STAR Newspaper - July 30th 2018

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The Star (St.Lucia)

SATURDAY, JUly 07, 2018

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Want To Know More About St. Lucia's Health Crisis?

TALK TO MOLLY'S DEAD BABY! JULY 7, 2018

ress Report from Bi-monthly Prog

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• Tel: (758) 450-0021 / 31 / 728 1000 • Fax: (758) 450-0092 • Email: info@bluewatersslu.com • Website: www.bluewatersslu.com

info@stluciastar.com

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Mary Isaac and Minister Hon. lth Care. stanet, Health Public on Hea Hon. Allen Cha ph Address the Prime Minister Hon. Guy Jose ment Minister elop Dev c Economi

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Nothing Personal.

It’s Just Business.

ISSUE 203

ence

Building Resili

July, 2018 Issue 07 | 7

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STAR Businessweek:

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THE STASRSWEEK LUCIA T N I A BUSINE S R U O

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See PAGE 12

02 LOCAL

Caribbean Nationals and Locals urged to Take Advantage of Saint Lucia’s HOT Summer Specials

A-M u s i n g s Musings are thoughts, the thoughtful kind. For the purpose of these articles, a-musings are thoughts that might amuse, entertain and even enlighten.

Pays Perdu

By Michael Walker

M

july 07, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

y long love affair with Saint Lucia stretches back to Nineteen SeventyOne, or maybe Two, perhaps even Three, but certainly no more recently than that, which means that I have loved this country for more years than many, if not most, Saint Lucians have been alive, almost fifty years. Now, regrettably, my love is growing old, perhaps because of changes in me, my age, my waning interest in being active and taking part; yes perhaps that is a natural progression but I suspect that there lies a deeper, more depressing, reason somewhere in the undergrowth.

Just recently, we at IETV (an offshoot of the InTime Project we carried out some ten years or so ago in which we provided every infant, primary and special needs school with computers, content and books) have finished yet another epic series of programmes about Saint Lucia called Geogalottery.

In the Geolgalottery project we divided our island into approximately 170 equallysized squares using the lines of latitude and longitude. We then did our research and produced a programme for each square featuring cultural, historical and commercial aspects of each area. The project cost approximately $640,000 to produce—all without any support from successive governments, although lately we have managed to sign an agreement with GIS/ NTN that allows them to use our materials in return for a welcome but relatively small subvention. I doubt that such a project has ever been undertaken in any other country in the world. It allows citizens and visitors alike the opportunity to get to know this island in a way never before imagined.

Part of the project involved researching old maps in order to track societal changes that had taken place through the centuries.

In several instances we came across the name or annotation ‘pays perdu’ which, when translated into English, would mean ‘lost country’ or perhaps more accurately ‘out of the way place’, and many of these places might well have been ‘off the beaten track’ way back when.

Even today, for most Saint Lucians, they are still unknown, which may be even worse because in order to be ‘lost’, a place first has to be found.

Take Grande Anse, for example, on the north-eastern coast. In order to get there you first have to pass through the community of Desbarra, most easily reached, if you are coming from Castries, by way of Babonneau.

At the crossroads, take the road past the church and the secondary school towards Paix Bouche but, instead of turning up the hill to Empress Josephine’s supposed birthplace, keep right and head down the hill past Garrand and the ruins of the old Babonneau Estate until you cross over a river, which is probably the Marquis River, and head up the hill to Desbarra. Just by the estate you will have passed an area marked Pays Perdu that you never knew existed, which proves my point.

Turn left at Desbarra and head down the long hill to Grande Anse where we used to walk with our kids many years ago in perfect freedom and security with no fear of attack, robbery or rape—something impossible today; I would never dare go alone with my granddaughter and walk the sands of Grande Anse. The place is too dangerous. Perhaps that is what is meant by Pays Perdu, the Lost Country, and it saddens my heart.

For The Record!

In last Saturday’s issue of this newspaper, with reference to Kevin Jerome Williams, an aspiring Saint Lucian lawyer based in Canada, we stated the following: “At his graduation in 2009, he proudly carried with him onstage a miniature version of the flag of Saint Lucia.”

We should have stated that Mr. Williams graduated in June 2018, at which time he proudly featured onstage a miniature flag of his native Saint Lucia. Also, that in 2019 he is due to be called to the Ontario Bar.

H

otel properties and other tourist attractions on the island are preparing to open their doors to locals and CARICOM nationals for another massive summer of specials. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority will continue its Staycation promotion but will extend the invitation to Caribbean nationals this year in a programme it is calling Caribcation.

The 2018 edition of the summer savings programme was rolled out on June 15 with a number of worldclass accommodations, and the finest restaurants, tours and attractions offering their legendary service, warmth and hospitality to an eager Caribbean clientele.

Already, forty-six properties have signed on for Staycation and Caribcation, signalling a boom in the annual summer promotion’s popularity. The SLTA is working closely with its hotel partners, restaurateurs and tour operators to secure tailored packages with specials that include hotel stays starting from $74.00 per night and huge discounts on popular tours and attractions.

Building on the popularity of the first Staycation, the new Caribcation promotion will also afford CARICOM nationals the opportunity to play and stay at world-renowned hotels and resorts at highly discounted rates. The promotion will provide added incentives to Caribbean consumers to choose Saint Lucia as their retreat for the summer, with a number of exciting events on the cards, including Saint Lucia Carnival, the Summer of Discovery promotion, and the Roots and Soul Festival.

Chief Marketing Officer at the SLTA, Mrs. Tiffany Howard states, “With Saint Lucia’s position as the fastest growing regional destination, the Caribbean market has played a huge part in the island’s tourism successes. Saint Lucia recorded a 34.9% growth in Caribbean stay-over arrivals for the first quarter of 2018 compared to last year, with the biggest numbers coming from Martinique, Trinidad, Barbados

and Dominica and this is significant. So, we had to find a way to thank our Caribbean friends for their support.”

The SLTA hopes to build on the growth in arrivals numbers from the Caribbean through the Caribcation programme while showing off the destination’s many attractions.

Both small and large properties are participating in Staycation and Caribcation, from the north to the south. To participate in the promotions, individuals must present proof of nationality.

Staycation and Caribcation 2018 run from June 15 to September 30.

BOOK BURSARY PROGRAMME 2018/2019

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he Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations wishes to inform the public of the commencement of the Annual Book Bursary Programme for 2018 catering to Infant and Primary School students.

This distribution and collection of books will be done per district at the District Offices with the exception of Districts I - 3 which will be done at the Student Welfare Unit Office located on the ground floor of the building housing Education Office District 2.

Parents/guardians are to take note of the following: 1. All text books being returned are to be in proper condition; 2. The report book of the child/children/ward is up to date to reflect the child’s progress; 3. Present the child/children/ward book list; 4. Is in possession of last year’s contract form, if the child is continuing on the programme; 5. Letter of authorization if you are acting on behalf of someone.

Members of the public are asked to note the dates the team will be at the various district offices/schools to ensure their needs are catered for.

For further information and clarification please contact the Student Welfare Officer, Education Office District 2, Sans Souci, telephone numbers 468-5443/5441.

SCHEDULE FOR BURSARY PROGRAMME 2018 DISTRICT 8 - July 9 – 10, 2018

EDUCATION OFFICE

DISTRICT 7 - July 11 - 13, 2018 EDUCATION OFFICE DISTRICT 6 - July 18 – 20, 2018 EDUCATION OFFICE DISTRICT 5 - July 23 - 25, 2018 MICOUD SECONDARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 4 - July 26 - 30, 2018 EDUCATION OFFICE DISTRICT 3 - July 31 – August 3, 2018 STUDENT WELFARE OFFICE DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 2 - August 6 - 7, 2018 STUDENT WELFARE OFFICE DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 1 - August 8 - 10, 2018 STUDENT WELFARE OFFICE

DISTRICT 2

THE STAR

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

By Michael Walker

c. hairpin bends.

5. This road runs downhill to a. Bexon. b. Thomazo. c. Grande Ravine.

6. The community at the top of the scene is part of a. Thomazo. b. Grande Riviere. c. Dennery.

7. The traffic is a. quite light. b. congested. c. quite heavy.

8. V___V___V indicates a. telephone lines. b. electric power lines. c. water pipes.

A

1. This is an aerial view of the a. eastern slope of the Barre de l’Isle. b. western slope of the Barre de l’Isle c. summit of the Barre de l’Isle.

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2. The height of the first bend is a. 1,545 feet above the sea. b. 2,545 feet above the sea. c. 545 feet above the sea.

3. Initially the road runs from a. east to west. b. west to east. c. north to south.

4. Roads that sharply turn back on themselves are called a. wiggly curves. b. safety pins.

9. The summit of the Barre de l’Isle is a. on the same level as this part of the road. b. above this part of the road. c. far below this part of the road.

10. The three buildings to the left of the lower bend probably lack a. Lucelec power. b. Solar power. c. Wind energy.

Answers: 1 a, 2 c, 3 c, 4 c, 5 c, 6 a, 7 a, 8 b, 9 b, 10 a.

Barre de l’Isle.

new inter-active series of programmes from IETV to engender pride in our nation by promoting literacy and local general knowledge.

The series can be viewed on channels 118 (FLOW), 102 (Karib analogue), 32 (LIME) and on NTN.

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

july 07, 2018

LUCIAN LEADERS’ SUMMIT 2018

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he Saint Lucia National Youth Council (SLNYC), in collaboration with the National Students Council (NSC) and the Global Environment Facility and partners, officially announces the hosting of the 2018 “Lucian Leaders’ Summit” from August 13 to 17, 2018. This much anticipated event seeks to gather student representatives from various secondary schools, the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and other tertiary institutions across the island, providing them with an opportunity to embark on a journey of empowerment and proactive leadership.

The "Lucian Leaders’ Summit” has initially been

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designed to promote an experience-based approach to student-friendly learning.

This programme will motivate participants to develop and expand on their organisational skill set and then use this to engender a more pro-active student leadership movement in their schools for the upcoming school year and beyond.

The summit aims to encourage students to take a more active role as it relates to student governance, and spearhead more studentfocused initiatives and activities, along with advocating for their fellow classmates in an organised and professional manner.

This year’s summit

will address Environmental Conservation by tackling sustainable development goals 13, 14 and 15, transforming participating students and youth leaders from passive to active learners by carrying out various initiatives within their respective schools. More information will be provided to selected students following registration.

Students who are interested in being part of the Lucian Leaders’ Summit 2018 are kindly asked to contact nyc.saintlucia@gmail.com, via telephone at 720-3001 / 714-2416 or visit the SLNYC office, William Peter Boulevard, Castries. Look out for the designated venue and further details.

Watch the World Cup in HD, courtesy of Sagicor

ith World Cup fever at an all-time high, Sagicor Life Inc Eastern Caribbean has announced its sponsorship of electronic tokens which can be used on Sportsmax to view the World Cup games on the go. These tokens are free to anyone in the Eastern Caribbean and can be accessed by visiting the Sagicor Life Eastern Caribbean Facebook page.

Mr. Donald Austin, Chief Executive Officer of Sagicor Life for the Eastern Caribbean and Belize said, “It is our pleasure to provide these tokens. We recognize the importance of the World Cup and look forward to seeing who will emerge as the winning team at this iconic event.”

For further information visit the Sagicor Life Inc – Eastern Caribbean Facebook page.

LOYAL BEER DRINKERS UNCAP MORE PRIZES AS SECOND GRAND PRIZE DRAW NEARS

s the climax of the 2018 Saint Lucian Carnival Season draws near, beer drinkers are enthusiastically revelling with their favourite beer, and uncapping fabulous prizes whilst they enjoy their brew.

Developed solely as a means to give back to loyal beer enthusiasts, the I Love Beer Under the Crown promotion has rewarded scores of winners across the island over the past few weeks and last night revealed the second grand prize winner.

“We’re always looking for ways in which we can show our loyal consumers and, by extension, the bars from across the island in which these consumers enjoy our brews, just how important they are to us,” said Piton Brand Manager, Sylvester Henry.

Numerous consumers have been uncapping weekly prizes These two fellas were cash winners at Luche Bar such as smartphones, fuel and from the I Love Beer promotion. grocery vouchers, instant cash, beer merchandise, Smart TVs & Amstel® at their favourite bar The I Love Beer promotion and more, whilst they savour will also reward consumers Heineken®, Guinness®, Piton® stops.

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who have collected and entered six I Love Beer crowns from the same brand of beer.

Mr. Adrian Medard was the first grand prize winner of $10,000.

The second grand prize winner, of a motorbike, was drawn last night, Friday, July 6, when the second I Love Beer Roadshow culminated at Cheaperz Bar.

Consumers still have a chance at winning the extraordinary grand prize of a 2018 Subaru SUV by collecting six I Love Beer crowns, of the same beer brand: Heineken®, Guinness®, Amstel® or Piton®.

Entries can be submitted, with an entry form, at any of these locations: Cheaperz, Uptown Supermarket, Plante’s Place, Golden Apple, Twist 2 for 1, River Bank, Raphael Willie, Savers Mart, Mama Rosa, Raymond & Co., Marigourmet and Total Auto.

Entrants must be 18 and over to participate in the I Love Beer promotion and are reminded to enjoy their drink responsibly.

This serves as notification to the public that the following customers brought items on the specified dates to the Harry Edwards Jewelers Service and Repair Centre.

These items have been repaired and must be claimed by August 10, 2018 or they shall be put to auction.

Contact 758 458 6025 for more information or to make arrangements for pickup.

Date Customer’s Name

Date Customer’s Name

6/28/2004

Mangal Colis

12/6/2007

2/12/2005

Brain Moncherry

12/21/2007 Cecilia Lawrencia

Al Lubin

9/13/2005 Trevor St.Catherine

12/24/2007 Troy Lamontagne

11/9/2005

Tricia Warner

1/4/2008

Wayne Pierre

11/9/2005

Tricia Warner

4/11/2008

Ricardo St.Marthe

2/1/2006

Herman Amadee

9/30/2008

Desmond Knight

3/17/2006 Augustas Gustave/VF

3/6/2009

Earl Modeste

5/5/2006

Christine Elizee

4/10/2009

Carleen McQuilkin

6/13/2006

Andy winters

7/11/2009

Samantha Joseph

11/21/2006 Yesie Melbourne

8/12/2009 Raymond Dalphinis

1/4/2007

Mary James

7/1/2010

Sharon Pierre

1/29/2007

Charles Louis

7/15/2010

Humbert Cox

5/7/2007

Vincent Patrice

7/15/2010

Andrew Baptiste

7/3/2007 Glenda

8/17/2010

Francis Emmanuel

7/10/2007

Olivia Felicien

10/15/2010 Barrington Dolcie

8/8/2007

Wayne St.Rose

10/19/2010 Tracey Charles

8/31/2007

Shirman Alphonse

12/24/2010 Hilary Duval

9/5/2007

Oliver Scotland

5/9/2011

N/A

Bill Robinson

Louise Simmons

04 LOCAL

L

JUly 07, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

SANDALS OVERDRIVE TOUR HITS SAINT LUCIA

ast Friday evening, the annual Sandals Overdrive Caribbean Tour touched down in Saint Lucia, after previous stops in Jamaica, Barbados, and Grenada.

Present at the event was this island’s prime minister, Mr. Allen Chastanet, as well as government ministers, regional and local managers, business partners and employees from Unique Vacations and the three Sandals properties on-island.

The venue was the lavishly decorated Sandals Grande conference room.

After soaking up the sounds of Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson’s guitar, and giving much attention to the mouthwatering buffet and a variety of drinks, the fun-filled night was well on its way. Master of ceremonies and Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Gary Sandler set off by bringing out the evening’s first speaker: Winston Anderson, Managing

Director of Sandals Grande.

“We came here 25 years ago,” he reminded attendees, “and have literally transformed the island’s tourism and the economic landscape. With three magnificent resorts, and the recent groundbreaking of our fourth, we have demonstrated our commitment to continue the development and prosperity of this beautiful island.”

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet offered high praise for Butch Stewart. He recalled their first meeting when he asked Stewart to consider Saint Lucia for a future hotel. Not long afterwards, the future prime minister received word that a Sandals representative was in Saint Lucia and wished to meet him. A few weeks later it was announced that Sandals would set up shop here.

Said an obviously excited Chastanet on Friday: “I really believe Saint Lucia is the best in the chain of hotels.This

Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Adam Stewart.

WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY INC. (WASCO)

John Compton Dam Rehabilitation of Spillway Wall Expression of Interest

government remains committed to the Sandals brand. The profits that Sandals make, stay in the Caribbean; the money remains here. I think we all owe the company a great debt of gratitude. The same level of loyalty you’ve given to us, we’ll give to you.”

Mr. Jeremy Jones, the company’s Director of Corporate Services, gave insight into the work of the nine-year old Sandals Foundation: “One of the things we were able to do in Saint Lucia was to establish in 2014, at Victoria Hospital, a telemedicine centre.”

The centre gathers

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet had high praise for the hotel chain.

information from children born with blood disorders and sends samples to Canada for diagnosis, this not being possible locally.

“We also learn from our team members what’s taking place in their communities.We have been raising an average of a million US dollars a year in cash donations, thanks to our team members and valued guests. What we raise greatly impacts the live of our Caribbean nationals!”

Last to speak was CEO and Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, Mr. Adam Stewart. “Since 1981,” he said,

“Sandals Resorts has wed over 250,000 couples. There is no other company on planet Earth that has married 250,000 people!”

Oohs and aahs erupted from the audience as Stewart unveiled renderings of the soon to be fourth resort in Saint Lucia—Sandals La Source. It is anticipated that the project will take 24 months to complete.

Then it was the turn of Teddyson John to cap off the night with a special performance that had many singing and dancing in their seats.

—Joshua St. Aimee

Submissions are invited from suitable qualified persons for the Rehabilitation of the John Compton Dam (JCD) Spillway Wall.

Deadline date for the receipt for Expression of Interest (EOI) is no later 12:00 Noon on 13th July, 2018.

Interested persons are requested to visit the Government of Saint Lucia Website and the National Printing Corporation (NPC) Website for a detailed description of the Expression of Interest (EOI).

L-R: PM Allen Chastanet and wife Raquel Du Boulay-Chastanet; Adam Stewart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, and Senator Ubaldus Raymond.

THE STAR

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

july 07, 2018

05

Will the bones of Saint Lucian Freedom Fighters Come Home Again?

Claudia Eleibox

S

o weighty was Ben Bousquet’s activism for the black and immigrant population in Notting Hill, London that some 20 years after a profound discovery, historian Pat Barrow is still devoted to keeping a promise made to Bousquet long before his death in 2006.

Bousquet was born in Saint Lucia and, in 1957, when he was eighteen, he moved to England where he first found paid employment in a BBC show that publicized racial injustices in England at the time. He later became a supporter, campaigner and politician for the UK Labour Party. While these were significant periods in Bousquet’s professional life he was mostly known for serving in various movements in the fight for racial equality, especially in a series of events that culminated in the Notting Hill Carnival.

Bousquet and Pat Barrow crossed paths in 1997 over dead slaves. The London, a ship sailing from the Caribbean, crashed onto rocks in Rapparee Cove, Ilfracombe, on the north coast of Devon, causing scores of Saint Lucian slaves to splutter to their deaths as they sank, shackled. Records of the shipwreck date back to October 1796 and, decades later, Ilfracombe locals were still finding treasure from the only unrecovered chest, of an original five, on the ship.

In 1997, someone found a bone fragment instead of a shiny coin, which led Pat Barrow and archaeologist Mark Horton to commission a dig under direction of the North Devon District Council.

What was supposed to be historical headway, turned out to be a Pandora’s Box instead.

Whatever was discovered was much contested by the district council, Saint Lucians, the archaeologist and Pat Barrow separately because they all had different beliefs about the remains. Some argue that those imprisoned were not slaves but freedom fighters or brigands involved in the French-British

Ben Bousquet (left) carrying a flag borrowed from the Saint Lucian High Commission to display at Pat Barrow’s (right) Friends of Rapparee memorial ceremony in May, 2004.

The memorial states that “Saint Lucian prisoners” were on board the ship that was wrecked on the rocks below Rapparee Cove. Ben Bousquet was convinced of this but died not knowing for sure.

rivalry over Saint Lucia. Others claim that the bones belonged to no-one but lost fishermen from Devon; or that they belonged to slaves who were taken from Africa, and should

be buried there. British records show that the captain of the London brought back gold plus French soldiers and Negroes who had been captured in Saint Lucia.

Pat Barrow told this reporter: “The word ‘slave’ was widely disputed but old records seen by me used it on several occasions . . . I know that Ben had done a lot of history research on the island of Saint Lucia and fully believed that the brigands concerned were free men, fighting for their cause, and their lives.”

But when the bones were taken by Horton to be tested to confirm their origins, everything went quiet. There was never any justification of what some Saint Lucians believe, at least up until the latest reports around 2007.

Barrow, who had publicly stated his mistrust in Horton for not revealing the findings of the tests, started a group called Friends of the Rapparee, to which Ben Bousquet had pledged sincere support.

In 2004, Barrow erected a memorial at Rapparee Cove using funds collected by Friends

of the Rapparee, and it states that the London was “carrying St Lucian prisoners of war”.

Now, in 2018, the historian not only remains dedicated to finding clarity about the Rapparee Cove remains, but he also wants to adhere to Bousquet’s wishes. He said: “I found out that Ben wished dearly that any remains that could be proven to be from the wreck of the ship London, should be returned to Saint Lucia. In honour of Ben’s memory, I would comply with his wishes fully if I had the proof for which we have all so long waited.”

Barrow firmly believes that the bones of Saint Lucians still lie at Rapparee Cove. He explained that out of desperation, a few years ago he brought his own sample to a laboratory in England.

“The one good thing that came out of the analyses was

that some fragments that looked like they came from a skull, were identified as being from a coconut shell . . . I suspect it is vintage Saint Lucia, 1796.”

Barrow reasons that coconut shells, which are found in the Caribbean, together with the British records, point in the direction of human remains being those of Saint Lucians.

Barrow claims that he has been conducting research on Rapparee Cove for almost 50 years, and has sent some of it to the Saint Lucia National Archives, but as for sending the discovered remains home, his hands are shackled.

Margot Thomas, the island’s national archivist, who was actively campaigning for the case of the brigands, was unavailable for comment. The Saint Lucia Archaeological and Historical Society was also unavailable at press time to comment on their stance on the matter.

06 COMMENT

july 07, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Learn Well . . . And Prosper another skill to be acquired and cherished. Attentive Peter Josie parents could see and hear their children’s progress. No nce upon a simpler time matter how education is defined education was defined today, the art of speaking—in as: “To acquire a skill whatever the language—can for future employment and to still be recognized in some prepare one for the world of individuals. work.” School was a place one At an early age one also went to learn certain skills that heard that there were such would later be used to earn things as secondary schools an income and, hopefully, to to which one could aspire prosper. Back then, schools under certain conditions. taught pottery, gardening, Teachers, too, had to be sewing and art, in addition to trained, sit examinations, and “the three Rs”. Parents were receive promotions based on encouraged to attach their their performance at these children to an after-school examinations. Education was cabinet maker, or joiner, perceived as a continuing mechanic, carpenter, or tailoring process. This was true for shop for further training. persons who also studied at Education was a hands-on universities. practical affair, and work was It soon became obvious largely performed with the that no matter how much one hands. chose to learn, the foundation The better teachers and was laid at the primary school. headmasters also taught their I was not surprised to hear charges to modulate their voices Sir Arthur Lewis restating the and to pitch the spoken word value of a solid primary school at a distant listener. Speaking education when delivering clearly and confidently was a graduation address at the

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University of the West Indies in 1970 or ’71. Sir Arthur was a strong proponent of tertiary education but he insisted that the foundation of a good university education began at the primary school. Sir Arthur, may he rest in peace, would be happy to learn that Saint Lucia has progressed in education. The island has more secondary schools than it has children to fill them. Also, the education policy now aims for a minimum of a secondary school education, not a primary.

One feels certain, however, that education planners have kept Sir Arthur’s injunction in mind. Today, they begin as early as the pre-schools and try to identify any learning disabilities in children before they enter primary school. This is progress and those responsible should be commended.

Notwithstanding the above, it broke my heart as I listened to some of the negative comments after it was first proposed that the island’s lone Community College should be

WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY INC. (WASCO)

Expression of Interest Rehabilitation of the Access Road to the John Compton Dam (JCD) Submissions are invited from suitable qualified persons for the Rehabilitation of the Access Road to the John Compton Dam (JCD).

Deadline date for the receipt for Expression of Interest (EOI) is no later 12:00 Noon on 20th July, 2018.

Interested persons are requested to visit the Government of Saint Lucia Website and the National Printing Corporation (NPC) Website for a detailed description of the Expression of Interest (EOI).

expanded into a UniversityCollege. Some who opposed the idea were themselves qualified university graduates. Surely, one would have thought, they would welcome an increase in their ranks. In this regard, it is pleasing to note that after a lull of some fifteen years, the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College will indeed be transformed into a University-College. A loan application to the CDB has been approved after a five-year delay.

This was due to the confusion which reached the CDB over the negative debate emanating from some educators in Saint Lucia.

Who can tell for certain that the naysayers had no secret agendas or axes to grind? It reminds me that since the mid-1960s Saint Lucia has been fortunate to have had visionary Ministers of Education. One recalls Hunter J. Francois, Allan Bousquet, Louis George, Arsene James and Mario Michel—all men of distinction. One detected in the above former ministers that educating the youth of Saint Lucia was a priority. Thankfully, they all had proficient and capable permanent secretaries and staff who supported their vision.

Recently, a new education policy has been enunciated by the Ministry of Education.

Gros Islet Secondary School has been earmarked for sports development while the Anse Ger Secondary will specialize in creative arts and craft development. We wish this new initiative every success.

We pray that in this process, government and its advisers do not lose sight of the need for a solid primary and secondary school education throughout the country. Policy formulators need to keep in mind that the vast majority of the population will most likely have access only to a basic education at those levels.

With this in mind, teaching our children to speak English correctly and confidently ought to underpin the whole system of education. Other languages may accompany or follow English in due course. Speaking clearly and correctly, in whatever language, accompanied by a clear appreciation of the social graces are two qualities which will prove as important as a higher University-College education. The great Sir Arthur, after whom our Community

Education Minister Gale Rigobert.

Her recent announcements about two local schools have found favour with the author, himself a former government minister.

College is named, was correct when he reiterated the value of a sound primary school education. We must not delude ourselves that because we have been able to raise the education bar to afford every child basic secondary schooling, that has obviated the need for a sound primary school education.

In the desire to provide University-College education on the island, we need to keep in mind that the majority of workers will likely attend only the island’s primary and secondary schools. We need also to keep in mind that the gaffes in speeches delivered

by certain senior personnel in the public and private sectors could have been remedied at the primary school level. It therefore bears repetition that we must build our work-force on the solid foundation of topclass primary school education which, in turn, feeds our secondary schools.

The idea is to encourage the pursuit of excellence. Our University-College must be prepared to welcome only the best students from Saint Lucia and the region. It must continue to be inspired by the island’s Nobel laureates, to learn and to prosper.

THE STAR

july 07, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

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08 LOCAL

july 07, 2018 THE STAR

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“Calypso semi final 2018 . . . make some noise!”

18 acts, two rounds and plenty of Piton about the need for a variety of outlooks in the genre. And he says he will be back again next year to continue competing and delivering his messages.

Although Sizzler didn’t make it this year, hundreds of other Saint Lucians still packed into the Cultural Centre for the Calypso-Monarch semi finals on Sunday July 1 to see, firsthand, which calypsonians have what it takes to compete for the 2018 finals later in the month.

Spanning over six hours, the concert featured 18 of Saint Lucia’s finest and most promising calypsonians.

From the likes of The Blacks,

By David Venn

W

ith the next generation of calypsonians beginning to rise on Saint Lucia’s music scene, it may be a surprise that performers such as Mighty Sizzler and T. Blacks didn’t make the final cut. That is not to discredit the young talent; it only shows how strong the competition is. Mighty Sizzler, who is only 14 years old, was on the big stage, performing for a spot in the top nine finalists.

But, as he explains, performing with more experienced calypsonians is becoming more and more normal for him.

“This isn’t the first time that I made the semi-finals,” he says. “The first time was back in 2016 when I was 12 years old.” Mighty Sizzler made history in Saint Lucia that year, being the youngest person ever to compete in the CalypsoMonarch semi-finals. He says he feels “extremely proud”.

Now, Sizzler says he feels more at ease up on stage because he has already been there once

Mighty Sizzler energises the audience with a passionate performance.

before. Not to mention, he was performing alongside one of his idols, someone who has helped propel his career to where it is now.

“Robbie was the one who pushed me until 2016,” he says, “when the former prime minister removed the age barrier.”

Sizzler was first introduced to calypso in 2012 when he auditioned for the school show.

There were three different divisions to audition for and, after a second-place finish in power soca, he tried calypso the following year. He hasn’t looked back since.

Calypso is a platform for

Sizzler, just like many fellow calypsonians. It is a creative way to express his thoughts and opinions. According to Sizzler, that’s an essential part of a young person’s life.

“I think that it is important for young people to give their perspective and give their view,” he says, speaking

CASTRIES MAYOR TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT NEW YORK FUNDRAISER

St Lucian Photographer launches N free Travel Photography eBook

A

ward-winning Saint Lucian photographer Kirk Elliott has just completed a total website overhaul and rebuild ahead of the 2018 winter season. To celebrate, Elliott is giving away free copies of his new travel photography ebook - The 7 Best Places To Photograph in Saint Lucia.

The ebook was inspired by St Lucia Photo Tour alumni who contributed immensely to the look and feel of Elliott’s updated photo tour website.

Elliott is the creator of the St Lucia Photo Tour, a niche tourism excursion that seeks to provide visitors to Saint Lucia with a deeper window of perception and interaction with local culture through the medium of photography. The ebook offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of what Elliott considers quintessential Saint Lucia, and prospective visitors

from the St Lucia Photo Tour website using the download form at the bottom of the website, or through the website exit pop-up (for those who miss the download form).

“I have been so inspired by the appreciative reviews and comments coming from Photo Tour alumni that I simply had to share the very best of Saint Lucia that many of these alumni have already enjoyed, with the hope of enticing others to choose Saint Lucia for their next vacation,” Elliott explained during a recent photo tour.

Kirk Elliot (pictured)

Elliott is a triple TripAdvisor celebrates both a Certificate of Excellence winner revamped website, as well as a double Luxury photography awards and a brand new photography Travel Award winner for Unique book. Phot: Belle Portwe Tour of the Year & Cultural Tour of the Year for Saint Lucia.

The ebook will be shared to Saint Lucia are in for a page- with the broadest crossturning photographic treat. section of Saint Lucia’s tourism

This 100% free ebook is industry partners through the available via download directly

Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Tourism as well as travel agents who promote Saint Lucia both locally and abroad.

Early reviewers of the ebook are referring to it as a visually stimulating and novel display of authentic Saint Lucia. “A new take on old familiar places,” is how Elliott likes to describe it.

Elliott spoke of this simple question he asks every Photo Tour participant: “Of all the places in the world you could have vacationed, what made you chose Saint Lucia?” He explained that the variety of reasons visitors have shared has been a huge inspiration for additional free ebooks he plans to release. “So stay tuned, as more of Saint Lucia through my lens is on the way,” concluded Elliott.

TC Brown and Nintus, Sunday night was a festive and passionate evening to initiate the second month of Saint Lucia Carnival. After two rounds of performances, the audience exited the arena and left the judges with the difficult job of choosing which nine competitors will move on to the finals.

The following day, on Monday afternoon, the Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. and Calypso Management Committee released the names of the contenders who will be moving on to the final round: Invader, Lady Leen, Nintus, Oshun, Ready, TC Brown, The Blacks, Ti Caro and Walleigh.

ew York City-based Project Education announced today that His Worship Peterson Francis, mayor of the City of Castries, will deliver the keynote address at its eighth annual Breakfast for Education, to be held on Sunday, July 8, 2018, at the Saint Lucia House, 438 East 49 Street, Brooklyn, NY.

Project Education was launched in 2010 as a means to give Saint Lucians in the diaspora and their friends an opportunity to assist underprivileged students and families in Saint Lucia. Through the generosity of its many donors for the past eight years, Project Education has been able to equip hundreds of students in Saint Lucia with school supplies they might not otherwise be able to afford.

The annual Breakfast for Education has become a signature summer event for Saint Lucians in the tri-state area, attracting hundreds of attendees. The theme for this year’s Breakfast for Education is “A Celebration of our Commitment to the Education of our Saint Lucian Children.” Project Education founder Jeremiah Hyacinth said the chosen theme “is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to guaranteeing equal access and educational opportunity for all our Saint Lucian children whose families are unable to give them a head start.

“There is no more fitting way to celebrate the eighth anniversary of our Breakfast for Education than by hearing from a former educator whose passion for education remains unwavering,” Mr. Hyacinth continued. “We believe that Mr. Francis’ invaluable experience as a community organiser and his insights as the mayor of Castries will be very enlightening to our audience.”

To purchase tickets and learn more about this year’s Breakfast for Education, contact Project Education at 917.539.1607, or via e-mail: projecteducationint@gmail.com

THE STAR

july 07, 2018

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SLSM LAUNCHES THE SYSTEM OF ORCHESTRA AND CHOIRS

By Doretta Francois

T

he Saint Lucia School of Music (SLSM) has received a grant from the Windsong Foundation, a US-based philanthropic organisation.

The funds are being used to help support the school’s Youth Orchestra and Youth Choir. The SLSM invited guests and students to its premises on Saturday June 23 for an official launch of The System of Orchestra and Choirs.

Present at the ceremony was Ms. Georgis TaylorAlexander, a high court judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and a friend of the SLSM who helped facilitate initial discussions with the foundation trustees. Also in attendance were Leiff Escalona, the Venezuelan Ambassador; Ms. Dawn French, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Culture; Mrs. Rufina Charles, acting Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education; celebrated Saint Lucian soca artist Teddyson

John and other distinguished and invited guests.

The grant has enabled the SLSM to award fifty students with scholarships for its youth orchestra and choir programme. Richard Payne, Executive Director of the SLSM, was delighted that this is helping to achieve part of the school’s vision: an opportunity for all to receive a musical education. He spoke of how music can be a vehicle for social change and transform lives. Citing as an example the Marchand youth orchestra that the school established nine years ago in partnership with the Organization of American States and the Government of Saint Lucia, he declared, “We have seen what music can do to change the lives of individuals and communities.”

Mr. Payne reminded the gathering that the SLSM opened 30 years ago, thanking the government and private sector partners for their support during those three decades. Mrs Charles shared the findings of the Ministry of Education that the arts play an important role

a path that you continue. See the instrument as broadening your skills and ensure the talent you were given is used well.”

The proceedings included two video excerpts from a concert in Castries Cathedral in July 2015 by the combined SLSM and the Maturin Chamber Orchestra of Venezuelan. There was also a performance of Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3 Gigue by student and mentor Coman Fevriere, who has been awarded a tuition scholarship to study at North Park University in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and a rendition of The Beatles’ “Can’t Buy Me Love” by the SLSM Chamber Ensemble, all proof of the heights to which young people can climb when given the opportunity.

Coman Fevriere, a SLSM student, Richard Payne, Executive Director of the has been awarded a tuition SLSM, explaining the school’s visions and

An articulate Mrs. Natalie scholarship for a US university. achievements.

Jolie Fanis was the Mistress of Ceremony. countries including here in Saint in the development of young Marin, the SLSM’S String The SLSM looks forward Lucia. people and that students should Teacher related how he had to showcasing the talent of its

The featured speaker, Mrs. students and faculty members therefore be exposed to the arts benefitted from “El Sistema”, Fiona Mayer, Head of Primary at a young age. the programme in his native with a Beatles-themed concert

Mr. Payne acknowledged Venezuela whereby all children Ecole Mondiale World School in on Saturday July 28 at the St. Mumbai, India expressed her the support of the Venezuelan can be exposed to classical Lucia Yacht Club in Rodney Bay. concern that creativity is being Embassy and the personal music and learn to play an Tel. (758) 452 2473 / 285 2936 or “killed”. She urged the students email lcmusicschool@candw.lc interest of the ambassador, instrument at no cost, a model to “Let it [musical education] be for more information and tickets.

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Molly and Ben demand Understanding The Business justice for their suspiciously deceased baby of Carnival Keryn Nelson

T

o Holinda Arthur her second son was a special gift. A mother of three, her first son passed away three years ago. She continues to feel the almost unbearable pain of that loss. In a recent interview, Arthur (commonly known as Molly) told the STAR that she was eight months pregnant on July 27, 2015 when she started feeling intense abdominal pain. She blamed it on stress associated with a debacle between herself, her husband and Ministry of Education staffers. Accompanied by her teenaged daughter she quickly made her way to the emergency care unit at Victoria Hospital.

She waited endlessly for attention.

Her husband later joined her and finally caught the attention of a nurse who advised Molly to go to the maternity ward. With no wheelchair available, Molly, in excruciating pain, made her way up the hill to the maternity ward, supported only by her husband.

“When I got there, I had to sit down, the pain was so terrible. I could not get a bed . . . no one attended to me until when the shift changed,” Molly advised.

About the woman who eventually ushered her inside to be assessed, Molly said: “They said she was a doctor but she never identified herself.

Because of what she had on, I took her for a nurse.”

Later, Molly was informed that the woman was actually a junior doctor. Medical staff at the hospital advise that junior doctors are normally general practitioners or interns who, in cases where deliveries seem to be going smoothly, are allowed to oversee the process. Junior doctors report to the night's designated consultant–gynecologist on call who typically takes over from lower-ranking doctors when the need arises.

In Molly’s case, the junior doctor was quite perturbed by the fact that in her condition, Molly had been left unattended.

While being assessed, Molly

For three years Molly (left) and Benedict Arthur (right) have been searching for answers surrounding the death of their new-born son.

says she was informed that the baby was well on his way.

Her husband was directed to get some baby clothes and bring them to the hospital. “I asked her whether my water had already broken. I'll never forget this part. When they put on the monitor, there was a heartbeat. She went into me with something in her hands to clip my water bag but I did not know what it was. I could feel her hands inside me,” Molly recalled.

Then she said, “Oh shit!”

Words that Molly had never heard a doctor say while attending to a patient. “I asked her what happened but she did not answer.”

Unable to make sense of the somewhat desperate conversation between the doctor and her assistants, Molly laid back and waited for their next move. “She came back and said, 'Baby may make it, or baby may not make it.'”

Minutes later, Molly said, the doctor made a phone call, soon after which the night's consultant walked in and, without any checks, declared that Molly’s baby had died.

In shock, Molly and her husband asked to look at the baby before leaving the hospital.

“They brought the child to me,” Molly said. “It was a boy; our first matrimony baby. He had blood coming down from his head but I felt like he had life in him. He gripped my husband and my daughter. My husband said this child has life inside of him. We were screaming for a nurse or a doctor. When my husband got someone they said: 'No, that's how they look when they're dead.'”

“We requested an autopsy,” Molly went on. “We had it on Wednesday July 29, 2015, at Rambally's. I saw my son, I saw the blood coming down his nose. It was so painful to watch.”

Her husband, who was present during a second interview with the STAR, added: “She [Molly] went outside, but I stayed in the room to watch.”

The doctor who conducted the autopsy reported that the baby's organs were intact and labelled the death “foetus demise.”

Molly said: “My husband kept asking how can a healthy baby just die? We told the doctor we would not bury our child until we knew what exactly killed him. We insisted on a second autopsy.”

In 2016, “after much hassle”, the couple caught the attention of the then health minister, Alvina Reynolds, who informed that another autopsy could be arranged. But on his return to the hospital, Molly’s husband learned their baby’s body had been "buried”.

Molly: “I rushed to the hospital to meet him and that's when they told us to go to Rambally's. We wanted to get documents referencing the child’s burial. But none were available from Rambally's.

"We asked to speak to the bossman and that's when the owner of the parlour came out and said they had no babies, they sent back all the bodies.

"I realized, when I did my own investigation, that at that time the freezer in the VH mortuary was not working.

So they were sending all the bodies to Rambally's funeral

parlour.” The couple returned to the hospital but found no answers.

The next day Molly and Ben decided to revisit Rambally’s where they were informed that their child’s body had been recovered the night before.

Molly recalled: “We followed them to a freezer. They put some plywood on the floor and threw a plastic bag on it. When it was open we saw just a block of ice. We could not tell whether the body in it was a baby’s or a dog’s.”

Eventually, with the aid of Dr Stephen King, the Arthurs sent some samples to a lab in Jamaica. The inconclusive results came back on October 11, 2016: the presented body had already been embalmed.

Another test involving a sample of bone marrow would need to be conducted. Molly says she grew weary. Unsure whether the iced body was indeed her baby, and concerned about liabilty, she reached out to as many people as she could, including the prime minister, whom she met in December 2016. Attempts to reach him thereafter were futile.

Molly says that in June of last year, however, the Parliamentary Commissioner, Rosemarie Husbands-Mathurin, wrote a letter to health minister Mary Isaac, and Molly received word that the government would assume liability for the dead body in question. Since then, Molly says, it has been a series of postponements and unanswered questions.

A meeting involving several health personnel, including from Victoria Hospital, was convened for January 11, 2018.

“They told us tests would have to be conducted overseas.”

Since then, nothing. Still Molly persists. “I told them at the Ministry of Health I would give them up until June 30, but still nothing.” Now, Molly says she plans to take the matter to court. “I gave these people enough time. If I cannot get justice for my baby, I will take it higher. I have suffered too much. I am tired of it, fed up, frustrated.”

As I write Molly has started the process that she hopes will result in justice for her deceased baby and his family!

Carla Parris says, “I am thrilled to collaborate with the OECS Commission to distribute my series.”

T

he OECS Commission has partnered with The Business of Carnival – a video series designed to educate persons based in the Caribbean and across the world about the legal and business matters associated with the carnival industry.

Through its talk show format, host and show producer Carla Parris chats with a selection of major stakeholders in the industry such as photographers, events producers, carnival bandleaders and soca artists to explain the linkage between Intellectual Property Law and revenue generation.

"One of my main goals is to help clients to understand the value of their intellectual property rights and to be mindful of the exploitation that is rampant in the industry.

“I strongly believe that the future of the Caribbean lies in its ability to innovate, to foster knowledge-based economies, and in strengthening the global competitiveness of our creative and sporting sectors.

I am certain that these can be achieved by actively sharing information among ourselves in the region and I am thrilled to collaborate with the OECS Commission to distribute my series as we share a common goal of enhancing the region through Intellectual Property law education,” Ms. Parris stated.

The series, which began

airing in January 2018, seeks to demystify some of the common misconceptions concerning copyright law and the ownership of creative products such as carnival designs, costumes and events in an attempt to minimise misuse.

OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules, welcomed the initiative that seeks to assist persons in navigating the legal and business aspects of the region’s entertainment industry.

“Today’s competitive global business environment, coupled with rapid dissemination and ease of access to information and ideas, necessitates an understanding of legal matters such as copyright laws.

"We are excited to partner with Ms. Parris as she sheds light on this critical aspect of the entertainment industry,” Dr. Jules declared.

Carla Parris is an Entertainment and Sports Lawyer, Talk Show Host, Entrepreneur and Content Creator. She operates the first boutique law practice in Trinidad and Tobago with an exclusive focus on the areas of Entertainment, Intellectual Property and Sports Law. She advises clients in traditional corporate industries on a variety of copyright and trademark concerns and provides specialist advice to persons in the music, film, animation, events management, fashion, sports and broadcast industries.

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When It Comes To Shows, Please Let T

o hear the president of the Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association tell it, what pulls the majority of visitors to our simply beautiful shores is not the magical combination of sun, sea and sand. After all, other Caribbean destinations are similarly blessed. By Mr. Sanovnik Destang’s measure, the credit for the escalating visitor arrivals must go to our special brand of bacchanal served at this time of year.

He caught me off guard during a short exchange this week, when he said: “Carnival has done better for our hotels and guest houses than jazz ever did. Visitors arrive mainly from the Caribbean diasporas in the United States, the UK and Canada, but we also have arrivals from these territories who’ve not missed our carnival in years.” Pointless asking about Martinique and Guadeloupe. Long has it been common knowledge that the French have a special affinity with our culture.

“So you’d consider the millions spent on promoting carnival money well spent?”

I asked. Destang said he most certainly would. “And what does it say about us that we actually sacrificed our Carnival-Lent religious relationship on the altar of Bacchus?” I teased. The SLHTA prez let that fly; he had his mind on things more serious, such as the Kenny

Anthony government’s gamechanging decision in 1999 to stage carnival in July instead of February-March.

“That was a sound business decision that made it possible for carnival fans to jump both in Trinidad and in Saint Lucia. Some have even given up Trini mas in favor of partying here. Actually, many of our carnival-time visitors come from Trinidad & Tobago.”

(And all this time we thought Allen Chastanet was the first local prime minister able to say government and business in the same line, without biting his tongue!)

I should add that whatever may have been the attitude of the collective church to the rearranged carnival season, it was muted. It appears that when it comes to religion and bacchanal most of us stand together in favor of the latter— never mind the ever-present malodorous whiff of politics.

We’ve also undergone a major attitudinal adjustment when it comes to what is decent and acceptable. Some might even say it is no longer the Holy Ghost that moves us, that today what rings our bell is the spirit of carnival. Come July, words normally considered obscene and déclassé are categorized as biting wit and picong.

Every Looshan child knows “gettin’ on bad” is precisely the point of carnival. For as long as I can recall there

have been public complaints, expressed on talk shows and in the print media, about the “disgusting behavior of today’s mas jumpers,” the irrelevance of their barely there transparent costumes—but always after the fact. I’ve never witnessed a protest march against public behavior that would be condemned even in whorehouses—which of course are as nonexistent in Christian Saint Lucia as are gays and other queers.

Carnival, our radio and TV pundits and incumbent politicians love to remind us, is “our most important cultural showcase” and should be cherished by all as “100 percent Looshan!” (It turns out that in reality carnival is just another borrow. Like so many other activities we proudly list as “our ting.” The verifiable truth is carnival was introduced to the Caribbean by Europeans via Trinidad & Tobago in the early 1800s. Yes, ain’t life a beach!)

The promoters and organizers of the most recent Carnival Queen competition must’ve had the “cultural showcase” directive foremost in mind as they went about preparing for last Saturday’s show. Until this year the Cultural Centre at Barnard Hill in Castries was home to the event. It has now moved on up to the northside, to the Royalton, the latest resort, some say the island’s most

The ladies in the 2018 Carnival Queen Pageant gave it all they had before an had given more thought to the m

THE STAR

JUly 07, 2018

COMMENT

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15

To Televised Queen et There Be Light!

before an appreciative audience of some 700 fanatics. If only the organizers to the much larger TV audience!

impressive (who cares at what cost to taxpayers?). It features a ballroom that can accommodate a hundred or so more chairs than the Barnard Hill place that evidently was never built with expensive gowns in mind.

Neither guys in three-piece suits.

By informed account tickets were swallowed up almost as soon as they became available, for just eighty bucks if purchased by a certain date. It seems the organizers underestimated the effectiveness of their promos.

Otherwise they might’ve priced their tickets at, say, $150 from the get-go and still have just as quickly sold out. Talk about operating government like a business. In this instance “like a charity” was closer to the reality.

I did not attend. Which is not to say I missed the show.

After all, it was televised, a fact that must’ve warmed the cockles of every Looshan heart throughout the region and the diasporas—from Atlanta in Georgia, Birmingham, Paddington and Hackney in the UK, to the more remote areas of New York.

How the Trump-besieged legendary Helenites Building habitués must’ve looked forward to this year’s Carnival Queen Show.

I imagine one of the reasons the event was relocated to its new premises, why it was televised and streamed, had something to do with packaging our main foreign exchange earner to tickle the appetites of potential travelers and zillionaire entrepreneurs on the lookout for a third or fourth home. Surely a glitzy Queen Show would leave them panting to know more about what Saint Lucia has to offer.

Another S added to the usual three couldn’t hurt, right?

Everyone knows sex sells— especially with some sun, sea and sand thrown in for good measure!

The Queen contestants were absolutely, er, inspiring in their made for Sports Illustrated swimsuits and six-inch heels. At any rate, from the comfortable vantage of my living room chair.

Undeniably, the ladies were in fine form, suggesting they had sacrificed countless precious hours selflessly torturing themselves at Vel’s Gym. Juk Bois should try sashaying for just a few minutes in their shoes. I guarantee that after that his post-show comments would be a whole lot more gracious than Monday’s.

For crissakes, Juk Bois imagined aloud that it had required various depilatory treatments before the ladies were able to squirm into their miniscule bikinis and those thongs that left their perky cheeks free to undulate as if they had minds of their own. He didn’t like it one bit that they wore no panties under their swimwear. I swear!

Some people simply cannot appreciate the sacrifices others make for the common good. You’d think a guy as cool and as knowing as our favorite creole-radio celebrity would know modern ladies have little use for hair—except the HIB variety that are available in several lengths, colors and textures.

In any event, from my living room chair it was impossible to separate the hirsute from the bald, if you get my drift, thanks to the stage lighting. To say it was horrible does not begin to describe it. One minute the contestants, swim-suited or gowned, looked like they had stepped out of the pages of a top tier lads’ magazine; the next they were indiscernible silhouetted forms. It all

depended on whether they were doing their thing at the front of the stage or further back. Lighting up a stage for a theater audience is one thing; lighting it up for TV is altogether something else.

Besides, what is the point of a televised show before an audience in total darkness?

Imagine the Oscars, The Voice, the Miss America contest, without proper stage and audience lighting. After so many televised fiascos by the Chamber of Commerce you’d think the folks behind the Carnival Queen event would’ve known better— especially when the idea was to portray our most important cultural showcase, or an essential aspect of it, in the best light.

It was recently announced that the Miss America promoters have decided to cut the swimsuit section from their show, conceivably another casualty of the #MeToo movement.

If anything is to be cut from Saint Lucia’s 4-hour Carnival Queen Show, other than time, please let it not be the swimsuit section; please let it be the disaster that attempts to pass for an onstage interview. All it has ever underscored is how little we read and how little interest we take in life overseas other than the Kardashians.

I end this piece with several questions still buzzing in my head. Alas, the main man behind the government’s Events Committee that put together the Carnival Queen Show, who might’ve supplied the explanations I seek, was unreachable. He never answered my calls; never called back. It’s as if he has gone into hibernation.

Not without good cause, I might add.

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THE STAR

KIM’S KORNER

Trains, Planes and Automobiles T

he holiday season is fast approaching and we are dreaming of far-off lands, lazy days and long drives. But it’s important to be aware of hidden dangers, whether going by plane, train or automobile.

Over the last few years the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has come into the spotlight.

But what exactly is a DVT? Who is at risk? What are the symptoms and what can we do to minimise the risk?

A DVT is a blood clot deep within the veins. It has been identified as a risk to people travelling by air but actually anybody travelling for more than four hours is at risk, so whether you opt to go by sea, air, road or rail, be aware that there are steps you should take to stay safe.

The clot forms because of inactivity and can block the flow of blood. Quite often a blood clot will dissolve on its own with no symptoms but, for some, treatment may be needed. Although the risk of developing a DVT is small, it is still a possibility and there are risk factors that mean certain people are more susceptible: • Over the age of 40 • Being overweight • Smokers • Recent surgery or injury, especially if you have spent time immobilised • People on blood-thinning medication • Those using the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) • Pregnant women or those who have given birth within 6 weeks of travel • People with limited or restricted mobility • Previous episodes of DVT or family history • People with varicose veins

Most people do not even realise they have a DVT and often it resolves without any signs or symptoms. However, the following are signs you should look out for: • Swelling of the arm or leg on one side • A cramping feeling in the muscles of the calf

www.stluciastar.com

july 07, 2018

• Unexplained pain or tenderness in the foot or leg • Red or bluish-tinged skin that is warm to the touch and inflamed

One of the more serious symptoms of a DVT is a pulmonary embolism (PE) and it can occur even if you have not had any signs or symptoms of a DVT. If part of the clot travels through the bloodstream to the lungs it can be life-threatening.

The symptoms of a PE include: • Difficulty breathing • Profuse and unexplained sweating • Increased or irregular heartbeat • Unexplained chest pain or discomfort, which gets worse when breathing deep, sneezing or coughing • Feeling anxious and agitated • Coughing up blood • Feeling lightheaded or faint

If you think you may be at risk, speak to your doctor before you travel but there are things that you can do to reduce the risk. Remember, anyone can develop a DVT and prevention is always better than cure: • If driving, take regular breaks, get out of the car and walk around.

• If on a plane or train, stand up and walk around.

• Wear compression socks.

Exercise is one way to

minimise the risk. Those below should be repeated 10 times at least every hour.

• Ankle pumps: In sitting, move your ankles up and down • Ankle circles: Make circles with your ankles, first clockwise and then anticlockwise.

• Leg raises: If you have room, straighten and bend your knee • Hip flexion: These are great to do especially if you don’t have space. In sitting, imagine you are marching on the spot.

• Shoulder rolls: Roll your shoulders forward and backwards and then shrug up to the ears.

• Stretch: When you are up and walking about, stretch your legs. Stretch those quads: standing on one leg, bring your heel up to your butt. Now for the hamstrings: stretch one leg in front of you; keeping it straight. bend your back leg and lean forward until you feel the stretch at the back of your leg. And finally, the calf muscles: standing up tall, place one leg behind you; keeping the back leg straight, bend the front knee until you feel a stretch in your calf. Hold all of these stretches for 10 seconds and repeat on both legs.

Safe travels, have fun and don’t forget to send me a postcard!

Kim Jackson is a UK-trained physiotherapist with over 20 years of experience. She specialises in musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction including back pain and sciatica, stroke and other neuro conditions plus sports physiotherapy, having worked with local, regional and international athletes and teams treating injuries and analysing biomechanics to improve function and performance. She is registered with the Allied Health Council and is a member of PASL. She currently works at Bayside Therapy Services in Rodney Bay, O: 458 4409 or C: 284 5443; www.baysidetherapyservices.com

HEALTH

17

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT NOTICE OF AUCTION

The Public is hereby notified that under the provisions of Section 134, Subsection (2) of the Customs (Control and Management) Act, Cap 15.05 of the Law of St. Lucia, dated 31st December 2008, the following will be put for Public Auction at the General Post Office on July 21st 2018 at 10:30 a.m.

Please see attached list:

ITEMS

MARKS & NUMBERS

BACK SUPPORTS

NM USED POPCORN MACHINE BERTHIA ROBERTS CHILDREN CLOTHING NATI GVITIA BULBS (2 BOXES)

JAMAL FERANCISE YACHTS SPARES

THE MOORINGS,

MARIGOT BAY HAND BLOWER GAMMA INVESTMENTS,

GD/LANDS CHILDREN CLOTHING (NEW) GERVIN AUGUSTE,

VFORT FISHING SUPPLIES (HOOKS, LINES ETC)

PETER HUNTE,.

SANDALS SILVER SOLDERING ROD GUSTAVE PETER,

VFORT TOY

MERVIA DUPIGNY,

DENNERY CAKE BOXES

PETER AUGUSTIN,

GPO EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE DEBRA HILL, VFORT RALPH LAUREN POLO SHIRTS NM MEN’S SHIRTS

PIERRE LOUIS

NAVARRO,CASTRIES USED CLOTHING

SHARON ANDERSON RHINESTONES

SHIRLEY LOUIS

R/BAY KINDLE

PJ LAWSON, CASTRIES MIS ARTICLES

DAPHNE LARCHER HEAT TRANSFERS

NM BLUETOOTH HEADSET TREVOR

ALEXANDER, VFORT ALTERNATOR BELT SEAN FULLER,

GROS ISLET CRAFT RIBBONS

NM ASSTD CLOTHING

ALVIN VOLNEY,

VIDE BOUTEILLE MEN’S CLOTHING

HENRY JOSEPH FISHING KIT

ALI BREEN BABY BOTTLES

KATANIA ELIBOX,

G/ISLET STEEL TOE SHOES

DONNAVAN

JOHNSON,CASTRIES WAIST TRIMMER

NM TOY

NEOMI GILLARD,

CASTRIES CLOTHING (BOYS HOODIE) LOOKS MONEY,

CASTRIES CAR PART

HANSON NARCISSE,

CASTRIES CAR PART

ALLISTER

MOUNSEY,BELLEVUE CELLPHONE (BLU)

INGRID BRUNO,

LA PANSE STRAW FANS

ERNIE GEORGE,

SOUFRIERE PLASTIC KITCHENWARE CAPITAL HILL REST,

CASTRIES DOOR BELL

FW GARDINER MEN’S CLOTHING

RAYMOND SERVILLE FOOTBALL TSHIRTS TITUS POLEON,

G/ISLET SOLAR CHARGER CONTROL (ELECTRIC)

NICHOLAS ALFRED FISHING REEL

CHARLES RAWLINS,

VFORT SNEAKERS

CARLENE CHARLES,

VFORT GATE PART (TRANSMITTER BOARD)

PETER ALBERTINI,

G/ISLET WELDING SUPPLIES (WIRE, MACHINE ETC)

ITEMS

MARKS & NUMBERS

NORBERT COX, HIGH INTENSITY BLUB DOMINIQUE RIVERS,

CASTRIES CAMERA LENS (CANON) RICHARD MANGAL BALL DRESS

DAMIEN

O’DONOHOE, RBAY CURLING IRON

JANNAH THEODORE,

RBAY FOOTBALL BOOTS

ROHAN SALTIBUS,

CICERON LAPTOP USED (HP) LINNETTE

MONERVILLE CAR PART

MATHEW

STANISLAUS CB RADIO

PETER STANISLAUS UNIVERSAL PORTABLE CHARGES ANNE CARON,

SOUFRIERE WIRELESS ROUTER ANDWEENA LEONCE,

CASTRIES HEADSET

ALLISON DELMEDE.

CASTRIES CAR PART

RONTGEN CHARLES USED WOMEN CLOTHING GILORY CHARLES PLASTIC BOTTLES COVERS JADE MOUNTAINS TOOL (ELECTRICIAN TOOL SET) TALI ALEXANDER BED NET

NM USED XBOX 360

DESIREE

MC LAUREN, CASTRIES MOTORCYCLE BRAKES NM AIR FRESHENERS

LLANA CASMIR ,

G/ISLET CRAFT SUPPLIES (TEXTILE) PHILIPE MARIN TABLE FAN (BLIZZARD) SUE DYSON,

CASTRIES CANVAS (ARTIST)

SABRINA ROMULUS,

GPO AIRBRUSH KIT

ANGELICA

CHARLEMAGNE WIRE TRACKER RECEIVER (TESTER)

RANDOLPH

MAXWELL, G/ISLET ROUTER

RODGER KERR BLUETOOTH HEADSET SIMON CONNOLLY,

LE SPORT NURSE CLOCKS

DANIELA ETIENNE,

THE MORNE FLOOD LIGHTS

LINUS CAZUBON,

BEAUSEJOUR OLYMPUS CAMERA AJ LTD, P/SERAPHINE PHONE ACCESSORIES NM WOMEN CLOTHING “ WOMEN CLOTHING “ MEN’S CLOTHING

“ MEN’S CLOTHING

“ ASSTD CHILDREN CLOTHING “ ASSTD SHOES

” MIS ARTICLES

N/M MIS ARTICLES

N/M MIS ARTICLES

N/M BIBLES (2 BOXES)

N/M ASSTD BOOKS

N/M ASSTD BOOKS

N/M ASSTD BOOKS

N/M ASSTD BOOKS

N/M ASSTD BOOKS

N/M ASSTD BOOKS

N/M ASSTD BOOKS

N/M ASSTD BOOKS

N/M ASSTD BOOKS

N/M ASSTD BOOKS

N/M ASSTD BOOKS

N/M RECORDED CDS

N/M

18 LOCAL

july 07, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

A new Queen crowned!

W

as it the air conditioning? Or should we blame the cold shoulders among some in the audience on good old-fashioned rivalry?

It seemed the capacity crowd comprised largely family members, relatives and friends of the contestants, all convinced their favourite alone deserved to be crowned 2018 Carnival Queen.

Tickets to the event staged last Saturday evening at the Royalton Resort in Cap Estate disappeared hours after they were put on sale. Long before the event got underway, every spot in the parking lot had been taken, every chair was occupied. Among the guests were Prime Minister Allen Chastanet accompanied by his wife Raquel. One thing everyone had in common: all were dressed to impress, befitting the plush surroundings.

The night's MC was Solange, herself a former Queen. Also dressed for the spotlight, she kept her audience well entertained with her witicisms. But the real stars of the night were the nine beautiful Saint Lucian women, one of whom was destined to join the ranks of carnival royalty. By all accounts they had undergone several weeks of preparation, from walking like a pageant queen on heels that looked like mini stilts to conversing like a seasoned public speaker, never mind that thousands of eyes and ears were watching and listening, at home and abroad, thanks to the television coverage.

Announced during the night was Miss Photogenic which went to Tasha Fanis (Ms Crystal Clear).

The People’s Choice award— tallied via social media votes—and Ms Congeniality, determined by the contestants themselves, went to Tember Cadette (Ms Bounty Rum).

Let it be said, it was a long night, at the end of which Best Costume went to Pauline Francis (Ms Massy Stores). She may have spooked a few while playing a La Jah Bless during her monologue performance but then that may very well be why she was also voted top scorer in the talent segment.

Earlyca Frederick (Ms FICS), in shimmery, blue straps and patches came away with the Best Swimwear trophy and also later won the award for Best Evening Wear.

Cathlina Lawrence (Ms Vybe Radio), took Best Interview for her tips on how to improve life in Saint Lucia. No doubt the prime minister paid special attention to all she had to say.

The crowd waited quite a while for the big results: Tasha Fanis was declared the fourth place winner, Pauline Francis third, and Cathlina Lawrence second. A popular decision, it proved, when Earlyca Frederick was officially crowned the 2018 National Carnival Queen. Overcome with emotion, the new Queen glided back and forth onstage, to wild audience applause and love, love, love from fellow contestants.

--- Keryn Nelson

L-R: Kianna Nicholas, Ms Pierre Marcel; Camille Plummer, Ms MBC and Tangie Butcher, Ms Piton Beer. They all belong on a runway!

Ms Massy Stores, Pauline Francis: Best Costume, Best Talent and third place winner!

Best Interview and second place winner Cathlina Lawrence during a masterful, steelpan rendition of “I'm Every Woman”.

Ms DBS Jevani Joseph showed off her creativity with her “Despacito” remix: Damn Mosquito.

Congratulations to Earlyca Frederick, Ms FICS, who is 2018's National Carnival Queen!

They all looked like queens to us.

Teddy is one of few artists who can summon a formally dressed crowd to their feet!

You'd stand tall too if you looked this good!

Ms Crystal Clear, Tasha Fanis (centre), Ms FICS, Earlyca Frederick (right), with gorgeous Tember Cadette, Ms Bounty Rum, waiting in the wings, ready to bring on more heat!

Unlikely guests some might say, but certainly welcomed!

THE STAR

LOCAL 19

www.stluciastar.com

july 07, 2018

The Rural Unknown Agriculture & Tourism:

Shall The Twain Ever Meet?

By Keithlin Caroo

I

n countries such as Saint Lucia, where tourism is the main driving agent of the economy, governments, civil society and NGOs are now turning to ways to promote their countries as destinations of choice, while trying to maintain an environment for sustainable development. However, this is not always the case, particularly in the agricultural context where the challenges of foodsourcing from local farmers are considerable, but not at all impossible.

Recently, we have been hearing terms such as “agrotourism” and “rural tourism” glibly tossed around. But does the average farmer understand what this could mean for his or her economic livelihood?

We see efforts to improve the Castries market and policies being implemented so that small agro-business owners,

such as farmers, food vendors, and so on, can also benefit economically from the tourism sector; but the link doesn't seem to click. On one hand we have the policies, on the other hand we have a thriving tourist industry boasting arrivals of over 1.1 million visitors, but statistics show that locallysourced fruits and vegetables averages around 42%. The remainder is imported, despite that most of it can be locally grown.

Let's be honest: the reason we have a $360 million food import bill is not because we cannot grow what we eat. We most certainly can. Our farmers just don’t know what to grow.

There is an information gap, not only on the farmer level but also in the private sector. The hotels, restaurants and supermarkets do not know who are the certified farmers, where they live and what they produce. As for the farmers, they have no clue of the certifications that

maybe I should say the price of dasheen!) Many will say that this is the job of the agricultural extension officers but, for Pete's sake, there's only a handful of officers for thousands of farmers; it's understandable that there are rifts in the flow of information.

While import substitution is not as easy as it may sound (no matter how many ‘Buy Local’ campaigns we hear), it does not change the fact that in order to sell high quality produce year-round to the island’s hotels, we need to seriously attend to the common problems sourcing food locally: inadequate quality, reliability, poor transportation and the overall lack of communication between supplier and purchaser. If we could supply a global market with bananas for decades, how is it that we cannot conquer our own?

When will our small-scale local farmers understand their opportunies in our growing tourism industry?

will give them market access, market prices or the ways to get technical and financial assistance to develop these capacities. Furthermore, there is the belief that our farmers cannot grow on a large scale to fulfill the needs of these

Keithlin Caroo is a member of Helen’s Daughters, a Saint Lucian non-profit with a special focus on rural women’s economic development through improved market access, adaptive agricultural techniques, and capacity-building.

Helen’s Daughters was formed in 2016 in a winning proposal for UN Women’s Empower Women Champions for Change Program.

To learn more about the initiative, visit the website or Facebook and Instagram pages with the name Helen's Daughters.

organisations, and while farming co-operatives have popped up in almost every district (which would enable farmers to group together and supply these organisations), that has not changed the price of coffee (well, in this case,

Change in Leadership at CCJ on July 4

O

n July 4, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) saw a change in leadership from the Rt. Hon. Sir Dennis Byron to the CCJ’s 3rd President, the Hon. Mr. Justice Adrian Saunders.

The transition took place as a part of the activities before the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, Montego Bay, Jamaica. The event was live-streamed.

In March of this year it was announced that Mr. Justice Saunders, after an exhaustive international search, would be appointed as President of the Court. He has been a Judge at the CCJ since 2005 and has contributed immensely to the administration and judicial functions of the Court.

Mr. Justice Saunders is also the Chairman of the

Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO) and the Course Director of the Halifaxbased Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute’s CJEI’s Intensive Study Programme.

He is also one of the Institute’s Directors.

Mr. Justice Saunders has co-authored the book Fundamentals of Caribbean Constitutional Law and is a contributor editor of the Caribbean Civil Court Practice.

In April 2018, he was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Global Judicial Integrity Network by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill) in 1975 and the Legal Education Certificate of the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad & Tobago in 1977. He was called to the Bar of St. Vincent &

the Grenadines in that same year.

He worked with Sir Dennis at the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and was later reunited with him in 2011 when Sir Dennis was appointed President of the CCJ.

Sir Dennis has had a transformative influence on the judicial, administrative and technical operations of the CCJ. His leadership is rooted in a desire to achieve excellence at levels of the operations of the Court through a continuous process of assessment and improvement. Through the development of measurable performance standards throughout the Court, he has facilitated a progressive environment that promotes sustainable growth and evolution.

Mr. Justice Saunders paid tribute to Sir Dennis’ tenure at the CCJ: “To say that his impact

is immeasurable is not hyperbole. During the period that Sir Dennis was President of the Court, we went from attorneys having to courier voluminous files to the CCJ, to filing by email and now full e-filing.

"The final two judgments that Sir Dennis delivered—one on Presidential term limits for Guyana and the other, which struck down mandatory death penalties in Barbados—are testament to the kind of far-reaching and forward-thinking decisions that were made during his tenure”.

Sir Dennis was in Jamaica to attend the Inauguration Ceremony for Mr. Justice Saunders.

The CCJ will host two Special Sittings of the Court to commemorate its new President.

The first will take place at the CCJ, starting at 9:30 am AST, on Friday, July 13. The second Special Sitting takes place in Mr. Justice Saunders’ home country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday, July 20 at 9:30 am at the House of Assembly in Kingstown.

Both Special Sittings will be broadcast live from the CCJ on the Court’s website at www.ccj.org. Links to the broadcast can be found under the Judgment & Proceedings area.

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20 COMMENT

july 07, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Maybe the real Ass is Chass!

artistes as well as for other mass players. The result was an improved carnival product was dumbfounded at the which started an upward furore that followed Prime trajectory to the successes we Minister Allen Chastanet’s are reaping now, which include “jackass” statement. Like most more visitor arrivals for carnival things in Saint Lucia these days, as well as greater participation definitions and interpretations

by Saint Lucians. are not based on knowledge,

Under the last sound reasoning, understanding administration, not only was and fact. Rather, everything this budget eventually cut, but is judged according to the payments of prize money were beholder’s favourite colour: red consistently late. That’s an or yellow. The videos, memes undisputed fact. On resuming and calls to the opposition office in 2016, now as prime talk-shows have really defined minister, Allen Chastanet was “artificial intelligence” and again the stubborn mule that “mind bending", about which some have accused him of leader of the opposition Phillip being. He defied his naysayers J. Pierre knows a whole lot. and committed EC$3 million for Based on the interpretation carnival 2017. This resulted in in some quarters as to whom an increase of more than 40% the prime minister described in prize money and one of the as “jackasses braying”, it was most successful carnivals in surmised that Allen Chastanet recent times. Still, his detractors hates calypsonians, hates tried to make political hay out of calypso, hates culture, hates the a few blades of grass trampled arts. Now juxtapose this against on at the Vigie playing field. the facts.

Does this really sound like

As minister of tourism in a prime minister who wants to 2007, Allen Chastanet pumped stifle the arts and hates calypso EC$1 million into carnival. This and calypsonians? Further to was unprecedented at the time this, and despite all the hollow and resulted in more money accusations of vindictiveness, for calypsonians and soca the current administration

By Cephas Willie

I

retained the services of the Calypso Management Committee, put in place by Kenny and Company to have oversight for the “art-form” in the absence of a calypso association. The CMC is run by well-known SLP operatives who have been instrumental in writing some of the most disgusting anti-government songs in the last two years.

Compare that to pre-2016 when the SLP government, through the Creative Industries mechanism, gave grants to calypsonians to record progovernment songs and “nice” well-hunted calypsos. Pun intended.

Why, then, did Allen Chastanet retain the redtainted CMC and pump money into these failed calypso tent structures only to be dealt lyrical low blows? This year, through the CMC, all three tents were given financial support by the government, including the ones that are also sponsored and supported by the red brigade. For the second year in a row, too, you have not heard of calypsonians crying about unscrupulous tent leaders and managers not paying them on

time. However, such is their scorpion’s gratitude, they cannot resist stinging the hand that has best fed them. They hurl at him the worst possible insults in corny and badly composed songs, compositions with scant sense of creativity.

As Derek Walcott might’ve said, the songs I speak of could only be written by party hacks with minds incapable of metaphor, let alone an ability to produce a funny “double entendre”— which is the very heart of a good calypso.

Last year all players for carnival, including calypsonians, were rewarded with their prizes mere weeks after the event.

Again another first in Saint Lucia. Among them was SLP politician and Calypso king the Mighty Pep. This week the red bugs took over Fakebook, disappointed that the braying had not destabilized what is set to be another great carnival season. The focus now was on a female caller to a talk-show, presumably in tears as she denounced Guy Joseph and Allen Chastanet.

What was instructive was that the host, who has in the past declared his undying love for

Dr. Kenny Anthony, allowed the caller to say this government had taken carnival events, placed them in hotels, and in effect was preventing the “malaway” from making a dollar. Always it’s de malaway!

But once again here are the facts. Under the red brigade, there was a move to host all major events at Beausejour in Gros Islet, far from the reach of the malaway masses. Among those championing that move was a red shareholder in one of the bands now attempting to reconnect to poor people in his constituency.

In 2017, under this government, Calypso finals, Panorama, King and Queen of the bands, Groovy and Power Soca competitions, were all brought back to the city and the same will obtain this year.

The only event which has taken place at a hotel was last Saturday’s National Carnival Queen Pageant. Interestingly, all of my investigations have revealed that the planning committee of the Carnival Pageant comprised mainly individuals in red spandex. But more on that show, which many say was “fixed”, in another

article. The shift of the events to the city has resulted in praise from all stakeholders. Vendors, service providers and patrons have also expressed their support. Additionally, the government has refocused its efforts on improving the community carnivals which saw greater participation in 2017 and the trend is already showing signs of continuing this year. These activities have come more than a STEP closer to delivering real economic benefits to artistes, DJs, designers, vendors, shop owners and other service providers in these communities.

My one disappointment in all of this, though, is that steelpan remains woefully underfunded and underutilized and is another great avenue where the creative energies of our young people can be channeled more effectively.

Still, the calypsonians and their backers have declared the current prime minister their number one enemy. Alas, all the braying in the world cannot turn truth into lies. The man knew what he was talking about when he said the truth will always win in the end!

THE STAR

LOCAL 21

www.stluciastar.com

july 07, 2018

Sargassum seawed overloadChance for Discovery and Preparation June 2018 has been the top month in the last decade for Sargassum blooming, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing

By David Venn

D

enver Fanus has fished off the Micoud docks since he was a child. Over 20 years in the business, he has never been forced to take such measures as he must now to get his job done. So often has his boat been stuck in seaweed that he must now secure it far from the dock and swim to it every time he sets out to fish. Between a series of vibrant boats in the dreary ocean-seaweed hybrid, there is a white, tattered paddle-board floating stagnant, over six metres in to the water.

According to Denver, that’s as far out as he can go without submerging his entire lower body into the muddy concoction of seaweed and silt. The supplemental irritation and rashes caused by the sargassum seaweed are enough reason for him to have started lying down on his chest and paddle-boarding the rest of the way to his boat. Once he gets there, the deep-sea fisher clears up the seaweed surrounding his boat and heads out to the open water, where he says the situation is even worse. On his return, he must carry his catch on his head to shore.

The Sargasso Sea is the direct opposite of landlocked.

The spiralling whirlpool is bound by a number of currents, sealing the subtropical gyre to a mass of water in the Atlantic Ocean, far off the coasts of Caribbean islands and coastal America. It is inhabited by a variety of aquatic species, providing the essentials of life to turtles, endangered eels and more. Sargassum, the liberal, free-spirited seaweed that forms in the cyclonic sea, is a necessity for the lives of sea creatures and is vital to the ocean’s ecosystem—as natural organisms are. But much like anything else in life, an

Denver Fanus’ boat, tied off far from the shores of Micoud.

overbearing amount can cause problems.

This species of seaweed started washing up on the shores of the Caribbean in small doses prior to 2011 and soon became a trending topic thanks to its destructive invariables.

Although Sargassum acts as an all-encompassing administer for sea-life, too much of it can eventually smother its inhabitants, breed insects and emit a pungent odour. The harmful consequences that derive from the algae, affect tourism, fishing and the life of a family who just want to go to the damn beach on a Sunday afternoon. Especially if you are a family living in the south of the island.

The eastern coasts of Dennery, Praslin and Micoud are covered with seaweed.

Fishermen, like Denver, have come up with different ways of dealing with the problem—and you can pretty much forget about family outings to the beach. The government has also been involved with the clean-up process, due to the austerity.

The University of South Florida publishes satellite images from each year, starting in 2011,

during the months between January and June, showing a heat map of the areas covered by sargassum. This is otherwise known as the Satellite-based Sargassum Watch System (SaWS).

In late May and early June of this year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries Department and other community, ministry and collective stakeholders conducted meetings regarding the abundance of seaweed accumulating on the east coast. The severity of the seaweed this year—and specifically in June—forced them to take action.

In Praslin, Cleus Emmanuel and his co-worker were contracted by the Ministry to clear up the seaweed at the local beach. An excavator is controlled by one of the men, scooping up sand, dirt and seaweed and placing it all into large piles on land. Once the pile is big enough, they load it into a dump truck and fill it all the way to the brim. Cleus says that in one beach cleaning, they can fill over 20 loads with the filth.

Still, the Fisheries

Department does not have a sustainable plan for the clean up process. Communications Officer Yvonne Edwin says that “because of the extent [of the problem], there was an action plan,” and that the ministry has no designated or assigned funding for the project, long term. However, a press release statement from the Ministry, says that “government has made available resources to finance the implementation of a Sargassum Seaweed Management Plan.” Details regarding the longevity of this plan are unclear. For now, farmers around the region have been graciously accepting the seaweed as fertilizer for their crops. Emmanuel says lots of the seaweed gets put to use, and the rest of it gets dumped.

This however, has been going on for years.

About ten years ago, Cavendish Atwell, a Barbadian entrepreneur, started preparing sargassum as fertilizer and sold it in local stores. Atwell, who is nearing 90 years old, has since stopped production, saying that it’s become too much of a hassle and should be left to a larger company or the

government, to excavate and upcycle the seaweed.

“We should be exporting [sargassum] as fertilizer,” says Atwell. “I know it makes a very, very good fertilizer.”

Well, Saint Lucian entrepreneur Johanan Dujon must’ve heard Atwell’s message because, in 2014, he founded Algas Organics—a company that collects and reproduces sargassum seaweed as fertilizer, selling it across the Caribbean and other parts of North America. The company is the Caribbean's first biotech company whose “focus is the development of environmentally-friendly agricultural inputs”, according to its website.

Dujon says that currently Algas Organics is picking up about 30 tonnes each month but, by the year’s end, that number will jump to 300 tonnes per month. He says that Algas is helping put “a serious dent in what is arriving in Saint Lucia”. This may be a viable and potential proposition for Saint Lucia and the rest of the islands in the Caribbean. But Dujon says that these efforts alone cannot clear up all the sargassum.

“Our interest is the incoming material, which we are ready to collect so that it doesn’t pile up again,” Dujon says, regarding the collection process. Which, in turn, means that the government’s job of gathering the seaweed, in addition to Algas Organics’ efforts, can clear up an extremely large portion of the blooming sargassum. But only if the Ministry is able to find appropriate funding for the long-term.

According to University of South Florida’s professor of optical oceanography, Chuanmin Hu, this is exactly what needs to be conducted by countries affected by sargassum. Hu says that attempting to find a solution to the mass blooming that occurs every year is not the answer; it’s more about learning

to prepare and work with it.

“That’s just nature, just like a hurricane,” says Hu. “Can you solve a hurricane? Can you prevent a hurricane? No, there is no way. But you can better prepare for the hurricanes.”

Hu says that this isn’t just some cheap trend. The sargassum is most likely here to stay for the foreseeable future, that is, until scientists can figure out exactly why the seaweed is growing so quickly. “There is no answer,” Hu says. “Climate change, river discharge, temperature change, ocean circulation change; there is speculation, no evidence.”

This means that people who work in the fishing industry, like Denver, will have to learn how to cope with the seaweed and start to use it to their advantage. As Hu and Denver point out, the sargassum can be beneficial to fishers, as they are a hub for small fish and other sea life.

Hu offers potential suggestions for preventative and coping measures that can be used by fishermen to help mitigate damage done to their businesses. He proposes that real-time satellite images can help predict and find patches of seaweed in order to better prepare for the incoming blooms. He also proposes speculation about the possibility of using the seaweed for biofuel in the future. Why rule anything out at this point?

For now, sargassum is still quite the mystery, but there are already measures and solutions in place that have been proven to work to a certain extent. These preparations and solutions need to be made sustainable and practically feasible.

Because although sargassum is labelled and recognized as a hassle, it contains potential benefits and is predicted to continue washing up on Caribbean shores for years to come.

22 LOCAL

july 07, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

New Restaurant Opens in Rodney Bay Marina

Casual dining with a twist C

rave Restaurant and Bar had its opening ceremony and launch party on Wednesday night, at Rodney Bay Marina. Guests were greeted at the door and shown to the backyard of the restaurant where they were served the establishment’s welcoming drink, the Chairman’s Craving. The attractive and accommodating front-of-house staff made trips around the exterior serving dishes from the appetizer menu; buffalo wings, mango honey sauce wings, chicken satay in peanut sauce, fish cakes with lemon mayo and a few other platters were brought around with inviting smiles from the Crave staff.

Midway through the night, Dinesh Daswani, manager at Crave, announced that he wants to give Saint Lucians “something they can embrace, something they can call their own, something that they can be proud of”. Daswani revealed that Crave was born of the idea of providing exceptional service to patrons, while still maintaining a fun, bustling atmosphere. Between the interior and exterior designs, that idea has been brought to life. The tables inside the restaurant feature rolled napkins, multicourse cutlery and a bottle of wine; outside there is a pool and a DJ to guarantee a spirited and energetic environment.

Crave Restaurant features “world cuisine”.

The menu is comprised of international dishes and standards “with a local flair”.

Although this was the official opening of the restaurant at the Rodney Bay Marina, Daswani spoke about already searching for a new home in Rodney Bay. He says Crave is always looking to bring more to the table and deliver something better. With that in mind, come September, Crave will move to another location.

Crave will open to the public on Wednesday July 18, at the conclusion of the carnival season for walk-ins and reservations.

—DV

SRDF Announces Modification at the Sulphur Springs

F

or the past few months, the Sulphur Springs Park has been on the receiving end of vandalism and theft. In an effort to mitigate these activities, the Soufriere Regional Development Foundation, (SRDF) has decided to curtail its services by shutting access to the black water pool at 8:00pm, after normal operations, effective immediately.

The SRDF also wishes to inform the public that the opening hours for entry into the park will be extended. The date and time will be announced in a subsequent correspondence.

The organisation would like to thank all for their continued patronage.

THE STAR

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july 07, 2018

23

Government Soufriere Hospital Announces Plans for to reopen in August the Health Sector T he month of August has been earmarked for the full reopening of the Soufriere Hospital following the forced closure by the recent fires at the facility.

The Soufriere Hospital was officially handed over to the Ministry of Health and Wellness one month ago following the second major fire at the facility, on December 2, 2017, which damaged a small section of the hospital.

Assistant Principal Nursing Officer, Tecla Jn Baptiste noted the effect the disruption in services has had on clients from Soufriere and environs.

Primary healthcare services were relocated to St. Isidore’s Hall while urgent care services moved to the Etangs Wellness Centre. She was happy, however, to relay some positive news.

“Presently rehabilitative

Joshua St. Aimee

O

n Wednesday evening Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, along with health and economic affairs ministers Mary Isaac and Guy Joseph, addressed the nation on the health sector—with emphasis on the immediate future of the Owen King-EU and St. Jude Hospitals. The 90-minute televised discussion began with the prime minister revisiting the histories of the two facilities. He said a commissioned study had revealed it would require $100 million to complete St. Jude. Moreover, equipment worth millions of dollars was purchased by the previous administration, and kept in containers. As time elapsed, so did the warranties on the equipment—which now has to be repurchased. “If anybody cared”, the PM observed, “the equipment could easily have been transferred to health-care centres, Victoria Hospital or the OKEU. Or they could have given it to Tapion Hospital. Even if they sold it or gave it for free.

At least it would have gone to the benefit of Saint Lucians. But that didn’t happen.”

Referring directly to the half-completed, controversial St. Jude structure, the prime minister said: “Here is the direction we’re going to go in. We’re going to build a new wing and it’s going to take us approximately 18 months. Once we’ve moved into the new facility, the staff at the George Odlum Stadium will be moved in there.” He stated several sources of funding for this construction project had already been established, including a $10 million dollar loan from the Taiwanese.

As for the circumstances at the makeshift George Odlum Stadium, Guy Joseph said repair works are on-going.

The total cost so far stands at $1.5 million. “The major component of the work has to do with taking down the roof of

works are being undertaken in preparation to restore services at the hospital. A cleaning company has been contracted to provide deep cleaning services and to ensure that all debris is removed. Electrical works and retro-fitting are also happening simultaneously, all to ensure that the hospital is in a state of readiness to return services to our valued clients.”

Officer in charge of the Soufriere Hospital, Alicia Alexander said clients within Soufriere and environs will soon see the return of maternal, women and child healthcare services, medical clinics and pharmacy services at the hospital. She thanked the clients for their patience and understanding over the past months.

“By extension, the department also wishes to

thank the parish of Soufriere for allowing access to the St. Isidore’s Hall, allowing primary healthcare services to continue.”

The scheduled time-frame and scope of the project was explained by Monty Emmanuel, Engineer with the Ministry of Health and Wellness: “The works are currently being done in two phases. We’re doing the Primary Health Care phase of the works first. Were projecting a month for completion of the PHC phase and return the services from St. Isidore’s Hall back to that section and the works will continue for maybe another month and a half for the remainder of the facility. So, by the end of August, all services should be back at the Soufriere Hospital.”

Both staff and clients of the Soufriere Hospital keenly anticipate the reopening of this facility.

Prime Minister Allen Castanet addressing the nation this week on the so-called healthcare crisis.

the stadium, which is posing a threat to staff and patients.”

The stadium’s near dysfunctional sewerage, which has been a serious problem for some six years, by the minister’s account, will also be receiving remedial attention.

As for the OKEU hospital, the prime minister declared its operation as a joint venture would be in the best interests of the country. He said the intention was to make the dream of affordable quality healthcare a reality. It must’ve come as a surprise to the PM’s audience when he declared how happy he was “to hear the St. Lucia Medical & Dental Association announce its support for medical insurance”.

The prime minister said plans are still in the works for national insurance, and that the government was in receipt of proposals from insurance companies he did not identify.

Moreover, that details will be available by the end of 2018.

By the end of 2019, the prime minister promised, “all Saint Lucians should be insured”.

Earlier concerns had been

expressed about the transition of Victoria Hospital personnel to the OKEU. The prime minister sought to put related fears to rest. “No one will lose his or her job,” he said. VH employees will be interviewed for available jobs. Those accepted will be required to retire from the public service, and be paid whatever amounts due. They will then enter into new contracts with the Millennium Heights Complex.

As for those who may not wish to make this particular transition, the prime minister said it would be the responsibility of the government to find them jobs elsewhere.

For her part, the health minister expressed full support of the statements by the prime minister. She also disclosed that VH will be transformed into a polyclinic.

In closing, the prime minister reminded viewers that required improvements to the island’s healthcare system “cannot happen overnight. There is no magic wand. And there will be some tough decisions that must be made!”

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) The 54th Annual General Meeting of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) is set to convene on Friday, July 20th, 2018 at the Harbor Club Resort at 9:00 am under the theme, People, Passion, Purpose and Linkages; The Pathway to a Resilient Future.

The Association believes that the chosen theme speaks to many topics as you would agree currently being debated and implemented regarding the development of the Tourism product, the linkage between of other key Industries, human resource development and society.

Members are reminded that: “Copies of all Resolutions that members intend to propose must be sent to the Association no less than seven (7) business days before the date of the meeting at which the same are to be proposed and considered.”

Only members whose SLHTA’s membership dues are current will be eligible to attend the Annual General Meeting. Please contact the SLHTA at 452-5978/ 453-1811 or slhta@slhta.com to complete the requisite event registration form to confirm your attendance by July 16thth, 2017.

Sponsors

24 LOCAL

july 07, 2018 THE STAR

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Sandals Opens Outgoing CHTA President its Doors to an Hailed for Contribution Additional 120 F Team Members 1,500 Saint Lucians from all across the country recently responded to a call by Sandals to fill a number of vacancies in its work force.

Persons were interviewed for a number of positions including Club Sandals, Front Office; Weddings; Sales; Stewarding; Kitchen; Dining Room; Watersports; Photoshop; the Spa; Entertainment; Landscaping; Resort Shop and Housekeeping.

Of the 1,500 applications received, 352 were shortlisted for interviews and 120 were finally selected for full-time employment as Sandals team members.

Those not immediately selected to commence work at the various resorts onisland can expect to become participants in the Sandals Hospitality Training Programme, and still others will be contacted for future employment as opportunities arise.

These 120 team members have just completed a rigorous Sandals orientation, a process that is essential to teach them about the company history and, among other key elements, to familiarize them with company policy and procedures; company mission and vision and guest engagement strategies.

Patra Julian, newly rehired as a Playmaker in the Entertainment Department at Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort was present at Wednesday’s orientation and had this to say: “I was unemployed for the last six months or so and, of course, I needed to find a job. Because I had worked at Sandals before, it was easy for me to think of going back, especially now that the company has grown so much and there are many more benefits for the staff. I welcome this opportunity to be a part of the company again.”

Training Manager Maxine Pierre commented on the energy that the new team members have brought. She said, “They have joined the company at an opportune

Patra Julian, newly re-hired as a Playmaker in the Entertainment Department at Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort.

moment, just as Sandals has introduced the new 5-day work week for all employees.”

Regional Public Relations Manager Sunil Ramdeen said the company was heartened by the response from the Saint Lucian public: “It shows that Sandals is still very much a place that people want to work. The fact is, we remain the premium brand in the Caribbean, and the opportunities we offer for development through our Sandals Corporate University are very much desired by people seeking employment.”

He had some encouraging words for those not selected this time around: “We have broken ground on our fourth hotel and soon we will be hiring persons during the construction phase. Once completed, we will have in the region of 900 full-time jobs available. We thank those who have applied, and we look forward to being able to welcome you to our Sandals family at some time in the future.”

rank Comito, CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), lauded the leadership of outgoing CHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy of Saint Lucia for her protection and promotion of the Caribbean brand and also for her personal and corporate support of destinations that were severely impacted by last year’s twin storms.

Speaking ahead of the official opening of Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) at the Hyatt Regency Miami, Comito described Troubetzkoy’s presidency as “pervasive and powerful”—from addressing the Zika epidemic, immediately upon taking the reins of the organisation, to helping Caribbean people put their lives back together after Hurricanes Irma and Maria ripped communities apart.

“Looking back at the many successful rehabilitation and recovery initiatives, it is important to remember the selfless and untiring efforts of Karolin Troubetzkoy who has been a bold champion of our brand and our people,” Comito reflected.

Highlighting Troubetzkoy’s role in the launch of the “One Caribbean Family” initiative, which united hotels and businesses to do good, he added the initiative also underscored the fact that more than 70 per cent of Caribbean destinations were not affected by the storms and were ready to welcome visitors so they, in turn, could help affected neighbouring islands and their people.

“Those of us who are open for business are going to benefit from business that was meant for other islands . . . so we should try to give back,” Troubetzkoy implored last year, encouraging fellow hoteliers to support the Caribbean Tourism Recovery Fund, borne of the “One Caribbean Family” campaign.

The Recovery Fund, administered by the Tourism Cares organisation, a nonprofit supported by the world’s leading tourism companies and organisations, was created to propel long-term recovery and strengthen the ability of impacted destinations to rebound as quickly as possible.

CHTA members and tourism partners within and without the region supported the fund, which raised more than a quarter of a million US dollars, Comito reported.

Programmes focused on training and education, restoring destination capacity, physical restoration of tourismrelated infrastructure, social enterprise development, job creation, hotel training, voluntourism and the environment.

“It is especially humbling to be

Saint Lucia’s Karolin Troubetzkoy has been praised for her “pervasive and powerful” leadership of the CHTA.

handed the reins by Karolin Troubetzkoy, an icon of our profession,” said Patricia Affonso Dass, incoming CHTA President. “Karolin went way beyond the call of duty, when she graciously agreed to start her tenure several months earlier—a wonderful bonus to have more of her bold approaches and her diplomatic clout enhancing our work. Her leadership and tireless work to support relief and recovery efforts comforted many. She led the charge in telling the world and our travel partners that much of the region was ‘open for business’ for which many in our region should be eternally grateful.”

---Caribbean 360

Saint Lucia Announces its new Luxury Destination Status

T

he Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is pleased to announce the island’s acceptance into Virtuoso®’s exclusive portfolio of preferred destinations.

Through the partnership with Virtuoso, the SLTA will have access to Virtuoso’s marketing channels that effectively target affluent consumers with a high propensity to travel. As a preferred partner, the SLTA will also have access to the Virtuoso sales force of skilled and influential travel advisors who can drive sales to the destination.

Speaking on the value of the partnership, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority

Chief Marketing Officer Tiffany Howard stated, “The designation of Preferred Destination for Virtuoso is an indication of being amongst the world’s best. Virtuoso prides itself on ensuring that this preferred designation is only given to select destinations, such as Saint Lucia, that offer exceptional accommodations, extraordinary experiences, many fine dining choices, and so much more. We are well matched with the service, quality and luxury expected when working with a Virtuoso luxury agent, and our destination intends to continuously exceed their expectations. Virtuoso and Saint Lucia are the perfect match.”

The partnership strategically places the destination within the Virtuoso network which is likely to grow sales to the destination.

This will be achieved through a combination of high impact advertising placements in Virtuoso publications, email marketing opportunities and by maintaining a high level of engagement with top luxury advisors, as well as attending Virtuoso trade events.

This year, for the first time, Saint Lucia will participate in Virtuoso Travel Week 2018 – Insider Access to Luxury Travel from August 11-17 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Virtuoso Travel Week is considered the ultimate annual

global travel community event, exclusive to the Virtuoso network. It focuses on the evolving marketplace conversation between Virtuoso advisors, their clients, and preferred suppliers, with advisors making a “buying trip” on behalf of their clientele.

The high-intensity week features hundreds of thousands of hours of networking among member agencies and preferred partner attendees, extensive professional development opportunities, and a celebration of Virtuoso, the world’s top luxury travel network.

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

JUly 07, 2018

CAACM CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS THE POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES FROM BUSINESS DISRUPTORS

CAACM hosted a successful conference in Barbados last week.

T

he Caribbean Association of Audit Committee Members Inc (CAACM) successfully completed its 12th Conference and Annual General Meeting held, in Barbados June 28-29. As a primary objective, the CAACM conference provides a forum that enables members to solve their common challenges through education, sharing and networking.

The conference, held under the theme ‘Leading Today: Harnessing the Power of Disruption’, brought together a number of audit committee professionals from various industries in the Caribbean.

The chairperson, Mrs. Melissa Simon, in her welcome remarks, reminded participants that Audit Committees are widely regarded as trusted advisors to the Boards they serve. Consequently, auditors must continue to demonstrate agile leadership, integrity and professionalism in the execution of their duties in order to make a difference in their organisation.

The keynote speaker, Hon. Marsha Caddle, Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs & Investment, speaking

on the topic ‘Overseeing the Development of the Corporate Strategy in an increasingly volatile World Economy’, identified several areas of focus for her government. These included de-risking, a simplified tax system, CSME, education and human development.

According to the Minister, “We need a system of education which will prepare people for the world of the future.” She emphasised the importance of good corporate governance and its resultant impact on a country as well as the organisation.

The Minister highlighted the importance of integrity, accountability and controls; not just in the corporate sector but all state businesses.

The second day comprised workshops covering the topics ‘Minimising Disruptions from Fraud – Understanding the Fraudster’ and ‘Cyber Resilience’. The workshops provided the participants with insights into Cyber Fraud and the number one cyber threat: Social Engineering. Participants were also provided with a framework to map, monitor and mitigate the risks.

Other key topics passionately discussed during

the two-day conference included: Business Disruptors; IFRS9 Readiness Gauge; Getting Board and Committee Composition Right – Keeping It Diverse; Hiring for Today’s Environment: Leadership for Disruptive Times; and Harnessing Potential Opportunities from Emerging Technologies (Blockchain/ Bitcoin).

The conference ended with a motivational talk on harnessing the power of disruption.

The Caribbean Association of Audit Committee Members Inc. is a community of audit committee members in the Caribbean/ CARICOM region. Its ultimate objective is to improve the investment environment in the Caribbean, by increasing the level of confidence of investors in the integrity of financial reporting and investor information.

CAACM provides an invaluable platform for audit committee members to exchange ideas and expertise on matters of common interest including the resolution of policy issues related to the evolution of standards and practices.

REGIONAL

25

26 international

july 07, 2018 THE STAR

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Why Apple Investors Fear FIFA warns Croatia’s Subasic for Tribute to Dead Friend a Trade War With China

A

pple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) stock is down nearly 4 percent in the past month as President Donald Trump has elevated his trade war with China, one of Apple's largest customers. About 20 percent of Apple's revenue comes from China, but analysts say investors should maintain a long-term perspective when it comes to the trade war.

The U.S. and China exchanged new sets of tariffs on $34 billion worth of each other's goods on Friday morning, and it seems as though there's no end in sight to the escalating trade war.

China has been Apple's largest revenue growth source in recent years, and Apple shipped more than 41 million iPhones to China and logged $44.7 billion in Greater China sales in 2017.

Some experts now believe that China's next shot at the U.S. could be to encourage antiAmerican sentiment and order boycotts of American products, such as the iPhone. Last year,

China took a similar approach to South Korean company Lotte Group, which ultimately closed dozens of stores in China.

However, analysts say long-term Apple investors should mostly ignore any near-term trade war volatility.

While Apple's near-term growth prospects in China may be at risk, Loop Capital Markets analyst Ananda Baruah says Apple Services could pick up the slack. Apple Services revenue has grown by greater than 30 percent in two of the past three quarters.

"We believe this momentum is structural as an important catalyst has been AAPL spending incremental time at the country level understanding and attending to what individual country regulatory dynamics to adoption are," Baruah says.

He says Apple Services growth has been welldiversified geographically, suggesting China is a relatively small piece of the puzzle.

"Strength has been broad across the App Store, Apple Pay, Apple Music, iCloud, etc., as well as geographies, with no geography accounting for [more than] 25 percent of revenue," Baruah says.

GBH Insights head of technology research Daniel Ives says Apple, China and iPhone assembler Foxconn have a symbiotic relationship that China may be unwilling to disturb.

"Given the tightly woven integration between Apple and Foxconn in China, we believe there is minimal risk to this relationship, cost increases, and backlash to Apple selling its iPhone devices within China," Ives says.

Loop Capital Markets has a "buy" rating and $210 price target for Apple. GBH Insights has a "highly attractive" rating and $200 target for AAPL stock.

---U.S. News & World Report

FUEL SURCHARGE COST ADJUSTMENT Applied to Bills for July 2018

The fuel surcharge cost adjustment is the cost of fuel at the current price less the average cost of fuel in the twelve months preceeding 1st January, 2018 (the base price) divided by the total number of kwhs sold.

Current price of fuel EC$ 7.3019 / gallon

Average price for 2017 EC$ 6.2342 / gallon

Amount of fuel used (June 2018) 1,725,737 gallons

Cost of 1,725,737 gallons at EC$ 7.3019 per gallon EC$ 12,601,159

Cost of 1,725,737 gallons at EC$6.2342 per gallon EC$ 10,758,590

Current cost of fuel less cost at base price EC$ 1,842,569

Electricity Sales (June 2018) 31,128,908 units 1,842,569 Fuel Surcharge Cost Adjustment: ----------------- x 100 5.9 cents / unit 31,128,908 2018 Tariff FSCA Cost Rates per Electrical Unit EC$ EC$ EC$ Domestic 1-180 0.680 0.059 0.739 >180 0.730 0.059 0.789

Commercial/Hotel/Industrial Low Tension all units 0.830 0.059 0.889

High Tension all units 0.790 0.059 0.849

Streetlighting all units 0.825 0.059 0.884

The Tariff Rate and the FSCA are computed in accordance with the Electricity Supply Act No. 10 of 1994, as amended

by Act Nos. 12 and 13 of 2006. Note that since the average fuel price in June 2018 is greater than the average fuel price for 2017, there is a Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA).

Ian Peter Chief Financial Officer

C

roatia goalkeeper Danijel Subasic was issued a warning by FIFA after his team's World Cup victory over Denmark for revealing a T-shirt with a message honouring a former teammate who died a decade ago from injuries suffered during a match.

Subasic, 33, saved three penalties in Sunday's roundof-16 shootout win in Nizhny Novgorod, and afterward showed the tribute to close friend Hrvoje Custic, who died in 2008 after being injured during a game falling into a concrete wall near the sideline of a field.

"A warning has been issued for such violation as

well as for the infringement of the FIFA Equipment Regulations due to the display of a personal message by the player Danijel Subasic after the end of the said match," FIFA said in a statement released on Thursday.

Subasic's tribute to Custic, his former teammate at hometown club Zadar, came after a win that booked Croatia a quarter-final place against hosts Russia in Sochi on Saturday.

At a news conference at Croatia's team base in Sochi on Tuesday, AS Monaco FC goalkeeper Subasic broke down in tears when asked about his friend. "What happened to him, you know the story. I don't

think from my side there is need for extra explanation on that question."

Croatia defender Domagoj Vida, also attending the news conference, comforted his teammate and added: "He has a great positive energy about him, and he's always showing his emotion, including today."

FIFA said in the same statement on Thursday that it had fined Croatia's football federation 70,000 Swiss francs ($70,500) for an ambush marketing incident by players during the game -- a seven-fold increase on the fine FIFA imposed on Russian football's governing body for a fan's neo-Nazi banner at a match.

---ESPN

'Trump Baby' Balloon gets Green Light from London Mayor A

giant 'Trump Baby' balloon is set to be flown close to the UK Parliament during US President Donald Trump's visit to London next week after the Mayor of London gave the go-ahead, it was announced Thursday.

Protests are expected across London when Trump arrives for his threeday visit to the UK next Friday, with the 6-meter-high (or 19 feet) orange balloon poised to take centre stage.

The request for the balloon to fly was approved by Mayor Sadiq Khan after over 10,000 people signed a petition and a thousand people contributed ÂŁ16,000 to a crowdfunding campaign.

The balloon will fly for two hours on the morning of Friday, July 13, at the same time as the "Stop Trump" march in central London.

A spokesperson for the Mayor said: "The Mayor supports the right to peaceful protest and understands that this can take many different forms. His city operations team have met with the organisers and have given them permission to use Parliament Square Garden as a grounding point for the blimp,"

His representative added,"However, the organisers will also need to receive the necessary approvals from the Metropolitan Police and National Air Traffic Service in order for it to fly.

"Sadiq's main priority is the safety of all Londoners and visitors to our city and, as always, we are working in very close co-ordination with the Metropolitan

Over 10,000 people have signed a petition in support of the balloon.

Police and other key agencies to ensure all protests are carried out safely and securely."

The giant balloon will be tethered to the ground in Parliament Square Gardens and won't be able to float higher than 30 meters (or 98 feet).

The presence of the balloon may exacerbate tensions between Khan and Trump, who have been embroiled in several Twitter spats.

Khan has been outspoken in his opposition to Trump's visit. He criticized the US president over his tweets following the terror attacks in London last year.

---CNN

THE STAR

CLASSIFIED 27

www.stluciastar.com

july 07, 2018

Selling a house? Have an apartment to rent?

Want your car sold?

ADVERTISE IT!!

VACANCY

SALES REPRESENTATIVE TRADEVIN LIMITED HEALTH CARE DISTRIBUTION COMPANY INVITES APPLICATION WITH RESUME FROM SUITABLE CANDIDATES.

Get great results with a STAR Classified Ad Call the advertising department

Tel: 450-7827 or Fax at 450-8690

• BUSINESS GRADURATE OR MINIMUM “A” LEVEL WITH (COMPUTER LITERACY) • SALES EXPERIENCE WITH REFERRAL WILL BE PREFERRED ALL APPLICATIONS ALONG WITH RESUME AND RECENT PHOTO TO BE SENT TO tvinmedicals@gmail.com BEFORE AUGUST 31ST 2018

FOR RENT 2 Bedrooms one bath fully furnished house with laundry room downstairs and storage situated in Phase one, Beausejour, Gros Islet.

Lovely view of the stadium. $2,000.00 water included

Call: 520-1444

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Vacancy

PROPERTY FOR SALE

FOR SALE

Silver Honda CRV, 1996 model good condition.

A manufacturing Company in the south of the island requires an export

Property for sale in Soufriere 2600 Sq ft.

4-Bedroom, 1 bath, laundry/ utility extension. Great location close proximity to all available amenities.

Potential for commercial use

2012 Kia Sorrento CRDI 2.2 Turbo AWD, Leather interior, Automatic/ Sport 6 speed

Best price! Best offer!

Please call Mobile: 730 1844 or 720 5046 For viewing

Vacancy

Information Technology Programmers The Accountant General’s Department, Government of Saint Lucia is seeking the services of contract programmers for a one-year initial engagement.

Qualification and Experience Requirements: • BSc in Computer Science or equivalent • Two (2) years programming experience • Knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) would be an asset • Knowledge of the SmartStream Financial Management Information System (FMIS) desirable but not required Further details on this opportunity can be found online at: http://www.govt.lc/jobs/ information-technology-programmer Applications with Curriculum Vitae should be submitted to: The Accountant General Accountant General’s Department Dayana Center Cnr. Jeremie & Bridge Street, Castries, Saint Lucia Fax Number: (758) 451-8737 E-mail: itprogrammer@govt.lc Deadline for receipt of applications is July 16, 2018.

sales Manager.

Please send applications to:

Vacancy P.O Box 398 Vieux – Fort St. Lucia The deadline for submission is 15th July 2018.

Maintenance Manager Buckeye Partners, L.P. is seeking a Maintenance Manager to join our growing team in St. Lucia.

Role Summary: The Maintenance Manager is responsible for managing the Maintenance, HSSE and Technical Services while ensuring that the facilities are maintained in accordance with Company standards. Manages and assists with capital projects including expansions, updates, etc., liaises with customers on technical and/or engineering matters; manages terminal utilities.

Position Requirements: • Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in engineering, business or other related discipline required.

• 8+ years related pipeline and/or terminal experience required; experience in marine operations preferred.

• 8+ years people management experience required.

• 8+ years experience in pipeline, terminal or plant operations is required.

• Significant mechanical and technical troubleshooting experienced is required.

Apply online at

www.buckeye.com/careers Requisition # 18-0203

Serious buyers/ enquirers only

Call: 519-0590

For Sale 2013 Ford Ranger Limited 3.2, Automatic 6 speed Leather interior

Call:

286 6190

Call: 519-0590

Online Classifieds

Selling a house?

Have an apartment to rent?

Want your car sold?

Get maximum exposure for your dollar.

Place your classified ads in the STAR Newspaper and on our website: www.stluciastar.com Call the STAR at 450-7827 and ask for our sales department

ADVERTISE IT!!

Get great results with a STAR Classified Ad Call the advertising department

Tel:

450-7827 or

Fax at 450-8690

SATURDAY, JUly 07, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

$2.00

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Health Minister Mary Isaac and the minister for economic affairs Guy Joseph. Was the lady minister concentrating on the evening’s hot topic or was she just giving her eyes a rest at the end of hard day’s night?

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