Building A New Saint Lucia by Government of Saint Lucia

Issue 27 | 22 June, 2019

• Economic Growth • Creating Employment • Record Tourism Arrivals • Major Infrastructural Development

On the Road to Progress: ICT and EDUCATION

Infrastructure Development

Investment and Tourism

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03. Building a New Saint Lucia! 04. ICT and Education 06. Youth and Sports 07. Growth in Agriculture Sector 08. Infrastructure Development 10. Investment and Tourism 11. Support for the Arts and Creative Industries 12. National Security and Justice 13. Strides in Health Care 14. News Bites

3 Years On!

o be progressive means to favour progress, change, improvement or reform as opposed to wishing to maintain things as they are. Over the last three years, the Government of Saint Lucia has been building a road which would lead to Saint Lucians expanding their vision and not maintaining the status quo. It has not been an easy road, but no road towards true progress ever is. The Government has also been consistent in its stance that the journey towards this progress must involve Saint Lucians at all levels of the society at home as well as those abroad wishing to make a contribution towards the development of their home. The shift, for this progress to fully be realized has to be in our thinking, recognizing that first and foremost we are Saint Lucians and success or victory for one is a success for all. With that in mind, the Government has embarked on a number of strategies among which is empowering communities, through various projects, throughout the length and breadth of Saint Lucia. The Government is also keen on revolutionizing the education system, by making the curriculum more relevant to the times, while embarking on performance centers that will cater to specific needs such as sports and the arts. Recognizing that tourism is still our mainstay, the Government has embarked on an ambitious village tourism program to ensure more Saint Lucians are directly involved in tourism and are incentivized to become entrepreneurs and reap greater benefits from the sector. The linkages with tourism, agriculture and the creative sector, is also critical to this paradigm shift as well as improvements to island-wide infrastructure. These are just some of the areas, where the Government has had successful approaches over the last three years, which we capture in this issue of Our Saint Lucia. Read on!

Continuing to Build a New

Saint Lucia!

ur country is re-establishing itself as a leader in so many positive ways. With a capable team as well as the support and encouragement of the many hard working Saint Lucians, we have been able to keep Saint Lucia on a steady path towards progress as we seek to build a new Saint Lucia. While numbers and figures are not the only way to measure success, my Government is pleased with the progress that we have been making towards economic growth, reduction in unemployment, a reduction in the debt to GDP ratio and other indices that indicate we are on the right path. I invite you to measure our success not only by the figures seen here, but by the impact our programs are having on the lives of Saint Lucians in every community. My pledge is that we will continue to chart this course towards economic growth as we endeavour to create more opportunities for every citizen to live in a Saint Lucia that is safe, prosperous and harmonious, as my Government embarks on programs which will redound to a better quality of life for all Saint Lucians. I thank each and everyone for your support

thus far and ask that you continue to support the Government on this road towards a better tomorrow. Hon. Allen M. Chastanet – Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Growth, Job Creation, External Affairs and the Public Service.

The Last Three Years in Numbers • • • •

Economic Growth 2016 Economic Growth 2017 Economic Growth 2018 Reduced unemployment 20.1%

2018 Performance • • • • • • •

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The Economy continues to grow. It has grown by 8% since 2016 The Debt to GDP ratio has fallen from 67.7% in 2015 to 64.9% in 2018 Government’s Revenue grew by 6.4% Stay over visitors have increased from 344,000 in 2015 to 395,000 in 2018 Overall, Saint Lucia recorded just over 1.2 million visitors in 2018 Banana exports grew by 3.2% to almost 14,000 tonnes and export revenue increased by $1.9 million to $20.3 million in 2018 In 2018 receipts from CIP were significantly higher at $66.4 million, compared to $27.8 million the year before. * Larger primary surplus, up from $52.3 million to $101.5 million and a lower overall fiscal deficit down to $69.7 million from $110.1 million the year before. Public debt to GDP declined to 64.9% in 2018, from 65.2% in 2017. VAT Reduction from 15% to 12.5 % Amnesty on outstanding Hospital Bills 3 Year amnesty on personal income tax Improvement in elderly caregivers program by employing 450 persons island-wide

ICT

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EDU CAT I O N

Saint Lucia’s 2018 Global Robotics competitors

ver the past three years the Government of Saint Lucia has spent more money than any other Government in the past, on the refurbishing and upgrading of schools around the island. Over 25 Million has been spent on schools in the last three years. The Government has also adopted an ICT in Education policy for Saint Lucia. According to Minister for Education, Innovation and Gender Relations Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert; “Technology is now fully pervasive in the global context. Digital technology in particular, has become central to how we communicate, work, live and learn. A 21st Century Education System must prepare learners to be fully functional in a rapidly changing digital environment. To this end, the Ministry of Education has set out on some ambitious targets for technology in education, that are in keeping with the Government’s broader vision for improving sustainable and equitable access to technology, while improving student performance, opportunities for lifelong learning and increasing opportunities for employment in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services.

The Government has also started E-Testing in schools while all schools are being provided with Internet and computers for use by teachers and students to make learning more interactive.

Cu rriculu m Re v ie w The Ministry of Education along with the TVET Unit has also been working on reviewing the curriculum and syllabus, recognizing that we are largely a service oriented economy and that means we are compelled to prepare our students, our graduates, to function in a service economy. According to the Minister for Education; “we need to review whether there are existing subject areas that need to be deemphasized and whether there are courses that are deemed now to be critical and necessary. These would need to be highlighted and in keeping with the notion that we are a service oriented economy largely dependent on tourism and hospitality, that it makes sense to consider having our students do at least one foreign language which would be compulsory.”

Official opening of new block of Choiseul Secondary School

C orp o ral P un ish m en t

Minister for Education Hon. Gail Rigobert engaging students of the Ave Maria Primary School

In Mach of 2019 the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations, issued a statement signaling the intention to abolish corporal punishment in schools. According to the statement, the Ministry has suspended and will eventually abolish corporal punishment in schools in keeping with the many international conventions that the island is signatory to.

ICT P RO JECTS •

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Launch of GI NET Free WiFi in Castries Central, Dennery North, Canaries, Micoud North and Vieux Fort ICT Centers in • Lafeuille • La Borne • Grande Riviere, Gros Islet • Riviere Mitant • Desrammeaux

Ach i e v e me n ts in Ed ucatio n • • • • • • • • • •

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Introduction of Computer Coding and Robotics in Schools Introduction of Smart Classrooms Development of a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of all schools Model safe schools program Launch of Educate Saint Lucia Over 25 million for refurbishment of schools Training of Early Childhood Trainers Building improvement to house department of Health Sciences at SALCC Upgrading of Technical Drawing labs at Secondary schools Opening of the newly reconstructed Blocks B and C at the Choiseul Secondary School (includes a sick bay, learning resource room, Technical Drawing laboratory, Electronic Document Preparation Management laboratory, Music and Theatre Arts rooms, Chemistry and Physics laboratories and access for the physically challenged to accommodate students and the wider community) Schools Websites

Training program for Early Childhood Trainers underway New look Choiseul Secondary School

Youth and Sports

United States Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Linda Taglialatela shares a moment with Saxophonist Rashaad Joseph and soloist Tori Leonce at the YES Project launch

he Government of Saint Lucia has taken the issue of youth unemployment as well as the myriad of issues facing our youth quite seriously. Overall in 2018, youth employment averaged at 36.6 percent compared to 38.5 percent in 2017.

A number of intervention programs have been implemented over the last three years, which have all been bearing good fruit. Among them, the incentivizing of OJO labs in Vieux Fort, which since August of 2018 has been employing on average 24 new young persons. Then there is the National Apprenticeship Programme, which has so far seen over 300 persons graduate in hospitality studies. Ahead of all of this, in December of 2016, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched its new $64 million Youth Empowerment Services (YES) project in Saint Lucia. The initiative is a thrust towards reducing youth involvement in crime and violence, while creating alternative pathways for at-risk youth and those in conflict with the law. Following this program launch, the SYNERGY Program was launched in Central Castries, targeting at risk and unemployed inner city youth. The Government has also increased funding and support for after school programs at centers across the island.

Other Youth Interventions • •

Increased funding for youth and sports organizations and clubs Child care and Justice bill

SPORTS DEVELOPMENT Government has set aside $20.6 million for the upgrade of sporting facilities, programs, and new facilities across the island. Four

sports facilities have been identified initially for further development as follows: • • • •

FIFA and IAAF certified stadium in Soufriere A large sports hub at Dennery A medium sports hub in Micoud North A community hub in Micoud South

Enjoying a night-time game of cricket at the newly refurbished Canaries playing field. •

Other Sports Projects • • • • • • •

Establishment of the National Sports Academy Refurbishing and lighting of Canaries playing field Balata playing field upgrade Rehabilitation of Balata multi-purpose court Improvement to Fond Assau playing field Improvement to La Guerre playing field Rehabilitation of Ti Morne multi-purpose court

Growth in Agriculture Sector

T The sector has recorded an increase in the number of farmers including young farmers The Anse Gere Facility Agro Processing Facility

he Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives has recorded significant growth in the agricultural sector, most notably as it relates to a number of farmers returning to abandoned fields and increases in productivity of crops for the local and export market. The Ministry has been working with a number of external agencies in the UK and the Government of Taiwan as well as agencies such as the Ministries of Education and Tourism, the SLHTA and SLTA as well as TEPA the (Trade Export Agency) to ensure that greater opportunities are afforded our farmers. According to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives, Hon. Ezechiel Joseph the agriculture sector is showing expanded growth and the review of the output of most subsectors shows high level of production. “Notwithstanding the negative impact of climate change, Saint Lucia still recorded 5.8% growth of banana sales to the UK Market and also experienced growth of 7.6% in revenue for 2018,” the Minister has reported. The Minister spoke to specific growth since 2016: • • •

From 1,117 acres to 2,669 acres of banana cultivation From 230 farmers to 643 farmers operating 764 bananas farms From 195 farmers selling fruits to the UK market to 291 farmers currently.

The Minister added that with the positive impact of the Banana Production Improvement Programme (BPIP), the stakeholders are projecting a weekly export production of 17,000 boxes; barring any negative impact of climate change and of course the introduction of any new pest or disease.

Gains in Agriculture • • • • • • • • • • • •

Budget for Agriculture Doubled Insurance and Pension plan for farmers established Opening of Agro Processing plant for the rural women network in Anse Gere Cocoa micro Fermentary in Anse Gere opened More Farms established More farmers Increased banana production Increased banana exports New markets in London and France Launch of food import substitution program Agriculture Feeder Roads in Soufriere, Dennery and Micoud Continued support for the Youth Agri-Entrepreneurship Project Youth (YAEP)

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Infrastructure Development

ver the past three years, the Government of Saint Lucia has embarked on a major Infrastructure Development Strategy, recognizing that our roads, air and seaports face three common issues: poor physical condition, limited capacity and poor connectivity that makes the country highly vulnerable in the event of extreme weather conditions. The goal is therefore, to enhance Saint Lucia’s infrastructure to support economic activity in tourism, agriculture, retail and trade.

There are six areas of priority which have been identified for infrastructure namely: • • • • • • •

Rehabilitation of the Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Reconstruction or rehabilitation of secondary and collector roads Development of a cargo and container facility at Cul De Sac Upgrade of the amenities and facilities for cruise at Port Castries Development of Vieux Fort Cruise Port Re-Development and expansion of Hewanorra International Airport to handle one million passengers by 2022. With this in mind, the Government has over the last year embarked on major improvements to the road network and infrastructure, which takes into consideration 99km roads. While all of this is happening the Government has not lost sight of providing affordable housing for its citizens

Port Castries welcomed Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class cruise ship Anthem of the Seas on its inaugural visit at the newly constructed Berth #1 extension and Dolphin berths designed to accommodate mega cruise ships.

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and at least two projects which will address this has already been launched. The air and sea-ports has also been given much attention. The extension of Port Castries to accommodate larger cruise ships has already been completed and the attention has now shifted to the development of the port in Vieux Fort as well as the Hewanorra International Airport.

Some of the Infrastructural Projects over the last 3 Years • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Extension of Port Castries to accommodate Quantum Class Cruise ships Road Maintenance Management system Repairs to Barre D’isle Roseau Jacmel Road Choiseul Village Main Road Dennery Village Road Rehabilitation Aux Lyon Road Rehabilitation Thomazo Bridge Canaries Bridge Union Balata Slope Stabilization Mon Repos Park Soufriere Beach Park Micoud Village Park Micoud Village Laundry Sun Valley Park Bexon/Marc Morne Liberty Park- Morne Fortune Rehabilitation of Monchy Park Rehabilitation of Gros Islet Town Park

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Forest Trail Road rehabilitation La Resource Road construction Rehabilitation of Edmund Forest/ Enbasaut Waterfall Project Rehabilitation of Dame Sessene Descartes Drive – Mon Repos Construction of Road at Hill View Micoud Rehabilitation of Varnard to Millet Road Groundbreaking for Hewanorra International Airport Road safety improvements on West Coast Increased island wide signage Forestierre Housing Development Road Safety project started in January

Rehabilitation of Road in Gadette Dennery

Sod turning for commencement of the Hewanorra International Airport redevelopment project

A number of safety guardrails have been placed along various roads including 120 m along the Dennery road way

Improved Water Projects • • • • • • • • •

Ti Rocher Canaries Hill 20 Dennery North Tet Chimen Millet Fond Campeche – Vieux Fort Darban, Saltibus Des Barras, Babonneau Commencement of the desilting of the John Compton Dam

Completion of the La Resource Road

Investment and Tourism Work has commenced on Fixed Based Operation at Hewanorra International Airport Sod Turning for Cabot Golf Course

OJO Labs staff paid a surprise visit by President Bill Clinton

ast week, the Government of Saint Lucia broke ground for the construction of Cabot Saint Lucia- a new Golf Resort at Point Hardy, Cap Estate. Cabot Saint Lucia will feature an 18-hole golf course called Cabot Point. Resort amenities are expected to include a clubhouse, a 50-room boutique hotel, three restaurants, retail shops, a spa and upscale homes ranging from $760,000 to $10-million.

Record Arrivals

That same week, the Government officially broke ground for the construction of the first Fixed Based Operation (FBO) at Hewanorra International Airport which will provide premium services to private and corporate air-craft.

Tourist arrivals across all categories grew by 10.2% to register a new record of just over 1.2 million visitors in 2018.

Caribbean aviation services provider I.A.M. Jet Centre Group will be working along with the Saint Lucia Air & Seaports Authority (SLASPA) to implement the project over the next 6 months. The facility will consist of a 7,000-sq-ft terminal with dedicated in house customs and immigration processing, premium lounge spaces, a meeting room, crew rest area, and security screening.

As the key economic pillar for future growth the Government has also been giving much attention to tourism.

Stay over visitors has increased from 344,000 in 2015 to 395,000 in 2018. Cruise visitors continue to break records - from 677,000 in 2015 to 760,000 in 2018 a 13.6% growth while yacht arrivals increased by 26.7% in 2018.

Initiatives and Projects • • • • •

The Government has also secured the loan for the Hewanorra International Airport project which is expected to commence soon.

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These are just a few of the many investment projects that have been embarked on over the last three years here.

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Saint Lucians have already witnessed the commencement of the Castries Redevelopment Project with the 1st phase of the Castries Market Development Project already on the way. This will be followed soon by the implementation of Village Tourism in Gros Islet, Anse la Raye and Soufriere.

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Ojo Labs – over 250 Young Persons Employed Opening of Harbor Club employing several Saint Lucians Opening of Royalton Hotel Ground breaking for Domaine Resort – Choiseul Sod Turning - Cabot Saint Lucia- Golf Resort at Point Hardy, Cap Estate Commencement of 1st Phase Village Tourism Commencement of Castries Redevelopment Project Pearl of the Caribbean 1st Phase Horse Racing Track Under Construction Training of 260 Hospitality Workers in Customer Service Excellence First ever Thomson Airlines 787 flight bringing in 300 visitors a week Over 1 million visitor arrivals in 2018 Leading Tourism Destination in the OECS

Support for the Arts and Creative Industries

he Government of Saint Lucia continues to show its support for the growth of a creative industry here, as well as the perpetuating of our rich culture and heritage in very tangible ways. Recognizing the importance of the synergies with other departments, including the Ministry of Education, the Government has taken the bold step in instituting the first ever center of excellence for the arts in Saint Lucia. Very soon the Anse Gere Secondary School in Micoud will be converted into this center. Additionally, the newly opened block at the Choiseul Secondary School, ensures that the school curriculum caters to the creative arts with a music room and creative arts space. Hon. Senator Fortuna Belrose, Minister with responsibility for Culture and Creative Industries, says that the Government is focused on engaging various aspects of the creative sector, not just popular forms of music, but fashion, theatre, visual arts, and film among others.

Pan Glory at Panorama during Carnival that whether it is an activity for Jounen Kweyol, Carnival or Jazz, these events will be staged at the highest standard,” Hon. Fortuna Belrose says. With the establishment of the Events Company of Saint Lucia, the island has a cadre of festivals under the Summer Festivals banner, which includes Saint Lucia Jazz, Saint Lucia Carnival, Roots and Soul, Arts and Heritage Month and the Food and Rum Festival. These events now offer a wider platform for Saint Lucian performers to be showcased including Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Pop, Reggae, Soca and Calypso. Additionally, a number of training opportunities, including master classes are offered during these events. These festivals also provide opportunities for other persons in the creative sector including dancers, designers, stage directors, musicians, sound and light technicians and a host of others.

The Government, she says has not lost sight of the indigenous festivals like La Rose, La Marguerite and Jounen Kweyol and in the last three years Government’s financial and technical support to these activities has increased.

The Government of Saint Lucia sees national events as the ideal platform to showcase the talent of our people. At no time was this more pervasive than during the 40th Anniversary of Independence celebrations. A wide cross section of persons involved in the creative industry, were utilized to make the celebration as grand as it has been so far.

“We have taken a deliberate decision to give the institutional support necessary for our indigenous festivals. And so we sought to provide more funding for these events. We have also established the Events Company of Saint Lucia to ensure

Of course, Carnival is the grandest of these festivals and we have had two successful years in a row with Government raising the subvention to Carnival from EC$1 million to EC$3 million.

Students receiving some valuable lessons during a Jazz workshop • • •

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Performance Center for the Arts Establishment of the Events Company of Saint Lucia Summer Festival to minimize on amount of money spent on one single festival with a spread of events throughout the year. Increased budget for Carnival from EC$1 million to EC$3 million Increase support for Calypso Increase in prize money for carnival winners Increase in budget for Jounen Kweyol from EC$100,000 to over EC$600,000 Increase in the number of training exercises and workshops for artistes via the CDF as well as the Events Company during Saint Lucia Jazz Support for Dennery Segment promotional tours to Trinidad in 2017 and the United States in 2018.

Graduation march past of 36 New Recruits in May 2019

NATIONAL SECURITY AND JUSTICE CITIZEN SAFETY

EC$.5 million was allocated to the Marine Police in 2017 which went towards engines for marine vessels. Since then the Marine unit has moved to zero vessels being operational prior to 2016, to 4 now in operation. The surveillance radar which aided the marine police was also made functional. The Government is also in the process of building a new police headquarters.

Fire and Emergency Services An EC$1.2 million fire appliance has been acquired for the use at the airport, allowing the department to receive an international rating. Soufriere Fire station has been renovated and a project has started for the Vieux Fort Fire station where the training school is. A new fire station was opened at Babonneau.

National Security During the annual budget presentation this year, Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet highlighted that citizen safety would see twelve game changers in three focus areas, with the goal of a 45% reduction of serious crimes, by the end of the strategy term in 2022, and a 30% reduction in repeat offenders by that same year.

The new Babonneau fire station commissioned in 2018

inister for National Security Sen. Hon. Hermangild Francis has expressed that despite the many challenges Saint Lucia may be facing in the area of National Security, there must be continuous dialogue with citizens, police and other law enforcement agencies and Government, to examine the existing challenges, while proposing new solutions to address respect for law and order. He also offered that citizens must also take responsibility for their actions and set the example in upholding the laws of the land.

Justice The Government in 2016 sought to appoint a new Director of Public Prosecutions, having met the position vacant. The office of the DPP was also strengthened and a full slate of prosecutors within the office of the DPP appointed. The closure of the Forensic Lab, prior to 2016 was also an issue of concern for Government, which has since sought to reopen the lab and appoint a director. The re-opening of the Nyerah Criminal Court has resulted in 24% of old cases being cleared, with the target of 70% of backlog cases being cleared by year end.

Equipping the Police Over the past two years the police has been provided with more than 20 new vehicles and 5 new motorcycles. A number of police stations are being refurbished.

The approach will include better policing, greater efficiency in the legal system, the rehabilitation of offenders and strengthening the justice system. Crime prevention and detection, the Prime Minister says, will benefit from a stronger police presence in “hot spot” areas and increase in foot and mobile patrols. The Safe City CCTV project in Castries will receive $5.8 million, of which $1.8 million has been allocated for 2019/2020. There has also been an increase in allocation so as to ensure that the police force is strengthened with increased personnel. Investments will also be made in community policing. Achievements in National Security & Justice at a Glance • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Opening of Forensic Lab Introduction of City Police Hiring of more police officers Appointment of DPP More resources for DPP’s Office Appointment of more judges and magistrates Addition of 4 Marine Police vessels in operation Restored operation of radar system New Motorcyles for police New police vans Commencement of Safe City Surveillance Project An EC$1.2 million fire appliance has been acquired for the use at the airport, allowing the department to receive an international rating. Soufriere Fire station has been renovated Opening of Babonneau Fire Station

Strides in Health Care

T wide.

Desruisseaux Wellness Centre one of the many smart centers on island

he commencement and completion of St. Jude’s and the completion of a new Soufriere Hospital are all part of Government’s Health Sector Strategy Focus. The strategy also encompasses a National Health Insurance and SMART Healthcare Facilities island-

Affordable access to quality healthcare is among the key areas of focus for the Government of Saint Lucia, as it continues to empower the People of Saint Lucia. A major part of the island’s health strategy is the full operation of OK-EU Hospital which is now more than 70% Complete. Over the last few months, the Government has been seeking to make the OK-EU fully operational on a phase by phase basis. With regard to National Health Insurance, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Hon. Allen Chastanet has stated that the Government will ensure adequate provisions will be made to cover the poor and most vulnerable within our society. To achieve the strategic health outcomes over the medium to long term, the Department of Health and Wellness shall pursue the following health sector drivers: 1. 2.

3. 4.

Design and implementation of a National Health Insurance Strengthening of primary and public health to • Ensure every child gets their full vaccines • Increase effectiveness of our prevention of NCDs • Increase our attack on mosquito borne diseases • Strengthen the quality of primary wellness centres and medical centres. Implementation of Quality Assurance Framework, through the adoption of ISO-9001 2015, the international standard for quality management systems Full commissioning of the National Hospitals in the new locations.

The Government is also working with the Pan American Health Organization - and with funding provided by the United Kingdom - seventeen health centres will be upgraded as part of a SMART project. The Health Centres are expected to be safe and operational both during and after extreme weather

Vaccination program strengthened

events and emergencies; climate resilient, sustainable and energy efficient with lowered carbon footprints and operational costs. They include Comfort Bay Senior Citizens Home, La Clery Wellness Centre, Vieux-Fort Wellness Centre, the Transit Home, Deruisseaux, Belle Vue and Mon Repos, Saltibus, Mongouge, La Fargue Wellness Centre, Bexon, Laborie and Richfond Wellness, Monchy, Entrepot, Ti Rocher and Castries Wellness Centre.

Additional Outcomes • • • • • • • • • • •

Phased Opening of OEKU Construction Commencement of Dennery Policlinic Commencement work on Smart Healthcare Facilities Increased Operating Hours Gros Islet Policlinic New X-Ray Machine for St. Judes Hospital Partnered with Starkey Foundation to provide over 600 hearing aids Launch of diabetic Retinopathy Program in Primary Health Care – Free Screening and Treatment 2 Year Project with Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Implementation National Health Management System Commencement of work on National Insurance Plan Island-wide vaccination drive

News Bites

Expanded Growth in Agriculture

The Agriculture Sector is showing expanded growth and the review of the output of most subsectors shows high level of production. This formed part of a report to Parliament last Tuesday by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives, Hon. Ezechiel Joseph, who noted that notwithstanding the negative impact of climate change, Saint Lucia still recorded 5.8% growth of banana sales to the UK Market and also experienced growth of 7.6% in revenue for 2018.

Government Establishes National Economic Fund and Strengthens Legislation Governing CIP Funds Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Honourable Allen Michael Chastanet, introduced before the House on Tuesday June 11, 2019, a Bill to establish the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund and strengthen oversight over the management of Citizenship by Investment funds. This means that the Government has corrected gross inadequacies in the legislation governing the use of CIP funds which was passed by the former administration. The Bill will establish the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund Board which

will include: The Director of Finance as Chairperson, the Budget Director, the Chief Economist, a representative from Invest Saint Lucia, a representative from the Ministry of Commerce, a representative from the Attorney General’s Chambers and a representative from the private sector.

Soufriere Comprehensive Retains SLHTA Chefs in Schools Championship The Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School has won the Chefs in Schools Cook Off 2019. The school won the championship in 2018 and went on to win the regional competition in Barbados. In 2nd place this year, was the St Joseph’s Convent team made up of Janaii Williams and Kurres Joseph, trained by Chef Nissa Paul of Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, in 3rd Place; Merkijay Jean and Wavimey Prosper of the Leon Hess Secondary School, trained by Chef Billy Mauricette of Cap Maison. The two students competing for Soufriere Comprehensive were Sherquean Franky and Kayla Joseph, both form 4 students, who were trained and coached by Chef Ruben Kumar of Anse Chastanet Resorts. The competition was held on their home grounds on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th June 2019. Kayla and Sherquean along with their Chef and teacher will travel to Barbados to represent Saint Lucia at the Regional Caribbean Junior Duelling Challenge in August.

Photo: SLHTA Cook Off Winners

CLINIC FOR FISHERS The Department of Fisheries in commemoration of Caribbean Fisherfolk Day, commonly referred to as Fishermen’s Feast, will be hosting a Fisher’s Clinic, under the theme “Gender Equity and

Ocean Health Supporting Access to Markets for Small Scale Fishers”. The Fisher Clinic will target fisherfolk and will be unveiled as a series of interactive booths providing information on the economic and safety benefits of proper outboard engine maintenance and will be promoting health and wellness screening and information to fisherfolk. Fishers and the public are encouraged to attend the event on June 26th, 2019 from 10am at the Department of Fisheries carpark, Point Seraphine, Castries.

Photo: Fisherfolk

20 Meets 20 Mentorship Programme Underway Twenty young entrepreneurs are currently being mentored here in Saint Lucia, by twenty experienced business persons from the local community. The “20 meets 20, Mentorship Programme” forms part of activities to mark Saint Lucia’s 40th Anniversary of Independence. In explaining the criteria, Ms. Lenita Joseph, Deputy Permanent Secretary Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment and Local Government said that start up applicants had to be between the ages of 18 and 35, in operation for not more than 5 years and registered with the registry of companies or SEDU. Between June and December 2019, the mentoring, monitoring and training of the mentees continue. An award ceremony will then be held in December, 2019.

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Lenard “Spider” Montoute

www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute June 13: A few weeks ago, we signed a contract for the La Borne Water Supply Improvement & Extension Project. Whilst we implemented the first phase of this project in 2009, there are still certain areas in the community which have not been able to benefit from a reliable water supply. This project, which is being financed under the Basic Needs Trust Fund will help cover the areas which did not benefit in this initial phase.

Guy Joseph

www.facebook.com/guyjoseph June 13: Ground breaking for the construction of Saint Lucia’s first ever dedicated Private Jet Facility at Hewanorra International Airport

Herod Stanislas

www.facebook.com/herodstanislas June 11: We understand that community upkeep and beautification is a critical component as we develop our constituency. It adds value and creates a more attractive environment for our residents and visitors.I would like to thank the SLHTA Soufriere Chapter and Stakeholders, The Beautification Committee, The Soufriere Foundation, The Soufriere Constituency Council, The Soufriere Police Department, The Small Business Operators, the Schools and the Clubs for their collaborative effort in the Clean Up Soufriere Activity on Monday June 10th 2019. Your efforts are commendable and appreciated.

Stephenson King

www.facebook.com/stephensonking June 12: “Progress on Solar Carport Facility at Union”. Construction of the “first of it’s kind” Solar Carport in Saint Lucia is well advanced. Generation capacity is 54KWp. This facility in addition to providing charging for electric vehicles, will also provide power to the headquarters of the Ministry of Infrastrcture, significantly reducing the amout of money spent by the state in electricity

Allen Chastanet

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Sarah Flood Beaubrun

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Fortuna Belrose

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Ezechiel Joseph

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Dr. Gale T C Rigobert

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Mary Isaac

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Edmund Estephane

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Dominic Fedee

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