Nation building through sporting excellence and youth empowerment! by Government of Saint Lucia

Issue 41 | 25 Jan, 2020

Ministry of Youth Development and Sports: Nation Building through sporting excellence and youth empowerment! 1

National Sports Infrastructure and Program Action Plan

Prioritizing Youth and 06 Sports

National Sports Awards 2019 03

Working with a Clear Vision

04-05 Youth Programmes and Initiatives 06

National Sports Infrastructure and Program Action Plan

The Saint Lucia Sports Academy: A Home Away From Home!

President of FIFA Makes Historic Visit to Saint Lucia

Levern Spencer: Sports Ambasador

Saint Lucia Rises to Sports Glory in 2019!

National Sports Awards 2019

Putting More into National Youth Awards

13-16

Nominees for the 40th Annual National Sports Awards

Dennery South 20/20 Vision Plan

News Bites

n article on the “Climate Action Network South Asia” website reads in part; “The world population of youth, within the ages of 10-24 amounts to1.8 billion in a world population of 7 billion people, as documented by the UNFPA state of world population 2014. The effect of the emergence of a large population of youth depends on the manner in which a government regards their youth, which could either be as a liability that demands more resources or as problem solvers and change agents of the future.” It went on to say further; since young people will live longer into the future than their elders, they are more likely to face the impacts of accelerating climate change and other environmental shifts, with accompanying risks to human well-being. While the youth population is on the rise, fertility rates are declining, hence the present population of youth will have to largely depend on themselves while shouldering the responsibility of the ageing population.” It is said that youth can and ought to drive change, master professions, start businesses and innovate and drive the economy. It is against that backdrop that the Government has seen it as imperative to invest in youth programmes, education, information technology and sports to meet the demands of the ever changing times. The importance and benefits of sports experiences to a people in physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects cannot be stressed enough. Sports are an undeniable component of the socio-economic development of a country, where active participation in sports improves productivity, health and wellness, builds character and discipline and social cohesion. In this issue of “Our Saint Lucia” we take a look inside the Department of Youth Development and Sports and some of the interventions over the past year, as well as some of the ongoing projects. Read on! Editor, Toni Nicholas

Working with a Clear Vision

ith many completed projects in the constituency of Dennery South, with many more ongoing and projected for 2020, Dennery South MP and Minister for Youth Development and Sports Hon. Edmund Estephane looks on with heightened optimism for his constituency and the country for 2020 and beyond. “I would really like to thank my constituents for their support over the years and for their patience as we put things in place to fulfill the promises we made to complete a number of projects and initiatives,” Hon. Edmund Estephane told “Our Saint Lucia”. He went on to thank his staff and team for their support, promising that 2020 will see the Department of Youth and Sports having an even greater impact on uplifting sports and young people in Saint Lucia. “In terms of sports, 2019 was a major year for us. Our achievements were felt at the national, regional and international level, but there is so much more to be done. We made significant progress particularly in rebuilding youth cricket and youth football and we saw the results at regional competitions. Our team also made us proud by winning the Windward Island School games which had eluded us for a few years,” the Minister said. However, while the Government is putting its money where its mouth is, by investing more money in improving sports infrastructure, the minister is seeking greater cooperation this year from the various associations. “There is so much more that we want to see happening as far as competitions at the district level that is not happening and the time has come for us to discuss why this is so, if we want to move forward,” he says. The Minister is of the view that the current structure of the various associations and tournaments need to change when it comes to football and cricket for example. “We have offered financial assistance to the various associations to host tournaments at the community and domestic level, because we believe that for these sports to grow, the format of the tournaments need to change to bring

back the community spirit and culture of the game and to bring back the crowds,” he added. The minister went on to say that there is the commitment by his Ministry and Government to offer the financial support but what is now needed is the commitment by the respective associations.

Sporting Facilities “In 2019 we rolled out a comprehensive plan for upgrading existing sporting facilities and constructing new ones. What we are aiming for is one major sporting facility in ever constituency of a particular standard with fencing and lights. We want the various community groups and associations to be able to raise revenue from gate receipts during some of the tournaments.” These monies the Minister says can be used to pay for maintenance of the facilities, for lights and even to support players and the very associations. The idea is to establish at least one multipurpose court and a football and cricket ground in each district.

Youth Focus “The Government has also rolled out a number of intervention programs. Some fall under my Ministry and others are administered by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Transformation. We have progammes such as the Youth Enterprise Programme, The after school programs, we have assistance coming from Belfund and the SSDF as far as giving support to young entrepreneurs,” Minister Estephane explained. “We also have the intervention programme where we take on youth workers on a voluntary basis after they leave school and they are not sure what direction they want to take. So in the interim we give them a monthly stipend and they gain valuable experience before going on to further their education, gaining full time employment or becoming young entrepreneurs,” he says. The way we think as a government is that for us to grow as a nation, the youth must be involved in nation building by sharing

Dennery South MP and Minister for Youth Development and Sports Hon. Edmund Estephane

their ideas, being innovative, making recommendations to the government as far as what work programs they would like to see and for us to approve and implement.”

Dennery South “Vision 2020 has been a work program I came up with and have implemented ever since I became the representative for Dennery South in 2006. Over the last three years, we have focused on the sports facilities, drainage, refurbishing schools, building a new infant school and improving our road infrastructure as well as the water supply, “Estephane says.” This year, we will continue to work on the road infrastructure, including the feeder roads for farmers and improving the water supply further. We are also working on a village tourism project for Dennery South. Work will also commence on the improvements to the fishing port and with the opening of the Caribbean Meats establishment we expect to see some employment opportunities coming to Dennery South. The Minister went on to explain that work on the Polyclinic had to be stopped due to some issues with the original design. The project has been redesigned and expected to commence this year. “Step by step, bit by bit, we are working to make improvements all in an effort to fulfil our promise of working towards a better Saint Lucia,” Hon Edmund Estephane says.

Youth Programmes and Initiatives The Government of Saint Lucia through its various ministries and departments has embarked on several programmes and initiatives geared towards young people. One such program which falls under the Department of Youth Development and Sports is the Youth Service Corps.

What is the YOUTH SERVICE CORPS?

he underlying philosophy of the Youth Service Corps is that young people are ASSETS to national development. Therefore, we must provide the opportunities for them to be utilized in that way. The Youth Service Corps has two broad objectives •

•

Harness the energy, innovation and imagination of young people to provide key support for national development Provide increase capacity and assistance for private and public sector initiatives through volunteerism

The programme provides opportunities for young people to become active participants in the development of the nation by providing the space that is necessary for them to contribute to national productivity by volunteering. As a result, it is expected that these young people will learn employability skills, soft skills and other people skills that will improve their self-esteem and self-image as they are engaged in a meaningful national initiative. The programme has been initiated islandwide and targets young people who are

between 16-29 years and must have completed secondary or another form of qualification.

INCENTIVES:

employment is found or further training and education is pursued. The programme is funded by the National Lotteries Authority and the Government of Saint Lucia.

Volunteers receive eight hundred dollars ($800.00) monthly with CSEC qualifications and one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) with qualification from Sir Arthur Lewis Community College or equivalent.

WHERE ARE THEY SERVING? The YSC has one hundred and ten young people engaged across the island. They serve at St. Jude Hospital, St. Lucia Fire Service, Immigration Department, primary and secondary schools, private schools, pre-schools, Mon Repos Wellness Center and the National Youth Council. YSC has provided attendants for the Innovation and Career Development Centers in Anse a Raye, Canaries, Micoud and Monchy as a special request from the Ministry of Education, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development.

LENGTH OF SERVICE Volunteers are expected to serve for one year, where it is hoped that permanent

OTHER YOUTH INTERVENTIONS Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) The Youth Empowerment Project was launched last year and in its first phase is aimed at young persons in the urban 1 areas of the Castries basin where the pilot project is targeted. It is aimed at mitigating risk factors that trigger criminal and anti-social behaviors and focusses on the individual, family, community and societal levels. The program will also cater to high-school dropouts and unemployed young persons. This project is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank.

BELfund’s CYEP Entrepreneurship Project BELfund’s CYEP Entrepreneurship Project is funded in part by the United States Agency for International Department (USAID) and is administered and co-financed by the International Youth Foundation (IYF). The project targets youth between the ages of 18 – 25 years who are considered to be vulnerable because of low income and unemployment or under-employment. The training component of this project takes a holistic approach to enterprise development and emphasizes the provision of micro-credit as part of an integrated package. Also included is training in Life Skills, Information Technology, Small Business Management Training and Business Plan Development. Business support is also offered to youth with approved business plans to access financing, start their businesses and contribute to their businesses viability. These business support services provide the much needed hand-holding support to loan beneficiaries. Lack of collateral makes it very challenging for young people to access credit, particularly from commercial lenders. BELfund’s loan program specifically designed for vulnerable youth is a significant benefit for youth entrepreneurs in this project. Loan assistance packages range from EC$500.00 up to EC$30,000.00.

The Community After School Programme

The agreement was signed by Jamaica’s Minister of state in the Ministry of Education and Hon. Edmund Estephane. Young people attending a community after school programme

The Community After School Programme (CASP) has been a successful and model programme. The programme provides academic support, helps develop sporting talent and offers life skills training and assists in modifying behaviours. Students are also offered training in soft skills areas as well as the arts and music. Students are also provided with daily meals. The Community After School Programme has been revamped and expanded over the last three years and now boast 15 centers across the island.

Saint Lucia signs youth exchange agreement with Jamaica In 2018 Saint Lucia signed an agreement with the government of Jamaica to establish a framework of cooperation for youth exchange initiatives between the countries. The move, is described as continuing to push to strengthen programmes for youth workers and youth leaders. The agreement was signed at the meeting of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Task Force in London, England. Jamaica’s Minister of state in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information Floyd Green said there was tremendous benefit in exposing youth leaders and workers to other systems and forms of Government, diverse cultures and more extensive networks. The agreement was signed by Floyd Green and, by Hon. Edmund Estephane.

The recently lit La Fargue playing field in Choiseul

National Sports Infrastructure and Program Action Plan

he Government of Saint Lucia is making progress on efforts to construct or upgrade sporting facilities in every district in Saint Lucia. This forms part of the Government’s National Sports Infrastructure and Program action plan. According to Youth Development and Sports Minister Hon. Edmund Estephane; “not only is the infrastructure a priority for us, but it is also just as important to revisit our sports programs at the school level as well as at the community, district and national level”.

Game time on the Balata playing field

To date, the Government has completed work upgrades, which included resurfacing and lighting on a number of community playing fields. Playing fields in Balata, Babonneau, La Fargue - Choiseul and Canaries were all upgraded with light fixtures allowing for training and games at nights. Work on the Astro turf football facility in Dennery North was also completed while work on the Soufriere stadium which is being upgraded to meet FIFA standards is progressing smoothly. The stadium will have a 400-metre synthetic track and football field.

A packed stand at the recently re-opened Canaries playing field

The entire project will be completed in 2020. Also in 2020 work commences on the Desruisseaux Football Field, the Dennery Village Cricket and Football Field and the Micoud Playing Field projects. Ongoing work at the Soufriere Stadium

A game of cricket under the lights at the Canaries playing field A day of training for the girls football team on the Astro turf in Dennery

The Saint Lucia Sports Academy: A Home Away From Home!

he National Sports Academy opened its doors to students in September 2019. The school of excellence for sports is the first and only boarding school on the island where students will concentrate on sporting disciplines including cricket, football, and track and field. Academics will also feature prominently within the curriculum. For the school’s principal, Delia Charles, the initiative by the government of Saint Lucia and the Ministry of Education is welcomed. “Too often we speak about one size fits all. But we cannot meet the needs of all students as each has unique talents, interests, and capabilities, so the Ministry of Education decided to create something new and different to give students with sporting abilities the facility where they can balance both academics and sports at one institution. It was the dream of Hon. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, who was wholeheartedly behind the project.” From dawn to dusk, the students are engaged both physically and mentally in activities that will prepare them to gain sports scholarships abroad. Officials of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations, and Sustainable Development – including Permanent Secretary Ms. Michelle Charles – met with parents and guardians of students ahead of the schools opening to discuss with them the plans and also to respond to the questions. Parents were also taken on a walk-through of the facilities. The Sports Academy, located in Gros Islet, on the campus of what was previously known as the Gros Islet Secondary School, comprise only forms 4 and 5 students from the previous school, who stayed on to complete their CXC studies. The remainder of the student body comprise

student-athletes in the various disciplines. In partnership with the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, and the Saint Lucia Football Association Inc., the bulk of the first cohort of students at the Sports Academy will consist of the national under-15 boys’ teams in both sports, the under-15 girls’ football team, and GISS track and field athletes. The student-athletes will pursue a basic curriculum similar to that which obtains at secondary schools islandwide, but with a view towards ensuring that the pupils are eligible for scholarships in the U.S.A., Canada, England, and Australia, inter alia. There will also be specialised instruction geared towards careers in sports. Victor Cornibert is the, program director at the Sports Academy. As part of the curriculum students will undertake compulsory programs in the form of: -ACT / SAT / NCAA / College Prep -General Conditioning -Skill Development -Counselling and Participation in a Club of their Choice In addition, they will have to undertake compulsory subjects namely: -Mathematics -English -Social Sciences -Foreign Languages – French and Spanish -Information Technology and -Physical Education and Sports The students will also be exposed to a series of electives to choose from, some of which include but not restricted to: -Sports Technology – Programming, Digital Media -Career Readiness – Sports Officiating, Sports Medicine, Coaching, Journalism & Sports Economics -Psychological and Social Development -Athletic Health & Safety – First Aid, Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning.

Cricket West Indies endorses Saint Lucia’s Vision for Cricket

n September 20, 2019, Hon. Allen Chastanet, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, met with executives of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) which included Chief Executive Mr. Johnny Grave and Vice President Dr. Kishore Shallow to discuss initiatives which will further assist in the development of cricket in Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean. The meeting included a visit to the site of the National Sports Academy, which gave the executives a better appreciation of the vision for Saint Lucia’s ambitious Sports Development Programme. Cricket West Indies said that it is fully supportive of the Saint Lucia government’s vision for cricket and wider sports development in the Caribbean, by establishing the National Sports Academy, following the courtesy call with the Prime Minister. The Sports Academy it is said, matches up ideally with three of the Skerritt-Shallow 10 point ‘Cricket First’ campaign plans in; Increased investment in grassroots cricket and Utilization of regional technical expertise. Commenting on the visit Vice-President Shallow said: “It was a passionate and fruitful discussion with the Saint Lucia Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet about West Indies cricket and the way forward for sports in the region. I must say I was quite impressed with his vision for sports, especially with the sporting infrastructure he is constructing in his country, including a state of the art National Sports Academy.”

Saint Lucia’s National U-17 Female Football team share a photo op with FIFA President, Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet and other football officials

President of FIFA Makes Historic Visit to Saint Lucia

n August of 2019, Mr. Gianni Infantino President of FIFA the most powerful sporting organization on the planet, visited Saint Lucia along with FIFA Vice-president and CONCACAF President Mr. Victor Montagliani. While on island they met with Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet, President of the Saint Lucia Football Association Lynden Cooper as well as other football officials and officials the department of youth development and sports.

Hon. Allen Chastanet, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and consultant Don Lockerbie

The team took a tour of the FIFA Forward Project, the Artificial Turf Football Field in Mabouya Valley, Dennery where the officials got to meet Saint Lucia’s National Under 17 Female Football team. After meeting the girls’ U-17 National Team on the pitch, the FIFA President said: “The Saint Lucia Football Association is achieving concrete results, and the progress made is clearly visible: here in Saint Lucia we are moving from words to facts. The full-size artificial turf visited today, which represents the first phase of the FIFA Forward-funded SLFA technical centre, illustrates well the good work done by the association. Developing football in the island represents an investment for the future generations.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet receives his personalized football shirt

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to FIFA for endorsing plans for the upgrading of Saint Lucia’s sports facilities across the island as well as the holistic plan for the development of sports. During this historic visit to Saint Lucia, the FIFA President also toured the National Sports Academy in Gros Islet.

Discussing the way forward for football in Saint Lucia

Levern Spencer: Sports Ambassador

he Government of Saint Lucia last year bestowed on Levern Donaline Spencer, Saint Lucia’s sportswoman of the year, title of Official Sports and Youth Ambassador for Saint Lucia. According to the Government, the honour would come with the donation of a motor vehicle and the naming of a Sports Facility after her. In 2019 Levern Spencer marked twenty years of representing Saint Lucia in High Jump and has on fifteen occasions been named “Sports Woman of the Year”. She has also won several international medals in her field of High Jump. Earlier this year, Levern Spencer was also named a “Goodwill Ambassador” under a new ambassadorial program initiated by the Government of Saint Lucia. Levern Donaline Spencer was born on June 23, 1984 and grew up in Cacoa, Babonneau. A past student of the Entrepot Secondary School where her athleticism was recognized, she went on to participate in several national sports meets, before being selected for regional and international games. Among her noteworthy achievements; 2001: Bronze medal, World Youth Championship, 2005: Gold Medal, Guatemala City, CAC Championships, 2006: Bronze Medal, Cartagena, Central American and Caribbean Games, 2007: Bronze Medal, Pan American Games in Rio, 2008: Gold Medal, CAC, Cali, 2009: Gold Medal, CAC, Havana, 2010: Gold Medal, Central America and Caribbean Games, Mayaguez, 2011: Gold Medal, CAC Mayaguez, 2013: Gold Medal, CAC, Morelia, 2014: Bronze Medal, Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, 2014: Gold Medal, Veracruz, Central American and Caribbean Games, 2015: Gold Medal, Panam Games, Toronto, 2018: Gold Medal, Central America and Caribbean Games, Barranquilla, 2018: Gold Medal, Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast, 2019: Gold Medal PanAm games Lima, Peru.

Anita Felix:

Distinction in Community Service

o resounding applause, Anita Felix rose from her seat, to receive the award for Outstanding Youth of the Year when her name was announced at the national youth awards ceremony in 2019. Described by many of her peers as a dynamic and phenomenal leader, Anita Felix also won the “Most Outstanding Youth Fellow” and “Most Outstanding Youth in Social Development” at the award ceremony. She also took home the latter award in 2018. The young lady who hails from the community of Belle Vue in Vieux Fort has held the position of president of the Belle Vue Development Committee from 2017 and has been credited for implementing activities which helped to resolve the challenges confronting young person in the community and engaging them in meaningful activity as well. Anita Felix is an advocate for volunteerism, community service and youth empowerment. Along with the members of the Belle Vue Committee, Anita has ensured that the vibrant cultural diversity of her community does not go unnoticed. They have organized a number of social, educational and cultural activities and through their efforts Mas In Da Vue and the Miss Mas in da Vue pageant have become staple celebrations.

Saint Lucia Rises to Sports Glory in 2019!

Winning ladies team at the 2019 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association Tournament

ven as Government was rolling out its new sports programs, with upgrades to several sporting facilities, new incentives for our young sportsmen and women as well as the first ever National Sports Academy, it would seem like Saint Lucia’s Sports Men and Women were motivated to rise to the occasion and give off their best at regional and international events in 2019. It was indeed a good year for sports! The Saint Lucian team brought home the trophy at the Windward Islands School Games, while our under 15 boys won the CONCACAF division 2 championships. The under 14 girls also gave off their best, coming in second in regional football competition. Saint Lucia’s international sportswoman and Olympian Levern Spencer had Saint Lucians riveted to their TV screens as she took that jump at the PanAm games, to bring home gold. Also at the PanAm games Albert Reynolds won the bronze medal for javelin. Still in athletic, Julien Alfred won a silver medal at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina, competing in the 100m dash. In cricket, Kimani Melius was named captain of the under 19 ICC West Indies team and has been putting on an outstanding performance. Still in cricket, Saint Lucia’s Johnson Charles who played for the Barbados Tridents in the 2019 CPL

Star swimmer Jayhan Odlum

franchise was the highest run scorer for his winning team and the third highest run scorer overall in 2019. In swimming, 17 year old Jayhan Odlum Smith, who has his eyes set on the Olympics, won gold at the OECS swim championships, where team Saint Lucia placed second. He also won two silver medals at the CARIFTA games and gold and silver at the Caribbean and Central America Swim Championship. History was made in 2019 at the Saint Lucia’s National Table Tennis Championships when De Andre Calderon of the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School and the Eagles Club became the youngest Senior Men’s Table Tennis Champion ever. He defeated the former Organization of Eastern Caribbean States – OECS champion and also won the Under 21 tournament in Barbados. Saint Lucia also rose to its glory days of being OECS volleyball champions. Our young ladies took gold in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-20 Females Volleyball Tournament while the men dominated the under-21 series. Both the Minister for youth and sports Hon. Edmund Estephane as well as Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet have publicly praised these successes while pledging more support for sports and our athletes in the years ahead.

Table Tennis Champ DeAndre Calderon

Boys u-15 CONCACAF Football champions

Victorious Windward Island Games team

National Sports Awards 2019

Sportsman of the year – Albert Reynolds Javelin

he National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year as well as Junior sportsman and sportswoman for 2019 was announced at a gala event last year. The 2019 National Sports awards took place at the Royalton Hotel under the patronage of the island’s governor general Sir Neville Cenac. The Sportswoman of the year award went to Levern Spencer and the Sportsman of the year- Albert Reynolds. The Junior Sports woman of the year was Julien Alfred while Kimani Melius was announced as repeat Junior Sportsman of the Year.

High Jumper Levern Spencer, Sportswoman of the year Junior Sportswoman Julien Alfred

The 39th annual National Sports Awards, celebrated the nation’s top athletes, coaches, administrators, technical officials, winning teams, and other contributors. Junior Sportsman of the year cricketer Kimani Melius

Putting More into National Youth Awards I

n 2018, during his address at the National Youth Awards, Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Edmund Estephane promised that the following year, the winner of the “youth of the year” award would receive an equal reward as that of the sportswoman and sportsman of the year. True to his word, last year along with all the accolades and trophies presented to these winners came a cash reward of EC$10,000. Seventeen youth and youth organizations captured 19 of the competition awards during last year’s National Youth Awards, held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Finance Administrative Centre. In the Outstanding Arts Awards categories, Deshawn Augustin won the Performing Arts Award, Monique Auguste was uncontested for the Literary Arts Award and Naja Simeon captured the Visual Arts Award. In the Outstanding Community Awards, Castries Central was uncontested for the Outstanding Youth & Sports Council Award. Kenier Barthelmy and Alexia Alcindor won the individual category for the Community Achievement Award and the Rising Stars Police Youth Club won the organization category for Community Achievement Award. In the Outstanding Organization Awards categories, Rising Stars Police Youth Club copped its second win for Outstanding Youth Organization. The Outstanding Religious Organization Award went to the Youth Power Group and the Anse Ger Secondary School won Outstanding Student Council.

National Youth Awards recepients

The Challenge Award went to Wellington Alexander; the Volunteer Award would be Kenier Barthelmy’s second win for the night and Sam Eudovique captured the Outstanding Student Leader Award. Two Special Awards were given to uniformed group, the Duke of Edinburgh and Algas Organics CEO, Johanan Dujon. In the Outstanding Occupational Awards categories, Outstanding Youth in Innovation & Technology went to Martin Hanna; the Youth Oriented Magazine, YO, was uncontested for the Media Award; Windia Krishna Jaunai and Chrisha St. Brice of Frutage Jeunesse were named 2018’s Outstanding Youth In Entrepreneurship; Keithlin Caroo captured the Youth in Agriculture Award and the Outstanding Youth Fellow went to Anita Felix.

Outstanding youth in entrepreneurship winners

Youth and Sports Minister with outstanding youth group winners

Felix would emerge the most awarded nominee of the night, winning the Community Award for Outstanding Youth In Social Development and the most esteemed honour — the Youth of Excellence Award (Youth of the Year). After accepting her trophies, she told the media: “It’s a great feeling that what I have done for my community is recognized on a national level and I feel very pleased and excited.” For the first time in its history, the Annual Youth Awards made available $10,000 to the Youth of the Year for a youth development project of her choice. As the 2018 Youth of the Year, Felix was also afforded the opportunity to attend the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Portugal in June.

Youth of the year Anita Felix receives her trophy from Minister

Minister for Youth Development and Sports, the Honourable Edmund Estephane, commended young leaders for their achievements in 2018 and committed to the continued refinement of the Annual Youth Awards Programme.

Senator Hon. Fortuna Belrose makes a presentation

Nominees for the 40th Annual National Sports Awards ATHLETICS

NOMINEE FOR SPORTS MAN OF THE YEAR ALBERT REYNOLDS

Outstanding performances for 2019, consistency in training as an elite javelin thrower, mentorship of Elite Track and Field club members. NOMINEE FOR SPORTS WOMAN OF THE YEAR LEVERN SPENCER

During the period under review, Levern ensured the country’s flag continued to be flown across the world with her performances. She is currently ranked at #1 in the OECS, #2 in the North America, Central Caribbean and Caribbean region. Ranked #18 in the world

NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSMAN JAHEIM FERDINAND

BASKETBALL

During the year in review Jaheim’s silver medals at the National Championships and Age group Championships earned him a place on Saint Lucia’s team to the NACAC Group Championship in El Salvador.

Mia has successfully completed her fifth form exams and is currently a student of the St. Francis Xavier High School in Canada. She is a formidable player on the SFX Coyottes Basketball team and is also a member of Blue Devils Province Club in Canada.

NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSWOMAN JULIEN ALFRED

NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTS MAN KEON JALAN STEVE ALLEN

She enabled a successful year for her school Texas Longhorns, and broke national indoor record three times. In December 2019 established a new national record as well as the fastest NCAA Division One, also the 5th fastest 60m sprinter in Texas history.

November 2019 - Schools tournament – member of Interschools Champion team. August 2019 – Member of 4th place SLBF team in National Baskeball League.

NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSWOMAN MIA CHELSEA KY’ANNA GEORGE

NOMINEE FOR SPORTSMAN TRISTAN ‘BOLT’ JAMES

National Basketball League - Player of the Game awardee for various matches. Commercial League – member of 1st place winning team; Player of the Game awards for various matches

CRICKET NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSWOMAN QIANA JOSEPH

many of his teams successes locally and regionally. He is also Saint Lucia’s national batting record holder having made the highest individual score by any Saint Lucian (275 runs)

Currently enrolled at the Saint Lucia Sports Academy, Keegan continues to be a leader with the ability to motivate his team mates and ensures his team performs.

NOMINEE FOR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR JOHNSON CHARLES

NOMINEE FOR SPORTSMAN VINO BARCLETTE

Johnson Charles has stayed true to cricket and has represented teams across the globe with excellence. He was the leading run scorer for the CPL Barbados Tridents and was able to bring them to the finals where they won their 2nd CPL title. In the 2019 season he has played exclusively in the shorter format of the game and has excelled.

In his capacity as goal keeper, he represented his local club Knights with distinction and was instrumental in carrying it through to win Promotional League in the Vieux Fort League.

FOOTBALL NOMINEE FOR SPORTS WOMAN KRYSAN ST. LOUIS

Qiana Joseph continues to represent Saint Lucia and the Windward Islands with distinction. She has proven that she is extremely skilled, talented and performs exceptionally. NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSMAN KIMANI MELIUS

Kimani is an exemplary leader and team player. He has been instrumental in

GOLF NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSMAN YADHU KANTH RAJ URS

Krysan’s involvement and level of success in football has encouraged more females into her community club. She is the main motivator in her national, district and school teams.

Leading junior golfer in Monthly medals at Sandals Cap Estate in 2019. Represented Saint Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean Golf Championships in October 2019 in Barbados

NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSMAN KEEGAN CAUL

NOMINEE FOR SPORTS MAN ROMANUS INGLIS

Leading golfer in monthly medals at Sandals Cap Estate in 2019. Represented Saint Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean Golf Championships in October 2019 in Barbados

NOMINEE FOR SPORTS WOMAN SHEM MAXWELL

KARATE NOMINEE FOR SPORTS MAN KARIM SIFFLET

Mary Roberts performed exceptionally in Rugby America North 7’s tournament where her speed and deadly drifting captured her the name Lamborghini. It was through her prolific scoring that the SLRFU female team finished 3rd in the tournament. She also performed outstandingly in all the other tournaments she has participated in. NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSMAN TYRESE SAMUEL

Shem Maxwell is a talented individual who displays sportsmanship, is dedicated to the sport and is an all rounded player.

SAINT LUCIA RUGBY Karim Sifflet is a 3rd Dan (Black Belt) in Shotokan Karate and is an assistant instructor at Budokai Karate Dojo in Corinth. He is a good example of sportsmanship and is a great role model to the younger karatekas.

NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTS WOMAN MYLENE CHENELLE GRUNBERG Tyrese Samuel is an exceptional rugby player with his powerful side steps, realistic dummies and speed in all his games. He definitely has a bright future in the game.

NETBALL

NOMINEE FOR SPORTSMAN FLAVIEN GABRIEL

NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTS WOMAN RACQUEL JOHN

Mylene Grunberg is the youngest player on the Saint Lucia National Team and continues to show she is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the field. NOMINEE FOR SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR – MARY RACHEL ROBERTS

Racquel is a very talented netballer who is also a member of the Saint Lucia National football team in various age categories . She is also a very competitive athlete and has medalled in many categories in the National Inter Schools championships.

Favien Gabriel is a great asset to the male national rugby team and is also an assistant coach to the upcoming youth rugby players.

TENNIS NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSWOMAN ALYSSA ELLIOT

Maxx continues to be extraordinary both on and off the court and is the first ever Saint Lucia junior player in the open era to participate in the World’s most prestigious Orange Bowl played in Plantation Florida, USA

VOLLEYBALL

Team Captain and member of 1ST place team at SALCC School Volleyball tournament. Team Captain and member of 1ST place team at Windward Islands Schools Games. NOMINEE FOR SPORTSMAN TEVIN ST. JEAN

NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTS WOMAN CLIO ISABELLE PHILLIP

Alyssa Elliot looks forward to even greater accomplishments in 2020. FEBRUARY 2019 – Independence Tournament – Won U14 and U16 categories and secured doubles title with her partner. Awarded sportsmanship award for that tournament. MARCH 2019 – CO Williams U14 tournament in Barbados – quarterfinals in singles, semifinals in doubles.

JULY 2019 – MVP Windward Island School Games. AUGUST 2019 – MVP at the ECVA U20 Female Championships. NOMINEE FOR SPORTS WOMAN KERIN NEPTUNE

NOMINEE FOR SPORTS WOMAN MEGGAN DAWN WILLIAM

Meghan currently attends and plays tennis for the University of Charleston NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSMAN MAXX DONALD WILLIAM

OCTOBER 2019 – Member of 1st place winning national team at the ECVA Women Olympic Qualifier. Plays volleyball for her home team in Martinique. NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSMAN KERNEL KYLE REMY

JANUARY 2019 – Member of high level team in the Greek Volleyball League. SEPTEMBER 2019 – member of 1st place national team at the ECVA Men’s Olympic Qualifiers.

BOXING NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSMAN GILCHRIS MEDAR

Gilchrist is a very enthusiastic and dedicated young boxer who is very disciplined and has a great love for the sport. NOMINEE FOR JUNIOR SPORTSMAN KERNEL KYLE REMY

NOVEMBER 2019 – Participated in the Pan Am Qualifiers in Nicaragua. Bronze medal in Finland

Dennery South

20/20 Vision Plan

“

As the elected member of parliament for Dennery South it continues to be my mission to see to it that my 20/20 vision plan for Dennery South continues to unfold. We have been chipping away at some of the projects that we have promised including the alleviation of the flooding problem in the area,” Hon. Edmund Estephane tells Our Saint Lucia. Projects like the completion of the rehabilitation of the playing field is on the cards for 2020. Besides the playing field, a futsal court and a multi-purpose court is also earmarked for Dennery South. “We have worked on installing some of the best flood lights to the grounds and the next step is to work on the resurfacing which is hampered by the start of the flood mitigation project which is also expected to commence soon,” Estephane says.

Ribbon Cutting for the official opening of infant school

Brand new school for the children of Dennery

Last year the DVRP conducted a site visit in Dennery in preparation for the flood mitigation project commencement. Of concern was the general condition of the drainage system. Drainage works under the project are intended to alleviate flooding in the vicinity of the Dennery Infant School, the Dennery Police Station and the cemetery, by upgrading existing drains and constructing new drains capable of handling a one-in 25-year rainfall event. The new Dennery Infant School which was promised by the Parliamentary Rep was opened in 2017.Funding for the project was secured through the World Bank, from the International Development Association and the Climate Investment Fund under the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP). Last January, Invest Saint Lucia unveiled a housing development project in Bois Jolie, Dennery. Since then the approximately 5 acres of residential land has been prepared and put on the market with 25 lots. According to Chief Executive Officer, Roderick Cherry, the Beauchamp and Bois Jolie developments are part of an overall development plan being conceptualized for lands vested in ISL. Invest Saint Lucia also retrofitted one of its factory shells in Dennery South which will soon house Caribbean quality meats. The EC$4.3 million dollars investment is expected to be open this year and once operational will provide permanent employment for 30 persons. Several poultry farmers from Dennery and environs are also expected to benefit from the project by becoming suppliers for the company.

Lot preparation at Bois Jolie Dennery

A number of footpaths as well as rail barriers makes life easier and safer for motorists and pedestrians in Dennery The soon to be open Quality Meats company in Dennery

News Bites

Saint Lucia Breaks Record for Stay Over Arrivals in 2019.

According to tourism officials at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Saint Lucia recorded over 400,000 in stay over arrivals in 2019. “For the first time in the history of recording tourism statistics in our country, we have recorded over 400,000 stay over arrivals,” Tourism Minister Hon. Dominic Fedee said last week. “So coming in at 422,600 plus visitors, it means that this would have been the best year that we have had in the history of recording Saint Lucia’s statistics,” he went on to say.

SAINT LUCIA JAZZ ANNOUNCES INITIAL LINEUP

Renée Neufville and Special Guests, Alphonso Horne and The Gotham Kings, Ruben Fox’s London Brass featuring Theon Cross and Mark Kavuma and Maher Beauroy presents WASHA!

Saint Lucia names Goodwill and Brand Ambassadors The Government of Saint Lucia has announced the names of twelve Saint Lucians appointed as Goodwill Ambassadors and seven as Brand Ambassadors. Speaking on behalf of the Government during a press briefing, Minister for Culture and Creative Industries, Senator Hon. Fortuna Belrose said that Cabinet had ratified the proposal which came out of the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) last year. The Goodwill Ambassadors named include acclaimed Saint Lucian singer, musician, songwriter, producer - Ronald “Boo” Hinkson, Gordon “Commissioner” Williams - internationally renowned music producer, Taj Weekes - Reggae Music and philanthropy, English Pro Footballer - Jermain Colin Defoe, Lavern Donaline Spencer - Olympic High jumper, Daren Julius Garvey Sammy – International Cricketer, Leslie Ferdinand - Pro Football player, Jallim Eudovic - International Sculptor, Chef Nina Compton – Internationally renowned Chef, Joseph Marcell – Actor, Dr. David Williams Academia, Ken Chitolie – Philanthropy. The named Brand Ambassadors are Soca artistes Teddyson John, Ricky T Joseph and Arthur Allain, Reggae musician - Taj Weekes, Lashley “Motto” Winter - music producer/performer, Johnick “Freezy” Leo - music performer and Johanan Dujon - Entrepreneur.

Saint Lucian Participates In US International Leader Programme The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and Events Company Saint Lucia has unveiled plans for the 2020 Saint Lucia Jazz Festival. The festival, to be held in Saint Lucia on Thursday, May 7 through Saturday, May 9, 2020, produced in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, will feature the finest names in modern jazz performing in venues throughout Saint Lucia’s distinct Caribbean landscape, including The Ramp on Rodney Bay and Gros Islet Park. The lineup includes Chick Corea, Roy Hargrove Celebration with Willie Jones III featuring

Recognized as emerging leaders in civil society and for their work in the field of volunteerism, Dominican Loftus Durand, St. Lucian Ekiema Yarde, and St. Kitts and Nevis national P’Della’P Stanley, are currently in the United States participating in the U.S. Department of State sponsored International Visitor Leader Program (IVLP), themed “Volunteerism and Civic Action.” The program, which runs from January 13 to 31, 2020, will address several areas

including the impact of volunteerism in U.S. communities and how volunteers are inspired to foster a culture of service, civic involvement, and responsibility. The program begins in Washington, DC, where the group will get an overview of the ecosystem for volunteerism in the United States as well as explore the federal government’s role in promoting volunteerism and civic action. The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the Department of State’s premier professional exchange program.

Tenth world ARC sets sail from Saint Lucia

January 11 marked a special day in World ARC history as the tenth edition of World Cruising Club’s round-the-world rally set sail from Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia. Thirty-three yachts assembled at IGY Rodney Bay Marina, marking an end to years of planning and the start of an epic 26,000 nm circumnavigation, with crews from 23 different countries sailing their own yachts to some of the world’s best cruising grounds. The Minister of Tourism, Information and Broadcasting in Saint Lucia, Hon. Dominic Fedee, was present to wave off the fleet.

Independence Launch The Independence Committee on Wednesday January 15 unveiled plans for the observance of Saint Lucia’s 41st Independence Anniversary. Saint Lucia marks its Independence on February 22, 2020. At the launch, the Hon. Fortuna Belrose Minister for Culture and Creative Industries delivered remarks calling on all Saint Lucians to rally behind this year’s celebrations and to get involved. The theme for the celebration of Saint Lucia’s 41st Anniversary of Independence is “Now is the time. Let’s do this together!” Activities for the Independence celebration will run from February 1, 2020 - March 1, 2020.

Guy Joseph

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January 20 We are currently implementing a comprehensive riverbank stabilization and flood mitigation programme across the constituency of Castries South East. These projects are being executed under the Disaster Reduction Vulnerability Project (DVRP) which is financed by the World Bank.

Dr. Gale T C Rigobert

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January 15 Honoring students from Micoud North for their successful participation in the 2019 National Lantern competition #Creativity #Youth #Innovation

Stephenson King

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January 9 “Heightened attention on Road Safety for 2020”. Our staff at the Department of Infrastructure, have started 2020 in much the same way we ended last year - working diligently for the people of Saint Lucia. As such, motorists and pedestrians are advised that road markings from Cul de Sac to Ravine Poisson along the East Coast Road are ongoing and is scheduled to continue for the next two (2) months.

Lenard “Spider” Montoute

www.facebook.com/lenardspidermontoute

January 16 We recently signed the contracts for the construction of the Gros Islet Recording Studio and the construction of the new Jacmel Pre School. These projects are being implemented under the Basic Needs Trust Fund by the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund

Allen Chastanet

www.facebook.com/allenmchastanet | www.twitter. com/allenmchastanet

Herod Stanislas

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Edmund Estephane

Dominic Fedee

www.facebook.com/edmundestephane758

Sarah Flood Beaubrun

www.facebook.com/heremenegild.francis

Bradly Felix

www.facebook.com/fortunabelrose758

www.facebook.com/dominicfedee www.facebook.com/sarahfloodbeaubrun758

Hermangill Francis Fortuna Belrose

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Mary Isaac

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Ezechiel Joseph