04 LOCAL
may 26, 2018 THE STAR
www.stluciastar.com
Is The SLP Still At War With The Chastanets? unusually worked-up Fortuna Belrose spoke of mouths like Claudia Eleibox toilets ever open to “SLP shit.” It was hard to determine, based on what bellowed from their t Jude Hospital has, since speakers, which was more important: getting the hospital June 6, 2016, become a operational or getting Allen heavy tug-of-war rope Chastanet’s party out of office in the hands of the incumbent two years after its 11-6 victory United Workers Party on one at the polls. side and the St. Lucia Labour Meanwhile a WhatsApp Party on the other. Both sides insist that politics has nothing to message was appealing to “generals in the fight for do with their related activities. our health” to come out in a But it’s hard not to see the “peaceful protest,”not in rallies and counter rallies as red or yellow but rather in anything other than a political white to indicate the purity campaign destined to further divide the egregiously polarized of their intentions. Before the scheduled House meeting on citizens of this country. Tuesday a small group had On Sunday evening, both gathered near Constitution parties hosted public rallies Park, some wearing the in Micoud and in Vieux Fort, ostensibly non-partisan perfect opportunities for uniform. Their purpose? To tell platform speakers to serve Prime Minister Allen Chastanet supporters their favourite to “let Saint Lucia go.” When brands of divisive goolash. questioned by this reporter, (Referring to the other side, an
S
A nation irrevocably divided is destined to fall.
however, the demonstrators revealed they were just regular citizens hanging around. As for their white tees, they wore them
Boslil Bank Limited is currently seeking applications for suitably qualified persons to fill the following position of:
INVESTMENT & ACCOUNTS OFFICER GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY To ensure that the bank’s investment and finance functions are accurately and correctly accounted for; ensuring that reports are available for analysis. To assist with the automation of reports necessary for the smooth functioning of the department. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Assist with the preparation of monthly balance sheet and income statement analytical analysis. • Foster strong efficient team environment within Accounting Department/Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy, timeliness and reliability in the team. • Assist with the automation of reporting. • Reconcile all investment accounts and investigate differences. • Ensure investment management fees are correctly accounted for. • Development and preparation of investment reports • Establish internal controls and procedures to ensure accurate recording and safeguarding of the Bank’s assets. QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance • Professional designation - Level 2 and above • Minimum of two (2) years international experience (financial services) • Strong knowledge of investments and finance • Investment knowledge and financial reporting experience would be an asset • Ability to meet strict deadlines BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES/SKILLS • Strong analytical skills • Strong time management skills • Understanding of Banking would be an asset • Strong communication skills (oral and written) • Good knowledge/understanding of IFRS 9 and its requirements • Exceptional commitment to internal and external customer service • Computer literate, working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite Required documents for submission: Application letter, Resume, Certified copies of certificates. Deadline: 28th May 2018 Address: Application for the post of Investment & Accounts Officer Boslil Bank Limited, P.O. Box RB 2385, Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia Or Email: boslilrecruiting @boslil.com
“because we want to.” The fairly peaceful demonstration turned into something else when declared
UWP supporters arrived on the scene. Some claimed they had seen the earlier mentioned WhatsApp appeal and decided
that “these SLP people were coming to try to take out our prime minister so we come to support him.” Before long typically Looshan insults were flying across Laborie Street into Constitution Park and back. When I asked a woman in white if she planned to continue demonstrating until the St. Jude situation was settled, she answered with a non sequitur: “The only thing that can fix this country is if we riot!” I remain uncertain what she meant by “we.” As I left the scene with several of the demonstrators, my mind turned to Kenny Anthony’s pre-election declaration of “war against the Chastanets.” I also wondered why St. Jude is generally considered “the patron saint of lost causes.” A Saint Lucia at war with itself may well answer that question.
Saint Lucia setting New Records in 2018 S
aint Lucia’s tourism sector is enjoying robust growth. First quarter figures show the island continuing a strong growth trend, building on a record-setting year of 2017. Stay-over arrivals increased by 9.5% in the first quarter of 2018, compared to the same period last year, with March 2018 registering a 17.8% increase over March 2017. Year-to-date, Saint Lucia has registered 355,821 cruise passenger arrivals, an increase of 13.5% over the same period last year. The berth extension at Pointe Seraphine is credited,
in part, for the significant increases in cruise passenger arrivals, as the island’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels has expanded. The mega vessel MS Eurodam 2008 and the Freedom Class vessel Anthem of the Seas made their first port calls at Castries in January 2018. On May 16, 2018, Saint Lucia welcomed another Freedom Class Vessel from Royal Caribbean—the Freedom of the Seas—which has a capacity of 6,000 and follows a 21-day port call schedule. The Island has also experienced a resurgence in the yachting sector with a 25% increase in yacht arrivals across all ports of entry, namely
IGY Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay and Soufriere. “We have run an aggressive and focused marketing campaign over 2017 and into 2018: working to establish our new branding, running targeted media buys and social media campaigns to increase awareness and we are starting to see the benefits of this marketing push. We believe that this year we will see even greater growth as we continue to refine our marketing,” stated Saint Lucia Tourism Authority Executive Chairperson Agnes Francis.
