The STAR Newspaper - 12 May 2018

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The Star (St.Lucia)

SATURDAY, may 12, 2018

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PM Returns Home Justified!

MY KINGDOM FOR A HORSE!

With Due Apologies To King Richard (the third)!

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

info@stluciastar.com

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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.

FAIRYLAND

By Michael Walker

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he temperature has dropped to just above freezing and the wind blows quite chilly over the open spaces in the forest where logging has cleared the way for new plantations. There’s rain in the air, but for the moment the weather remains dry. I’m well wrapped up for the walk. Today I have planned a two-and-a-half-hour trek into unknown territory, first up a long slope to a ridge overlooking a lake; if I am lucky I’ll be able to see the waters below through the trees, but I’m not counting on it.

I’m not wearing gloves. The sleeves of my lightweight jacket are long enough for me to pull my hands up into them and close the ends against the cold if necessary, or if it begins to rain. And I’ll pull a hood over my head to keep me dry. Modern clothing is a far cry from the cumbersome, heavy stuff we used to wear twenty years ago.

The trick to keeping warm and safe is to wear multiple layers of light clothing to keep in the warmth under a waterproof, windproof outer covering. You feel quite snug inside. In fact, the harder it rains, the harder the wind blows, the colder it is, the nicer it feels, snug and safe inside the protective layers. Good footwear is an essential, obviously; wet, frozen feet will kill you.

You develop a good sense of direction, walking in the forest; you remember the twists and turns, the up-slopes and the downslopes; always know where the north is; as my son always says: Know your place in time and space.

I come to a road, well, not much more than a path, and a small farm with a dog running frantically around inside a fence, barking wildly to warn its owner of approaching strangers. A little further along there’s a whole pack of hunting dogs belonging to another farm, fenced in, going berserk at my arrival. A man comes round the corner of the red barn to see what all the commotion is about. I greet him and he wanders over to the fence, telling the dog to be quiet. I hold my hand out, casually, for the dog to sniff at so that we can become friends.

We chat for a while. Tore, it turns out, was born in that very house some seventy years ago. He now lives alone. Everything about the place is neat and tidy. I carefully hint that I do not enjoy walking in the woods during the hunting season because there are too many

may 12, 2018 THE STAR

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crazy hunters around and Tore agrees. Once we discover a common dislike of hunting, things get easier. He invites me on to the farm.

And what a farm it is! Well, I suppose the correct name would be smallholding. We wander into the forest and I stop, amazed, at the fairyland before me. There are ponds and fountains, paths and small bridges, benches and seats, small log cabins – and by small I mean miniature, big enough for fairies and gnomes – in the pre-winter semi-darkness there are lights among the trees.

The ponds are stocked with a multitude of gorgeous tropical fish – yes, fish of every colour and size that, according to Tore, survive the winter under the ice. There are parrots, yes parrots, flitting about in enormous compounds, chatting to us and greeting us as we walk along; there are geese waddling by the water’s edge; there are miniature Shetland ponies grazing in a paddock; a cock and his harem of hens provide the farm with eggs; the wonders never cease. “You made all this?” I ask Tore.

“Why?”

As I mentioned a little while ago, Tore lives in the house where he was born many years ago. His parents are long gone; his twenty-five-year-old son has moved out and married, so Tore lives alone with Isaac, his dog. By now, Isaac and I have become best friends; he is an absolutely wonderful dog; I can well understand Tore’s affection for him. I jokingly tell him that I’ll come by one night and steal him away. Tore turns serious. “No, you can’t do that,” he says, “I promised her I would always look after him. It was the last thing I said to her.”

‘Was it cancer?” I asked. “No,” he replied.

“MS. I made all this for her. As she got worse and worse and the illness took her body, I used to carry her out into the garden so that she could enjoy the flowers, the birds, the fish, all the animals. We used to sit on different benches and just be together; she used to watch me building, building, every day adding something new, until she died.”

The garden was a shrine to his wife’s memory. I felt very humble as I walked home.

I promised Tore I would return with apple pie another day so he could invite me in for coffee. The forest is full of surprises.

The preceding was first published in the November 15, 2014 edition of The Star Newspaper.

Parents and Business Sector called upon to play Bigger Role in Reading Month Activities

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he Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations continues to strongly encourage parents and the corporate community to get even more involved in the school life of children, especially as it pertains to their ability to read.

Saint Lucia is celebrating Reading Month in May under the theme: Collaborating to Close the Literacy Gap - Read for Change. It is becoming increasingly clear that developing literacy cannot be the sole purview of the school.

This theme encourages all stakeholders to contribute to the literacy development of children, both primary and secondary. Parents and the corporate community are encouraged to make their contributions by working with schools, principals, teachers and students.

Districts and Schools have been organising their literacy/ reading activities around the theme, with the focus on

#ReadForChange for students.

Many of these activities revolve around parents, especially fathers; business persons, such as uniformed workers; and local icons, such as writers and traditional storytellers, who will come into the schools to participate in literacy activities with students and teachers.

Schools have organised a Parents’ Potluck evening for parents to visit the school.

Visitors will enjoy story and poetry reading, traditional storytelling, music and demonstrations by teachers on how literacy development can be supported at home, while enjoying the dishes contributed by parents.

Teachers, meantime, will have opportunities to meet with local authors at Book Cafés in the north and south of the island. These Cafés will be hosted by Saint Lucia Books in collaboration with Blue Coral and Jako Productions.

Teachers will also participate in library seminars to share

their best practices in using the library during instruction and assessment.

Hands Across the Sea, a non-profit organisation which promotes reading, will be collaborating in this endeavour.

The Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations continues to reach out and encourage the corporate community to collaborate with it, and assist with literacy activities planned for the coming school year.

This year, the Department is collaborating with OECS Early Learners Programme, Hands Across the Sea, Peace Corps, Saint Lucia Books, Blue Coral and Jako Productions in the execution of organised activities.

Further information on literacy activities, as well as on how one can contribute, can be obtained through contact with Ms. Angel Caglin, Curriculum Officer for Language Arts at (758) 730-0141 or at angelcaglinelp@ gmail.com.

Super Group for Saint Lucia Jazz

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re we witnessing the birth of a new musical genre, or is it simply what jazz has always been—a blend of new feelings and messages that flow in creative improvisation? When the super group R+R=NOW takes the stage at Pigeon Island National Landmark in Saint Lucia tomorrow, Sunday May 13, it will be a blend of rap, R&B, soul, funk and jazz, sprinkled with a splash of reggae, plenty of good humour, and a strong social and political message.

R+R=NOW is the new super group brought together

by Grammy Award-winning producer, pianist, bandleader and arranger Robert Glasper.

R+R=NOW stands for Reflect+Respond=NOW, so named by Glasper after being inspired by late soul singer Nina Simone, who said that an artist's duty is to reflect the times. “When you reflect what’s going on in your time and respond to that,” Glasper

says, “you can’t not be relevant.

So R plus R equals NOW.”

In addition to Glasper, the collective is comprised of music renaissance man Terrace Martin, jazz composer/ instrumentalist Christian Scott Adjuah, composer/record producer Derrick Hodge, DJ/ producer Taylor McFerrin and up-and-coming musician Justin Tyson. Each member is instrumental in the super group’s sound, with Glasper on piano, Martin on synthesizer and vocoder, Adjuah on trumpet, Hodge on bass, McFerrin on synth and beatbox, and Tyson on drums.

“Everyone in this band is a six-foot-tall black guy who didn’t come from an affluent background. In order for us all to make it into that room together, we’ve had to go through some hell, fight for some things, build up a lot of armour, and do a lot ourselves to forge our realities, to become who we are. We’re

all very aware of that, so anytime we get together, it’s a celebration,” says Christian Scott Adjuah.

This celebration descends on Saint Lucia’s Pigeon Island National Landmark tomorrow, Sunday May 13, for the closing act of Saint Lucia Jazz 2018.

Also featured on that day will be Martinique’s Frantz Laurac, Saint Lucia’s Ronald Boo Hinkson and American soul singer, composer and pianist Avery*Sunshine.

R+R=NOW’s performance at Saint Lucia Jazz 2018 will be followed by a huge afterparty that will also launch Carnival 2018, the next event on the Soleil Summer Festival calendar. The Jazz After-Party/ Carnival Kick-off will feature Destra and her band Bakanal, Shal Marshall, 2016 Red Bull Thr3estyle World Champion— DJ Puffy, Ezra d Fun Machine, Hollywood HP, Mata & Migos, ShemmyJ & Nerdy and the band Evalucian!

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may 12, 2018

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SAINT LUCIANS OVERSEAS EXCITED ABOUT NEW SANDALS RESORT

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he buzz of excitement surrounding the commencement of work on Sandals’ newest resort in Saint Lucia has already spread beyond the shores of the island, and is creating waves among the hundreds of Saint Lucian nationals working at Sandals properties throughout the region.

While some 98% of the 1,800 strong workforce in Saint Lucia are locals, more than 300 others are working throughout the Caribbean, from Jamaica to Grenada.

In Barbados, where the new Sandals Royal Barbados was opened in December 2017, Nisa Nicholas of the Barbados Projects’ Office said her colleagues in Saint Lucia have a lot to look forward to. “As a Saint Lucian, the ground-breaking of a fourth Sandals resort is great news and an opportunity for more job creation. We also have the most resorts in the Eastern Caribbean and that in itself shows the confidence the brand has in my country. I would like to ask Mr. Stewart, however, to consider a Beaches in Saint Lucia so family and kids could enjoy our amazing product.”

Nadi Alphonse, who is now the Lead Sales Agent at the Sandals Grande Antigua said, "It makes me really proud to know that Sandals has chosen to expand its presence in Saint Lucia and that we will soon have a fourth resort there! It means Saint Lucia remains the country with the most Sandals resorts and the highest Sandals team member employment outside of its home which is Jamaica. I think it is a really great honour and it’s a big benefit to our people. A lot of young people want jobs and opportunities for growth. And I, along with many other Saint Lucians all around the region, am a testament to the opportunities Sandals provides for travel and development."

Clockwise from top left: Anthony Linor, Bernice Alfred, Merlinda Pierre, Nadi Alphonse and Nisa Nicholas— all beneficiaries of Sandals Resorts International employment.

In Grenada Executive Pastry Chef Anthony Linor urged his countrymen and women in Saint Lucia to seize the opportunities presented. “The good thing about Sandals is that you can start anywhere and grow; from steward to the General Manager. I have been working with the company for 18 years and doing well. I have had the opportunity to move around: I worked at the Grande Saint Lucia, the opening of Sandals Barbados, I did training at Sandals South Coast (Jamaica), now I am the Executive Pastry Chef here at Sandals Grenada and next month I’ll be moving to Sandals Grande Antigua. All of this is good, this is progress and if I can do it, anybody can do it.”

Sandals Grenada’s Front Office Manager Mellisa D’Auvergne, another Saint Lucian agrees: “If I were to use myself as an example, when I started with Sandals in 2010, I started off as a Casual worker in Housekeeping with Sandals Grande Saint Lucia and

as a Quality Floor Inspector, and today I am in Grenada as the Front Office Manager. The opportunities are endless. I got to work in Jamaica, all three resorts in Saint Lucia and hopefully the new Sandals in Saint Lucia!

As a nation we must grasp this opportunity for more youth to grow in the hospitality industry.”

Bernice Alfred, who holds the post of Finance Manager at Sandals Grenada, is also excited by the potential for employment: “I am extremely excited because it will create more job opportunities for my countrymen and I can proudly speak of the brand Sandals. In 2009

I left Saint Lucia as a payroll clerk and had the opportunity to relocate to the Bahamas and now I am the Finance Manager at Sandals Grenada. I have been able to explore different Caribbean cultures and meet so many amazing people.”

Merlinda Pierre is the Executive Housekeeping Manager and she is proud that Sandals again chose her home of Saint Lucia: “Quite frankly there are other local

and regional investors who have the money but won’t make such a bold step to invest in the hospitality industry. I trust his [Mr. Stewart's] judgment and I think it will be very fruitful for the island.”

Sandals currently has three resorts in Saint Lucia including the Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa, Sandals Halycon Beach and Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Golf Resort and Spa, and only

recently announced plans with the Greg Norman company for the construction of a world-class golf course at Cap Estate.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet broke ground for the start of work on the fourth resort on May 2, 2018 and it promises to be the very latest in design and innovation, boasting some 380 suites upon completion.

During the 24-month construction phase 1,200 jobs will be created, with an additional 900 jobs upon completion.

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may 12, 2018 THE STAR

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Allen Chastanet: “I’ll find the money for St. Jude!”

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hile campaigning for office in 2016, the leader of the United Workers Party, Mr. Allen Chastanet, bellowed over and over: “Mweh faché!” blowing the notion that he was a total stranger to langue mama nous. So often did he repeat the declaration that it became a party mantra, repeated by platform speakers and regular UWP supporters alike. Whatever the cause at the time of his admitted anger, it would seem the prime minister has more reasons than ever to be faché!

Last week the prime minister described as “terrorism” certain public statements related to the St. Jude brouhaha, allegedly by the Saint Lucia Labour Party. This was how the party’s chairman, Moses JnBaptiste, reacted: “The prime minister said that basically the concerns of the St Lucia Medical and Dental Association, the concerns of the St Lucia Labour Party, it looks like we’re trying to create a situation in the country. I want to state categorically,

as chairman of the SLP, that we will continue to press the government for answers.

We will continue to indicate that the government is continuing to create a worsening health crisis and situation in this country.”

On Monday, evidently still faché, the prime minister again referenced St. Jude and the opposition party. “When we came in, our initial goal was to downsize the ambition of St. Jude in order to have it completed by the end of 2016 and move the patients now at the George Odlum stadium.

Our analysis has shown that whatever we do to try to fix up the existing facility, it will still be substandard.”

He added: “I do not have the ability to snap my fingers and undo what was done.

We’re dealing with something highly technical and very sophisticated.”

Perhaps displaying more emotionalism than has been witnessed publicly, the prime minister went on: “The opposition should be ashamed of itself. It has no legitimacy to

comment about anything to do with St. Jude. They failed the people of this country, having promised on several occasions to deliver a state-of-the-art St. Jude in 2015, after spending millions and nearly five years on the construction of the hospital. It’s hypocritical to say they are concerned about the healthcare of the people of this country. For five years all they did was spend money and tell lies about how the work was coming.

Nothing they promised came to pass.”

Barely taking time to exhale, the prime minister added: “Right now, I’m having to find an extra $70million for OKEU and another $120 million possibly in order to save the hospital in the south. You don’t hear me complaining. I don’t have the money, but I’ll find the money. We will make it happen because we must. It’s a priority.”

Meanwhile the group known as Raise Your Voice Saint Lucia has been issuing a number of unsettling, unconfirmed press releases.

Notice is hereby given that the Mon Repos Eastern Co-Operative Credit Union (1968) Limited will be holding its 44th Annual General Meeting on Sunday 27th May 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at the Micoud Secondary School for the following purposes: To confirm minutes of the last Annual General Meeting To consider and approve reports To consider and approve Financial Statement for the year ended December 31st 2017 To allocate Surplus Funds To elect Officers To transact any other General Business of the Society.

Please note that audited financial statements can be viewed prior to the AGM on the Mon Repos Credit Union website: www. monreposcreditunion.com

By Order Secretary

--- Claudia Eleibox

Saint Lucia Announces its Summer of Discovery Promotion

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Prime Minister Allen Chastanet: He insists that the opposition party lacks the legitimacy to speak on St. Jude Hospital, having spent millions of dollars on the project over nearly five years, while making promises that finally proved hollow.

One of them, calls for the resignation of health minister Senator Mary Francis, and another states: “It is alleged that mental patients will be returned to their communities for community/family-based mental health care and those who are in need of hospitalization will be referred to Victoria Hospital.”

The government’s senior communications officer, Nicole McDonald, quickly refuted the group’s claims.

However, there could be no denying last week’s resignation of Dr. Ulric Mondesir as chairman of St. Jude’s board of directors.

The prime minister’s final word: “No way the people in the south, who have waited all this time, should be given a sub-par hospital. My government will not stand for that!”

he Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is preparing to launch its biggest and most interactive summer promotion ever!

Called the Saint Lucia Summer of Discovery, the promotion allows one visitor the chance to win US$10,000 when vacationing in Saint Lucia this summer. The premise is for people to visit and engage with 25 iconic sites and attractions chosen by the Tourism Authority to showcase the island in the areas of Family, Adventure, Dive, Health & Wellness, Romance and Culinary. The promotion also offers savings of up to 65% at participating hotels.

The Summer of Discovery promotion is designed to increase visitors’ awareness and web traffic to the SLTA website; engage visitors with an experience to remember; and reinforce the message that it is safe to travel to Saint Lucia during the summer. In addition, the promotion will feature the

new Holiday Travel Guarantee.

This Guarantee is a unique marketing tool that has been adopted by a number of properties on island, whereby guests will not forfeit their vacation as a result of adverse weather but will be allowed to defer their holiday to a later date.

To participate in the Summer of Discovery promotion, visitors must follow @travelsaintlucia on their Instagram and Facebook feeds; visit a minimum of five out of the twenty-five pre-defined locations; and capture a selfie at each location. The photos must be posted with the hashtag #summerofdiscovery as well as the hashtag for each location with location-specific hashtags found on the premises. Participants must then tag @travelsaintlucia in the photo, and they’re entered! One of the selfies must be at the property where the guest is staying.

For every location-based selfie posted beyond the five minimum, participants will

receive an additional entry in the sweepstakes. For example, if participant visits 15 locations, that person will receive 11 entries in the sweepstakes—one for the first five locations, and one for each additional location visited and accompanied by a hashtagged selfie.

Photo contest entries are added automatically to a gallery displaying photo captions and entrants, and each photo contest entry will get its unique URL to help the contest go viral.

All advertising will send participants to a landing page featuring an interactive map of all of the iconic locations they can visit as part of the contest.

This promotion runs from June 1 to September 30, 2018 with the draw scheduled for October 8, 2018. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is promoting the sweepstakes through various digital, radio and print channels in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

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Did Kentucky Derby Justify PM’s DSH Dream?

By Joshua St. Aimee

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he longest running sporting event in the United States is the Kentucky Derby. The first installment of the event was held in 1875—143 years ago! Dubbed “The Run for the Roses”, the race has, from inception, been held at Churchill Downs in Kentucky.

Last Saturday the 114th edition took place, and made history.

With more than 157,000 in attendance (the 8th highest in the history of the event), a thoroughbred, Justify, and its jockey, Mike Smith, romped home to first place by 2½ lengths. Favoured to win the race, the 3-year old horse didn’t disappoint, despite having been in just three previous races (winning performances, all).

This was the first time in 136 years that a horse won the Derby, not having raced as a 2-year-old.

The owners of Justify— WinStar Farm, Head of Plain Panthers, Starlight Racing and the China Horse Club—received US$1.24 million (EC $3.348 million). The 52-year-old jockey

He expressed to the media on Monday his immense enjoyment of his time spent interacting and associating with China Horse Club members. He said he was able to promote the horseracing track at the highest levels of the sport. Obviously high on the prospect, the PM noted: “When we’re going to run an international horse race competition in Saintt Lucia, we’ll have access to some of the best horses in the world!”

He also provided an update on on-going works on the local racetrack: “I am very excited about the announcement of hosting a major international horse race event here on February 10. Those who remain sceptical, please go down to Vieux Fort and see the level of work taking place Works on the proposed home for Saint Lucian horseracing are taking shape. there. We’re working seven days a week getting that facility Horse Club’s main man. collected US$124,000.

There is also the added there are countless convenient ready. The track itself will be

There can be only one exciting opportunity for fans online sites for bettors. One

“It was an incredibly completed by the end of July. winner per race, but not when to cash-in. Per the Kentucky particularly lucky woman from exciting day!” announced the There were two things that Derby’s official site, there are Texas turned an $18 bet on PM at Monday’s pre-cabinet it relates to collecting rewards. delayed us: we had not been press briefing. “Post the event,” registered at the international There is a prize for each of three basic wagers: betting on Saturday’s race into US$1.2 he went, “I was invited to the the first five horses to cross a horse to win the race; betting million! level to be quarantined and the finish line: second place to finish in the top two and

By now it’s hardly news winners’ circle and to the we were having difficulties received US$400,000, third betting on a finish among the that among the thousands at press conference. I was given in resolving some problems top three. Betting is not limited the Derby were Prime Minster the opportunity to speak and $200,000, fourth $100,000 and related to some of the Allen Chastanet and Desert indicated that we are very proud properties. So now it’s full fifth $60,000. to being at the racetrack; Star Holding’s Teo Ah Khing, to be working with Mr. Teo Ah steam ahead. The momentum is Khing on a development in who hardly needs introduction, certainly behind us!” save to add that he is the China Saint Lucia.”

Observing International Day for Biological Diversity 2018 under the Theme “25 Years of Action for Biodiversity”

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aint Lucia celebrates its 25th anniversary as a Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity with a series of activities over the month of May. May 22nd has been declared the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) by the United Nations. This is a day to raise awareness and appreciation of Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth.

Through coordination by the Department of Sustainable Development, activities for IDB 2018 kicked off with the launch of a photo competition on Earth Day, April 22nd. The theme for the competition, which is open to all Saint Lucians, is “Me in Biodiversity”.

One of the feature activities is a series of visits to schools around the island. “This is one of the most impactful ways we can spread the message of conservation to the young people who will be the next generation of caretakers

for our environment. These interactive visits will solidify what they are currently learning as part of their curriculum,” said Dr. Gale Rigobert, Minister for Education and Sustainable Development.

During the school visits, representatives from the Departments of Forestry, Fisheries and the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority, in collaboration with non-government organisations and the private sector, including the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Saint Lucia National Trust and Sandals Foundation, will make presentations to the school students and plant trees to beautify the school grounds.

Other key initiatives are a Movie Day which will be observed on 24th May at the Derek Walcott house on Chaussee Road. Members of

Sandals Foundation Brings Benefit Concert ‘Vibes on the Island’ to Saint Lucia

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he Sandals Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International – is adding its the public will be invited to highly successful benefit view locally produced movies, concert ‘Vibes on the Island’ to documentaries and features the 2018 Carnival calendar. related to biodiversity.

Set for June 2nd at Pigeon

On Saturday 26th May, a beach clean-up and turtle watch Island, Dancehall Queen Spice and Reggae legend Barrington are planned for the Grande Anse beach. Community groups, Levy will converge on one stage with popular Saint Lucian students and all interested artistes including Sedale Semi, members of the public will Superman HD, Ezra “De Fun work together to restore the Grande Anse beach and protect Machine”, King Arthur Allain, DJ Sirlancelot, DJ Hyper D and the the home of the leatherback DYP band—all well poised to turtles and endemic lizard. bring the “vibes”.

For more information on

While patrons can expect the activities scheduled for a fun-filled night of music IDB 2018, and how you can and food, the event is aimed get involved, please log onto at bringing attention and Biodiversity.govt.lc or check raising funds to support major the Department of Sustainable community needs. Proceeds Development’s Facebook page from Vibes on the Island (Sustaining Saint Lucia 411) will go towards the Faces of or contact Jannel Gabriel, Cancer facility in Tapion and Sustainable Development and Environment Officer, Department the Salvation Army Child Care Centre in Central Castries. of Sustainable Development,

Sandals Foundation jannel.gabriel@govt.lc or Executive Director, Heidi Clarke, biodiversity@govt.lc or call said patrons attending the 451-8746. event should bear in mind that

they are contributing to worthy causes while bringing attention to the growing challenges of cancer and education in the region.

“We want to put on a great show for the patrons but, at the same time, we are all working to do some good.

The two causes that we will be supporting from this event— both do amazing work across the country—are definitely in need and we wanted to enlist the support of the entire Saint Lucia to help,” Clarke said.

Faces of Cancer St. Lucia caters to all types of cancer patients and survivors ,as well as caregivers. The organisation provides services which include bringing awareness about the chronic disease, an illness which recently hit the island’s music industry with the death of Francis “Leebo” de Lima.

The facility also provides support to underserved patients who receive assistance with free screening, purchasing of medication, covering of doctors’ fees, scans and tests and also emotional and spiritual

counselling. Currently with a membership of 215, mostly women, the charity also assists patients to access treatments that are not available on-island.

The Salvation Army Child Care Centre is in urgent need of upgrades to meet the requirements of the Ministry of Education, and the children, caregivers and families who utilize this facility. Established in 1967, the centre caters to children up to age five from the inner-city community and today serves over 60 children by providing daycare services and early childhood education with a small team of five teachers.

Tickets for Vibe on the Island are available from all The Cell outlets, Banana Countree, Ultra Lounge, Coconutz, Kaycee’s in JQ Mall and downtown Castries, Verdict, Shoe Rehab, all Sandals Resorts, the Wave Radio Station, and Radio Caribbean International. Early-bird tickets are available until May 13 for EC$100. General admission is EC$120 and the Luxury Included® VIP tickets cost EC$350.

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Local time passes and brings change, alas not always for the better!

Keryn Nelson

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nyone strolling or driving along the streets of Beausejour, Gros Islet is likely to come across young boys on bicycles hurriedly en route to some mysterious location. Recently, while driving, I encountered a group much larger than I had seen before. They dispersed as I drove by. Seeing them reminded me of bygone times when I played cricket, hide and seek, and catchers in my grandmother’s backyard— actually, in the entire block within which she lives in Entrepot. As I drove past those boys at Beausejour I wondered: Is growing up in Saint Lucia today different from when I was a child, say, 15 years ago?

Based on what I remember, I’d answer yes, though not entirely. While millennials (born between 1982 and 2004) may enjoy reminiscing over a Saint Lucian childhood where school recesses were for things like ring games, jump rope, Chinese skip and catchers, at home we spent just as much time seated in front of TV sets as Generation Z might spend at their laptops, Ipads and cell phones. And, like the kids in Beausejour, we came out occasionally.

I also find it funny when I hear friends, still in their 20s, complain about secondary school students loitering in Castries when, in our time, say, 10 years ago, we did precisely the same. But it seems the normal thing to do—another

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elusive part of human nature— to discuss generational gaps like schisms. People seem to derive perverse pleasure from drawing attention to all the great and wonderful things they did when they were children; the wonderful traditions that have fallen through the cracks; the once common knowledge now totally unknown to today’s young majority. The idea that the older ones just might be responsible for the underscored shortcomings couldn’t be further from their minds. If the past had turned bad, it had to be everyone else’s fault. Not theirs.

Whenever there’s a serious discussion about how people have changed, the word culture is mentioned. Baby Boomers and Generation X-ers (born between 1945 and the 1960s, and the 1960s and 1980s, respectively) fume over the skimpy bras, panties and men’s briefs commonly paraded at carnival jump-ups. They recall the good old days when people respected themselves and one another and always dressed modestly, even at carnival activities: opaque loose t-shirts, and ankle length trousers and dresses were worn as carnival costumes back in their day.

But, right before our eyes, another tide is turning. Thongs have for years been a trend, but surely the thinning triangle and box-cut fabrics that barely cover lady bits crept in within this decade. So did the circular jewels just large enough to conceal female nipples, leaving the rest of the breast exposed.

But, like an unstoppable train plummeting down the tracks,

No matter how wide the gap between generations, certain things do not need to fall through the cracks.

the transition is a spectacle that no one has the balls to intercept—if indeed they want it intercepted at all.

During a local radio show on Monday, a man called in to talk about how calypso in Saint Lucia has lost its prestige. He complained that Soca music had taken the reins and, hey, the caller was on the button. Of late, anyone turning on the radio or attending a tent in the hope of being treated to witty lyrics is courting disappointment. Kaiso just ain’t what it used to be.

Soca is what’s hot. Along with Dennery Segment, Dub, R&B— even Hip Hop. But who will have

the guts to close the portals that pour foreign sounds down our ears?

As for our “traditions”: dead and dying. Whatever happened to Labour Day, that came and went last Tuesday with barely a whimper? Older Saint Lucians complained after the fact. According to the wise ones on Street Vibes, no one remembers anymore the early fight for workers’ rights; the changing from sixteen to eight hour workdays; the demand for safe working conditions; the calls on employers for healthy job environments. It seemed Saint Lucians had decided to

SLHTA Welcomes New CEO

oderick Cherry is the new Chief Executive Officer at the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA). He succeeds Noorani Azeez, who has resigned after leading the Association for 6 years.

An accomplished senior management executive, Roderick brings to the SLHTA a wealth of leadership and over 20 years of management and marketing experience. Prior to his appointment he served as the SLHTA’s Chief Operations Officer from March 2016. He

has also served as the CEO of the National Insurance Property Development & Management Company (NIPRO), the Executive Director of the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund and the Senior Manager for Marketing at ECFH. He holds an MBA in Strategic Management.

Roderick is also the chairman of the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund and a board member of the Solid Waste Management Authority.

Said Roderick: “I am excited about this opportunity

and ready to take on the challenge. As CEO, one of my primary areas of focus will be on strengthening the relationship between tourism and other sectors, including manufacturing and arts and craft. Currently, our goal is to broaden our linkages programme, which has already made a huge impact on the livelihoods of many farmers.

“We also intend to build upon the good work of the Tourism Enhancement Fund by setting up a more formalised

structure for grant making to support education and training for our youth. Strong emphasis will also be placed on organising human resource development programmes specially tailored for staff within the industry. We want to ensure that Saint Lucia’s tourism product continues to maintain its world-class standards in an ever more competitive international tourism marketplace.”

SLHTA President, Sanovnik Destang said, “We are happy to

sleep away the Labour Day holiday.

However, when I asked a group of Saint Lucians, all under the age of 25, whether they had ever witnessed Labour Day celebrations, or had been taught about the day’s significance locally, I got a resounding no. Makes you wonder, doesn’t it.

Thankfully, not all things wither with time. Over the weekend, some old, charming photos of Saint Lucia were posted to the internet via a popular website. One featured the Castries market in the 1950s.

Unlike the demise of Labour welcome Roderick to the SLHTA team as the new CEO. Not only is he familiar with the dynamics of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry, he understands the importance and linkages between tourism and other industries, and the vital contribution tourism makes to Saint Lucia’s socio-economic development. We look forward to working along with him towards strengthening the SLHTA and building a bright future for the tourism industry.” Destang also expressed his appreciation to Noorani Azeez, the outgoing CEO, for his invaluable contribution to the growth and development of the Association and the tourism sector.

Day celebrations, noted one commentator, the Castries market hadn’t changed a bit; it “looked exactly the same as back then”. If you look at the photo carefully, however, while the buildings may not have changed much, the congestion of vehicles, piles of litter, clogged drains, vagrants and cracked pavements are of relatively recent vintage. William Peter Boulevard actually looks the worse for wear—evidence that too many of us live only to say how bad things have become over the years, with no one taking responsibility for the rot.

Roderick Cherry adds to his experience in management and marketing sectors as he’s appointed the new CEO of SLHTA.

THE STAR

may 12, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

THE FUNNIES!

Joshua St. Aimee is a graduate of the Hospitality Studies Department of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. A sports enthusiast, he is now pursuing a career in Graphic Design & Animation. For business inquires, contact: jsacartoonist@gmail.com

Government Congratulates Chef Nina on James Beard Award

S

aint Lucian Chef Nina Compton continues to wow the culinary world and, on Monday evening, was named “Best Chef: South” at the 2018 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards in Chicago.

Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet has congratulated Chef Nina, who has consistently highlighted her Saint Lucian heritage and incorporated it into her awardwinning restaurant in New Orleans, Compère Lapin, named after the Creole folktale.

“We have no doubt Chef Nina will continue to rise on the culinary stage,” said Prime Minister Chastanet. “As a country we are so very proud of her achievements and this latest award is one of the highest honours for a chef. On behalf of the government and people of Saint Lucia, I congratulate Chef Nina and I want to let her know how elated we are for her continued success. With her first restaurant, Chef Nina made a huge entrance and won several accolades and we also take the opportunity to congratulate her on the opening of her second restaurant, Bywater American Bistro, which is already highly anticipated. Nina is so authentic and truly carries the Saint Lucian flag with her wherever she goes. We could not be more proud as a nation.”

Chef Nina was previously nominated for a James Beard Award in 2017 and has been honoured as a Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine. The Times-Picayune also

Chef Nina adds more accolades to her name in the culinary arena.

named Compère Lapin its 2016 restaurant of the year, the first New Orleans restaurant to receive that honour. Chef Nina was also voted fan favourite on Bravo's “Top Chef: New Orleans” Season 11.

LOCAL 09

10

COMMENT

may 12, 2018 THE STAR

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SANDALS AND MASSY:

ECONOMICS BEFORE POLITICS resentment by certain sections of the partisan crowd who view the expansion of tourism as a threat to the island’s way of life—a life they are harde seem to have reached pressed to define. As usual, a stage in our reluctant empty vessels make the most evolution where noise with nary a word on an politics takes precedence over alternative economic model that everything, including economics would produce sustainable jobs. and common sense. It reminds The latest brouhaha is that me of those who were born into the Sandals brand is threatening certain Christian denominations to take over the island by the and did not practise the faith vast and rapid expansion of its until they switched churches. tourism plants. Please note that Almost overnight, they devoted the source of this misgiving is more time and energy to the the well-known section of the new discovery and it soon opposition political landscape became their passion. Those that seems determined to who discovered late the power oppose whatever they did not of politics are similarly struck. propose. They hope to inveigle Today, politics, by which I the unwary into a change of mean party politics, has taken government. Perhaps this tribe precedence over economics and of negative mothers, with their common sense in almost every large appetites and sticky national discussion; whether on fingers, wish to have another go tourism, agriculture, healthcare at the national treasury before or education. certain investigations should For example, how much reveal their sins. They do not beach land an entrepreneur want King to complete his road should be allowed in repairs, or Ezekiel to get banana establishing a hotel property farmers back on their feet, or in Saint Lucia is heard as a Fedee to complete his village political question rather than tourism development drive. one about wise land-use and There is no end to the hypocrisy. economics. The number of Their criticisms do not end with hotels an investor is allowed is the Sandals brand. quickly turned into a troubling Another point of interest political enquiry which soon is Massy Stores. Massy filters into the issue of race has evolved into a megarather than a common sense conglomerate with a large caution against putting too multi-island supermarket chain many of the island’s economic that gobbles up smaller entities eggs into the proverbial one in the Eastern Caribbean, basket of tourism. including Saint Lucia. Few Saint To hear some political Lucians seem to know or care hacks, one would think the about the number of Massy island’s beaches should be stores on the island. Even fewer declared sacred ground to be care how many locally-owned used and trampled upon only by supermarkets are going under local feet, without any regard due to pilferage, economic for economic benefit. Too many size, poor management and neglect to ask who will pay for deliberate lack of support. As the upkeep of their hallowed far as the one-eyed political beaches and clean the garbage hacks are concerned, frequent left behind by the drunk and increases in food prices do poverty-stricken. Some talk not matter so long as the incessantly about the need to supermarkets do not belong protect the flora and fauna from to Michael Chastanet and his foreign intrusion while they turn family or other locals. The same blind eyes to the consequences people who were making the of the fires of late-night beach loudest noises when Super-J limes. Perhaps such a sensitive and Mega-J were around, environment ought to be left now are mute. It is tempting untouched for sacramental to ask whether these pricereasons. watching party hacks have There is also a quiet fallen asleep on the job. Have Peter Josie

W

not a national, reaps a profit from his local food and water business. Perhaps I ought to hide behind the psychological damage which slavery and colonialism inflicted upon the people of this island and keep making excuses for every failing. But I won’t! When will it end?

We have seen in our own lifetime what appears to be a natural growth and decline in local businesses. Is this a natural cycle? Will the The author wants to know: Do food prices matter only same happen to the foreign when our supermarkets are owned by businesses that have replaced Michael Chastanet (pictured)? the local? I submit that this they been offered incentives to had the benefit of education, not question ought to be of some concern to those in public concentrate instead at Sandals a word, not a word, not a word life. By the way, should we be and the company’s tourism and is offered to shed light on the speaking of Caricom-owned job-creation plans? How sad! darkness of such mischievous businesses as foreign, in this ignorance.

Does such behaviour day and age?

The defining attitude reflect the level of decadence I submit that instead of seems to be that it does not of our politics? Every fool that the knee-jerk political reaction matter to those political hacks never darkened a classroom to Sandals and Massy Stores, on the island has a political and their bosses how much the Saint Lucians ought to be opinion which is not matched poor man’s tin of sardines or concerned about what might by a modicum of economic of tuna fish costs. They seem happen to the economy if there happiest when a foreigner, and thought. And from those who

T

Woman's $18 bet on Kentucky Derby day wins $1.2 million

he Austin Statesman reported on Sunday that the woman, who was not identified but posed for a picture, will be taking home about the same amount as the owners of the race’s winner. Justify's team reportedly made $1.4 million.

Retama Park Race Track, which is located in Selma, Texas, posted a picture of the winner on its Facebook page. ESPN reported that the woman bet on the Kentucky Derby favourite and some longshots in other races at Churchill Downs, including Funny Duck at 40-1.

A track spokesman told ABC that it is “unheard of" to win $1.2 million on such a small bet.

Justify scored his spot at the gate with his threelength victory over Bolt d'Oro in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby on April 7.

Babonneau Residents to Receive a More Reliable and Improved Water Supply

T A Texas woman won $1.2 million on an $18 'Pick 5' bet that included Kentucky Derby winner, Justify.

Another record was also broken on Saturday, as the National Weather Service said it was the wettest Derby ever. Prior to the race, the agency tweeted that rainfall totals in Louisville stood at 2.83 inches.

---Fox News

is a sudden change of fortunes of these two giants. I further submit that both Sandals and Massy should be encouraged to seek out food manufacturers in Jamaica and Trinidad to locate in Saint Lucia. Furthermore, local agriculture products such as mango, passionfruit, soursop, watermelon and pawpaw should be used to create a unique product for the international culinary industry.

In the meantime, we should learn to support our own home-grown industries more faithfully, as do Indians, Jews and Chinese.

I could not end this without this final observation: both Sandals and Massy have trained more Saint Lucians than any other local business. The only other entity which seems just as determined to train its staff is the government of Saint Lucia. There is, therefore, something positive to be said about the business acumen of the country’s new leader.

he Water and Sewerage Company Inc is pleased to announce that residents of Babonneau Proper, Cabishe and Hill Twenty communities, who had been experiencing frequent water supply interruptions, can expect an improvement when upgrades on the Hill Twenty Treatment Plant are completed.

The primary objective of this project is to increase the supply of water to customers to a more consistent and reliable supply.

The line servicing residents in Fond Cannie will now be connected to the La Croix pumping line and will supply the community through gravity.

The upgrade also includes the installation of a new pumping station at the Hill Twenty Plant to increase pumping capacity to the Paix Bouche tank.

The first phase of works, which began in June 2017, included the installation of a ten-inch main that replaced the six-inch pumping main from the Hill Twenty Treatment Plant to the La Croix water storage tank. The upgrade has increased capacity and was the first step in satisfying the demand for water in areas which had previously been deprived.

The second phase of the works will include the installation of an additional electrical pump at the Hill Twenty Treatment Plant that will further increase the water volumes to the various communities. This phase is nearing completion and is expected to be operational shortly. Upon completion, all areas to the east of the Hill Twenty Treatment Plant will begin to experience an improvement in the water supply.

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

may 12, 2018

LOCAL

11

St. Lucia a crazy place for the mentally challenged!

Claudia Eleibox

P

eople with mental health issues say it’s difficult to receive adequate and relevant help in Saint Lucia.

One individual who requested anonymity spoke of a friend who was raped several years ago and believes the perpetrator has returned to endanger her and the child. It has reached the point where the victim has been having suicidal thoughts.

Our source revealed that she had tried desperately to be of assistance but to little avail.

First she turned to the police.

All they did was record her statement; nothing more. On the question of protection, this is what this reporter was told by a police press officer: “They [victims and other concerned parties] have to make a report.

It is entered, and an investigator is assigned to make contact.

The official works on the matter as speedily as possible if a person is in danger, but they can also take refuge with family or at friend’s house during the process.”

Concerning the victim’s suicidal behaviour: “We don’t have the appropriate services available. We refer people in such circumstances to relevant agencies. We try to get assistance from Human Services, the Crisis Centre or

T

Some accuse the National Mental Wellness Centre of not doing enough for mental health patients.

the Suicide Helpline.”

Our source had turned to the Suicide Helpline, widely praised by the Ministry of Health. An attendant informed our source that the affected person must herself call the helpline. The victim was not accommodated at the shelter for battered women because she did not fall under the “beaten by her boyfriend” category. The Crisis Centre was also unable to help because she was “not a victim of domestic violence.” As I write, my source is considering, in a last-ditch effort at getting help for her friend, the National Mental Wellness Centre.

However, another source indicated to me that admittance to the facility is no less difficult.

Naomi had been suffering with

depression and visiting the institution as an outpatient.

She said that her counselling sessions had not been as helpful as anticipated so she opted to admit herself as an in-patient.

“Inside, were women of all ages,” she said. “Some were yelling, some just sat staring.

I slowly backed away as the tears filled my eyes. I started to have an anxiety attack. I was gasping for air. This wasn't the place for me.” Naomi was especially disturbed at how the patients were treated like they were in a prison, not a medical centre. “The rooms looked like prison cells and were locked from the outside. The walls were in a deplorable condition.”

Nevertheless, on the advice of her counsellor, Naomi agreed

COCONUT BAY STAGES ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL HEALTH FAIR

he third annual Employee Health Fair organised by Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa took place on May 4, 2018 with over two hundred and fifty staff members participating in the event.

The Employee Health Fair was undertaken in collaboration with twelve health care service providers, health product suppliers, counselling services, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Vulnerable Persons Unit, the resort’s greenhouse agronomist and individual doctors.

Head of Coconut Bay Human Resource Department, Ms. Juliana Samuel, who organised the Employee Health Fair, explained that the Fair’s main purpose was: “To heighten the awareness of staff to available health care services and resources, and encourage

to see the doctor. After she had answered his questions, given a blood sample and undergone a thorough physical examination, he advised Naomi it would be in her best interest to be admitted. She asked if doing so meant she’d be locked up like the other patients. She was depressed but stable, after all.

The doctor nodded his head affirmatively.

Naomi was having none of that. But before she was allowed to leave the centre, she

first had to sign a discharge form. “Imagine that!” she exclaimed. “I had to sign that form so as to free them of any responsibilities, even though I was never officially admitted at the centre.” She insisted she’d have been worse, not better, had she stayed at the facility.

Some research on my part revealed that patients at places such as the Wellness Centre must sometimes be protected from themselves and from other patients. It is generally agreed, however, that not all patients with mental issues should be treated similarly.

Some need not be locked up, only to be freed for an hour at lunchtime.

The National Mental Wellness Centre declined to comment on Naomi’s observations. At any rate, not without the permission of the permanent secretary at the health ministry. Finally, I was told this shocking story by another source. Her son has a mental disorder that at times makes him violent.

One night when he was acting up very badly she called the police for assistance. The

officers who answered her call casually informed her on arrival at her address that they would transport her son to the National Mental Wellness Centre but would first have to break his legs to make him more manageable. She declined and instead took her chances with her son at home. Did she report the matter to the authorities?

“Who would I report?” she sniffed. “The police?”

Again, the National Mental Wellness Centre was unavailable to comment. But a police press officer said: “From our end we don’t have everything to deal with mentally ill individuals. When you are dealing with a mentally ill patient, you have to take every precaution to safeguard yourself. The police on our own should not be responsible for transporting violent mental patients. We should be accompanied at least by a couple of trained nurses.”

On the other hand, he thought the idea of breaking a patient’s legs, for any reason whatsoever, was “extreme”. At last, something we might all agree on!

VACANCY NOTICE An innovative leading Law Firm on the island invites suitably qualified persons to apply for the position of:

LEGAL OFFICE MANAGER Responsibilities of the successful candidate will include: i. General oversight of the Firm’s day-to-day operations to ensure efficient and effective

management of all administrative functions, and ii. Execution and management of all administrative matters related to the functions of the Head of Chambers.

Knowledge and Skills Required:

Staff members taking full advantage of the Health Fair.

them to take advantage of such services as part of a preventative health care concept”.

Organisers expressed gratification that male employees, in particular, capitalized on the free and subsidized services available through the Health Fair. According to the Human Resource Department, a significant number of men availed themselves for prostate cancer and diabetes testing.

Coconut Bay is thankful to all the private and public sector entities, along with individual doctors, who contributed to ensuring the success of the third annual Employee Health Fair.

i. Advanced leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff. ii. Effective interpersonal skills, a high level of emotional intelligence, and an effective team player. iii. Excellent oral and written communication skills. iv. Ability to be proactive, exercise initiative, flexibility and adaptability. v. Ability to multi-task. vi. Demonstrated ability to maintain integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in the conduct of duties. vii. Ability to exercise good independent judgment and tact in the execution of duties. viii. Good analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. ix. Excellent computer skills. x. Ability to meet deadlines and to remain calm and composed under intense pressure.

Qualifications and Experience: Applicants with at least a Bachelors’ Degree or equivalent in Business Administration/Management/ other related field, plus demonstrated experience in managing people, will be given high consideration.

Good appreciation of the practice of Law, Paralegal or Legal Administration Certification will be an asset.

Applications with supporting documentation plus two references must be submitted by e-mail to info@kma.consulting no later than Monday, May 28th, 2018.

12 comment

may 12, 2018 THE STAR

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Imagine Ope As If It Were U

Allen Chastanet pledged at election time that should his campaign prove successful, he would put an end to government business as usual.

But will the old operators permit him to retool their creation?

sually with frothing mouths, we are sometimes moved to remind our elected officials that we placed them in parliament to serve in our collective best interests—and never without the permission of the majority. Conveniently, not to say shamelessly, we speak of government by consensus as a proud inheritance from Whitehall, and ostensibly flawless. The greater truth is that what we refer to as the “Westminster model” is in our own peculiar backyard an anachronism that too often licenses inept majorities to hold sway over good sense and demonstrated competence.

The greater number of us refer in one breath to our elected representatives as “our leaders” and as “our servants.”

At the risk of exposing one time too often the cynic in me, I freely admit I’ve yet to meet a local leader who considered himself a servant. As for the hired hands encountered on this Rock of Sages, they were all great leaders, if only in their own minds!

Consider our political predicament: every five years Saint Lucians of voting age are required by law to elect a new government. The record shows the people tend to stick with the devil they think they know over the challenger. But once in a while a miracle occurs, as in 1997 and in 2016: in the first instance the people turned out 16-1 for the untested Kenny Anthony and 11-6 for the current administration led

by Allen Chastanet, whose

campaign had promised the end of government business as usual. As it turned out, easier said than done. The new prime minister soon discovered his key departments were headed by known supporters of his predecessor’s party, some with six-year contracts, others with contracts renewed shortly before the 2016 elections— which guaranteed uninterrupted continuation of precisely what Chastanet and his ministers had pledged to discontinue.

It was not long before the new administration was complaining, if guardedly, about impediments in its way, further dividing an already egregiously polarized nation. We need not revisit the details; neither the validity of the allegations from both sides of the political divide.

It would be more useful, I think, to invite public comment on my proposition that an in-coming prime minister should not have to depend for his administration’s success on top-tier public servants well known as campaigners against the very policies that got the new government elected in the first place. Also, that public service contracts should be declared no longer valid upon the arrival of a new administration. To underscore the point: it should be illegal, if it is not already so, for a government to contract public servants for longer than five years at a time.

Why should a finance minister be required to retain the services of advisors to failed governments? The private sector is unshackled

by the restrictions that bind new administrations. Absenteeism, a demonstrated inability or reluctance to enhance a company’s chances of success, unauthorized moonlighting and an obvious lack of loyalty to his fellow employees seem to me good reasons for dismissal. All private sector contracts have exit clauses; unlike public service engagements. Or so the story spins.

Not so long ago the government of the day determined the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force should have a new leader. The then police commissioner was transferred to another government department. He filed a lawsuit against the Public Service Commission on the basis that the Cabinet of Saint Lucia had no authority to decide or recommend his removal or transfer. In his suit the commissioner claimed the PSC had acted illegally under the dictates of the Cabinet, not “independently and impartially” as demanded by the provisions of the Constitution.

With reference to the immediately above, the judge noted: “The Constitution requires that the powers given the Public Service Commission, to the Police Service Commission in particular, to appoint persons to hold or to act in public offices, and to make appointments on promotion, must be exercised free from the interference or influence of any kind of executive. There is room in this system for the taking of some initiatives by the Cabinet. A distinction can be drawn between acts that dictate to the commission what they can or cannot do, and the provision of a facility that the commissions are free to use or not to use as they think fit.”

THE STAR

COMMENT

www.stluciastar.com

may 12, 2018

13

perating Your Business ere The Public Service!

Moreover: “The power to appoint a person to hold or act in the office of Commissioner of Police . . . and the power to remove the commissioner from office, shall vest in the governor general, acting in accordance with the advice of the Public Service Commission. Provided that before the commission tenders advice to the governor general with respect to the appointment of any person to hold the office of commissioner and the commission shall consult with the prime minister, and if the prime minister signifies his objection to the appointment of any person to the office the commission shall not advise the governor general to appoint that person.”

If an appointment cannot be legally considered by the governor general unless it has the prior approval of the prime minister why, then, is the prime minister

restricted from making public service transfers? At this point I anticipate shouts of victimization and demands for job protection. Let me reassure the particularly concerned: I abhor victimization in all its countless guises.

But can it be victimization when a prime minister has reason to believe an inherited key public servant will sabotage his efforts at fulfilling his election pledges?

I hear, too, the argument that a prime minister who feels that way about a top-tier public servant should be required to, er, justify, his concerns.

Does that mean the prime minister must wait until he has learned the hardest way the consequences of sleeping with the enemy? What if, in an earlier time, he and the public servant

had crossed swords that left him metaphorically scarred?

More bluntly, what if the prime minister in question has every reason not to trust the inherited help? Would the PSC still insist on tangible proof that the public servant is not how he appears to the prime minister?

Of special interest to me is that while Section 86 of our Constitution provides for the appointment to and removal of persons in the public service, it is silent—as noted by the judge in the earlier cited police matter—“on the issue of transfers,” despite that transfers occur regularly between ministries. On the other hand the Constitution makes it clear that Section 86 does not apply to the Chief Elections Officer, the Director

of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Audit.

The court determined that a Commissioner of Police “can be removed from his post to some other post within the public service; that his post is not protected against removal in the same way as those of the Chief Elections Office, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Audit.” To which I say, fair do’s. The last mentioned offices have little, if any, direct impact on the day-to-day operations of government.

As earlier stated, this piece is offered as a conversation starter. Obviously the subject is related to constitutional reform, long overdue. In all events, it should be clear the machinery of government as we know it is not working—and growing

worse. What would be so wrong if it were left to incoming administrations to remove or transfer individuals at a certain level in the best interests of their election promises?

I am reminded here of a statement by the retiring chairman of the St. Lucia Labour Party in February 2007: “If you attack me, you attack my party. If you attack my leader, you attack me. If you have no respect for my leader, you have no respect for me. If you attack my leader, you become my enemy until, until death!”

Allen Chastanet and his fellow campaigners for office certainly had attacked the policies of the Anthony-led SLP. I am also reminded of a statement prior to the 2016 general elections, this time by

the prime minister and party leader himself: “This election is a war between the Chastanets and the St. Lucia Labour Party!”

Less than a month ago, the now opposition MP for Vieux Fort South tossed another thunderbolt at the man who had replaced him as prime minister: If Chastanet pursued his promise to investigate the “suffocating smoke around Grynberg” the Vieux Fort South MP would make certain the prime minister “inherits the whirlwind of his action!”

The question might well be asked: Will Kenny Anthony personally stir up “the whirlwind” or is he counting on assistance from public servants personally indebted to him?

Much food for thought, methinks!

Why Taiwan’s presence in the World Health Assembly matters

By David Kuan-Chou Chien

T

he 71st World Health Assembly (WHA) will meet in Geneva from May 21-26 of this year, and Taiwan, as an active global health partner seeks participation.

Since 2009 to 2016, Taiwan has been invited to the WHA as an observer and shared its unique experience in the field of medical science as well as preventing the spread of various contagious diseases, greatly contributing to the global society. Furthermore, Taiwan was the first government in Asia to echo the World Health Organization’s (WHO) goal of achieving universal health

coverage and launched one of the world’s highest praised “National Health Insurance” initiatives, covering our island’s 23 million citizens since 1995.

The Constitution of the WHO notes that “the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.”

Yet, regrettably, due to political obstructions, Taiwan was not invited to last year’s 70th WHA as an observer.

The WHO not only failed to abide by its Constitution, but also isolated Taiwan’s 23 million residents from direct access to medical information and excluded from receiving

announcements of global disease prevention networks.

Taiwan plays a vital role in today’s connected world. In 2017, our primary international airport, Taoyuan International Airport, recorded a new high in visitor volume of over 45 million passengers. The absence of Taiwan in the global disease prevention network is not only a menace to Taiwanese residents, but also a potential threat to travellers who visit or have flight transfers in Taiwan. In a globalized world, it is impossible for countries to overcome all their healthcare challenges on their own.

Taiwan has a constructive role to play in creating a robust global health network, and the best way to share our

experience with other countries is through participation in the WHA and WHO. Our voice has been shared by the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, as they passed H.R. 3320 on January 10th of this year, directing the Secretary of State to develop a strategy for Taiwan to regain observer status in the WHO. The same support has also been given by nations such as Australia, Germany and Japan, as they all spoke for Taiwan during the 70th WHA in 2017.

Taiwan seeks to participate in the 71st WHA this year in a professional and pragmatic way.

We urge the WHO to acknowledge Taiwan’s contribution to global health. Most of all, we firmly believe that Taiwan’s involvement as an observer in the WHA can make the world a safer place to live.

David Kuan-Chou Chien is the Director General at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami, which represents the interest of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

14 HEALTH

Customs & Excise – Saint Lucia Notice of Seizure and Information for Claimants To: Ronald Parris

Date: May 12, 2018

Corinth, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.

You are hereby notified that the merchandise, conveyances or the articles listed in the Schedule I to this notice were seized as liable to forfeiture for violations of the Customs Laws or the other Laws enforced and administered by the St. Lucia Customs Department indicated in Schedule 2 to this notice.

The facts available to this Customs Department indicate that you have an interest in the seized property. The purpose of this letter is to advise you of the options available to you concerning this seizure.

1.

You CHOOSE TO TAKE NO ACTION. If you take no action the Customs Department will after one (1) month from the date of this Notice condemn the said property as forfeited by administrative action, in accordance with section 130 and the Fourth Schedule paragraph 5 to the Customs (Control and Management) Act, Chapter 15.05 of the revised laws of Saint Lucia or 2.

You may CHOOSE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING. If you choose administrative processing, you must within one (1) month of the date of this Notice make an appointment with the Comptroller of Customs to appear in his office or that of a designed officer where you will be advised of the decision of the Customs Department regarding this matter; or 3.

You may CLAIM AGAINST THE SEIZURE. If you claim that the seized property listed in Schedule 1 to this Notice is not liable to Forfeiture you must within one (1) month of the date of this Notice of your claim in writing to the Comptroller of Customs at any office of Customs and Excise.

Your notice must specify your name and address. On receipt of a claim against the seizure, the Comptroller of Customs may initiate proceedings for the condemnation of the property by the Court.

If you have any questions concerning the reasons for, or the circumstances surrounding the seizure, or the procedures to be followed in connection with this matter, or if you require additional information, you may request an in formal conference with the Comptroller of Customs or one of his designated officers.

…………………………………………….

For Comptroller of Customs and Excise

SCHEDULE 1 (List of all property seized) ONE (1) MOTOR VEHICLE: - - - -

Type: Chassis number: Year Model: Colour:

may 12, 2018 THE STAR

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Toyota Lexus GRS191-0001559 2005 White

This vehicle was imported into Saint Lucia via ocean vessel, Ivory Arrow of 04 June 2016.

SCHEDULE 2 (State relevant section (s) and summary of the offence) Section Violated

Description of Violation

Section 32 (1) (a) (iii) of the Customs (Control and Management) Act - Chapter 15.05

The item listed in Schedule 1 of this Notice, being goods chargeable on their importation with duty, was without that payment of duty, removed from an approved wharf.

KIM’S KORNER Lupus Not Just A Pain In The Neck!

M

ay is Lupus awareness month. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues, causing inflammation and tissue damage. There are currently around five million people worldwide suffering from some form of Lupus, and statistics show it is more common in people from ethnic backgrounds. Lupus often gets misdiagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis as they share many of the same symptoms. However, there are some distinct differences.

Lupus causes inflammation but, unlike RA, which mainly affects the smaller joints and may cause deformity, Lupus does not cause deformity; it can also affect the skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels.

There are several types of Lupus but the most common is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). When people talk about Lupus, they are usually referring to SLE. FORMS OF LUPUS • SLE, which is more common in women than men, causes chronic inflammation of the joints, skin and kidneys but can also affect the cardiovascular and nervous system.

• Lupus of the skin is further subdivided into three categories: chronic cutaneous Lupus, also known as Discoid Lupus; subacute cutaneous Lupus and timid Lupus.

• Drug-induced Lupus: There are certain drugs that can cause Lupus-type symptoms in people who test negative for Lupus.

This type of Lupus is temporary and symptoms usually subside after the medication is stopped.

• Neonatal Lupus: Babies whose mothers carry certain antibodies can be born with Lupus even if the mother does not herself have the disease. It normally only affects the skin and can disappear without treatment. A small percentage of infants may suffer from a congenital heart block and

may need to have a pacemaker implanted.

• Childhood Lupus: This is similar to SLE in adults but affects boys more than girls and tends to affect the kidneys more; the incidence of kidney disease in children is two times greater than in adults.

SYMPTONS

The symptoms of Lupus can vary significantly among individuals; some people only present with a few symptoms while others have many. The symptoms of SLE may present suddenly or over a period of time and may reduce, only to flare up again. The most common symptoms are: • Joint pain, stiffness and swelling • Unexplained fever • Fatigue • Pain in the chest when breathing deeply • A butterfly shaped rash across the cheeks and nose or rashes anywhere on the body • Hair loss • Sensitivity to light • Headaches, confusion and memory loss • Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when cold or suffering from stress.

DIAGNOSIS

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose as the symptoms can vary and often overlap with other disorders such as RA. In order to confirm Lupus, a combination of blood and urine tests together with the signs and symptoms are used, as there is not one definitive test available.

TREATMENT At present there is no cure for Lupus and treatment focuses on controlling symptoms through lifestyle changes and medication.

Lupus can go through cycles of remission and flare-ups, and the aim of treatment is based on the symptoms.

The type of intervention depends on the symptoms and may include topical creams, anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and antimalarial drugs. Many of these interventions come with side effects, so self help to minimise flare-ups is recommended. Taking steps to leading a healthier lifestyle can help reduce symptoms and flare-ups: visit your doctor regularly; avoid ultraviolet light and, when out in the sun, use sun cream; exercise; don’t smoke; eat a healthy diet.

Many people with Lupus suffer from joint pain, stiffness and decreased function; physiotherapy can be an invaluable resource for fighting pain and getting active. After thorough assessment, your physiotherapist can also advise on how to manage your pain and inflammation. He or she can further advise on a suitable exercise regimen and on how to make changes to your work and home environment.

There are many resources and organisations that can help you get back on your feet. If you think you may have Lupus, or are currently experiencing a flare-up, visit your healthcare advisor for more information.

Kim Jackson is a UK-trained physiotherapist with over 20 years' experience. She specializes 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 analyzing 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, www.baysidetherapyservices.com

THE STAR

E

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

may 12, 2018

15

OECS, British High Commission Team Up against Climate Change

fforts to curb the effects of climate change did not begin after last year's hurricane season but they surely intensified. Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet, travelled extensively in a sustained effort at securing aid, while international bodies held long forums and presented prevention and resilience frameworks to assist Small Island Developing Countries, especially in the Caribbean, to brace for any impending mayhem.

On Tuesday this week the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, in conjunction with the British High Commission, highlighted their joint contributions through a new report devised from their “Eastern Caribbean Climate Change Regional Implementation” programme.

The project's findings have determined a way for Caribbean member states to establish a Regionally Determined

Contribution (RDC) to climate change off the strength of individual countries’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submissions to the Paris Agreement. The general intent is to formulate practical and efficient solutions collectively.

A quote from the British High Commission representative explained: “The report that has come out of this project is important because after a year of consultation and discussions with people relevant to the field, the work concludes by highlighting proposals in two specific practical areas of importance for the Caribbean: mitigating the effects of transportation, and adaption to ensure clean water supply in the Eastern Caribbean.”

Meanwhile Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management Co-ordinator of the OECS, Crispin d'Auvergne, said that, based on findings from the NDCs, a common thread across

OECS Director Didacus Jules says the organisation successfully pushed past the devastating effects of two major hurricanes to follow through with a regional climate change implementation project.

islands was the intention to reduce the causes of climate change by lessening the use of fossil fuels. In this regard, the OECS intends to open up conversation to minibus associations and

governments throughout the Caribbean to find ways to help small transport owners make a shift from fossil fuel vehicles to electric transportation. In approaching this transition, d'Auvergne

suggested, part of a regional approach would mean setting a common standard in terms of efficiency, charges and how these changes are introduced to the public.

As for adaptation, water proved a worthy focus point to begin with. The Eastern Caribbean is expecting to see less rainfall in coming years.

Currently, many islands are experiencing high levels of non-revenue water loss: water that, instead of being consumed, is being wasted, via leaking pipes for instance.

In some places loss is as high as 60%. The intention now, based on such findings, is to cut this loss to at least 20%, thereby doubling the number of persons who have access to clean water.

Dr. Didicus Jules, Director of the OECS, said: “Some time in the early months of 2017 a conversation took place between the OECS Commission and counterparts

Climate Analytics regarding the feasibility of a Regionally Determined Contribution. This 'out of the box' conversation led to the formation of a proposal for the Eastern Caribbean Regional Climate Change Implementation Project. The project eventually became a reality through the generous support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, thus laying the foundation for the world’s first and still only regionally determined contribution.”

Although currently the focus has fallen mainly on transport mitigation and water adaptation, attention will later be given to other sectors such as coastal zones and the forest sector.

These initiatives are meant to lessen the blow of climate change, and make disaster vulnerability at least slightly more bearable for the entire Caribbean region.

--- KN

Taiwanese Engineering Experts to assist with Airport and Highway Projects

Front, left to right: Taiwanese Ambassador Douglas Shen, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, Minister Stephenson King and another official together with the Taiwanese delegation of engineering experts.

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rranged by the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), an eight-member delegation of engineering experts visited Saint Lucia from 1st to 9th May, 2018 to conduct feasibility studies on the redevelopment of Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) and road rehabilitation

projects. The delegation, led by Ambassador Chung, Jer-Ming, included senior experts from Taiwan’s Overseas Engineering Corporation (OECC) and CECI Engineering Consultants Inc.

During their visit, the delegates called on Prime Minister Hon. Allen Chastanet, Hon. Stephenson King, Minister for Infrastructure, Ports, Energy

and Labour, and met with Saint Lucia counterparts to exchange views on the design and implementation of the two projects.

At the meeting on May 9th, Prime Minister Chastanet stated that Saint Lucia is experiencing steady growth in the tourism industry and HIA has reached its capacity. He added that the

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (standing) exchanging views with the Taiwanese engineering experts on the design and implementation of the HIA project.

redevelopment of HIA is critical and hopes to see the project commence as soon as possible.

Regarding the road project, Prime Minister Chastanet noted that the local road network has deteriorated badly over the years due to extreme weather; rehabilitation is imperative to ensure road safety. The prime

minister said that he looks forward to the expertise and input provided by the Taiwanese experts.

Taiwanese Ambassador H.E. Douglas Shen stated that the government of Taiwan will work with Saint Lucia to facilitate the financing and construction of the two major projects. He believed that the

co-operation will not only serve to stimulate economic growth, but will also create more than 2,000 job opportunities.

Ambassador Shen reiterated Taiwan’s commitment towards its allies and reaffirmed his government’s intention to further strengthen the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries.

16 ENTERTAINMENT

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his young man is extremely talented,” I thought, as I sat alone just a few feet from his modest set-up on Tapas’ makeshift stage, my ears vibrating with every breath he blew into his instruments. Rashaad Joseph was Thursday night's scheduled performer at Tapas' “Voices on The Bay”—a welcome contribution to the Jazz Festival.

While I had hit the jackpot with a front row seat (the blessing that comes with being early), I found it hard to write about anything other than what I discovered was possible when a super talent and his saxophone come together, not to mention a great voice!

Rashaad officially began the night with a particularly jazzy rendition of Michael Jackson's “Human Nature” before drifting into a repertoire of reggae, R&B, pop and rap, all with a touch of that magic sax.

may 12, 2018 THE STAR

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A Perfect Evening Of Soothing Jazz And Great Dining Courtesy Tapas!

This was not my first exposure to Rashaad. I’d heard him once before, with The Band Dynamix, and knew he was special.

Since then he has developed even more stage personality with stardom stamped all over it.

Candidly, I was taken way off guard: six songs into his set, when the melody of John Legend's “Ordinary People” came on, and I expected to hear the sultry sound of his saxophone. Instead the audience and I were treated to a powerful, smooth voice singing the opening line, “Girl I'm in love with you, this ain't the honeymoon.” When Rashaad sat down to speak with me after the show, one of the first things I said was, “It’s almost unfair that one person should be blessed with so much talent!”

Tapas provided the perfect venue, with its signature toasty

yet breezy atmosphere for a dreamy evening of great music, fine dining and unwinding.

The opportunity to speak to Rashaad after his gig, just before he set out on a second leg at another venue, was, as they say, the icing on the gateau.

This is his second year performing at Saint Lucia's Jazz events. While last year was a good experience, he told me, “The second time around has been a lot better. Maybe because I'm getting more comfortable as a musician.”

For Rashaad, the Jazz festival affords him the opportunity to grow as a performer. Even Tapas Entertainment coordinator Jonelle James sang the young musician's praises.

She explained that Rashaad is not only a great fit for their Jazz event but he also regularly performs at the restaurant on weekends. She especially

underscored his versatility: “You can have him on the sax, you can get the vocals and you get an infusion of different things.

His repertoire also includes music for young patrons.”

Rashaad will end his jazz run on Monday alongside Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson. As for Jazz at Tapas' Voices on the Bay, the music continues. This evening, Rob Zii & Phyness, featuring Empress Eka, are slated to perform. On Sunday, for the Mother's Day brunch, Mervyn Wilkinson and Barbara Cadet take the stage. After that it’s back to their regular programming.

If you want to catch Rashaad and other gifted artists live in an intimate setting, check out Tapas. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

--- Keryn Nelson

At Tapas’ Voices on the Bay on Thursday evening Rashaad Joseph delivered a scintillating performance.

At Long Last I Had My First Time! St Lucian designer to be recognised at 2018 Caribbean Style & Culture Awards and Fashion Showcase

S Barbara Cadet: this multi-talented lady never disappoints.

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he 2018 Saint Lucia Jazz Festival kicked off Monday evening at the Sandals Grande Beach Resort.

Labelled “A World of Jazz", the opening night's performers were Saint Lucian multiinstrumentalist Barbara Cadet and the UK saxophonist Denys Baptiste.

If I may be permitted a small confession: despite all the publicity that surrounded the local annual jazz festival, with all the dropping of star names, I was never tempted to attend, until now. And only in my capacity as a reporter.

Of course, I had no idea

Saxophonist Denys Baptiste had the audience crying out for more.

what to expect. The atmosphere was inviting and relaxing, thanks, in part, to the lighting, the stage placement and the seating arrangement. Most of the seats—a little over one hundred, at a guess—were occupied by an equal mix of locals and visitors, everyone impressively attired. After a short delay, Barbara Cadet took to the stage. She was enthusiastically received and did not disappoint, as she transitioned from instrument to instrument.

As earlier hinted, I’m no jazz aficionado. There was much singing-along and dancing. I

was taken aback when a patron who appeared to be foreign joined in a kweyol number.

Lip-syncing, perhaps?

A 30-minute intermission followed that seemed more like an hour. Refreshments were served— alcohol, of course.

Next up were Denys Baptiste and his band. Like Barbara Cadet, they expertly delivered several numbers and were treated to a rousing audience reaction. The hungry crowd vociferously demanded, and was treated to, an encore at the end of Baptiste’s stint. I actually caught myself having a grand old time!

--- Joshua St. Aimee

aint Lucian designer Christine Samuel of Christy Creations has been nominated for the 2018 Caribbean Style & Culture Award of Excellence - Fashion Innovation.

Samuel, who previously pursued a career as a dance instructor, has been recognised from among a large number of submissions for her contribution to the fashion industry, both in Saint Lucia and within the region.

In addition to receiving an award, Samuel will participate in the Caribbean Style & Culture Awards and Fashion Showcase on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the Silver Spring Civic Center in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

Samuel is among a group of several designers and models, from countries around the region, whose work will be honoured at this event.

The Caribbean Style and Culture Awards is a showcase of fashion, music and art, held annually in the month of June

Christine Samuel is flying the flag for Saint Lucian fashion.

to commemorate and celebrate National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

The Caribbean Style & Culture Runway Showcase is exciting, dynamic, constantly changing, and full of new styles and colour combinations to amaze the world. It brings the newest collections from the hottest Caribbean fashion

designers showcasing the very best from the Caribbean and South American region.

This is the ninth year that the Caribbean Style & Culture Awards and Fashion Showcase is being hosted. Over the years, the event has honoured the work of several renowned designers and models from across the Caribbean. Past recipients of awards from Saint Lucia include Taribba do Nasimento (bags) and Fiona Compton (clothing).

As the Caribbean Style & Culture Awards & Fashion Showcase heads into its tenth year, the event will seek to expand its reach to include work from Caribbean photographers and make-up artists who all play a part in telling the stories of the Caribbean fashion industry to the world.

Persons interested in becoming part of the exciting journey can follow Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/groups/ caribbeanstyleandculture/

THE STAR

MOTHER’S DAY 17

www.stluciastar.com

may 12, 2018

Becoming a Mother is not nearly the Happy Event depicted in Hollywood Movies!

D

uring the last International Women’s Day, I found it interesting how some men felt they were being “marginalized”. Maybe, today’s young men cannot see through the lens of the past 100 years to realize just how far women had to step up for social, economical and educational equity and now it just looks like women have “too much fuss”. And maybe our culture is far removed from goingson elsewhere—like parts of Africa where genital mutilation of women still goes on, and in Pakistan where girls are denied the right to education. But some men certainly felt on March 8 that there are far too many days in a year dedicated to women, including Mother’s Day.

Admittedly it was just a few very young men from whom I heard those comments. Still they seemed too many. That these boys consider Mother’s

Day as just another celebration of male marginalizing is so unfair, especially to their mothers. Can they even imagine half of the endurance needed to give birth to a baby? Or raise a child? Childbirth and childbearing are aspects of life that men cannot accomplish; or far less understand, regardless of what science might suggest.

Here, guys, are five out of many things your mother was likely to endure on your behalf: 1. Many mothers will confess that getting a baby out is way more than the two pushes usually seen in the movies.

Sometimes it takes well over fifteen for only the baby’s head to fully come out of an already dilated vagina (I’m told my head took about twelve hours).

2. The “pushing” isn’t even the worst part. Some women experience hours, even days, of contractions and dripping after

waters break. Contractions are, for some, the most painful part of childbirth and increase in severity over time.

3. During labour, many women have their vaginas sliced to accommodate the baby’s head and shoulders. If it’s not cut, there are different degrees of tearing that occur.

Later it has to be stitched back.

Those of us with big heads can only imagine the anguish we caused.

4. Many women poop themselves during delivery.

Again, something not seen in the movies. Mothers often are unable to control their bodily functions during the pushing process.

5. For weeks after childbirth, women bleed profusely. In this time, a mother is also breastfeeding, and her body tries to recuperate after loss of sleep. The body is under stress and gradually recovers

This Mother’s Day, remember the endurance women are forced to have whilst giving birth!

after experiencing dry skin, fatigue, possibly post-partum depression and hair loss, among many other things (all pregnancies are different).

Just these five reasons don’t include a woman’s bodily reconfiguration during the nine

months of pregnancy or the years of attempting to provide emotional, physiological, physical and spiritual guidance for her child. Maybe not all mothers try their best, for reasons ranging from irresponsibility to economic

What a shocker suddenly to realize you’re your mother!

A

s a young child it is easy to think of a good mother as invincible. She is your beginning, your first example of what it means to be a human being and one of your primary sources of knowledge. As you grow, her voice becomes an unavoidable part of life’s fabric; it rushes to provide unsolicited advice, lauds you during achievements and denounces your wrongdoings. She is also an ever present well of love and protection, an umbrella in the rain, a pillow for your sorrows and mysteriously possesses an unmatched ability to tick a nerve that only she appears to have access to—for which you love her all the more.

Until something happens.

On an unspecial day in your adult life words escape your lips and you realize you sound just

like her. Miraculously, you’ve become her. You always looked like her, but now you even walk and talk like her. Eventually, with this new outlook, you see the woman, your mother, whom you have known your whole life and notice now that, like you have aged, so has she. And her mortality disarms you. Wrinkles that went unnoticed before take on new prominence. Her once dark head now has been invaded by silver. Her skin has become softer than ever.

It’s an unnerving process, coming to terms with the fact that she will not be a shield forever; nor an ever present comfort. In fact, the way it was designed is that you must live without her for some time and the painful realization changes you and fills you with an insatiable desire to pour into all

the holes in her life everything she needs.

Now every ailment that befalls her, every new ache and pain rings a little louder in your ears, a cause of alarm, a reason to visit the doctor. You know the hands of time cannot be reversed, so every minute spent together is a minute to be treasured. You vow to cherish each moment and pray you can be all that she was as a mother. Mothers are nuturers, miracle workers, fountains of love and no one can ever take the place of a good mother. So, here’s to hoping appreciation can be felt on this day for those who wear that title responsibly, and to wishing all mothers a fantastic Mother’s Day. --- Keryn Nelson

It’s no easy matter coming to terms with the fact that dear old mom won’t always be here with you!

status, but schoolteachers can easily inform that it’s a rarity to see fathers represent their children at school.

After their introduction during childbirth, mothers have a world of difficulty to face for the sake of their children. Mother’s Day is not only for children to show their appreciation to a mom but also a small reminder of everything endured from labour pains onward.

The Nobel Prize winner, Sir William Gerald Golding offered this popular quote: “I think women are foolish to pretend they are equal to men; they are far superior and always have been.” That’s a thought to have when childbirth is in the picture!

Happy Mothers Day from us at STAR Publishing!

—Claudia Eleibox

Most of all the other beautiful things in life come by twos and threes, by dozens and hundreds.

Plenty of roses, stars, sunsets, rainbows, brothers and sisters, aunts and cousins, comrades and friends—but only one mother in the whole world.

Kate Douglas Wiggins

18 LOCAL

may 12, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

SALCC Student gives Nod to an Ongoing Coding Robotics Pilot Project

By Michael Walker

Reshul Narhari (left) commended STEM students, encouraging them to dream, learn, think big, innovate and implement.

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Aerial view of a property.

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. 1. This building complex is

a. Laborie. b. Mon Repos. c. Canaries.

a. a hospital. b. a sanatorium. c. a hotel.

5. The complex is built

2. It is called

a. on top of a mountain. b. on a hillside. c. in a valley.

a. Fox Grove Inn. b. Windjammer Landing. 6. The hotel c. Calabash Cove. a. has two swimming 3. The house with the pools. b. has one swimming blue roof is probably pool. c. does not have a pool. a. a private residence. b. the hotel laundry.

7. The main building is c. the hotel medical centre. a. a two-storeyed 4. This complex is not structure. b. a single-storeyed far from structure. c. a three-storeyed

structure.

8. The hotel is built a. at the end of a deadend road. b. on a long, flat stretch of road. c. on a hairpin bend.

9. The green-roofed house is probably a. an annex to the hotel. b. a factory. c. a private home.

10. Access to the redroofed house is a. directly from the main road. b. from the hotel access road. c. across a field.

female student of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) has been singing the praises of an ongoing Coding and Robotics Pilot Project on the island.

Reshul Narhari, who gave remarks at the launch of the programme some two months ago, is a member of the Saint Lucian Robotics Team that participated in Saint Lucia’s first ever robotics competition last year, and a youth mentor in the STEM programme being delivered to 281 secondary school students from the four schools selected for a pilot programme to introduce coding and robotics to secondary schools.

The four schools— Bocage Secondary, Soufrière

Comprehensive, Beanfield Secondary and Grande Rivière Secondary—were selected by the Department of Education under the Community, Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR) Programme, a project funded

by USAID to build the skills and resilience of young people in Saint Lucia.

Narhari, who has gained recognition for her contribution to coding and robotics and as a “Girl in ICT”, encouraged the participating students to “Keep coding, keep building, keep innovating” as they continue to be given immeasurable support to develop the skill under the Coding and Robotics Pilot Project.

“Coding and robotics,” Narhari said, “cultivates

innovative, analytical and creative thinking in the youth of Saint Lucia, as well as teaching them important life skills such as logical thinking and team building.”

The students—144 girls and 137 boys—are being taught coding and are using Lego Mindstorms kits to build robots that they operate by computer programmes they have developed.

“We can already see improvements based on the sessions our teachers have had with their students in the four schools over the past few weeks. Such progress brings us one step further in the sustainable development of our nation,” said Narhari.

She said that through the programme, students have been given an opportunity to dream, to learn, to think big, to innovate and to implement.

She said a chance to blossom in the programme is a chance for students to develop a great future in STEM.

STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.

NEW AMERICAN AIRLINES DAILY SERVICE THIS WINTER

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he Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is pleased to announce a new winter air service out of the United States, starting in December 2018. The new American Airlines service will leave Miami, Florida (MIA) at 7:15p.m. daily, beginning December 19, 2018 with the return flight departing Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) at 8: 30a.m, starting December 20, 2018. This will allow travelers greater flexibility, with the added option of an evening flight into Saint Lucia from the United States, and an early morning flight to the US from the island.

Executive Chairperson of the SLTA, Agnes Francis said, “The SLTA welcomes this news as the US is a major source

market for Saint Lucia and we have been fraught with airlift challenges. One of the greatest impediments to growth in market share is insufficient airlift, especially during the peak winter demand, and the SLTA is confident that the introduction of this new service, especially its timing, will make the island more accessible and translate into more tourism business for the island”.

The SLTA is committing even more resources to the cities behind the Miami gateway to ensure that the new nightly service will perform optimally.

“We will be doing all we can to keep this service going beyond the winter peak period, so we will allocate additional resources to the cities that feed the Miami gateway in order to

attract maximum attention,” said Francis.

The new American Airlines service out of Miami will supplement the existing airlift into the island. Already, American Airlines operates a daily early morning flight from Miami and a weekend service from Charlotte, North Carolina. The Charlotte service will be expanded into a daily service starting in June 2018.

In addition, Jetblue and Delta operate daily airline services into Saint Lucia from New York City and Atlanta, Georgia, respectively.

There is also a weekly direct flight from Newark, New Jersey operated by United Airlines.

Advanced bookings for the new American Airlines flight out of Miami, Florida will open on May 15, 2018.

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

THE STAR

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

may 12, 2018

19

Students in Hurricane Impacted Markets get Free Access to Flow Study Exam Material S tudents in the Hurricane affected Flow markets of Anguilla, BVI, Dominica and Turks & Caicos now have access to Flow Study CSEC and CAPE exam material for free until June 30, 2018. This well-needed educational boost is the result of an ongoing partnership between One on One Educational Services and the region’s leading entertainment and Broadband provider, Flow.

Last September, Hurricanes Irma and Maria left a trail of devastation across these markets and several educational institutions were badly damaged, as well as books and study material, so many students preparing for regional exams have been severely hampered.

Now with this free offer, students can access these resources by logging onto www.flowstudy.co or downloading the Flow Study Android Mobile App from the Google Play store. The portal is also linked to videobased tutorials via Flow TV on Demand and is free to all Flow TV customers. Using Flow Study, students will have unlimited access to a comprehensive range of self-paced CSEC preparation materials, including complete video lectures spanning the CSEC syllabus, practice tests, 9 years of past paper solutions, CyberPedia and virtual labs.

With the Flow Study free

offer, the students also get: 1. FLOW Study for classrooms: 24/7 access to exam prep material for all their subjects online; 2. FLOW Study LIVE: the top 5 CSEC level subjects will be streamed live via Facebook and live.flowstudy.co daily, including past papers sessions (along with lessons); 3. FLOW study workshops: on-site preparation seminars; 4. One on One physical past exam paper manuals: past papers with solutions manuals

One on One Educational Services Ltd. has conducted several workshops in the selected markets for students and teachers to sensitize them to the programme and how it works. The Flow Study programme is also endorsed by the Education Ministries in the affected islands.

According to Garry Sinclair, Flow Caribbean President, “By giving our students access to the highest-quality educational content via our industryleading technology, we are effectively providing them with the opportunities they need to unlock their full potential, in spite of the massive difficulties they have experienced.”

Ricardo Allen, CEO of One on One stated, “Education is perhaps the most dynamic way of advancing the welfare of a nation and, in the face of the catastrophic hurricanes experienced last year, for many students, that reality was

Flow executives, representatives of One on One Educational Services and government officials with students in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

significantly impacted.”

Dominica’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Chandler Hyacinth, highlighted some of the challenges: “Our students have struggled with research in areas with no internet access and where computers are no

longer readily available due to storm damage. This initiative

by Flow and One on One Educational Services Limited comes at a most opportune time for those writing the CSEC exams who need that extra assistance to ensure success.”

TCI’s Minister of Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services, the Hon. Karen Malcolm welcomed the initiative and said, “We believe firmly that every learner must be successful and it is our aim to provide the resources for teachers and

students to excel.

Through our partnership with Flow and One on One Educational Service Limited we are confident that our students are poised to achieve remarkable results in the external examinations.”

CT Scan Machine at OKEUH is State-of-the-Art T he Radiology Department at the Victoria Hospital is gearing up for its imminent move to the Owen King EU Hospital. The Department was engaged in a five-day intensive, competence-building, training programme on the state-of-theart CT scan machine at the new hospital.

The Radiology Department at the Owen King EU Hospital (OKEUH) was alive with activity this week owing to the training programme on the ultra modern CT scan machine which began on Monday 7th May 2018.

Senior Radiographer at the Victoria Hospital, Sienna Regis, said ten radiographers

from the Gros Islet Polyclinic, St. Jude and Victoria Hospitals are benefitting from in-depth, hands-on, CT scan training facilitated by two radiographers from the University Hospital in Martinique.

“The machine we have is a Siemens brand. It is a 16 slice CT machine. It will assist in the effective diagnosis of patients’ conditions, for example, patients with cancer, head injuries, strokes. We don’t have the machine at VH. It is new to Victoria Hospital/OKEUH.

“Some of us have training in CT; some of us never did CT. The staff are excited, they’re participating, they’re

interested in what’s going on.

Our two French colleagues from Martinique are excellent tutors and they taught us from the basics all the way up to what we need to know to function as a CT techs to do CTs on our own.”

Regis added that patients from around the island received free CT scans during the training programme based on the urgency of their cases. “What we do, every day we select twelve people, standby, for if anything may happen.”

CT scans—Computed Tomography Scans— also known as CAT scans, use a combination of x-rays and a

computer to create pictures of inside the body. This assists in diagnosing tumours, bony structures and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.

Christophe de Lepine and Stephan Jubert are the two radiographers from University Hospital in Martinique who conducted the CT scan training. They were impressed with the quick learning curve of participants and the professional set up of the machine by the biomedical technician.

“We have already done CT of the brain, the chest the abdomen, abdominal pelvis,

etc. with contract products, so it’s good. We only have to write some protocols to operate faster and better.”

The Radiology Department provides critical support services to outpatient, inpatient and the Accident and the Emergency Department.

Before expressing the hospital’s gratitude for the training, the Executive Director at the Victoria Hospital, Brenda Calixte stated that the three units now transitioned to OKEU Hospital have come in for high praise from clients: “The units have settled in very nicely. We have the outpatient clinic that was transitioned on

April 23rd and people are very receptive. People are accepting it nicely. So far everything is going well and we have been getting very good reviews.”

Calixte also mentioned they way forward post the CT scan training: “So. after we are finished with the training for this week, it continues.

We will be continuing with our own staff on the machine.”

Many clients walking into the OKEU Hospital for the first time expressed delight with the layout of the facility and the level of organisation of the various clinics.

20 LOCAL

may 12, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

CARPHA Urges Region to Gear Up for the Possibility of a Severe Outbreak of Dengue Fever

W

hile chikungunya and zika, which swept the region in 2014 and 2016, are not expected back anytime soon, Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is warning “gear-up for the possibility of a major outbreak of dengue fever in 2018”.

This because, as before, the pre-conditions of abundant mosquito vector levels still exist, and increased levels of dengue are being reported in Latin America and elsewhere.

It is imperative, as the rainy season begins in many countries, that efforts to stop mosquitoes breeding and biting be stepped up, especially for pregnant women and vulnerable populations.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika threaten health, tourism, social and economic development, so everyone needs to work together. Dengue remains a global health problem and, like zika and chikungunya, there is no specific treatment for the disease.

“Although dengue is not new to the region, we need to gear up for the possibility of a severe outbreak. This virus has been increasing in frequency over the past 30 years.

Reports from Latin America and elsewhere show markedly increased dengue in recent months, so we in the Caribbean can expect it will soon be here,” CARPHA Executive Director, Dr C. James Hospedales said in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2018.

It is interesting to note that prior to chikungunya and zika arriving on our shores, large epidemics of these conditions were reported in the immediate preceding years, 2013 and 2015, in the Pacific and La Reunion, and that dengue epidemics are again being reported there for 2017/18.

Under the slogan “Fight the bite, destroy mosquito breeding sites”, Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week, 7-13 May, focuses on mosquito-borne diseases and risks associated

PAHO and CARPHA ask for Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding prevention to lower risks of dengue, zika and chikungunya.

with them.

The measures used for controlling the spread of dengue are the same as those for zika and chikungunya as these diseases are transmitted by the same mosquito, Aedes aegypti.

As the rainy season approaches, mosquito control and awareness activities need to be intensified.

The most effective way to avoid getting sick from

viruses spread by mosquitoes is to prevent mosquito bites.

Research of CARPHA and PAHO/ WHO shows that drums and tyres are the main mosquito breeding sources in our countries.

“We need to clean up our surroundings. The two most important things to manage mosquito populations in our Caribbean countries are to

manage water storage drums and tanks, and properly dispose of used vehicle tyres to prevent mosquitoes breeding,” stated Dr Hospedales.

Actions that can be taken include covering drums and tanks, checking the guttering, removing stagnant water sources, and individuals protecting themselves and their family from bites.

Infants, young children, older adults and women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites and enlist the help of family, friends and neighbours to destroy breeding sites.

Dengue is a flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults, but can be severe and cause death.

Symptoms typically begin four to ten days after infection. This may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash. This illness can evolve to severe dengue, characterized by potentially deadly complication due to intense and continuous abdominal pain or tenderness, and persistent vomiting.

Caribbean Mosquito Awareness week was declared at the 17th Special Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government in November 2014 on Public Health Threats, and is an important reminder to the general public to take action to reduce their risk of diseases spread by mosquitoes.

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REGIONAL

www.stluciastar.com

may 12, 2018

21

Jamaica hit by flash floods

prolonged spell of torrential downpours has led the Meteorological Service of Jamaica to issue flash-flood warnings across the Caribbean nation.

The heaviest rains set in over the weekend as a stationary weather system ground to a halt over the

Will Trinidad & Tobago ditch Anti-Gay Laws this Summer?

L

aws in Trinidad and Tobago may soon decriminalize gay sex following a court ruling on April 13 of this year. Judge Devindra Rampersad said sections of the Sexual Offences Act, which prohibited “buggery” and “serious indecency” between two men, criminalized consensual same-sex activity between adults and were unconstitutional.

This summer in July, a final judgment on how to deal with the sections of the act is expected, and if all goes the way the LGBT groups are hoping, soon Trinidad and Tobago will be able to welcome a wider spectrum of travellers with open arms. This is sure to boost tourism in the islands and improve the economy.

The case was brought in 2017 by Jason Jones, an LGBT activist who was born in T&T but currently lives in Britain. In an online campaign, he said he wanted to challenge laws inherited while the country was under British rule.

Trinidad and Tobago became a republic in 1976. Last year, it was one of five countries which amended its laws to ban child marriage. But it has no laws protecting LGBT people, and rights groups say many LGBT people fear being open about their views or orientation. Being convicted of buggery carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison, according to the law.

Colin Robinson, director of the Coalition Advocating for Inclusion of Sexual Orientation, warned there was a long way to go. “I don’t want to be alarmist, but I expect that this will take time for people to accept, and we hope the violence is minimal,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from Trinidad and Tobago.

The group, which works for justice on sex and gender issues, said it expected the government would appeal the ruling.

Earlier this year in February, the nearby island of Bermuda became the world’s first nation to reverse a law allowing same-sex marriage. LGBT activists feared that would set a dangerous precedent for gay rights and reverberate far beyond the region.

---eTurboNews

island.

The warnings were put in place for low-lying and flood-prone areas across all parishes as the trough sat over the island, producing unstable weather conditions.

Norman Manley Airport in Kingston reported 185mm of rain on Monday, a staggering 128mm of which fell in just six hours. Kingston normally expects around 70mm for the entire month of May.

As is usually the case when flooding hits the country, there have been numerous

mudslides. Dozens of roads have been blocked and a number of bridges have been washed away.

All parts have suffered some degree of disruption but the parishes of Westmoreland, St James, Trelawny, St Ann and St Thomas do seem to have been particularly badly affected.

Jamaica is a very hilly country, with the Blue

Mountains in the eastern third of the island rising to 2,256 metres above sea level.

It should be noted that the Blue Mountains rise from the coastal plain in the space of about 16km, thus producing one of the steepest general gradients in the world.

The warnings were downgraded to flood watches on Tuesday, but the risk does

remain for those low-lying and flood-prone areas.

The rainfall is not as intense, with the heaviest downpours now crossing Cuba.

The forecast is for occasional showers and thunderstorms in Jamaica, mainly across central and eastern parishes. Hence the threat of further flooding remains possible.

---Al Jazeera

22 REGional

may 12, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

OECS/USAID Early Learners Programme undertakes Pilot Study on Virtual Coaching Method

O

ECS member states participating in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-supported Early Learners Programme (ELP) have embarked on a pilot study to determine if virtual coaching is a viable support to in-person professional development for teachers in implementing schools.

While classroom-based teacher coaching is a key component of the ELP, the travel time and costs required to support face-to-face professional development can be somewhat prohibitive.

The number of coaches that ministries of education can reasonably support is also limited due to cost implications.

The study will explore the possibility of utilizing virtual support as a means of maintaining consistent jobembedded support and bypass budget constraints. This method could be especially useful in multi-island countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada

with its two Grenadine islands, St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Virtual coaching can provide timely feedback that leads to the successful performance of newly-acquired skills, thereby positively shaping teaching. Research results have affirmed that virtual coaching is an effective and efficient way to support the professional development of teachers.

Speaking about the innovative method being pioneered, Mr Rafer Gordon, Education Specialist of the Education Development Management Unit of the OECS Commission, explained: “Virtual coaching allows teachers to receive the expert guidance they need within the convenience of their classrooms, in real time, without students even being aware.

While virtual coaching does have associated costs, such as equipment and internet access, where not available, these costs are far lower than increased personnel, transportation and

time costs for ELP Co-ordinators who have to consistently visit schools and teachers across the islands,” he maintained.

The findings of the pilot study will decide whether virtual coaching is an approach that ensures the continued achievement of ELP objectives without compromising the quality of professional development which is a cornerstone of the programme.

The OECS/USAID ELP is a reading development programme administered by the OECS Commission and supported by the United States Government, through USAID. The ELP influences essential aspects of policy and practice to improve reading levels of all learners at the early primary level (Grade K to Grade 3) in the six OECS member states of Antigua and Barbuda; Dominica; Grenada; St. Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The ELP strengthens teacher skills through professional development opportunities;

Virtual coaching has benefits of convenience, speed and cost..

improves the quality of teaching through child-centred approaches, learning and assessment and by providing appropriate resources; and

improves curricula and assessment strategies through curriculum reviews, assessment standards and guidelines and frameworks

for teaching and learning standards.

See The STAR Businessweek for more on virtual reality in teaching methods.

Mexico hands over ECLAC presidency to Cuba

F

rancisco Guzmán Ortiz, head of the Office of the President of Mexico, transferred the presidency of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) to Cuba during the opening of the XXXVII session of the regional body today.

After conveying a greeting from Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto to the new President of the Cuban Council of State and Council of Ministers, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the Mexican official referred to his country's management of ECLAC over the past two years.

He was confident that Cuba will contribute with its leadership to the results of this organisation in the period 2018-2020.

He assured that in this responsibility, his nation's purpose was to build and decisively assume the challenges presented at the beginning of the century, particularly in closing the gaps of structural inequality that still characterize the region. Guzmán Ortiz said his Government worked with the conviction of unity between the 45 member states of ECLAC and the 13 partners, while

Francisco Guzmán Ortiz announced his confidence in Cuba to hold the ECLAC presidency.

announcing concrete results in the areas of population and development, South-South co-operation, technological platforms, statistical tools and information.

The Mexican official acknowledged that despite the challenges, the area's growth and development potential is greater, and that its economy is accelerating in a similar way to the global dynamic.“If there is one thing we have learned in the last decade, it is that what is important is not only the magnitude of growth, but also the quality,” he pointed out, while calling on the countries of the United Nations to adopt the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable

Development, a roadmap for overcoming current challenges.

The decision to transfer the ECLAC presidency to Cuba was unanimously endorsed by its members at the previous session, held in Mexico in 2016. The current intergovernmental meeting, held at the Havana Convention Centre, analyses the most important issues for the economic and social development of the nations of the region and assesses the progress of ECLAC's activities. Cuba is the venue of the great forum for the first time since 1949, when the capital hosted the Second Ordinary Session.

THE STAR

The Caribbean Association of Banks Urges Readiness for the EU's General Data Protection Regulation T

he Caribbean Association of Banks urges Caribbeanbased entities that interact with data on European Union (EU) citizens, to implement the necessary systems and processes for compliance with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

All entities that interact, in any way, with EU persons or their data, including (but not limited to) hotels, financial institutions, hospitals, airlines and professional services firms, should be assessing whether GDPR applies to them.

GDPR is a comprehensive data privacy law that applies to businesses handling personal data of EU individuals, regardless of the businesses’ location or the occurrence of a transaction.

GDPR covers all personal data such as emails, telephone details, ID cards, passport information, website cookies, etc., and this list is nonexhaustive.

Entities are expected to be compliant with GDPR by May 25th, 2018. Failure to comply has far-reaching implications for entities and their business operations.

It is important to note that if an entity does not comply with GDPR and its requirements, it exposes itself to significant penalties and fines.

If an entity is in breach of highly important data the resultant fines are: · Up to 4% of its global gross turnover or, · EUR 20 million (USD 24.8 million)

If an entity is in breach of any other data the resultant fines are: · Up to 2% of its global gross turnover or, · EUR 10 million (USD 12.4 million)

According to a Deloitte GDPR Benchmarking Survey, only 15% of organisations surveyed expect to be fully compliant by May 2018, with many scrambling to implement appropriate measures.

The CAB strongly recommends that Caribbean financial institutions and other entities that interact with EU-citizen data, assess their responsibilities under GDPR and put the necessary systems in place to avoid the negative consequences of noncompliance with GDPR.

THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE SLMDA A

t present, there are several heart-rending deficiencies in the delivery of health services.

St. Jude's Hospital tops a list which also includes, the painful delays to see a doctor at Victoria Hospital, patient complaints of a lack of clear and forthcoming information and the growing public perception that our hospitals no longer save lives.

The St. Lucia Medical & Dental Association is well equipped to assist. Now more than ever we need to encourage our citizens to observe the

CLASSIFIED 23

www.stluciastar.com

may 12, 2018

mantra "Prevention is better than cure". Our talent-rich organisation is a champion of sensitization and awareness programmes. Furthermore, our members, who are experts in the fields of medicine and dentistry, with decades of experience locally, are best suited to advise health planners and policy makers on the best way forward.

Inopportunely, the recent accusatory, aggressive, speculative and quasi-partisan utterances from members of our executive are impeding a collaborative spirit. Our

organisation must reject the ever present temptations to be swayed by political influences.

Instead, we must continue to work hand in hand with the government of Saint Lucia and all stakeholders; to deliver affordable, quality healthcare for all Saint Lucians; for this is what we have always done.

---Dr. Andre R. L. Matthew MD, Member & Former General Secretary, St. Lucia Medical & Dental Association

THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT N THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE SAINT LUCIA CLAIM NO. SLUHCV2004/0185 BETWEEN: FIRST CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL BANK (BARBADOS) LIMITED Judgment Creditor (1) (2)

and BURDETTE AUGUSTIN FELICIEN PAULINA AUGUSTIN Judgment Debtors NOTICE OF HEARING

TAKE NOTICE that the Application to Vary Upset Price filed in this matter has been scheduled for hearing at the High Court of Justice, La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street in the city of Castries on Thursday, the 24th day of May, 2018 at 9 o’clock in the forenoon before Justice Cadie St. Rose-Albertini.

DATED: this 20th day of April, 2018. ……………………………….

REGISTRAR OF THE HIGH COURT To: Peter I Foster & Associates Legal Practitioner for the Claimant Robin Kelton Bldg, Choc Bay, Castries Burdette Augustin Felicien Defendant 1

Paulina Augustin Defendant 2

The Court Office is at La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries, Saint Lucia, telephone number (758) 468-7500, fax number (758) 468-7543. The office is open between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays except public holidays.

The office can also be Contacted via email at stluhco@eccourts.org

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