Our Saint Lucia - Sports Excellence!

The People’s Paper

Issue 02 | 28 April, 2018

OUR SAINT LUCIA www.govt.lc

Bi-monthly Progress Report from the Government of Saint Lucia

Time to Modernize Physical Planning

Meet our New President!

SPORTS

Excellence!

Government unveils strategic plan for sports

Lowering Unemployment

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At a glance...

CONTENTS

Saint Lucia signs for implementation of anti-corruption convention

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Plans for Sports

Gros Islet in the spotlight

Commonwealth Highlights

Combatting unemployment with NAPS

Busy year ahead for Physical Planning

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10-12

Get to know Senate President

How much do you know about Saint Lucia?

Saint Lucia recently signed on to the Organization of American States (OAS) Mechanism for Follow-Up on the Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC). Ambassador Anton Edmunds, Permanent Representative to the OAS, signed on behalf of the Government of Saint Lucia.

The MESICIC is an inter-governmental body established within the framework of the OAS focused on transparency, accountability and good governance.

DIASPORA

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Windrush St. Lucians Urged to Contact Mission Saint Lucia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr. Guy Mayers is calling on all Saint Lucians affected or who may have family members or friends who fall into the Windrush Generation category to contact the Office of the Saint Lucia High Commission for assistance. Enquires should be made to: Saint Lucia High Commission in London at +(44) 207 370-7123 or Email: enquiries@stluciahcuk.org

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DIASPORA

INVESTMENT

Invest Saint Lucia Awarded for Pearl of the Caribbean Hats off to Invest Saint Lucia on receiving the Best Investment Award for Latin America and the Caribbean. The announcement was made at the recent Annual Investment Awards on the margins of the renowned Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) held in Dubai from 9th to 11th April 2018, an initiative of the UAE Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates.

Invest Saint Lucia was initially shortlisted after investment experts from all over the world gathered information on the most interesting worldwide investment projects contracted or commissioned during 2017. Consequently, The Pearl of the Caribbean was regarded as an exemplary project based on assessment criteria.

FINANCE

IMF Economists visit Ministry of Finance The International Monetary Fund this week conducted an IMF Article IV Consultation at the Ministry of Finance which included Minister with responsibility for Finance Hon. Dr Ubaldus Raymond and Director of Finance Ms.Cointha Thomas. During an Article IV consultation, an IMF team of economists visits a country to assess economic and financial policies with Government & Central Bank officials.

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Levern Spencer on Top of the World

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evern Spencer has done it again. The renowned Saint Lucian athlete best known for her high jumping prowess has once again put her best foot forward, and come out on top of her game.

At a special Home Coming Ceremony held in her honour on April 19, 2018 at the Hewanorra International Airport, Spencer received a much deserved Hero’s Welcome. Speaking at the event the athlete made it known that the competition was her first outdoor event for the year, which was something that made her victory even sweeter. She described her Commonwealth Games gold medal as “obviously the most prestigious of the many I have won,” and in that regard, “it will always be special to me.”

Prestige was not the only thing setting the medal apart for Levern. There was also the glaring reality of just how long a Commonwealth gold had eluded Saint Lucian athletes – since 1962 to be exact!

“It finally happened last week,” Spencer told the audience of well-wishers who had gathered at the island’s southern airport. “I trust that it was as proud of a moment for Saint Lucians as it was for me.”

In her thank you speech, Spencer said putting Saint Lucia “on top of the world” had been something she’d sought to do throughout the duration of her professional career. It was important for her to prove through her own efforts that despite the island’s relatively small size and limited population, anything was possible.

“We truly can soar to great heights,” she said. “It is therefore hoped that our younger sportsmen and women will use this as motivation as they try to enter the many doors I have unlocked around the sporting world.”

Of her missed opportunity to win a gold medal at last year’s Olympics: “I may not be the one to win the elusive Olympic medal, but my hope is that what I have done will inspire some other young Saint Lucian to go out there and bring us the medal. I know with the right attitude it can be done.”

In closing, Spencer thanked the coaches, officials and other athletes who were with her in Australia. She also expressed gratitude to supporters in Saint Lucia, and the organizations and institutions that helped her along the way including successive island governments, the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee Inc., the Saint Lucia Athletic Association, her main sponsor Flow, 1st National Bank, FICS, and SMJ Beverages. In her words, “It’s been a long hard road that I would not have been able to walk if you had not been there giving me the support.”

“The people of Saint Lucia are so proud of Levern. This has deep meaning for us because we have watched her grow up before our eyes. Levern was already a Saint Lucia Legend and now Levern Spencer has given our country even more reason to celebrate. Words cannot express how proud we are of this daughter of Saint Lucia! Congratulations Levern! We love you and you have once again done us proud.

Congratulations Saint Lucia!”

---Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet

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National Sports Infrastructure Development Strategy and Programme b. Identify the venues and facilities throughout the nation which meet requirements for upgrading in the next 3-4 years c. Identify the venues and facilities that are critical for the National Sports Associations, the Olympic Committee, national teams and youth development d. Identify a master plan to develop several upgraded venues per constituency e. Identify or recommend new venues that will benefit youth, after school programmes, and national wellness and community social programmes f. Identify or recommend venues and facilities that will benefit the nation in the industry of sports tourism – capable of hosting international events and teams g. Identify new-build projects that will support national sports associations that currently do not exist or should be expanded to multiple venues for the sport around the country (i.e. swimming pools and athletics tracks).

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he Allen Chastanet-led administration is clear in its recognition, commitment, focus and understanding that sport is a critical vehicle for building the fabric of our nation. It is the policy direction of this government that sports must be utilized in a more strategic and structured manner, hence the reversal of an apparent lack of cohesion in sporting infrastructure. The aim of this administration is the modernization of sports in: 1. Meaning, purpose and organization 2. Building leadership and programming capacity at all levels at school, community and nationally 3. Sporting venue conditions and facilitation 4. Sponsorship and resources Page 40 of the ‘Principles of Commitment to the People of St. Lucia’, this government’s manifesto, emphasises “the role of sports in developing healthy lifestyles and creating opportunities for rewarding careers, fostering national pride as well as creating employment and wealth”.

It is to this end that the sporting arm of government is fashioning a strategic approach to creating and sustaining a sports industry and culture which is being developed in two phases.

As a youth-centric government, this administration remains determined and resolute in the quest to deliver the best in sports development to the youth of this nation. The chief objective in this regard is providing the youth and the people of this country with sports facilities and programmes for their growth, development and health.

Phase 1: This pertains to service and deliverables scheduled for and completed in April 2018, which are designed with the purpose, goal and objective to identify and develop the outline for a National Sports Strategy geared to categorizing and assessing existing sports venues for upgrade as well as proposed new sports venues for the nation.

Phase 2: The focus in this phase is on works to commence in April 2018 for an additional 15 months period with several projects to be designed and constructed by February to June 2019. This includes developing two categories to start projects in 2018 as follows: a. “SHOVEL READY PROJECTS” b. “STUDY READY PROJECTS” The Shovel Ready projects are defined as existing venues that merit immediate consideration for upgrade as part of the “national interest” as well as to serve as model venues for the rest of the country in several categories.

The Study Ready projects are defined as existing venues or proposed new-build venues that merit immediate and further study by the team to develop solutions and options for the Government of Saint Lucia to consider in the very near future but after more due diligence.

SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE CATEGORIES: The master plan of the national sports programming and development strategy will categorize sporting facilities as follows: • National/International Venues: For example, George Odlum Stadium, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground and others to be developed for major championship training and events. These venues will also attract sports tourism opportunities. A potential National Sports Park capable of hosting most major sports in the country is under serious consideration in the Cul de Sac area.

• Sports Hubs (Large): Plans are underway for Dennery, Vigie, Soufriere, Mindoo Philip/Marchand, - and other venues that hold more than one major sport to be upgraded in order to host training sessions and competitions without maintenance and weather issues.

This includes developing a Master Plan and National Sports Strategy with the goals and objectives as follows:

• Sports Hubs (Medium): Upgrades in this area will target Micoud North, Gros islet, Vieux Fort, Anse La Raye, Canaries, Marigot, Choiseul and other similar venues that hold one (or shared) significant sport facility supported by other smaller infrastructure elements.

a. Identify and assess the conditions of the main sports and recreation venues maintained by the Department of Sports

• Community Clubs: For example, Micoud South, Babonneau, La Clery, Jacmel, Laborie, Agaard, Fond Assau, Bexon – and other similar venues –

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where a mixture of sports are facilitated to meet community needs for fitness, recreation sports training and smaller competitions and community meeting pavilions and playgrounds.

• National Sports Academy: The government is currently working diligently to open up by September 2018 a centre for excellence in Sport that will be named the Saint Lucia National Sports Academy – and located on the existing campus of the Gros Islet Secondary School. This secondary school will serve as the educational institution of choice for the country’s top student athletes currently representing, or whom are anticipated to represent the country on U17 national teams or as individuals in

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international competitions including but not limited to: -Carifta Games -Pan American Games -CAX Games (California Extreme) -World championships -World Cups -Olympic Games

SBDC Paving the Way for Small Business

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he Small Business Development Center (SBDC), more widely known as the Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU), was officially launched as part of the Department of Commerce in 2014. The focus of the unit is to develop entrepreneurial culture in Saint Lucia, and assist micro and small business hopefuls in realizing their greatest dreams. The entity targets persons wishing to set up a business, or those who may already have a business, and are looking to improve and grow. From the account of Director of the Small Business Development Center, Barabara Innocent Charles, “We are here to help businesses get started, and help those who are already started to flourish.”

With a target group of school leavers, women, unemployed persons and just about anyone who has a business idea, or a business in existence, staff at SBDC are kept busy on a daily basis offering guidance and solutions to problems their clients encounter.

One of their biggest challenges is staying ahead of the game as policies change on the global scene, and finding new ways to prepare for the relatively unknown.

Among the greatest lessons to be learnt by those aspiring to own a business, according to SBDC’s Director, is the necessity of doing proper preliminary research. In other words, one person’s success in a particular aspect does not equate to that of every other person chasing the same dream. In order to properly embark on a business venture, Charles says it is important to understand the conditions, financing requirements, necessary skills, staff, and other critical aspects.

“Sometimes we figure we can just start and everything will just flow from there,” she said. “It does not always work out that way.”

While the Small Business Development Unit has not completely done away with the name SEDU (Small Enterprise Development Unit), the Director noted changes in their concept, as adopted based on other successful initiatives by the Organization of American States (OAS), and the University of Texas in San Antonio. As a result, they now offer a fresh approach to providing services to the small business sector working closely with the private sector and academia.

Considering the limited resources of the island, the SBDC emphasizes the need for agencies to work together on implementation, each feeding off the other, understanding and harnessing individual strengths for the sake of collaboration. In this light, the SBDC is seen as a hub, with 13 partners on board including academia; Sir Arthur Lewis, University of the West Indies, Monroe College, speciality agencies like the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards, the department of environmental health, Trade Export Promotion Agency, National Competitiveness and Productivity Council, National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF), financial institutions such as Belfund, and the Saint Lucia Development Bank.

These and other agencies play a pivotal role in the SBDC’s success. Clients are redirected through various avenues according to their needs. The entire process means that clients are transitioned from the point of knowing little to nothing about business to being business savvy.

“We do the assessment – what is it that you need to take you to the next level,” Charles said. “We have programs just for that. We have a team of dedicated, motivated business development officers and administrative staff, and the things they do… because of that drive to see the sector move forward, to see Saint Lucia move forward, we’ve had some very good stories to tell.”

As far as successes go, clients from the SBDC have for at least the past three years made headlines at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Saint Lucia Business

Awards. For a number of years, their clients have captured the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, much due to the support of the unit.

Get the Right Support to Grow Your Business

What services does the SBDC offer?

The mandate of the Small Business Development Center is to assist micro and small enterprises. There are requirements for acceptance – contact the SBDC for more information. If clients are not eligible to receive services from the SBDC, they are referred to another unit, the Commerce and Industry Department, which handles medium to large businesses.

How do I get finance?

The mandate of the SBDC is not to provide finance but to develop and build individuals so they become more attractive to financial institutions. Business development officers help clients understand how to manage their finances so they’re more disciplined, self reliant, and creative. In addition to access to finance, other services offered to legal micro and small existing and potential businesses include advocacy, entrepreneurial development, and market and product development.

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Constituency in Focus A

ctivity in the community of Gros Islet has been at a peak with the aim of ensuring the community meets the needs of residents. As a large community there has been a focus by Constituency MP Honourable Lenard “Spider” Montoute on several different areas including infrastructure and the development of the youth. Following are some of the highlights of projects in the constituency:

GROS ISLET

ICT centres

Sports Speaking to boys on the block

Infrastructure 1) 1st Phase of Old Military Road Resurfacing and Drainage project completed 2) Drainage and Road widening on sections of the La Retraite back road 3) Widening of the Vieux Secrieux junction to make it safer for motorists and pedestrians navigating this intersection 4) Completion of a concrete road in Degazon, Grand Riviere 5) Completion of a concrete road in East Winds 6) Over 12 bus stops established throughout Gros Islet to help improve the flow of traffic 7) Completion of drainage projects along Corinth main road 8) Completion of sidewalk in Corinth to improve pedestrian safety 9) Completion of sidewalk in Grand Riviere to improve pedestrian safety 10) Drainage and Road Resurfacing in Assou Canal 11) Gros Islet Human Resource Development Centre- Almost completed

1) Renovation of the Gros Islet Field Changing room 2) Improvements to the Gros Islet basketball court 3) Sponsorship of the Annual Gros Islet Football League Competition (Spider Cup) 4) Sponsorship of the Annual Gros Islet Cricket Competition

Spider Cup

Education 1) Provision of Laptops to over 10 top performing students from Gros Islet 2) Laptop donation and other supplies to Ms. Qiana Joseph who is the first female Saint Lucian to make the West Indies Women's team 3) Annual donation of School bags and notebooks to every school child in Gros Islet 4) Reading Month activities for schools throughout Gros Islet

Bus stop

La Retraite

Information Technology 1) La Borne ICT Centre completed 2) Lafeuille ICT Centre in Progress 3) Desrammeaux ICT Centre in Progress 4) Riviere Mitant ICT Centre in Progress

Donations to schools Vieux Serieux

Other Projects 1) Annual Elderly Christmas Lunch party 2) Annual Children’s Christmas Party 3) Monthly Hamper distribution to Less Fortunate 4) Bringing Educational, Training and Employment opportunities to the "Boys of the Block"

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Gros Islet Town Council Remains on the Ball

Artist Rendering of Gros Islet Waterfront

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ames Edwin has worked as a general contractor for the past 35 years. In 2016, his career path took a completely new direction when he was appointed Mayor of the Gros Islet Town Council. After being selected for the position in August that year, nine other counsellors who would be part of the team heading the northern council were appointed through the Ministry of Local Government. They all had a mammoth task before them, and the incoming mayor was not the least bit apprehensive.

In fact, he’d taken up several leadership roles before, particularly with the management of his two businesses, El-Wins Construction, and Bayside Villas in Gros Islet. He loved the constituency, and knew what the role would require – someone who could lead a team expected to produce tangible results, and fast. He hit the ground running, with plans to improve service delivery within the district. Right off the bat he and his team were able to identify shortfalls and areas that needed attention.

The Council holds responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of a substantial constituency, with limited funding. With just a two year contract to help change things for the better for the Gros Islet constituency, an area spanning Cap Estate to Choc bridge with roughly 30,000 people, Edwin admits at times feeling discouraged. The Council and all its affairs are mostly funded through the generosity of corporate partners.

Funding for repairs and other aspects is left up to Central Government, and Parliamentary Representative Lenard Montoute through the Constituency Development Fund.

Three months to the end of his stint, Mayor Edwin recognizes the brighter moments, and successes of an incredibly hardworking team.

With the help of Parliamentary Representative Lenard Montoute, the Council was able to secure funding for the construction of a public wash room and Interpretation Centre for the constituency.

The latter will be used as an information hub,

which is expected to generate economic activity through tourism in the constituency. The project is to the tune of EC$265,000, and has commenced with the help of the Parliamentary Representative, and the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) Tourism Enhancement Fund. The project will be completed in October, 2018.

The Council has thus far hosted a number of cultural activities, including annual carnival and Jounen Kweyol festivities. There are also significant plans in the forecast including the redevelopment of the Gros Islet Waterfront, which will include the construction of a Boardwalk, Promenade, the development of restaurants in the area, and upgrades to the beach. All of this is expected to be done to generate more income for the area, and to build the capacity of the Council.

Soon, the Council will see another one of their plans come to light – the relocation of street side vendors, in particular, coconut vendors selling their products near island highways. The relocation project which is currently underway is being funded by the Sandals Group and Royalton Hotel at a cost of approximately EC$15,000.

Vendors will from May 20, 2018 be located in a designated area which will be fully equipped with washroom facilities.

“We’re expecting we’ll have decency along the highway once again, and we can control traffic and vending activity that takes place along the strip,” Edwin said with a spark of hope. “It’s challenging, but we’re getting it done.”

With proposed governmental arrangements for town and village councils, restrictive budgets will soon be a thing of the past!

With the help of Parliamentary Representative Lenard Montoute, the Council was able to secure funding for the construction of a public wash room and Interpretation Centre for the constituency.

Mayor of Gros Islet - James Edwin

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Windrush, Trade and Brexit discussed at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

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everal issues for Commonwealth Nations came to the fore at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London from April 16th to 20th 2018. For Commonwealth nations in the Caribbean an issue which took center stage was the concern over the UK’s treatment of the Windrush Generation. Caricom Leaders, including Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet, made this a top priority at the four day conference.

Also discussed were issues of trade and prosperity (in a post-Brexit world); human rights, democracy, and good governance; small states, resilience and climate change; security, terrorism and common values; and the renewal of the Commonwealth, particularly through its young people. The Saint Lucia delegation attended forums for business, civil society, women, and youth, and many cultural and ancillary events.

Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet explained that issues affecting Small Island Developing States were also in focus.

“We reiterated our position with regard to the OECD and the protocols to access funds,” said PM Chastanet with regard to building resilience. “We pressed forward for there to be a more significant meeting in which we can follow up on getting this implemented as soon as possible because we are only weeks away from our next hurricane season. We are not pleased with the progress in this area so far because we seem to be only getting acknowledgements that there is a problem but we are not seeing any meaningful evidence.”

The Prime Minister said CHOGM was a platform to continue to voice the concerns of the region and there has been positive news with a coalition of Mexico, Canada, the UK and France who have agreed to assist small island developing states.

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NAP to Help Combat Unemployment in the South

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ombating unemployment remains a top priority for government, and in this regard, The National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) is making steady strides to assist in changing the status quo. Since inception, the programme with a mandate to curb unemployment has been making waves in the south of the island, registering over 300 people from communities including Choiseul, Dennery, Micoud, Vieux Fort, Desruisseaux, and Laborie. The aim of the programme is to prepare young people to be incorporated into project and investment plans of the government, which are soon to come to fruition. Through the training programme, participants will be supported with a goal of increasing their level of value in the work force, as well as competitiveness in local and international markets. Hospitality, (specifically the areas of bar tending, housekeeping, and waitressing), as well as soft skills including time management, decision making, public speaking, leadership, and other interpersonal skills needed to excel in the work space are the primary focus.

Thus far, the National Apprenticeship Programme has partnered with OJO Labs, and management of the NAP is currently in discussions with other private sector companies in the south for future collaboration. From all accounts, the response thus far to the initiative have been encouraging, and the NAP hopes to place more applicants into various fields soon.

Through the Apprenticeship Programme, participants have the opportunity to get their foot in the door of the hospitality industry, while employers in turn benefit from the opportunity to evaluate prospective employees ‘risk free’. The programme is of particular benefit to school leavers, who are able to earn a decent wage while continuing to acquire new skills on the job which can then be used to enhance their qualifications for future work endeavours.

In other recent developments, the National Apprenticeship Programme Office within the Office of the Prime Minister in Collaboration with TeleCarib Labs hosted an information and feedback session in the town of Vieux Fort on Monday 26th March 2018 at the Vieux Fort ICT Centre.

The TeleCarib Labs Hybrid Learning Programme is a disruptive higher education connected learning and student support model being considered for deployment in five Saint Lucian constituencies.

Students from the Vieux Fort Post Secondary School, The Vieux Fort Comprehensive A’ Level and other ambitious young adults from the south of the island attended the session which was hosted by Jake Weissbourd on Innovation and Higher Education and providing support for life long learners. The NAP hopes to continue encouraging learning, and creating new and valued partnerships moving forward.

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Physical Planning Depa to focus on Resilience, Building Codes and Digitization

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he Department of Physical Planning provides strategic interventions, policy guidance and direction, professional and technical advice and in some cases project management support as it pertains to sustainable administration and management of Lands in Saint Lucia.

In order to effectively and efficiently carry out that mandate, one of the main supporting pillars of this Department is an updated legislative framework that reflects modern practices.

Honourable Herod Stanislas, Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, National Resources and Co-operatives, in a spirited and passionate presentation to the House of Assembly debate on the Appropriations Bill laid out the plans of the department.

Following are some excerpts:

Updating Legislation “Since coming in office, we have recognized that there are several pieces of outdated legislation and the absence of policies that inhibited and, in some cases, frustrated approval processes and the Government’s ability to fast track the administration’s development agenda.

Development Control Authority It’s Government’s intention to provide the most robust mechanism to support sustainable development through an effective and efficient modality. To this end, a policy shift will recognise the empowerment of the DCA as an independent Body Corporate, with the authority and control for all development within Saint Lucia resting with the Board of the DCA. In order to effect this change, the following actions will be required: a) Legislative amendments to the Physical Planning and Development Act No. 29 (2001) with subsequent revision (2005); b) The establishment of governance and operational structures for the DCA to effectively carry out its mandate in accordance with the new legislative changes; c) The physical relocation of the DCA away from the Department of Physical Planning to reinforce the need for independence; d) A review of the current fee structure to ensure that the necessary financial resources are available for the effective operational functioning of the DCA.

I have instructed my team to undertake a comprehensive review of the following pieces of legislation that would on one hand strengthen the regulatory framework to make it more relevant, and on the other hand, improve the procedures and processes where necessary, to enhance the ease of doing business.

The Legislative Review Agenda will include the following: • Physical Planning And Development Act: Chapter 5.12; • OECS Building Code; • Land Acquisition Act: Chapter 5.04; • Land Surveyors’ Act: Chapter 5.07; • Land Registration Act: Chapter 5.01; • Crown Lands Act: Chapter 5.02; • Architects Registration Act No. 11 Of 2005.

These reviews will include, inter alia, identification, removal or updating of outdated and conflicting provisions, and the introduction of new provisions that may be required to meet all anticipated scenarios.

Land Use Classification: The empowerment of the Department of Physical Planning through revised legislation and resourcing, to ensure that priority focus is given to the development of a policy framework for land use.

Derived from this policy will be the establishment of a land use classification scheme and land zoning plans for the country.

For example, the Fees Structure as it relates to Land Registration Act, is outdated. The approved fee structure typically dates back to 1984, but the cost of operations to date far exceed the current fees being charged.

These policy guidelines will provide the DCA with the regulatory basis for decision making and will serve to streamline and simplify specific application requirements such as Environmental Impact Assessments.

If we take a look at the Land Administration programme, the total revenue approved for the last financial year 2017-2018 was $1,250,255, as compared to the cost of operations in that same period of $3,652,581.

Electronic Applications: The creation of an online electronic application platform for the integration of all required stakeholders and effective management of the development application process.

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rtment

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Queen’s Chain Policy

Hon. Herod Stanislas

Land Policy

A land policy is typically a relationship between people and access to land. But because we have a limited resource, it is of paramount importance, that we manage that resource in the most conducive manner, keeping in mind all the economic, political, social and environmental issues that comes with it; We have engaged the World Bank to provide technical assistance to move the process forward. Cabinet will be briefed on the next steps.

Government is committed to ensuring at the very earliest, an approved Revised National Land Policy.

With regards to the Queen’s Chain, there is currently no existing legal or regulatory framework for the management of this part of real estate. As the department seeks to undertake a critical review of this land acreage, a number of questions will have to be answered particularly in light of the ever-growing tourism, housing, fisheries sectors, etc.

Quarry Policy

Land Use Plan

Once the Revised National Land Policy has been adopted, we need to move speedily on the development of a National Land Use Plan.

Land-use planning seeks to regulate the use of land in the most effective and efficient manner to ensure the greatest benefits are achieved.

It’s the Government’s intention to undertake a comprehensive assessment of our lands, to determine the best or alternative uses to maximize both the economic and social benefits to its people. Land Use planning ensures future uses of this limited resource.

Building Code

In acknowledgement of the value of a resilience built sector at all levels of the economy, to every individual, and community, the government has been seeking to develop and support, the application of a building code that is relevant to the island and adequately mitigates risks to natural hazards, and results in design and construction that is safe and economical to users and owners alike.

The issue here is that of regularizing the proper management of quarry developments. The development of a policy will seek to address streamlining the procedure by which stakeholders are guided in undertaking this type of activity. Additionally, the policy will seek to ensure the balance is maintained between economic development benefits generated by the quarrying sector and that of the environmental and social effects; The exploitation of this resource contributes immensely to the island’s development and prosperity and therefore must be managed accordingly.

A review of the existing building code is being undertaken by the OECS Commission and entails a review of models for the administration of development control systems across the region and the globe, and an assessment of their adequacy for implementing national building codes within OECS Member States. All the major stakeholders in the construction and associate sectors are being engaged in this endeavour.

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[Physical Planning Department Continued]

MAJOR PROJECT INITIATIVES Digitization of the Land Registry A department of such critical importance to Land Administration and Management that affects every aspect of commerce and industry including the very lives of every St. Lucian and the project to digitize its operations to achieve greater efficiency cannot be allowed to fail.

This is so important, particularly with the loss we suffered at the Folk Research Centre, should this, God forbid, take place at the Land Registry, this would be devastating. To this end, Government will be identifying all available resources to bring this project to a completion.

The benefits to be derived from this digitization process will include but not limited to: • Quicker turnaround time in the processing of documents • Reduction in waiting times at the Land Registry • Online service application processes • Safe guard of the Land documents • Potential revenue increase

Modernization of Saint Lucia Geodetic Network The main objective of this project is to modernize the existing Geodetic Network system that allow for the streamlining and modernization of related survey, land development and land administrative processes. Additionally, this project would facilitate and strengthen our Geographic Information System (GIS) initiative.

The Government of Saint Lucia would now be able to share information on GPS positions, heights and other fields such as tidal movement, climate change, flood mapping, earth movement etc. This system would also provide a more stable framework for precise surveying data to users of the network.

Another important component is Geospatial data. This is a critical asset in effective decision making; after occurrences such as Hurricane Tomas and a number of other (climate change induced) adverse events. The Government of Saint Lucia recognized that the resilience of our fragile economy is dependent upon the efficient coordination, management and ease of access to the right data and information.

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Newly Trained Officers to Improve School Security

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brand new school term opened this April, bringing with it fresh faces to newly revamped educational facilities. Coming out of continuous assessment mode, expectations are high, and the pressure is on, not only for the students and teachers, but for security officers stationed at schools around the island.

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One year later, critical crime prevention measures continue to be the focus of the RSLPF and the government of Saint Lucia. As part of these efforts, 25 school security officers participated in security training sessions to better equip them with the skills and knowledge to maintain security and enforce regulations at schools around the island. The first batch of school security officers were awarded for their participation in the two-week basic security training programme, at a ceremony at the Royal St. Lucia Police Force Academy. It is expected that a second batch of officers will be inducted into the training programme in the coming months.

In 2017 the island marked the highest murder rate ever recorded. In that space of sky rocketing violence, not even the island’s young people were immune, and several injuries and even fatalities were reported by the island’s police.

Critical crime prevention measures continue to be the focus of the RSLPF and the government of Saint Lucia. As part of these efforts, 25 school security officers participated in security training sessions to better equip them with the skills and knowledge to maintain security and enforce regulations at schools around the island.

With national security as a primary focus, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) in collaboration with the government has undertaken several crime prevention initiatives specifically targeting schools.

Included in these efforts are dispute resolution measures in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, school officials, parents and students, and intensified searches within district schools. Government officials have also reaffirmed their commitment to reducing crime on the island, and making schools safer.

Collective efforts are being seen as crucial, particularly considering recent police searches in schools that have confirmed the seriousness of the problem. At several educational institutions, students have been found in possession of illegal drugs and weapons. As part of intensive search efforts in 2017, quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana were found, as well as weapons and otherwise banned items including knives, cutlasses, screw drivers, scissors, and lighters. Police officers described the state of affairs as alarming.

Scholarship Opportunities Scholarships for Studies Offered by the Government of the Republic of Cuba

The Government of the Republic of Cuba is offering scholarships to eligible Saint Lucian nationals to pursue studies at the Bachelor’s and Postgraduate level, tenable at universities in the Republic of Cuba for the academic year commencing August, 2018. Areas of studies include medicine and dentistry. To be eligible for selection, applicants must be citizens of Saint Lucia, less than 25 years of age. More details available here: http://www.govt.lc/media.govt.lc/www/Vacancies/Scholarship/cuba-2018-2019.pdf

Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships at Ca’Foscari University of Venice, Italy

In order to strengthen its international community, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice will award 100 tuition fee waivers and 90 one-time scholarships of € 5,000.00 to high-achieving international students enrolling in any Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes except for joint or double degree programmes in the 2018/2019 academic year.

The modality of the course is onsite and the language of instruction is English. The tuition fee waivers will provide up to 100 international outstanding students with exemption from the payment of university tuition fees, and recipients will only pay the regional tax for the right to education (€ 184.00) and the duty stamp.

Application deadline: April 30, 2018.

More information available here: http://www.govt.lc/scholarships

OAS Scholarships

The OAS Academic Scholarship Program (Regular Program), established in 1958, grants scholarships every year for the pursuit of Master’s Degrees, Doctoral Degrees and Graduate Research leading to a university degree. The OAS Special Caribbean Scholarships Program (SPECAF), established in 1983, grants scholarships for the last two years of undergraduate studies to citizens and residents of the English-speaking Caribbean OAS Member States, and Suriname. Both programs follow the OAS Manual of Procedures for the Scholarship and Training Program.

Visit http://www.oas.org/en/scholarships/ for more details.

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14 April 2018

Profile

Senate President Jeannine Giraudy-Mc Intyre Love, duty and integrity are her guiding principles!

www.govt.lc

I have also held the post of Registrar General/Registrar of the High Court, and Deputy Registrar of the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal in Antigua and Barbuda.

In the United States, I worked with a non-governmental organization MIRECS, providing legal assistance to battered immigrant wives. In Ghana, West Africa, I worked as a Legal Consultant.

These assignments have been undertaken alongside my work as a professional artist. I studied art in the USA and my work as portrait artist - particularly for the St. Lucia National Archives - is a very important part of my life.

What is the most challenging aspects of your job?

At present, I am taking the opportunity to understand the task in its entirety.

As I examine the functioning of our Parliament, I notice energy and resources have been concentrated in some specific areas while others need attention.

Though I do not believe in reinventing the wheel, I would like to see the proper functioning of all parts of Parliament. Some of the challenges I anticipate include the establishment of senatorial committees, funding for ongoing Training of Parliamentarians and Staff, the digitization of records and of course, improved facilities for parliament and the judiciary as befits our nation.

Who inspires you, and what are some watch words by which you live?

Love, duty, integrity, fairness and compassion are some of my guiding principles. Love is the basis of everything. Without it you are off to a poor start.

Integrity and fairness are the measures by which one must engage with others. Without compassion, you cannot truly see people or understand their needs. This is also part of my philosophy as an professional artist.

My father, the late Henry Giraudy, definitely inspired me to enter the legal profession, and he helped influence my career path. He was a superb advocate - supremely confident and decisive - and a formidable politician.

He instilled in me the ethos of duty to nation; the idea that we have to contribute to the advancement of others. In a sense, this is a large part of my motivation in accepting to be President of the Senate.

J

eannine Giraudy-Mc Intyre was appointed to the Senate on March 8, 2018 and elected President of the Senate 12 days later. In an exclusive interview with Our Saint Lucia, she recounts the very strategic moves that led her along what can best be described as a very challenging and rewarding career path.

How has your tenure been thus far?

Thus far, the experience has been both challenging and exhilarating. The Appropriations Bill, more commonly referred to as the Budget debate was tabled for the first Sitting of the Senate over which I presided.

The Budget debate is one of the more energetic, interesting but intense Parliamentary sessions, with contentious issues and opposing members rising frequently on points of order. This requires immediate often unpopular rulings, which are the most challenging.

However, I enjoyed the debate as it offers a comprehensive look at the present-day state of the country and informs the public of future plans.

What led you to this particular career path?

My journey in the field of law has been varied. I have worked in public and private practice in several jurisdictions, including St. Lucia. In Barbados, I worked with the international accounting firm of Ernst & Young as Manager of Corporate Services, and as Manager, International Private Wealth, and thereafter as Manager, Legal Advisory Services, which included promoting Barbados as a premiere offshore jurisdiction in Canada and the United States.

My Mother, Monica Giraudy, was also a great influence in my life. She was a successful business woman and her work ethic was exemplary. Her motto was: St. Lucia is not too small, nor the world too large; meaning that wherever you are, you must develop yourself, your character and your work.

In recent times, my sister Mara's stoic fortitude has been quite an inspiration, particularly after the untimely death of her husband, David Thompson, the late Prime Minister of Barbados. Of course, other world leaders have inspired me, such as Nelson Mandela with his sense of fairness and justice.

Overall, I have learned that while adaptability is very valuable, stubborn tenacity can also get you through many a crisis.

In terms of overall advancement, where do see Saint Lucia in 5 to 10 years?

I am confident St. Lucia will be in good and capable hands, with leadership that is responsible, compassionate and visionary. I expect a more advanced St. Lucia, especially in terms of infrastructure. There should be strong emphasis on agriculture, social services, education, health and justice. I expect the improvement of parliamentary and judicial facilities because these support our democracy. I am particularly interested in the advancement of mediation as a primary method of resolving conflict. Not only is it faster and more affordable but it offers a win-win rather than a win-lose outcome.

Our major role as legislators is to promote the welfare of St Lucians. I expect a robust legislative agenda that will include the removal of outdated laws and provide for legal frameworks that express our needs, enhance our development and bring meaningful improvements to our lives. I am very optimistic about the future of our St. Lucia.

The People’s Paper

Upgrades

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Up the Line Concrete Walkway & Drain

continue in

Micoud North Wenn Road, Mon Repos

Road Construction at Lombard

Construction of Footpath in La Pointe

Concrete Road & Drain in Praslin

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28 April 2018

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MEET THE EXECUTIVE Town Hall Engages Community

R

esidents of Monchy and environs were on Wednesday April 18, 2018 invited to a special Town Hall Meeting held at the Monchy Multi-Purpose Center. On the occasion, attendees had the opportunity to meet the Executive of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force, and discuss policing concerns with the Commissioner. Parliamentary representative for Gros Islet, and Minister for Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment, Lenard Montoute, also made an appearance at the event, which also featured a spirited musical performance by the Monchy After School Programme. The Community Policing Branch remains enthused about this and other upcoming Town Hall sessions, particularly because of the much needed feedback coming from the public at those initiatives.

The date of the next community Town Hall Meeting is expected to be announced soon.

The People’s Paper

www.govt.lc

08 17

Forensics Lab Team Remains Committed

S

aint Lucia’s premiere forensics lab in Tapion was opened on December 21st, 2009 with the mission of providing scientific support by performing forensic analysis of evidence and increasing the productivity of the Justice System through the application of scientific methods.

Then Minister for Justice, Nicholas Frederick heralded the opening of the facility, which was the first in the OECS to provide such state of the art forensic analysis. The general purpose of the Forensics Lab was, and continues to be added efficiency to the process of solving crime on the island. Given the increasing crime rate, the police force can use all the help they can get in the fight against crime, and reducing the number of unsolved cases. At its conception, the lab promised to address the shortcomings as relates to evidence and eyewitness statements.

The Forensics Lab’s original services included DNA testing, analysis of controlled substances and trace evidence analysis.

Prior to its opening, evidence for potential DNA analysis collected at local crime scenes would have to be sent overseas.

DNA testing in England came at a high cost. Not only would the lab help to reduce cost, but also speed up the analysis process, consequently expediting the rate at which crimes are solved.

The lab was seen as the perfect opportunity to help other OECS states fight their crime issue, and would also contribute to a safer St. Lucia.

As of December 2017, fifteen sexual assault cases had been solved thanks to the work of the staff at the forensics lab.

The lab was set to be fully operational from January 2011. In May 2015, structural and other issues within the facility led to the closure of the lab. The closure which was set to only last one week instead lasted months, and the forensic lab was

opened once again in February 2017, in a phased approach.

Although the lab’s DNA unit is currently offline, the reintroduction of its services came at a critical juncture, given the gross number of crimes which went unsolved. The Staff at the lab are properly trained to analyze crime scene evidence. The collected DNA evidence must then be sent overseas for further analysis.

Fernanda Henry Director of Forensic Lab

Doubts on the efficiency and capabilities of the lab have been dispelled with evidence of the number of crimes that it has helped to solve since its reopening. Rape cases have received special attention with the use of DNA testing technology. As of December 2017, fifteen sexual assault cases had been solved thanks to the work of the staff at the forensics lab. The successful analysis of evidence in rape cases has led to the arrests of multiple suspects in various cases. Most noteworthy is that of Laborie resident Saadia Byron. Minister for Justice Hon Hermangild Francis lauded the work of the forensics lab whose work facilitated the arrest of the main suspect in this murder/rape case.

Moving forward, one of the major goals of the forensics lab is public sensitization. According to Lab Director Fernanda Henry, many St. Lucians are unaware of what the lab does, and how it helps the criminal investigation and judicial process. After being reopened for over a year, the lab is still not functioning at its ultimate potential, but the Director and Staff remain hopeful and determined. The team at the forensic lab will continue to work with the available resources, to develop its human resource capacity and make solving crimes more efficient and common.

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28 April 2018

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MINISTERS

on the Move

Minister Sarah Flood-Beaubrun at Farming Project site

A tour of projects Islandwide

by Minister King

Farmer in Monchy Makes a sale to Minister Spider Montoute

Minister Fedee delivers hamper to an elderly constituent Minister Gale Rigobert with students of Blanchard Combined School

The People’s Paper

Connect With Us Office of the Prime Minister -www.facebook.com/opmsaintlucia -www.instagram.com/opmsaintlucia Allen Chastanet -www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet -www.twitter.com/allenmchastanet Lenard "Spider" Montoute -www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute Ezechiel Joseph -www.facebook.com/ezechieljoseph758 Sarah Flood Beaubrun -www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758 Guy Joseph -www.facebook.com/guyejoseph Stephenson King www.facebook.com/stephensonking Mary Isaac -www.facebook.com/maryisaacslu Fortuna Belrose -www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758 Dominic Fedee -www.facebook.com/dominic.fedee Herod Stanislas -www.facebook.com/herodstanislas Bradly Felix -www.facebook.com/bradlyfelix758 Dr Gale T C Rigobert -www.facebook.com/drgalerigobert758 Edmund Estephane -www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758

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08 19

SAINT LUCIA WE LOVE

Did you know…

Undeniably, our history is what makes us who we are.

Coming from a land as rich in history and heritage as ours, we would truly be doing ourselves a disservice not appreciating and finding out all that we can about the land that gave us birth. Read on for some fun facts you may not have known about our island in the sun!

• Around 77 percent of Saint Lucia is covered in forest,

more than neighbouring Barbados (19 percent), and Antigua (22 percent). More than enough reason to set out on an outdoor adventure this weekend!

• Located in the southern community of Soufriere, the

Sulphur Springs is not only a major tourist attraction in Saint Lucia, but the world’s only drive in volcano.

• Notable Saint Lucian

figures who have had busts or statues erected in their honour include Sir John Compton, Sir Arthur Lewis, Jean Baptiste Bideau, Sir Derek Walcott, and Sir George Charles.

• Emerging as winners of

the National Flower Competition in 1985, the Rose and the Marguerite are the national flowers of Saint Lucia, and are associated with the festivals La Marguerite and La Rose.

• Jean Baptiste Bideau, the historical figure credited for

saving the life of Venezuelan revolutionary Simon Bolivier was born in Saint Lucia in 1780. Nearly all the writings about his life speak about his roots in the Helen of the West. In other words, past and present, there are heroes in our midst!