Fake News Plus Fake Anger Equals Real Trouble!

E-reader

www. Pressreader.com

The Star (St.Lucia)

SATURDAY, september 08, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

$2.00 Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and opposition leader Philip J. Pierre get up close and personal during Bill Clinton’s most recent visit to St. Lucia.

Fake News Plus Fake Anger Equals

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

info@stluciastar.com

02 LOCAL

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.

United What?

By Michael Walker

I

am so annoyed and weary, tired out by the perfidy of the United Nations. Here’s why, partly at least: Let’s go as far back as the beginnings – almost. On December 12, 1948, South Korea was officially recognized by the UN General Assembly, after which that country participated in the General Assembly as an observer until 1991. Weirdly, during this period, in 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, and the Korean War commenced. This war continues up to today with no peace treaty.

Even more weirdly, after Mainland China robbed Taiwan in 1971 of the Chinese seat, the warmongering North Korea gained observer status at the UN. Strangely enough, while North Korea has never held a seat on the UN Security Council, South Korea has twice been elected to a non-permanent seat of this body. Weirdest of all, the Republic of Korea, which is commonly known as South Korea, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which is commonly known as North Korea, were simultaneously admitted to the United Nations in 1991, giving two countries hell-bent on their mutual destruction places in the United Nations. Being at war with each other is a weird sort of ‘Unity’. And mega-weirdest of all, since 2005, the UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution every year to condemn the human rights situation in North Korea despite that said nation being a member of the organisation.

So, two nations at war with each other are welcomed simultaneously to the United Nations; it makes you wonder what the word ‘united’ means—joined in war? This is just one example of the shifting principles of the United Nations.

Here’s another: In October 1974 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 3210, which recognized the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as representing the Palestinian people and gave the PLO observer status at the UN—a move opposed by Israel, the United States, Bolivia and the Dominican Republic. An Arab summit conference later in October that same year proclaimed the PLO as the legitimate spokesman for the Palestinian people. On November 13, Yasser Arafat spoke to the United Nations General Assembly. In his speech he justified the violent attacks on Israel on the grounds that he had been fighting an invasion and colonialism and that the Palestinian people had "lost faith in the international community”. Arafat never explained, of course, why the PLO was busy hijacking and blowing up planes full of

september 08, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

innocent non-Israeli passengers. With Arafat at the United Nations was his colleague Ali Hassan Salemeh, one of the killers at the Munich Olympics where the PLO massacred Israeli athletes. Israel's intelligence service, Mossad, was even then tracking down the Munich killer and later assassinated him in 1979.

So, the United Nations opened its doors to an organisation without a country, and welcomed its murderous, international criminal terrorist leaders with open arms. On November 22, the General Assembly passed Resolution 3236, which spoke of the rights of Palestinians to self-determination, national independence and sovereignty. That same day four Palestinian terrorists hijacked a British airliner and flew it Libya, then to Tunis, demanding the release of Palestinian terrorists being held in Egypt and the Netherlands. They murdered a German passenger and injured two crew members. The Tunisian authorities handed the hijackers over to the PLO, who denied any links to the hijackers.

Black September, a Palestinian terrorist organisation, struck again in 1975, seizing six diplomats in Egypt's embassy in Spain.

In December in Vienna, Palestinian terrorists took over a conference of oil producers. They won $50million in exchange for 81 hostages.

The next year, seven members of the same terrorist group hijacked a French airliner flying from Tel Aviv to Paris. They diverted the flight to Entebbe Airport in Uganda. Two hundred Israeli commandos raided the airport, rescuing the airline passengers and killing the terrorists. Despite the terrorists of the PLO being the pariah of the world, the UN recognized the PLO as the "representative of the Palestinian people".

Now let’s turn to Taiwan. Taiwan has its own military, currency and immigration controls, and lives at peace with its neighbours, rendering aid whenever and wherever it can. Taiwan is the perfect candidate for UN membership. Despite this, the island of 23 million people cannot join the United Nations or observe the events of UN organisations. Taiwan, a founding member of the UN, was ousted when the world body bowed down before Mainland China. Taiwan has been unsuccessful in its attempts to rejoin the organisation—not even the World Health Assembly, the Climate Control Convention and the International Civil Aviation Organization— simply because China, a veto-power-wielding member of the Security Council, doesn’t want Taiwan in. It is more than sad that a peaceloving, democratic, well established nation is shunned by an organisation that uses expediency as a benchmark for membership.

Saint Lucian Killed in Strange Circumstances

A

family has been plunged into mourning following the horrific and untimely death of their kin, Botham Shem Jean, a Saint Lucian man who resided in Dallas, Texas. Reports indicate that 26-year-old Jean was in his apartment on September 6 when he was shot and killed by an off-duty female police officer.

Sgt. Warren Mitchell of the Dallas Police Department provided a statement on the matter: “Last night, just before 10 pm, a Dallas officer called police dispatch saying she had just been involved in a shooting. Preliminary information suggests that the officer was in full uniform and just finished working a full shift. She reported that when she came home she entered into the victim's apartment believing it was her own apartment. At some point, she pulled her weapon and shot the victim.”

Jean attended both the St. Mary’s College and the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. After graduating from the SALCC in 2010, he moved on to Harding University in Arkansas where he graduated in 2016. At the time of his demise he was on an internship at Price Waterhouse Cooper in Dallas.

Botham Jean, the son of Mrs. Allison Jean and Mr. Bertram Jean, was also the nephew of former national footballer Earl Jean and former parliamentarian Ignatius Jean.

Shocked by his passing, Earl Jean wrote in a social media post: “Never thought this day would come. I wanted to be there for you always my boy. How can this nasty world take you away from me?

This is the worst day of my life. Uncle loves you so much!”

In a related post, his mother said: “My son, I love you. You were taken away from us so senselessly. You loved God and mankind. You did no wrong. RIP my Bo.” -JSA

Saint Lucian Botham Jean was killed by a police officer while in his Dallas apartment on Thursday night.

Should there be a Fee for Cashing a Cheque?

L

ast week I went to the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) branch at Rodney Bay to cash a cheque. When I handed it to the teller he turned to his computer. I presumed he was checking whether the issuer had sufficient funds in his account. After a few minutes, without once making eye contact, he said I did not have an account at CIBC and therefore would have to pay ten dollars to get my cheque cashed. I later consulted a retired senior banker about my experience. He advised that if the writer of my cheque had a CIBC account with sufficient funds in, I should be paid in full; no questions asked. I was also assured that the Banking Act is against this practice that, to my mind, is close to bank robbery. Now, here’s a simple issue that can easily be taken up by our parliamentarians, especially those who find time to talk a lot of baloney and who do sweet f-all to stop the exploitation of our citizens!

---Peter Josie

THE STAR

september 08, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

LOCAL

03

Am I The One Who Is Out Of Tune?

I

grew up with the following truisms daily ringing in my ears: The truth shall set you free. Honesty is the best policy. Patience is a virtue. Add to that the regular warnings that I should never be disrespectful of our elders, regardless of their idiosyncrasies that often are laughable.

I understood “respect for your elders” to mean I should always offer them a helping hand as they got off a bus; I should keep my mouth shut whatever they might say to me; that they should always be addressed as “Mister" or "Miss". My parents still ask me, at 22, whether I prefaced a conversation with “Good morning” or “Good afternoon".

This week I gave up my airy, comfortable seat at the back of a bus so that four kids could sit together with their mother. Oh, but such misbehaved kids. The two boys and two girls were so noisy, our driver had to keep telling them to keep their hands inside the bus, never mind that their guardian was right there.

Halfway through the trip, the driver stopped to pick up an elderly gentleman. The poor man had such a hard time getting aboard that when finally he made it, he lacked the strength to get to the only available seat. At one point he slipped and a young girl, not older than four, let out the usual “Eeesalop!” The other three young passengers offered their own local cuss words, some laughing their heads off as if an old man

HEALTHCARE AND PARTY POLITICS DON'T MIX

By Dr. Andre R. L. Matthew

W

hen doctors put down their stethoscopes, fold and pack away their medical coats, the immediate casualties of their failure to report for duty are the people who need them most. Our sick men, women and children, asthmatics, epileptics, and babies dehydrated from gastroenteritis are further afflicted when their caregivers desert them.

No one can deny that St. Jude's Hospital, its staff and patients, are in need of urgent attention. The government must also listen to public pleas for improved dissemination of information on disquieting issues like the OKEU Hospital and National Health Insurance. Yet, these shortcomings do not justify the threat to abandon the sick; choosing instead to stay home while they are left to suffer alone.

The executive of the SLMDA must steadfastly reject all partisan pressures and requests for political favours. As physicians, our loyalty must always be, first and foremost, to our patients. Let us remember: "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other." Luke 16:13

falling were the funniest thing they’d ever seen. Even the mother with her little demons in the back seat could not contain herself!

Thank goodness for the Good Samaritan who restored my faith in today’s humanity. He got up and helped the old gentleman settle in his seat. A deathly silence followed. Was it brought on by embarrassment on the part of the mindless fellow passengers? Maybe a lesson was learned; I hope so, anyway.

However, I’m still wondering what it was about the scene just described that prompted one young girl to disturb the silence with her loud rendition of The Dennery Segment’s “Split In De Middle!”—accompanied by several of the subteen commuters!

---C.E

Children are told to respect their elders but nowadays some children choose to cuss them.

04 LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018 THE STAR

Are Some of our Sons and Daughters Doomed from Birth?

Keryn Nelson

M

itch (not his real name) is just nine years old and has lived in Saint Lucia all his life—a blessing, some might say, but also a curse, considering the island’s shortage of facilities that elsewhere are taken for granted. According to his father, Mitch’s mother is a heavy drinker, who was often seen smoking even as she breastfed him. Many are convinced Mitch’s mom’s drinking while pregnant is responsible for all that’s wrong with him.

As a baby Mitch shared living quarters with his mother and two-year-old brother.

Occasionally the boys would be dropped off at their father

Andy’s (not his real name) and picked up later by their mother.

When the boys were just two and four years old, she took them to their father’s and never returned for them. By Andy’s account, although he fought a long court battle to have the boys’ mother’s presence back into their lives, as it stands right now, “Human Services don’t even want her near the children because of her drinking problem.” Mitch and his older sibling have been guardianed mainly by their dad and grandaunt, at separate addresses.

When Mitch turned six, Andy started receiving “bad reports” from his son’s school. “He was touching people’s things, destroying other children’s belongings, sometimes even his own belongings. There are times when his mind would tell him to

It was generally agreed that everything possible would be done to give Mitch the help he needs. But on September 3, Andy received a call from the school informing him that his son had not been assigned a class and was sitting alone outside the principal’s office.

When Andy went to the school to find out what was going on, he was handed a letter dated July 2, from the Ministry of Education, informing him that “all the necessary medical treatment recommended [for Mitch] must be attended to during the 2018 summer vacation.” Moreover, that Mitch would be accepted at the school only if his guardians proved via a note from his physician that he was ready to resume classses.

When Andy sought an explanation from the education ministry as to why he had not received the letter earlier he was told the ministry had no They say stars must align for a child to grow and live contact for him. Andy says up to his or her full potential. But in this story of a young Saint Lucian boy with mental issues, that after Mitch was denied the future seems impenetrably dark! placement in the school, he made several attempts to meet the ministry’s requirements but do things and he’d do them. He transferred to another school was unable to meet with Mitch’s told me he started doing things for her convenience. At his physician at the Wellness that were wrong because new school, Mitch’s behaviour Centre. voices were telling him to further deteriorated. “He would The doctor at the Centre do the wrong things he was go through the other kids’ bags; had a different story: “He [Andy] doing.” he’d take their stuff. I even was supposed to take his

Andy says he would try heard he wrote a note in which son for check-ups during the to discipline his son. He would he referred to his teacher as a summer vacation but he never take away the boy’s toys, talk to bitch, then handed it to did.” The doctor explained that him, even beat him sometimes another student to pass to his when Andy came in search of when he thought that was teacher.” her on September 4 she was necessary.

Andy says Mitch was attending to another patient, so

When the boy was nearly suspended three times: for she sent out a nurse to speak eight he had to be taken sticking a pencil in another with him. “I could hear him to the National Wellness student’s face; for touching outside shouting that he wants Centre. Although Andy was a teacher and for threatening his letter,” the doctor recalled. uncomfortable with the idea, to shoot other students. Andy She said she expected Andy to he followed doctors’ orders explains: “They say he said he wait until she was free, at which and agreed for his son to be would take a gun to school to time she would have conducted put on special medication. shoot a child.” But Mitch told his the examination necessary “They said it would calm him father what he’d said was he’d before writing the letter down,” Andy recalled. Later, “take a crab to school and required by the education however, when he noticed his let it bite the other kid.” ministry. But since she was son was developing tics, he

Officials from Mitch’s unable to attend to Mitch the returned Mitch to the Centre. school, keeping in mind the moment he arrived at the Centre “The medication was too times we’re living in, are with his father, Andy left in a strong for him,” Andy said. The especially cautious about huff with his son. boy was taken off the suspect threats. After the boy’s last

There has not been medication and another was suspension Andy and Mitch’s another meeting since prescribed. grandaunt were invited to September 4, no words

When Mitch turned a meeting with the school exchanged between Andy and eight his grandaunt, who principal, Mitch’s teacher, Centre personnel. Meanwhile, a usually picked him and his a doctor from the Wellness disturbed and untreated Mitch older brother up after school, Centre, the district officer, and sits at home, unable to attend requested the boys be the chief education officer. school.

THE STAR

september 08, 2018

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

05

Teenaged Cousins Shot Dead!

Claudia Eleibox

A

s of last Saturday the death toll for 2018 stood at 27, with the fatal shootings of 19-year-old Callis Benjamin and 13-year-old Rohan Louison. The victims were blown away in their home community, Desrameaux.

Rohan, who was enjoying his new bicycle, was officially pronounced dead at Victoria Hospital but his mother had felt his pulse at the scene of the crime and knew the worst had occurred. Rohan was shot in the back of his head. Eyewitnesses told reporters Callis died grabbing his chest with tears running down his cheeks.

Assistant police commissioner Wayne Charlery, at a press conference on Monday, issued a public statement about the double homicide. One man was taken in for police questioning. It was also officially confirmed that an off-duty police officer was at the scene. In seven instances, while responding to additional questions from the media for five minutes, Charlery offered the usual comfort: “We are in the preliminary stages of the investigation; we will update you as we move along.” At press time the police had no updates.

The victims were first cousins—the sons of two

sisters.

Desrameaux residents claim Callis had been squabbling with three people in a car minutes before the shooting incident. His aunt told this reporter a woman had warned Callis he was alone arguing with three dangerous individuals and should “run for your life”. Others say the shooter came looking for someone else, but in his absence shot Callis on the spot.

Like thousands of other young Saint Lucians, Rohan was reportedly looking forward to the first day of his second academic year at Vide Bouteille Secondary School. His mother told reporters that Rohan could hardly wait to put on the new school shoes he anticipated would accessorize his school uniform.

At a press conference on Monday, ACP Charlery said: “Rohan should’ve been at school today preparing for his exams and preparing to participate in his sporting activities. That he was prevented in the way he was from doing this is heartwrenching.”

Callis’ mother said he had no reason to be involved in risky situations. But some of Callis’ old primary schoolmates recalled: “He was very smart.

He used to trouble me endlessly so I told the teacher. She told

Callis Benjamin (left) and Rohan Louison (right) were first cousins and died on the same day.

him he was allowed to talk to me just twice a day, and only to say good morning and goodbye at the beginning and end of the school day.”

The former classmate continued: “So you know

what he did? He made up an imaginary friend that lived in the ceiling and he named it after me. So during the class he would be talking to his friend in the ceilng and I couldn’t tell the teacher he was using my

name.”

A former teacher said: “He was troublesome. He couldn’t go to drop pencil shavings in a bin without poking somebody along the way.” She insisted Callis was never involved in any

serious problems; at least none she knew of.

Rohan’s funeral is expected to be held on the Gros Islet Playing Field on what would’ve been his 14th birthday. Details were not available at press time.

Pierre Claims Government Posts Fake News About Itself!

M

aybe because it seems only the opposition party stands to gain from recent online anti-government propaganda, many have automatically assumed the Labour Party was behind

the Victoria Hospital-related fake news. That the party has been busy promoting a protest demonstration, only strengthens the widespread suspicion.

Remarkably, the SLP has perhaps strategically chosen not to address the obvious

fake news. When this reporter reached out to opposition leader Philip J. Pierre, this was his reaction: “As leader of the SLP, I can say we know nothing about that [online] message.

In fact, I haven’t even seen it. I just heard people talking about

it.”

As for claims the party might be behind the VH story now proved false, Pierre said: “That’s the government’s habit. They leak their own documents and say is the SLP. But we can carry that cross.”

---Claudia Eleibox

House opposition leader Philip J. Pierre says the fake news about VH nurses may have come from government sources!

06 comment

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018 THE STAR

Is SLP Caught Between a Nasty Place and its own History?

The government must actively pursue the twisted minds behind the Facebook and social media falsehoods. The SLP has had much experience in muddying the political waters for its own gain!

cricket bat and ball, and heads home after he was run out. It is difficult to follow the studied conduct of the SLP since June hose who voted them 7, 2016 and not be thoroughly out of office at the last disgusted. Who gave these SLP general elections, and politicians the right to think they who continue to monitor the are superior to the rest of us? behaviour of the SLP, cannot

This pattern of arrogance help wondering about what and presumed superiority manner of men are these. They entered local politics only after seem to be caught between the electorate handed them their own past deceits and a 16-1 victory in1997.

That the hard place where lies, victory went to their heads and innuendoes and deceit dwell. permanently lodged itself there.

It’s as if they’re saying to the A great pity! George Odlum electorate: “You had no right should have warned them that to kick us out, so we’ll give the electorate hates politicians you no rest.” Their latest lie who always complain and is bordering on madness and bellyache instead of getting the desperation. I guess they believe, as did Adolph Hitler, that job done. Since June 7, 2016 disaster they left behind. Prime if you throw sufficient dirt, some there has been one complaint after another by the SLP; still Minister Chastanet has said on will stick. The SLP behaves like they have not apologized for the more than one occasion that a spoiled brat who takes his Peter Josie

T

INVITATION TO TENDER Invest Saint Lucia (ISL) invites suitably qualified firms/individuals to tender for the Replacement of Air Conditioning Systems at UN1, Union Industrial Estate.

The scope of works document is available at a non-refundable cost of EC $200.00 and must be collected at Invest Saint Lucia’s head office at the Waterfront in Castries.

Invest Saint Lucia reserves the right to conduct interviews and reference enquires for short-listed firms/individuals. All proposals will be treated confidentially.

Firms/individuals who have not been previously contracted by ISL for similar works, would need to include at least two (2) references from previous works undertaken.

Tenders MUST be submitted in a sealed envelope and clearly marked: “Tender for Replacement of Air Conditioning Systems UN1 – Union Industrial Estate” C/O Mr. Jeremiah Edward Senior Manager, Finance and Administration Invest Saint Lucia First Floor, Heraldine Rock Building P. O. Box 495 Waterfront, Castries Deadline for submission of tenders is Friday 28th September 2018.

Invest Saint Lucia is under no obligation to accept the lowest bid.

he needs at least three years to clean the SLP mess before the country can see and feel progress again.

It’s now 67 years since the first vote was cast in Saint Lucia under the system of adult suffrage. The island has peacefully changed governments four times in the last twenty years, and six since Independence in 1979. At every change of government, prior to the advent of new Labour, the people have peacefully accepted the decision of the majority. No matter how rough the campaign, the verdict of the electorate has always been respected and accepted. At one point we said that the voice of the people is the voice of God. No more! Since the godless version of new Labour, the saying has been cast aside for reasons the party alone knows.

Since 1997, new Labour has behaved as if its supporters will do whatever they are ordered to do. How much longer will their game of lies and deceit continue? Take St. Jude Hospital for example: the SLP had the project for five years and did not complete it. They behave today as if it was the UWP that was in office for those five years and who messedup the St. Jude Hospital reconstruction. We should remind them that they can fool some of the electorate some of the time, but they cannot fool the same electorate all of the time. As was proven on June 6,

2016.

Another matter which should annoy every decent Saint Lucian is the constant fakery and diversion and bluff!

By their constant agitation, they hope to encourage the naïve to look in the wrong places for the plunderers of the nation’s coffers. Does the UWP lack the gonads to take those who unaccountably frittered away the St. Jude Hospital reconstruction funds to court? It’s beyond me that no one has faced the courts for the excesses at St. Jude. I strongly recommend that the prime minister and minister of finance invest in one or two top Caribbean lawyers to help prosecute uncovered corrupt culprits in the St. Jude hospital debacle. How much did the former government spend investigating Guy Joseph? Did they set a precedent in that matter? The long arm of justice must identify corrupt individuals and their accomplices. If the prime minister has a problem doing that, he must explain to the people what the problem is. The prime minister’s job calls for bold action. He must only consult with those whom he deems knowledgeable and experienced.

The SLP has no legitimacy. The people kicked them out as soon as they became aware the UWP was ready to govern again. The UWP must expose those corrupt politicians who are selfishly

trying to re-emerge as saviours of the poor. Public relations are essential and necessary in modern politics. But no PR can make a feeble government into a roaring Lion of Judah.

The government must actively pursue the twisted minds behind the Facebook and social media falsehoods. It must brook no nonsense in executing its action plan. See how Mayor Francis has taken the Castries City Corporation by its short hairs, transforming the city. Perhaps the PM needs another Guy Joseph and a Peterson Francis or two in his Cabinet.

The SLP has much experience in muddying the political waters for its own gain.

The general crime situation appears under some control, thanks to our determined police and law-abiding citizens. We are nevertheless aware that whenever there is political turmoil and agitation, criminal elements lurk in search of opportunities.

The opposition knows this. They go as far as dissuading people from investing in Saint Lucia and threatening those who wish to apply for citizenship through the CIP. They once openly encouraged investors not to come to invest in Saint Lucia while the SLP was in opposition. By the way, a prime minister or a regular minister of government never talks too much when sharing information with the citizenry. However, words alone cannot cut it; there must also be follow-up action. Let’s roll!

THE STAR

S

07

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018

WHY NOT

FREE PILLOW EVENT

2

FREE PILLOWS

WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY BEDFRAME OR MATTRESS

GRAB

& GO SAVE UP TO $360 ON MATTRESSES OFFER VALID ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY ONLY

BACK SUPPORT FIRM DOUBLE MATTRESS BMT257

NOW CASH DISCOUNT PRICE $599

CASH PRICE $699 $7 WKLY | WAS $649

SAVE $50

COMFORT CARE FIRM QUEEN MATTRESS BMT1EB

NOW CASH DISCOUNT PRICE $799

CASH PRICE $949 $9 WKLY | WAS $1,159

SAVE $360

Prices are correct at the time of going to print. Courts reserves the right to subsequently change prices without notice. Offers available while stocks last. All finance terms are subject to credit approval. Weekly prices are based on a Gold 36 months repayment plan. 3 to 36 months credit plans available. See in-store for details. OFFER ENDS 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2018.

PAY NOTHING DOWN

NOTHING TO PAY

FOR 30 DAYS

08 COMMENT

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018 THE STAR

More Proof Our Political Parties Have Become Cults!

By Jody Wahl

A

dministration after administration has heard the desperate cry: “Captain, the ship is sinking.

Captain, these seas are rough . . .” Despite the obvious need for all hands on deck, our political and civil society leaders continue to take every opportunity to divide and rule, regardless of possible consequences. Their strategy has always been to set we, the people, against ourselves.

While we make every effort to keep our heads above water, our respective captains, depending on the situation, hog the lifeboats or take cover in their air-conditioned suites paid for by the very people whose lives and property they swore to protect; the very people they promised under oath to put first at all times. And now we are all,

yes, regardless of affiliations, headed at break-neck speed toward disaster.

I’ve often wondered what has changed in our nature to make so many of us behave toward one another like crabs in a bucket, concerned only with self. On last week’s episode of TALK, the host, Rick Wayne, and the MP for Castries South, Dr Ernest Hilaire, engaged for a time on the subject of democracy.

While viewing the show it occurred to me how far we, captains and crews, had sunk.

We have developed a system designed to keep the people in a narcoleptic state, with a warped sense of reality.

Meanwhile, those capable of improving the situation choose instead to profit from it. We are at war with ourselves, powerless to positively affect our condition. Victimization has long been an accepted way of

MULTIPLE POSITIONS Harry Edwards Jewelers has been a top-level duty-free retailer in St Lucia for over 18 years, specializing in luxury branded jewelry and watches, crystal, and accessories. With three locations island-wide, we are seeking dynamic personalities to join the team in multiple sales positions.

SALES ASSOCIATES – required for high performance, commissionbased roles: Must be confident, assertive individuals who are driven to learn, absorb, and implement sales techniques. The individuals must be compelled to meet and exceed sales goals and targets.

Qualifications • Sales/Customer Service Experience is an asset but not necessary • Must possess strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and with a team in a highly competitive environment • Must be self-motivated • Must have a desire to succeed in a commission environment • Strong organizational skills • Good communication and active-listening skills • Ready to work in a learning environment DATA-ENTRY CLERK: The ideal candidate will be computer savvy and a fast typist.

Qualifications • Must have a keen eye for detail • Working knowledge of word processing tools and spreadsheets

(MS Office Word, Excel, etc.)

• Strong organizational skills • Basic understanding of databases • Good command of English, both oral and written • Great attention to detail Please submit your CV by September 10, 2018 to hejlmarketing@candw.lc or mail to: Harry Edwards Jewelers Attn.: Hiring Manager P.O. Box 1889 Maurice Mason Avenue, Sans Souci Castries LC04 101

life; the worst victims are either too scared to acknowledge the victimization, or they hope to gain eventually from their silence.

We shame voters after every election, not the politicians. We have been conditioned to accept our toxic politics as normal; just the way things are. This kind of thinking was masterfully exposed on last Thursday’s TALK, when Mr. CIP showed himself as either an innocent victim of the system or as a dishonest actor determined to contribute to our collective psychosis.

Rick Wayne opened the show with what I saw as an invitation to his guest to acknowledge, however diplomatically, the shortcomings of our politics and to present a possible route out of the mess that we had created for ourselves, however unwittingly.

Rick did this by way of a short allegory from Gulliver’s Travels

by Jonathan Swift. He recalled the war with the tiny people of Lilliput on one side and the equally tiny neighbouring islanders known as the Big Endians. Why were they at war?

As Rick told it, they could not agree on which end of an egg should be broken, the small end or the big end. Asked the host of his guest: Doesn’t that bring to mind our political parties, forever at war over petty matters at great expense to the nation? At which point Mr. CIP introduced the word “democracy”. As if pointless wars can be justified by a twisted notion of democracy.

To say that because there are contending ideas you have a democracy is fallacious.

Conflict between ideas exists in every form of association.

The difference can be seen in how these ideas are developed, selected, or rejected. Knowing that Mr. Hillarie has an undergraduate degree in political science I became even more curious. Is he so confused or so ignorant as not to know our bitter, dirty, and vindictive politics is a built-in feature of what passes for democracy?

For the first 30 minutes of the show Rick attempted to afford Mr. Hillarie the opportunity to establish common ground

Castries South MP Dr. Ernest Hilaire (left) was Rick Wayne’s guest on last Thursday’s DBS-TV TALK show. Their exchanges generated much discussion.

based on reality. He played a clip featuring the late American politician John McCain. It showed that the recently deceased senator, while engaged in a heated presidential campaign, actually defended his opponent Barack Obama as being “a good family man, a good citizen with whom I happen to have fundamental disagreements”. Mr. Hillarie, having already attempted to normalize our toxic politics, doubled down by claiming that the example was an outlier and that it’s why John McCain was known as a maverick.

I was very happy to see Rick in fine form telling his guest the reasons why McCain was considered a maverick: because he could never be counted on to follow the party line. Rick reminded his guest that while there were several well-known examples of civility in American politics, in local politics none immediately came to mind.

It seemed to me Rick was trying his best to give Mr. Hilaire the opportunity to be break the mould; to be a McCain-style maverick. Sadly Mr. Hilaire resisted. He was there to promote a protest march aimed at getting his party elected to office and that’s all he cared about.

My initial curiosity turned to concern. Hilaire insisted that they only thing about our politics that could be considered bad was Allen Chastanet. He insisted that his party’s rallies promoted nothing counterproductive; only Chastanet’s did. What seemed to me a last resort on the part of Rick was his presentation of a clip from Newsmaker Live. An exchange between the guest Moses JnBaptiste and a caller perfectly highlighted what Rick had been painstakingly trying to establish. I’m sure Rick anticipated Hilaire’s reaction.

After he was through expressing how offensive the caller had been, I was convinced then nothing could pull him away from his party’s playbook.

The caller was pushing the point that the SLP, having already failed while in government, needed to reevaluate why they were voted out and make the required changes before again offering themselves for re-election.

I was excited to hear this expressed not only on TALK but also the night before on Newsmaker Live. I have been punching this line ever since concerned citizens started calling for action. From the beginning my position has

been that if the SLP is unable to reform itself, I could not have confidence in the party’s ability to reform the country; that lip service and partisan posturing will no longer cut it, and without visible signs of change, I could not support their actions. I have never been shy in expressing myself publicly, which may be why the PM had me kicked out of one of his town hall meetings . . . but that’s another story.

Funny, isn’t it, that Rick spent so much time trying to establish these points. Many other callers offered great contributions last Thursday evening but my mind was still trying to wrap itself around what I had just witnessed. I wanted to see what the online viewers had to say in real time. I was amazed at how the same symptoms of being in a sunken place were manifesting themselves there. People were totally ignoring the validity and soundness of the points argued to play cheerleader to their respective tribes. Our parties have become like cults, embracing whatever reality has been constructed for them, however false, however insane, to be defended regardless of cost.

Which returns us to Liliput and the Big Endians!

THE STAR

september 08, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

ERS N N I W Y K 4 LUC

Prices are correct at the time of going to print. Courts reserves the right to subsequently change prices without notice. Offers available while stocks last. All finance terms are subject to credit approval. Weekly prices are based on a Gold 36 months repayment plan. 3 to 36 month credit plans available. See in-store for details.

NOTHING DOWN &

NOTHING TO PAY

FOR 30 DAYS

SAME DAY

DELIVERY &

INSTALLATION

09

10 LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018 THE STAR

Climate Resilience: J

Fact or Fiction?

ust two weeks ago, business magnate and global philanthropist Richard Branson launched the Climate Change Accelerator for countries in the Caribbean region. This comes on the heels of the creation of the Caribbean Climate-Smart Coalition, formed by the region’s leaders to create the world’s first climate-smart zone. It came as a response to the destruction left by hurricanes Irma and Maria. CARICOM members led a financing campaign that would lead to re-building stronger, more resilient societies, and received a pledge of US$billion across the span of five years.

But what does climate resilience mean? How does it affect the most vulnerable in society? We have seen time and time again that storms have gravely affected the most under-developed areas, and in Saint Lucia’s case, most of these areas lie in the south of the island. It makes me wonder what plans have been presented to build resilience in these areas and if our people understand what it means to be climate-resilient. Are they aware of the reasons behind the changes in climate, the

cause and frequency of these mega-storms and the methods to combat them?

Climate resilience, in essence, is formed on three tiers: stronger and smarter infrastructure to withstand extreme weather, integrated processes that bring together stakeholders across sectors to come up with resiliencebuilding strategies and, lastly, the building of community capacity, particularly in the communities that bear the brunt of climate impacts.

While we are investing in stronger and smarter infrastructure (evidence lies in the newly built solar farm that would provide up to 5% of Saint Lucia’s electricity demand), for the common man, climate resilience is a far-off concept that has no use in daily life.

Those who are affected the most by climate change— farmers and those living in rural areas—are far away from the pledging conferences and international meetings that are financing their future survival.

How many times have we heard of farmers drowning while trying to save their cattle before a hurricane, witnessed families being buried alive

in rural areas because of landslides, persons being cut off from emergency shelters as a result of road-destruction, particularly in the Barre de l'Isle, or even seen persons tying their houses down with rope before a storm? These events should inspire solutions to build on climate resilience in the form of stronger emergency evacuation facilities, adequate storage facilities for crops and livestock and power sources backed up by renewable resources available to everyone.

I applaud the actions of Caribbean governments and international partners in pledging to the need for climate resilience. However, if funds or solutions do not reach the most vulnerable in society, particularly members of rural communities, then we would have indeed failed the very persons impacted by climate change and left out two essential characteristics of achieving climate resilience: the inclusion of stakeholders in finding strategies and the capacity-development of those most affected.

Funding can come from the top-down, but shouldn’t

Are climate resilient strategies attending to the most vulnerable?

the solutions be bottom-up and inspired by the ones most affected?

Keithlin Caroo— Helen’s Daughters Helen's Daughters is 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.

It 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: Facebook page: helensdaughters.slu Instagram page: helensdaughters.slu Website: helensdaughters.org

SLHTA Statement about the Dolphin Park T

he Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association makes reference to recent press articles concerning a Dolphin Park development in Saint Lucia and wishes to provide clarity on SLHTA’s position regarding such a facility.

As of this time, the SLHTA has not been able to ascertain whether or not a Dolphin Park will in fact be established in Saint Lucia. Because of this, the SLHTA has written to the Minister of Tourism seeking an update on the plans and timeline if in fact a Dolphin Park development is going to be initiated.

SLHTA consists of over 230 member businesses. At

SLHTA’s annual general meeting in 2017, an informal survey undertaken at the request of the members present at the meeting indicated that the majority was against such a development. The SLHTA plans to conduct a formal poll of its members to further ascertain the views of the entire membership once comprehensive, accurate information is available.

The SLHTA wishes to confirm that communication was received from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) in regard to such a captive dolphin facility. ABTA also copied the Ministry of Tourism. ABTA, the UK’s largest

travel association, represents over 1,200 travel agents and tour operators including TUI Group, Thomas Cook, First Choice, Virgin Holidays and Kuoni.

The letter received by the SLHTA from ABTA stated that their members sell £32 billion worth of holidays and other travel arrangements each year.

The letter continued: “ABTA members have expressed the view that a new captive dolphin attraction would lead to substantial increased reputational risk to Saint Lucia and offer little in the way of differentiation. Research undertaken by our members in the UK also indicates a

significant decline in the popularity of these attractions and a marked increase in the numbers of consumers who view keeping dolphins in captivity as unacceptable.

“A number of our members have actually removed all attractions involving captive cetaceans from sale and others are restricting the numbers they sell. We felt it important to highlight these trends, and suggest that if there are alternative options to enhance St Lucia’s tourism offering, with more longevity these should perhaps be considered. It is understood that Pigeon Island was the first national park in Saint Lucia and is one of the

most bio-diverse sites on the island.

“Such a development seems to oppose the foundations of the park which was established with the vision to preserve local history, culture and natural resources for future generations. Should the decision be made to go ahead with the 'swim with dolphins' attraction, please be aware that ABTA has developed the Global Welfare Guidance for Animals, which establishes a set of minimum requirements designed to assist in improving animal welfare. ABTA Members are increasingly requiring that tourism attractions featuring animals comply

with the minimum standards set out in these Guidelines, to help improve animal welfare in tourism and enhance the customer experience, across the world. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss the Global Welfare Guidance.”

The SLHTA, recognizing its role as the principal tourism private sector agency in Saint Lucia, will at all times advocate for the development of a resilient, sustainable and diverse tourism industry in Saint Lucia that is in line with international tourism development and sustainability guidelines and preserve the integrity and reputation of our tourism product.

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018

4510/4021/4527

local

11

12 comment

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018 THE STAR

Only Madmen An The Sky . . . And T

hat I do not readily recall the species of fly that had invaded the opposition leader’s soup during a particular budget debate proves how forgettable are molehills dressed up to look like mountains. On the other hand, I remember well Prime Minister John Compton’s reaction at a subsequent William Peter Boulevard rally.

His tone reminiscent of a father painfully disappointed in a favorite son, he said: “It’s all well and good—and in keeping with the democratic process— for one political organization openly to oppose the policies of another. But some things transcend political ambitions. It is altogether counterproductive to make rash and foolish statements that serve only to weaken public confidence in the current and future governments of Saint Lucia.

When we speak in parliament, we should always be mindful of the impact on ears at home and abroad. In the national interest, and notwithstanding our insatiable lust for power, some things are better left unspoken.”

What Julian Hunte had said in a fit of pique was that the day’s House decision would be reversed should his party win the next general elections.

Evidently the electorate took

him at his word. Not long after his conniption during the recalled mid-80s budget debate, Julian Hunte’s political career took an irrevocable about-turn into the toilet.

The main beneficiary of Hunte’s bombast was Kenny Anthony, whose Labour party set a local record in 1997 when it won 16 of the 17 parliamentary seats in contention. Hunte, having chosen to test his mettle against the relative newcomer, was among the worst casualties. Alas, he was not able to save his deposit. Which is not to say, the new champion benefitted from the lesson for which Hunte had paid so dearly.

In 2009, with his party back in opposition, Kenny Anthony let it be known from the steps of the Castries market that he would counsel potential investors to stay away from Saint Lucia and its corrupt new government. Recordings of this outrageous declaration remain on the Internet to this day and maybe will forever. It remains conjectural whether the relative lack of investor interest in Saint Lucia since 2011 can be blamed on a particular Internet advertisement starring the island’s former prime minister.

More recently, Philip J. Pierre, the present leader of the party in whose name Hunte and Anthony had spoken at great

cost to national and personal ambitions, further validated Karr’s legendary observation that some things never change.

While referencing recent adjustments to Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, launched Hollywood-style in 2016

by Kenny Anthony’s Labour administration in Monaco, Philip J. Pierre—echoing Hunte—pledged that all successful CIP applications in the time of the Allen Chastanet government will be reviewed, should he discover himself in the prime minister’s chair.

Additionally, that the recently reduced price for Saint Lucian citizenship will likely be increased.

Few were surprised last week to learn via the UK’s Financial Times that Saint Lucia’s is the least successful of the CIP programs offered by five Caribbean territories, with Dominica’s topping the list. According to the report: “Inaugurated in January 2016, St. Lucia’s Citizenship

by Investment Programme is the newest economic citizenship programme to emerge from the Caribbean, and is its most politically divisive. Early changes to the contribution thresholds under the programme, as well as the removal of unique

The late Sir John Compton, former oppositio Wh

features such as the $3m net worth requirement and the 500-applicant annual cap, opened the programme to criticism within St. Lucia’s political establishment. It also generated uncertainty, as the opposition pledged to review all successful applications for citizenship—and potentially ask for larger contributions—upon returning to power.”

Imagine if the current prime minister should now counter-promise that whatever changes to the CIP are made by a Labour government will again be readjusted upon his own party’s return to office. All of that when the Kenny Anthony government that introduced the CIP in 2016 had strongly implied the program was the only possible lifebelt available

to a persistently poor and deprived nation fast-drowning in debt.

Asked why the government had chosen to announce the program in Monaco without advance notice to Saint Lucians, an administration spokesperson replied: “Because that is where they money is!”

Since the Financial Times report, the opposition party has been seeking to downplay the underscored impact of its recalled

THE STAR

september 08, 2018

COMMENT

www.stluciastar.com

13

And Fools Spit At d That’s No Lie!

opposition leader Julian R. Hunte, Vieux Fort South MP Kenny Anthony and current opposition leader Philip J. Pierre (left to right).

What is verifiably stupid today will more than likely be stupid a century from now!

public statements on the island’s CIP. Meanwhile the unsettling allegations and fake news continue to proliferate. This week, with a widely promoted opposition march scheduled for tomorrow, a story appeared in the Miami Herald that seems to accuse the government of involvement with a Florida businessman of alleged ill repute.

I say “seems” since few of the article’s cautiously stated claims

are immediately verifiable. For the most part, it is stale fish newly wrapped in transparent red paper.

Then there was this that anonymously appeared online on Monday (at any rate, that’s when I first read it, with concern): “Cabinet memo to relieve all 600 plus workers at Victoria Hospital has been sent to the executive director, the PS

of Health, Felix St. Hill, the DPS Ms Verena Calderon, PS of the public service Don Louisy and the president of the Nurses’ Association Alicia Baptiste.

The deadline for everyone to be terminated is September 15, 2018 and they may reapply when positions are advertised . . . We are calling on the CSA, NWU, Police Welfare Association, Seaman and

Waterfront, SLTU etc to stand in solidarity with the nurses, including everyone who has a sick relative or acquaintance at VH . . .”

On Wednesday the president of the nurses’ association appeared on media outlets, as did the health ministry’s permanent secretary, to declare the above altogether fake and demoralizing. So, too,

a recorded interview. The prime minister, who is off-island, also dismissed the items as false.

And now there is widespread speculation that the posted announcements are related to tomorrow’s Labour Party protest march. As I write there has been no public reaction from the organizers.

A local hotel has also described as “mischief” an

online invitation to protest against the resort’s planned takeover of a Laborie beach.

In the meantime, the late Sir John Compton’s warning remains as valid today as it was back in the mid-80s when the prime minister addressed an ambitious opposition leader’s threat to reverse established official policy the minute he was in a position to do so.

14

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018 THE STAR

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

by Michael Walker

A 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.

c. the La Brelotte River.

a. dishwashers, washing machines and gas cookers.

4. The road at the bottom of the b. medical supplies. c. office equipment. picture comes from

1. A river flows between the two roads. After the bridge it is called

5. The same road joins the highway

a. Bizet. b. Bexon. c. Corinth.

a. for the first time. b. for the second time. c. for the third time.

a. the Bois d’Orange River. b. the Castries River. c. the Choc River.

2. Before the bridge, according to the map, it is called a. the La Brelotte River. b. the Mount Grenier River. c. the Trouya River.

3. Much higher upstream, the river has a third name:

a. during the construction of a petrol station. b. during the repair of a bridge on the highway. c. as a relief road during a hurricane.

7. In the building with the flat white roof they sell

a. there are two grocery stores. b. there is a day care centre. c. there are various offices.

9. The straight road is a. the Bois d’Orange bypass. b. Marisule to Micoud highway. c. the Castries to Gros Islet highway.

10. The side road on the other side of the highway a. leads to Trouya and Windjammer Landing. b. is a dead end and leads nowhere. c. leads to Rodney Bay.

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

a. the Bois d’Orange River. b. the Grande Riviere.

6. This same road was constructed as a bypass

8. In the building that is painted green

BArnArd’S Hill, CAStrieS, SAint luCiA

(758) 518-5756/715-6837/287-1572

ADMISSION OPEN

Along a highway.

Association President Alicia JnBaptiste says Fake Announcements are Demoralizing to her Nurses!

O

n behalf of the Nurses’ Association, I want to state that there is no truth to the WhatsApp message that has been going around; neither the voice recording. That there was no such meeting with the prime minister at the Victoria Hospital can be clarified by speaking to the heads at Victoria Hospital. Also the issue with 600 plus workers being terminated, and the association’s president receiving a memo, that is untrue.

And let me just state that we are supposed to be intelligent people; if we listen or read this [post] properly

we would realize there are 600 workers at Victoria Hospital yet the memo [allegedly] went to the President of the Saint Lucia Nurses' Association. What about CSA that represents members; or the NWU; or the medical and dental? Why was it 600 workers and its the Nurses' Association?

On top of that, I do not have 600 members at Victoria Hospital.

It has affected the morale of nurses, and the morale of nurses has been affected for a while now with all of the speculations. And we must be mindful of that because nurses give care at our hospitals, to our patients, to many of us. When they feel their jobs are at stake, you can just imagine that nurse

going to give care. She/he would not be able to give the quality care that is needed and we have to be mindful of that.

Our patients, at the end of the day, will be the ones who will suffer. Because that nurse will be agitated and so many things can occur.

We need, as a people, to stop this. This is not right. And my members . . . only last week Friday we had a meeting. We insist, as an organisation, that we will go to our members with any information we receive. We would not even let a week pass before we go to our members. So every decision will be made with our members.

FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR CLASSES START ON

SEPTEMBER 10, 2018

COURSES OFFERED CORE CAPE SUBJECTS • Biology • Chemistry • mathematiCs • soCiology • CommuniCation studies • management of Business Compulsory humanities Courses inClude: • soft skills • puBliC speaking • proposal writing • sCholarly writing • researCh methods other optional Cape suBjeCts Based on Class numBers inClude: • law • aCCounting • tourism • integrated sCienCe

ECFH & BOSL Report Strong Half Year Results

F

ollowing a solid financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2017 the East Caribbean Financial Holding Company (ECFH) has reported strong results for the half year ended June 30, 2018.

ECFH reported a half year profit after tax of EC$13.5million, compared to the same period in 2017 in which profit stood at EC$4million. Total assets grew from EC$2.118billion as at December 2017 to EC$2.160billion as at June 30th 2018.

The strong half year results reflect the performance of the sole subsidiary of ECFH, Bank of Saint Lucia (BOSL). BOSL

achieved an improved capital position of 19%, well above the 8% regulatory minimum level. Balance sheet growth was attributed to increased customer deposits during the six month period.

Managing Director, Bernard La Corbinière stated that the results were indicative of improved efficiencies in several areas. “The Bank continues to focus on the implementation of initiatives geared at sustaining profitability by increasing value for our customers and shareholders, improving service, reducing costs, a proactive approach to loan

recoveries and employee engagement. We remain committed to enhancing value and improving service offerings to our customers who have continued to demonstrate confidence in the Bank,” he stated.

As the largest indigenous financial institution in Saint Lucia, despite the strong results, ECFH continues to remain cautiously optimistic, cognizant of the external factors which continue to impact the domestic banking sector and the local economy including de-risking and correspondent banking relationships and the threat of natural disasters.

THE STAR

september 08, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

WASCO EXPRESSES GRIEF OVER THE DEATH OF EMPLOYEE’S SON

T

he management of the Water and Sewerage Company Inc., WASCO, is expressing deep sadness and shock over the sudden death of Botham Shem Jean and the circumstances surrounding his tragic and untimely death.

Botham Shem Jean was the first son of Mrs Allison Jean, former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development and Mr Bertram Jean, Stores Supervisor at WASCO. He was also the nephew of Mr Ignatius Jean, Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association Inc. (CAWASA) and former government minister and parliamentarian.

News of the tragedy has left friends, staff and colleagues of the Jean family stunned over what is described as a senseless act.

General Manager of WASCO Mr Edmund Regis has extended, on behalf of the company’s management and staff, deep and heartfelt sympathy to the

O

Botham Shem Jean who died on Thursday.

Jean family as they try to come to terms with the tragedy. Mr Regis remarks, “This is undoubtedly what can only be described as a difficult time of bereavement for the Jean family.”

The Management and staff of WASCO continues to pray for the Jean family that they may find strength to deal with their grief.

T

he Saint Lucia Divers Association and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority are enthusiastic about the 2018 edition of DiveFest, slated for September 10–15.

Numerous activities including a dive treasure hunt, lionfish derby, and an underwater photo workshop are on the agenda.

This festival will embrace dive enthusiasts of all skill levels and will showcase just why exploring Saint Lucia’s underwater marine life is a “must do” for any visitor.

In addition to Saint Lucia’s prominence as a romance and family destination, the SLTA is promoting dive as another target market with the island’s twenty-two world-class diving sites.

In an effort to showcase careers within the trade, a career showcase for students of secondary schools within districts one and two who have a passion for the underwater, will be led by a professional underwater photographer from the United States along with professional divers from various resort partners and dive shops on-island.

Ernie George, SLTA Sales Manager for the USA with responsibility for the dive niche said; “We are ready to execute this spectacular event; more so, this is a defining product for Saint Lucia’s Dive market. Our aim is to make this festival a staple on our annual calendar of activities and, by extension, grow it to be the best Dive Festival in the

region.”

Among the resorts participating in DiveFest 2018 are the BodyHoliday Scuba, Marigot Beach Club & Dive Resort, Island Divers at Ti Kaye Resort & Spa, Eastern Caribbean Divers at Windjammer Landing, Sugar Beach – A Viceroy Resort, Rendezvous, Iyanola Divers and Dive Adventures.

The SLTA will also welcome sixteen participants who are dive shop owners, operators, travel writers and journalists for a familiarization visit to the island as part of the event.

To be part of DiveFest, individuals or groups can register with Barefoot Holidays at operations@ barefootholidays.com

LOCAL

15

Successful Reopening of SALCC

n Monday September 3, 2018 the campus grounds of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College at Morne Fortune were a bustle of activity as new and continuing students of the College prepared for their first day of classes. For the last two weeks the College staff have been engaged in registration and orientation activities for all students and, in a few instances, were also conducting classes.

The latest figures reveal that, thus far, for the new academic year the College has welcomed 973 new students and 918 continuing students.

These 1,891 students will be spread through the two campuses and one extension of the College: the Morne Fortune Campus and the Goodlands extension in Castries and the Southern Campus in Vieux Fort.

They will access programmes and courses offered in the four Divisions and two Departments

SLTA set to deliver on 2018 Dive Festival

of the College: the Divisions of Agriculture; Arts, Science and General Studies; Teacher Education and Educational Administration; and Technical Education and Management Studies, and the Departments of Health Sciences and Continuing Education.

For the second consecutive year the College, through a bridging programme, will provide an opportunity to some students who did not meet the entry requirements for the Associate Degree at the Division of Technical Education and Management Studies to acquire these requirements and, if successful, join their selected programme in the second semester.

Also for the second consecutive year, students may enrol through the Department of Continuing Education (DOCE) to access individual A Level courses at the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies.

This department also offers persons the opportunity to access a variety of programmes and courses, on a part-time basis, from 5-7 p.m. at the Morne Fortune Campus.

The Division of Agriculture returned to the Morne Fortune Campus as of this semester while the Division of Teacher Education and Educational Administration and the Department of Health Sciences will continue at the Goodlands extension.

Faculty and staff worked tirelessly to ensure that students were processed and enrolled in their respective programmes for the new academic year. The management and staff of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College thank the public and its students for their patience and support during this period as it remains committed to providing quality education to the Saint Lucian society.

BVI Inmates Return Home, on First Anniversary of Hurricane Irma

T

en prisoners were escorted on Thursday, September 6 from the Bordelais Correctional Facility under heavy security, in compliance with arrangements, to ensure they were safely repatriated to the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Prison officers from the BVI formed part of the escort from the beginning to completion of the prisoners’ journey.

Twenty-one inmates were conveyed to Saint Lucia from Her Majesty’s Prison

in Balsam Ghut, British Virgin Islands in three cohorts from September 25 to 27, 2017.

The prisoners were secured at the Bordelais Correctional Facility due to extensive damage to their prison of origin by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

The first repatriation exercise on August 16, 2018 is said to have been seamlessly carried out, and likewise Thursday’s operation.

Meantime, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the passage of Hurricane Irma on

September 6, the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Honourable Hermangild Francis was pleased that the BVI can continue to rebuild, restore and reclaim its sense of resilience, strength, progress and independence.

The Government of Saint Lucia has been commended far and wide for its altruistic and humanitarian gesture towards the British Virgin Islands in the aftermath of the catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Irma.

16 ENTERTAINMENT

september 08, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

One fan was clearly desperate to hop on stage with Romain Virgo.

Her performance didn’t go down well with all of the audience!

Roots & Soul Festival Sunday Does It For The Gram

S

ome have described it as the best locally produced concert in a long time. To each his (or her) own. Just in case you missed it, be informed that in addition to the multiple local and French media houses in attendance, hundreds of cell phones hovered over the heads of the audience.

Presumably the recorders plan to relive the festival’s finest moments, over and over and over.

For the especially curious, the inclusion of Ashanti (no, not our Calypso Monarch!) on Sunday’s Roots & Soul Festival bill must’ve served as a magnet. Her return to these shores, with her 1990s-early 2000s famous sidekick Ja Rule, was for many, irresistible. Before the R&B and rap duo took to the stage, Events Company of Saint Lucia issued a notice from the American performers' camps that photographing and recording would be permitted only during the duo’s first three songs. A pity; Ja Rule's high energy performance grew more and more spirited as the show progressed. The rapper also received loads of help from fawning fans gone wild, especially while delivering numbers like J Lo’s 2001 hit “I'm Real”. They just loved it when Ja Rule stepped up on the speakers in the media pit to be closer to his audience—an athletic feat that in itself was quite impressive.

Ashanti was quite the seductress, her bejewelled one-piece featuring a low cut bustier and underpants that evidently triggered the imagination of her fans in this age of gender fluidity. The lap dance feature of her set will be a hot topic for some time, especially among the kids at the presumed family-oriented festival. Certainly Ashanti raised the Pigeon Park temperature several notches.

Another of Sunday's performers endured an uncanny audience interaction. Romain Virgo, a 28-year-old Jamaican reggae singer, had some women crawling over the railings to get closer to him. But when one lucky lady was picked out to join him onstage, she whipped out her phone and held it overhead, all the while staring at the screen.

At one point she stood up from her stage chair, to twerk and twirl, presumably for the excitement of her “followers”. But she overstayed her welcome.

Before long a jeering crowd was letting her know in the worst way that enough was enough.

Sunday's earlier performers were also crowd pleasers. The New York-based band Morning Sun & The Essentials, with Saint Lucian vocalist Michel Aubertin, featured creole interludes and several nods to the late ace musician-producer Leebo. They were well received by a squealing and screaming audience. Shayne Ross opened the show. It was hard to imagine a more fitting opening act on the final lap of the three-day festival. For most of his set the early arrivals sang along. It was a clear sign that everyone was in for a good show. Organisers have already hinted at goodies for the next Roots Festival—local and foreign!

–- Keryn Nelson

THE STAR

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018

17

LABORIE STEEL PANS BRING SAINT LUCIAN SOUNDS TO LONDON

T

he Laborie Pan Project gave Saint Lucians in London a treat last week, with a one-off concert at the Saint Lucia High Commission on Thursday 30 August, 2018.

The evening event was the climax to a UK visit by representatives of the Laborie Pan Project. The team had been invited to join UK band Mangrove to take part in the Notting Hill Carnival, the world’s second biggest event of its kind.

In Saint Lucia, the Laborie Pan Project provides ongoing support for its community along with music education to members and young people. As such, members held a two-day workshop for children in London to introduce them to playing the steel pan. Fifteen children aged 7-16 took part, staging a spirited rendition of Teddyson John’s Allez at the evening concert.

The events were organised in association with the Saint Lucia High Commission and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority to raise the awareness of steel pan playing among the children in the Saint Lucia

World Suicide Prevention Day 2018

S

aint Lucia will join the rest of the world in observing World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, 2018. The World Health Organization estimates that over 800,000 people die by suicide each year—that’s one person every 40 seconds. World Suicide Prevention Day is held every year to raise awareness and work towards the common goal of preventing suicide. As part of this observance Saint Lucia National Mental Wellness Centre will play its part by hosting several activities.

Consultant Psychiatrist at the National Mental Wellness Centre Julius Gilliard explains: “In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day we have a number of initiatives planned . . . On 9th September we will be having a church service at the Bethel Tabernacle at 10 am where persons can attend. We are specially inviting families of persons who have been bereaved by suicide to attend and share with us on this important day.

“On Monday 10th from 10am there will be a mental health fair at Constitution Park where persons can come to be screened for different mental health conditions, receive information on suicide and suicide prevention, as well as information on the national health plan and how that can be accessed.

“On the night of September 10th we are encouraging persons to light a candle near a window at 8pm in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day and by doing that they will be showing support for persons who have been bereaved by suicide as well as showing support for suicide prevention around the world.”

Gilliard says there is help for persons who see suicide as a viable option to their problems.

However, he urges citizens to use the National Help Line which is available 24 hours a day. “Persons can call from any phone, the call is free, the number is 203 and there are always persons there waiting to assist persons who are having difficult times who may see suicide as a viable option. The callers will be referred to persons who can assist them to get through those difficult times so that the suicidal thoughts which can be distressing can be dealt with,” Gillard advises.

The 2018 theme for Suicide Prevention Day is “Working Together to Prevent Suicide”.

Diaspora in the UK and as a fundraiser for the Laborie Pan Project.

Mr Guy Mayers, the High Commissioner for Saint Lucia in the UK said: “The Laborie Pan Project is much more than just a steel band. They are helping their community whilst keeping the vibrant culture and traditions of Saint Lucia alive and thriving.

“By introducing steel pan music to the young Saint Lucians in the UK, they have proved that this evocative sound can bring generations together. I have also been so impressed with the speed that the children

here in London learnt how to play. It’s been a great event and thank you to all who attended and supported the events.”

More than 120 guests enjoyed the evening’s entertainment and Saint Lucian cuisine, raising over £1,000 which will go towards the continuing work of the Laborie Pan Project in providing welfare support to the Laborie community and further teaching to young students.

Notting Hill Carnival featured sounds from the Laborie Pan Project last month.

Chief Executive Officer

- National Utilities Regulatory Commission JOB DESCRIPTION Position: Chief Executive Officer.

Reports: To the Commission.

Summary Statement: The position of Chief Executive Officer is created under the National Utilities Regulatory Commission Act No. 3 of 2016, which makes the Chief Executive Officer responsible for: •

•

the administration of the National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) and legislation over which the Commission has jurisdiction; and the supervision of the work and staff of the NURC.

The Chief Executive Officer is an ex- officio member of the Commission.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Manage the members of the senior management team. Directly supervise the work of the administrative and other support staff.

Qualifications and Experience: • Master’s Degree in Regulatory Policy, Business

Administration, Management, Finance, Accounting or other

relevant post graduate qualifications.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Law, Engineering, Economics

or other relevant discipline.

• Extensive formal training and/or experience in utility

regulation and comprehensive knowledge of regulatory

issues and structures common to the water and energy/

electricity sectors.

• At least ten (10) years’ experience at a senior management

level in the utilities sector or a related sector.

Core Duties: • Ensure compliance with the provisions of the National

Utilities Regulatory Commission Act and other legislation

over which the Commission has jurisdiction.

• Plan, execute, manage, and report on the progress of the

NURC’s work plan.

• Develop an indicative three (3) year work plan for the NURC. • Prepare an annual work plan and budget for the NURC, with

quarterly and monthly targets for each of the objectives.

• Ensure that the audited financial statements are prepared

and submitted to the Commission in a timely manner.

• Prepare and submit such periodic reports to the Commission

as and when required.

• Implement policies, plans and programmes as approved by

the Commission.

• Provide the responsible Minister with advice on legislation

and registration administered by the Commission.

• Maintain proper internal controls and financial systems to

manage and protect the NURC’s assets.

• Develop and maintain a proper human resource management

plan for the NURC. • Direct and oversee the recruitment, selection and

professional development of staff within the NURC in

accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Supervise and/or provide support to staff members in the

performance of various regulatory activities.

• Conduct periodic and annual reviews of technical and

managerial staff and make recommendations to the Commission on human resource development and

management issues.

• Prepare policy advice on consumers’ issues as required.

• Develop protocols for managing public hearings, consumer

advocacy and the dissemination of information on sector performance.

• Assist in establishing and maintaining a distinct positive

corporate image for the organization.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with

public officials and representatives of the industry –

nationally, regionally and internationally.

• Actively participate in the dissemination of information to

the public on the role and function of the NURC. • Attend press conferences, radio and TV programmes,

community outreach and public education meetings, as and

when required.

• Perform any other duties which may from time to time be

assigned in the interest of organisational efficiency.

Compensation: The compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Tenure: The position will be on a contractual basis for an initial period of two (2) years.

Submission of applications: Interested and qualified individuals are invited to submit applications comprising a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae and names and contact details of two (2) referees under CONFIDENTIAL COVER to the address below, no later than Friday 21st September, 2018.

The Chairman National Utilities Regulatory Commission (NURC) P. O. Box CP 6307, Castries, Saint Lucia.

Tel: + 758-456-0790

18

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018 THE STAR

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018

health

19

KIM’S KORNER Today is World Physiotherapy Day. On 8th September physiotherapists all over the world speak about the benefits of movement for health and promote how physiotherapy can help people achieve this.

Our message this year is physiotherapy and mental health.

Improving Mental Health With Exercise

M

ental health is not something that we find easy to discuss but it is something that is increasing worldwide. Mental health describes our emotional, physiological and social wellbeing and although it now receives more attention, there is still stigma attached to it.

Mental health is often seen as a sign of weakness, preventing some people from talking about it or seeking help. Mental health may conjure up visions of people lying in a darkened room, unwashed, unkempt and unable to get up to complete even the simplest of tasks, but this a misconception. Many people you meet on a daily basis get up and manage to function, hiding their anguish from the world.

Research is taking place to understand not only the causes of mental health but also effective management; there are links to genetics, chemical imbalances and sometimes just the stress of everyday life. The doom and gloom surrounding our modern society is hard to avoid; it’s on the TV—news, dramas, and soaps; on social media and running through the conversations we have every day with our friends and colleagues.

In recent years there has been a rise in the number of teenagers afflicted with mental health problems which is reflected by the increase in teenage suicide. It has been suggested that this rise is partly due to the pressure of social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram, to live the “perfect life”. What we post on media sites is usually filtered to show only the better aspects of the life we live; we spend ages sifting through our phones for the perfect image and post only the best snippets of our day, ignoring the boring and mundane. Despite this being an accepted fact, people often reflect and judge their own social life and achievements based on the posts they see. It’s often not the reality but just the dream.

Living in paradise, on an island that has been referred to as “simply beautiful”, has not spared us from the ravages of mental illness. Over the last few

Exercise can help keep depression at bay.

years we have been shocked to hear of people committing suicide and having no idea that these people were feeling so sad or desperate. Mental illness has no discretion—it can affect young and old, rich or poor. The most common forms of mental illness are: • Anxiety disorders • Depression • Bipolar (previously known as manic depression) • Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia • Post-traumatic stress disorder • Personality disorders like sociopathy, narcissism, antisocial personality disorder and paranoid personality disorder • Eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa • Addiction and impulse disorders: gambling, drug addition, alcoholism, kleptomania and pyromania

This list by no means covers the full spectrum of disorders; dementia and Alzheimer’s are also classified under mental health disorders as they involve the brain. For more information visit the World Health Organization http://www. who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/ detail/mental-disorders

We are slowly becoming more confident talking about disorders like depression.

There are some obvious (and not so obvious) signs of depression: • Poor and altered sleep patterns • Feeling of hopelessness and despair • Lack of energy • Unexplained aches and pains • No motivation

So exactly how can physiotherapy help people who suffer from mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression? As well as giving advice on pain management we can also help you develop an exercise plan. Exercise is an effective tool in fighting depression and also at helping keep depression at bay. Research has shown that exercise, when prescribed by a professional, such as a physiotherapist, has better outcomes on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.

The World Confederation of Physical Therapists wants to spread the message that exercise is not only important to encourage health and activity in populations, but how physiotherapy can help keep people moving—maximising strength and mobility.

Through advice and exercise programmes, physiotherapists support people of all ages to achieve activity goals.

Kim Jackson is a UK-trained physiotherapist with over 20 years’ 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

FOR SALE Warehouse/Factory Building on commercial land for sale by private treaty. Steel-framed structure enclosed with blockwork and metal sheeting.

Open-floor concept with amenities.

Suitable for manufacturing/processing, packaging and storage plant.

Call or e-mail for details and inspection.

Lot 2 VF. 1592 R; Block 1019B Parcel 872 Vieux-Fort Industrial Estate Land Area: 33,910.00sq. ft. or 3,150.50 sq. metres Building: 11,415.52 sq. ft. (excluding mezzanine) Asking Price: $2,800,000.00 o.n.o.

For more information contact: Andie G. George Receiver/Manager CAAMIL (in Receivership) Tel: (758)-484-6313 E-mail: agcreceivership@gmail.com

20 local

september 08, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

LUCELEC STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT AGE RULING & STRIKE NOTICE BY CSA

S

t. Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) operates within the law. There was a dispute between the Civil Service Association (CSA) and LUCELEC on the interpretation of the law regarding the retirement age. The CSA represents the Company’s Grade 1 employees (Junior Staff). The matter went before the Labour Tribunal, which ruled in favour of the

CSA. LUCELEC has decided to apply to the High Court for judicial review of the Tribunal’s decision. This is in accordance with Section 448 of the Labour Code which entitles “any party to a matter before the Tribunal to apply to the High Court for judicial review in respect of any decision of the Tribunal” on various grounds. The company is therefore exercising its right,

under the law, to have a judicial review of the ruling of the Tribunal on the retirement age.

This is perfectly legal. In fact, long before the ruling, the CSA representatives had indicated more than once that if the ruling on that matter went against them they would put the matter up for judicial review and take it further, if necessary.

On the matter of the strike notice issued against

the company by the CSA, LUCELEC can confirm the company has received a copy of the strike notice filed with the Minister for Labour, which is to take effect on September 10. The notice is related to a long-standing dispute on a grade structure and its inclusion in the Collective Agreement for the period 2011–2013. That matter is also before the Labour Tribunal. In fact, the company and the CSA met with the Labour Tribunal on August 23 and 30, 2018 and this matter is currently being heard by the Tribunal.

Notwithstanding, the CSA has not lifted

BSJ INC. (IN RECEIVERSHIP)

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST Company No. 2003/C217 BSJ Inc. (in Receivership) seeks to improve the infrastructure of its housing development known as BSJ Residential Estate situate at Mount Layau in the Quarter of Gros Islet, and invites suitably qualified persons to tender expressions of interest in General Road Works as follows: Bid No. BSJ2018/1:

BSJ Residential Estate Access Road – Mount Layau, Gros Islet. The scope of the work involves supplying all labour, material, transportation and equipment to execute the following works on existing roadway measuring 1850 feet by 9 feet wide, from the Dr. Sonny Entrance to Security Booth: (a) reshaping and compacting existing road surface for concrete; (b) supplying and applying concrete 3750 psi reinforced with fibre mesh and hardener; (c) repairing concrete block drain, two blocks high with all voids filled with concrete and reinforced with T12 bars, and (d) applying and compacting material to slope edge of concrete road.

Category:

“General Road Works”

Eligibility:

• • •

Bid Security:

Bids shall be accompanied by a Bid Security in the amount of 10% of the Bid.

Contact Information:

Mr. Andie G. George, Receiver/Manager BSJ Inc. (in Receivership)

Address for Submission:

c/o Suite 101 Cox & Company Building Corner of Cadet & Jeremie Streets P.O. Box 1388 CASTRIES Saint Lucia, W.I.

Telephone & E-mail:

(758)484-6313; agcreceivership@gmail.com

Collection Period:

Monday, 10th September, 2018 to Monday, 8th October, 2018, 9.30a.m. to 3.30p.m.

A site visit at the Tenderer’s expense will be accommodated Mondays to Thursdays between the hours of 9.30a.m. and 3.30p.m.

Additional Information:

Valid Tax Compliance Certificate Valid Certificate of Registration Registered in the category of “General Road Works”/ General Construction Works”

Bids must be deposited in the tender box at the above address on or before Monday, 8th October, 2018 at 3.30p.m. Bids will be open on Tuesday, 9th October, 2018 at 9.30a.m.

the strike notice although Section 392 (1) of the Labour Code says “a person shall not take part in industrial action in connection with a trade dispute in an essential service during the period that the matter is before the Tribunal or where the Minister has referred the matter for settlement in accordance with Section 391 (3).” LUCELEC is an essential service, as defined by the law.

LUCELEC would like to clarify that there are no monies owed to the Grade 1 staff in relation to the unsigned 2011–2013 Collective Agreement. The company has provided to the staff all benefits and retroactive payments including the wage increases of 4%, 2% and 2% negotiated for that period despite the agreement not being signed. In addition, two proposals made by the company in an effort to resolve this matter have been rejected by the CSA without even offering a counter proposal.

Iyanola Project: Community Consultations

T

he Department of Sustainable Development, through the Iyanola Project, is pleased to invite residents from the communities of Beausejour, Gros Islet, Monchy, Boguis and La Resource, Dennery to participate in a number of community consultations scheduled for the week commencing Monday 10th September, 2018. These consultations are meant to inform and provide updates on: • project consultancies on a draft land-use plan for the Iyanola area; • livelihood opportunities for unemployed youth and • to solicit continued support in sustainably managing the natural resources.

The schedule for community consultations is as follows: • Monday 10th September from 5:30pm at the Gros Islet Secondary School Auditorium for residents of Cap Estate, Cas En Bas, Beausejour and surrounding communities.

• Tuesday 11th September from 5:30pm at the Monchy Human Resource Development Centre for residents of Monchy.

• Wednesday September 12th from 5:30pm at the La Guerre Primary School for residents of Desbarras, Garrand, Boguis, La Guerre and Fond Assau. Transportation will be provided to and from the school.

• Thursday 13th September from 5:30pm at the La Ressource Primary School for residents of Aux Leon, Gadette, Lumiere, Derniere Riviere, La Caye, Richfond, La Ressource and Fond d’Or. Transportation will be provided to and from the school.

The Iyanola Project is seeking to sustainably and effectively manage the natural resources of the northeast coast of Saint Lucia. It is the only remaining frontier with a combination of rare and endemic flora and fauna, landscapes of outstanding natural beauty and quality, ecosystems rich in biodiversity and pristine beaches.

This region is endowed with a variety of environmental resources which form an important socio-economic and cultural asset base of the island’s national economy. The prudent and judicious harnessing of those resources through sustainable land use planning and management can produce local economic benefits and contribute to positive environmental change and adaptation at the global scale.

The Minister for the Department of Sustainable Development encourages residents in the various communities to participate in these very important Iyanola Project consultations, which have the potential to transform the northeast coast.

THE STAR

september 08, 2018

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

21

ENHANCED ROAD SAFETY FOR MONTESSORI CENTRE STUDENTS school year. The full scope of works included installation of one concave mirror, two “STOP” signs, two “SCHOOL” signs, one “Speed Bump” sign, as well as the painting of three speed bumps and a zebra crossing.

The project was the first in a series of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank AdoptA-Cause initiatives for 2018. Undertaking the work was a team of bank staff under the guidance of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ports, Energy and Labour.

Each year the CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Adopt-A-Cause Programme focuses on

improving a facet of our local community through the activities chosen by the employees of the bank. Over the past few years the programme has focused on schools, enhancing their environments to facilitate more comfortable learning.

“The Adopt-A-Cause Programme is a very important initiative for the bank as it allows us to interact with our communities one-on-

one. We look forward to this campaign every year, and it is a wonderful experience for our staff who participate in making a difference in various communities.” said the bank’s Country Manager, Ladesa James-Williams.

The Ave Maria Girls’ Primary School is also earmarked for another AdoptA-Cause project, scheduled for this month.

To date ten schools have

received physical enhancements and library support under the Adopt-A-Cause programme: Augier Combined School, Babonneau Secondary School, Bocage Combined School, Fond St. Jacques Primary School, Grande Riviere Infant and Primary Schools, La Croix Maingot Combined School, Salvation Army Pre-school and Day Care, Soufriere Infant School and Vide Bouteille Primary School.

PUBLIC NOTICE CIBC staff worked hard to promote safety measures for schools.

P

arents, teachers and students of The Montessori Centre at Rodney Bay can breathe easier with the installation of a number of road safety features in close proximity to the school. Located just off a heavily trafficked highway, The Montessori Centre provides early childhood and primary level education services.

The project was completed on Saturday September 1, in time for the opening of the new

Promoting Health at Work: A Basic Human Right The reality for most persons is that one-third of our adult life is spent at work. This can have a huge impact on the quality of our life. As such, the conditions of work and the work environment can either have a positive or negative impact on our health and well-being,” remarked Dr C. James Hospedales, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in observance of Caribbean Wellness Day 2018, celebrated today, September 8.

The United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) state that every individual has a right to healthy and safe work and to a work environment that enables him or her to live a socially and economically productive life.

In keeping with this basic human right, Caribbean Wellness Day 2018 bears the theme ‘Healthy Communities: Preserving the Workforce’.

The need for workplace health promotion in disease prevention and wellness is critical, as the Caribbean remains the region of the Americas worst affected by the epidemic of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. In Latin America and the Caribbean, NCDs are the leading cause of premature death, accounting for nearly half of all deaths of persons under 70 years, and for two out of three deaths overall.

Although the CARPHA Executive Director acknowledges that workers have a responsibility for their own health, he believes that employers also have a role to play. He is therefore encouraging employers to prioritise the development of healthy workplace policies, provision of supportive work environments and enhancing personal health skills of their employees.

Tips promoting workplace wellness can be found in the CARPHA CWD toolkit at http://carpha. org/Media-Centre/Caribbean-Wellness-Day-2018

IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, CAP. 13.01 OF THE REVISED LAWS OF SAINT LUCIA 2013 CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURAL AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES LTD. (IN RECEIVERSHIP) P.O. Box GM South 624, Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER/MANAGER TAKE NOTICE that I, Andie G. George, Legal Practitioner of George & Co. Chambers, Suite 101, Cox & Company Building, Cnr. of Cadet & Jeremie Streets, Castries, have been appointed RECEIVER/MANAGER by Bank of Saint Lucia Limited (“BOSL”) over certain immovable property registered in the Land Registry at Block 1019B Parcel 972 as well as over movable properties or assets of Caribbean Agricultural and Manufacturing Industries Ltd., Company No. C082/2002, pursuant to:

1. Hypothecary Obligation Mortgage Debenture and Floating Charge dated 6th June, 2011 and registered at the Land Registry, Saint Lucia on 15th August, 2011 as Instrument No. 3703/2011, and registered as a Charge on 16th November, 2011 as No. 125 of 2011 at Page 23 in the Register of Charges kept with the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property;

2. Additional Hypothecary Obligation Mortgage Debenture and Floating Charge dated 27th September, 2012 and registered at the Land Registry, Saint Lucia on 17th October, 2012 as Instrument No. 4804/2012, and registered as a Charge on 24th October, 2012 as No. 095 of 2012 at Page 128 in the Register of Charges kept with the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property; and

3. Further Additional Hypothecary Obligation Mortgage Debenture and Floating Charge dated 28th June, 2014 and registered at the Land Registry, Saint Lucia on 7th July, 2014 as Instrument No. 2564/2014, and registered as a Charge on 23rd July, 2014 as No. 057 of 2014 at Page 117 in the Register of Charges kept with the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property.

The Notice of Appointment of Receiver/Manager and Deed of Indemnity Upon Appointment of Receiver dated 12th April, 2018 have been duly lodged at the Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property and the relevant stamp duties have been paid at the Inland Revenue Department.

All deposits, cash, shares and others currently held by Banks, Financial Institutions, Companies, Corporate Entities and the general public should be promptly disclosed, remitted and forwarded to the Receiver/Manager with immediate effect. All other holders of deposits and current accounts should contact the Receiver/ Manager stating the balances and where secured facilities are granted, the type of security attached should be disclosed.

PROPERTIES

Any person (corporate or individual) who deals with CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURAL AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES LTD. (IN RECEIVERSHIP) as regards any of its business and/or properties, particularly all that parcel of land and developments thereon situate at Vieux Fort Industrial Estate and registered in the Land Registry as Block 1019B Parcel 972, or any other assets, properties or funds of the Company in receivership should deal therewith solely through the Receiver/Manager.

Dated this 30th day of August, 2018 Andie G. George Receiver/Manager CARIBBEAN AGRICULTURAL AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES LTD. (IN RECEIVERSHIP) c/o Suite 101 Cox & Company Building Corner of Cadet & Jeremie Streets P.O. Box 1388 CASTRIES Saint Lucia, W.I. Tel: (758)484-6313 agcreceivership@gmail.com

22 INTERNATIONAL

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018 THE STAR

Why the Woodward effect damages Trump I

wonder how many journalists have arrived in Washington over the years dreaming of becoming the next Bob Woodward. Hoping that they'll be invited to descend into some subterranean car park, where a high-ranking contact, another "Deep Throat", mutters cryptic, and not-so cryptic instructions: "follow the money". Perhaps they've imagined being played in a movie by a Robert Redford or his female equivalent.

Perhaps they have fantasised about bringing down a president.

Working alongside Carl Bernstein - who came to be played, of course, by Dustin Hoffman in All the President's Men - Bob Woodward set the journalistic bar that high.

His shoe leather reporting following the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate complex in June 1972 was a principal reason for the fall of Richard Nixon.

Carl Bernstein went on to become a celebrity journalist: a black-tie regular on the New York cocktail circuit, a summer fixture in the Hamptons, an object of fascination for the Big Apple tabloid gossip columns.

But one of the reasons why Bob Woodward has achieved

The publication of Fear: Trump in the White House pits America's commander in chief against Washington's chronicler in chief.

The credibility contest is key.

such stature in the forty years since Nixon flashed that bizarre victory salute from the South Lawn of the White House as he exited the presidency is that he never sought to become Robert Redford, but remained avowedly Bob Woodward.

Though his books are often sensational, he is the opposite of sensationalist. He's diligent, rigorous, fastidious about the facts, and studiously ethical.

There's something almost monastic about his method.

Indeed, a criticism of his books

is that the prose can be flat and lifeless, a reflection of his steady state emotion.

The topics of Woodward's presidential studies can also sometimes be dry. His book on Bill Clinton focused not on the drama of Monica Lewinsky or impeachment but rather discussions on the budget deficit, welfare reform and healthcare. With Obama, it wasn't the romance of America's Black Camelot, but the handling of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the

quest for fiscal rectitude. One of the reasons he's taken so seriously is that he covers the serious work of government.

Nor has his focus solely been the West Wing. After All the President's Men and The Final Days, his Nixonian bestsellers, came The Brethren, which studied the Supreme Court. Veil, published in 1987, looked at the secret wars of the CIA. The Commanders focused on the Pentagon during the first Gulf War. Maestro, his biography of Alan Greenspan, probed the recondite world of The Federal Reserve.

Though Woodward is a consummate Washington insider, there's also a sense of detachment about his work. He rarely troubles himself with the day-to-day. He doesn't become consumed by the controversy of the hour. His Twitter account registers just 93 tweets since he joined the social media platform in 2013. He tries assiduously to remain above the fray. And at a time when commentary has become so overblown, when the language of Washington debate has become so hysterical and extreme, this seventy-five year old has remained the straight man.

The most vivid passages of

his books usually come from the quotes of his high-level sources.

That's certainly true of Fear.

It's John Kelly, the chief of staff, who describes the Trump White House as "Crazytown". It's James Mattis who apparently mocks the president as a 5th or 6th grader - a ten year old.

Mattis has denied saying those things. Kelly says he didn't call the president an "idiot".

But try winning a credibility contest against Bob Woodward, one of America's most trusted journalists.

So detailed are his studies - and so well-sourced - that they've become part of the historical record. His trilogy of books on George W Bush - Bush at War, Plan of Attack and State of Denial - have not yet been bettered. The Commanders remains a classic.

Long before the presidential libraries undertake their own oral history projects, chronicling the reflections, grudges and grievances of former administration officials, the key players have usually shared their thoughts with Bob Woodward. Christopher Hitchens once derided him as "the stenographer of the rich and the powerful" but it's his access that explains why the Woodward effect is so

impactful; why the publication of his books become news events in their own right.

The fact that newsrooms in Washington are populated by so many would-be Woodwards has a downside. The desire to topple presidents can lead to journalistic over-reach. B- and c-grade scandals are elevated and exaggerated. Whitewater during the Clinton years is a prime example of that. The "gate" suffix has become a dreary cliché, overused and under-thought. Since Watergate, a lot of political coverage has been predicated on the strong suspicion that presidents have surely committed illegal acts or are abusing their power. It's become a recurring line of attack in successive presidencies, and Washington has become more toxic and mistrustful as a result.

But Woodward himself has not gone down that path. When it comes to bringing down a president, he's been there, done that and even been portrayed in the movie. This history-making journalist has become the Beltway's resident journalist/ historian. Bob Woodward has become an institution. He's Washington's chronicler in chief.

---BBC

Venezuela Plans to Speak at UN Human Rights Council

V

enezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza will speak at the United Nations Human Rights Council next week, the Council Chairman, Vojislav Suc, confirmed Wednesday.

Reports state the Bolivarian minister intends to speak on the second day of the 39th Council's session on September 11, 2018 to discuss his country’s immigration situation with the international community in light of the allegations of a migratory crisis and human rights violations made by both UN officials and members of the Organization of American States.

The Vice President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, and the Minister of Communications and Information, Jorge Rodriguez, addressed the country Monday to denounce the allegations made by some Latin American countries and media about the "false humanitarian crisis" in the

nation, that have been used to launch attacks against the government of Nicolas Maduro.

Delcy Rodriguez said the data presented by the Venezuelan officials serves to "dismantle the fake news and diplomatic tools against the country," which are aimed at using “a political issue to turn the flow of migration into an international intervention." Rodríguez used statistics from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to show that Venezuela receives more migrants than it has seen flow out in recent months and that the country has the fewest volunteer migrants on the continent.

As part of a new state initiative, “Return to the Homeland Plan,” several planes have been sent across South America to collect all citizens wishing to return home with the hopes of participating in the country’s economic recovery program. Last week

the government of Venezuela facilitated the return of 89 citizens from Peru and 185 migrants from the state of Roraima, in Brazil, and more flights are expected in the next few days with nationals arriving from Ecuador, Argentina, and Peru.

On the other hand, the vice president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, noted that President Nicolás Maduro had ordered her to send a formal note of protest to the meeting that took place in Quito, Ecuador, for promoting xenophobia against Venezuelans abroad. The Venezuelan vice president indicated that the president ordered Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza to send the note of protest after the meeting held by 11 countries in the region (Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Panama, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay) to deal with the migration of Venezuelans in the region.

Rodriguez said that the meeting

Venezuela’s Jorge Arreaza continues to discuss the country’s immigration situation with the rest of the world.

"has nothing to do with reality.

Every day there are more Venezuelans who come to the embassies and consulates to ask for a voluntary return."

During the Quito meeting, the participating countries called for the opening of a humanitarian assistance mechanism. A fact that

has been denounced by the Venezuelan authorities to carry out a possible intervention in the South American nation.

---Source: TELESUR

THE STAR

FOR SALE

NOTICE

HINO 338 Flat Bed Truck

7000 CC Diesel Engine 25Ft flat bed Power dead lift tail gate rated for 3000 lbs Condition Used – Excellent Mileage 80K

CLASSIFIED 23

www.stluciastar.com

september 08, 2018

Effective July 5th 2018 Mr. Richard Surage has been appointed Receiver & Manager of Blue Concepts Limited Price EC$180,000.00

Putzmeistor Concrete Pump

Please direct all correspondence in connection to this Company to: Richard Surage

Model TK40 Year 2007 Condition Used – Excellent

Receiver & Manager P.O Box Choc 8245 Castries, St. Lucia Tel: 758-450-7777

Price EC$140,400.00

Email: admin@pkf.lc

Please contact Mr. Hunter on 727 7079 Are you an entrepreneur?

Easy Dzyne hosts a website building seminar, Thursday, September 20th Financial Centre, Pointe Seraphine from 6- 8:00 pm.

Limited seating.

Reserve yours today

call: +1 (758) 717-4430

VEHICLE FOR SALE Silver Honda CRV, 1996 model good condition.

Best price! Best offer!

Please call Mobile: 730 1844 or 720 5046 For viewing

Job Vacancy Accounts Clerk Reputable company looking for a Skilled Accounts Clerk.

Requirements/Duties • Bookkeeping and basic accounting skills • Well organized • Ability to perform filing and record keeping tasks • Data entry into Quickbooks and excel • CXC passes in Maths and English A Associate’s degree or relevant certification is a plus.

Send your Resume or CV to humanresources.ia2018@gmail.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE 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

FOR RENT Furnished house for rent at Beausejour Phase 2.

3 bedroom, 2 bath, master bedroom, hot and cold water, cable, internet and parking.

Call: 518-6208 1 unfurnished one bedroom spacious apartment for rent at Beausejour, Gros Islet $850.00 monthly.

No utilities included.

Contact:

724 7747 / 722 8563 / 520-1444 1 unfurnished downstairs apartment, 2 Bedroom, 1 bath for rent at Ciceron, after the Baptist Church, fence and parking. $900.00 monthly.

Call: 452-7552

FOR SALE 2012 Kia Sorrento CRDI 2.2 Turbo AWD, Leather interior, Automatic/ Sport 6 speed Call: 519-0590

For Sale

Call:

2013 Ford Ranger Limited 3.2, Automatic 6 speed Leather interior

286 6190

Call: 519-0590

Serious buyers/ enquirers only

UNITS AVAILABLE FOR RENT • Ground Floor Alfiona Plaza, Rodney Bay 2,800 sq ft suited for office or commercial use Available November, 2018 • 1800 sq ft ground floor completely remodeled -mint condition – Colony House John Compton Highway Unit fitted with kitchen and private toilet facilities. Available immediately • 5000sq ft warehouse – newly built Colony House John Compton Highway Kitchen and toilet facilities included.

Immediate occupancy • 1st Floor Alfiona Plaza, Rodney Bay 1,500 sq ft fully air-conditioned office Available October 1, 2018 • 1st floor at Colony House – formerly occupied by Right Angle Imaging 1000 sq ft well divided Immediate occupancy

Tel: 453 7752 / 452 4934 / 716 0471

FROM RAGS TO MORE RAGS?

SATURDAY, september 08, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

$2.00

Photo by David Pascal

S&S

LAYAWAY NOW AVAILABLE AT S&S THE PRICEBUSTERS

tarpaulins

from $10.00

Come and apply for your S & S Loyalty Card

international radios

for $30.00

Bois D Orange • Castries • Vieux Fort www.facebook.com/the.pricebusters

rechargeable solar lamps

for $35.00

straight umbrellas

for $16.00

4 aa batteries

for $2.50

torch lights

for $3.00

Also on special : jumbo ketchup dispensers $3.50, serving tongs $5, barbeque grills $105, plastic strainers $3, deep fryer baskets $5.75, wooden spoons $2.25, glass cleaners $4.50, fly trap rolls $2, door stoppers $4.75, folding mosquito nets $5.50, printed bedsheets $38, vegetable peelers from $2.75, airwick air fresheners $5

Printed and published by STAR Publishing Co. (1987) Ltd., Rodney Bay Industrial Estate, Massade, Gros Islet, P.O. Box 1146, Castries, St. Lucia, W.I., Tel: (758) 450-7827 Fax: (758) 450-8690, Email: info@stluciastar.com Website: www.stluciastar.com