Eldridge formed the first of two football clubs – Santos and later, Falconites. Vieux Fort then saw the introduction of structure and formation in the game he loved so much, having learnt a thing or two from his coach Bro. Dominic. He introduced the young men of his community to the Off Season Under 19 Football Competition, organised by the late Oliver “Smokey” Charles and Patrick “Pataco” at the Vigie playing field (The Sab). All of this was at his own expense, with many of these young men eventually making it on to the National Football Team.

In 1970 he was the first of the two Vieux Fortians who were drafted into the St. Lucia National Football Team. Mr. Rupert J. Branford, the author of the book “Outstanding Sports Personalities of St. Lucia” wrote: “In football, Eldridge Stephens broke the mould when he gained selection on the national team in the 1970s.” The nature of his job in those days precluded him from continuing to pursue his dream as a national player.

HE LOVES THE CULTURE His love for dance, drama and singing made him a serious member of the Southern Arts Society which was led by Mr. Kingsley Powlette in the 1970s. Eldridge, whose stage name was the Mighty Stevie, wrote his own songs and participated in Calypso competitions in the south for a couple years. Together with band – Bonny Poyotte, Tyrone Du Bois and others (The Boys and DEM), they strived to make carnival in Vieux-Fort as creative and enjoyable as possible. He and his wife

Peternise later went on to form their own carnival band and participated in both the senior and junior carnival pageantry. Their Portrayal of a “Tribute to the Universe” was their last act.

In the 1970s, the committee decided to alter the date of Carnival in the Vieux Fort. This was an experiment to boost participation and bring more people into the south to celebrate. Mr. Stephens served as Chairman of the Vieux Fort Carnival Development Committee for a few years and it was under his chairmanship that Vieux Fort experimented in the change of dates. “Mas in May” – the “Whitsuntide Extravaganza” was yet another attempt to develop a product that could alter the landscape of the carnival activities in St. Lucia and bring benefits to the south.

ENTRY INTO ELECTIVE POLITICS In 1974 he teamed up with 6 others on a UWP ticket to contest the Vieux Fort Town Council Elections. All seven won their seats. In 1979, with the victory of the SLP at the national polls, Town and Village Council Elections was suspended in favour of a partisan selection process.

Eldridge returned to the Council as Chairman for a two-year stint during the period 1989-1991.

NATIONAL DUTIES In 1982 he became the Member of Parliament for Vieux Fort South and served as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly. During that period, he had the great pleasure of presiding over a couple meetings of the House of Assembly in the absence of then Speaker Hon. Wilfred St. Clair-Daniel, who was renowned and well respected throughout the Commonwealth in this role. His fight for the constituency he represented is

Eldridge at his Investiture

well recorded to the point of questioning his loyalty to the ruling party. Although he accomplished a number of the goals set, he remains to this day somewhat disappointed that he did not achieve more during his tenure in office. Having lost the elections of 1987 and 1992, it was decided by his party that he should not continue the quest to become an elected parliamentarian. Subsequently, he was made a Senator.

NATIONAL DUTIES Mr. Stephens served on several National Statutory Bodies: The National Development Corporation, Housing and Urban Development Corporation and the Development Control Authority. He served on the Electoral and Boundaries Commissions, the Board of the St. Lucia Bureau of Standards and the National Awards Committee.

He recalls that in the latter part of 2007, Prime Minister Stephenson King, in his capacity as the Minister of External Affairs approached him with the prospect

of serving in the foreign mission. By May 2008 having been appointed High Commissioner for St. Lucia to United Kingdom, he took up his position in London. He served there for the period of 2008-2012.

He reflects on this remarkable journey with humility and pride. The son of the fisherman and sanitation worker who was afforded an opportunity to serve his country at the highest level.

Notwithstanding the exactitude of the task: meeting and working with other Ambassadors and High Commissioners, representing the interests of St. Lucia at the various bi-lateral and multi-lateral organisations, serving as chairman of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth and working with the many National Associations, were considered to be the most rewarding experience of his working life.

He stated that this appointment brought with it an opportunity to live the counsel of the poet Rudyard Kipling in his poem “IF”: “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch, Yours is the earth and everything that’s in it, And – which is more – you’ll be a man my son.”

AWARDS

PM Compton introducing Eldridge to Pope John Paul

He is a Justice of the Peace (JP), in and for the island of St. Lucia, and was honoured

by Her Majesty, on the advice of the Cabinet with: The Order of the British Empire (OBE), for services to Community and Small Business Development.

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PETERNISE STEPHENS THE EDUCATOR - THE MATRIARCH “A Pillar of Strength” Born of Flavien “Hessie” Peter and Paulina “Iris” Peter in Vieux-Fort in April 1946, she was the fourth of ten children. She began her education at the Vieux-Fort Infant School before proceeding to the Vieux-Fort Girls Primary. She was a model student, who by the age of eleven, had completed and succeeded the Sixth Standard School Leaving Certificate.

An Overview of the Pioneers - b) Peternise Stephens

THE PROFESSION SHE LOVED It was at this point, at the tender age of eleven, that her teaching career at the Vieux-Fort Girls Primary began.

However, she had to wait to be formally appointed in 1960 as a pupil teacher at the age of fourteen. She quickly rose through the ranks to become a Principal Assistant Teacher and soon after, proceeded to the Saint Lucia Teachers Training College to pursue a Certificate in Education Studies. After successfully completing the Teacher Education Programme in 1970, Peternise returned to the Girls Primary but shortly afterwards, was transferred to the Vieux-Fort Junior Secondary School as a Specialist Teacher in Mathematics and Music. Her contribution there, especially in the areas of music and culture is worthy of note. Nine years later she became the Acting Principal of that very same institution, a position she held for two years.

Her professional journey led her to accept the post of Principal of the Vieux-Fort Girls Primary School in 1982, making her the first lay person to be appointed to head this Catholic institution. The experience she gained over the years and her dedication to the education system played a pivotal role in helping her make the transition to the Vieux-Fort Junior Primary School in 1983 as Principal. At that point, a change in the Primary Education Structure in Vieux Fort brought about the dissolution of the Vieux-Fort Girls and Boys Primary Schools and the establishment of the Vieux-Fort Junior and Senior Primary Schools.

Ten years later, Mrs. Stephens was again instrumental in yet another change in BusinessFocus

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Peternise Stephens

the education structure which heralded than forty-two years of outstanding and the amalgamation of the Vieux-Fort Junior dedicated service. and Senior Primary Schools to become the Vieux Fort Primary School. This was In 1972, she married Eldridge Stephens a period of great challenges, dealing with and together they had one son, Rhon two sets of principles, visions, staffing, Carlysle Stephens. students and parents, along with several behavioural and policy misgivings. The VOLUNTARY SERVICE expectations were great and the results Additionally, Mrs. Stephens’ involvement rewarding as she worked tirelessly to in the Vieux-Fort Lioness Club led to ensure that there was a unified front to all invaluable contributions in the community through the many projects which they aspects of this new development. undertook; the establishment of the Throughout her teaching career, she Vieux-Fort Lions Preschool being one of promoted high academic standards those major projects. and discipline with an emphasis on the teaching of Christian Education, CULTURE – A CORNERSTONE OF sound moral and social values, Music HER BEING and Culture. She always believed that Her passion for cultural enrichment the smallest or greatest achievement encouraged her to become a member of could only be attained through “Effort the Saint Lucia Creative and Performing and Discipline”. Her contribution to the Arts, where she was part of the first group education sector came to a formal end at to represent Saint Lucia at CARIFESTA the Vieux-Fort Primary School after more in Dominica and Grenada. In 1971 she

humility, honesty and respect. And to crown it all, the values of charity and love, which she never left out of the equation.

These qualities undoubtedly cemented the 46 years of the union that transformed all of their lives.

Rhon was always keen on conversation with his mom

enrolled into the Southern Arts Society, a band, folk songs and dances were staples then vibrant cultural group in Vieux-Fort. on the music and cultural menu of the There she directed and conducted the schools she led. Under the baton of Miss musical/singing section of the group. Mrs. Peternise, the Vieux-Fort Girls’ School Stephens continued in her passion for the choirs participated in and won many Arts by becoming a member of the Southern choir festival competitions. She is fondly Carnival Development Committee in 1975. remembered by all for the impact she This fuelled her interest in being a co- made in their lives in this regard. leader of a carnival band in Vieux-Fort for THE BELIEVER – COMMITTED many years thereafter.

During her teaching career, she promoted Saint Lucia’s artform and culture. She was truly a cultural activist in her own right.

Her passion for folk songs, folk music and dance, and negro-spirituals was well known. She was a walking anthology of Caribbean folk songs: “Tifi a pe Nonm, Vieux madam tete guige, Chat ki vole’ lamowe a, Mango Tin, ….” You name it, she knew it.

TO FAMILY

Peternise came into our lives and over time she imposed that sense of discipline together with the distinguishing values of family life, and took pleasure in guiding one to their real purpose in life. No nonsense and straight forward, she left no ambiguity. You were bound to know where you stood with her at the end of it all. She loved to laugh and could be fun to be around, in spite of her serious nature most In the late 1970s and early 1980s, times. She believed in the power of prayer Peternise often collaborated with Ms. and to her death, was a firm believer in the Joyce Auguste in a quest to uplift music Trinitarian Faith, a devout Catholic. To her and cultural awareness in the schools in marriage and partnership with Eldridge, the south of the island. Drumming, steel she brought the values of modesty and

Mrs. Stephens devoted her life to her family, both nuclear and extended, while making education, hard work and prayer the cornerstone of her daily living. Her generosity with her time, her energy, her advice and in so many other ways provided invaluable support to them. She sacrificed her educational pursuits for the upkeep and development of her family.

An assuring shoulder to cry on, yet a force to be reckoned with; she was smart and witty, yet considerate and understanding, and always quick to forgive.

THE MOTHER Throughout her life, Peternise always cared for others. Her maternal nature transcended beyond her only child, Rhon, as she parented many others as her own. This included but were not

Peternise and Christie in London.

Always on the move, always shopping

Rishon’s Christening

Peternise and her grandsons

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Eldridge and Peternise in San Diego Califonia after being Installed as Lion District Governor

Vieux-Fort Primary School

Peternise hard at work as usual

limited to Douglas, Sandra, Jennifer, Curtis, Neve, Nyler, Valence, Kurt and many more cousins and individuals who looked up to her as a beacon of light and a Mother. She kept everyone in check and treated all fairly. She instilled the values that one day would allow them all to be upstanding individuals within their respective communities. The love they were showered with cannot be put into words as she was somehow able to create a balance among all of them even when they felt most unsettled. She never gave up on anyone and was always there to listen to everyone’s problems.

Even among her siblings she was considered to be the Mother that they no longer had. Everyone looked to her for guidance and that in many ways contributed to a stronger more united family. No one is the same without her but they are all better for her having been in their lives.

The one thing that trumped being a mother for her was being a grandmother. That she took to another love level. Rhon soon understood what it meant to be second best when Rishon was born and then third best when Rhys came. Her passion and

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dedication to her family is unparalleled, unmeasurable and can never be replaced.

She remains in their hearts and minds and her impact and what she stood for is woven into every fibre of their souls.

A NEW PURSUIT IN LIFE Having served as a school principal for approximately 20 years, in the profession she loved so dearly and where she toiled unceasingly for 42 years, Peternise retired in the year 2000. The retirement was short lived as she joined the family business and there headed the Insurance Agency Unit, until 2008 when she left to join her husband in London. She had been a Shareholder/Director and Secretary of the company, Phoenix Services Ltd. also trading under the brand name of Hewanorra Air Cargo Services (H.A.C.S) from its inception. Her astute and prudent disposition augured well for our future and while she seemed frugal in money matters, we were never allowed to go empty-handed.

Her work ethic and efficiency quickly came to the fore as she sought to establish new and more stringent policies and systems in the management of the department.

Her presence there saw an upsurge in the client base and it goes without saying, a measure of profitability and success returned. She had a golden touch.

for an ailing brother and later, a sister.

Her own health suffered and before long she succumbed to her own illness on 12th September, 2018. To the very end she admonished her family and spoke of forgiveness and love for one another. Her passing has been an immeasurable loss but she would be disappointed if they continue to wallow in the abyss of distress and sorrow. They are convinced that she is watching over them and expects even more of them than when she was here to pick up the pieces.

Peternise meeting the Queen

AWARD In 2015, Mrs, Stephens was awarded the Saint Lucia Les Piton Medal (Silver) for her dedicated and longstanding contribution to Education, Culture and Community Development.

Peternise and her grandsons on her birthday 2017

IN HER NEW ROLE In 2008 she left to join her husband in London, where he was posted as the High Commissioner for Saint Lucia. There, in short order, she became an iconic member of the Commonwealth Countries League, a grouping of wives of High Commissioners and Lady High Commissioners in London, who worked assiduously, in conjunction with the staff of the High Commissions, in raising funds for the education of under-

Peternise and Rhon on her birthday 2018

privileged girls in the Commonwealth of Nations. During her stint there and over a period of three years, she was able to secure six scholarships for girls at the VieuxFort Comprehensive and Micoud Secondary Schools – an accomplishment she accepted with a great degree of modesty.

Peternise and Eldridge returned home in 2012 at the end of their tour of duty in London. She gave of herself in caring

The Educator, our Matriarch and our Pillar of Strength, left us unafraid and strong to fulfil our purpose. We were extremely blessed to have had her in our lives. We will always honour her life and deeply cherish her memories in our hearts.

Investiture Family Picture

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An Overview of the Pioneers - c) Rhon C. Stephens

RHON CARLYSLE STEPHENS Executive Director

Rhon Carlysle Stephens was born in Vieux Fort and save for a few years during his pursuit of higher education has resided there to this present day.

He considers himself lucky to be the only child of his parents Peternise, the Educator and Eldridge, the Airline employee and later, businessman. It was a joy also to have had grandparents on both sides who cared for him in his infancy and adolescent life. The impact of their love, sacrifices and nurturing undoubtedly resulted in the person he is today. “How could you not cherish those who caught the fish, slaughtered the animals especially at Christmas time and guaranteed your pocket allowance?

How could you not appreciate those who cooked the food, washed and ironed your clothes or those who constantly prayed for your well-being?

I will always remain thankful for their interventions,� he opined.

He began his education at the Lions Pre School before entering the VieuxFort Infant followed by the Vieux-Fort Junior and later Senior Primary schools.

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at the Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School. On completion of his secondary school education he proceeded to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and subsequently the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, where he received his Bachelors of Science Degree, Majoring in Management.

Upon his return to St. Lucia, Mr. Stephens opted to work in his family business, in spite of the offers he had to work in the public and private sectors. No amount of persuasion could get him to change his mind. He was determined to return to the family business to make his contribution.

He thought it an obligation to give back to his parents and the business that had done so much for him. His strong desire, coupled with his persuasive approach was enough to cause him to be then engaged as the Director of Sales and Services of the company.

His enthusiasm and willingness to put his training into practice began to take root and acclimatizing to the new environment in the workplace seemed a smooth transition. Having his feet well grounded and growing in and earning the confidence of his dad, Rhon began assuming greater responsibilities for the day-to-day running of the business. He soon became a force to be reckoned with and began representing the company at negotiations and meetings with the relevant entities and carriers that the company served. He did not miss

any opportunity to be trained in Cargo Handling, Dangerous Good Handling and Aviation Security among other associated subject areas in the business.

He took a particular interest in the financial management of the business.

It was at a time when its fortune waned and more often than not, the future of the company seemed threatened. The unsavory treatment meted to the company, combined with the manipulation of the system and regulations to its disadvantage, made life and its functionality extremely

Rhon with his wife, Christie

Rhon his wife Christie and their boys difficult. Notwithstanding, he was there in that struggle to the very end. He pointed out that valuable lessons were learnt during that period and this has served him in good stead. Honesty, good faith, fair business practices and sound business and professional ethics were some of the ingredients that held the company together. Hence the survival of HACS in this the twenty-fifth year in the trade.

The opportunity to head the company came, when in 2008 his father, Mr. Eldridge Stephens was appointed High Rhon with his father, Eldridge Stephens

Family Portrait Commissioner for St. Lucia to the UK. With his mother joining his father in the UK, he was thrown into the deep end. Their trust and confidence were the foremost pillars in seeing him through the transition.

Fortunately, this was an easy transition as he was well groomed for succession at some stage in the life of the company. He took on the responsibilities of Executive Director, overseeing the effective operations of both the Insurance (Phoenix Services Ltd) and the Cargo Handling (HACS) agencies.

Rhon with his father, Eldridge Stephens

Rhon never found the tasks daunting for he was and still is never afraid of a challenge.

He has been the architect who has directed and managed fundamental changes in the company since 2008. Among the impactful changes effected were: a) Review and structural changes in the staffing make-up b) Replacing paper-based accounting system with a computer-based system, thus engendering prompt recording and reporting of transactions c) Improved technology use at all levels d) Further improvement in Management and Staff relations e) Repositioning of the cargo operations division at the Hewanorra Air Cargo Facility two years ago. This was a welcome undertaking in light of the costliness of operating elsewhere and the frustration experienced in preceding periods.

THE REBRANDING EXERCISE: RHON’S PET PROJECT Considering the company’s life span thus far, it became necessary to enter a process of rebranding. The image of the company had to be looked at closely, as even the basic logo did not depict who we were today, he said. Therefore, in the beginning of 2019 he decided to continue reshaping BusinessFocus

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Rhon and his boys, Rishon and Rhys the company in terms of personnel and branding. To this end those changes have most certainly made an impact on staff as well as the general public who the company serves. The current facility from which HACS operates also saw changes in design and appearance which bolstered well for the company’s image.

The work continues and a few other projects will be unveiled with the hope of increasing the visibility and improving the service that the company provides.

BUILDING A FAMILY Rhon thought the time had come to begin his family and so on July 24, 2010, he took the hand of Christie Michelle James as his wife. These two share the same birth date and now have two sons, Rishon Christian and Rhys Cayden. He believes in their family structure and jealously guards their privacy.

VOLUNTEERISM & CHARITY Rhon is considered a passionate community volunteer for his foot prints can be found in his affiliation with the Leo and Lions Clubs of Vieux Fort, and St. Lucia by extension, across the Caribbean. He joined the organisation upon returning home from his studies in 1997. At the club level he has served in several principal offices to become President of both the Leo and Lions clubs of Vieux Fort, the latter position he was elected to in 2003. He continues to serve his club with dedication and aplomb, as he seeks to live the philosophy of the “We Serve” imperative. He believes that his membership in the Lions Association BusinessFocus

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has helped solidify the principles instilled in him by his parents and further gives meaning and an opportunity to always practice kindness and charity, without counting the cost or waiting for a reward.

He rose quickly through the ranks to serve as the Zone Chairman (2008-2009) for Zone 3B-St. Lucia and later as Region Chairman (2012-2013), with responsibility for clubs in Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Lucia. In the intervening years (2000-2013), he was appointed both at the Sub-District and Multiple District levels to the following positions: Leo Chairman; Chairman for Information and Technology - District 60B, Multiple District 60 Leo and Youth Program Chairman.

SERVING COMMUNITY & COUNTRY His service to community and country spreads over a number of years and has seen him giving of his time and talent to the following enterprises: • Director Committee

Southern

Development

• Director - National Corporation (2008)

Development

during the period 2015-2017, where he still plays an active role in its operation today.

DIVERSIFIED DIRECTOR Rhon is also a Director of Atlantic Shores Riding Stables which provides horseback riding to locals and visitors. What started as a hobby among friends has evolved into one of the best riding experiences in Saint Lucia. He commented, “Our years in business has shown us that horseback riding has contributed positively to the total visitor experience in St. lucia, as is evident in the many reviews we have received thus far. We pride ourselves on delivering a high level of service and ensuring that safety is first on our agenda.

We have collaborated with several local and overseas entities, including the then St. Lucia Tourist Board and the producers of “The Bachelor”, for the production of a segment of the renowned television show.”

• Director - St. Lucia Marine Terminal (2007-2011) • Director - St. Jude Hospital (2009-2011) • Board Member - Trade Licensing Board (2016 – Present) • Councilor - Port Council of St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (2016-Present) He also served as the Chairman of the Airlines Operators Committee in St. Lucia

A mother’s love

Caribbean Airlines Limited Caribbean Airlines Limited

CIBC CIBCFirst FirstCaribbean Caribbean

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From Whence We Came - Q&A with Eldridge Stephens

FROM WHENCE WE CAME Q & A with Eldridge Stephens Congratulations on the 25th anniversary of Hewanorra Air Cargo Services (HACS). Being born and raised in Vieux Fort and living your entire life there, share your thoughts on what the achievement of this major milestone means to you reflecting on the past 25 years in developing a successful Vieux Fort based business.

Given my background and upbringing, where I lived and who my parents were, with all the trials and tribulations to become someone who makes a valuable contribution to society, I am very proud. I didn’t stand a chance of going to secondary school then, because in the 60s you had to have had name recognition or be a known factor in society with ability to pay. Having come from humble parenting, I think I must be proud to have established a business that has survived 25 years. I felt that my biggest motivation was to do better than my father. I’ve told my son that he should do better than me and I tell my grandchildren that they should do better than their father.

You had a successful career with LIAT based at the Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) where you rose to the level of Manager. What was your motivation and rationale to establish HACS and why based in Vieux Fort?

I gave LIAT 23 years of service. I will remain forever grateful to LIAT. The company gave me so much that I had BusinessFocus

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no choice but to give back and work harder.

When those of us who were employed with LIAT were made redundant, I was at a point where I did not want to work for anyone so the business was born out of necessity. I saw an opportunity with cargo handling. I approached the airlines and got them to agree to let me do their cargo handling for free until I got recognised by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The only pay we got for that first year was the cargo handling charges. In 1996 I got membership into IATA. That made us the most qualified to do the job. It was only at that point that revenue began coming in.

As a relatively young business person what were some of the issues and challenges you faced in the early years of your business operations?

didn’t have the background in business so I signed up for several courses at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College to help me understand the nature of business so that we could succeed. Politics was another factor. We nearly lost the business and our home too, as impediments and unfair practices crept in with the change of government administration. We were mortgaging our home to help keep the business afloat. And every time we were forced to move our business operations, it cost us tens of thousands of dollars. We withstood the onslaught and overcame the challenges.

How did your work experience and training with LIAT benefit you in the world of private enterprise?

Liat gave me the start and substance through its outstanding training program, while the Lions organisation contributed significantly to the leadership training needed. These many lessons you will appreciate helped to sustained my focus in the business. Further, it is worthy to note that some people have innate leadership qualities while others are groomed for the purpose. For me, maybe a bit of both.

Financing was challenging. I was fortunate to receive a cheque from LIAT for redundancy. My manager at the time, Eugene Payne, having recognised the job that I did, ensured that the company took very good care of me. I used a portion of it to invest into the formation of HACS. If I didn’t have that, it would have been difficult for me to get financing for the start-up as a young HACS operates the air cargo facility at HIA man. Securing the contracts with the and also the cargo shed at the GFL Charles airlines was another challenge and so was Airport. What was the catalyst that would becoming a registered company with IATA. have driven – a Vieux Fort based company We worked hard and began to develop to go after this opportunity? a good relationship with the airlines The majority of our customers are in the and bankers so that helped. As a young northern quadrant of the island and in person, I was unsure of the next step. I that we saw an opportunity. We thought

that if we provided an additional service, this would be mutually beneficial and convenient for our customers. It saved our clients from having to spend an entire day in Vieux-Fort just to clear one package.

Vieux Fort has been labelled “the new frontier” for the past twenty-five years or more. The current government has unveiled some of the largest and most ambitious investment and development projects set to come on stream including a new Hewanorra International Airport.

How do you see this impacting HACS and the wider community in Vieux Fort?

The New Frontier designation is very stale now. We need to find a new and holistic way of looking at the development of the south. For Vieux Fort to benefit, the air and sea ports must, of necessity, function effectively, new hotel built and other social infrastructure undertaken. We did extremely well when the ports were developed and Halcyon Days Hotel was constructed and operated - people were employed - they built their homes- cared for their families, there was a boost in economic activities then. The successful banana industry then added to that economic boost. Therefore I believe that the re-development of HIA and the St. Jude Hospital along with the proposed Sea port development project are areas that could open new doors of economic activities. While Vieux Fort had long depended on the fishing, farming and the services sector, a new entrepreneurial spirit must now surface. Opportunities and a potential for growth are at hand.

For the benefit of our readers and the next generation of business leaders, share some of the attributes and values which have helped to fashion you into a successful business owner and earned the respect of your peers and the wider community.

I hold fast to the belief that you only get back what you put in - Do not make selfaggrandizement your aim - Give back to the community in whatever small way you can. Be generous but be careful in your business affairs. The working relationship between the employees and management needs to be beneficial to both parties. We have been able to establish the ambit of family within our organisation. You have to be approachable and you have to interface with not just the employees, but the wider community in addition to the

clients. There must be a level of thrift if That too depends on one’s upbringing you are going to succeed. You cannot do and experiences in life. From a young age, as you please with the company’s finances. my family instilled in me the importance People see in you a good example and so of being involved in the community so it you need to maintain that level of self- was only natural that I should continue to respect and expectant trust which the contribute positively to my society. I had society has placed in you. Honestly, I built social capital very early in my life so attribute all these values to the upbringing when I was asked to serve on the Town and beliefs instilled in me from an early Council, I was already established, willing age by my extended family. and ready. It was a natural progression from there. Politics is about dealing As a successful family-owned and operated with people. When I was called to serve company, succession planning is critical to in London, I felt that it was the greatest ensuring longevity and a legacy. You have opportunity afforded me and thought been very fortunate to have integrated it was the best decision I made when your son into the business. Your entry into I accepted. I didn’t find any difficulties Saint Lucia’s diplomatic service caused in the tasks I was given. There’s a lot of him to be thrust into the leadership of sacrifice involved in politics and I think it the company. Speak to your guidance, the has made me a better person. Yes, there handing over process and relinquishing are dirty elements in politics, but if you control to him at such a young age. keep steadfast to the real purpose or goal, It was not my intention for Rhon to by serving selflessly and lending your voice come into the business straight out of to the voiceless and hope to the deprived school. He needed more experience and and disenfranchised people, then it is not he had to create his own legacy. That’s a dirty game. We need some civility back why I wanted him to work to pay off his in our politics. student loan by getting a job outside of the company but I did want him to come Share your thoughts on offering guidance in eventually. Rhon was adamant that to young persons venturing into business he wanted to be part of HACS. He came to ensure they are successful and become into the business as a young man in his good role models in society. early 20s, and I have never regretted it Passion. If you have the passion, go for it. once. He had previously worked with the If you have a desire to make a contribution company during his vacations so I had no to the betterment of society, do it. doubt in my mind that he was capable of Prepare yourself in the specific field you taking over for me. When the government want to venture into. Be a master in your asked me in 2008 to go to London, I had field. When our business faced challenges, no difficulties leaving everything in Rhon’s if I did not know every aspect of my hands. My trust in him was not misplaced. business, we would have failed. You must There was conscious grooming in his develop a sense of trust while knowing upbringing. When he was just a boy my that not everyone can be trusted. You wife once said to me that Rhon adores me will find that you will have failings but do so I had to make sure I did right by him. I not give up. These are part of the natural led by example and he followed admirably. processes of growing and succeeding.

He is as forthright as his mother. I could You must be prepared to make sacrifices not have wanted a better child. I could not for the business. You need to have have imagined a better successor. I am so inspiration. Ensure you have someone immensely proud of him. with a good financing background. Do not use the business’ money to make yourself We have heard the comment that look good. “business and politics do not mix”. You have been very involved in the community of Vieux Fort having served as a politician, community leader, businessman and diplomat. Share your thoughts on the personal satisfaction and importance of offering yourself for service to community and country and how this has helped to make you a better person.

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The Future of Air Cargo - Q&A with Rhon C. Stephens

The Future of Air Cargo Q & A with Rhon C. Stephens Executive Director, Hewanorra Air Cargo Services Ltd (HACS) Rhon Stephens is the only child of Eldridge Stephens and the late Peternise Stephens. He was born and raised in Vieux Fort where he did his schooling before leaving for Barbados to pursue a tertiary education. Thereafter he joined the family business, Hewanorra Air Cargo Services Ltd (popularly known as HACS) started by his father. The core of the business is servicing and handling of Air Cargo for Saint Lucia’s import and export trade.

In June 2019, HACS celebrated its 25th Anniversary of operations with the proud record of being the island’s leading Air Cargo company including being the official agent for the major airlines carrying General cargo and Perishables to and from Saint Lucia.

Today, Rhon is a young successful business executive and family man who has earned the respect of his peers and the community. Thrust into leadership at a very young age, he has grown in stature and despite the shock of the sudden loss of his dear mother, he has set his sights on growing HACS and expanding his business interests from his base in Vieux Fort.

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As Publisher of Saint Lucia Business Focus, it is a privilege and pleasure to interview Rhon, having been associated with his family for more than twenty five years and watched him grow and thrive over the years as a businessman and community leader.

What was the rationale after leaving school to join the family business?

After I completed my first degree, through my eyes it was a crucial time for the business. My dad was never keen on having me work in the business as he always thought I deserved better. Better pay and most likely the ability to advance myself further. I saw it differently. I always viewed the business from 1994 as my mom and dad’s hard work. It signified all their sacrifices, hardships and success and so knew that as an only child someone had to take it from where it was to where it is today. They provided for me all my life and so what they thought was not the greatest decision, to me paled in comparison to what they did for me. I always told my dad that it was never about the money and never will be. I was seemingly underpaid at the time but I could not be happier.

It is said that working in and learning the business from the bottom up is the best education and preparation for understanding the business and becoming a successful future leader. Do you agree with this and share your thoughts on the benefits of your experience?

The statement does have its merits.

Knowing what you manage and understanding the dynamics of the industry you are in is very important. Most of what I learnt with respect to business I gathered from my father and the way in which he handled different situations.

Even when I could not understand the rationale for some of his decisions, the end result and justification for same, soon presented itself. That coupled with having interactions with staff and my book knowledge allowed for growth and a synergy that has been a blessing. It was not always a bed of roses for us at HACS, as there were what I refer to as the dark days.

Those days that were not determined by your work environment or ethic but by the malice of men. These experiences I dealt with, through humility and determination to overcome the negative forces. I kept focused on my mandate as a manager, as no matter what I still had an obligation to my staff and by extension their families.

These experiences undoubtedly made me a better person.

Did you see HACS as a long term career opportunity or you had an interest in pursuing further education or alternative employment? If yes, to the latter, what was your interest?

When I joined HACS in 1997 I knew I was where I belonged. The air cargo business was always of interest to me and growing up in an airport environment as a result of my dad’s work with Liat,

made it almost a natural thing for me to do. Prior to that I was interested in becoming a lawyer. I always liked the idea of analyzing information and presenting a case in defense of a position. However, many felt it was simply because I loved to talk. Not sure about the latter but will leave it at that. Sometimes I wonder just how things may have been different if I took that career path. Notwithstanding, I have no regrets. In the end, furthering my education did not seem like a natural progression as what I gained internally and from my dad was invaluable.

smile, especially when in public. She believed that our problems should be dealt with internally and not be put out there for persons to speculate. My parents were always community oriented and very spiritual, and that in a sense filtered down to me. I continue to serve the community individually, through my Lions Club and even on a business level. I am of the fervent view that God made us all equal and we should always treat each other fairly. I raise my kids under these same principles.

HACS today is celebrating 25 years of successful business operations.

Congratulations to you and your family on this milestone achievement. On reflection, do you believe that a tertiary education and foundation has been more beneficial to both you and HACS? Most definitely. Before I went to UWI, I worked at American Airlines as a reservations agent. At that time it was the only job I wanted and really thought there was no need to do anything else. Naturally my parents would not have it. Before I knew it I was enrolled at UWI and was on the first flight out. The experience for me though was very rewarding as apart from the education received, it provided an avenue to be part of a melting pot of individuals and experiences. My education certainly allowed me the avenue to understand better the world of work and to adjust and address the many issues that were presented.

Like my father, the need to always want a better community has always been in the forefront of my mind. He ventured into politics and became a parliamentarian to make that difference and sacrificed a lot to make the impact that he did. Often I am asked if that is a path I would follow.

Working with my dad has always been Before I would say never. The truth is at a pleasure. Who I am today is based on this time I just don’t know, as I continue to what I learnt from him. Growing up I had want better for Vieux-Fort, either through no other idol but him and so it was easy to me or someone willing to put the people Vieux Fort has been long projected as the make the transition between son and cofirst.

So a lot of what I have done in my life New Frontier for economic development worker. He always taught me from a child is a carbon copy of what my idols, my mom in Saint Lucia. What are your thoughts to be modest and not think you know and dad, have instilled in me. I was raised on the proposed mega projects and do everything. So even when I may have by the most remarkable people I know. had a different opinion in the workplace, you see them delivering the promised I tried to understand what his rationale Your father was appointed as the Saint transformation in the best interest of the was for taking a decision. I soon learned Lucia High Commissioner to the UK 11 community and the country? that what you think is the best way out years ago. This required both of your The New Frontier is a term that has of a situation requires a whole lot more parents to leave Saint Lucia at very short never really resonated well with me. The than just wit. The bond that we continue notice thrusting you into the challenging intention I think was well intended, but to share cannot be broken and has been position of Executive Director of HACS. the outcome never quite matched the the catalyst for our professional life. So Share your experience in the period of hype associated with it. It’s no secret although he was my boss at one time, his transition and the challenges of leadership that Vieux-Fort has potential. How we boss was always my mom and so used that and management of the business and harness that and develop the resources to my advantage when necessary; benefit extended family interests. we have is what’s key. How we involve of being an only child.

The decision reference my parents the people in the decision making process Vieux Fort is a relatively small community relocating was a family one. The concerns and the way we keep them informed where both of your parents are respected expressed was more on my mom’s part is paramount. The outcome for me has community leaders through the Church as she felt she was leaving me with too always been about the people and how and the Lions Club. Your father went much to handle. I quickly assured her they can benefit from the projects that on to become an important local and that them moving was what they needed, are undertaken. So I look forward to regional personality as a Politician, a as they needed a break from their usual some of the plans proposed including the Parliamentary Representative for Vieux environment and responsibilities. I Airport Development which will definitely Fort and Council Chairman of the Lions in thought there was no better couple transform the aviation industry and allow the Caribbean. How did this influence you to represent Saint Lucia in the United for further growth within the sector. The as a young person especially being aware Kingdom. They did me proud. On the Cruise Ship Port, the Invest St. Lucia Anse that you showed great admiration for business front I can say it was not that De Sable initiative and DSH Project, I your parents and particularly your father. difficult to adapt. I was and continue to be also hope will increase employment and provide more opportunity for individuals I am who I am because of them. I am supported by amazing staff. Ms. Cam and and businesses in the south. This is how blessed to have them in my life and even Declan kept me grounded and provided true development is measured. Vieuxwith my mom gone she still is a major that security, that we would be alright Fort needs and quite frankly deserves part of me. I was taught to be humble, to no matter what we faced going forward. these initiatives. My hope though is that care for those in need and to work hard. On the home front my responsibilities emphasis is also placed on the social My mom often told me she needed me definitely increased but I was always one and community related aspects because to always remember to stay clean and to take care of what needed to be done.

Working with your father as your boss can be a very comfortable or most difficult experience. What was the relationship like and share your experience of balancing the professional and family life?

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I feel for too long our misfortunes have outweighed the reality on the ground.

With a new International Airport under construction and the booming tourism industry attracting new airlines and increased flights as well as a Mega Cruise Port in Vieux Fort how do you see this impacting the future growth of HACS? We welcome these initiatives and hope that they will impact the air cargo sector positively. There is always opportunity for growth. One just has to formulate how the services we offer can be incorporated into the changes that are to come in the foreseeable future. Overall I think the HIA Project will lend to increased services, a more diversified portfolio and an increase in economic activity. We at HACS are getting ready for the positive change and see this as an opportunity not only to benefit our bottom line, but also to improve our services and standing within the industry.

of the airlines we serve and the changing demands of the industry. In so doing we are expected to train our staff in a number of areas including Dangerous Goods, Live Animals (AVI), ULD, Airline Aviation Security, Customs Brokerage and airline specific cargo systems. We continue to take advantage of training provided by the Saint Lucia Employers Federation among other agencies to help build capacity in our team members.

As a young and successful person, the large number of unemployed youth especially in our rural communities is a major concern. What would your advice be to this group of young people to make them more marketable and employable to realise their true potential as productive citizens?

This is a complex question which can warrant a complex answer.

Unemployment has always been a major social and economic issue which has plagued our society. It’s sometimes very People are the most important assets in hard to discount the efforts of successive a service oriented business such as HACS. governments as well as the private sector What training programmes have you in providing or stimulating the job market. implemented that will help to improve Sometimes you may find you have the their skills, increase productivity and jobs but the potential workforce doesn’t loyalty towards the long term growth of have the skills. Or it may be a case where the company? the skills are there, but there are no jobs.

They most certainly are. The human However, regardless of the situation I resource aspect for us is crucial as would like to urge young people not to what we do is based entirely on proper give up. Many talented persons are left training and hands on experience. We with no hope as they are unable to find continue to ensure that our staff are a job. They must be determined even in adequately trained to cater to the needs the face of despair as this is the only way

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to move forward. What I do know is that there are many talented persons within the community of Vieux-Fort. Its time to think outside of the box. Be creative, be bold, be willing to make sacrifices, continue to seek opportunities and send out applications. One day it will pay off.

Business grown through expansion and diversification is based on opportunities.

With the success of HACS and your passion to grow and expand your portfolio, what is the next business opportunity on the horizon?

Currently HACS is at a point where we are in what I call assessment mode. We have made several changes in the last year of operation from staffing, changes in procedures to rebranding. All this was done to ensure we keep up with the times and become more marketable within the sector. Air Cargo is often considered the back burner of the airline industry and this we hope to change. Careful attention must be paid to the HIA Project so that the cargo business is not left behind. We must ensure that basic standards are met for cooling facilities, dangerous goods handling, live animal acceptance, e-commerce and courier and most importantly maintaining proper flow within the facility. This can only be achieved if a concerted effort is made by all stakeholders to realise the need for a total transformation of the cargo operation. We at HACS are of the view that we should take the lead to make this happen as it will augur well for all parties involved.

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Congratulatory Messages and Testimonials

Congratulatory Messages AND Testimonials

Harris Handling & Logistics Services Harris Handling and Logistic Services along with Harris Customs Brokerage for the past 25 years have been affiliated with HACS, and have enjoyed a harmonious relationship with the company. We have observed and appreciated the company and how it has grown with us and evolved with the changing economic times.

Our trust in HACS has developed and solidified as inevitable changes to structure and leadership took place. We would like to show our unwavering appreciation to the company for their careful consideration to us and their level of professionalism on executing their service to us.

Hunte’s International Packing & Storage Company Ltd. It is with much enthusiasm that I am writing to recommend the services of Hewanorra Air Cargo Services (HACS). During the past twenty-five (25) years our company has been working with HACS for import and export of shipments and have always been completely satisfied. They do an excellent job and have the most competitive rates.

The team comprising of Mr. Mentor, Micaiah, Emmerson, Denzel and Glenora is very friendly, understanding, patient and would go out of their way to ensure that the customer is satisfied. Their knowledge of the industry is of the highest standard and attitude is exceptional and admirable.

We strongly recommend the services of HACS and we are looking forward to many more years of mutually beneficial association and wish them success in all their endeavors.

HAPPY 25TH ANNIVERSARY WHITWORTH FRANCIS Operations Manager BusinessFocus

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Happy 25th Anniversary!

JOSEPH AND ALWYN HARRIS Goddard Catering Group St. Lucia Ltd. -

HAPPY 25th ANNIVERSAY HACS!

Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Limited has had a long-standing relationship with the Hewanorra Air Cargo Services (HACS) for the entire 25 years they have been in operation. This is the same length of time the I have been working with Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Limited, formally known as St. Lucia Catering Limited. We have witnessed the transition of leadership from father to son however, this has in no way impacted on the work ethic or level of professionalism that HACS is known for.

HACS continues to grow and provide a high level of quality, reliable and efficient service to all its customers including Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Limited.

Their skilled and experienced staff remains steadfast in ensuring that your cargo arrives at its destination in a safe, secure and timely manner. Whether we are receiving shipments from overseas or shipping out of St. Lucia the transition remains seamless.

HACS remains in contact with their clients

and demonstrates understanding of why they are in this business. Their ideal location offers flexible opening hours.

It has always been a pleasure to work with Mr. Rhon Stephens and his team at HACS and as a local business located in the south of the Island, we at Goddard Catering Group (St. Lucia) Limited will continue to support.

ANTHONY SAMUEL General Manager

Universal Freight Services

Caribbean Virgin Atlantic Cargo

Shopbox St. Lucia

From the inception of my business at the start of the New millennium, I have had the distinct pleasure of interacting with Hewanorra Air Cargo Services as they provided a very devoted, essential and useful service to me and indeed to the country as a whole.

It is with much enthusiasm that I write to recommend the services of Hewanorra Air Cargo Services. We are aligned to an organization who lives and breathes the professionalism and care we demand for our customers.

We at ShopBox St. Lucia have been transacting business with Hewanorra Air Cargo Services for the past nine years. It is to be noted that they provide a reliable, efficient and extremely informative level of service. Persons value companies that make an effort to answer you very promptly and with detailed answers so you can understand everything that’s going on. This company does that. Hewanorra Air Cargo Services has done an outstanding job of delivering incoming shipments in a timely manner and has provided great value for the prices charged for their service. As we at ShopBox have continued to grow as an entity, Hewanorra Air Cargo Services has demonstrated that they are dynamic enough to continue to handle our shipments professionally. We have high confidence in this company and would recommend this company to anyone seeking professional cargo handling and warehousing facilities on island.

It is a great comfort to me in my responsibilities to know that I can rely upon the support that is provided by Rhon and his team and in this regard, I wish to express to them my personal “Thanks”.

Undoubtedly, I am sure that this strong sense that drives their relentless perseverance of excellence in customer service has contributed immensely in making the company a resounding success.

My very best wishes to HACS for continued growth.

HACS is service oriented, proactive, dedicated and above reproach. We truly appreciate their attention to detail.

The team is impressive and winners in the airline cargo service. Their commitment to their honorary service is commendable.

We proudly utilize the incomparable service of this company. We are able to relax and know that the care to our customers is of foremost importance.

ANN MORRIS Regional Cargo Sales and Operations Manager

WAYNE MONROSE Managing Director

BRADLEY OCHILIEN Director

PACS Ltd.

British Airways Cargo / IAG

I, Fabiana Chedy, have worked very closely with HACS from inception as I have been in the brokerage and shipping industry for over 30 years. We are in contact with HACS very often in connection with the arrival and shipping of cargo for our many customers both importing and exporting.

British Airways, now part of IAG, has been using the cargo handling services of HACS since the inception of the company 25 years ago. The dedicated workforce headed up by CEO Rhon Stephens provide excellent cargo handling with first class customer service, always on call and ready for the next move.

HACS staff are very efficient and timely in notifying us when cargo arrives and they are very prompt in providing the necessary information required to expedite the customs paperwork for quick and efficient clearance of cargo. HACS has a proven record of high operating standards and we enjoy working with them as people who we not only trust, but also like as individuals.

I have personally been working with the team for more than 15 years and can honestly say its security, safety, conformance and customer service is first class. I would like to think that the ongoing relationship will continue for many years to come.

We have been completely satisfied, every time we have done business with HACS.

NEIL BURGE Cargo Customer Service Manager, Florida, Texas and the Caribbean

FABIANA CHEDY Director

Keep up the good work and looking forward to seeing the airport developments over the coming years.

West Tech Shipping West Tech Shipping offers its customers five air shipments weekly. We rely on the convenience of the Hewanorra Air Cargo Services (HACS) so we can deliver packages to our customers in a speedy manner. We can depend on HACS for being available for shipment clearance on holidays and weekends, and the proper security of our customers’ packages. We commend the HACS staff for always being friendly and very helpful to the West Tech Cargo team.

DELIA LOUIS Regional Marketing Manager

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HACS Staff Professional Friendly and Focused on Service

HACS Staff Professional Friendly and Focused on Service

DECLAN MENTOR Cargo Manager As one of the very first employees, Declan Mentor has seen the evolution of HACS from its inception to the present. He entered the cargo industry in 1983 but signed on to work at HACS on June 1st, 1994, the year the company was officially registered.

The company started in a small office with two clerical officers and four warehouse employees. He recalls, “From the beginning, Mr. Eldridge Stephens always made sure we were a family. We try to understand people’s needs and be flexible and understanding. It is one of the reasons the bond among staff and customers is still so strong.” As the business grew steadily, Declan moved to handling the company’s accounts in 1996. Now with 25 staff, HACS was able to provide a competitively quality service to its customers, landing the Virgin Atlantic cargo contract in 1998.

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The early 2000s would test the bond dynamic. Every day is something new. of family for HACS. Around 2003, the Every day you learn something new. It’s company lost a bid for the Saint Lucia Air been a pleasure.” and Sea Ports cargo facility, displacing its operations. Finding a new home proved “HACS in the last 25 years has come difficult, resulting in several relocations of a very long way, in spite of the many the company’s base, costing the company challenges that we have had to face. revenue it could not afford to lose. “We Notwithstanding, we have continued relied on the fees we charged to customers to change the landscape of the cargo and the contracts we had with the airlines. business by providing unmatched Under Mr. Stephens’ leadership, we service and charting the way forward persevered and made it through those for improved operations and changes in times. It was hard. It took a toll on all of us, the current cargo facility. It is my goal to ensure that HACS finds itself in a and on our families,” Declan said. position to own, manage and operate its For the past five years Declan has served as own cargo facility and begin expanding Cargo Manager, ensuring operations run services as a one stop logistics centre seamlessly; standards for contracts are where customers can have all their needs met; and customers are satisfied with the addressed. We at HACS pride ourselves service. 2018 saw a renewal of operations on providing excellent customer service, for HACS at the Hewanorra International I would like to see certain improvements Airport’s cargo shed. With 36 years in the in this area so that our customers are cargo industry, what keeps Declan going? always happy transacting business or “I love the challenge of the industry. It is making an inquiry.”

SANDRINE GAJADHAR Administrative Assistant It has been almost eight years since Sandrine Gajadhar joined the HACS family.

She started as an Accounts Coordinator in 2012 at the cargo shed next to the Hewanorra International Airport following a stint in the telecommunications industry.

Sandrine described the transition to the cargo industry as “relatively easy.”

Recognizing her potential, Rhon Stephens promoted Sandrine to Administrative Assistant in 2018. Now based at New Dock Road, Sandrine can be described as the Executive Director’s right hand. Referring to her new position Sandrine said, “Rhon saw that I was capable of doing a lot more so he extended my responsibilities.

I think he surrounds himself with people who are competent and who are reliable.

I welcome the challenge. It’s not always easy, but you learn from experiences and I think I am on the right path.”

As Administrative Assistant, Sandrine is responsible for ensuring the main office and cargo shed administrative operations and procedures are followed; managing the company’s human resources and general staffing concerns and coordination; and overseeing the company’s accounts including dealing with the accounts payable and payroll.

“Working at HACS has helped me evolve. I never felt settled at my previous job. Now, I feel more settled because I am valued – my contribution is appreciated. It is a comfortable environment. I can say that I’ve bloomed over the time I have been working here.”

moments. He provides support. He is a good manager. The fact that that kind of support comes from the top makes it easy to follow his example so it filters down. You can speak up; give ideas and you don’t get knocked down. You feel like you are making a contribution and that contribution is appreciated.”

HACS is the leading cargo company on the “The plan for the company is to develop island offering services of cargo handling and grow. I look forward to seeing on behalf of the airlines, freight forwarding HACS evolve and grow from strength to and brokerage. It provides a high level of strength and hope that I can continue to professionalism and great service to its play an integral role in the organisation customers. Sandrine attributes this great as we move forward into the future. The service to HACS’ unique office culture. staff is the company’s biggest strength.

She said, “I’ve enjoyed working with the Everyone is headed towards one goal. The team these past 7 1/2 years and feel like togetherness is inspiring. We are the main I’m part of an extended family. I think cargo agents for the airlines and with the that we have a relatively young team so redevelopment of the airport, I think that it works well. Work is fun. As much as we could double our capacity to meet the Rhon expects performance, even if you needs of our clients.” slip up, he has your back. He is jovial. He is an open communicator. He breaks tense

“

I’ve enjoyed working with the team these past 7 1/2 years and feel like I’m part of an extended family.

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Recalling how she first got started with HACS, she said, “I worked at LIAT with Mr. Stephens, then I moved to British Airways as an agent. I worked 3 days a week with Mr. Stephens and did the same with British Airways. When Mr. Stephens started HACS, I decided to come on board full-time.”

FRANCES HUTSON (MISS CAM) Administrative Assistant (Retired) Frances Camilla Hutson, affectionately known as Miss Cam, was a pillar of the HACS family for twenty-five years. She was one of the original three employees of the company along with Declan Mentor and founder Eldridge Stephens.

She retired in 2018.

RENA NEPTUNE

After serving ten years coordinating the accounts for an autoparts company, Rena Neptune felt it was time for a change. She started with HACS in 2018, making her the latest addition to the company’s family.

As the Accounts Coordinator, Rena’s main responsibility is to oversee the company’s accounting functions. This includes recommending and establishing policies and procedures to maintain accounting Sept / Oct

As part of the three-person operation, Since her retirement, HACS has hired two Miss Cam filled multiple roles throughout people to handle Miss Cam’s duties and the years. “I did everything – secretarial responsibilities. Does she miss working duties, accounts payables and receivables, at HACS? “I miss it but I like being home. along with ensuring that the office and I miss coming to work because every our operations were running smoothly. At morning I came in and I knew what my that time, we didn’t have this much staff. It duties were for the day. Rhon didn’t have was always busy with cargo but I enjoyed to tell me to do anything or check to see if the business and coming to work every I completed my tasks.” morning. I used to come in for 8am and “I can see HACS expanding to do more. leave at 6pm or 7pm. I did everything at I want to see them expand to aircraft that time and enjoyed it all.” handling, which would mean having staff So driven was Miss Cam’s passion to at the airport to meet the aircrafts. We contribute to a growing business, she felt tried sea freight but it was not as great a sense of ownership of the company a prospect as we thought but I think because she was determined to do her part expanding our services is the way to go.” to help HACS grow and succeed. In fact, Miss Cam can be credited with bolstering and sustaining the family atmosphere

controls; auditing financial information; implemented it right away. The culture of controlling Accounts Receivable accounts; work is very inclusive.” ensuring data accuracy; and coordinating “I see HACS making their mark in the the flow of information between cargo industry and we’re branching out accounting staff and external accountants. into providing more services like freight Thinking back on her transition, Rena said, services. I think we can become one of “It has been a great experience. I like to the strongest and most trusted companies learn new things. The people that I work in the cargo industry not only nationally with are nice and professional.” Rena is but internationally as well. I believe committed to the constant development that HACS can exceed our customers’ of the HACS accounting staff, which she expectations. Our service is professional believes will help the company maintain and the company prides itself on giving its excellent accounting accuracy. a good service at a reasonable price. As As the newest member of the HACS team, the company grows, we put in controls Rena lauded the professionalism of staff to ensure our accounts operations are and the management of the company. incomparable. The framework is already “The staff has a good relationship with there and as we grow, we can build on it.”

Accounts Coordinator

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of the company. “When you work at a company, you have to work in it like it’s yours because you can help it grow. When I first started, we used to have little parties, barbeques, go by the beach for the day and things like that. It was important to do that,” she said.

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each other and I think that is a good thing for the industry we work in,” she said. She continued, “Our manager, Rhon, allows us to come up with ideas. And that’s one of the most interesting things about working here. Your idea is noticed and if he believes it’s a good idea, he runs with it right away.

For instance, we did not have a cashier before at the shed. I suggested that we needed to get one and also requested an update to our accounting system to better keep track of invoices. Rhon agreed and

“

I wish the company another productive

Congratulations to HACS on 25 Years of Service!

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KAREN MOSELEY

Accounts Administrator

Having had experience in the banking sector and an interest in accounting, Karen Moseley saw employment with HACS as a great opportunity to expand on her accounting, customer service and administrative abilities. She joined Hewanorra Air Cargo Services team in 2008 as an Accounts Administrator.

Karen’s duties involve reviewing and reconciling accounts; processing bank

deposits; maintaining updated records we provide a level of service to our of Receivables and Payables; ensuring customer that is unsurpassed. It is not my all financial transactions are recorded job or his or hers. It’s OUR job to undertake accurately and on time; identifying duties and responsibilities in the interest and addressing discrepancies; keeping of efficiency and effectiveness. We must internal financial database and reports up strive together to continually improve to date; providing support to accountants operations and satisfy our customers.” or clerical staff; and preparing financial “My vision for HACS is that we continue data and reports. to do excellent work and also to expand “In a nutshell, my pivotal role at HACS our infrastructure and services to become is to keep track of finances. As the the largest cargo operation service in administrator for financial processes, Saint Lucia and possibly beyond. I envision it has enabled me to maintain a great HACS penetrating the regional market in level of accountability, efficiency and the future. In keeping with that vision, it professionalism in my department, and is extremely important for each team by extension our company. I also offer member to recognize that responsibility support to the accounts and clerical team to keep looking beyond the scope of as needed which means that I may engage possibilities. We must recognize the need in duties that are not normal daily routine, to continue to ensure HACS is a name that but help further the goals of the team. is synonymous with delivering reliable, This enables us all to efficiently manage impeccable service to our customers. organizational policies and procedures. HACS intends to expand, and I am happy Since we are a service-based industry to be an integral part of this dynamic it is vital to maintain customer loyalty team. The opportunity to contribute to a through effective and efficient customer growing business continues to inspire me.” relationship management,” she said.

Karen describes her colleagues as her family. “That for me is one of the hallmarks of working in this environment. Together

to sell General Insurance. That’s where I met Rhon. He was in my certificate class at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College,” Melville remembers.

company – making sure that everyone got what they needed to do their work efficiently. In 2018 he was promoted to Operations Supervisor.

Melville was searching for new employment when Rhon Stephens contacted him about an opening at Phoenix Services. He said, “Rhon needed a certified individual to help run the office and since I was certified to sell General Insurance, he asked me to be part of the family.”

“HACS has grown steadily since I joined the team in 2011 and I am hoping that we continue to grow to have our own facility and to extend our services to other countries in the region. Working at HACS helped me evolve from an extreme introvert to meet the challenges of the cargo industry. One of the strengths of the company is that everyone is treated like family. There is no barrier. You don’t have to feel afraid or intimidated to speak up.

You know there will always be someone to help you or listen. With an expansion, I believe we can not only have our own space but we will be able to diversify our services and the staff will be an integral part of growing the business. Our population size limits how our business can grow and that is why we need to expand out of Saint Lucia. We need to have more targeted marketing and a wider client base. There is room for it.”

While at Phoenix, Melville also assisted with duties directly related to HACS by answering the phone, making bank deposits, assisting with filing and MELVILLE SERVILLE whatever else needed to get done at the Operations Supervisor / Pheonix Manager office. He would always make himself available. Two years later, in 2013, when Melville Serville joined Phoenix Services, HACS moved to its current location on the parent company of HACS in 2011 as the New Dock Road, Melville became an Insurance Agency Manager a few months Office Assistant with HACS. after British American Insurance, where he This new position gave him the opportunity worked previously, closed its doors. to broaden his scope of expertise by “I sold life and medical insurance for six serving as Accounts Clerk, Cashier and years with British American. Before closing, Office Administrator; but he was always they sent me on a course to get certified very involved in the operations of the BusinessFocus

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incoming and outgoing cargo and ensuring everything is packed, stacked and inventoried properly. “To me, it has been all smooth sailing because I know what I have to do, I do what I have to do and I love what I do. Absolutely every bit of it. It’s easy going as long as you know what you have to do and do it – being organised makes it even nicer.”

think that we could train our staff more, to broaden their minds and to help bring them toward achieving their full potential but it will also help the company grow.”

There are a handful of people in the warehouse that Valence supervises. The workload varies daily but in Valence’s estimation, this is not a challenge. He believes many of what some may consider “the company’s challenges” are quite negligible because “Rhon is like a brother to me. To be honest there are days, the guys Warehouse Attendant Supervisor come to work and are having a bad day.

Sometimes you have to deal with that. But Valence Camille came to HACS in 2007 in the end, because we’re a family we make with a wealth of experience in the cargo it work so that the business can benefit.” industry. He started as a Warehouse “There will always be room for Attendant before moving up the corporate improvement. The space we work in ladder to become the Warehouse is a bit constrained because of the Attendant Supervisor. configuration of the building. I would like to see us have our own space. That alone Valence’s role is to make sure the would be a major improvement. Also, I warehouse runs smoothly by handling

VALENCE CAMILLE

Spencer's Towing And Used Parts Services Inc. Spencer’s Towing & Used Industrial Estate, Vieux-Fort, St. Lucia • Tel: 384-1100/454-9527/518-6233 Auto Parts

Congratulations to HACS on 25 years!

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1994. The parent company was initially involved in the business of: • an Insurance Agency and

A Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Agency THE COMPANY Phoenix Services was initially formed as a business name in the 1980’s when an opportunity came to share our premises with an insurance broker, who offered us shares in his operations. This arrangement was entered into on a friendship basis, a position that didn’t pan out as expected.

Phoenix Services was formed to give life to a desire, to be self-employed later on in life. The service contemplated then was customs brokerage. A very small operation began with one staff and limited clients.

Later, an offer to join forces with a friend failed to take root but hope was never lost.

Having functioned loosely for a couple years, it became necessary for us to formalize our existence as a business.

Phoenix Services Ltd. was then duly incorporated as a business under the Companies Act of St. Lucia on 13 April, 1994. Subsequently, to give flight to our Cargo Handling business, Phoenix Services Ltd. registered the business name, Hewanorra Air Cargo Services, on 21 June,

• Customs Brokerage.

With the advent of the Air Cargo Business, the Customs Brokerage arm of the business was moved to HACS, thus leaving the Insurance Agency to function on its own. There, the company focused its attention primarily on the insurance of motor vehicles.

The woes and challenging nature of doing business in an area foreign to one’s training, quickly brought home the realities and compelled one to hasten to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills in order to retain the insurance business. New arrangements and an agreement were entered into with Eastern Caribbean Insurance Ltd. The highs and lows of business activities did not spare the company. In spite of it all, it has remained as resilient as possible in the face of many challenges.

The work of Mrs. Peternise Stephens, Director and Secretary of the company, who joined the firm after her retirement as an Educator for many years, is well recorded. She brought form and stability along with a new influx of clients to the business. She managed the Agency for seven years (2001-2008) with a strong Hygina has been an Insurance Sales Clerk with Phoenix Services since 2003. She started in this position after working part-time for a year and half. Some of her responsibilities as sales clerk include writing up proposals for new insurance policies, issuing cover notes for renewal of yearly cover for vehicle insurance, collection of payments, dealing with customers’ inquiries and concerns, maintaining customer records and customer notifications. She also ensures that all sales reports are submitted to Eastern Caribbean Insurance by the 15th and end of every month. In 2017 she was also given added responsibility within the office for Hewanorra Air Cargo Services.

Hygina enjoys meeting and interacting with the various people who she meets daily. Over the years, she has maintained good working relationships with customers and has been dubbed the “Insurance Lady” by many.

HYGINA STEPHEN Insurance Sales Clerk

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sense of pride of ownership which was emboldened by a high quality of customer service and a sincere consideration for her clients. Bringing satisfaction to her customers was her mantra.

In 2008, having to join her husband in London, Mrs. Stephens handed the operations of the company over to her son, Rhon. He wasted no time in consolidating the management of the two entities and in short order, hired the services of Mr. Melville Serville to compliment the only other staff, Ms. Hygina Stephen to assist him in the conduct of that aspect of the business. The legacy of Mrs. Peternise Stephens, built with her devotion and hard work, would not be allowed to vanish with her absence.

Phoenix Services Ltd. - A Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance Agency

MELVILLE SERVILLE

Agency Manager

Working with Phoenix Services has certainly helped her to develop as a person and to build her self-confidence and communication skills. Insurance sometimes can be a challenging industry as most persons are skeptical as to the benefits associated with being insured.

She continues to assure them of the rationale for protecting themselves and their property. She is determined to take the time to listen to their concerns and answer any questions they have, with the hope of having them leave the office with a smile and a better understanding of their situation.

She enjoys spending her free time at the beach or doing different activities with her daughter Ziva, who is the highlight of her life.

Her future plan is to continue work with the company because she truly enjoys it.

UNIVERSALFREIGHT SERVICES

KPL

“We exceed your expectations”

KPL Logistic & Brokerage Services Inc.

ears! st 25 y

eir e S on th uld lik Universal r the la CFreight We wo ratulate HA enture ove SA v g s n ines iami, U to coServices s in M ainer ful bus r s o s t e a c d c li nt su Conso full co for ITN rcial goods, barrels s t n e g e m and cal A York, all com y Lo r load handle an containe Miami, New e W y from less th her loads, cargo to and nada and ot a ip C sh s, h our y We Angele wide rgo wit s a o c L r , u s Texa world en track yo rvice v ations destin , rail, and e e tracking se lin n truck o e t n W y efficie d n a t fas

Corinth/Grand Riviere Road, near LIME Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm Saturday 8:30am - 12:00pm Tel: (758) 458-2001 Email: uas@candw.lc / ufs@candw.lc

iTN Worldwide Warehouse address: (Consignee Name Destination Country) 8005 NW 80 Street Unit 1 Miami, FL 33166

Hewanorra Service Station Ltd.

Logistics & Brokerage Services Inc. "Beyond the boundaries of expectations!"

• • • • • • •

Customs Brokerage Cargo Consolidation Freight Forwarding Inventory Management Transportation Logistics Commercial Packing and Unpacking

Find us at Corinth, Gros Islet P.O.Box 1506, General Post Office, Castries, LC04 101, St. Lucia Tel: (758) 450-4869 • Fax: (758) 450-3799 • Mobile: (758) 484-6700 Email: logistics.kpl@gmail.com • Website: www.kpllogistics.co

PACS PACS Ltd.

Professional & Confidential Services

P. O. Box 375 New Dock Rd Vieux Fort St. Lucia

Excellent, reliable and prompt service you can afford

Office Tel/Fax: (758) 454 1200 Mobile: (758) 719 8837 preferred/(758) 485 3916 Email: fabianachedy@gmail.com

TO HACS! ON 25 YEARS OF EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE!

Hewanorra Service Station "Best Service In Town" 758-519-9179 | Beanfield - Vieux Fort, St.Lucia

PACS offers the following services: • Accounting • Customs Brokerage • Freight Forwarding • Small Package Service from USA and UK to St Lucia • Cargo Consolidation

Agents for Soreidom/Caribbean Lines offering roll on roll off cargo service from Antwerp Belgium and Sherness UK to port Vieux Fort

Give us a call today or visit us on New Dock Road, Vieux Fort

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Staying Ahead of the Curve

Staying Ahead of the Curve

the export of local products and fresh produce. The involvement of the Local Producers and Exporters Association in the way forward will be beneficial to all concerned.

The handling of air cargo is a significant factor that impacts the economic growth of Saint Lucia. A well-managed and efficient facility will greatly enhance and support the national objective of improving and growing economic activity in Saint Lucia.

At present, the level of service provided requires further improvement to meet industry standards. This is due in part to the limited physical infrastructure available at the Hewanorra International Airport to support air cargo activities. An upgrade and expansion of the air cargo facility is required in anticipation of the growth of economic activities projected for the southern communities.

The air cargo industry plays a vital role in international trade and hence our efforts must be focused on the provision of adequate and appropriate cargo handling facilities. This could help to preserve the integrity of the products to be exported or imported.

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In an effort to guarantee an efficient and effective cargo operation, our plans will include the mechanization of cargo handling, the upgrading of our computer equipment and the automation of the

handling operation. This should allow our operation an opportunity to be compatible with or adaptable to systems currently in use by the air carriers we represent. Allowances must also be made to accommodate the expeditious handling required for the emerging and thriving small package courier services.

The training and re-training of our employees will form an integral part of the overall development. An investment in cargo handling equipment and vehicles that will enable the safe and swift transport of the cargo and personnel within and outside of the Cargo Facility, will lend to the improvement and efficiency of our services. It must be pointed out that this undertaking, apart from enhancing our trade (cargo handling) product, will bring economic benefits to and make a positive impact on a segment of our society. This factor cannot be underestimated. We are confident that all stakeholders will enjoy a higher level of productivity, efficiency and profitability as a result of this investment.

EAGLE FREIGHT

& BROKERAGE SERVICES LTD. “Your Cargo is in Safe Hands With Us”

EASTERN CARIBBEAN INSURANCE LIMITED Rest Assured, Be Insured • Motor & Property Coverage • Instant Quotation, and Caribbean Eastern Immediate Cover

Insurance Ltd.

Import & Export Services: We provide hassle free transportation services using our global network coverage

• Fast & Efficient Claims Processing

• Over 40 Years’ Experience

Eagle Freight Services

CONGRATULATIONS TO HACS ON

OF SERVICE!

P.O. Box 290, Laborie Street, Castries Tel: (758) 452-2410 / 3392 | Email: ec.ins.ltd@gmail.com

Tel: (758) 451-6321 / (758) 451-6323 | Fax: (758) 451-6322

shipping@eaglefreightstlucia.com | www.eaglefreightstlucia.com

TRUE VALUE

CONGRATULATES HACS ON ITS

25TH ANNIVERSARY

EGS Freight Services Inc.

True Value Building & Hardware Supplies AIR FREIGHT

SEA FREIGHT

CUSTOMS

ONLINE SHOPPING

OUR SERVICES

► BUILDING & HARDWARE ► PLUMBING FIXTURES ► FISHING SUPPLIES ► AUTOMOTIVE CENTRE

• Professional Customs Brokerage • Customs & Excise Liaison & Consulting • Regional & International Shipping • Air Cargo Shipping & Brokerage • Online Shopping • Barrel Pack Service • Cargo Consolidation Agents for Shoppacknship.com A.F. Valmont Building, Laborie Street, Castries TEL: 1 (758) 451-2920 • 1 (758) 720-2246 • 1 (758) 520-5584 FAX: 1 (758) 451-7447 www.egsfreight.com • info@egsfreights.com

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The Way Forward HACS plans to continue to provide and strengthen the excellent air cargo handling service at Hewanorra International Airport, along with other associated support services in the industry; thus, playing a vital role in the smooth facilitation of trade and economic development. The company may continue to make special allowances for Fresh Produce Shippers in order to contribute to the enhancement in the growth and improvement in this sector of the economy. Further, given the proposed developmental projects ear-marked for the southern area and Saint Lucia in general, it will become necessary to enhance the air cargo handling operations (warehousing facility, equipment and other relevant furnishings). Consequently, this would improve the quality of service and serve as a well-founded attraction to and promotion of the Saint Lucia cargo handling business.

The recent trends in the Air Cargo business with specific reference to its growth, warrants the development of suitable facilities to cater for current and projected demands. The Air Cargo industry has its sphere and plays a vital role in international trade. Further, with the advent of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), participating governments have agreed to strengthen the business and trading environment by the removal of restrictive administrative practices in their respective countries.

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Saint Lucia is a signatory to the CSME agreement and so, this provides us with an opportunity to be “change agents� and facilitators of the process. Our primary aim therefore is to take a lead in the preparation and facilitation of the new order of things related to trade and services, and more specifically, in the cargo business development aspects of the economy.

To this end, our efforts must be focused on the provision of adequate and appropriate cargo handling facilities, to including warehousing with cooling systems, in order to preserve the integrity of the products to be exported or imported. Special emphasis will be placed on the export of local fresh produce. The involvement of the Local Producers, Trade Facilitation Enterprises and the Exporters Association in the creation of this venture will be significant.

In an effort to guarantee an efficient and effective cargo operation, our plans will include the mechanization of cargo handling, the upgrading of our computer equipment and the automation of the handling process. This should allow us to be compatible with, or adaptable to systems currently used by the carriers we represent. The training and re-training of our employees will form an integral part of the overall development.

The improvement of the cargo facility should lend in a meaningful way to the creation of a badly needed hub to serve the islands of St. Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Martinique and elsewhere. Given the already sound working relationship and

The Way Forward

the several individual companies HACS is contractually obligated to, this venture is sure to be welcomed and embraced by all concerned.

We are confident that all stakeholders will enjoy a high level of productivity, efficiency and profitability as a result of this venture.

It is also anticipated that there will be a rise in employment and the improved proficiency of the staff will redound to our overall thrust for quality of service and success.

The HIA Redevelopment Project gives further encouragement and impetus to undertake this project. It is the overwhelming view of our Directors that, as Saint Lucia seeks to claim its rightful place in global aviation and Tourism in the Caribbean, the facilities for the likely expansion of import and export cargo services cannot be under-estimated. The opportunities in and growth of the Air Cargo business is well within the sphere of this development. Consequently, the improvement to the Air Cargo Facility should complement the improved functionality and aesthetics created by the HIA Redevelopment Project.

It must be further expounded that, given the major investments outlined by the Government of St. Lucia for the year 2019 and beyond, the consequential impact of these proposed developments would necessitate the services and expertise of an experienced provider to effect the smooth handling, warehousing and timely delivery for goods imported for purpose.

“

...our plans will include the mechanization of cargo handling, the upgrading of our computer equipment and the automation of the system.

CELEBRATING

25 years

PH E IX

S E R V I C E S

H E WA N O R R A A I R C A R G O S E R V I C E S

Agents for Eastern Caribbean Insurance

P.O.Box 301

VIEUX FORT, SAINT LUCIA

+1758-454-8686 BusinessFocus

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MUST READS Volume 32

On Presence

On Presence Striving in a Distracted World

By Lyndell Halliday BSc., MBA, CPA, CMA What is “presence”? It makes people compelling. It gets results.

But what is it exactly? We instinctively recognize when someone else has it, but defining it is elusive. In this issue of Must Reads, we review the 2015 New York Times eponymous bestseller on the subject of presence by social psychologist and former Harvard Business School professor, Amy Cuddy.

Presence – Bringing your Boldest Self to your Biggest Challenges

by Amy Cuddy Presence is conveyed through such things as vocal intonation, gestures and facial expressions. It is a potent quality. For instance, according to the author, in one study of venture capital presentations, traits such as confidence, comfort level and passionate enthusiasm were stronger predictors of success than the presenters’ actual credentials or the content in their pitches. According to Cuddy, presence “stems from believing our own stories.

When we don’t believe our stories, we are inauthentic – we are deceiving, in a way, both ourselves and others.” This is conveyed unknowingly through our body language and the way we speak. In other words, a key essence of presence is authenticity.

Cuddy defines presence as “the state of being attuned to and able to comfortably express our true thoughts, feelings, values and potential.” In this book, the author aims to provide the user with a guide on how to improve this elusive, intangible quality of presence.

We all know that body language significantly influences the perception that others have of us. But could it be that our body language also influences how we view ourselves? This is one of the key tenets of this book. Cuddy is a strong advocate of “power posing”, the idea that even when we don’t feel confident, the very act of acting confident through our posture will result in increased feelings of confidence. Or as the old adage says, “fake it until you make it”. According to Cuddy, we should avoid making our bodies BusinessFocus

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look small. Behaviours such as hunching actually make us feel less confident. Instead, we should practice expansive body postures.

This makes us more confident; we project that confidence and we are more successful as a result. The scientific term is “postural feedback”.

Cuddy first discusses the idea of power poses in a 2012 Ted talk in which she discussed her own personal experiences. For much of her life, she struggled with “impostor syndrome”, the fear that you don’t belong, that you don’t really deserve your accomplishments and you will eventually be exposed as a fraud. She learnt then how to fake it until she made it.

But is this real, or is this pseudo-science? Cuddy argues, that the theory is in fact widely supported by research. The science behind it is that there is a correlation between the level of power people project and two key hormone levels. High levels of testosterone (the dominance hormone) and low levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) are associated with powerful and effective leaders. The theory is that effective and powerful leaders are not just assertive and dominant, but just as importantly, they are able to react well to stress.

In “Presence”, Cuddly describes her research and relates stories of numerous individuals she has worked with, who she claims have benefited significantly from putting her theories into practice. The stories are powerful and persuasive. Many readers of the book swear by the results when they have incorporated the techniques in their own lives.

Nevertheless, the effectiveness of power posing remains controversial in the field of psychology. Some social psychologists have been unable to replicate the result of Cuddy’s original Harvard University research and have questioned its validity. Cuddly in turn has vigorously defended her theory and her research. In 2017, she published new research that offered evidence from 55 studies which back her theory.

The jury is still out on the efficacy of Cuddy’s findings. But, “Presence” is a very interesting and provocative book that many will find helpful. Read the book, try the techniques and judge for yourself. n

Lyndell Halliday is an avid reader, lifelong learner and awardwinning business executive who has served in a range of leadership roles across the Caribbean. He is currently employed as the General Manager of Automotive Art (St. Lucia) Ltd. Mr. Halliday has also lectured for several years in a range of courses at the Master of Business Administration level.

Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd.

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Atwell Dalgliesh – The Journey

T

he Atwell Dalgliesh story is short but In time the Company ventured into selling rather fascinating. It all started on the chemical pharmaceuticals, insecticides island of Barbados. The then owner and many other products. After three of Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (Barbados) Ltd., Mr. years in operation Atwell Dalgliesh started Kenneth Tucker, believed that St. Lucia was distribution Islandwide. the next big opportunity for his company Today the Company is led by Karen and eager to explore the possibilities, he Hippolyte, daughter of the late Philip sent across a travelling salesman.

Hippolyte former Managing Director. A. That move seemed to have borne fruit F. Valmont has remained the only longbecause not long after, Tucker decided to standing Director, represented by his form Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd. daughter Althea Valmont. in June 1974, with pioneer entrepreneurs The Company, now a household name A. F. Valmont, Bernard Thomas and – is the main distributor of three wellStanley Mullings. known hair care product lines: Soft

Philip Hippolyte

Plastic bags and toilet paper were the only Sheen-Carson, Organic Root Stimulator two commodities being sold at that time. and Phoenix Professional – specialist also A little later Stanley Mullings decided to in Plumbing Supplies, Electrical Fittings, sell his shares over to local businessman – Janitorial & Sanitation Supplies and Food Philip Hippolyte, but remained as a Director. Distribution Supplies.

A.F. Valmont

A Revamped Website to Cater to Your Growing Needs:

• This clean, interactive and easy-tonavigate design provides customers with a wealth of information on Atwell Dalgliesh and its services.

• The home page serves as the website’s landing page, including Atwell Dalgliesh’s new logo and a menu to allow customers to access the rest of the website.

• It also includes an interactive slider, which will be updated regularly.

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• T his way, the moment persons land on the page they can see what new deals or products are available.

• T he customer can see some of Atwell Dalgliesh services as well as the type of products sold.

www.atwelldalgliesh.com

• For more details, customers can click “Learn More”, and will be taken to appropriate section in the “Products” page.

• Also, customers can view the different products offered by Atwell Dalgliesh.

• By hovering over a product and selecting “Quick View”, customers can see a description of the product.

Products

DISTRIBUTORS OF CHEM CLEAN LTD.

DISTRIBUTORS OF ORS HAIRCARE PRODUCTS

Chem Cutter Food Type Grease Solvent

ORS Olive Oil Maintenance & Styling

AC-50 - Alkaline Cleaner

ORS Girls Maintenance

Anti-Bacterial Handwash

ORS Restore & Repair

Cherry Bouquest Disinfectant & Surface Cleaner BusinessFocus

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Staff Members Praise Atwell Dalgliesh

A

TWELL Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd is celebrating its 45th Anniversary, a milestone that would not have been possible without its dedicated staff and the exceptional service which they continue to provide to their valued customers.

employed with Atwell Dalgliesh since he left the Vieux Fort Senior School. Clayton described his experience at Atwell as a very pleasant one. He said the company grew from humble beginnings which meant that sacrifices had to be made in order for the company to grow. When Atwell began, bathroom tissue and plastic bags were the only products they sold. Clayton pondered on the struggles of the company during its early years. “We made a lot of sacrifices. Sometimes, if we had to work late, we would not even claim for overtime payment because we were in the struggle with the company,” Clayton reflected.

The company has been supplying Saint Lucians with the best wholesale products at the best prices for the past four and a half decades. They supply eco-friendly healthcare products, food service supplies and janitorial and sanitation supplies.

Atwell Dalgliesh’s most reliable asset has been the commitment of loyal staff members who have gone the extra mile in making the company what it is today. In fact, there are current members of staff who have been with Atwell Dalgliesh from toddler years, twenty years and even forty years, which is a testimony of their loyalty.

Clayton exclaimed that the company had grown by leaps and bounds and that he is proud to have been part of the company’s journey. “The experience has been a marvellous one and this is why I am still here,” he further remarked.

Clayton Henry, Sales Manager began his tenure with the company in 1979 as a clerk. Back then Atwell Dalgliesh was

Joan Mitchell Anius, a champion of Customer Service, has also been employed

Representatives in sales and customer service. After forty years experience as a sales representative who had to compete against other wholesale companies, Joan had this to say; “There is competition but you must push yourself forward. You don’t allow the competition to prevent you from going forward.” Good customer service for Joan is not just an external approach that is made for the sake of selling a product or service, but rather, it is the result of nurturing a positive attitude, discipline, and genuine respect for others which gives the representative the character and composure from which excellent customer service arises.

Priscillia Tisson, In-house Customs Broker at Atwell Dalgliesh, has been employed with the company for twenty years. She said that her journey at Atwell has been good. She began, “I have grown, Atwell has grown, and I am still here. If my experience at Atwell wasn’t good, I wouldn’t be here.”

Office Administration Department Ms Karen Hippolyte – Managing Director (far right)

Sales Department

KAREN HIPPOLYTE

CLAYTON HENRY

THERESA DUNCAN

JOAN MITCHELL-ANNIUS

PAUL DIDIER

29 years

33 years

31 years

33 years

38 years

Managing Director

Sales Manager

situated on the corner of High Street and Peynier Street, and had a workforce of five staff members. Today the workforce has grown to twenty-two. Clayton has been BusinessFocus

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Invoicing Clerk

with Atwell Dalgliesh since 1979. She retired as a Senior Sales Representative in 2018 and was awarded a year’s contract

by Atwell to train the Company’s Sales

Sales Rep

Sales Rep

Priscillia’s personality has definitely added value to the success of Atwell over the years.

She said that the company has become an extension of her family and that she feels

obliged to assist in any way she can in business operations. She believes that one should never restrict oneself by refusing to do what can and must be done in the name of productivity. Priscillia said, “What I have seen so far is that Atwell has kept on excelling, and I am hoping that I will see more growth in the coming years.�

Inventory Department

More positive reviews from the company came from Kenneth Mortley, the Warehouse Manager, who said that it is always a pleasure to interact with customers. Shania Jn Pierre, Administrative Assistant, is appreciative of the experience that is offered to her at Atwell Dalgliesh as she is hoping to pursue further studies in the field of Business Management and Accounting.

Natasha Polius, Receivables Clerk, was very articulate as she expressed her enthusiasm for the growth potential of Atwell Dalgliesh Co. The

A look at some of the faces at Atwell Dalgliesh Karen Hippolyte Managing Director

Clayton Henry Sales Manager

Kenneth Mortley Warehouse Manager

Peter Elizee Fleet Manager & Chem Clean Sales Representative

Long Serving Staff Members

company has undoubtedly made a positive impact on the lives of its staff members, as it continues its endeavour to serve its customers with the very highest quality.

ATWELL DALGLIESH MANAGEMENT TEAM BusinessFocus

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ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

Plastic Recycling Project ‘RePLAST OECS’ Launches in Saint Lucia

Plastic Recycling Project ‘RePLAST OECS’ Launches in Saint Lucia

By OECS & UNITE Caribbean Environmental stakeholders from the “This project is intended to be a pilot public, private and local stakeholders in public and private sectors in Saint Lucia lent project for the OECS region, targeting Saint Lucia; their support and expertise towards the used PET bottles to be collected at the • Supporting local recyclers to export successful launch and two-day workshop community level and then be exported to used plastic bottles from Saint Lucia for the RePLAST OECS project – an initiative the SIDREP plant in Martinique.” (eventually the Caribbean) for recycling, that seeks to create a sustainable economic “The idea is to pilot this project for the in particular to the SIDREP plant model for the management and recycling of next two years in Saint Lucia, glean some in Martinique; plastic waste in the Caribbean, particularly lessons and best-case studies and then between the OECS Member States and the replicate it in the other OECS countries,” • Raising the awareness of the Saint Lucia population on the ecological issues French Departments of the Caribbean.

Finisterre said. surrounding managing and selectively The two-year pilot project, implemented Key objectives of the pilot project include: sorting recyclable waste; and

by UNITE Caribbean, will be carried out in Saint Lucia and will focus on testing • Setting up a system for the collection and • Extracting key lessons from the Saint management of plastic waste, involving Lucia pilot project to provide relevant approaches and systems for setting up a plastic waste collection and recycling scheme through export from Saint Lucia to Martinique.

Felix Finisterre, Senior Project Manager for the UNITE Caribbean Saint Lucia Office, highlighted the opportunity for OECS islands to supply the EU-funded industrial plant in Martinique which specialises in the recycling of plastic bottles.

“Just 33km away in Martinique there’s a SIDREP plant which is operating way below capacity and this is because of a shortfall in the supply of raw materials – even though they are collecting all the PET bottles from the French Antilles of Martinique, French Guiana and Guadeloupe.”

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and applicable lessons and case studies for replication in the rest of Saint Lucia and the OECS.

session, which focused on information sharing and setting the context for the project; and round table sessions, where specific project themes such as community participation, recycling and export, and public awareness were discussed.

to the OECS and Barbados, with support from the Government of Saint Lucia, the OECS Commission, the private sector and civil society in Saint Lucia.

The project responds to a real need given that plastic waste, especially plastic H.E. Phillipe Ardanaz, Ambassador of the bottles are increasingly being recognised French Embassy to the OECS and Barbados as a major source of environmental Jennifer Joseph, Business Development welcomed the opportunity to deepen degradation, with calls to action worldwide. Officer at the National Solid Waste relations among OECS Member States As a result, Government, public operators, Management Authority in Antigua and and conveyed the pleasure of the French civil society and the private sector have Barbuda, shared her experience as a part Ministry of Foreign Affairs to partner, been collaborating since 2017 toward a of the plastic bag ban and the styrofoam participate and finance the RePLAST coordinated and collective response to ban process in Antigua and Barbuda and OECS project. the challenges of collecting, processing reviewed several lessons learned with “Regional Integration in the Caribbean and exporting recyclable waste in the gathering. has enjoyed good momentum for several the Caribbean.

“It is a situation where we can learn from years and today RePLAST is proof of this Head of the OECS Environmental each other. We are willing to share our new dynamic. Regional Integration will Sustainability Cluster, Chamberlain best practices, and in Saint Lucia there be strengthened thanks to RePLAST and Emmanuel, reiterated the growing concern are going to be new challenges that will RePLAST will also be able to give impetus of plastic pollution and commended be faced and we can also learn from to many similar initiatives.” the RePLAST OECS initiative as it seeks these experiences.”

“Once more, this is the beginning of a to provide the region with an avenue “I really think the workshop is a good long journey and RePLAST OECS will be a to responsibly manage and dispose of start. Many of the issues that we would real success only if it paves the road for a plastic waste. have anticipated in Antigua, a lot of them future where waste in the wild will be a “There is work already being done in have been overcome already and it is distant memory.” n several Member States to ban styrofoam just a matter of implementation now,” and single use plastics but we need to Joseph added. take it one step further to ensure that we Wayne Neale, Chief Operating Officer of extract the plastic from our environment.” Greening the Caribbean – an environmental “We have an opportunity with the RePLAST Project to be able to design a template to allow Member States to work from the collection of plastic to the recycling of plastic and to capitalise on the recycling plant that is available in Martinique,” Emmanuel said.

As a partner of the RePLAST OECS project, the OECS Commission will provide Monitoring and Evaluation support to ensure that the data, lessons and best practices are well documented and can be used to develop a harmonised methodology that is customised to the OECS region.

m a n a g e m e nt company that provides waste management and recycling services to the private sector – also shared his professional waste management experiences with the group, stressing the importance of public sensitisation in addition to the collection of plastic waste to ensure the longevity of the project. Neale also outlined the critical need to “remove the level of dependency that we have on single-use plastic.”

Innov Soluti

The project also responds well to recommendations from the 6th OECS Council of Ministers of Environmental Sustainability, which urged Member States to, inter alia: (a) Develop island-specific comprehensive solid waste strategies; (b) Work as a region (hub and spoke) to optimise recycling; (c) Harmonise national and regional waste management disaster The RePLAST OECS recovery plans; and (d) Create an enabling project is funded by the environment to attract more private primarily French Ministry investment in waste management systems. of Foreign Affairs The two-day launch and workshop through its Saint comprised an opening ceremony; a plenary Lucia-based Embassy

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Caribbean Sugar Industry Faces ‘Binary Choice’

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

CARIBBEAN SUGAR INDUSTRY FACES 'BINARY CHOICE' The Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) is reiterating a position that regional sugar industry faces a binary choice of either enforcing a robust regional domestic market in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) or risk closure, with all regional sugar and molasses imported into the Caribbean at volatile global prices.

A spokesman for the SAC told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that there have been no changes to the environment following a position paper released in September last year on the need to reform the Common External Tariff (CET) for a sustainable future for the Caribbean Sugar Industry.

Communications and media officer with the SAC, William Neal, said CARICOM was still lagging “far behind” as the efforts continue to revitalise the sugar industry.

believes it can be achieved in CARICOM. sugar surplus to other profitable world The industry, together with governments markets. It will enable the region to from across CARICOM, therefore faces a retain and enhance a vibrant CARICOM binary choice of enforcing a robust regional agricultural industry – safeguarding jobs domestic market for regional sugar, which and growth and stimulating investment will allow the industry to upgrade and in the region, and demonstrating how invest in new capacity to produce sugar as the CSME (CARICOM Single Market and required by regional industrial users more Economy) allows small, individual national efficiently, at fair prices, thereby securing Caribbean industries to be viable in a way the place of Caribbean sugar in Caribbean which national support alone would not.” products.

The SAC said that by offering sugar It said the alternative is to risk closure producers a price for sugar in their of the industry, with all regional, sugar domestic market, which covers the cost and molasses imported into the region of production and incentivises increased at volatile global prices; a significantly production efficiency, the producers are weakened CARICOM single market; and able to be solvent businesses which can considerable unemployment across the build their capacity to focus primarily region. on meeting the needs of their natural domestic customer base at competitive “The industry is ready to invest and has prices. already advanced plans to adapt its

In the position paper, the SAC, a trade existing production capacity to meet the “The win-win is that sugar producers are association supporting the interests of regional demands for white sugar, with an protected from going out of business sugar producers within CARICOM, said that estimated 290,000 tonnes of plantation during periods when the world sugar price a truly regionally integrated sugar industry white or other high-quality, food grade is extremely low; and industrial users are sugar produced protected from extreme price hikes on has for decades been undermined by direct-consumption annually by 2020 across the region. major inputs for them when the world international European Union and United sugar price is extremely high. Independent States policies towards imports of raw impact assessments on a reformed sugar.

“This will be more than sufficient to meet Caribbean sugar market indicate that It said at times of globally high sugar the requirements of the current regional there would be little to no impact on the prices, regional manufacturers and market for such sugars,” the SAC said, end-price of food products for consumers. industrial users of sugar have long called noting that it's providing a solution that out for Caribbean suppliers of sugar to will strengthen the regional market for “Presently the CARICOM brown sugar give preference to supplying the regional sugar which will allow that investment market is adequately protected through market, but “sadly the market incentives to proceed whilst offering continued effective implementation of the CET. of artificially high sugar prices in Europe protections to the legitimate needs of However, the white sugar is displaced by and the US prevented that vision from ever manufacturers in the region who are the variable customs and tariff treatment coming to pass. significant buyers of white and other of extra-regional white sugar.

“We believe that the current regional “Yet, a regional sugar industry supplying domestic consumption sugars. the needs of industrial users of sugar in It argued that reform of the system will market urgently needs reform to offer the region makes sense – both to reduce enable CARICOM to reduce its balance of sugar producers the same certainty they import costs, support CARICOM industries, trade deficit by between US$132.5 million enjoy for the brown market – for all sugars and provide long-term, consistent pricing and US$271.7 million annually, by reducing produced in the region to ensure that their products will find a market at a price in beneficial to both buyer and seller.” imports of extra-regional sugar. the region which allows them to operate The SAC said that this is the model which “It will further safeguard the already sustainably and justify the considerable is in place in the vast majority of sugar- valuable foreign exchange earnings made investment currently underway in those growing regions around the world, and it by the sugar industry from sales of any industries.” n BusinessFocus

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Fusarium Wilt of Banana and Plantain: A Threat to Regional Economies and Food Security

• Race one spread globally in the first half of the 20th century destroying the Gros Michel Banana, which dominated world trade and also other banana varieties, but not the Cavendish variety; • Race two affects cooking banana species such as Bluggoe; • Race three infects only Heliconia species and not bananas; and • Race four, the lethal fungal disease, not only affects most varieties of bananas and plantain but also the Cavendish on which over 90% of world trade is based.

Distribution Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4) was discovered in Taiwan in the late 1980s and has since reached Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Based on the work done by the Caribbean Plant Health Directors' Technical Working Group on Bananas (Musa species), a highly suspicious case of the Fusarium Wilt TR4 has been discovered in the Americas. This means that everything must be done to safeguard the region from the entry of this disease.

Fusarium Wilt of Banana and Plantain: A Threat to Regional Economies and Food Security

By The OECS Agriculture Unit Fusarium wilt of bananas, commonly known as Panama disease, is a destructive soil borne fungus that poses a threat to the production of all banana and plantain crops. Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 has reappeared and is now a priority pest threatening the region's banana industry with serious economic, livelihood and food security repercussions.

There are four races of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc):

includes dead or dying plants, suckers and rhizome material that may not exhibit symptoms but can transmit the disease when planted in new areas. Furthermore, it can spread with soil and water movement and through irrigation and drainage water.

Control Chemical control is not a possible option at this time given that the fungus, once established in soil, remains active and persistent for an indefinite time period. The most important measures to adopt include: • planting certified disease-free planting material or resistant cultivars; • closely monitoring for symptoms of wilt in cultivated bananas; and • the isolation and eradication of infected plants with symptoms of wilt. The disease could spread to new areas if no action is taken.

What Can You Do? Don’t Pack a Pest As a travelling public you should declare all agricultural items and should not carry any soil or agricultural propagative or planting material without the required quarantine approval and import permits. Also, you should report any suspected signs and symptoms consistent with the Fusarium Wilt to your Ministry or Department of Agriculture and follow all prevention and control recommendations.

Symptoms and Infestation The fungus enters the plant through the roots and destroys the xylem vessels (vessels responsible for the movement of water and nutrients to the plant). As it progresses, the first external symptom of What are Regional Bodies Doing? the disease is the irregular yellowing of The regional bodies within the Caribbean the margins of older leaves followed by Plant Health Directors Forum (which the collapse of the leaves along the leaf include representatives of regional and stalk and stem resulting in a skirt of dead international organisations, government leaves around the lower part of the plant, entities, universities and laboratories of splitting of the pseudo stem at the base of the OECS, FAO, IICA, CIRAD, CARDI, CABI, the plant and eventual plant death.

UWI, UTT, UFL, USDA/APHIS, CARICOM) Banana Plantation affected by the fungus have been working collaboratively to Internal symptoms of the disease of reinforce surveillance and quarantine the pseudo stem include a brownish procedures to reduce risks of entry and discoloration of the inner tissue. The establishment of the Fusarium TR4. easiest way to observe these symptoms The Technical Working Group on bananas, is to cut through the pseudo stem near chaired by the Commonwealth of Dominica, ground level. The discoloration is usually has initiated action to strengthen seen as reddish brown or black lines hemispheric collaboration on initiatives and running up and down the pseudo stem, has highlighted priority and urgent areas for or rings running around the cross section intervention to safeguard the region. of tissue. Affected plants rarely produce Preliminary discussions have also marketable bunches. commenced between the IICA and the Mode of Spread and Pathways OECS and is also continuing among The fungus spreads through infected the other agencies like the FAO for the plant materials and infested soil particles development of a plan to deal with attached to any item such as farm tools, this threat to food security and rural shoes, clothes, animals, equipment and livelihoods. n vehicles. The infected plant material BusinessFocus

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ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

The end of El Nino could boost Atlantic hurricane activity

likelihood of near-normal activity is now at 35%, and the chance of below-normal activity has dropped to 20%.

On average, the Atlantic hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. NOAA’s hurricane season outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast.

Landfalls are largely determined by short-term weather patterns, which are only predictable within about a week of a storm potentially reaching a coastline.

lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “This evolution, combined with the more conducive conditions associated with the ongoing high-activity era for Atlantic hurricanes that began in 1995, increases the likelihood of above-normal activity this year.”

NOAA encourages residents in communities that can be impacted by landfalling hurricanes to ensure their preparedness measures are in place now to become more weather-ready. Stay tuned to the National Hurricane Center for the latest about tropical storm and hurricane activity in the Atlantic. n

NOAA forecasters monitoring oceanic and atmospheric patterns say conditions The number of predicted storms is also are now more favorable for above- greater with NOAA now expecting 10normal hurricane activity since El Nino 17 named storms (winds of 39 mph has now ended. Two named storms have or greater), of which 5-9 will become formed so far this year and the peak hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater), months of the hurricane season, August including 2-4 major hurricanes (winds through October, are now underway. of 111 mph or greater). This updated “NOAA will continue to deliver the outlook is for the entire six-month “Today’s updated outlook is a reminder to be prepared,” said Pete Gaynor, acting information that the public depends hurricane season, which ends Nov. 30.

FEMA administrator. “We urge everyone on before, during and after any storms NOAA is also announcing today that to learn more about hurricane hazards throughout the hurricane season,” the current El Nino in the Pacific Ocean and prepare now, ahead of time, so that said Neil Jacobs, Ph.D., acting NOAA has ended and neutral conditions have if state and local authorities announce administrator. “Armed with our next- returned. “El Nino typically suppresses evacuations in advance of a storm, you generation satellites, sophisticated Atlantic hurricane activity but now and your family will have planned where weather models, hurricane hunter that it’s gone, we could see a busier to go and what to do to stay safe.” aircraft, and the expertise of our season ahead,” said Gerry Bell, Ph.D., forecasters, we are prepared to keep communities informed to help save lives and livelihoods.”

Seasonal forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center have increased the likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 45% (up from 30% from the outlook issued in May). The

NOAA

NOAA Increases Chance for Above-Normal Hurricane Season

Increases Chance for Above-Normal Hurricane Season

By National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) BusinessFocus

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LUCELEC Sun Power Exceeds Expectations

“The output from the solar farm has been better than expected. It is always good when new technology delivers on expectations, especially after years of research and investment. We are very pleased our efforts in that regard are paying off.”

LUCELEC expects to build on the success of the solar farm with the installation of 7.5 MW/3 MWh of battery storage at the reduce the volume of fuel purchased by solar farm site at La Tourney. The battery storage will meet 7.5 MW of load for LUCELEC by 300 thousand gallons. about 20 minutes, which is equivalent to The solar plant has been in operation for just replacing one of the larger generator sets over a year and is meeting the expectations. at the company’s Cul-de-Sac power plant As at the end of July this year, the solar for approximately 20 minutes. The battery farm had generated 9,095,250 kWh or A major part of LUCELEC’s (St. Lucia units of electricity. That translates to about storage will also reduce the amount of Electricity Services Limited) strategy to 468,296 gallons of fuel saved. Based on the spinning reserve on the diesel generators 2020 and beyond is transitioning towards average price of fuel over the period, that required to maintain system stability and adding renewable energy to our mix of translates to approximately $3.61 million reliability. And that will translate into more fuel (and customer) savings. generation. The Company took a major step the Company has saved. in that direction when, on April 9 last year, Preliminary work on the system design its 3-megawatt (MW) solar farm in Vieux- And because fuel is a cost that’s passed and the Request for Proposal (RFP) through to customers, it means these specifications for the battery storage Fort came on line. savings have been reflected in the price The overall goal is to use more indigenous customers paid for electricity over project has started. LUCELEC’s first bank of battery storage is expected to come on line renewable energy and reduce the the period. in 2020. LUCELEC expects to have about 31 dependence on fossil fuels (diesel). The MW of renewable energy and 13 MW of LUCELEC Business Development Manager expectation was that the solar farm would storage on the system by the end of 2023 if Victor Emmanuel says this bodes well for generate approximately 7,000,000 (seven all goes according to plan. n the company and its customers. million) units of electricity per year and

LUCELEC Sun Power Exceeds Expectations

CDB Wins Top Industry Award for Driving Geothermal Energy Development in Region

CDB Wins Top Industry Award for Driving Geothermal Energy Development in Region The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is being lauded and awarded for its work advancing geothermal energy development in the Caribbean.

On July 17, the Geothermal Congress for Latin America and the Caribbean (GEOLAC) gave CDB’s Sustainable Energy Facility for the Eastern Caribbean (SEF) programme its top prize for Best Financing Programme at its GEOLAC Industry awards.

SEF, which is developed in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and executed by CDB was specifically recognised for the financing which combines grant, contingently recoverable grant, and

concessional loans resources coming through the IDB from Global Environmental Facility, Clean Technology Fund, and the Green Climate Fund. SEF also utilises IDB and CDB resources. SEF is one of the programmes under the CDB GeoSmart Initiative.

CDB Vice-President (Operations), Monica La Bennett noted that the small size and relative isolation of many of the CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) means that energy costs are high but the barriers to exploring geothermal and other indigenous energy potential are also enormous.

“The high cost of energy impacts competitiveness in many BMCs and makes the economies especially vulnerable to oil price swings. For some time now, Caribbean governments have been supporting the use of our natural resources like geothermal to produce cleaner, lower-cost energy.

However, the availability of appropriate

financing, particularly in the exploration and development stages when the costs can be relatively high has been a major challenge. We have prioritised mobilising low-cost and concessionary financing to help kick-start geothermal expansion in our BMCs and so are especially pleased that our efforts in this area have been recognised.”

CDB’s Head (acting) for Renewable Energy/ Energy Efficiency, Joseph Williams collected the award on behalf of the CDB along with Christiaan Gischler, Lead Energy Specialist and ‘lead architect’ for SEF at the IDB. The 6th GEOLAC, which was held in Santiago, Chile July 17-18, 2019, is the largest annual gathering of the regional geothermal market. Its awards highlight entities that are significantly advancing geothermal development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

CDB’s GeoSmart Initiative aims to reduce the financial, technical and institutional barriers to geothermal energy development in five Eastern Caribbean states – St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, St Lucia and Dominica. It also helps governments build capacity and strengthen institutions so they can be better equipped to implement and manage geothermal energy initiatives. n BusinessFocus

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TOURISM FOCUS

SLHTA’s 55th AGM Pledges Deeper Commitment Towards Achieving Industry Goals

SLHTA CEO, Noorani Azeez

SLHTA’s 55th AGM Pledges Deeper Commitment Towards Achieving Industry Goals The Saint Lucia Hospitality & Tourism sustainable tourism by partnering with Association (SLHTA) hosted its 55th Annual various organizations.

General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, August She also noted that rationalizing taxation 30, 2019, pledging its commitment to within the tourism sector and building continue working in the best interest of its linkages with other groups while growing membership. supporting micro- and medium-sized The AGM was held at the Finance enterprises must remain priorities for the Administrative Centre, attracting a wide SLHTA. She believes that an entrepreneurial cross-section of the umbrella body’s fund that is readily available to invest in diverse membership, 22 of whom became entrepreneurs will have an overall positive members during the past financial year. impact on the tourism sector.

Current membership stands at 259.

The tabling of audited financial reports by During the closed session, SLHTA’s PKF Professional Services Inc. and approval President Karolin Troubetzkoy and of the minutes of the SLHTA’s 54th Annual Chief Executive Officer Noorani Azeez presented a report on the year in review jointly, highlighting critical areas, including the need for a clear policy for building resilience to climate-related and economic shocks.

Other areas highlighted by Troubetzkoy and Azeez were: crime and security, health and security, wanton solid waste disposal, degradation of the marine systems, and the need for a policy framework that would facilitate tapping into the blue economy.

Troubetzkoy noted that the SLHTA membership needs to work closer towards achieving its goals. However, she noted that the Association has been able to make notable strides in building resilience and BusinessFocus

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General Meeting also took place during the closed session.

Other highlights included a proposed name change for the SLHTA, with the word “Hotel” being replaced by “Hospitality”. Members in attendance voted unanimously for the name change and also voted to choose a new logo from the three shortlisted entries.

The election of new Directors to serve the Association was another major item on the day’s agenda with the following persons being appointed to serve in the various capacities: SLHTA President, Karolin Troubetzkoy

CDB Director of Economics, Dr. Justin Ram

• Perle Flavien - Luxury Villas and Vacation Rentals • Winston Anderson - Large Hotels • Kirk Elliott - Banks, Professionals, Educational/Training Institutions & Other Allied Members • Ross Stevenson - High End Boutique Hotels • Sean Devaux - Maritime & Yachting • Dean LaForce - Small Properties • Corey Devaux - Ground Transportation, Cruise Sub-Sectors, Tour Service Providers and Duty-Free Shops • Kennedy Renee - Airlines, Travel Consultants, Destination Management Companies & Wedding Service Providers • Zilta George-Leslie - Utility Companies, Statutory Corporations and Financial Institutions • Orlando Satchell - Food & Beverage Suppliers and Independent Restaurants A short presentation by sponsor, Invest Saint Lucia, briefly detailing ISL’s mandate, as well as projects ISL is currently facilitating, brought the open session to a close. During the lunch break, members visited the SLHTA’s Linkages Tradeshow in the nearby room where various local companies showcased their products and services.

The open session began with remarks

by President Troubetzkoy, who told members that despite a myriad of challenges threatening the tourism sector – environmental disasters, natural catastrophes, the effects of climate change, recession affecting several countries, bilateral trade wars, Brexit, political posturing and unexpected moves by a new breed of international leaders – all tourism stakeholders must become more resilient and committed to preserve the benefits the sector offers.

“We must carefully identify and analyze what is under our control and what we can do as an industry and also as a country to preserve and protect our resources, to promote sustainable practices and, by doing so, allow tourism and our economy to grow even under difficult circumstances,” Troubetzkoy said.

She said sustainable tourism practices have become an integral part of the local sector, adding that there are benefits to be derived on a political, social, cultural and economic level. To that end, the SLHTA has partnered with the following agencies

to assist in building resilience to climate change: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Small Grants Project, Global Environment Fund, Soufriere Marine Management Association (SMMA), National Conservation Fund, Caribbean Challenge Initiative, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund and UNITE Caribbean.

“We do so by overseeing the management of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), funding sustainable tourism practices and benchmarking and promoting these practices among members, particularly in eco-tourism, cultural and heritage segments,” Troubetzkoy explained.

She added: “We create communication strategies and public awareness initiatives which foster greater understanding about the importance of tourism, opportunities for employment, business investments, and its relationship with the environment and the correlation between the industry and the socio-economic development of Saint Lucia.”

Troubetzkoy stated that diversifying the tourism product requires some serious brainstorming, citing the recent pull-out of major scheduled carrier, Virgin Atlantic, which has resulted in lost airline seats and tens of thousands of room nights that the tour operating arm of that airline delivered to Saint Lucia annually. She also thanked British Airways which recently announced an additional 672 seats weekly to their inventory over July and August next year, acknowledging, however, that filling the void left by Virgin Atlantic’s pull-out signals a change in strategy.

“This, therefore, is also the time to reexamine our connectivity and accessibility from and our presence in other markets, such as continental Europe, possibly even some of the South and Latin American countries and – why not? – even the Middle East and Asia,” Troubetzkoy told members.

“And it is certainly time to once again assess the biggest headache of all: the lack of regional airlift and easy connections with other Caribbean countries.”

This year’s AGM was held under the theme, “Tourism – A Catalyst for Sustainable Development of Communities and Commerce”. Troubetzkoy said the theme chosen was deliberate and strategic as it “highlights the important role of tourism our economy’s most dynamic driver and to adjust our operations to be more environmentally sensitive and to be more resilient to natural disasters as well as creating more linkages to other local industries, in particular agriculture, arts and crafts, and manufacturing.”

She said the SLHTA will continue to focus on capacity building, marketing, sustainable tourism practices, situation management, membership engagement and development, advocacy, governance and operations.

This year’s guest speaker was Dr. Justin Ram, Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank, whose presentation, titled “Tourism: A Catalyst For Sustainable Development”, focused on the existential threats facing the global economy and measures that need to be implemented to thwart these threats on a long-term basis.n BusinessFocus

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TOURISM FOCUS

The Linkages in Tourism Trade Show (LITT) 2019 The Linkages in Tourism Trade Show (LITT) was attended by different representatives from the various sectors. Participants came to promote their businesses and network with other companies. This year's trade show was attended by many new businesses who were able to display their products and services.

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SLHTA Honours Levern Spencer, Cheryl Skeete and Eileen Paul • Demonstrate a willingness to build school students in need of school supplies, partnerships between SLHTA and other uniforms, books, and transportation to organizations attend school.

• Serve as a role model for young Saint The scholarship fund, which will become Lucians operationalized during the current new school year, will be administered in • Be a change agent in the areas of close collaboration with the Ministry of sports, entertainment, arts and culture, Education and Ministry of Social Services environment, health, education and the which will identify the recipients. performance of civic duties Spencer’s long-time manager, Gregory The initiative is named after Eileen Paul, Dickson, was present to receive the honour whose long and varied career spanned over five decades. She was a certified on her behalf. teacher of Speedwriting Shorthand Hotelier Cheryl Skeete was inducted as Saint Lucian high jumper, Levern Spencer, an Honorary Member during the AGM. and, between 1984 and 1989, taught was last inducted as a SLHTA Goodwill Skeete, who owns and operates Habitat Secretarial Practice part-time at the Ambassador when the Saint Lucia Terrace, was praised for her sterling efforts National Secretarial Institute, which Hospitality & Tourism Association (SLHTA) geared towards raising the profile of small turned out a cadre of secretaries who have assumed higher positions in the held its 55th Annual General Meeting properties on the island. commercial and corporate sectors, some (AGM) at the Finance Administrative even owning their own businesses.

Centre at Pointe Seraphine.

Described by many as “the heart and soul Spencer, who recently won a gold medal of the SLHTA”, Paul joined the Association at the Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru, is in 1973 when only six hotels and seven the island’s most decorated athlete, restaurants comprised the membership. having won a slew of other medals at She was instrumental in taking what was various meets locally, regionally and then referred to as the “Hotel Association” internationally. to a completely new level after working The SLHTA cited Spencer, an Olympian, tirelessly for years, getting her first real as “an absolute jewel” and “phenomenal office space in 1990. daughter of the soil”, adding that the By 1988, through Paul’s passionate work, Cacoa, Babonneau resident and multiple the growing membership resulted in a winner of the Female Sportswoman of the name change – the Saint Lucia Hotel & Year title “has shown by her achievements Tourism Association.

Aside from running that despite being from a small nation, we To become an Honorary Member inductee, the daily operations of the SLHTA office, can achieve big things”. the candidate must: she also attended various overseas Spencer, who broke Saint Lucia’s national • Show support for the development of promotions, training programmes and high jump record as a fourteen-year-old the SLHTA by raising the visibility and leadership conferences and helped to back in 1998 while a student at Entrepot reputation of the organization introduce gala events, such as fundraisers, Secondary School, was selected by the SLHTA • Show support for innovative to supplement membership subscriptions Board of Directors during a recent meeting programmes introduced by the SLHTA in order to introduce new projects for for her “humility, dedication, persevering [e.g. the Tourism Enhancement Fund the Association. n spirit and her heart of a champion”, said (TEF), Young Leaders, etc.]

SLHTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Noorani • Be a champion for advocacy and Azeez, as he read the citation. lobbying efforts of the SLHTA “Without hesitation, it was agreed to honour Ms. Spencer with the Award of SLHTA’s Following the video presentation featuring first Goodwill Ambassador,” he said. “Over hoteliers praising Skeete for her invaluable the coming year, the SLHTA and Spencer work over the years, Skeete received a will collaborate to raise funds for various bouquet of flowers and standing ovation charities and establish legacy projects from the audience. When asked to say a few words, she said: “I’m not too well with aimed at the development of our youth.” words, because I’m more of a doer.”

In order to qualify as a SLHTA Goodwill Ambassador, candidates must meet the Meanwhile, the Eileen Paul Secondary School Scholarship Fund was also launched following criteria: at the Annual General Meeting. The fund • Demonstrate commendable will seek to provide, on an annual basis, representation of Saint Lucia at bursaries to deserving secondary international functions BusinessFocus

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TOURISM FOCUS

Caribbean persons interacting with British tourists, apart from the super-rich, should be mindful that if these visitors appear reluctant to part with their money, or demand better value, it’s because they’re spending a much-devalued UK currency.

on all Caribbean countries, particularly those that have a great dependence on UK holidaymakers.

meant to make sure that the Irish border remains open whatever the outcome of the negotiations between the UK and the EU over their future relationship. The hard line Brexiteers, including Johnson, want the back stop scrapped for fear that it could become legally permanent.

This situation is a direct result of the uncertainty that surrounds Britain and the other 27 nations of the European Union In the first week since Boris Johnson took (EU) reaching a mutually satisfactory deal the reins of the British government on July on BREXIT – the UK’s divorce from the Representatives of several sectors of the 24, the pound dropped 1.3% against the EU – by the deadline of October 31. The UK economy have expressed alarm at US dollar, bringing its value to US$1.22. prospect of such a deal has grown more the prospect of no deal with the EU. The In July alone, the sterling lost 4.3% of its remote since Mr. Johnson became Prime Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has worth, making it the worst performing Minister. He has made it clear that he warned that neither the UK nor the EU is major currency in the world. expects the EU negotiators to compromise. ready for a no-deal BREXIT on 31 October.

If they don’t, he will take Britain out of the “Although businesses have already spent Fortunately for Caribbean countries EU with no deal on cross-border access billions on contingency planning for no whose tourism industry is reliant on for goods, services and people and no deal, they remain hampered by unclear British visitors, holidays for this summer settled arrangements for how Britain will advice, timelines, cost and complexity,” and the winter of 2019-2020 have already meet costs arising from treaty obligations. the CBI says. been booked and paid. Therefore, there is The latter costs have been estimated Without a deal, Britain would have to trade unlikely to be a major decline in numbers at £39 billion. for these periods. with the EU on World Trade Organisation However, the EU negotiators have shown terms, making its exports and imports However, there will be an immediate drop no sign of relenting from the deal they more costly. The UK would render itself in the amount of money that is spent. settled with Johnson’s predecessor, distinctively uncompetitive with the EU and Traditionally, UK and European visitors Theresa May, that the UK parliament others, including the US and China that are spend a longer time on vacation and spend rejected for varying reasons, including concluding trade deals with other nations. more than tourists from the US and Canada. a “back stop” on the border between But, with the value of their money reduced, This nervousness over no deal has shown British visitors will spend less this summer Ireland (a EU member) and Northern itself in the currency markets in Britain. and next winter. This will have an impact Ireland (part of the UK). The back stop is The pound has plunged to its lowest value

BREXIT’s Effect on Caribbean Tourism

Sir Ronald Sanders is currently Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the Organisation of American States (since 2015) and nonresident High Commissioner to Canada (since 2017) for Antigua and Barbuda.

Before taking up this appointment in 2015, he was a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London in the UK and a Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto. He was also an International Business Consultant and Writer. Sir Ronald has had careers as a diplomat, businessman and academic and brings a range of skills, honed in these separate areas to his work as negotiator, diplomatist, facilitator and mediator and market strategist in business and politics.

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since the 1980s. British middle-class consumers are certainly concerned about the increase in costs of holidays, but, more broadly, the entire population is troubled by the increase in their cost of living. The costs of imported goods will rise, as will the price of British manufactured goods and agricultural production that are reliant on imported inputs.

Of course, the British tourist industry should benefit. The greater value of every major currency against the pound would make it cheaper for persons worldwide to visit Britain. But increased tourism earnings might not be enough to compensate for higher costs generally, including for hotels and restaurants. After all, travel and tourism contribute only 11 % of Britain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Tourism planners in several Caribbean countries have been aware of the adverse impact of a looming and actual BREXIT. In Antigua and Barbuda, for instance, while the numbers of UK visitors increased in 2018 over 2017, the percentage of total tourists declined from 28.59% to 26.52%. This BREXIT-induced decline has led Caribbean countries to increase

their marketing efforts in other countries, particularly the US.

and Barbuda (10), St. Lucia (11), Bahamas (12), Barbados (14) and Jamaica (15).

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister, Charles Fernandez has initiated a strategy with the hotels on the island to settle arrangements with US carriers and tour operators to boost the numbers of US visitors to compensate for any further decline in UK tourists arising from a “no deal” BREXIT.

Given this reality, however smaller the number of UK tourists might become over the next few years as Britain comes to grips with being outside the EU with or without a deal, Caribbean countries should strive, in their own interest, to retain a share of it.

In the short-term, Caribbean governments and hoteliers should create a plan to keep the region attractive to UK visitors, including ways in which they can incentivise their visits.

A more intensive approach to getting tourists from other markets is also required by those Caribbean countries where UK tourists comprise the largest The longer-term solution rests with the single number of visitors. But, since almost UK government and parliament, both of all their economies have a high reliance which should recognize that, stripped of on tourism, they should also maintain an all emotional considerations, the British active marketing presence in the UK which, economy cannot recover and prosper even after BREXIT, will still be among the in splendid isolation from its closest top 10 economies in the world. neighbors and, presently, its biggest The World Data Atlas shows eight trading partner – the EU. Britain can retain Caribbean Community (CARICOM) sovereignty over its affairs but settling the countries among the fifteen countries EU relationship on predictable terms is in the world whose GDP are significantly crucial to progressing anything else. n reliant on travel and tourism receipts. St. Kitts-Nevis tops the list at number 4 in the world, followed by Grenada (5), St. Vincent and the Grenadines (8), Antigua

BREXIT’s Effect on Caribbean Tourism

By Sir Ronald Sanders

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TOURISM FOCUS

Pack Smarter, Travel Lighter

Pack Smarter, Travel Lighter

By Paul Allen

Travel can be an incredible experience, and it can also be the greatest pain. If you have ever tried to travel with just the bare essentials, chances are you failed miserably and ended up looking like a throwback to a television comedy special trying to navigate an airport teeming with people while lugging an overstocked personal bag, carry-on, and awaiting a checked bag or two in the baggage claim area.

Travelling light is difficult for most people, especially those who fail to adequately plan. Getting up at the crack of dawn to hurriedly shove items into multiple bags with little consideration to their necessity is pretty much how most of us prepare for overseas travel. However, if you want to do it well and save on money you'd spend on checking in luggage, maximise space, and make the overall trip that much more enjoyable, your peace of mind begins here.

If you are an over-packer, prone to taking things on the basis of “just in case�, then this may be an unnerving process to reduce your travel essentials to basic necessities.

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And to be clear, this achievement of hassle-free travel, prioritising function over fashion, does mean you will have to make do with a much more minimalist wardrobe for the duration of your trip.

during colder months, than trying to fit them into a carry-on bag with limited space. Also, packing clothing which may be layered is a great alternative to toting around bulkier pieces.

Pack with the intent of leaning more Rolling clothing is preferred to folding if you heavily towards your day-to-day style, want to maximise space and lessen hassle. prioritising clothing that can be worn This works especially well for jeans and repeatedly and for more than one type of under clothing. Unfortunately, this does not occasion. If you are a jeans and T-shirt kind apply to footwear (go figure), which means of person, then two or three pairs that your key decider should be practicality and can be worn multiple times throughout a versatility. Pack no more than two pairs of week but be versatile with styling can be shoes, and take those which are easiest to a great space-saver. It will always be easier pack and most adaptable to the activities to carry along a couple extra tees to mix you will take part. Do bear in mind that you in with your jeans than to pack additional will also be wearing a pair so ensure that jeans for another look. one is your heaviest and also as malleable to your style.

If you are unsure what you will get up to during the week, bringing more short- Go easy on the accessories and toiletries sleeved shirts (we'd say four, max) and a to save on space. Unless you can wear it couple long-sleeved ones is a great way to (and don't mind removing it all at airport ensure you cover your bases. security if required) then leave it behind.

Trim your toiletries down to the basics, It's also best to wear your heaviest items, as most things left behind can always be such as a winter jacket if your trip is bought at your destination. n

The Jus’ Sail Foundation Continues to Make Waves in Saint Lucia Youth Programme Shipmates Complete Training and Move to Work Experience Through the generous support of the The shipmates were challenged every day SLHTA’s Tourism Enhancement Fund, to expand their horizons and broaden other donors and supporters including IGY their world view to ensure they take 100% Rodney Bay Marina and Carnival Sailing, responsibility for taking their lives forward the non-profit Jus’ Sail Foundation has in a productive and positive manner. The recently completed its 7th annual youth crew have now moved into the work training programme. Ten shipmates were experience phase of their training and recruited to join the programme in May are presently spread across a number of 2019 through an application process private sector partners including: Carnival designed to emulate recruitment into Sailing, Seaspray Cruises, East Winds Inn, a real-life employment position so that Exodus Boat Charters and Jus’ Sail. It is every step is a learning opportunity. The hoped that all shipmates will gain full final ten lucky individuals hail from across employment by the start of the coming the island including the communities of winter season.

– Mon Repos, Micoud, Canaries, Roseau, Jus’ Sail are particularly excited as two of Castries, La Clery, Monchy and Babonneau this year’s shipmates Krishna Joseph from and ranged in age from 18-25. All were out Roseau and Tyrus Antoine from Canaries of work or education. have been picked to sail as part of the The programme commenced on the 7th Saint Lucia Youth Team in the 2019 30th June at the Rodney Bay Marina. Over Anniversary ARC. They will be heading to the following seven-week period the Gran Canaria with four other lucky Saint participants have undergone an intensive Lucian youth in November and everyone and challenging training programme which is looking forward to welcoming them has covered a myriad of topics beneficial back to our shores at the IGY Rodney Bay to making these young individuals Marina in December. employable and productive members of Jus’ Sail are now seeking donations society. The major focus for the training is and assistance to help fund the 2020 sailing and the maritime industry, however, programme; interested parties can contact the programme equips the students for life James Crockett on 2871071 or by email – with transferrable skills that can utilized james@jussail.com for more information. within any sector or industry.

Recipient of Caribbean Tourism Organisation Sustainable Tourism Awards – Community Benefit Award 2019 The company is extremely proud concepts and core values. These to announce that they have initiatives should also help to been awarded the Caribbean enhance the country's tourism Tourism Organisation’s “Community product offerings and advance Benefit Award 2019”. The sustainable and responsible awards are given “in recognition tourism in the Caribbean. The of excellence in showcasing Community Benefit Award Sustainable Tourism Good specifically honours an entity Practices in the Caribbean and that manages tourism well awarded following a rigorous for the long-term benefit of judging process by an esteemed the destination, local people panel of judges, across and visitors.” various tourism development Jus’ Sail are proud to bring and related disciplines. The this award to Saint to Lucia awards recognize individuals, to help build the island’s groups, organizations or reputation as a destination that companies in any of the CTO is committed to responsible Member Countries which have tourism practices that enhances developed responsible tourism the contribution of the tourism products or are engaged with industry towards sustainable implementing initiatives that livelihoods for its residents. n embrace sustainable tourism BusinessFocus

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TOURISM FOCUS

Tourism Figures Reveal ‘Fifth RecordBreaking Month for The Year’

Tourism Figures Reveal ‘Fifth RecordBreaking Month for The Year’

Saint Lucia Offers Worry- Free Holiday Guarantee Program Saint Lucia Offers Worry- Free Holiday Guarantee Program

Saint Lucia continues to prove why she is a destination that inspires travelers to visit and explore her beauty and splendor.

Visitors to Saint Lucia can enjoy the perfect summer getaway with 25 properties on the island that are offering guests a holiday guarantee if their vacation were to be BusinessFocus

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Tourism officials on Saint Lucia remain optimistic over robust signs of a continued growth trajectory for the vital tourism industry. Figures for the halfway point of 2019 continue to show strong demand for Saint Lucia as the important sector again recorded significant growth.

Stay-over arrivals for June 2019 peaked at 34,040, up 9% from June of last year.

This means year to date (YTD) growth has increased 6.5%, up from 6.1% last month. This figure also marked the 5th record-breaking month for the year.

Contributing to the growth for the month of June were increases in the island’s main source market the United States, which saw a 17% increase, Germany 31%, the rest of Europe 9%, the Caribbean 7%, and Canada with an increase of 20%.

Commenting on the increases Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) Beverly Nicholson-Doty says the growth can be attributed to multiple factors, among

interrupted by adverse weather. Though Saint Lucia is seldom affected by hurricanes, hotel operators associated with the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) created the holiday guarantee, so visitors could book their vacations with confidence at any time of the year. This unique Holiday Guarantee programme covers cancellations made prior to arrival and if the vacation is cut short because of a hurricane.

them is increased airlift from the US, directly attributed to a second AA flight out of Miami that brought on 5,264 additional seats. Additional seats were also added on by JetBlue from JFK and Boston.

Airlift out of the Canadian market increased with an additional 256 seats from West Jet and Air Canada combined.

Other factors contributing to the increases were the hosting of a series of events which attracted regional travelers namely Football competitions and a music concert featuring Jamaican reggae musician Sizzla Kalonji. Decreases in visitor arrivals were however recorded from the UK – 15% and 21% from the rest of world.

Nicholson-Doty says given that there’s still a slew of exciting destination marketing initiatives to be rolled out for 2019 along with the ensuing winter season, Saint Lucia looks well poised to meet and indeed surpass the record 1.2 million visitors it welcomed in 2018. n

destination, it is utterly necessary that our Holiday Guarantee remains in full effect to assure our visitors that Saint Lucia takes pride in its tourism product,” NicholsonDoty says. Participating properties in the 2019 Holiday Guarantee Programme include; Serenity at Coconut Bay, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, Ti Kaye Resort & Spa, Calabash Cove Resort & Spa, Hotel Chocolat, Coco Palm, East Winds, Fond Doux Plantation & Resort, Ladera, The The guarantee becomes effective upon Landings Resort & Spa by Elegant Hotels, the issuance of a hurricane warning by Villa Capri, Bay Gardens Resorts (Inn, Hotel, the Saint Lucia Meteorological Service and Resort and Marina Haven), Anse Chastanet, offers a waiver of cancellation penalties Jade Mountain, Mango beach Inn, C’est and an opportunity to rebook the vacation. La Vie, Tet Rouge Resort, Aupic Paradise, Travel Agencies and Tour Operators who Top of the World Apartments, Castles In can now offer their clients an additional Paradise Villa Resort and Marigot Bay layer of security for their vacations, in the Resort Spa and Marina. event of a hurricane, have welcomed the For more information on the terms and Holiday Guarantee Programme, which got conditions of the Holiday Guarantee underway in 2018.

Programme and offerings by the various Chief Executive Officer at the Saint Lucia participating hotels, visit; https://www.

Tourism Authority- Beverly Nicholson- stlucia.org/en/specials/summer-specials or Doty makes note of the importance of that call 1-800-456-3984, or 1-888 4STLUCIA. n guarantee. “As a sought-after Caribbean

Saint Lucia to Establish Tourism Satellite Account

Saint Lucia to Establish Tourism Satellite Account

The Ministry of Tourism has made significant headway in the establishment of a Tourism Satellite Account (TSA).

The TSA isa standard statistical framework and the main tool for the economic measurement of tourism.

the hotel sector, average daily rates in the hotel sector, jobs in the tourism sector, linkages in the tourism sector, and the dollar value,” he said.

development of more efficient tourism policies and employment, and create awareness among those involved in the tourism sector, including all industries involved in the production of goods and services demanded by visitors.

Saint Lucia Shines at CTO Media Day

The Minister also had the distinct pleasure to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Doctor Rita Cox, a Canadian icon who is a librarian by profession, renowned storyteller and admired as a leader in the community. Mark Stevens won the award for ‘Best Feature Article in a Trade Publication ‘titled “Saint Lucia: Inspiration Island” as the direct result of an individual media visit to Saint Lucia by SLTA Canada in April 2018.

It provides credible data on the impact of tourism and associated employment, “So with the establishment of the Saint Lucia’s balance of payments, tourism satellite account we can give information on tourism human resource a comprehensive overview of how “We will make a presentation to the Cabinet. characteristics, and is a powerful tool for tourism impacts the local economy; like The template has been fairly advanced and designing economic policies related to what the real contribution of tourism this is being piloted by the Department of tourism development. is to economic fortunes, to economic Statistics. When completed, it will allow us development, and the role that tourism to make more informed policy decisions Minister for Tourism, Information and plays in the sustainable national economic about tourism,” minister Fedee said.

Broadcasting, Culture and Creative development of our country.”

Industries, Hon. Dominic Fedee, explained The TSA was developed by The World the benefits for Saint Lucia.

The implementation of the TSA is being Tourism Organization, The Organisation for “The tourism satellite account will fuelled by the recognition that it will Economic Co-operation and Development significantly improve how we capture the serve to increase, and improve knowledge (OECD), The Statistical Office of the impact of tourism: taxes that are paid to of tourism’s importance relative to European Communities (Eurostat) and The government revenue, revenue passed in overall economic activity, assist in the United Nations Statistics Division. n

Saint Lucia Shines at CTO Media Day

Saint Lucia has significantly boosted its media presence following participation in the just concluded Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Media Day and Press Conference in Toronto, Canada.

Representatives from more than a dozen Caribbean destinations were on hand to dialogue with travel media at the August 22nd, 2019 activity.

The island was represented by the Minister of Tourism and CTO Chairman Hon. Dominic Fedee, who appeared as a keynote speaker providing updates on the Caribbean and the economic development of the region. Minister Fedee told his audience that 1.4 million Canadians had visited the Caribbean in the first quarter of 2019, with overall arrivals rising 12%. That 12% figure for the Caribbean compares to 4.4% for tourism visits around the

world, highlighting just how robust the Caribbean’s comeback had been following a devastating hurricane season.

Along with a full day of media appointments on Thursday 22nd, Minister Fedee on Friday 23rd sat down for an exclusive ‘Pink Couch Interview’ with Bruce Parkinson at OpenJaw’s head office. Other engagements in Canada included a luncheon at Hotel X where the Minister met with Marsha Mowers of Travel Pulse Canada for a 1-2Another highpoint of the activity was the 1 interview to provide key destination Media Marketplace, where destination updates including, Saint Lucia’s Hurricane representatives got the opportunity Guarantee Policy, Soufriere Beach Park at to engage one-on-one with the media, Hummingbird Beach, development of mud consumer and travel trade outlets. As part baths at the Sulphur Springs and Village of that engagement Minister Fedee met Tourism. The Minister concluded the day by individually with Canada’s key trade media visiting G98.7FM for a radio interview with outlets, Pax News, Open Jaw Network and Camelia Guthrie – G98.7FM is the only black Travelweek.

Canadian owned radio station in Canada. n He told travel journalists that Caribbean countries needed to pull together to improve their tourism offerings, and their national economies. The main objective of CTO Media Day is to develop sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of Caribbean peoples.

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IN THE KNOW

Fence Toppers

FENCE TOPPERS

BY BRIAN RAMSEY

As homeowners struggle to find ways to enjoy the peace and serenity of their homes free from the fear of intruders we increasingly see the use of top guards on walls and fences.

Barbed Wire & Razor Wire A top guard is an overhang of barbed wire or razor wire along the top of the fence usually at a 45-degree angle.

Where barbed wire is used as a top guard, there should be three strands of barbed wire spaced six inches apart. The supporting barb arms should be attached to the top of the fence posts and should be of sufficient strength to withstand a weight of 250 pounds applied at the outer strand of barbed wire. Having the supporting arms being able to withstand this weight is so that an average individual cannot easily hold the wire and pull the entire top guard down.

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cannot hold the top of the fence or wall and lever themselves over the wire.

In certain neighborhoods top guards that face outward, would extend over the property line of an adjoining neighbor and therefore this could prevent the homeowner from using barbed wire on the sides where there are occupied properties. In such circumstances it would be better to use coiled razor wire as this has less of a projection into the adjoining property. In some instances, however, no projection into the adjoining property can be done and, in those cases, then the top guard of barbed wire should be placed vertically.

When razor wire is used it should not be stretched taut but allowed to remain with some degree of springiness in the wire. That springiness in the wire is to prevent someone from placing a thick mat on the wire and using the mat to place their hands and/or body as the other sections of the wire will move inwards and cut the individual as the area with the mat is depressed.

A Top Guard is not a complete deterrent against fence climbing; it works best against the casual or opportunistic thief.

For the determined intruder who has preplanned his attack a top guard can be quickly overcome as shown in the section below; Effectiveness of Razor Wire and Barbed Wire.

Effectiveness of Razor Wire and Barbed Wire Top Guards There is a common belief that the topping of either Barbed Wire or Razor Wire will prevent persons from climbing over the fence. Certainly, both of these present an appearance of a formidable barrier and can act as a deterrent to the casual intruder. For a determined intruder who has preplanned his attack however these devices do not prevent the intrusion.

The US Army in 1967 conducted tests using military volunteers to evaluate potential barrier systems for static positions and used Chain link fencing topped with three strands of barbed wire angled at 45° from the fence. They found that a six-foot fence with barbed wire could be crossed in just over 4 seconds. They also tested razor wire and found that those fences could be crossed within 15 seconds.

While it may be said that these tests were carried out using military volunteers and that the average Caribbean thief would not be as fit or as agile or as quick thinking as these individuals, the writer has firsthand experience that Caribbean people are just as good. On several occasions the writer had cause to inform groups of individuals that they were trespassing and then observed these individuals within seconds surmount a 6-foot chain link fence with a 1.5-foot V-shaped barbed wire topping.

Razor Spikes To this point we have written about using either barbed wire or razor wire as a top guard for fences in order to deter persons from climbing over the fences. The preceding section has indicated that both of these top guard tools can be defeated by individuals who know how to straddle them.

A very recent entry on the perimeter protection market in the Caribbean and an alternative to both barbed wire and razor wire is the use of razor spikes. These consist of a continuous double row of razor-sharp spikes. The outer spikes are barbed and the narrow inner spikes have high penetrating power. Razor spikes are a topping to deter anyone attempting to

climb over a wall. They are a formidable barrier but unlike razor wire they do not have that prison like appearance and indeed have an aesthetically pleasing appearance. As a result of their galvanize coating they have a long life and are very easy to install. In addition, they can also be painted to match the color of the house.

As is normal with many products there are cheap imitations made with a lighter grade of metal that can easily be bent defeating the purpose and greatly reducing the security effect. In addition, the imitations tend to be painted but not galvanized and so rust easily.

the wall by a determined thief who has pre-planned his entry.

Electrified Fencing A much more recent entrant into the Caribbean fence topping arsenal is electric fencing. This can be a very effective deterrent to unauthorized entry. Prior to the installation of electric fencing however the property owner must take cognizance of the potential liability issues. If the electric fence is placed at a height where an innocent bystander can accidentally touch it, the property owner can become liable for any injury caused. If electric fencing is used therefore it should be placed atop a wall that is at least 7 feet in height to eliminate the possibility of accidentally touching the fence. In addition, warning notices should be visibly posted at multiple locations along the fence.

Broken Glass A wall topping that was traditionally used in the past was broken glass which was cemented into place at the top of the wall. This is a wall topping that can still be used which functions similar to razor The information provided in this article spikes and can be a lower cost option as is not to stop the use of any material as it merely requires collecting discarded a top guard but to make aware of their bottles. However, it has an unsightly shortcomings and so realize that a top appearance and so some homeowners guard is not all that has to be done. One may find that it does not blend with the cannot simply expect that having a good aesthetic that they desire for their home. fence with a top guard will stop intruders; The weakness of broken glass is that it is there must be a layered approach to easily smashed as a precursor to breaching security with multiple layers of defense

to prevent the intruder from getting to his ultimate objective. n

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, and 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.

Facebook through business tools such as Facebook Pixel or Facebook Login.

Facebook Launches Tool to Let Users Control Data Flow

Facebook Launches Tool to Let Users Control Data Flow Facebook, under pressure to ramp up your account if you want to,” it said in a privacy rules across its platform, said it was statement. rolling out a tool allowing users to control “This is another way to give people more data that it receives from other apps and transparency and control on Facebook,” websites about their online activity. it said.

The new tool is to give clients access to Currently, commercial websites visited their so-called “off-Facebook activity” – by a customer who also has a Facebook fed back to Facebook with the aim of account may send Facebook details of targeting advertisements – and give them that visit, prompting the social network the option of deleting it. to show that person ads related to any “Off-Facebook Activity lets you see a summary of the apps and websites that send us information about your activity, and clear this information from

They then have the option of disconnecting this information, or all future offFacebook activity, from their account.

The new feature will be rolled out first in Ireland, South Korea and Spain, and then everywhere else over the coming months, Facebook said.

“We expect this could have some impact on our business, but we believe giving people control over their data is more important,” it said.

Last month, US regulators slapped Facebook with a record US$5-billion fine for data protection violations in a wide-ranging settlement that calls for revamping privacy controls and oversight at the social network.

“We’ve agreed to pay a historic fine, but even more important, we’re going to make some major structural changes to how we build products and run this company,” Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg said product they may have searched for. at the time, adding that “we’re going to With the new Facebook tool, users will set a completely new standard for our be able to see a summary of information industry,” he said. n that other apps and websites have sent BusinessFocus

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IN THE KNOW

a lot of time agonizing over a project that you are not familiar with.

10 Tips to Have A Good Day at Work

10 Tips to Have A Good Day at Work...

8. Welcome feedback: Not everyone welcomes feedback, which is a nice word sometimes for criticism. We dread it like the common cold. We see criticism as a demotivator, it means that we are not doing a good job. In essence, feedback is different, you get the positive feedback with the negative.

Listen to feedback and constructive criticism, it will only improve your work output and make you better.

9. Mend fences: If you have fallen out with a colleague, try to make amends. Even if you think that your colleague was wrong, try to move past it so that you can work together again. It will create a work-friendly environment which all of your colleagues will appreciate.

10. Build relationships: It is all about relationships and we don’t

BY TRUDY O. GLASGOW B.A., LL.B (HONS), BVC, LL.M, P.C.H.E* mean a romantic relationship here. Relationships include work “A job is what we do for a living, it does not define who we are, but we better enjoy it...” relationships, family and friendships.

We have to nurture all of the It is said that if you truly enjoy what 4. It is all about problem solving: Clients relationships in our lives so that we you do for a living that you will never want you to solve their problems. can have a holistic experience. At work a day in your life. Let’s hope we all As lawyers, we are problem solvers: work, it is important to trust each think about our livelihoods in this magicians, therapists, drill sergeants, other, and work well as a team. manner. Our career, our profession, our lecturers, micromanagers.

It is job, occupation however we want to call as simple as that, so think about This column is for general use only. For what we spend most of our waking hours what the problem is and how it can be advice specifically for your case, please doing every day to earn money- should be solved. see your lawyer. n fulfilling and rewarding to us, and others. 5. Get to know others: Living in isolation Whether we are in the service industry or works for some, but if you work in an making goods for sale, or entertainment, office, take some time to get to know Ms. Trudy O. farming, fishing, banking, teaching... your work colleagues. You don’t have to Glasgow is whatever we do, we should do it to the be best friends but a cordial relationship a practising best of our ability. among your team will create the right attorney at Every day we should aim to have a synergy in the working environment. It the law firm productive day. Here are 10 tips to have a will be a more pleasant experience if Trudy O. good day at work every day. you can get along with them. They will Glasgow & be able to help you with some tasks that 1. Stay positive: In life and at work, it is Associates, you may find taxing and vice versa. important to have a positive attitude. a court-appointed mediator and It can make the difference between 6. Plan ahead: Where do you see yourself author in Saint Lucia (and has having a gratifying or unpleasant day. in five years? Ten years? Making a life also taught law at University level plan always helps when living in the in the UK)*. Ms. Glasgow is the 2. Make a list: Have a ‘to do’ list for every moment does not suffice.

Imagine current Vice President of the day. Make it realistic in terms of what what your life will look like in the future Bar Association of Saint Lucia, you want to achieve for the day. It is and this will fill you with motivation to President Elect of the Rotary Club important to manage your time wisely continue striving to be the best. of Gros Islet and Chairperson so that you get the most out of your day. of the National Research and 3. Get to work early: Getting a head start 7. Share your knowledge: Working well Development Foundation and Cowith your colleagues, and sharing your on your day means that you have quiet Chair of 100 Women Who Care. knowledge with them goes hand in hand. time to reflect on your goals for the day.

Share your thoughts and comments: Do not be afraid to explain concepts to Further, you will be in tune with what is you are invited to email her at them that they do not understand, they needed in the office before the clients trudyoglasgow@lawyer.com. will do the same for you. It can save you start calling or coming in.

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Grenada PM Lauds Joint UWI – Rum Industry Initiative Grenada PM Lauds Joint UWI, Rum Industry Initiative

Dr. The Right Hon. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada

Dr. Nicole Phillip-Dowe, Head of The UWI Open Campus, Grenada and Vaughn Renwick, Chief Executive Officer of WIRSPA, signing the MOU.

Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. The Right recent announcement to upgrade product Chairman of Grenada Distillers, Leroy Hon. Keith Mitchell has lauded the signing labelling in domestic CARICOM markets Neckles, speaking on behalf of the local of a Memorandum of Understanding and its self-regulation code. rum industry welcomed the grouping to between the University of the West Indies Commenting on the signature of the MOU, Grenada, “we in Grenada are proud to Open Campus and the regional rum Professor Julie Meeks Gardner, Acting host our first meeting of regional rum industry grouping - the West Indies Rum & Principal of the UWI Open Campus, said producers. Grenada has a tremendous rum Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA).

“The UWI Open Campus is delighted to and sugarcane heritage which is second Speaking last week during the signing of forge an alliance with The West Indies to none. We hope to share this unique the MOU in Grenada, the Prime Minister Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association history with our colleagues from the rest of said the initiative, which will see as its first that is mutually beneficial to both regional the Caribbean”. task the development of an online training entities. As part of the leading University About WIRSPA initiative for the industry, was a great in the Caribbean, the UWI Open Campus The West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers example of the university applying itself to is well placed to contribute to building Association (WIRSPA) is one of the oldest the needs of the productive sector, one in the knowledge base in the rum and spirits private sector trade associations in the which the Caribbean possessed a wealth of industry, which has been a vital component Caribbean. It represents rum producers expertise and heritage. of the region’s cultural and economic in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, landscape for centuries.”

The MOU was signed during a reception Haiti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, to welcome members of the industry to According to Chairman of WIRSPA and head Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent & Grenada for WIRSPA’s annual technical of the Guyana conglomerate, Demerara the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Suriname and meeting, which was held from 9-11th July Distillers, Komal Samaroo “the MOU will Trinidad & Tobago 2019. The meeting saw over 35 persons provide a framework for cooperation Authentic Caribbean Rums, the products from many of the grouping’s large and between the regional rum industry and produced by the membership of WIRSPA, small distilleries discussing key issues the University of the West Indies. Our represent a unique and distinct sector including responsible drinking, production first planned collaboration is expected to within the drinks industry, supported by and quality standards, product labelling, be an online certification offering in rum common quality standards and rules. The environmental management and raw and spirits production which would be Authentic Caribbean Rum (ACR) Marque material supplies. offered to our members and more widely was developed as a symbol of authenticity, The Prime Minister also commended internationally, in several languages.” provenance and quality for rums within the recent efforts on the part of the industry He added, “this is a unique offering in WIRSPA family. n to intensify its support for tackling education and training, coming as it does problem drinking and in particular, the from the home of rum, the Caribbean.”

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BUSINESS YOUTH IN FOCUS

Saint Lucia’s development can only be enhanced through collaboration with partners such as USAID.”

US Government & The Caribbean Development Bank Join Forces to Support Saint Lucian Youth

(L - R) Julia Henn, USAID Acting Mission Director; Monica La Bennett, CDB Vice-President (Operations); Joaquin Monserrate, Chargé d’Affaires, US Embassy in Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS

US Government & The Caribbean Development Bank Join Forces to Support Saint Lucian Youth The United States Government and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) are working together to improve opportunities for vulnerable youth in Castries, Saint Lucia.

The two entities today formalised their commitment to this collaboration, signing a Letter of Agreement that reaffirms their joint partnership with the Government of Saint Lucia on comprehensive violence prevention projects being funded by both institutions. During a brief ceremony held at CDB’s Barbados-based headquarters, Acting Mission Director, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Julia Henn, signed the agreement on behalf of the United States Government, while CDB Vice-President (Operations), Monica La Bennett, did so on behalf of CDB. US Government and CDB celebrate signing of Letter of Agreement(L - R) Julia Henn, USAID Acting Mission Director; Monica La Bennett, CDB Vice-President (Operations); Joaquin Monserrate, Chargé d’Affaires, US Embassy in Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the OECS The signing formalises ongoing collaboration on the implementation BusinessFocus

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Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Joaquin Monserrate, who witnessed the Agreement, told the gathering, “The US Government is deeply committed to this region as evidenced by our various youth, juvenile justice, health, and environment programs that benefit at-risk youth and citizens at large. The challenges that the region faces cannot be solved by one agency and I’m pleased that the USG and the CDB are joining forces to use collective resources and ideas to support the region’s greatest asset – its youth.”

Noting that the YES Project strengthens youth, family, and community support systems in St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis and Guyana to improve the skills of atrisk youth and create alternatives to involvement in violence, he added, “Since 2016 the Project has engaged over 4,000 youth in positive youth development programs resulting in job creation and reducing risks for involvement in crime across the three countries.”

Permanent Secretary in Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Equity, Velda Joseph, who is signatory to the Agreement on behalf of the St. Lucia Government, of complementary youth initiatives – participated via teleconference. She USAID’s regional Youth Empowerment thanked USAID and CDB for their “bold Services (YES) Project and CDB’s Youth step in fostering collaboration,” noting Empowerment Project (YEP) – in Saint Lucia. that “significant benefits can be derived The agreement follows the establishment from creating synergies.” In this regard, of a National Advisory Board to ensure Joseph maintained that “the merits of effective in-country coordination, and collaboration and working together are facilitates sharing of information and best widely accepted and understood. practices, maximisation of opportunities for communication to joint stakeholders USAID’s YES Project is designed to reduce and reduction in duplication of efforts to youth involvement in crime and violence in target communities across the Eastern and maximise impact.

Southern Caribbean, and Castries Central Addressing the signing ceremony, CDB has been identified as one of the targeted Vice-President (Operations), Monica La communities for a range of interventions, Bennett said, “The [Youth Empowerment] including after-school programs, life Project is intended to enhance the and social skills training, workforce capacity of the Government of Saint Lucia development and family counselling. and its implementing and participating Meanwhile, CDB’s YEP Project addresses agencies to deliver results-based youth the expansion of existing Court Diversion empowerment responses to build the Programs to prevent youth who have resilience and improve the life chances committed minor crimes from reoffending. of vulnerable children, youth and their This includes community-based initiatives families. In this regard, CDB is pleased such as after-school and summer programs, to partner with USAID to support the leadership development workshops and Government of Saint Lucia in addressing the inclusion of sports and expressive arts the complex citizen security challenges in communities. n facing the country. CDB welcomes this partnership as we recognise that

2019 CSEC/CAPE Results are Out!

By Alisha Ally

2019 CSEC/CAPE Results are Out!

Annually the Education Sector in Saint Lucia waits with baited breath for the release of regional examination results.

This year was no different. On August 14th, Saint Lucia’s Registrar of Examinations, Carmelita Matthew, unveiled the performance of the island’s secondary and tertiary level students.

Students were tested in thirty-four subject areas with just over 76% of the candidates scoring between Grades One to Three in their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, an impressive feat for the island. More than twelve secondary schools recorded a marked improvement in performance. Topping that list is the Bocage Secondary School which showed the most improvement from 2018 to 2019. Matthew said, “The country’s performance at the CSEC Level is 76.85. In 2018 it was 76.47. So, we can see there is an increase in student performance. Bocage Secondary School recorded the highest increase of 21.12 percentage points.”

Stanley Jon Odlum Memorial Secondary College. In analysing the students’ School, and Grande Riviere Secondary performance, Matthew found that Year School – wrote the Caribbean Certificate One and Year Two students of the Vieuxof Secondary Level Competence (CCSLC). Fort Comprehensive Secondary School Students were tested in English, French, achieved somewhat similar results while Integrated Science, Mathematics, Social Year One students of SALCC outperformed Studies, and Spanish. They were graded Year Two students. on Mastery, Competence, and Developing “Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in Competency Skills. Students mastered Unit 1, 14 out of the 20 subjects that were Social Studies but did not grasp concepts written, they obtained 100% pass rate. in Spanish.

Vieux-Fort Comprehensive, 10 out of the Matthew revealed, “In French, Integrated 19 subjects received 100% pass rate. For Science, Mathematics and Social Studies we Unit 2, 10 out of the 19 written by Sir see most of the students at the Competent Arthur Lewis obtained 100% pass rate level. The Mastery level, quite a few whereas for Vieux-Fort Comprehensive, students are at that level. And Developing 14 out of the 19 subjects received 100% Competency in Mathematics, it’s at the pass rate.” highest. There is a lot of work to be done While Saint Lucia’s CSEC overall where the development in Mathematics performance for Mathematics and English is concerned. No one attained Mastery in are above most countries in the region, Spanish; more students are developing Matthew is adamant that more focus is competencies than are competent in that needed on Mathematics at a secondary subject area.” school level.

Five hundred and twenty-four candidates sat the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Almost 200 students from five schools – Examination (CAPE). They were from the Bocage Secondary School, Piaye Secondary Vieux-Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, Gros Islet Secondary School, School and the Sir Arthur Lewis Community

The students who performed outstandingly well at the CAPE and CSEC level will be announced in October. n

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BUSINESS YOUTH IN FOCUS BUSINESS YOUTH IN FOCUS

Student Volunteers Join OECS and CCRIF SPC to Continue Flood Mitigation Works

Student Volunteers Join OECS and CCRIF SPC to Continue Flood Mitigation Works By OECS The OECS Commission and the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF SPC) are continuing efforts to reduce flooding and strengthen resilience in the community of Malgretoute, in Micoud, Saint Lucia.

Primary School – the Scouts. The activity was not complete, however, so we decided that we would bring the campers [from the Duke of Edinburgh Caribbean Awards Sub-regional Council] here to complete the project.”

eighteen (18) months and the project continues to engage members of the community, both in the performance of project activities and in the transfer of knowledge, to better maintain the watershed and riverbank.

This latest effort facilitated the planting “We are very happy that the OECS and of trees along the Fond/Malgretoute CCRIF were able to bring us on board to be River by student volunteers from the Vide a part of this project.”

Bouteille Primary School’s Scouts and the Duke of Edinburgh Participant from the Duke of Edinburgh Caribbean Awards Sub- Cayman Islands, Julien Manko, noted the regional Council. importance of extra-curricular groups Programme Officer in the OECS such as the Duke of Edinburgh Programme Environmental Sustainability Cluster, to foster leadership skills and help young Josette Edward-Charlemagne, welcomed people give back to their communities. the participation from the students and “The Duke of Edinburgh is an excellent highlighted the need for sensitisation on experience that I would certainly environmental sustainability at all levels. recommend to anyone wanting to improve

The main goal of the Malgretoute riverbank stabilisation and reforestation initiative is to replant at least half of the deforested areas along the Malgretoute/ Fond watershed and implement measures to stabilise the river banks.

“It was a pleasure to have the students their leadership skills and who would be a part of this riverbank stabilisation like to have an opportunity to visit other activity. This project serves to sensitise the beautiful countries in the Caribbean, learn community of Malgretoute but also our more about the culture and work on a wider community on the ways in which project that can help the local community.” we can intervene, albeit in small ways, to “Today I’m very excited to be working with protect the environment." the rest of my teammates on this project “The trees that were planted in the past for river bank stabilisation. We are working few weeks will, in time, aid in preventing on planting trees to ensure that the silt the extensive erosion and flooding that does not continue to block the river here the residents of Malgretoute experience in Malgretoute.” every year during the rainy season,” The Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) is a youth Charlemagne said. awards programme founded in the United Eva Williams, Teacher at the Vide Bouteille Primary School, played a key role in organising students to participate in the river stabilisation project and was pleased the initiative was a success.

Kingdom in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, that has since expanded to 144 nations. The awards recognise adolescents and young adults for completing a series of self-improvement exercises.

“We started this project in July with a group of students from the Vide Bouteille

Mitigation work in the Malgretoute area has been ongoing for approximately

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The project is estimated at thirtyfour thousand, one hundred dollars (USD $34,100).

Student participants in the project were from Antigua and Barbuda, the Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, Barbados, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago. n

management, actuarial science, geography, civil engineering, climate studies and other related areas to be assigned to national and regional organizations where their educational experience can be enhanced through practical work assignments and research projects.

The 19 interns will work on a range of projects, including among others: • An impact assessment of climate change on the sandy shorelines of the Caribbean – to be undertaken at ACS • Implementation of a national hazardous materials plan and earthquake plan – at Hazard Management Cayman Islands • Assessment of existing linkages between climate change and poverty in the fisheries sector – at UWI CERMES • Studies on coral micro-fragmentation and artificial reef development towards the reef restoration at – UWI Discovery Bay Marine Lab • Examining the costs of the October 2018 flood in Trinidad and Tobago – at the Trinidad & Tobago Meteorological Service • Numerical weather prediction verification – at CIMH • Economic valuation of fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure – at CRFM n

CCRIF Internship Programme 2019 Supports 19 Young Caribbean Professionals to Gain Work Experience in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Under its Regional Internship Programme for 2019, CCRIF has placed 19 young university graduates from 7 Caribbean countries as interns in 14 national or regional host organizations to gain work experience and assist these organizations with undertaking key assignments or research.

Each year CCRIF allocates US$75,000 to the programme which is used to provide each intern with a stipend for the 2-month internship and for airfare and

CCRIF Internship Programme 2019 Supports 19 Young Caribbean Professionals to Gain Work Experience in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation

accommodation for those interns placed in organizations outside of their home country. This cohort brings to 104 the total number of internships implemented since the programme was launched in 2015, with CCRIF investing approximately US$335,000 over the period.

CCRIF’s Regional Internship Programme provides opportunities for recent university graduates from the Caribbean who have earned degrees in disaster risk management, environmental BusinessFocus

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Fifteen Students Benefit from Daren Sammy Foundation Scholarships

Fifteen Students Benefit from Daren Sammy Foundation Scholarships On Thursday, 25th July, 2019, Daren Sammy Foundation (DSF) held a special award ceremony where fifteen (15) Saint Lucian students were presented with scholarships for the upcoming school year 2019/2020.

The total value of these scholarships was $28,000 Eastern Caribbean Dollars.

The Daren Sammy Foundation award scholarships are given every year to hardworking students from low-income families, covering tuition fees, school textbooks, bags and uniforms. Recipients

are selected based on strict criteria which requires that the applicants must belong to a sports club or participate in extracurricular activities, and have a grade average of seventy percent or more.

What makes this scholarship programme different is that many of the students continue to receive support through the foundation, as long as they continue to adhere to the criteria. This means that at least nine (9) of the students are receiving scholarships for the second or third time this year.

with a mission to serve Saint Lucia by developing its youth through sports and education. Daren shared with the students that “you have a duty to make your parents proud. I know that this was what was driving me. To make my parents proud and to achieve in a way that would help them live better lives.”

Though the Foundation cannot extend its reach to everyone, the goal is help create a better future for Saint Lucia, one child at a time, and to inspire everyone to give back to their community.

According to Mrs. Cathy Sammy, Vice- The Daren Sammy Foundation would also President of the Daren Sammy Foundation, like to thank all Corporate Partners who “We are proud to once again, make a have ensured that the Daren Sammy difference in the lives of many deserving Foundation continues to fulfill this students, for the upcoming school year. mission. A special thank you to Digicel; I believe that this year’s scholarship OECS Marketing Manager Jamisha Wright holders; some returning from last year, all who has pledged to ensure that twenty mirror the dedication and discipline of our students will receive scholarships in 2020.

Founder, Daren Sammy, who has achieved Digicel, Saint Lucia’s leading excellence in international cricket. As a telecommunications company has been family, it brings us so much joy to help one of the key corporate partners of the these students achieve goals that would Daren Sammy Foundation and its mission otherwise not be possible for them.” over the years. The desire is to partner with The Daren Sammy Foundation, was even more local entities to significantly founded by International Cricketer and increase the number of students who will Saint Lucian sports legend, Daren Sammy receive support in the near future. n

Daren Sammy Cricket Academy to Expand to Region

has given away over 45 scholarships to children from low income families across Saint Lucia.

“I strongly believe in the power of education.

We all know the saying – ‘Knowledge is power’ hence I am so excited about this next chapter. I know it will enable me to do more for the underprivileged families,” Sammy explained.

He asserted that he believes the brand ‘Daren Sammy’, would empower young people not only in Saint Lucia but across the globe, bringing out the passion, power and pleasure in them.

Daren Sammy Cricket Academy to Expand to Region The Daren Sammy Cricket Academy has its sights set on expanding into the region, it has been announced.

“There is so much more I envision and we are looking to take the academy to the region,” Sammy himself stated at his brand launch at the Landings resort.

He told the ceremony that the second year of the Digicel Daren Sammy Cricket Academy had concluded, where the BusinessFocus

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“Becoming a leading brand in the world is at the forefront of my mind – being able best 19 under 15 cricketers on Island to create opportunities for growth and experienced what it takes to become development of young people through the a professional. success of brand Daren Sammy will be my “This project is very dear to me because it driving force,” Sammy said. helps develop the future champions but Among the people he paid tribute to were also it allows me to repay the kids for what his parents. was done to me as a kid,” the Saint Lucia “The constant lessons and lectures of being cricketing legend explained. respectable, lovable, humble forgiving and He observed that the Daren Sammy being happy is why I am who I am today,” Foundation was launched in 2016 and Sammy explained. n

Three Sandals Foundation scholarship beneficiaries; Tiffany Florent, Shaquil Flavius and Xaviour Blanchard got a firsthand look of what it’s like to be a Sandals Manager, and spent Friday August 23rd shadowing several team leaders at Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia.

how hard most jobs are for adults. I got to experience one of the toughest and most fun jobs in Saint Lucia. Working in a hotel and experiencing the variety of departments with all the various functions was a huge teaching moment for me. I am thankful for the day of learning and fun that I had at Sandals Halcyon. I was taught a lot about working experience and of how a hotel runs”.

Shaquil Flavius receiving his scholarship pack from Versilia Jn Baptiste, Front Office Supervisor - Sandals Halcyon

Tiffany Florent was most impressed by the staff she met at Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa.

The Sandals The Sandals Intern for A Day Experience Intern for A Day Experience

“Just saying that the hotel was nice would As for Xaviour Blanchard, well he just fit not suffice. It was gorgeous. I was given right in at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucia tours of the housekeeping, entertainment, Spa and Beach Resort. food and beverage and watersports “It was very interesting. I learned a lot departments. We ended the day with shadowing the different teams and I’m kayaking. The staff at Sandals Regency La glad for this opportunity. The employees Toc was very welcoming and fun. They at Sandals are like one big family. After made us feel comfortable and I enjoyed only a few hours with different teams, I still the day with them.” felt a part of this huge family. Shadowing at Sandals was a great opportunity that Xaviour Blanchard receives his Sandals has provided me with great insight on the Foundation Scholarship from Managing industry.

It is something I would do again if Director Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia Mr. given the chance”.

Winston Anderson Shaquil Flavius’ experience at Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort was an eye-opener for him. “Most young people don’t know

We wish these students well as they return to school, to work towards achieving their goals and objectives. n

Youth Participate in UNESCO Sand Watch Project The Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO recently engaged teachers, ASP Net coordinators, students and youth across Saint Lucia in a three-day workshop on the UNESCO Sand Watch Project.

Symphorien says it is hoped that the initiative will be fully integrated within the school curriculum. “We have all seen firsthand the devastating effects of climate change and global warming on small island developing states like Saint Lucia. In order to respond effectively and to mitigate the impact of these events we have to respond through education. Education is the key, and in that regard, we believe that the sand watch project is a perfect tool for achieving our objectives,” The SecretaryGeneral said.

Funded under the UNESCO Participation Programme for the Biennium 2018-2019, the UNESCO Sand Watch project seeks to reduce the levels of pollution in the Caribbean Sea. It will provide water testing kits and training manuals to all schools in Saint Lucia, provide training in scientific observation of beaches through field measurements and data analysis and assist Acting Director of Innovation within the communities to use the data collectors Department of Education Lenell Malzaire, to better manage beaches within their says ultimately, the project will help communities. to identify and evaluate threats facing Secretary-General for National Commission the coastal environments and develop for UNESCO in Saint Lucia, Marcia sustainable approaches to addressing

those threats. “Those of you who are part of Generation X would have grown up in a time when the coastal region in Saint Lucia brought about much economic stimuli. Hotels were being built, sand was being mined and mangrove was being cut to make charcoal. So it bring chills up my spine that I stand here to wish you well on such an occasion were we are going to be embarking collectively on an effort to study our coastal region to give insight and to effect change," Malzaire says. The acting Director of Innovation in the Department of Education hopes that the training exercise meant for students, teachers and stakeholders will facilitate ingeniuity in schools. n

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Persons Impacted and Affected Take Up The Call To “Walk For The Cure” In 2019

Persons Impacted and Affected Take Up the Call To “Walk For The Cure” In 2019 To raise XCD 100,000, because #everyoneknowssomeone impacted by cancer Under the theme “Walk for the Cure – because everyone knows someone”, CIBC FirstCaribbean and partners – Faces of Cancer and the Saint Lucia Cancer Society launched the 2019 edition of Walk For the Cure at the Harbor Club.

The kick-off of the event took place on Thursday 6th August with persons impacted or affected by cancer. Sponsors and local celebrities are at the forefront of the promotion of the walk with compelling personalized video testimonies.

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Walk For the Cure has become the region’s largest cancer fundraising and awareness event. Saint Lucia’s northern and southern walks are carded for Sunday 6th October. The routes remain unchanged.

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Country Manager Mrs. Ladesa James-Williams, said that across the bank’s 16-member footprint, year number eight is expected to surpass its target of USD$550,000. Over the last seven years the event has raised over USD$ 2.2million across the region with Saint Lucia contributing close to XCD$500,000 of that total. XCD$75,000 of that amount was raised in 2018 and channeled to persons living with cancer through the two local cancer advocacy and support organisations.

Mrs. James-Williams cited partnerships as the single most effective element in the BusinessFocus

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growth of Walk For The Cure. “This year, and JUST4FUN have collaborated with the we have brought into the fold, groups and walk and will be placing their platforms at individuals whose networks are vast and the disposal of the walk. whose mass appeal is high among young They join a list of longstanding and people”, she disclosed. new corporate partners: Harbor Club, One such partner is Wavemaker Massy Stores, Digicel, RCI, Wavemaker Photography, through its principal Photography, Vybz Radio, Harris Paints, James Adjodha, who will lead on a National Conservation Authority, social media campaign driven by the SocaFit, Falcon Holdings, BDO, St. Lucia hashtags #everyoneknowssomeone International Financial Centre, Johnsons and #758walkforthecure. Through their Hardware Ltd, Automotive Art (St. Lucia) personal testimonies, friends and family Ltd, Brice & Co. Ltd, LUCELEC, WLBL – Piton members will honour the memory of Malta /Crystal Clear, Travel & Leisure loved ones, share their survivors’ stories Centre, Sea Island Cotton Shop, Courts/ and highlight the value of family and Unicomer, Touch Therapies Day Spa, Beat community support. Celebrity accounts Envy and Vivre la Belle. will reinforce the importance of healthy Registration is now open at CIBC lifestyles, personal responsibility and FirstCaribbean branches islandwide, early detection.

Massy Stores islandwide, The Cancer Mrs. James-Williams said this year’s Society and Radio Caribbean International. national target is set at EC$100,000, Fundraising activities are ongoing with adding, “despite last year’s financial opportunities for public participation. success, we can do better by way of our The public is encouraged to deposit walk numbers. We will all agree there are contributions in any amount at the Walk hundreds of reasons why, and many of for the Cure donation tins at all bank these reasons are our spouses, parents, branches, or via direct deposit to the Walk siblings, children, friends, colleagues, and for the Cure, CIBC FirstCaribbean account neighbors – #everyoneknowssomeone.” # 106995550. For more information on In issuing a plea of support to the the Walk for the Cure and how you can entertainment sector, she also announced support, kindly contact Mr. Kestan Jn that this year well-known event promoters Baptiste at 456-1110 or Ms. Elaine Borton EpicEvents, and two carnival bands – at 456-2403. n REDUNLIMITED through their foundation

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging Caribbean countries to implement laws to ensure that working women are given the time and support needed to breastfeed.

PAHO Wants Maternity Protection Laws Implemented in The Caribbean

PAHO Wants Maternity Protection Laws Implemented in The Caribbean

eight countries provide women with at least 14 weeks. When it comes to the recommendations regarding breastfeeding breaks, 18 countries in the region provide these breaks to mothers when they return to the workplace.

PAHO, in a message marking International Breastfeeding Week commemorated each “Many countries in the Americas include year on 1-7 August, said this includes provisions for maternity and breastfeeding adequate paid maternity leave and for working mothers in their labour laws, sufficient breastfeeding breaks upon but few of these provisions go far enough return to work. to ensure that women and children are properly supported,” said Dr. Ruben Grajeda, International Breastfeeding Week was PAHO’s Regional Advisor for Nutrition and observed under the theme “Protect Social Determinants of Health. breastfeeding in the workplace” and PAHO said this is intended to raise awareness of “This is a fundamental issue of equality, the need to support parents and create an where women who are not protected enabling environment where mothers can are faced with a stark choice between breastfeed optimally. economic stability and the health of their PAHO said in order to ensure that working child,” he added. mothers are adequately protected, it is calling for regional countries to implement the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 183 and the Maternity Protection Recommendation, 2000 (R191), and to enshrine this in national law.

PAHO also recommended a variety of other measures to protect, promote and support the right to breastfeeding. These include the adoption and monitoring of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and the implementation of the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI).

This states that women should be given at least 14 weeks paid maternity leave, and that governments should endeavour to extend this leave to at least 18 weeks.

It also stipulates that working mothers should be provided with two 30-minute nursing breaks each day upon her return to work, as well as facilities for breastfeeding at or near the workplace.

In the Americas, PAHO said 54 per cent of children are breastfed within the first hour of life, and 38 percent are breastfed exclusively until six months of age, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

PAHO’s Director of Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health, Dr. Anselm Hennis, said “maternity is a particularly vulnerable time for working women and their families,” adding that it is also “vital that expectant and nursing mothers are protected by law, so that they have adequate time to give birth, recover and nurse their children”.

Hennis said paid maternity leave leads to increased duration of breastfeeding, and improved health and well-being for both mother and child. PAHO said women who only receive short maternity leave – six weeks or less – are four times more likely to not establish breastfeeding or to stop breastfeeding early.

In the Americas, including the Caribbean, PAHO said just three countries provide women with paid maternity leave of 18 weeks or longer, and another

Benefits of Breastfeeding for Children and Mothers Breastfeeding has a variety of benefits for both mother and child. For young children, it is designed to meet all of their nutritional and immunological needs. It protects against disease and death from diarrhea and respiratory infections, and reduces the risk of dental malocclusion, obesity and diabetes. Breastfeeding also contributes to cognitive development: breastfed children have an average intelligence quotient (I.Q.) 2.6 points higher than children that are not breastfed.

Women that breastfeed their babies also have a number of benefits, including a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer, improved birth spacing, and lower risk of diabetes and obesity. It is estimated that universal breastfeeding could prevent 823,000 deaths in children aged less than 5 and 20,000 deaths in women from breast cancer, annually. n

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Cancer is the Second Leading Cause of Death in The Caribbean

Cancer is the Second Leading Cause of Death in The Caribbean

Senior Technical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases at CARPHA, Dr. Glennis Andall-Brereton

Cancer has become the second leading cause of death in the Caribbean and despite this growing burden, many Caribbean small island nations have health systems that struggle to provide optimal cancer care for their populations.

In a paper published in the Lancet, one of the world’s leading general medical journals, Dr. Glennis Andall-Brereton, Senior Technical Officer for noncommunicable diseases at the Trinidadbased Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) notes “cancer causes a fifth of deaths in the Caribbean region and its incidence is increasing”.

In the paper titled “Cancer Control in the Caribbean island countries and territories: some progress but the journey continues,” This third paper is part of a five-part series which she co-authored, it is noted that titled “Cancer Control in Small Island the incidence and mortality patterns of Nations” and places emphasis on the cancer in the Caribbean reflect globally crucial role of collaborative approaches, widespread epidemiological transitions, including through funding and investment and show cancer profiles that are unique opportunities with more developed countries, to create comprehensive cancer to the region. control programmes to improve cancer “Providing comprehensive and locally planning, prevention, and treatment in responsive cancer care is particularly these under-resourced small island nations. challenging in the Caribbean because of the geographical spread of the islands, the The fourth paper is titled “Advancing frequently under-resourced health-care cancer care and prevention in the systems, and the absence of a cohesive Caribbean: a survey of strategies for the region” and it identifies several promising approach to cancer control. initiatives to improve cancer prevention “In many Caribbean countries and and treatment that have emerged across territories, cancer surveillance systems CARICOM countries.

fake news peddled on social media and elsewhere,” said Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England.

“Parents have enough to worry about without misleading anti-vaxxers sowing seeds of doubt about vaccines, which remain the best chance we have of Cases of measles and mumps in England protecting our children from potentially are rising sharply, figures have shown amid deadly illnesses.” fears that growing numbers of people The 301 cases of measles represented a are not getting immunised because of 30% increase in three months, compared “dangerous” myths about vaccines. Public with 231 cases reported in January to April. health experts reacted with alarm to the The spike continued the recent upward increases and warned that misinformation trend in the number of those getting the about vaccination is leading to parents virus, which is highly infectious and can refusing to let their children have the prove fatal. The totals recorded in both the MMR jab. first two quarters of this year were much Of the 301 people diagnosed with measles higher than the 97 cases in October to between April and June, 266 were aged 15 December last year.

Measles Cases Are on The Rise in Europe

Sept / Oct

“Capacity building across the cancercontrol continuum in the region is urgently needed and can be accomplished through collaborative efforts and increased investment in health care and cancer control,” the paper noted.

years or over and had not been vaccinated, The figures, released by Public Health while nearly half of those who contracted England, come 24 hours after the World mumps were unvaccinated.

Health Organization said measles had “These stark rises in mumps and measles returned to the UK. As a result, the WHO cases show that complacency about removed the “measles-free” status it had vaccines is misplaced and dangerous, previously awarded to Britain and three which is why the NHS is taking action other countries – Greece, Albania and the to boost take-up rates and tackle the Czech Republic.

Measles Cases Are on The Rise in Europe

BusinessFocus

are poorly developed, advanced disease presentations are commonplace, and access to cancer screening, diagnostics, and treatment is often suboptimal, with many patients with cancer seeking treatment abroad.

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Will Durant, the RSPH’s vaccines policy lead, said that – coming so soon after the WHO’s action – “the new figures on mumps as well as measles cases further confirm that something is going wrong in our attempts to guard against diseases that were once thought safely eradicated”.

He added: “There’s no silver bullet for reversing this worrying trend, but health authorities now need to push on to make the case for the MMR vaccine and vaccinations in general: that they are safe, effective and save lives. The growth of misinformation online is also a potential cause for concern. We know that the online world can be a hotbed for negative content about vaccines, and social media platforms need to step up and take responsibility for addressing these concerns.”n

BUSINESS FOCUS

EVENTS 2019 LOCAL AND REGIONAL ENTERTAINMENT, TRADE SHOWS AND CONFERENCES

SURVIVING & THRIVING: A NEW DAWN FOR CARIBBEAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2019 SEPTEMBER 26 - 28TH , 2019 – TUNAPUNA, TRINIDAD This Conference is for anyone interested in developing a deeper understanding of managerial and leadership processes in organisations. It explores the dynamics of leadership, presence, authority, change, dissent, collaboration and transformation as they arise and unfold.

INTERNATIONAL GAMING CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 30TH, 2019 – JAMAICA Our annual conference brings together senior international gambling regulatory leaders as well as industry stakeholders to connect and share knowledge and to hear from leading experts about known and emerging issues and trends across the industry.

CARIBBEAN DEVELOPERS CONFERENCE OCTOBER 4-5, 2019 – PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC CDC is designed to bring together software professionals and entrepreneurs across languages, platforms, and industries. Participants will have the opportunity to network, engage, and learn about trending and up-and-coming topics that are shaping the future of IT and business, today.

WORLD CREOLE MUSIC FESTIVAL OCTOBER 25 - 27TH, 2019 – WINDSOR PARK SPORTS STADIUM, ROSEAU, DOMINICA Beginning on the final Friday in October each year, patrons are treated to a cavalcade of star power, emanating from the Caribbean, French Antilles, Africa and North America, arranged to thrill the seasoned festival goer and novice alike.

CARIBBEAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONFERENCE 2019 OCTOBER 30TH, 2019 – HYATT REGENCY, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO The Caribbean Corporate Governance Conference offers expert insight and guidance to business leaders and entrepreneurs who need to grasp the corporate and governance best practice for their company and industry. The conference will benefit all stakeholders in planning and building a sustainable business.

12TH ANNUAL SAINT LUCIA-TAIWAN PARTNERSHIP TRADE SHOW NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 1ST, 2019 – GOLDEN PALM EVENTS CENTRE, RODNEY HEIGHTS, ST. LUCIA

This Trade Show provides an avenue to showcase a wide range of quality goods and distinctive services giving the general public and business community an opportunity to experience the best of Saint Lucia and the Republic of China (Taiwan).

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MAJOR MOVES

Isaac, minutes after the elections, made it clear that when it came to vendors, he would not lose an inch of ground to the authorities.

The Msgr. Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre (FRC) announced the appointment of its new Executive Director, in the person of Louise Victor.

As the Executive Director Miss Victor will be responsible for the oversight of the Administrative Secretariat and driving the organization’s 5-year strategic plan.

Miss Victor takes over from Mr Hilary La Force, who served the FRC tremendously for many decades and left an indelible mark on the organization As a recent master’s graduate of Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies, and a culturally involved and invested citizen, Miss Victor brings a new and dynamic energy to the organization.

She possesses a unique wealth of Marketing experience, having been a former Marketing and Communications Executive at Digicel and Assistant Marketing Manager at Axcel Finance, which will undoubtedly benefit the FRC at this stage.

Victor commented, “I am humbled and honoured to take up the role of Executive Director of the FRC, particularly at this juncture, where the organization is seeking to redefine itself. I have at a personal and professional level developed a deep reverence for the FRC, and an even deeper appreciation for the tremendous work over the years in cultural heritage, cultural research and the invaluable contributions to cultural development. I hope to build on these efforts with renewed vigour and focus. I look forward to working with the Secretariat, the Board, members and other key stakeholders in advancing the interests of the FRC and contributing to the next chapter of its story.”

Miss Victor is a proud product of the community of Micoud, and was the recipient of a Chevening Scholarship Award from the Commonwealth Foreign Office in 2017. She is a Past President of the National Youth Council of Saint Lucia, former National Carnival Queen 2010 and former Miss Universe representative to the state.

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Earl Carribon has been appointed General Manager of Sol EC Ltd. – St. Lucia effective April 1st and will be responsible for the overall operations of Sol in St. Lucia. Prior to this role, Earl held the position of General Manager, Sol EC Ltd – Grenada for 15 months.

Earl attained his BSc. Management Studies from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus, and subsequently attained his MBA (Finance) from the Eller Graduate School of Management at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Earl is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and an Energy Risk Professional certified by the Global Association of Risk Professionals.

Earl has more than 16 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, having held roles across the energy value chain across all streams. Prior to joining Sol, he worked for several multinational companies in roles in Trinidad & Tobago and Scotland.

Earl also has several years of experience in corporate banking, investment banking and microfinance lending.

Peter “Ras Ipa” Isaac is the new president of the Saint Lucia Craft and Dry Goods Vendors Association after amassing 57 votes to his rival, Milton Gillette’s eight.

Isaac will be president for the next two years, making him the only president of the 27-year-old Association. Gillette was the first challenge to Isaac’s presidency since the formation of the Association. The elections were overseen by members of the Saint Lucia Electoral Council and were deemed free and fair by all 70 vendors who were in attendance.

“I am happy that the vendors have once again endorsed me as their president. I appreciate this very much. I see myself as the voice of the voiceless. I love vendors.

I love those people who are vulnerable to many things yet who contribute so much to the economic development of the country,” he said.

Dr Wayne Wesley was appointed on August 1, 2019 as the new Chief Executive Officer and Registrar at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

Wesley joined CXC in June 2018, as Director of Operations, Examination Services. As Director, Dr. Wesley assisted in providing strategic leadership and management to the organisation. In addition, he oversaw the planning, development and operation of the core examination services of CXC, to the organisation’s regional and international stakeholders.

The new Registrar/CEO is passionate about regional integration and development, particularly fostering Human Capital Development through education and training, having spent the last twenty-five years in both education and training in Jamaica, the region and internationally. His professional experience spans industrial engineering, technical education, consultancies, strategic leadership and executive management.

Dr. Wesley takes over from former Registrar Glenroy Cumberbatch who retired at the end of July.

MAJOR MOVES

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has appointed Professor Stafford A. Griffith as Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of its Five Islands Campus located in Antigua and Barbuda with effect from August 15, 2019 until July 31, 2020.

Professor Griffith will lead the Campus for its initial year of operation, which is expected to welcome its first cohort of students in September.

Established to provide a development platform for Antigua and Barbuda, the new Five Islands Campus will also function as a hub for the OECS and serve to expand The UWI’s regional capacity in the delivery of higher education for the 21st century. It will begin with three schools—the School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, the School of Management, Sciences and Technology, and the School of Humanities and Education.

Professor Griffith previously served as Regional Director of the University’s Office of Online Learning (OOL) since October 2017, Director of The UWI’s School of Education and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Education at the Mona Campus from August 2012 to September 2017.

The holder of a Professorial Chair in Research, Measurement and Evaluation, Professor Griffith’s postgraduate qualifications consist of specialised study in research, measurement and evaluation, and curriculum development. He also holds an LLB degree and has completed graduate studies in the areas of Political Science and Development Studies.

New Executive of The Saint Lucia National Youth Council (SLNYC) The 16th Executive of the Saint Lucia National Youth Council was elected at the General Assembly on Saturday August 10th, 2019 at the Sir Stanley Jon Odlum Memorial Secondary School.

• Ajani Lebourne - 2nd Vice President • Chrishna St. Brice - General Secretary • Stacy Elva-Lafeuillee - Assistant General Secretary

A statement from the council said the • Stacy Alfred - Treasurer outgoing Executive of the SLNYC presented • E ddison Layne - Public Relations Officer its report at this Biennial General Assembly, together with the motion brought forward The newly elected Executive will serve for to members to ratify the Gros Islet North the period 2019-2021. and Gros Islet South Youth and Sports Racquel John and Kim Cayol were also Councils. voted in as the Trustees of the Saint Lucia The statement noted that Gros Islet was National Youth Council 2019-2021. previously represented by the Gros Islet The Saint Lucia National Youth Council Youth Development Council. describes itself as “a democratic and independent non-governmental The 16th Executive of the Saint Lucia organization which represents the interest National Youth Council comprises of: and ideals of Saint Lucia’s youth between • Nyus Alfred - President the ages of 10 and 35.”

• Anya Edwin - 1st Vice President

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Bank of St. Lucia New Company Registrations

NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY

NATURE OF BUSINESS

DIRECTORS Jonathan David Lesfloris, Davianne Daniel

ABEJAS Group Inc. Atlantis St. Lucia Limited

Casino and Tourism Entertainment

Amin George Habib, Frank Armstrong Monaco Bapson Uric Ambrose

BA Law Chambers Inc.

Best Properties Global Inc.

a) b) c) d) e)

Caribbean Dredging and Marine Services (St. Lucia) Ltd.

Dredging and other marine services such as oil spill cleanups in Saint Lucia and other Caribbean, Central and South American locations

Caribbean Fruits Company Limited

Seafood import and export

CM & S Aviation Ltd

a) Aviation Services b) Aircraft Provision

Francilia Scott, Natalie Monrose

Coucouks Accounting and Financial Consulting Services Inc.

Accounting, Book keeping, Administration support services

Veronica Maxius, Elias Maxius, Cleophus Maxius, Fabian Isaac

D & L Enterprises Limited

Retail of items (Merchandising)

David St. Omer, Laurena St. Omer

Exquisite Décor Inc.

Décor Services

Kathleen Cadette-Andrew, Gardenia Destang-Richardson

Property Rental Property Sales Property Management Property Development Property Maintenance

Sheski Joseph

Byron James, Lorraine Sidonie, Malcolm Burns

Amin George Habib

Five Guys St. Lucia Limited Vehicle repair garage / Purchase & sale of auto parts and allied work

G C Auto Ltd

George Y. Amuzu, Christopher Andrew Hylton, Yhasmine Remy Hylton

Gabriel Enterprise Ltd.

Nye Gabriel

Go Saint Lucia Inc.

Daly Mariatte

Green Fig Resort Ltd

Lodging, Hospitality & Real Estate

Lance Dehning, Michael A. Nelson, PIF Corporate Services Inc

Green Packaging Company Ltd

a) Wholesale/Retail of packaging material b) Manufacturing (agro processing) c) Other related activities

Marcia Dupre, Ruth Cynthia Lionel, Deale Lee, Brendan Lee

Grow Resources Inc.

Provision of lease administration support services to corporate real estate firms and affiliated organizations

Kimberly M. Finnegan

Hermlen’s Customs Brokerage Services Inc.

Herman St. Helen a) Logistics, leasing, leisure, travel and general trading b) Construction management

Inter Island Construction Management Company

Leshana Alcindor

KRAKOW United Inc.

Pauline Gomez

KUDURO Entertainment Inc.

Zacchaeus Loctor

L U C Property Holding Ltd

Property holding and management

Francine Katwaroo

Load-All Rentals Limited

Renting of Construction Equipment

Rufus Oswald Mc Lean, Sebastian Charles

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NEW COMPANY REGISTRATIONS COMPANY

NATURE OF BUSINESS

DIRECTORS

Loyalty Investment Trading and Entertainment Company Limited

a) Entertainment, Clubs, Gaming, Development Investments b) Generally to do any other business which is not restricted by law

George Joseph, Steve Joseph Ian Cedeno, Salier Precious Winter Allen

Lucian Blue Ocean Seafoods Inc.

Trading activities

Karen Peter

Lynk Holdings Limited

Agricultural Island touring and vending agricultural product

Rontgen Charles, Criselda Joseph

MESS Inc.

Events Management

Zinaida McNamara-Phillip, Dwayne Mendes

Multy Cap (N.E.) Inc

a) To acquire by purchase, exchange, lease or otherwise land/immovable property b) To carry on the business of property development

Xavier Ribot, Nick Forsberg

New Horizon Medical Practice Inc.

Health care

Ruben Volson

Ocean Links Incorporated

Purchase of property

Sean R. Denis

Olympic Restaurant Group Inc.

Restaurant, food and beverage providers

Angelo Konidis, Nickolas Christopher Konidis

Outdoor World Limited

Recreational outdoor supplies

Kihmo Cleve Anthony Astaphan Tovah Gibson

PIGGYBACK Inc. Rafferty Inc.

Manufacturing of intimate apparels

Victor Lascaris, Rose Lascaris

Rastaphairn Inc

Benjamin R. Fairn

Royal Caribbean St. Lucia Limited

Amin George Habib, Frank Armstrong Monaco

Saint Lucia Air Freighters Ltd

Air freight brokers

Francilia Scott, Natalie Monrose

School of Wealth Inc.

Training, consultancy, coaching services, publishing and event management

John Gaulbert Charles

Squeeze Cash Limited

Mobile Payment Service

Ashley Mc Clean, Sunan Fontenelle

Stormy Norman Tours Inc

Tour operator

James Norman Mercier

The Dzign Group Inc.

Architectural designs

Abdul Waheed Majid

The Furniture Boutique Ltd.

Radesh Singh, Jodi Boodhoo

The Humanitarian Benevolent Society Inc. The business of self-improvement Services

Nicholas John

TL Investments Limited

Tronyai Thomas Louis, Thomas Louis

Provision of interior design services

Dreamers Inc.

VIC Inc. Westmoreland Hills 41 Limited

Real Estate Investment

PIF Corporate Services Inc, Tyler St. Brice-Cazaubon

Xpress Holdings Ltd.

Pinkley Francis, Jodi Boodhoo

Young Starz Entertainment Inc.

Zacchaeus Loctor, Jason Darius, Kareem Stanley

Z & Z Contracting & Trading Company Ltd

Multiple types of business

Julia Pierre, Jose Pierre

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ADVERTISER'S INDEX COMPANY

Advertiser's

Index

Page

Advertising & Marketing Services

9

Atwell Dalgliesh Co. (St. Lucia) Ltd.

67

Bank of St. Lucia

104

Caribbean Airlines Limited

45

CIBC First Caribbean

45

Coco Palm Resort

17

Cool Breeze Car & Jeep Rental

5

Eagle Freight & Brokerage Services Ltd.

63

Eastern Caribbean Insurance Ltd.

63

EGS Freight Services Inc.

63

General Security Services Ltd.

57

Grant Thornton

11

HACS

27

Hewanorra Service Station Ltd.

61

Innovative Business Solutions

73

Joseph’s Shipping Agency

51

JQ Motors Limited

2

KPL Logistics & Brokerage Services Inc.

61

PACS Ltd.

61

Quality Aggregates

11

Sagicor Life

5

Spencer’s Towing & Used Auto Parts

59

St. Lucia Air & Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA)

22

The Cell

57

Trevor Phillip Agencies Ltd.

57

True Value Building & Hardware Supplies

63

Unicomer Ltd./Courts

1

Universal Freight Services

61

West Indies Shipping & Trading Co. Ltd.

51

COVERS Goddard Catering Events

ISFC

FICS

IBC

Performance Paints Ltd.

OSBC

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