Chastanet: Police Doing Just Fine!

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Chastanet: Police Doing Just Fine!

See page 8 Issue 30

, 2019

| 17 Aug

THE STASRSWEEK BUSINE THE AIR: IN THIS EDITION

AUGUST 17,

2019

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Another lane for Sandals Halcyon to Choc roundabout

ata provided by the Ministry of Infrastructure indicates that 27,000 vehicles daily traverse the Castries-Gros Islet Highway. The Ministry says it normally takes around 20 minutes to drive from the city to Gros Islet. Most commuters would disagree.

Traffic tends to build up in some areas along the way, the stretch near Sandals Halcyon Hotel being one of them. Relief may be on the way. On Monday the Ministry officially broke ground on the Sandals Halcyon to Choc Roundabout Road Widening Project.

“The effort is to help with improving road safety along this stretch of road,” said Sherman Sylvester, civil engineer in the department of infrastructure.

"It will involve the widening of the northbound lane between Sandals and Choc. The objective is to ensure we have a four-lane dual carriageway. What you notice happening at the Sandals intersection, where you have two lanes merging into one, will no longer be. Commuters will have that two-lane access that will eliminate the bottleneck where several accidents have occurred.”

The project is expected to take eight weeks to complete at

AUGUST 17, 2019 THE STAR

Invest Saint Lucia Supports Next Generation of Business Leaders

I

A second lane is expected soon for vehicles on the northbound lane (right).

a cost of $2.5 million. Sylvester says that there are plans to work on other roads, Choc Hill and the Marisule and Rodney Bay intersections among them, all aimed at reducing travel time on the highway.

C. O. Williams Construction will be implementing the project. The company’s contracts manager, Mr. Steve Brinkhurst, was on hand and spoke to reporters. “We’re here today to start putting up traffic and pedestrian safety measures and we start excavation work tomorrow,” he said. “The first phase of the works is building retaining walls and extending

drainage, with little or no interference with the traffic movement. In the second phase, we’ll grind away existing asphalt and put new asphalt down. We’re planning to do those works in the night to minimize the traffic disruption.”

Mr. Shanon La Bourne, communications officer in the Ministry of Infrastructure, expressed gratitude to Sandals for “contributing a significant portion of their property” in the interests of the project.

---JSA

n keeping with its mandate to spur investment, Invest Saint Lucia has lent its support to a youth mentorship initiative organised by local company HR Wise. Called the EDGE Youth Mentorship Programme, the not-for-profit programme is designed to equip young persons between the ages of 16 and 21 with the information and life skills required to manage their transition from the school environment into the workplace and develop into well-rounded citizens.

The EDGE annual threeweek summer workshop, followed by internship opportunities, serves as an induction programme for young Saint Lucians about to enter the world of work and is designed to improve knowledge, clarify workplace expectations and build strong work ethic.

The programme covers topics such as career planning and development, communication, workplace etiquette, customer excellence, employment essentials, personal brand, interview skills, social media and attitude, and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the formal cheque presentation ceremony,

Communications and Marketing Assistant, Yves Peter mentoring youth on entrepreneurship.

Ms. Goretti J Paul, founder and Managing Director of HR Wise, expressed her deep gratitude for Invest Saint Lucia’s continued support and emphasized the value of this innovative exercise.

“EDGE serves as a platform for responsible corporate citizens to work together and make a positive impact on the social transformation of our young persons. This important group is key to the future success of our companies and, by extension, our country,” she said.

Commenting on Invest Saint Lucia’s sponsorship, Marketing Officer Shirlyn Elliodore stated, “For Invest

Saint Lucia, the programme is a perfect platform to engage young persons on the benefits of youth entrepreneurship.

We see this programme as a nursery for many young and aspiring business-oriented individuals to grow to appreciate entrepreneurship on a small and global scale, as well as the intangible value of career-oriented mandates and goals.

"In addition, there is the added benefit of having access to a pool of job-ready applicants but, more importantly, participating in engineering the overall success of Saint Lucia’s future business leaders.”

Taiwan Strengthens Co-operation with Saint Lucia in Human Capacity Building

T

his summer marks the highlight of co-operation in human capacity building between Taiwan and Saint Lucia. In July and August, a total of four vocational training classes have been organised by Taiwan for their diplomatic allies in the Caribbean. So far, 18 experienced Saint Lucians have started on a 2-3 months training course to enhance their expertise in Chinese cooking, tourism and hospitality, motor vehicle mechanics and electronic engineering.

In addition, 22 students have received a scholarship from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) this year. This marks a dramatic 50 per cent increase

from last year and showcases the excellent performance of Saint Lucia’s young minds.

These students will be studying for bachelor, master or doctoral degrees in Taiwan, majoring in various fields including agriculture, disaster management, engineering, business and medicine, etc.

Just as short-term training and long-term scholarship programmes lay the foundation of education, conferences and high-level training classes also play an important role of bridging experts and professionals in private as well as public sectors of both countries.

They also help build platforms of co-operation for scholars and officers from Taiwan, Saint Lucia and other countries. For example, The World Vegetable Center,

WorldVeg, a world-class agricultural research facility located in Tainan, Taiwan, will be hosting the 38th International Vegetable Training Course. This year, Mr Thaddeus Constantin, Acting Chief Agri-Enterprise Development Officer from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Cooperatives, will represent Saint Lucia to attend the Safe Vegetable Production Class in Thailand, joining a group of trainees from Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.

From July to October this year, a total of 42 Saint Lucian citizens, composed of students, technicians and officers, will have started their learning journey in Taiwan.

This shows the commitment of Taiwan to conduct deeper and

Taiwanese ambassador Douglas Shen and Education Minister Dr. Gale Rigobert (front centre, left and right) meet successful students for the Taiwan scholarship.

wider co-operation in human capacity building with Saint Lucia. Ambassador Douglas Shen said that the Embassy of the R.O.C. (Taiwan) will continue

to find ways to satisfy local training and educational needs.

He looks forward to more intensified cooperation with Saint Lucia in the area of human

capacity building as well as the substantive connections, friendship and mutual understanding that are to be built along the way.

THE STAR

august 17, 2019

03

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AUGUST 17, 2019 THE STAR

How do we protect the ambitious young from the shortcomings of an earlier generation?

Peter Josie

A

nimble, curious mind may ponder the origin of new ideas: are they born and nourished in isolation of book learning or guidance from elsewhere?

From whence spring fervent political dreamers? Is there an education threshold that leads to becoming a political fantasist, and another which moulds a political realist and worker, capable of solving problems?

Should dreamers only dream or should they also work to increase national wealth?

Where does political ideology lie within the spectrum of human experience? When is it recognizable? At what point do questioning and analysis provide a compass for navigating the challenges of life? Can that compass be

Star local athletes like (left to right) Levern Spencer, Daren Sammy and Jeannelle Scheper are setting a fine example for their own generation and those to come.

rebranded as ideology? Some have argued that no new idea can be born, no new ideology developed, no philosophy formulated without an inner spiritual light. The question of the origin of that light remains debatable.

The chasm between the political parties in Saint Lucia, on closer examination, may be put down to different approaches to fulfilling their respective goals.

Viewed over a long period, the differences between the

Form P7 :Advertisement of Application for Grant Rules 15 THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE SAINT LUCIA Claim No. SLUHPB2019/

BEFORE

:

APPLICANTS :

IN THE MATTER of a Grant of Letters of Administration in the Succession of CLAUDIA LYNN HIPPOLYTE late of Reunion, Choiseul in the Island of Saint Lucia.

THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT (1) SKEETA CARASCO formerly SKEETA HIPPOLYTE (2) ANYHA THIA CARASCO formerly ANYHA THIA HIPPOLYTE

TAKE NOTICE that an application for a Grant of Letters of Administration has been filed by (1) SKEETA CARASCO formerly SKEETA HIPPOLYTE and (2) ANYHA THIA CARASCO formerly ANYHA THIA HIPPOLYTE the Applicants who are the lawful children of CLAUDIA LYNN HIPPOLYTE, Deceased late of Reunion, Choiseul, Saint Lucia, the Deceased having died intestate on the 28th day of March, 2019.

Any person having an objection to the grant of Letters of Administration to the Applicants shall file an objection within 14 days of the publication of this Notice.

Dated this 28th day of May, 2019.

This Notice is filed by the Law Offices of Oswald Wilkinson Larcher & Associate Legal Practitioner for the Petitioner whose address for service is Maison DuBonaire, John Compton Highway, Castries, Telephone Number 452-4555.

The Court office is at La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries, St. Lucia, Telephone Number 468-7500 Fax. Number 468-7543. The office is open between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fridays except public holidays. The Office can also be contacted via Email at stluhco@eccourts.org.

two parties come down to the delivery of election promises and honest dialogue with the citizenry. In times past, political dreamers, theoretical revolutionists and other pretenders had developed into hard-nosed propagandists wearing party colours only for show. In their campaigns, the hands-on practical workers, the realists, criticized the do-nothing pretenders as socialists, and a danger to the state. But the fervent dreamers continued to dream and expected to have a larger say in the development of the country and the lives of its citizens.

Those dreamers know not from where funds will come to finance their dreams. They say that the marginalized have been disadvantaged by slavery and colonialism and that someone must pay to scrub their minds of the effects of slavery and exploitation.

Upon closer examination, some new differences emerge between the workers and the fervent dreamers. The dreamers help themselves and their families instead of the poor. Then they spread crumbs around as temporary work to keep the ill-informed and plainly stupid from revolting.

Adult suffrage became a tool to extract handouts from the colonial office in London.

Better that than teach the new voter how to fish. Soon those early dreamers began to mouth the jargon of communism, popular at the time. With time, new voters migrated from the “gimmegimme” mindset into workers determined to pull themselves

up through education and savings. The fervent dreamers stayed back and refined their begging techniques even as they continued to glorify words and bluff their way through life.

The workers took a more workmanlike, pragmatic approach to solving the nation’s social and economic problems, while the fervent dreamers fell deeper and deeper in love with the spoken word. Meantime, the pragmatic workers, the realists and doers prospered.

It soon became an accepted truism that workers worked and fervent dreamers continued to depend on handouts regardless of source and price. As the two parties drifted apart, jealousy crept in. Soon the achievements of workers and doers were set upon by jealous eyes whose preference remains mostly to talk and to dream.

Rather than complain and wallow in self-pity, the doers continued to work and achieve.

These early visionaries did not allow the past to trump their ability to accumulate wealth and build a better life for future generations. They came together and opened the Co-operative “Penny” Bank on the island. In the meantime, the fervent dreamers continued to dream. They disliked agriculture because it reminded them of slavery. The workers consolidated their conservative approach to earning and spending and soon applied these skills to growing the national economy and encouraging farmers to plant and produce.

The dreamers, on the other hand, desired to fund social programmes but they were unable to motivate production to help the poor and marginalized.

Self-sacrifice and discipline are anathema to the new reckless dreamers who feel entitled to “freeness everything,” not knowing or caring about the origin of the money they crave.

The theory of wealth creation is unfortunately subsumed by political smoke screens. Some dreamers hide behind election rhetoric while avoiding questions on economic development and job creation. Public platforms are used to vent sad stories and to peddle myths. Mediocrity is a convenient road for those who bend facts. Laziness and aversion to physical work is ingrained in some, seemingly from birth. A leader who aims to better the social and economic conditions of his people must teach them the difference between mindless dreams and work toward goals. There are realities to be faced, even as the fervent dreamers pile burdens on the backs of taxpayers and workers who grow the economy.

Face it, this is our story.

The saving grace is that younger Saint Lucians are now excelling in international sporting contests and academic pursuits. These young citizens need to be protected from negative dreamers, and their no-good journalist friend.

THE STAR

05

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AUGUST 17, 2019

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august 17, 2019 THE STAR

What has Massy’s plastic bag charge been used for?

EC$150,000, Massy said the MOU will allow the SLUNCF to make grants for conservation and environment related activities. A press release stated that environmental projects with a focus on plastic waste management, or which have a plastic waste management component, will receive priority.

On Wednesday, CEO of the SLUNCF Dr. Vasantha Chase told the STAR they are yet to issue any grants but a call for proposals will be made to the public some time in September.

“We’ll have the call for proposals and people will be able to submit what is referred to as their concept notes,” she said. “Then the technical advisory committee, in consultation with Massy, will review these concept notes and the top four or five projects will be chosen. It will then be submitted to our board and also to Massy’s board. We suspect we’ll pick up about three or four

Joshua St. Aimee

O

n July 3, 2018 the supermarket chain Massy Stores (SLU) Ltd implemented a 25 cents charge for the single-use plastic bags used for bagging groceries at checkout. The company stated that the strategy formed part of its commitment to becoming more environmentally friendly.

It also indicated that proceeds from the plastic bag sales would be placed into a special fund to help with environmental awareness, recycling, waste collection and repurposing projects.

On July 18 this year, the company announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saint Lucia National Conservation Fund to “manage a portion of the funds collected from the plastic charge”. Valued at

of the very best and then we will issue the grants.”

Dr. Chase said there will be a limit to how much a hopeful can request for funding but that amount will be made known at a later date.

Asked what was the total amount raised from the plastic bag charge from July 2018 to July 2019, Massy’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Mrs. Sariah Best-Joseph told the STAR a disclosure will be made in the company’s annual report but the company has so far donated $175,000 towards environmental partnerships and initiatives.

These initiatives, Joseph outlined, saw Massy supporting various organisations. EC$2,500 went to the Saint Lucia National Trust for Earth Day activities which included beach rehabilitation and conservation, and tree planting. $7,500 was contributed to Jua Kali

FORM P7: ADVERTISEMENT OF APLICATION FOR GRANT (Rule 15) THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE SAINT LUCIA NO. SLUHPB2019/0094

BEFORE:

In the estate of Matty Mathurin late of Maynard Hill/Marchand, Castries in the Island of Saint Lucia, Deceased.

THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT

APPLICANT:

Veronica Mathurin acting herein and represented by her duly appointed Attorney Catherine St Rose

ADVERTISEMENT OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT OF PROBATE TAKE NOTICE that an application has been filed by VERONICA MATHURIN of Maynard Hill/ Marchand, Castries, acting herein and represented by her duly appointed Attorney Catherine St Rose, as appears by Power of Attorney dated 25th February 2019 and registered on 5th March 2019 in the Land Registry as Instrument No. PA 158/2019, for a Grant of Probate of the Will of the above named deceased who died at Victoria Hospital, Castries, in the Island of Saint Lucia on the 20th day of December, 2017 without revoking a Will bearing the date of 29th May 2009 wherein the applicant is named Executrix.

Any person having an objection to the grant of Probate of the Will shall file an objection within 14 days of the publication of this Notice.

Dated this 29th day of March, 2019.

Presented for filing by: The Law Offices of Oswald Wilkinson Larcher & Associate, Maison DuBonaire, John Compton Highway, Castries, Saint Lucia :, Telephone Number (758) 452-42555; email: lbta@candw.lc The Court office is situate at La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries, Saint Lucia Telephone Number 468-7500 Fax. Number 468-7543. The court office is open between 9:00 a.m. and 2: 00p.m. Monday to Thursday and between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday except public holidays. The office can also be contacted via Email at stluhco@eccourts.org.

In June the government passed legislation to ban the importation, manufacturing, sale, use and distribution of Styrofoam and plastic food service containers.

Plastic bags were not included in the ban.

Ltd for its waste diversion depot initiative as well as to volunteers.

At a waste diversion depot, one can earn Massy Loyalty Points in exchange for used

plastic, glass and tin items.

For World Biodiversity Day, World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, $5,000 in product support was made out to the Ministry of Sustainable

Development. The National Conservation Authority was supported by way of $6,000 for a Beach Education and Action Campaign. Then there is the $150,000 MOU, and the remainder was utilised for clean-up campaigns held around World Environment Day.

Best-Joseph said that as at July 3, 2019 there was an eighty per cent decrease in single-use plastic bag usage across the company’s ten supermarkets.

“This translates to 6.5 million single-use plastic bags diverted from our landfill, waterways and beaches,” she said. “We welcome future opportunities to fund projects, which will further support plastic waste management and help mitigate some of the challenges which we currently experience in Sain Lucia.”

LUCELEC SUN POWER EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

A

major part of LUCELEC’s (St. Lucia Electricity Services Limited) strategy to 2020 and beyond is transitioning towards adding renewable energy to its generation. The company took a major step in that direction when, on April 9 last year, its 3-megawatt (MW) solar farm in Vieux Fort came on line.

The overall goal is to use more indigenous renewable energy and reduce the dependence on fossil fuels (diesel). The expectation was that the solar farm would generate approximately 7,000,000 units of electricity per year and reduce the volume of fuel purchased by LUCELEC by 300,000 gallons.

The solar plant has been in operation for just over a year and is exceeding the expectations. As at the end of July this year, the solar farm had generated 9,095,250 kWh or units of electricity. That translates to about 468,296 gallons of fuel saved. Based on the average price of fuel over the period, that means the company has saved approximately $3.61 million.

And because fuel is a cost that’s passed through to customers, it means these savings have been reflected in the price customers have paid for electricity over the period.

LUCELEC Business Development

Sunshine has the added benefit of savings on electricity costs.

Manager Victor Emmanuel says this bodes well for the company and its customers.

“The output from the solar farm has been better than expected. It is always good when new technology delivers on expectations, especially after years of research and investment. We are very pleased our efforts in that regard are paying off,” said Emmanuel.

LUCELEC expects to build on the success of the solar farm with the installation of 7.5 MW/ 3 MWh of battery storage at the solar farm site at La Tourney.

The battery storage will meet 7.5 MW of load for about 20 minutes, which is equivalent to replacing one of the larger generator sets at the company’s

Cul-de-Sac power plant for approximately 20 minutes.

The battery storage will also reduce the amount of spinning reserve on the diesel generators required to maintain system stability and reliability.

And that will translate into more fuel (and customer) savings.

Preliminary work on the system design and the Request for Proposal (RFP) specifications for the battery storage project has started. LUCELEC’s first bank of battery storage is expected to come on line in 2020. LUCELEC expects to have about 31 MW of renewable energy and 13 MW of storage on the system by the end of 2023 if all goes according to plan.

THE STAR

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For how much longer will government pass the buck on IMPACS?

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, URBAN RENEWAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SETTLEMENT UPGRADING PROJECT

INVITATION FOR BIDS The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the Settlement Upgrading Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments by CDB will be made only at the request of GOSL and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOSL shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The Project is being implemented by the Programme for the Regularisation of Unplanned Developments (PROUD) within the Department of Housing, Urban Renewal and Telecommunications, the Executing Agency. Note that the PROUD has contracted a Consultant who will be assisting in the supervision of the works.

The PROUD now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders to undertake any combination of the following works; 1. Lot 1: Construction of Residential Accesses

and Drains at La Resource Phases 2 and 3,

Contract No. /SUP 53/SFR – OR – STL (P7)

b) Lot 2: XCD360,000; c) Lot 3: XCD425,000; 3)

Experience as prime contractor in the construction of at least two (2) assignments of a nature, scope and complexity comparable to the proposed works within the last six (6) years. Subcontract work and labour only contracts shall not qualify.

4)

Experience in the construction of roads (Bituminous surfacing dressing, asphaltic concrete & concrete) base and experience in the construction of Earthen and reinforced concrete drains.

Bidding Documents may be obtained by eligible bidders from the first address below for a nonrefundable fee of XCD500 per Lot. Requests may be made by written application including email.

Written applications must be clearly marked: “SUP (NCB) - Request for Bidding Documents for the Construction of Residential Accesses, Drains and Footpaths, Lot 1 to 3”, along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder for which Bidding Documents are being requested.

Payment should be by wire transfer, bank draft or bank guaranteed cheque made payable to Accountant General.

Information to pay by wire transfer can be obtained from the first address below.

3. Lot 3: Construction of Residential Accesses

and Drains at Sarrot, Contract No. /SUP 53/

SFR – OR – STL (P9)

Applicants who request that documents be forwarded to them must submit an account number from a local courier agent that accepts freight collect charges. Documents will be promptly dispatched, but under no circumstance will PROUD or their authorised agent be held responsible for late delivery or loss of the documents so transmitted.

Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms, which are legally incorporated or otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible country and are either; 1. more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or a bona fide resident or

residents of an eligible country, or by a body

corporate or bodies corporate meeting these

requirements; or

Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Bid for the Settlement Upgrading Project (NCB) – Construction of Residential Accesses, Drains and Footpaths (Lot 1 or Lot 2 or Lot 3 or any combination)”, must be received at the second address below no later than 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. Bid opening will take place at 10:00 am on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at the second address below in the presence of bidders representatives who choose to attend.

2.

All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of Ten Thousand Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD10,000) for any single NCB Lot or Thirty Thousand Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD30,000.00) for any Combination of Lots.

2. Lot 2: Construction of Residential Accesses

and Drains at La Resource Phases 4 and 5,

Contract No. /SUP 53/SFR – OR – STL (P8)

owned or controlled by the Government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006).

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB. Eligible bidders will be required to submit full qualification information with their bids establishing their eligibility to bid and qualifications to perform the contract if the bid is accepted. Tender and qualifications information are to be submitted in the English language on the prescribed forms inserted in the Bid Documents. Submissions that do not provide the information required, or do not demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will not be considered for evaluation.

Qualification requirements include, inter alia: 1) An average annual turnover (defined as certified payments received for works in progress or completed) within the last five (5) years of: a) Lot 1: XCD3,150,000; b) Lot 2: XCD2,835,000; c) Lot 3: XCD3,340,000; 2) A demonstrable cash flow (including access

to credit) of: a) Lot 1: XCD400,000;

The PROUD reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to terminate the process and reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of the grounds for the PROUD action. The PROUD will not defray any costs incurred by any bidder in the preparation of bids.

1. The Project Coordinator Department of Housing, Urban Renewal and Telecommunications

7th Floor Conway Business Centre Cnr. John Compton Highway & Jn. Baptiste Street Castries, ST. LUCIA, W.I Telephone: 1-758 468-2600/2609 Facsimile number: 1-758 452-1838 Email: cuthbert.mcdiarmed@govt.lc

2.

The Chairperson Central Tender’s Board

Department of Finance, Economic Affairs and Social Security Financial Administrative Centre Point Seraphine, Castries ST. LUCIA, W.I

august 17, 2019 THE STAR

Dean Nestor

T

he fall-out from IMPACS continues to be suffered by the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF) and the wider Saint Lucian public that depends on it for its security. As Prime Minister Allen Chastanet mildly put it recently: “IMPACS has had a devastating effect on morale.” Our homicide figures don’t help. So far this year there have been 29, two the result of still unresolved police shootings.

But Chastanet is optimistic.

Saint Lucia has not stood still following the US withdrawal of support for our police force. On Tuesday the prime minister told reporters: “It would be nice to have US assistance but we’re finding ways to deal with these problems ourselves. We have re-opened the forensic lab; we have gotten our maritime boats up and running again; our radar system is functioning; we have purchased a new communications system for our police and have purchased CCTV cameras.”

He said his government was “in the process of bringing two new judges to help with the huge backlog of unsettled criminal cases. We have added more social workers. We had a great meeting yesterday discussing our new social system of distributing benefits to the more vulnerable in our society.”

As for the IMPACS report first submitted in the time of Prime Minister Kenny Anthony, Chastanet said: “At no point

PM Allen Chastanet this week promised yet again that he won’t let IMPACS deter him from facilitating the police in the execution of their duties.

has my government indicated we’re having difficulty in moving forward where that’s concerned.” He repeated his usual reminder that “the DPP is exclusively responsible for proceeding with what we know as the IMPACS. The role of my administration is to make sure that he has the human resources and the financial resources to undertake the level of investigation demanded.” It is a statement that the prime minister has made several times, as has justice minister Hermangild Francis. However, neither has said what is holding up prosecution of the IMPACS report delivered to Kenny Anthony four years ago.

Chastanet also took the opportunity on Tuesday to reassure the public that his administration will “continue to invest in and strengthen our police force. I don’t want anybody to believe for one minute that the police force is weaker today than it was. It’s not! And we remain absolutely committed to solving the overall problems of crime.”

That the force is not weaker today than when under the previous administration is nothing to write home about, as well the complaining public knows.

Chastanet’s response to that observation: “The IMPACS report has about 40 recommendations.

We’ve completed almost all of them.” He pointed to progress made in the way police killings have been handled since IMPACS: “Some of the police officers have been acquitted and some have been found guilty.”

But the problems that had led to Operation Restore Confidence, and before it Operation Restore Peace, remain. IMPACS has only exacerbated the situation.

Recently the Police Welfare Association’s President, Travis Chicot, highlighted many of the challenges confronting the force, saying, “We continue to agitate for a standardised issuance of weapons and kits for police officers.” He said police officers still have to share protective vests.

“It is unhealthy. It is hazardous and officers should not be required to wear items or kits that others have worn before.”

W2E Now, the App with all Restaurants Menus in St Lucia

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2E (Where 2 Eat) Now is a new mobile application which serves as a single source for the menus of restaurants in Saint Lucia. W2E allows locals and visitors to browse all food menus available on the island, from Cap Estate to Vieux Fort, from their phone.

User friendly, convenient and informative, W2E Now makes deciding on a place to eat, easy and hassle-free. Users can discover new restaurants and new dishes from W2E Now, and it also provides an avenue

to read and write reviews as you dine around Saint Lucia.

If you’re feeling for something specific, use the search feature and see where you can find it. Users can also see the nearest places to eat by simply selecting a location in the app to immediately list restaurants around the area, complete with directions. If you can’t decide what to eat but you’re ready to go out, the “shake” feature will suggest something for you.

For restaurant owners, W2E Now allows full control

to manage your listing where you can add photos, new menu items, specials, promotions and more. It’s easy to reach your existing and new customers and keep them up to date. The business version of the app is available by selecting “W2E Business” in the settings menu.

W2E Now is available for download from both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Follow W2E Now on social media @w2enow, and check out the website www.w2enow.com to keep updated.

THE STAR

LOCAL

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august 17, 2019

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NYC elects new executive. Will it be same ole same ole?

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fter a hotly contested campaign, when all the smoke cleared, Nyus Alfred and crew were victorious in this year’s National Youth Council elections, held during the Council’s general assembly last Saturday. And although we were served much of the same rhetoric of earlier NYC election candidates, the newly minted president, after thanking the young participants, promised to address the shortcomings of the Council over the years.

“We want to ensure that we engage every single young person in Saint Lucia.” Alfred later told this reporter. “Moving forward we will engage all of our stakeholders; that includes all of the youth groups and clubs round the island.”

The top man at the NYC was not afraid to point out some of the problems. After stating that “the strength of the NYC is in the strength of our district youth and sports councils,” he conceded that “over the past few years they’ve not been the most functional". He promised that “our first order of business is to ensure

that we have built the structure of the DYSCs so that they’re able to develop programming that will filter down into the community level”.

Additionally: “Over the past two years, one of the things the NYC has fallen short of is advocacy as it relates to young people.” He promised the incoming executive will be “fearless in its approach to represent young people”.

But the incoming NYC executive comprises three members from the earlier board that Alfred had found cause to admonish: Anya Edwin, Ajani Lebourne and Nyus Alfred himself.

Nevertheless he said: “One of the things we have realised over the past few years is that young persons come into the NYC for two years, then they go off, whether on a scholarship to further their studies or into some professional endeavour. Every two years the organisation has had to reset because previous executives have not been willing to continue the work or to build on the foundation laid by the previous executive.” He believes

that with a few returning executive members to steady the ship, combined with the new team members, the mandate will be fulfilled more quickly and effectively.

“I think that having that experience to build over the next two years puts us in a very unique position in that we already know the structure in the NYC,” he said. “So in terms of transition we have very little to do. It makes it a lot simpler moving forward and getting down to work as we get into office. It’s been two days into the job and we’ve already started working for the young people of Saint Lucia.”

But the campaign was far from encouraging. Too often it brought to mind our regular politicians. “It was very unfortunate, some of the events during the campaign for the NYC election,” Alfred conceded.

“But during the elections, even before the results had been announced, the contestants had already come together and agreed that at the end of the day our goal is youth development,

Nyus Alfred (pictured) says the NYC has already begun to work during the opening days of his tenure as president.

and regardless of who won we would do our best to work toward common goals.”

He went on: “It’s quite unfortunate, what goes on today in the politics in Saint Lucia. I was

St Lucia heads to CARIFESTA T he first experience I had of watching a production of A Little Folk Tale, one year ago, remains unrivalled.

The cast then was appropriately selected from students of the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, and the stage management, musicians and actors created an eerie atmosphere given the resources at the National Cultural Centre. The performance evoked tears (I dare not sell out the bigtime judge behind me who was sniffling) and suspense at every plot twist of unexpected suicide or the sealing of a deal with the devil. This was one of the best locally produced stage events I’d ever attended. It added icing to the cake when I discovered the writers and directors were also SALCC students.

Monique Alexander and Jessie Mayers, the writers who are now twenty- and nineteenyears-old respectively, will be having their work presented at this year’s CARIFESTA. Every CARICOM member and associate member state will have the opportunity to do an artistic performance reflective of their country’s culture and heritage.

A Little Folk Tale was chosen for Saint Lucia’s showcase and it will be reproduced on August 23 in Trinidad, the host country for CARIFESTA XIV.

Following a series of rigid auditions and three months of intense rehearsal, this year's

Cast of A Little Folk Tale presented their work at home before heading to CARIFESTA XIV.

cast of A Little Folk Tale chose to first perform before a sold-out audience at the National Cultural Centre on August 9 and 11. They were finally ready to present to the country what they’re bringing to the table for CARIFESTA XIV. The production was promoted islandwide. Seated up front on the Sunday night were Prime Minister Allen Chastanet and his family, and Minister for Culture, Senator Fortuna Belrose. They obviously had as great a time as did the rest of the audience.

A Little Folk Tale follows the story of four children who find themselves in their dead uncle’s bedroom during his funeral wake while the rest of the family is mourning. What they encounter there brings them through four

stories of experiences with supernatural creatures from Saint Lucian folklore: ladjabless, soucouyant, ti bolonm and cockma. Engrossed in the thrill of dramatizing each story with the accompanying costumes they find in the bedroom, the children do not question why their Uncle Ti Bab owned these items and a dusty story book.

The four characters make deals with the devil that both excite and scare the children but, in the end, they realize that entering their uncle’s room against their parents’ instructions might have sealed their own supernatural fate.

This year’s Saint Lucian delegation will be bringing local youth’s formidable skills

and talent to CARIFESTA. The actors, although different from the original performance I saw, were nevertheless outstanding.

My favourite was Leni Alcindor’s characterization of Audrey.

She made the ladjabless the most memorable of the four supernatural creatures portrayed. The performance included equally skilled musicians in a live band, and vocalists performing songs written specially for the play.

The group left for Trinidad this week and, while there, will take advantage of workshops, classes, other countries’ performances and the chance to further hone their skills.

---Claudia Mc Dowell

hoping, during the course of this campaign, that we could have shown our leaders the way to go about competing in the political arena. But that is something I think we didn’t quite accomplish.”

But Alfred remains hopeful that the youth can help improve our political discourse and behaviour.

Last Thursday Alfred did something all too reminiscent of our politicians. He chose not to turn up for a scheduled appearance on Rick Wayne’s TALK. Instead, he sent a (very capable) substitute, Student Council President Rahym Joseph, to represent him. He was roundly criticised by callers and Facebook commenters alike. Betraying the slightest smile at the recalled occasion, Alfred said: “I was not well. That was the main reason I did not appear on Rick Wayne’s show.” As for Rahym Joseph, Alfred was not shy about explaining why he’d chosen him as his stand-in last Thursday: “I decided to send a very capable man who had basically run point for our campaign. So he was au courant with all the plans, and our objectives. He knows the candidates well, so I found it was very fitting to send him.” The NYC President also confirmed this week that he was looking forward to another invitation to appear on TALK. ---Dean Nestor

Department of Home Affairs and National Security NOT involved in voter verification and registration exercise

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he Department of Home Affairs and National Security has been made aware of reports that a group of persons is allegedly going to various homes where they would present documents bearing the purported letterhead of the Department of Home Affairs and National Security.

The Department finds those reports grossly disturbing and has contacted the police in an attempt to obtain reliable information from reports that might have been made about this activity. Additionally, it is highly unlikely that the Department of Home Affairs and National Security would undertake an exercise of voter registration and verification.

In the interests of public

safety the Department of Home Affairs and National Security wants to assure the public that the Department is not associated with any such activity. Therefore, the Department advises that persons should remain on the alert and watchful when approached by strangers.

Members of the public are also encouraged to inform the police of anyone who may have approached them purporting to be officers of the Department of Home Affairs and National Security.

There is a police hotline that members of the public should save on their phones so that they can speed-dial the police in relation to this activity. The number is 45crime (452 7463).

10 COMMENT

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Why is Kenny afraid to talk about Jack Grynberg?

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s great as is the temptation to engage her in a couple rounds of tit-for-tat I must resist making a hullaballoo about the August 25 headline from the office of the prime minister’s wunderkind press secretary: “Saint Lucia Wins Another Round!” However, I can’t help wondering about her motives for stating on the one hand that the government of Saint Lucia has won another round in the on-going arbitration with RSM Production Corporation, Jack Grynberg’s Texas-based company, and on the other: “The latest order does not determine which party is correct on these matters.

It relates only to the costs of the proceeding”—scheduled to come before the ICSID tribunal in February. How can a process not quite started also be “on-going?”

Could it be the press secretary’s contempt for the collective intelligence of the local media is showing yet again?

Could she have counted on our vulnerable “media practitioners” to be blinded by the light of that capitalized “wins another round” headline? To be fair, she clearly states the ICSID’s reasons for granting the petitioners their latest appeal: Jack Grynberg’s refusal to post a guarantee of US$750,000 perchance his breach of contract lawsuit should prove unsuccessful.

And what if, by some miracle, Saint Lucia should lose?

Grynberg is demanding in that happy event, more than half our nation’s annual budget.

Grynberg had earlier been ordered by the ICSID to “pay all the advances toward the administrative costs of the arbitration.” The government has chosen not to release the exact figure.

Ms JnPierre-Emmanuel generously added for our edification that the tribunal’s order was a first. Her research had revealed that in all previous ICSID cases the contending parties had each been ordered to

pay 50% toward administrative costs. My own exhaustive investigations indicate Jack Grynberg is hardly the kind of guy nice girls would happily take home to meet their mamas— unless of course such nice girls and their mamas were gold diggers with a thing for contentious oilmen.

The question that has always stumped this particular scribe: Bearing in mind all there is to read on the Internet about Grynberg’s discombobulating idiosyncrasies, especially when dealing with small countries with oil potential, such as Grenada, why did foreign affairs permanent secretary Earl Huntley secretly introduce him to Saint Lucia’s prime minister? Even more perplexing, why did Kenny Anthony, who could quite possibly quote Section 41 of the Saint Lucia Constitution blindfolded, entertain an ostensible scoundrel like Grynberg?

Why did the prime minister direct Earl Huntley to keep to himself all that had transpired at the secret negotiations related to oil under the sea at Dauphin, and not a related word to Mario Michel, yet alone Philip J. Pierre, and the brothers Odium? Did the prime minister have reasons why he considered Huntley more trustworthy than his Cabinet colleagues?

By Dame Perlette’s own admission, not even the governor-general, who alone is constitutionally authorized to license oil explorations on this Rock of Sages, was let in on the Grynberg deal. This sorry situation remains unchanged to this day.

But the Jade’s mama didn’t make no fool. Notice how subtly she suggests in her press release that Grynberg’s lawsuit had resulted from Stephenson King’s resurrection of a contract that her boss had in 2009 pronounced dead and buried?

All of that, while also stating: “The Tribunal’s order summarizes the parties’ claims and defenses,

saying that the case arises from an offshore petroleum exploration contract . . . that according to RSM’s position, boundary disputes developed, affecting the exploration area, in particular Martinique, Barbados and Saint Vincent, which allegedly prevented RSM from initiating exploration.”

In other words, Grynberg had given Kenny Anthony certain undertakings, reneged on them, then sat back and never once lifted a finger to fulfill his contract. One wonders: Why didn’t our famously litigious prime minister at this point sue Grynberg for breach of contract?

The record shows he not only ratified Grynberg’s complaints without argument, but that he also increased the acreage to be explored, and the life of their contract!

Now here comes the 'how is me uhn' part: According to the earlier cited government press release issued on Monday: “RSM also claims that former prime minister Stephenson King signed a three-year extension to the contract but then retrieved the document before it could be delivered to RSM. RSM claims that the extension is valid, even though RSM never received it.

RSM has asked the tribunal to declare the exploration is still in force and effect.”

I have read Grynberg’s suit.

I did not gather from reading it that it has anything to do with an alleged renewed contract that Grynberg admits is hearsay, anyway. The shaky assertion appears to have been created

by Earl Huntley and Ausbert d’Auvergne—both campaigners for Kenny Anthony at the time of the 2011 elections. Neither has provided an iota of evidence supportive of their desperate invention.

Ausbert d’Auvergne, whom King had reluctantly fired from his administration to appease Richard Frederick and others shortly after Sir John’s passing,

Will Kenny Anthony relent and break his silence on Grynberg in the best interests of Saint Lucia?

Will Prime Minister Allen Chastanet demand accountability?

has acknowledged on record his surprise upon learning his boss had renewed the Grynberg contract. After all, the government had earlier decided to do the precise opposite. In any event, this is what the Jade wrote in a related press bulletin dated 20 April 2012 and released nearly two weeks later. It is calculatedly vague: “The Corporation [RSM] bases its case on two grounds.

Firstly, notwithstanding two previous extensions by the former SLP administration to continue exploration, it could not complete its exploration because of the failure to resolve boundary disputes between Saint Lucia and neighboring states. This failure, says the Corporation, constitutes grounds of force majeure. More will be said of this force majeure in due course.”

It is difficult discerning what are the Jade’s personal pronouncements and what she claims are Grynberg’s stated

grounds for his suit.

Nevertheless: “Secondly, the Corporation claims the former prime minister Stephenson King did sign an extension to the agreement which he subsequently retrieved . . . The second ground is implicitly premised on the fact that the agreement was revived by former prime minister King’s letter, which was recalled but confirmed by Mr. d’Auvergne.”

As if citing Scripture, the Jade adds: “These matters were publicly discussed prior to the 2011 elections.” Surely, it would’ve been more precise to say “these matters” were a major part of the SLP’s election platform! Paradoxically, the Jade goes on to quote Grynberg’s claim that the Stephenson King government had in 2008 taken “the position that the agreement had expired” but it had subsequently been reported that King had “taken steps to put

up the agreement area which RSM has the right to explore to competitive bidding. By claiming the agreement has expired and threatening to place exploration rights in the subject area out to competitive bid, Saint Lucia has breached the agreement.”

Nothing implicit about that. Grynberg is clearly citing breach of contract as the basis of his suit; not some transparent allegation by two hardly disinterested parties. In a letter dated 18 February 2000, Grynberg wrote the following to the prime minister Stephenson King: “We regret that your government intends to initiate a competitive bidding and respectfully remind you that under our agreement, Article 26, any dispute shall be resolved amicably; but if it cannot be resolved the dispute shall be submitted for settlement by arbitration to the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes . . . We intend to rely on this clause of our agreement.”

It remains to be seen if Grynberg actually “posts security for costs in the form of an irrevocable bank guarantee of US$750,000 within thirty days of the tribunal’s decision” and whether the ICSID then accedes to a government of Saint Lucia request “to cancel the hearing date,” or if the government “chooses to seek remedies other than postponing the hearing if RSM does not comply.”

To think that all of the above could have been avoided, and Saint Lucians spared the enormous cost. If only the prime minister had done what needed to be done in the first place, by which I mean: conducted a due diligence check into Jack Grynberg’s background; taken his own attorney general’s counsel and sought appropriate legal advice; included his Cabinet in his deliberations with the Colorado oilman. Then again so could Rochamel and Frenwell have been easily avoided, not to say Helenair. At the very least we might’ve saved ourselves some $46 million!

The preceding was first published in 2014. It is reproduced as a reminder of how we landed in the Jack Grynberg oil dump.

THE STAR

COMMENT

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august 17, 2019

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GOOD TO THE LAST DROP

By Tony Deyal

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t my age, you can get a bit depressed; especially when you look in the mirror after you shower and realise that your birthday suit needs pressing and there is nothing you can do about it.

Even going to a shrink can’t help.

Actually, when I was a few years younger and living in Barbados, I went to an antiques auction and three people bid on me. I suppose that age has changed nothing.

We were so poor that all I got was a day older each birthday.

It did not help when I called one of my good buddies from the old days whom I had not seen for many years because our paths had diverged considerably.

Immediately after work he still heads to the same bar where we spent much of our free time and money, then I went home to read and watch British detective shows on

television. He continues to be a heavy smoker and I, after quitting abruptly one night, have become allergic to cigarette smoke. Worst of all, instead of chewing the fat with him, I no longer indulge in other pleasures of the flesh; no beef, pork, no meat, period.

So, when I told him that I was celebrating my birthday last Saturday, his immediate response was: “How?”

It instantly reminded me of the joke about the Indian chief who reputedly had the best memory in the world. To test him, a British visitor asked casually: “Do you like eggs?” Not receiving a response, the disappointed Britisher moved on. Passing through the same territory twenty-one years later, he again met the chief and, smiling, he raised his right arm with palm facing out and greeted him: “How.” The chief replied, “Fried.”

Fortunately for me there was no need to answer the question “How?” Had I been asked again, I would have been able to answer loudly and with gusto, not just “How?” but “What?” This was

because my children Jasmine and Zubin, aided by my cousin Mulchan and abetted by my son George and his wife Sara, had made the alcohol, tobacco and fatty-foods totally unnecessary.

First, my twosome gave me a card which provided grounds for serious reflection, because they couldn’t espresso how much I mean to them and, for bean present for them, they loved me a latte. This was not the punishment it seems because it was on a birthday card they lovingly designed and made for me.

Then Mulchan made sure I became a genuine has-bean by giving me a bag of Starbucks “Melange Maison” (House Blend) coffee beans. Then my son and daughter-in-law gave me two bags already ground, but definitely not dirt cheap. Clearly, while they last, my cup definitely runneth over. In accounting terms, I’m in the black.

What made the gifts even more timely and propitious is that just a couple days ago I had read, avidly consumed really,

CLOSED FOR STOCK TAKING Wet & Cold Express Cadet Street 1:00 p.m. for stock taking on Saturday August 24th, 2019.

Wet & Cold Express Mongiraud Street will be open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm to serve you.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Wet & Cold Express Mongiraud Street Tel: 457-7088 Wet & Cold Express Cadet Street Tel: 457- 7189

Cul De Sac, Castries, St. Lucia Tel: 457-7000 Fax: 457-7059 Email:pcdcustomerservice@thegelgroup.com Website: www.peterandcompanydistribution.com

an article with the screaming headline: Alcohol, Coffee, and Being Overweight Might Actually Help You Live Longer, Study Says.

“What a birthday present!” I exclaimed as I celebrated my 74th birthday. Essentially, researchers at the University of California’s Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders started a study in 2003 to look at what makes people live past 90. They found that participants who drank moderate amounts of alcohol or coffee lived longer than those who abstained from either drink. In addition, people who were overweight in their 70s lived longer than people who were normal or underweight in their 70s.

I always knew that I was a die-hard coffee drinker but now I have the research to prove it, including a recent Stanford University study which explains “why drinking coffee helps you live longer". According to maxim.com: “In a new study published in the journal Nature Medicine, a team at Stanford University analyzed blood

samples from 100 participants, young and old. Most of the older participants had increased levels of activity in their inflammationrelated genes. However, those who reported regularly drinking caffeine had very low levels of activity in their inflammatory gene pathways, more on par with younger participants.”

David Furman, author of the study, told Time, “The more caffeine people consumed, the more protected they were against a chronic state of inflammation.”

While inflammation is vital to the functioning of the immune system, increased levels of inflammation, common in older age, can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, joint disorders and Alzheimer’s.

All the research findings and their support for my lifestyle make me an unapologetic coffee drinker. I don’t have a problem sleeping at night and boast that a cup of coffee immediately puts me to sleep. My wife Indranie, however, spends a lot of time tossing, turning and worrying

about coffee’s harmful effect on my health. She is convinced that it is deadly for me and that my arteries are as hard as rock stone and getting as rigid as my determination to continue drinking fresh percolated coffee at least twice a day.

When I say it perks me up, she cites evidence from every health magazine and research study to show that coffee could pack me up for good. What bothers her most is not just my drinking the blessed brew but when anyone asks me: “How are you?” I look meaningfully at her before replying with a mischievous smile: “Good to the last drop!”

Tony Deyal was last seen worrying that if Indranie finds out coffee is a proven aphrodisiac for middle-aged and older men, hardened arteries would be the least of his problems.

Tony can be contacted at tdeyal@yahoo.co.uk or on 1-868-351-1000.

CLOSED FOR STOCK TAKING House of Wines & Spirits Rodney Bay Marina will be closed at 12:00 noon for stock taking on Monday August 19th, 2019.

House of Wines & Spirits Mongiraud Street will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm to serve you.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

House of Wines & Spirits Bridge Street, Castries Tel: 457- 7085 House of Wines & Spirits , Mongiraud Street Tel: 457- 7088

Cul De Sac, Castries, St. Lucia Tel: 457-7000 Fax: 457-7059 Email:pcdcustomerservice@thegelgroup.com Website: www.peterandcompanydistribution.com

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THE STAR

august 17, 2019

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14 LOCAL

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august 17, 2019 THE STAR

Plastic Ban but no National Standards for Food Safety Containers . . .Yet! Claudia Mc Dowell

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his reporter began three weeks ago documenting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs or fluorinated compounds) and the adverse health risks associated with long-term use and consumption.

The chemicals are found in several products, including some compostable food containers, and PFAs have been proven to leech into food. The compounds are not biodegradable and take hundreds of years to break down in the environment, making the term “compostable” paradoxical for products which contain them.

Verne Emmanuel finally agreed to sit with me three Thursdays ago concerning the role of the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards in the new plastic and Styrofoam importation ban and how alternatives would be managed. He explained that a standard is developed by the Bureau through consensus and, as it stands, “with regards to

food safety and how we develop standards, currently there are no national standards for food safety containers”.

The Bureau does not dictate what can be purchased but merely verifies whether imported products meet standards. But, there are none for food service containers to meet. Emmanuel says that the Bureau is working to adopt the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) technical regulation for food safety and food packaging manufacturing. The Bureau is a member of the ISO. The CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality, CROSQ, is also a network which provides information on standards to the Bureau.

Further, all imported products must pass a conformity assessment—most times done by manufacturers and presented to the Bureau by importers— which ensures that they adhere to international standards. If there is no national standard for something, these conformity assessments prevent below

internationally standard products from being imported.

My specific concern during our meeting was the possibility of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) being blindly imported into Saint Lucia. “If those chemicals are not permitted in an international standard, then they would not be permitted within our local standards,” said Emmanuel. But my reporting three weeks ago explained that several countries and businesses are independently banning production and importation of compostable food containers containing the harmful chemicals, meaning these are actions not facilitated by international standards. Just this week it was reported that major fast-food chains Chipotle and Sweetgreen were found to have PFAs in their “eco-friendly” and certified compostable fibre bowls. It was also reported recently that the Barbados government found some imported compostable products to have high levels of fluorinated compounds, causing a product recall.

Converting to compostable food service containers may be equally harmful to the environment and worse for our bodies, without imposing standards.

Emmanuel repeated several times during our talk that food safety “is always a priority,” so the first things food service containers are checked for: “Any product that is intended to be in contact with food surfaces, it should be clean, impervious and contain no objectionable odour or taste. You want them to not be reactive in any form. No leeching into your food.”

But as for PFAs, since compostable products have been passing conformity assessments, Emmanuel says, “There’s been no report of products containing PFAs in unacceptable levels in the supply chain,” and the Ministry of Health, which is responsible for technical regulations, has not tested for this because, “We don’t know that the supply chain is contaminated. So, there is no reason to go and check in that regard.”

However, when asked if

PFA tests should be considered, he said, “Well, it’s something I’ve received a lot of information on. It's something to be included in terms of as we set the composting standards and the biodegradable standards.

But the things that are safety related are not only regulated by standards, they become technical regulations . . . The issue is that you need to distinguish between quality and standards. Standards set the minimum quality, but the market sets the quality. But what the market accepts is what is the market driven quality. So irrespective that something may meet a standard, it may fail in its life cycle.”

Asked whether he believed that a technical regulation should be considered for PFAs: “Yeah, it’s something to be taken on, definitely.”

But as for something like Barbados’ incident happening

here, he said, “It’s possible. While yes, we get information, we then have to go through a verification process to see what is the level of risk of this actually coming here. For us it may be high because if enough places are banning it and we don’t . . . then people may wish to dump into Saint Lucia. We recognise and adopt the international standards which facilitate the exchange of goods without the elimination of technical barriers to trade. Our current legislative framework has enough protections to prevent and eliminate the dumping of non-compliant products into Saint Lucia.”

According to Emmanuel, a news report of the harmful chemical infiltrating the supply chain in a neighbouring island is not considered an alert. “All he [Barbados Minister Dwight Sutherland] is doing, is saying that in some of the products that are claiming—and that’s the other issue that we’re actually vigilant on, the issue of false claims—well, no alarm was raised in the context, but as we continue to phase out single-use plastics, standards and the conformity assessment framework will ensure that the replacement food service containers are safe. It is an offence to falsely claim that a product complies to a standard developed outside of Saint Lucia.”

What happens now?

Emmanuel did assure that with the current work of the Bureau and CROSQ, Saint Lucia will adopt regional standards for food safety, and if a complaint is made with regard to non-compliance, the matter will be investigated as required by the Standards Act. But, in the meantime, products remain to be untested for PFAs specifically on the basis that they pass conformity assessments.

Government Reintroduces Tuition Refund Programme

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he Government of Saint Lucia and the Department of the Public Service is inviting applications from eligible public officers for inclusion under the Tuition Refund Programme for the academic year 2019/2020.

The Tuition Refund Programme encourages government employees

to adopt a more disciplined approach to their studies and places the onus on them to be more committed to their study programmes, by developing a greater sense of responsibility for their own training and personal development.

Public Officers sponsored under the programme are assisted by the Government

of Saint Lucia through the reimbursement, in part, of eligible training costs upon successful completion of their studies.

Eligible training costs include tuition fees, the educational institution’s official examination fees, registration fees, and costs associated with prescribed textbooks.

THE STAR

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FRC welcomes new Executive Director

fire on the night of March 25, 2018 flattened the Folk Research Centre’s Mount Pleasant headquarters.

Faced with the mammoth task of rebuilding, the organisation on Thursday officially introduced its new Executive Director Ms. Louise Victor, who takes over from recently retired Mr. Hilary La Force. Victor is 28 years old, holds a Masters of Arts in Global Communication Management, and is a past president of the National Youth Council. She was crowned

Carnival Queen in 2010, and in 2017 represented Saint Lucia at the Miss Universe Pageant. She will serve as the FRC’s Executive Director for two years.

Chairman of the FRC board Mr. Embert Charles said that Victor will take on the charge to lead the rebuilding of the Folk Research Centre, and that the intention is to rebuild at Mount Pleasant. Victor will ensure that the FRC not only develops an expanded young membership, but that the youth also understand

the role of culture in national development.

For her part, Victor said: “I feel very honoured to have assumed this position as a young and passionate Saint Lucian.”

The FRC’s mission, she added, is to be the vanguard of promoting the role of culture at the centre of national development and to safeguard Saint Lucia’s intangible cultural heritage.

Referencing the 1st National Bank’s 2018 Annual Report,

Ridley Alexander Has a Passion for Sandals R idley Alexander says proudly that he hails from the lovely community of Grande Riviere, Dennery. He has successfully completed the Sandals Hospitality Training Programme, working as a trainee at the Watersports department at Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort.

Said Ridley: “Being a Hospitality Trainee with Sandals Resorts takes a lot of ambition, determination and perseverance but this was for my own development in the hospitality industry. When I stated in the Hospitality Training Programme, I initially felt like I wasn’t good enough to do any task that was assigned to me, but the patience of the team members at Sandals Halcyon was excellent, so I was able to learn and better myself in the areas I lacked."

A big part of Ridley’s growth came from the constant immersion in customer service training, as he had to attend weekly classes on customer service and professional communication. Having completed the training programme successfully, now Ridley can reminisce. “I remember thinking to myself, why do I have to leave all the fun at watersports to join the Training and Development Manager along with the other trainees in class every Friday? But then I started enjoying the class more and more; it was always very interesting.”

During his training, Ridley spent three months at the Watersports department. He credits the team in large measure for his success. “The team members have helped me so well in building my confidence.

They’ve been extremely patient with me and also coached me to ensure I was doing the right thing. We shared a lot of joy and laughter and there was never a dull moment. The Hospitality Training Programme has

Ridley Alexander, Watersports Attendant at Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort.

not only helped me in developing my specific job skills, but it has enhanced my social and communication skills. I am now able to speak and answer questions assertively. Thanks to the watersports team for helping me become strong and brave.”

Not only is Ridley thankful for the opportunities that he got from the programme, now he says that he feels as though he has opened a new chapter in his life, “I can see myself as the General Manager of this resort in 20 years.” This is the passion that he holds for Sandals, that he can grow and become anything he chooses within the chain. Ridley, now a Watersports Attendant at Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort, remains grateful to Sandals Resorts International for the opportunity to train and work.

written in English and in Creole, she said: “We want to encourage the business community to do the same. I think that will also help us to read and write Creole better.”

Concerning the rebuilding process, Embert Charles disclosed that they are presently in the process of resolving insurance claims with their broker. “Once this is settled,” he said, “it’s our intention to start reclaiming the ground and to use it immediately.

We will be using the area for activities while we rebuild. Our intention is to rebuild to resist all modern vulnerabilities including tsunamis and to address issues of climate change as well as manmade disasters. So the rebuilding will take some time and we’ll do it in phases.”

A rebuilding committee will be set up and will be tasked with executing an extensive programme of fund-raising.

Charles also announced the FRC’s plan to hold activities in October to celebrate the Creole Language.

This will also include an initiative of Creole signage for road signs and directions.

-Joshua St. Aimee

A former beauty queen and NYC president, Louise Victor was recently appointed FRC executive.

She has promised young people will be engaged so they can make meaningful contributions to the FRC.

16 LOCAL

You failed at CXC, So What?

By Ashley Louis

Y

ou have been waiting anxiously and finally your CXC CSEC results are out.

Whilst some of your peers are celebrating their success, you are left feeling disappointed and may even be experiencing a bit of despair. Understandably so, as CXC results have determined the future prospects for school leavers for many years.

But, this is an archaic system designed for the academically inclined.

Unfortunately, many like you who are creative and technically minded, might feel disenchanted and hopeless by this exam.

Remember, however, your performance on a standardized academic exam does not represent your potential, and you should not allow it to define what you are capable of.

It is a well-known fact that birds fly and fish swim. But if we judge birds by their inability to

august 17, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

swim, and fish by their inability to fly, both will appear incompetent, whereas in reality their ability lies elsewhere.

It’s the same with the education system and academic exams like CSEC. Their results have been used to discredit many as incapable of excelling in the professional or higher education environment. Not excelling at CSEC does not mean you are incompetent; it simply means that your abilities are for disciplines other than academics.

Birds cannot swim yet the most sophisticated aircraft cannot fly like a bird. Likewise, you may not be an academic, but there is always something that hardly anyone else can do like you.

Your potential is not defined by an exam and your opportunities should not be limited by it either.

Just as there is a place for everyone, opportunities should exist for everyone as well. Society has caught on to that fact, as opportunities for training and employment

in technical and creative disciplines become increasingly available, albeit slowly. To their credit, the examination body, CXC, acknowledged this shift, and introduced a vocational certificate, CVQ, in 2007. This finally provided options for such persons to become qualified and have successful careers.

More than 12 years later there are still very limited options for vocational career training available in Saint Lucia. Some of the existing programmes remain in the past with stringent admissions policies, whilst others offer limited options like hospitality and cosmetology.

Obviously, the disparity between the wide range of interests and abilities, and the training available, is still great. Until recently, if you were more inclined to outdoor related careers, like construction for example, you were doomed to a life of odd jobs with very little pay and no hope to be qualified or promoted. Thankfully, an up

and coming trade school in Cul De Sac now offers certification programmes in Heavy Equipment Operation and will introduce a number of general construction related courses in the near future.

Construction is an ever-growing and thus profitable industry; with entry level equipment operators earning an average of $640 a week.

It is evident that the ability to have a profitable career despite not excelling at CSEC exams is indeed possible. You simply need to identify your special area of interest and ability, and then pursue it. Vocational training options are becoming more available. You are the future, my dear, and it is still bright as ever!

Ashley is the marketing officer at Heavy Equipment Academy (HEA), a trade school in Cul De Sac offering certificate programmes in equipment operation and general construction. HEA encourages students who did not succeed at CSEC exams.

St Lucia Zouks to replace St Lucia Stars at the 2019 Caribbean Premier League

T

he St Lucia Zouks will replace the St Lucia Stars for the 2019 CPL season, following the recent termination of the participation agreement with the company operating the Stars franchise.

The Zouks will be playing matches in Saint Lucia and across the Caribbean in this year’s CPL which takes place from September 4 to October 12.

The Zouks was the name of the Saint Lucia franchise when it was founded in 2013 and it still resonates with cricket fans around the world. Saint Lucia is one of four islands in the Caribbean known for its zouk music, making it the perfect name for the Saint Lucian team.

The logo is a colourful mixture of blues and yellows with a flame symbol that is derived from the national coat of arms, representing a desire to win.

The Zouks will be playing 10 group games during the tournament, starting with a match against Guyana Amazon Warriors in Guyana on September 5. They will visit Trinidad for a game against Trinbago Knight Riders (September 8), Jamaica for the game against the Tallawahs

(September 12) and St Kitts to play the Patriots (September 17).

They will then play five matches at home between September 20 and September 27. Their final group game will see them take on Barbados Tridents on September 29.

About the Hero Caribbean Premiere League: First started in 2013, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life: dramatic cricket and a vibrant carnival atmosphere. Combining broadcast and digital viewership, over 200 million fans watched the 2018 season to make it one of the fastest growing leagues in world cricket. In 2018 the tournament made a positive economic impact across the Caribbean of US$127 million. Trinbago Knight Riders are the current Hero CPL champions and the other competing teams are Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St. Lucia Zouks, and Jamaica Tallawahs. The 2019 tournament will take place between September 4 and October12. For further information visit www.cplt20.com.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib rejects Israel’s Taiwan Technical Mission Supports Farmers' Market offer to let her visit West Bank — T ‘It would kill a piece of me’

By Kevin Breuninger

believe in—fighting against racism, oppression & injustice.”

She said, “It would kill a emocratic Rep. Rashida piece of me.”

Tlaib on Friday rejected In a subsequent statement, Israel’s decision to allow her Tlaib said “the denial of entry of to enter the occupied West Bank a congressional delegation is not on humanitarian grounds. only about Congresswoman Omar

Israel’s interior minister, Aryeh Deri, said earlier Friday that and I, but also about the deeprooted racism within Israel that Tlaib asked to visit her 90-yearis taking us further away from old grandmother in the West peace. The Israeli and Palestinian Bank, and that he granted that people need us to be more request. courageous and to be honest

That move marked a brokers of peace.” reversal from a day earlier, when

She added, “Being silent Israel had announced that it and not condemning the human would not allow Tlaib and Rep. rights violations of the Israeli Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., to visit the government is a disservice to West Bank, citing their support all who live there, including my of a movement to boycott Israel incredibly strong and loving in response to its treatment of grandmother."

Palestinians.

Deri shot back in a fiery

But Tlaib, a progressive tweet, calling her request to visit freshman lawmaker from her grandmother an apparent Michigan, said in tweets Friday “provocation to embarrass Israel.” that “visiting my grandmother “Her hatred for Israel under these oppressive conditions overcomes her love for her stands against everything I

D

grandmother,” Deri said, according to a Google translation of his tweet.

Tlaib, who is PalestinianAmerican, has defended herself against recent accusations of anti-Semitism levied against her in part for her support of the campaign to boycott Israel.

President Donald Trump slammed Tlaib and Omar on Thursday, claiming they hate “all Jewish people” and suggesting that Israel not allow them in. “It would show great weakness if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep.Tlaib to visit,” Trump said.

Shortly thereafter, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Tlaib and Omar would be barred from entry.

“Congressmen Talib and Omar are leading activists in promoting boycott legislation against Israel in the U.S. Congress,” said the Israeli leader, a close ally of Trump.

he Taiwan Technical Mission, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives, hosted a farmers' market under the project for enhancing the efficiency of the production An Israeli anti-boycott law distribution supply chain in the passed in 2017 has been used to fruit and vegetable sector in deny entry to more than a dozen Saint Lucia. The July farmers' people, The New York Times market lasted morning through reported. to afternoon at Rodney Bay

The ban was heavily criticized by Democrats, including Marina.

With around 185 participants House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and present at the event, the Taiwan Senate Minority Leader Chuck Technical Mission team was able Schumer, who urged Israel to to bring awareness about the reverse its decision.

Some Republicans also took project, which was the main goal of the day. Patrons were educated issue with Israel’s initial move.

“I disagree 100% with Reps. on ways to produce unique Tlaib & Omar on #Israel & am the products made from 100% locally grown fruits and vegetables. They author of the #AntiBDS bill we were also able to sample local passed in the Senate,” said Sen. artisan products. The Technical Marco Rubio, R-Fla.

“But denying them entry into Mission emphasized the mandate that when local farmers are #Israel is a mistake,” Rubio said. supported, the local economy is

Omar sent a message of supported. support for Tlaib: “Sending you

The project will also deal strength and solidarity.” with multiple sides of production CNBC and marketing. On the marketing side, one goal is to host more -- The Associated Press farmers' markets. On the contributed to this report. production side, farmers will be

taught to be more efficient.

The Taiwan Technical Mission will work closely with the extension officers throughout this project and have already hosted two stakeholder staff meetings with the officers. One was held in Vieux Fort on Tuesday July 23 at the NSDC building and another was held in Castries on Wednesday July 24 at the Orchid Garden Conference Room. This was done in order to facilitate both the south and north officers respectively.

The officers were previously asked to survey all fruit and vegetable farmers who grow any of the following seven crops: lettuce, cabbage, pineapple, tomato, bell peppers, watermelon and honeydew/cantaloupe. At these meetings the findings of the survey were presented.

Extension officers will also be doing a second round of surveys to capture the farmers that were previously missed.

The next farmers' market will be held in Micoud at the old playing field on Wednesday August 28. Please come out and support our local farmers and receive free samples of their value-added goods.

THE STAR august 17, 2019

Financial Action Task Force Recommendation 28: Regulation and Supervision of DNFBPs

By The Attorney General’s Chambers and the National Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee (NAMLOC)

D

esignated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs) are referred to as ‘other business activities’ in the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act, Cap. 12.20. Examples include Casinos, Real Estate Agents, Jewellers, Lawyers and Accountants. Under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Forty Recommendations, the regulation and supervision of designated non-financial businesses and professions are covered under Recommendation 28.

Countries are called upon by the FATF to ensure adequate systems are in place to monitor DNFBPs to ensure that they are complying with the anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing regimes.

A regulator should have oversight for this monitoring and regulation, which should be conducted using a risk-based approach (RBA). In utilizing a riskbased approach, DNFBPs which are assessed to be at a greater risk of money laundering and terrorist financing will be subjected to increased supervision.

It is incumbent upon countries to ensure that the regulator is adequately resourced with highly skilled and professional staff and has the proper technical and financial support. The regulator should also have the power, if necessary, to apply proportionate and dissuasive sanction to delinquent DNFBPs.

It is also necessary that appropriate steps be taken to prevent criminals or their associates from being the beneficial owner, that is having controlling interest in a DNFBP. This is accomplished by conducting fit and proper tests.

The Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) is the money laundering/terrorist financing regulator for DNFBPs within Saint Lucia. In carrying out its functions under the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act, the FIA has the power to inspect. DNFBPs are required, under section 16(1)(f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act, to “permit a member of the Authority to enter into any premises of the financial institution or a person engaged in other business activity during normal working hours; and— (i) inspect the transaction records kept under paragraph (a), (ii) make notes or take a copy of the whole or part of the transaction record, (iii) answer any questions from the Authority in relation to the transaction record.”

During Saint Lucia’s 4th Round Mutual Evaluation, which includes an onsite visit by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) from September 16 to 27, 2019, a determination will be made as to how well DNFBPs are being regulated and supervised within Saint Lucia. To answer this question, interviews will be conducted not only with the regulator but with DNFBPs. A rating is then applied to this recommendation.

More information on this and the other recommendations can be garnered from the website of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force at https://www.cfatf-gafic.org.

www.stluciastar.com

LOCAL

17

Experts say Vieux Fort fire could’ve been avoided!

T

he August 8 fire on Clarke Street, Vieux Fort has been officially declared accidental but it was altogether avoidable. Despite the recommendation that a fire extinguisher be made available in the building, it wasn’t. Firefighter Owen Cazabon of the Fire Prevention and Investigation Unit said the fire started from an electrical wallmounted fan.

“The building where the fire occurred has been inspected by the fire department in the past,” he told the STAR, and recommendations were

Firefighter Owen Cazabon (pictured) explained the fire could have been extinguished, if only certain recommendations had been followed.

made for firefighting equipment to be installed there.” The SLFS investigators discovered “the fire started while the building was occupied, meaning the occupants saw the fire from its incipient stages and could have used an extinguisher to prevent the fire from developing as it did. However, with no firefighting equipment on hand, little could be done. Three business houses were in consequence completely destroyed.”

--DN

Revised Invitation for Bids SAINT LUCIA DISASTER VULNERABILITY REDUCTION PROJECT Loan No./Credit No./ Grant No.:_ IDA Credit # 5493-LC, SCF Loan # TF017101, SCF Grant # TF017143 Contract Title: Rehabilitation of the Blanchard Community Centre Reference No. SLU-DVRP-W-NCB-RBCC-01-19 1. The Government of Saint Lucia has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds toward payments under the contract for the Rehabilitation of the Blanchard Community Centre.

2. The Department of Development, Transport & Civil Aviation now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the Rehabilitation of the Blanchard Community Centre, Micoud, Saint Lucia, which comprises of: o The Site Clearance and removal of topsoil off site. o The excavation and filling works to formation levels.

o The Construction of one (1) building block of reinforced concrete construction housing cafeteria, meeting room open deck, etc. o Electrical, plumbing and Air-Conditioning works

o External Ramp, Pavement, drainage and fencing works etc.

3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding procedures as specified in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Procurement of Goods, Works and Non-Consulting Services under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowers dated January 2011 (and revised July 2014) (“Procurement Guidelines”), and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the Procurement Guidelines. In addition, please refer to paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7 setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from Project Coordinator, Project Coordination Unit, Department of Economic Development Transport & Civil Aviation, 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, Castries, Saint Lucia, email chmathurin@gosl.gov.lc and inspect the bidding documents during office hours from 0900 hours (9:00am) to 1500 hours (3:00 pm) daily from Monday to Friday at the address given below (*) from 29th July, 2019.

5. A complete set of bidding documents in English may be purchased by interested eligible bidders upon the submission

of a written application to the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of Eastern Caribbean one hundred dollars (XCD100.00). The method of payment will be by certified cheque, or telegraphic Bank transfer to Bank of Saint Lucia (Account # 901367740, Swift Code: bosllclc for overseas payment: and for local payment Account # 901367247) payable to the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project. The document will be sent by Courier to bidders overseas.

6. Bids must be delivered to the address below (**) on or before, 28th August, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. (0930 hours on or before). Electronic bidding will not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be publicly opened in the presence of the bidders’ designated representatives and anyone who choose to attend at the address below (***) on 28th August, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. (1000 hours).

7. All bids must be accompanied by a Bid-Securing Declaration.

8. The address(es) referred to above is(are): *The Project Coordinator (For clarification and Pre-Bid Meeting) Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre Point Seraphine, Castries, Saint Lucia Telephone: 758-468-2413 Email: slupcu@govt.lc **The Secretary (Submission of Bids) Central Tenders Board Department of Finance 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre Point Seraphine Castries, Saint Lucia ***Meeting of the Central Tenders Board (Opening of Bids) Central Tenders Board Department of Finance 2nd Floor Finance Administrative Centre Point Seraphine Castries, Saint Lucia

18 health

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august 17, 2019 THE STAR

YOGA AND PRANAYAMA B reathing is the most important thing in life that we do. When we enter the earth at birth, our first act is to take a breath, and our days on earth end when we take our last breath. We are born through, and live by, breath.

In between birth and death we don’t always use the breath as we should. Most human beings don’t pay much attention

to the breath unless they practise yoga, learn to become aware and control the breath, or they have an illness and have difficulty breathing.

Prana is usually translated as breath but it is much more.

It is the energy permeating the universe at all levels; it is physical, mental, intellectual, spiritual and cosmic energy. All vibrating energies are Prana.

All physical energies, such as heat, light, magnetism, gravity and electricity, are Prana. It is the hidden or potential energy in all beings, the prime mover in all activity. It is the energy that creates, protects and destroys.

Vigour, power, vitality, life and spirit are all forms of Prana.

Prana is not only breath, but life, respiration, energy or strength. Ayama means stretch,

There is an art to breathing correctly.

Yoga teaches you how to master it.

The Power of Partnership When you become a client of CIBC FirstCaribbean, you enjoy a relationship with a team of trusted, experienced financial professionals. We’re committed to understanding your needs and providing innovative solutions tailored to your goals — all delivered with our hallmark speed and exceptional service.

We offer a full range of Corporate, Commercial and Investment Banking solutions to businesses, governments and financial institutions in St. Lucia and across the region, serving clients in a range of industries including hospitality, utilities, retail & distribution, real estate and manufacturing.

CIBC FirstCaribbean is a member of the CIBC Group, rated A+/Stable by Standard & Poor’s and ranked among the Top 10 Safest Banks in North America.* Our Corporate and Investment Banking team stands ready to be your business partner for success.

extension, expansion, length, breadth, regulation, prolongation, restraint or control. Therefore Pranayama means the prolongation of the breath and its restraint or control.

Patanjali, the father of the written source of yoga in the Yoga Sutras, describes Pranayama as the controlled intake and outflow of breath with retention, in a firmly established posture. (*Chapter II, Sutra 49-51.)

Prana moves in the thoracic region and controls breathing. It controls vital atmospheric energy. The practice of Pranayama adds healthy years to one’s life, builds energy, creates focus and concentration, and adds a more peaceful existence.

In our physical practice of yoga we must first strengthen the body with the Asanas (postures) before we actually do the practice of Pranayama.

The Yoga Sutras tell us that Pranayama should not be experienced until the practice of the Asanas is mastered. (**Chapter II, Sutra 49.)

The diaphragm, which is a fine line of muscle located at the top of the abdomen, divides the chest and the abdomen. The intercostal muscles are located between each rib. It is the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles that assist with bringing oxygen into the lungs and the body. We must first strengthen these muscles so that when the chest expands, the lungs are able to accept the flow of new breath.

On every inhalation, fresh oxygen comes into the body and, on each exhalation, toxins which are stored in the body are released. When we don’t exhale properly to release these stored toxins, they can build up and create health issues. The fresh oxygen coming into the body heals and creates more optimum health.

A student must first recognize the manner in which they breathe under normal circumstances and work from there to bring the breath to a nice, smooth, rhythmic balance, with every inhalation equal to the exhalation. When learning to control the breath, many students find it difficult to maintain that focus without becoming distracted. The mind tends to wander with the many thoughts which continually flow through us.

It is through practice that we learn to focus and gain the concentration needed to accomplish the art of controlling the breath. *Light on Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, by BKS Iyengar **Light on Pranayama, by BKS Iyengar

Let’s talk today about how we can serve you.

Nigella Fevrier-Barnette Corporate Manager nigella.fevrier-barnette@cibcfcib.com

Amory Jervis Snr. Corporate Manager amory.jervis@cibcfcib.com

cibcfcib.com *Global Finance Magazine, 2016.

The CIBC logo is a trademark of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, used by FirstCaribbean International Bank under license.

Ladesa James-Williams Director, Southern EC Islands & Country Head, St Lucia ladesa.james@cibcfcib.com

Jill Hagar is a certified instructor of Iyengar Yoga and a certified International Yoga Therapist. She holds regular Yoga classes at Harmony Suites in Rodney Bay. For more information about classes please contact Jill by phone or WhatsApp on (758) 718 1297 or by email on yogastlucia@gmail.com

THE STAR

august 17, 2019

HEALTH

www.stluciastar.com

19

KIM’S KORNER

Snap, Crackle and Pop F

or once, forget the cereal usually associated with the title of this piece. This time around we’re referring to the snap, crackle and pop sounds our bodies sometimes make. These sounds are known technically as crepitus, and there are many myths associated with them, despite scientific evidence to the contrary. As much as these sounds can be distressing and sometimes an indicator that something could be wrong, most times they are normal—unless accompanied by pain, swelling and decreased movement.

are smooth. However, as we age, or sometimes after an injury, our cartilage wears out or is damaged, reducing the amount of fluid produced and increasing bone on bone surface. For some there is no pain but for others there is also loss of movement; the key here is to keep moving. Each time we move, fluid is released into the joint, so being active is the message. Resting creaking joints will only lead to more creaking.

If there is no sign of injury and no accompanying pain or swelling then the best action is exercise, to stretch and strengthen muscles.

Snap - Have you ever heard Identifying short, weak muscles a snapping sound in your hips can help to implement a and knees as you stand up, programme aimed at balance bend down or take a step? and symmetry. It is common Sometimes you the sound to have a more dominant side comes from your shoulder which can put undue stresses joint as you raise your arm. This on the body. Balance and Do you hear your knee pop? is usually caused by tightness symmetry are the key to a It may be a sign of injury. in the area, which causes the stronger and more efficient muscle or tendon to rub over body, reducing the risk of And there’s more— cracking joints can lead to long- the bone. (Tendons are fibrous injury and unwanted sounds. term joint problems is false and crunching knees and bands that attach muscles However, if an injury is may actually be good for us. But creaking joints are also sounds suspected, the first step to bone.) Quite often athletes cracking the joints constantly is unique to the body. Crunching tend to be affected, especially is to use RICE: Rest, Ice, only a temporary solution to the knees can be heard when dancers, gymnasts, track and Compression and Elevation. bending or climbing stairs. tightness and discomfort that field specialists and horse If there are no signs of demand relief. If the tightness is The sound is caused by rubbing an obvious injury then a riders. The noisiest snapping of the cartilage or other soft caused by improper movement sounds tend to come from the rehabilitation programme to tissue. shoulders, because the stability of bones or tight muscles, then restore strength, increase

Creaking joints, on the visiting a physiotherapist may of the shoulder is maintained flexibility, improve balance and other hand, are a completely by lots of muscles rather than a be best in the long run. proprioception and promote different scenario and are often stability is recommended. deep socket. experienced as we get older.

Pop - Popping can often be

A physiotherapist can heard at the knee and can be a The creaking sound is caused Crackle - Cracking their determine problem areas sign of damage or degeneration. by the friction of bone on bone. and help you to develop a joints is something people Bone is covered in a spongy When a joint is injured it may do because it helps them programme that will aid layer called cartilage which is be accompanied by a popping loosen up and move easier, but recovery. In cases where responsible for cushioning and sound. In the knee a popping there are many who say this a torn ligament, muscle or lubricating our joints. Each time meniscus is suspected, a can lead to arthritis. In any case, sound may be a sign that a we move and the bones are ligament of the meniscus for most people the instant thorough assessment from compressed, the action causes has been damaged. These relief it brings far outweighs your doctor will ensure that fluid to be pushed out of the types of injuries are usually the possibility of arthritis. So you get the right treatment and cartilage so that our movements interventions. accompanied by inflammation, who is right? To crack or not instability and loss of function. to crack, that is the question.

Inflammation, for other reasons Well science is divided on Kim Jackson is a UK-trained such as arthritis, can also cause the cause: one suggestion is physiotherapist with over 20 years’ popping as the ligaments and that the popping is caused experience. She specialises in tendons are overstretched by compression of nitrogen musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction including back pain and sciatica, as they move over the bone. bubbles that occurs in the stroke and other neuro conditions plus The important factor is pain spaces of joints and sports physiotherapy, having worked and function. A sudden injury the cracking sound is the gas with local, regional and international athletes and teams treating injuries and with a popping sound and being released. Others believe analysing biomechanics to improve immediate swelling and pain the sound is made from the function and performance. She is registered with the Allied Health Council recoil of ligaments and tendons. requires an assessment by a and is a member of PASL. She currently doctor to rule out a tear to soft So, regardless of which works at Bayside Therapy Services in tissue structures like ligaments, reasoning you follow, science Rodney Bay, O: 458 4409 or C: 284 5443; www.baysidetherapyservices.com tells us that the assumption that tendons and menisci.

National Insurance Corporation VACANCY

Internal Auditor I The National Insurance Corporation is seeking to fill the position of Internal Auditor I to complement the Group Internal Audit function.

Summary of Duties: To assist in the execution of the Group Internal Audit function in a manner that will help meet its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of Risk Management, Controls and Governance processes within the National Insurance Corporations and its subsidiaries.

Reporting to the Head of Group Internal Audit the essential duties will entail: • Executing internal audits in accordance with International

Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Audits.

• Documenting and maintaining audit work papers in

accordance with International Standards for the Professional

Practice of Internal Audits.

• Clearly identifying and communicating audit issues on a

timely basis.

• Drafting internal audit reports in a timely manner.

• Following-up on implementation of recommendations made

on a timely basis.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities: • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work in a team environment.

• Appropriate auditing and computer skills including but not

limited to analytical and critical thinking.

• Knowledge of the International Financial Reporting Standards.

• A good understanding of computerized information systems,

technology and controls (Essential).

• The ability to conduct audits using Computer Assisted Audit

Techniques (CAAT) would be an asset.

Required Experience and Qualifications: • At least 3 years of auditing experience with an internal audit

function or public accounting firm, preferably within the

Insurance or Financial Services industry.

• At least an Undergraduate Degree in Accounting or

equivalent discipline.

• Undertaking examinations for or has attained professional

designation in accounting or internal auditing (ACCA, CGA,

CA, CPA, CIA, CISA).

• Qualification in information systems and technology with

experience in information systems analysis (Essential).

• Experience in auditing information systems and technology

would be an asset.

Application Procedure: Applications along with a detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of qualifications and two referees, should be addressed to: The Human Resource Manager Position of Internal Auditor l National Insurance Corporation Francis Compton Building Waterfront Castries

Deadline for receipt of applications is August 28, 2019.

Please note that only suitable applications will be acknowledged.

20 SPORTS

www.stluciastar.com

AUGUST 17, 2019 THE STAR

Reynolds Saves the Best for Last David R Pascal

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lbert Reynolds saved the best for last and, in doing so, not only erased his own national record in the javelin but, more importantly, came away with a bronze medal on the final day of competition last Saturday at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

Reynolds recorded a distance of 82.19 metres (m) and at the time was in fourth place. He surpassed his previous best of 80.67 m which was set at the 2019 Independence Games here.

The gold medal went to Anderson Peters from Grenada, who set a new Games record with a distance of 87.31 m.

Second place went to Keshorn Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago with a toss of 83.55 m.

Chef de Mission, David “Shakes” Christopher, who witnessed his performance,

said: “We are very proud and happy that on the final day of the Games, Albert picked up a bronze medal. It was the icing on the cake after Levern picked up a gold medal in high jump.”

Christopher thanked not only Saint Lucian Coach Henry Bailey, but also praised Phillip James from Grenada and said: “For the past three years he really gave Albert the confidence to get him going.”

I asked Bailey about Reynolds’ mindset coming into the Games. He replied: “I think he was very upbeat. We spoke about trying to reach 84.00 m which was our initial goal in order to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.”

Bailey is confident that if Reynolds has the opportunity to compete at two international meets, based on his performance at the Pan American Games he will surely reach his target.

On his arrival in Saint Lucia, the Babonneau resident and reigning Sportsman of the Year received a warm welcome at the VIP lounge of Hewanorra

Saint Lucia’s Albert Reynolds on the podium (right) with first place finisher Anderson Peters from Grenada (centre) and Keshorn Walcott from Trinidad and Tobago.

International Airport. That’s not all! On Tuesday he was a special guest at a reception to celebrate recent sports achievements, organised by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and held at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence at Vigie.

SLFA Inc: Scores and Highlights

By Michael “Midget” Pierre

T CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT

NOTICE OF AUCTION The Public is hereby notified that under the provisions of Section 63, Subsection (3) of the Customs (Control and Management) Act, Cap 15.05 of the Revised Laws of St Lucia, the following will be put up for Public Auction at CASTRIES PORT, BERTH 4, on Saturday September 7th, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.

1.

TOYOTA LEXUS GS ENGINE CAPACITY - 4300 FUEL TYPE - GAS

Please be guided accordingly. .........................

ANITA MONTOUTE (MRS.) Comptroller of Customs (Ag.)

The bronze medal for Albert Reynolds came on this throw.

he semi-finals of the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc Southern Zone Under-17 football competition took place on Tuesday August 13 at the Dames Playing Field in Vieux Fort.

The young Rebels initially had their backs against the wall, caused by their opponents, Victory Eagles, following a goalless first half. However, on the resumption Victory Eagles surged into the lead with a goal by Perpie in the 48th minute of play. The lead would soon double with Darnzel Hunt finding the back of the net in the 52nd minute.

Soon it was Evariste’s turn to get on the score sheet making it 3–0 in the 80th minute.

With ten minutes left for play, Victory Eagles probably thought that they had this one well sewn up. However, the Rebels, in true fighting spirit, never let up and were rewarded with a goal by Saviola Elva in the 88th minute, making the score 3–1.

As if this was insufficient, Jn Baptiste further reduced the deficit in the third minute of added-on time, but by then the die was cast as Victory Eagles romped home victorious 3–2.

While Victory Eagles are to be congratulated for advancing

to the finals, the young Rebels must be complimented for a spiritual display. Down but indeed not out.

The second semi-final between Stable Boyz and Black Panthers of Soufriere lived up to all the hype and excitement.

Mc Farlane booted Stable Boyz into the lead in the 43rd minute of play, and the half ended 1–0.

Following the resumption, Julien equalized for Black Panthers in the 51st minute.

Both teams fought gallantly for the go-ahead goal, which failed to materialize, and the game ended 1–1. It was then down to the dreaded penalty kicks. In the gruelling encounter which ensued—a ding-dong battle involving six kicks each—Stable Boyz prevailed 5–4 to advance to the finals.

The third place play-off and finals take place today, Saturday, August 17, at the same venue.

The SLFA Inc staged a press conference on Thursday, August 15 at its headquarters in La Clery. There, the National Girls’ Under-17 team, which is scheduled to travel to Honduras to participate in the 2019 CONCACAF Under-17 Girls’ Championship from August 21 to 25, was announced and presented.

The Association also took the opportunity to award gear to the teams in the Southern Zone for taking part in the various youth tournaments. The recipients are: Black Panthers

– Soufriere, SOMOS – Choiseul, Young Rockers – Vieux Fort North, Young Roots – Vieux Fort North, Victory Eagles – Vieux Fort South, Shambala Shiloh – Vieux Fort South, Stable Boyz – Vieux Fort South, Uptown Rebels – Vieux Fort South, Venom Strikers – Vieux Fort South, Knights – Vieux Fort South.

Meanwhile, the National Under-17 Girls’ team members were recipients of a fresh kit which included boots and sneakers. This kind and timely donation was made possible through the efforts and generosity of Alfonso Aurelien of Grande Riviere, Gros Islet.

The Gros Islet Football League fifth annual Youth Developmental Football Camp came to an end on Tuesday August 13 at the Corinth Playing Field, where over 40 young persons had participated. The camp was conceptualized to allow Under-14 boys from the affiliates to come together under one roof to enjoy the beautiful game and, in the process, learn various life skills.

By all indications, the camp fulfilled its objectives.

Special thanks go to coach Dermot Chris Binghi Monrose, sponsors Helen Gobat and the Gobat Foundation at Cap Masion, M&C Group of Companies and Trisha Lionel, Massy Stores, St James’s Club Morgan Bay, Coal Pot Restaurant, St Lucia Air Freighters and Scotts Sports and Awards.

THE STAR

T

SLBF National Basketball League results

he 2019 Saint Lucia Basketball Federation (SLBF) National League, brought to you by Blue Waters, SLOC, FLOW and KFC, continued on Friday, August 9 with a double header.

First on the cards were VBCC Warlords vs Basketball For The Future (BFTF). In a match that was never in doubt for the newcomers from the opening tip, BFTF sent a clear message to competitors, dismantling the veteran VBCC team 61-28. The game’s top scorer and KFC’s Player of the Game, Ron Du Murville, finished the game with 29 points and seven rebounds.

Game two saw a much more competitive encounter between defending champions Courts Jets and another new face, Bonneterre Blazzers.

Constant lead changes kept the audience at the edge of their seats, as Bonneterre Blazzers staved off a valiant comeback attempt by the defending champions to take their National League record to 2-0. The final score: Blazzers 59, Courts Jets 53. KFC’s Player of the Game, Andre Louison, finished with a double double, 20 points and 10 rebounds.

On Saturday, August 10 Dennery Dolphins took on Windward Islands Combined in game one. A nail-biter from tipoff, Dennery were able to pull away from Windward Islands Combined to claim a vital win of 59-53. Dennery Dolphins’ Kevin Mathurin, with 15 points and eight rebounds, was awarded the KFC Player of the Game.

Game two saw Morne Gladiators battle the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. In a more one-sided affair, the Gladiators blew out the Police 89-36.

Marlon Samuel, with 29 points, nine rebounds and three steals, captured the KFC Player of the Game award. Marcian Calderon chipped in with a double double for Gladiators, 15 points and 18 rebounds.

Games continued this week with matches taking place on Wednesday. In the first game of a doubleheader, VBCC Warlords took on a youthful Windwards team, both looking to register their first win. Windwards bravely held off VBCC’s onslaught while taking advantage of some poor shooting down the stretch to win 54-53. KFC Player of the Game was Garrick George of Windward. He had 16 points,

Nigel Francis of VBCC went sky high for a rebound in Wednesday’s game against a Windwards team.

four rebounds, two steals and two assists.

In a losing effort, Jim Medard of VBCC scored a game-high 22 points to go along with 12 rebounds and five steals. Teammate Ryan Headley chipped in with 20 points and 16 rebounds.

In the second game of the doubleheader, Morne Fortune Gladiators were victorious against defending champions Courts Jets. Gladiators quickly pounced on the champions, opening a 12-point lead early in the first quarter, and never looked back. The KFC Player of the Game was Kevin Lesporis of Gladiators. He was all over the glass with 13 points and 15

M

sports

www.stluciastar.com

AUGUST 17, 2019

rebounds.

Keegan Preville was the main man for Courts Jets with 25 points and eight rebounds.

Teammate Glen Antoine chipped in with 15 points, 11 rebounds and four steals.

Follow Saint Lucia Basketball Federation on Facebook and Instagram for updates and changes in schedules.

The SLBF is an affiliate of FlBA, the world governing body of basketball since 1997, with full rights and duties as stipulated in the General Statutes of FIBA. The SLBF has been assigned to the FlBA Zone of Americas as per the Annex to the General Statutes of FlBA.

21

Women’s T20 Cricket to be included in 2022 Commonwealth Games

E

ight international teams will compete at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. All matches will be played at the iconic Edgbaston cricket ground.

Chief Executive Officer of the International Cricket Council, Manu Sawhney, said, “This is a truly historic moment for women’s cricket and for the global cricket community who were united in their support of this bid.

Women’s cricket continues to go from strength to strength, and we are delighted and honoured the Commonwealth Games Association voted to include Women’s T20 cricket at Birmingham 2022.

“Fast and exciting, the T20 format is the perfect fit for the Commonwealth Games and offers another chance to showcase women’s cricket on the global stage as part of our ambitious plans to accelerate the growth of the game, whilst inspiring the next generation of cricketers. All the players who are lucky enough to compete at Birmingham 2022 will be part of a truly memorable experience.”

The inclusion of Women’s T20 within the Commonwealth Games continues the ICC’s commitment to support the global growth of the women’s game and reach new markets, whilst getting more girls and women watching, playing and enjoying cricket.

Eight teams will compete across eight match days, as cricket returns to the Commonwealth Games for the first time since 1998, when South Africa won gold in a men’s 50-over format competition in Kuala Lumpur.

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, commented: “We are delighted that Women’s T20 cricket will be part of Birmingham 2022, an event that represents the biggest female

Women’s T20 cricket will add to the excitement on the pitch in 2022 at Edgbaston in the UK.

and para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history. Today’s landmark announcement is another indication of the extremely bright future for women’s cricket.

“Cricket’s inclusion in an event with such a large global reach aligns perfectly with our plan to enable more women and girls to be inspired to get involved in cricket.

We would like to thank the teams at Birmingham 2022, the Commonwealth Games Foundation and the International Cricket Council for their support in sharing this vision for one of the world’s biggest team sports.”

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will take place in England from July 27 to August 7 and will see 4,500 athletes competing across 18 sports.

The ICC will be responsible for the competition terms and the conduct of cricket, by way of providing match officials and ensuring matches are played as per the laws of the game.

The CGF and Birmingham 2022 will be responsible for delivery of the Commonwealth Games 2022.

“Today is an historic day and we are delighted to

welcome the sport of cricket back to the Commonwealth Games,” said CGF President Dame Louise Martin DBE. “Cricket was last played in the Games at Kuala Lumpur in 1998 when the men’s 50-overs-aside competition was won by South Africa and featured icons of the sport including Jacques Kallis, Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar.

“We believe the Commonwealth Games will be a fantastic platform to showcase the exciting sport of Women’s T20 cricket and continue to help grow the game globally.

“We would like to thank the International Cricket Council for their hard work and efforts to ensure that the sport is in the Games in Birmingham as we believe it will contribute to a spectacular and vibrant multisport event. Cricket is truly a Commonwealth sport and we hope Birmingham 2022 will be the start of a long and successful partnership between women’s cricket and the Games.”

All eight match days will be held at Edgbaston cricket ground, which played host to a number of memorable matches at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup this summer, including England’s semi-final victory over Australia.

Millet vs Bexon in SCCA NLA Final

illet Cobras and Bexon Oval Super Stars will square off in the finals of the South Castries Cricket Association National Lotteries Authority T20 Competition, following contrasting wins over the weekend.

On Saturday in qualifier one, Millet defeated Crusaders by 15 runs in a nail-biting

encounter. Batting first, Millet were dismissed for 138 in 17.4 overs. The Cobras’ batting was led by Captain Kester Charlemagne (43) and Zackary Edmund (35).

Tonius Simon, four for 25, and Wendell Inglis, two for four, were the successful bowlers for Crusaders. Wendell Inglis (33) and Bronte Bess (28) kept

Crusaders in the hunt. However, tight bowling at the back end of the innings restricted the Crusaders team to 123 for eight.

Charlemagne, three for 26, was the most successful bowler for the Cobras. He was named Man of the Match.

In the second qualifier played on Sunday, Bexon Oval Super Stars defeated

Crusaders by 112 runs. Collinus Callendar hit the first 100 of the tournament: 122 which comprised 14 sixes, and five fours. Lee Solomon (45) and Ore Changoo (31) provided good support in Bexon’s total of 260 for four.

For Crusaders, Jamal James bagged two for 38.

Chasing an improbable 261,

Crusaders were dismissed for 149. Jamal James (47) and Wendell Inglis (32) were the main contributors with the bat. Lee Solomon bagged three for 30.

Callendar was adjudged Man of the Match for his brilliant batting display.

The final is scheduled to be played on Sunday, August 25 from 2:00 pm at Mindoo Phillip Park.

22

sports

august 17, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Celebration for Sportsmen and Women at PM’s Official Residence

By David R Pascal

E

xceptional performances

by Saint Lucia’s young sportsmen and women at recent regional international competitions, was cause for a huge celebration. That’s exactly what happened on Tuesday at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence at Vigie.

At the celebration, organised by the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and hosted by Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, congratulations were the order of the day for the Under-15 boys who emerged Division Two winners of the 2019 CONCACAF Championships; our girls who finished a close second in the 2019 Caribbean Football Union Under-14 Challenge Series; the women’s team who recently qualified for the 2019 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship; and last but certainly not least, the contingent that recently returned from the 2019 Pan American Games at Lima, Peru, where high jumper Levern Spencer defended her title with another gold medal and Albert Reynolds captured a bronze medal in javelin.

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet was accompanied by his wife Raquel. Also in attendance were Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Edmund Estephane; Senator Fortuna Belrose who is also President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee Inc; Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Liota Charlemagne Mason; staff of the office of the prime minister and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports; Presidents and representatives of national sporting organisations; and, of course, athletes on the various teams earlier mentioned.

After welcoming everyone, Charlemagne Mason thanked the prime minister for hosting the event and said: “To our honoured sportsmen and women, you have made us so proud over the last week. I want to extend a special welcome to you, our football boys and girls. To our Pan American team, especially Mr Albert Reynolds who seems to be maturing like fine wine, a special welcome.”

She thanked coaches, managers, parents and team officials and said: “They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of our athletes. We are indeed happy

The girls' Under-14 football team.

to share this occasion with you.”

Following with brief remarks was Coach of the Under-20 women’s’ football team, Emmanuel Bellas. He was full of praise for the young ladies and said, “They played with passion that I have never seen before.”

Assistant Coach with the girls' Under-14 side, Lance Vitalis, also complimented the team. He thanked the St Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc for giving them the opportunity to show the talent they have.

He went on to praise the young ladies for their heart and spirit, despite in the past not having played any international games.

Coach of the Under-15 national team, Albert Vasso St Croix, spoke proudly of the team’s accomplishment and said: “This was not just a national team. No matter where the skill is, what school they went to, what district they came from, their aim was to have fun, make friends and enjoy playing football.”

He went on to say: “This team is special and our objective is to qualify for the Under-17 World Cup. The sky is the limit and we can do it if we get the support from the public, sponsors and government.”

Vice President of the St Lucia Football Association Inc, Charde Desir congratulated the players, managers and coaches for the success of the various national teams and for supporting what the SLFA Inc is doing.

“The vision that we have is bigger than us,” said Desir.

“The vision is to qualify for the World Cup. It does not matter what level. It could be Under-17, Under-20, or senior female or male, but the intention is to qualify for the World Cup before any of us pass away.”

Senator Belrose spoke with passion in describing the successful teams, their accomplishments and the importance of sports in one’s

life. She said, "The beautiful thing about sports is that it prepares you for life. Once you have mastered the art of playing sports, there is nothing in the world that you cannot conquer.

In sports you learn to strategize, plan, practice, work towards achieving the goals that you want.”

Belrose referred to Spencer as a perfect example and someone to emulate, having just defended her title in grand fashion at the Pan American Games. She further mentioned that Reynolds, who came through with a bronze medal at the Pan American Games, was also someone to look up to.

“Albert had many, many challenges before he went to Pan Am,” said the SLOC President. “From injury to joint pains you name it he had it. But we sat him down and he told us his plan and what we did was to support that plan. You need that supportive environment to be able to achieve what you want.”

During his very brief remarks, Minister Estephane clarified government’s position on Desir's earlier comments about Saint Lucia qualifying in one sport during his executive’s lifetime. “That is not what we are aiming for,” remarked Estephane. “As a government we want to work with the associations . . . We want to qualify in every event at the highest level in this world.

This is what this government is setting its foot forward to achieve.”

He admitted it will not be easy, and advised that for it to happen, collaboration between all the associations has to be strong, and managers and executive members of those particular associations need to work with government.

Prime Minister Chastanet put the celebration into perspective: “I think somebody said earlier, that we want to be able to bottle July and August of 2019. I want to put it differently.

The boys' Under-15 football team.

I want us to put an asterisk next to July and August of 2019 and forever that your names be established in the history of Saint Lucia, particularly the Under-15 boys' football team who accomplished something we never did before and has now started to set a new standard for us to be able to go by. For Saint Lucians out there who have doubted that a little island could produce champions, events over the last years continue to remind us how incredible Saint Lucians are.”

With the success that Spencer and Reynolds have achieved (incidentally, they are Sportswoman and Sportsman

of the Year respectively, and both from Babonneau), the prime minister halfheartedly suggested naming one of the roads there Medals Drive.

Chastanet spoke of government embarking on a programme to rebuild clubs in this country and asked to what extent we are going to keep sports in schools, or whether we will develop after-school sports. He answered his own question: “I think the decision was we are going to focus our attention on clubs and after school, and while there will still be sporting programmes in the schools, the emphasis on what we are going to do will be with clubs.”

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (right)with Pan American bronze medalist Albert Reynolds.

The Prime Minister announced what could be a windfall for sports: “With the legal changes we are making, we are converting and putting the lottery from a regulatory authority into the gaming, but establishing now a new Youth and Sports Authority; so, an entity from which all the lottery money will be going into, and that we are now going to seek the support of the private sector.”

In closing, Chastanet had a parting gift for two teams. The Under-14 girls' side will receive a day-pass to Coconut Bay and the Under-15 boys' team will enjoy a day-trip on a catamaran.

Sea Jays endorses Goodwill Swimmer the qualifying times to represent Saint Lucia at the Goodwill Swim Championships. Due to prohibitive costs and difficulty with logistics, it became ach year in August, the St disadvantageous for all but one Lucia Aquatics Federation swimmer to attend.

(SLAF) sends a team to Through the commitment participate in the Goodwill Swim and arrangements of the SLAF, Championships. The event was developed to provide not only a Sea Jays is proud that Fayth Jeffrey is representing the new avenue of competition for developing swimmers, but also club and Saint Lucia. Jeffrey, swimming in the girls’ 9-10 age the infusion of learning new group, has represented Saint cultures from our region. This Lucia on numerous occasions year the meet is being hosted at Goodwill and at OECS

by Suriname from August 16 Swimming Championships. to 18.

She is accompanied by her The Goodwill Swim Meet mother Donna Kaidou-Jeffrey. is a developmental swim Jeffrey was awarded meet for swimmers who are the SLAF eight and under not eligible to participate in Female Swimmer title for 2018.

CARIFTA, CCCAN and higher level swimming championships. Currently holding numerous age group records for girls eight and Each National Federation has under, Jeffrey has been striving a maximum of 40 swimmers: to achieve more in the 9-10 age four boys and four girls in the group as well. She currently age groups eight and under, holds the girls’ 9-10 age group 9-10,11-12, 13-14 and 15-17.

The member countries of record in 100m breast.

Jeffrey has always been the Goodwill Swim Meet host an enthusiastic swimmer who the meet on an annual rotation strives to improve. When not basis. It was hosted in Saint training for swimming, she Lucia in 2016. enjoys participating in triathlons This year, Sea Jays Swim Club had 16 swimmers achieve and track meets. Outside of

By Sue Dyson

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sports, Jeffrey savours learning the violin.

When asked about attending Goodwill, the young swimmer commented that she is excited to represent Saint Lucia at the Goodwill Swim meet, especially as the only swimmer. Her goal for this competition is to “medal in [her] favourite events: 50m breast and 100m breast.”

Sea Jays Head Coach Brian Charles said: “She is a lovely, dedicated swimmer. With her level of commitment and passion, she can make it far in swimming. We continue to rally her to stay motivated and committed.”

Sea Jays Swim Club proudly encourages Jeffrey to do her best in the Goodwill Swim Championships and all meets she attends. It is the hope of the executive and members that forward planning will continue allowing all qualifying members to be able to attend the 2020 Goodwill Swimming Championships.

Sea Jays looks forward to hosting the Short Course Nationals the first weekend of October.

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

AUGUST 17, 2019

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

These items have been repaired and must be claimed by August 31, 2019 or they shall be put to auction.

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

NAME Lawson Lorde Osbert Joseph Wayne Robinson Myrtle Mason K. Mathurin Sherian King Ricardo C. Charlemagne K. Vitalis Biscomi Mr. Vitalis Tricia Warner Francis Springer

ITEM Gents Timepiece Gents Timepiece Gents Timepiece Ladies Timepiece Gents Timepiece Ladies Timepiece Gents Timepiece Ladies Timepiece Ladies Timepiece Gents Timepiece Gents Timepiece Ladies Timepiece x 2 Gents Timepiece

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THE CASTRIES FISHERS CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD. (CFCSL) LOCATED AT SANS SOUCI, (OPPOSITE LUCELEC) HAS COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR RENT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT MANAGEMENT AT TELEPHONE NUMBER:

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FOR RENT 2 Bedroom, 1 bath downstairs apartment at Beausejour Phase one, Gros Islet.

Hot and cold. $1,400.00 monthly

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CLASSIFIED

23

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) The 55th Annual General Meeting of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) is set to convene on Friday, August 30th, 2019 at the Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine at 9:00 am under the theme:

TOURISM: A Catalyst for the Sustainable Development of Communities and Commerce The Guest Speaker invited to present at the Open Session is Dr. Justin A. Ram, Director, Economics for the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Members are reminded that: “Copies of all Resolutions that members intend to propose must be sent to the Association no less than seven (7) business days before the date of the meeting at which the same are to be proposed and considered.”

Only members whose SLHTA’s membership dues are current and in good financial standing will be eligible to attend and vote for the respective Board of Director positions for the period 2019-2021. Membership dues must be paid in advance prior to the meeting in order to be eligible to vote. Please contact the SLHTA at 4525978/ 453-1811 or slhta@slhta.com to confirm your attendance no later than Tuesday August 20th, 2019, as the Secretariat will be organizing pre-registration packages for members.

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2019

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