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18 AUGUST

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AUGUST 18, 2018 THE STAR

2018 WALK THE CURE SET FOR OCTOBER 7

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

Problems in Paradise

By Michael Walker

D

uring the regime of Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Republic of China from 1928 to his death in 1975, national history in school textbooks dealt with the glories of China’s past; Taiwan was merely a temporary refuge for Chiang’s Chinese Nationalists after being deposed by Mao’s Communists and driven off the mainland.

Mao, by the way, died just a year after his archrival Chiang.

In 1997, the Lee administration introduced a ‘supplementary’ three-volume text named ‘Getting to know Taiwan’ that presented a revised view of the nation’s history, geography, and society. Many hailed it as a watershed moment, but Chiang’s Kuomintang (KMT) party viewed it as an apostasy partly due to the inclusions of previously never mentioned events such as the February 1947 massacre of Taiwanese intellectuals by KMT soldiers, the ensuing period of White Terror, and the idea that the Japanese colonial period brought economic and social benefits to Taiwan. Taiwan was portrayed as separate from China, a society of multi-ethnic Han people and a homeland of non-Han aboriginal tribes.

This ‘Taiwanisation’ of history continued under Chen Shui-bian, the first president from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party. Lee’s ‘supplementary’ lessons were integrated into official textbooks. In 2007, adding insult to injury, the histories of China and Taiwan were published in separate volumes.

In 2014, under the KMT’s Ma, who visited Saint Lucia during the days of the Anthony administration, textbooks were again ‘finetuned’, a process that critics saw as a Chinacentric revision of Taiwan’s history. Negative content on the KMT’s early days in Taiwan was diluted; positive aspects of a half century of Japanese colonial rule disappeared; Taiwan’s role during early Chinese dynasties was highlighted, bolstering, some believe, China’s claim of sovereignty over the island.

The Taipei Times, an English-language newspaper generally sympathetic to the opposition DPP party, was highly critical of Ma’s ‘fine-tuning’. Several city and county governments announced plans to boycott Ma’s revised curriculum. Protests spread to other policies, such as the lack of transparency of the Ma administration’s handling of the Cross Strait Services Trade Agreement.

The minister of education, Wu Se-hwa,

an engineer by training and a former professor of business management, with whom I had dinner during his visit to Saint Lucia when Tom was ambassador, was bombarded by coordinated nationwide protests against the revisions to textbooks implemented by a secret panel handpicked by President Ma that, opponents said, devalued Taiwan’s national identity.

Students briefly occupied Wu’s office; thirty-three were arrested including three journalists. One of the arrested, a spokesperson for the Northern Taiwan AntiCurriculum Changes Alliance, committed suicide a week later, becoming a martyr for the movement. Students threw quilted blankets over the razor wire that topped the riot barricades and stormed into the ministry courtyard. Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, a political independent, ordered the police to stand down and no further arrests were made.

Ma’s opponents fully expected his education reforms to have a pro-unification slant toward China. The situation was aggravated by Mainland China’s Taiwan Affairs Office expressing its delight with Ma’s textbook revisions and declaring, “If written from the perspective of Taiwan independence, history textbooks will mislead our Taiwan compatriots.”

It is ironic that authorities in Mainland China found fit to criticize the Taiwanese students’ use of their democratic rights. It was, after all, the Mainland Chinese authorities that ordered the military to mow down student protesters in Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989 killing hundreds, perhaps thousands, of civilians, and putting into question the legitimacy of the regime of China’s Communist Party.

Education reform in any country is not easily achieved. How, for example, will parents, students and pupils ever be able to release the stranglehold that the Ministry of Education has on expensive textbooks and other sources of information in this country?

Through the ballot box? I doubt it. Despite several changes in government in the past forty years or so, our children still get to use books and learning materials dictated by just a few people determined by the ministry.

You see, ministers come and ministers go, but the Ministry remains – and therein lies the problem. In this age of almost universal access to information via the Internet, it is ridiculous that the Ministry continues to stipulate which books produced by which publishers have to be bought for megabucks by parents struggling to make ends meet.

Origninally published on August 22, 2016.

Mrs. Carol Mangal (far left), WFTC Coordinator Serbina Hassel (far right), and Stevie Theophane of Faces of Cancer in between Amy Gilbert (first from right) and Mernette Williams of CIBC.

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aint Lucia’s next major fundraising walk is set for Sunday October 7. The date for the 2018 annual Walk For the Cure (WFTC) led by CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank was disclosed on Wednesday August 15 at the Harbor Club resort. During the cocktail event to launch this year’s walk, a call was issued to Saint Lucians to “pay it forward and join in to break all existing records—both attendance and returns, because someone, somewhere is counting on” their participation and contribution.

In her welcome remarks to representatives of Faces of Cancer, the Saint Lucia Cancer Society, corporate partners and beneficiaries, Mrs. Carol Mangal Senior Manager for Sales & Platinum Banking challenged the country to see the EC$60,000 raised locally from last year’s walk as the starting figure and not the target. Citing the high cost of cancer treatment and the financial stress it places on cancer patients and their families, Mrs. Mangal said, “We can do more, because there are hundreds of reasons why; many of these reasons are someone’s spouse, parent, sibling, boss or neighbour.”

She also paid tribute to the late pop music icon Francis

“Leebo” De Lima who lost his battle with gastric cancer in March this year, seven months after completing the 2017 Walk For The Cure and was among the first seven to cross finish line. She described De Lima as one who “made a commendable contribution in keeping cancer at the forefront of the national conversation”, and this achieved a key WFTC objective, namely to talk openly about cancer and put a face to the disease.

“Fuelled by such an indomitable and dignified spirit, who contributed to the cause of cancer-awareness in such an unabashed way, CIBC FirstCaribbean has approached the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) to partner with us to memorialize Francis De Lima through an annual award and financial grant in his name, to an emerging artistic talent, for an initial three years. The privilege is mine, therefore, to announce the imminent launch of the Francis De Lima Award & Grant for Music,” Mrs. Mangal said. She added that the criteria are being developed by the CDF with a view to launching the programme, and subsequently announcing the first winner later this year.

Simultaneous walks will again take place in the north and the south, to depart

from the bank’s Rodney Bay and Vieux Fort branches at 6:00a.m. The northern route will culminate at Pigeon Island via Mongiraud, Caye Mange and Beausejour while the southern route culminates back at the branch via La Resource and the Laborie Highway. At the end of the walks a prizegiving ceremony, refreshments, entertainment, and health and fitness-related challenges await participants.

A number of fundraising activities are underway to augment proceeds from the $25 registration fee and contributions from corporate partners. Fundraising will also continue throughout the month of October. Funds raised from the walk are supplemented

by CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, and presented in equal parts to the Saint Lucia Cancer Society and Faces of Cancer in November.

The public is encouraged to deposit contributions in any amount at the Walk for the Cure donation tins at all bank branches, or via direct deposit to the Walk for the Cure, CIBC FirstCaribbean account # 106995550. For more information on the Walk for the Cure and how you can support, kindly contact Ms. Serbrina Hassel at 456-1110 or Ms. Elaine Borton at 456 2403.

THE STAR

AUGUST 18, 2018

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

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Saint Lucian Hotel Tops at Virtuoso Travel Week T he Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) participated in the Virtuoso Travel Week programme in Las Vegas, Nevada from August 11-17, 2018 for the first time since the destination became recognised as a Virtuoso preferred partner earlier this year. Saint Lucia has proven, yet again, why it is one of the premier destinations in the world with one of its top luxury properties copping another major award.

Virtuoso is a network of the best luxury travel agencies, with more than 17,500 advisors worldwide representing the best of the best in travel, with a portfolio of nearly 1,700 preferred partners – top hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and other tourism interests.

During the awards programme, the BodyHoliday won the Best Wellness Program honour beating out all other luxury properties in the Virtuoso programme from around the world. And, as is to be expected, the resort was thrilled about its victory.

“BodyHoliday is grateful to be receiving this award voted by the Virtuoso travel agent community.

Just being nominated has been an honour and we will continue to deliver on our promise—‘Give us your body for a week and we'll give you back your mind,’" said the Head of Marketing for the BodyHoliday, Armin Dada.

This was the 30th anniversary of Virtuoso Travel Week, and the SLTA was among the more than 6,000 attendees at the luxury event. The participants comprised 2,888 travel advisors, 2,569 partners and 80 journalists. This year, there were 566 first-time

VERNON FRANCOIS REVEALS ALL IN HIS NEW BOOK, RESTORED CONFIDENCE

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ernon Francois, the former Commissioner of Police, has released a new book: Restored Confidence – My Journey in the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

A gripping read, doling out bouquets and brickbats, the book reveals information that is long overdue in the public domain. And yes, it discusses IMPACS.

A limited supply of the book is now available for sale. Contact Vernon Francois to purchase copies and follow him through his Facebook page for updates on locations where Restored Confidence will be available for book signings and sale.

partners and 794 first-time advisors at the event organised for the creme de la creme of travel advisors. Virtuoso brings in US$23.7 billion in travel sales and has travel advisors in 50 countries.

Being a Virtuoso partner puts Saint Lucia in front of thousands of luxury preferred advisors. Virtuoso’s advisors are now putting a big focus on niches selling more and recommending destinations for wellness, culinary and adventure travel, of which Saint Lucia has an abundance of choices. The Virtuoso partnership puts

Saint Lucia in the right direction for luxury and niche travel.

Saint Lucia has five Virtuoso resorts: Ladera Resort; Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort; Cap Maison; Jade Mountain Resort; and the BodyHoliday.

On Saint Lucia’s participation, the SLTA’s Marketing Director for the United States, Kelly Fontenelle stated, “Saint Lucia is quite pleased to be a partner and

welcomed nine agents as special guests on its hosted table during the destination showcase dinner. The event was a tremendous success giving the destination access to over 2,000 advisors in attendance through one-on-one appointments, and the social networking events".

Over the four-day period, Fontenelle, and the SLTA’s Sales Manager for Trade for

the US, Richard Moss, conducted more than 200 one-on-one appointments in addition to some off-sitemeetings creating increased opportunities for Saint Lucia’s inspiring tourism product.

The SLTA congratulates the BodyHoliday on its recognition as the world’s Best Wellness Program and shares in the pride that the honour brings to the resort and to the destination.

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AUGUST 18, 2018 THE STAR

Who Will Tell This Mother What Happened To Her Baby’s Body?

Keryn Nelson

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hen Molly Arthur reached out to this reporter on Tuesday this week, she had just received the latest word on the death at birth of her baby, a death that she and her husband consider suspicious. In 2015 the two had unaccountably lost their baby during delivery at Victoria Hospital. After several inquiries that went nowhere, the Arthurs were directed to Rambally’s Funeral Parlour but the couple insisted that the foetus they were shown had nothing to do with them. They insisted on a DNA test to settle the issue.

Molly says that on two separate occasions appointments were made and subsequently postponed without adequate reason. But following published details of her ordeal in the July 7 and 14 issues of this newspaper, and a letter to the revelant parties from the attorney general, DNA tests were conducted on August 14 at Victoria Hospital. That day Molly and her husband Ben once again visited the hospital, only to receive more disturbing news.

A doctor informed them that the test could not be conducted because their baby’s body had already

FORM P7: ADVERTISEMENT OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT Rule 15 The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE SAINT LUCIA CLIAM NO. SLUHPB2018/0098 In the Estate of Wilson Joseph late of Marigot in the Quarter of Castries in the state of Saint Lucia, deceased TAKE NOTICE that an application has been filed

by Lucy Alfred of Union in the quarter of Castries, in the state of Saint Lucia for a Grant of Letters of Administration to the applicant who is niece of Rita Joseph, the wife of the deceased, the deceased having died intestate on the 27th day of April 1960.

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

Dated this 24th day of July, 2018.

Presented for filing by: MESSRS. PETER I. FOSTER & ASSOCIATES, Legal Practitioners for the Applicant, whose address for service is: Chambers, Robin Kelton Bldg., Choc Bay, Castries, Saint Lucia. Tel. No.: 758 453-1100, Fax No.: 758 452-4940, E-mail: contact@ piflaw.com The Court Office is at La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries, Tel. No.758 468-7500, Fax No. 758 468-7543, e-mail: stluhco@eccourts.org. The Court Office is open between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Monday to Thursday and between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Friday except public holidays

been disposed of. He claimed a letter had earlier been sent to the couple requesting “we come and claim the body”.

By Molly’s account: “We rushed to see the parliamentary commissioner but she was not in office. Neither was the health minister Mary Isaac; she was not in office.

We went to see the attorney general but couldn’t because he was on vacation.”

Later in the day she received a call back from the parliamentary commissioner, Ms Rosemary Husbands-Mathurin. She presented Molly with a copy of a letter addressed to Ms. Arthur from Rambally’s Funeral Parlour, dated May 14, 2018, informing her of storage charges including VAT. The letter also gave the couple fourteen days to remove their baby’s body from the company’s premises, otherwise they would dispose of it.

The commissioner could not say when her office received the copy of the parlour’s letter. “The matter is confidential,” she said. When asked how the government would intervene, this reporter was advised to speak with the attorney general. All efforts by the STAR to reach the AG for comment proved futile.

Molly confirmed Rambally’s attempts to reach her by letter. She acknowledged a call from a police officer letting her know he had a letter in her name. She supplied the officer with her address. However, according to Molly, “at the time they sent the letter, in May, I could not accept it because the state already had said they would take over the body. I never took the letter.”

She confirmed that the officer read to her what the letter said. She listened, and then, “I closed my door.” Why? She did not like the way she had been treated by the authorities. “The government had already given the okay, that they’re taking liability.”

Did Rambally’s Funeral Parlour know of her arrangements with the government?

Molly sniffed: “That’s between the government and Rambally’s. That’s not our job to go and tell them.” Her husband added: “Our job is to find our body.”

In 2015 Molly and Benedict Arthur lost their newborn son under what they consider “suspicious circumstances”. Now, they say they were recently hit with another devastating official curve ball.

When I sought further comment from Rambally’s, I was directed to the company’s lawyer Vandyke Jude. He said: “I drafted a letter which was sent to this lady to say, ‘Listen, we have a responsibility in law to mitigate our damages.

We understand that you have several questions and several unresolved issues about the situation. We are inviting you to take the body to do whatever tests you need to have done

on the body because 14 days from now we are going to follow procedure and we are going to bury the child.’ We sent that letter by personal service to her. My understanding is that she received the letter. The fact that she decided not to open the letter or ignore it is entirely her business. As far as we are concerned we followed all the proper procedures and all the proper protocols.”

When asked whether they

knew the body was now “in the hands of the state”, Jude added, “I dispute any liability on behalf of Rambally, I am not in a position to discuss or to comment on any government liability. You’ll have to take that up with whoever represents the government.”

As for Molly, she says she is seeking answers. Her final words, “the government has to step forward and tell us what is going on!”

Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) Results – May/June 2018

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tudents of the Division of Arts, Science and General Studies at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College recorded a 97 per cent pass rate in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) this year.

A total of 451 students wrote the examinations in the May/June examination period in 21 subjects. There was a 100 per cent pass rate in 14 subjects in the Unit

One exams and a 100 per cent pass rate in 12 subjects in the Unit Two exams. At least 70 per cent of the passes were grades one, two and three, speaking to the quality of passes achieved by students.

Acting Dean of the Division, Miss Lindy-Ann Alexander says the results are

heartening, keeping with the trend of the last three years of overall passes in the high nineties. In the face of a myriad of challenges, the students continue to perform well academically. The Dean pledges the continued support and hard work of the faculty and staff of the College towards the success

of its students.

As the new academic year begins, the Division prepares to offer students new Associate degree programmes.

Management and staff look forward to welcoming students in the coming week.

Contact: Mrs. Nathalie Jolie-Fanis, tel. 285-4896.

THE STAR

AUGUST 18, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

DIGICEL “TURNS UP” FOR CRICKET PLAYED LOUDER

LOCAL

Trinbago Knight Riders dominated the 2017 CPL season.

DIGICEL AND CPL CELEBRATE SIX YEARS OF THE BIGGEST PARTY IN SPORT

S

ince 2013, Digicel has served as a Founding Sponsor, supporting the tournament not just from a development standpoint, but also by introducing a new generation of fans to the game of cricket.

The tournament will take place across seven countries from August 8 to September 16, 2018.

After last year’s nail-biting final game between the Trinbago Knight Riders and the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots, fans won’t want to miss a single minute of the action, and with CPL live coverage on PlayGo, they won’t have to. And for those fans who have to be part of the energy in the stadium, Digicel and CPL have made it that much easier to get tickets, with Digicel stores being used as ticket outlets.

“There’s nothing like being in the stands surrounded by people cheering with you for your team; and this, coupled with the carnival atmosphere of CPL, makes it one of the hottest events for the summer. With 34 matches in seven countries over two months, it’s hard to catch all the games in person, so this year we’ve made it easy for our customers through our PlayGo CPL activation plans. Customers can opt for a season pass or a day pass and watch our dedicated CPL channel with 2018 tournament coverage as well as past CPL games. Best of all, when customers watch the games on PlayGo, they enter to win a trip to watch the CPL finals in Trinidad and Tobago”, said Tari Lovell, Group Sponsorship Manager at Digicel.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of Hero Caribbean Premier League said: “The Hero CPL is delighted with the support that Digicel has given us since the tournament started in 2013. Just like CPL, Digicel is a massive part of Caribbean culture and the Caribbean economy. Staying in touch is such an important part of us delivering a worldclass event and Digicel and their communications network are how we make this happen. CPL would not be possible without the support of the number one communications network in the Caribbean. It has been a brilliant partnership for CPL and long may it continue.”

Across the region Digicel will be setting up retail outlets at each CPL game allowing fans easy access to LTE plans, bundles, credit and phones.

Specifically, in Saint Lucia, when customers TopUp $15 or more, pay their post-paid bill or join the Digicel family, they can win tickets daily to the games. Digicel’s social media pages will keep fans up to date on all the games and giveaways, and provide an exciting behind the scenes look at the culture of each country through our online content series, FanView.

Matches in Saint Lucia take place from August 16 to August 25 at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The competition and camaraderie among the 2018 teams indicate that this year will be bigger and better so fans can get ready for Cricket Played Louder.

we're hiring Digicel is looking for a top candidate to fill the role of Marketing Manager - St. Lucia

job overview Marketing Manager with experience in market planning and executing marketing strategies. main duties and responsibilities - Lead the marketing planning process within the market to ensure the marketing plans deliver all the set KPIs for the market - Optimise budget allocation and initiatives across the year to achieve business objectives with the Regional Marketing Manager.

- Drive the planning process out to the local market from the hub, and execute all marketing campaigns working with the regional marketing manager - Ensure activities have measurable targets; provide common format dashboard templates for measurement and comparison.

- Relaying information between Hub and local market to local team - Assessing local needs and requirements - Communication management (external) - Seeking go to market plans approvals from Regional Marketing Manager - Prepare localized advertising campaign academic qualifications and experience - 5-7 years’ experience in marketing planning with evidence of delivering effective marketing strategies and programmes across complex global/regional marketing organisations.

Business or marketing degree or equivalent. functional skills - excellent written and communications skills across the range of executions from press releases, advertorials, speeches and by - lined articles to case studies and white papers - Excellent grasp - and proven experience, of planning and running consumer - business to business and corporate communications campaigns - Experience of Social Media campaigns and in-depth knowledge of current SM trends - Creativity and willingness to work on own initiative in an ever changing environment - Ability to work under pressure in order to meet challenging deadlines - Strong organisational skills and attention to detail - Can do attitude and upbeat, positive and dynamic personality - People Management skills - Good administrative skills - Proficiency in Microsoft suite of applications

To apply for this position, you should forward your resume to: Digicel St. Lucia Ltd. P.O. Box GM791, Rodney Bay or e-mail to SLU_HR@digicelgroup.com Deadline for submission: August 24, 2018 PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED. © 2017 Digicelgroup.com All Rights Reserved.

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www.stluciastar.com

august 18, 2018 THE STAR

What We Don’t Know About the Amerindians Siedlaczek, and Ian Dunshee, a graduate anthropology student, Claudia Eleibox conducted this project.

SLAHS will now be able to provide three-dimensional early bare-bodied people and Global Positioning adorned with paint, System records of artifacts. animal teeth and armed Photogrammetry, a fairly recent with spears are depicted generically in Caribbean history user-friendly, accurate and books as the Amerindians—the portable technology was used for the 3D imaging. What’s so Caribbean’s very first settlers distinctive about a bunch of that European explorers later 3D images and GPS locations, met. As much as we know that compared to previous research? they influenced our culture, Jean Pierre explains: “Before, the most tangible evidence we we collected stones, axes, but have is cassava, apart from there was no measurement of those people with traces of the site, no documentation in Carib and Arawak in their DNA. terms of the surroundings and The petroglyph-inspired logo so forth. But now this research for Stonefield Estate and a is done with scientific rigour, so few rocks at Pigeon Island are it’s not just picking up stones.” perhaps the only reminders

He elaborated: “If there is that Saint Lucia’s history is a tsunami or a flood and these not restricted to slavery and places are covered with debris, colonialism. sand and stone, they would

But evidence of those be there buried and you don’t we believe once called this know.” island “Hewanorra” is more

Some artifacts are also on discernable than we realize.

Proudly, the Lesser Antilles’ first private property while others archaeological organisation, the are sometimes found but soon forgotten. This limits accurate Saint Lucia Archaeological and research and discoveries Historical Society—founded in on Amerindian culture, and 1954—is currently embarking information in Saint Lucia has on a series of projects to fill in been way behind some other the gaps of existing historical Caribbean islands. research. The first focused on

Jean Pierre continued: “If the artifacts left by the island’s you GPS them, you’d be able aboriginal people; a passionate to find the location, conduct trio consisting of SLAHS’ elected a dig and bring it back to life. secretary and anthropologist, Laurent Jean Pierre, the German So that’s a very crucial and important activity for SLAHS. archaeologist Dr. Michael

N

Thanks to three dedicated researchers, Amerindian artifacts can now be documented more accurately and thoroughly.

Generations coming will be able to know exactly where things are.”

From July 9-27, the group conducted the first thorough island-wide record of these artifacts. According to Siedlaczek, documented were “nine different known sites, including fifty-three total stones worked by prehistoric peoples containing a total of seventeen geometric figures, eighteen faces, five individual spirals, two ornamentations (similar to pottery decoration), and seventy stone bowls.”

As predicted, this project has already begun aiding archaeological discoveries. Said Siedlaczek: “A common motif of two large human-like figures with a smaller one of the same style was recognized at four different sites, showing that this image was of some importance or potentially recognized across the island during the prehistoric period.”

New sites were also unearthed. “Of the nine sites visited containing stone carvings,” Siedlaczek said, “one was not previously documented; meaning its inclusion in the project was an important step in beginning its preservation.

In addition to this, eight new potential archaeological sites were found and documented for inclusion in a future study.”

Dunshee, who performed the photogrammetry, added:

“The models can act as a digital facsimile of the object or surface scanned with an accuracy and precision which is a great benefit to preservation in case the original is lost, damaged, or destroyed.

Because of its close likeness to the original, the 3D models can also be used by 3D printers as well as artisans to create high quality replicas that can be touched and used in museums to increase accessibility.

“3D models and similar products which result from 3D scanning of archaeological sites can be used in a wide range of new research methods, many of which are still being developed.

We want to have a written and official record of where all these places are to be preserved for future research. It’s responsible for the mapping of these artifacts. When you map it and you have the background information.” It is hoped that Saint Lucians creating a small museum or souvenirs from the 3D replicas can form a heritage tourism industry.

The group thanks several Saint Lucians for their generosity on occasions when they might’ve gone without food or shelter. Notable mentions include the Lamontagnes in Fond Doux, “Asa”, Chris Pilgrim, the Jean Pierres from Laborie, Balenbouche Estate and the Hamilton Group and Stonefield Estate.

NEMAC focuses on Emergency Response and Support

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aint Lucia’s readiness for an emergency, particularly during the hurricane season, was the focus of the National Emergency Management Advisory Committee (NEMAC) meeting on Tuesday August 14, 2018.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Infrastructure and chaired by Cabinet Secretary Benjamin Emmanuel, was attended by Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives Honourable Ezechiel Joseph, Leader of the Opposition Honourable Philip J Pierre, Parliamentary Representative for Laborie Honourable Alva Baptiste and Director of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) Ms. Velda

Joseph. Also present were representatives from several government ministries, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Fire Service, Red Cross, Solid Waste Management, SLASPA, WASCO, Lucelec, Flow, Digicel and District Disaster Committee representatives.

At the start of the meeting Prime Minister Allen Chastanet expressed the importance of planning and building resilience. He noted that the past year proved that disaster preparedness was a regional issue and reminded attendees that Saint Lucia must now also consider its role as a support for the Caribbean. He recapped instances of the several storms and hurricanes which have affected the region.

“We may be called upon to serve as a conduit and support for other islands,” said Prime

Minister Chastanet, recalling the back to back hurricanes that affected our sister islands, and normal sources of support in the United States. Saint Lucia was used as a hub for getting supplies to affected islands and was also called upon to take in students and to assist islands with the housing of prisoners.

“Our state of readiness is no longer limited to what we are going to be doing on a national basis; we have also got to start thinking of the obstacles we had last time and the potential requirements that we are going to need to make that work even smoother,” noted the prime minister.

“Disaster preparedness has taken on a completely different scope and I am hoping that in our preparations, due considerations will be given to those issues.”

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (standing) is adamant about Saint Luica being prepared for disaster at home as well as helping other affected areas.

The prime minister also dealt with the issues of schools being used as shelters and the extensive desilting works which have been taking place across the island.

During the session the meeting received a presentation from the Saint Lucia Meteorological Service, was given the results of a Comprehensive Disaster

Management Audit and reviewed the Livelihood Protection Policy.

Various agencies were also called upon to report on their individual state of readiness.

THE STAR

AUGUST 18, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

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AUGUST 18, 2018 THE STAR

Chamber of Matters that make Commerce Aims Chastanet see red!

Enhancing Personal and Professional L Effectiveness!

By Star Reporter

T

he Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce another outstanding programme Entry Level Skills Training. This program has received rave review over the last 2 years and with the growing demand the Chamber of Commerce is delighted accede to this request by its members and the wider business community.

The Chamber’s members recognized that entry level staff generally requires to be provided with some essential “job skills”. This programme will do so utilizing role play,

lectures, interval learning and group work to effectively teach and demonstrate principles that will lead to behavior and attitude change and enhancement.

The Entry Level Skills Training programme is a six week programme commencing September 11 and runs until October 18, 2018 2018.

Sessions are held twice weekly, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The programme will teach participants key competencies and soft skills needed to be efficient and effective at

their jobs. It further imparts knowledge on the behavior and attitudes, which promote positive team spirit and a productive work environment.

Areas which will be covered in the programme include but are not limited to effective communication skills, customer service excellence, attitude for success and time management.

All persons interested in enhancing these skill are invited to register through the Chamber Secretariat at 758 452 3165 or email info@ stluciachamber.org

ast week, before the joint parliament held in honour of the late Arsene James got underway, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet found himself in a squabble with a local television reporter who sought a comment on some statements made at an earlier House session. The prime minister was less than cooperative. Midway through another barely audible question from the same reporter, Mr. Chastanet said: “I’m sorry sir, but you keep talking about the opposition. Really, I just want to make it very, very clear: when it comes to governance of this country, the Labour Party failed.

Okay? People need to ask themselves the question: Did they open St. Jude? Five years they were in office; did St. Jude Hospital open up?”

“But the wing,” the reporter persisted, “is it going to be on the same side?”

We’ve said it’s going to be on the same side. We’ve said the expansion will be at the same location, taking advantage of the basic infrastructure on property . . .

I’m not objecting to questions; what I’m objecting to is that you keep asking questions from the opposition. If you are a journalist, you are to go down [the hospital site] and then ask anything you wish. I’ll be happy to answer. But to continue to ask questions based on what the opposition has said, things they have never been able to substantiate . . . The fact is, how can you ask a question

Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet was not amused when a local reporter seemed to be asking him opposition questions already answered.

(See center pages)

about when we’re going to move in, when we have already started moving in? Do you know that we have moved in?

Reporter: Well, you tell us.

Chastanet: You’re the journalist; you’re supposed to be the person to confirm for the general public whether or not we’ve started Reporter: Well . . . moving into the OK-EU. The prime minister spoke Prime Minister: Do you know, for truth: already he had answered a fact, that we have begun to in the House the questions move in to the hospital? put to him by the reporter. His answers had received wide Reporter: Well, partially. publicity, one way or another. Is Prime Minister: It’s not partially. it so surprising that the prime minister was reluctant to take Have we begun to move in to seriously, questions he had the hospital? already answered, and from a Reporter: (Somewhat bemused) reporter who might easily have confirmed for himself whether the answers earlier given by the Chastanet: Have we? prime minister were true?

Nine Inmates Return Home

T

he total number of inmates housed at the Bordelais Correctional Facility will decrease by the conclusion of this week.

Arrangements are advanced to facilitate the transfer of nine prisoners who were part of the twenty-one conveyed from Her Majesty’s Prison in Balsam Ghut, Tortola in September 2017 after the passage of Hurricane Irma. More than 100 prisoners had been recaptured or turned themselves in after escaping from the severely damaged

Balsam Ghut Prison in the wake of the storm. The Government of Saint Lucia has lent its support to the BVI in the area of national security over the past several months.

BVI authorities, in their Gazette last year, noted that the prisoners would be away “until such time as repair work to improve security at the prison had been completed, and the governor determines that the conditions in the prison are such that further escape and disturbance at the prison can be prevented,

and the life and safety of other prisoners and the community at large can be assured.”

The BVI took the full force of Hurricane Irma on September 6, with winds that averaged 185 miles per hour, gusting to 215 mph. Less than two weeks later, the islands were hit for a second time by another fierce category five storm, Hurricane Maria.

Category Five Irma has secured her place in history as the most powerful Atlantic Hurricane ever recorded!

THE STAR

august 18, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

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august 18, 2018 THE STAR

NAIPAUL THE GREAT not unusual for some writers.

Such writers wait on a line, an image, a motif which opens f VS Naipaul had remained in the gates to their muse, their Trinidad and Tobago, which inspiration, the line upon which he left at 18 in 1950, no one all subsequent lines are built. would have bothered. No one In tone, mood, tempo, it acts as would have discovered him. a catalyst for all the work. And No one would have hailed his this line was a Trinidad line, genius: his writing style, voice. ending: “What happening there, There would be no skilful Bogart?” This was an important editors to value his works. No discovery by Naipaul. This line one would have published him. carried the idiomatic sensibility No one would have bought of Trinidad language, without any of his local self-published being ‘improper’ English. It books. He would have been was not difficult for the British ignored, with an indifference or Commonwealth English akin to sadism. He would have reader to understand. The lived and died, as Mr Biswas book proffered an archetype: would have if he had not a virtual stage, a Trinidad built his house, a tragic man, street laden with Trinidad abandoned and unknown; characters, Trinidad speech. It unaccommodated. was a transcendental moment

England gave Naipaul what for Naipaul, that he, striving he needed. England discovered so eagerly to be a writer, him, gave him his first opening, encouraged by his father and as a voice on the BBC. England sisters, often depressed about gave him editors and publishers, possible failure, should discover hailed his writing style. One his voice, in this Trinidad line. blurb called him: “The greatest

The Mystic Masseur. living writer in English.” It gave Here, Naipaul is still solidly him a wife who cared for his in Trinidad. Character, theme, works. England awarded him mood, language, tone. The prizes for his works. It made novel describes the life of a him into a writing icon, and mystic masseur. The tale is gave him, eventually through told through Naipaul’s ironic nomination, the Nobel Prize and voice. It is his only voice, now. salutation, and a knighthood.

We have to look sharp to grasp Here are impressions of his first tone, meaning, and therefore four books, fictional works on intentionality. As in Jane Austen.

Trinidad (1955-1961).

There, always, the subtle

Miguel Street. In London, undercutting of endeavour, working at the BBC, after sublime, profane or normal. The leaving Oxford University in very word ‘mystic’ might be 1953, Naipaul was waiting. He mocking. Through the different was waiting on a line. This is incarnations of Ganesh,

By Wayne Kublalsingh

I

from masseur, to writer, to professional and politician, we are never sure if he is a crook, or if he is genuine. He is the archetypal Trinidadian hustler, survivor, ‘smartman’. The nation is still trying to cope with, survive, this seemingly immortal character.

The Suffrage of Elvira.

Here the archetype is the market, the political market. It describes the amazing scenes of a Trinidad election: the trade in superstition, insult, bacchanal, tricks, chicanery, comesse, kuchoor typical of the democratic suffrage. This is pathological group behaviour at its tragicomic best. The subject is universal. US Elections, from Civil War America to the present, for example, have been, sometimes more than less, suffrages of Elvira. But again here, in character, tone, setting, speech idiom, the dramatic richness is of Trinidad.

Trinidad is Naipaul’s wealth. He is at home here, describing the wealth of Trinidadian cultural and linguistic pique.

A House For Mr Biswas.

Here Naipaul is writing of his Trinidad roots. His history. His mother. His father. The pundits.

The people whom he knew growing up. It describes an archetypical Caribbean journey; a family’s search for, with its myriad trials, a house. The novel is at once poignant and macabre. The comic elements, involving this immediate family, father, mother, siblings are poignant, are forgiving.

VS Naipaul passed away last Saturday at his home in the UK. He was 85 years old.

The tragic parts, about the sadisms of the pundits, the family clan, are macabre, unforgiving. Naipaul’s chapter on Shorthills, in this finest novel of the English Caribbean, is prescient. We witness the Tulsi family’s butchery of land, scape, heritage, Naipaul’s angry denunciation of its depravity, stupidity.

Then Naipaul did something very heroic, mammoth, mythical. Going past the broad brush of post-Colonial polemics, he travelled to all parts of the world, afflicted by the wound of Empire, its grand tidal withdrawal, to see for himself how the people were doing. To record their speech,

their views, their phantasies about themselves and the societies they lived in. He inserted himself, often alone, not only in the Caribbean but Africa, India, South America, Iran, the American South; chronicling with filmic detail the impressions of his mind, as it panned or zoomed into the speech and lives of ordinary and official inhabitants, which the wake of Empire and subordination had left behind It’s all over now; finis. The camera, the lens, the light is out. Only his works remain. His novels, essays, biographical sketches, his chronologies.

It is all recorded, done and dusted. He was the man who

disdained the broad brush of polemics. He went to discover for himself, the scale, the scope, the pathologies of Empire.

He needed to do his own synopsis, dissections. He was Alexandrine. Some elegance.

Some brutality. Some rank disfigurations. And thereafter, leaving many of his subjects weeping in his wake.

The author is a graduate of UWI and Oxford University.

He taught for 17 years at UWI St. Augustine, is an archivist for ‘ital’ development, and has written several children’s books as well as on economics.

He lives in Trinidad.

Magnum Xplosion Road Train is on!

A

head of what is expected to be the biggest concert affair this summer, organisers of 'Magnum Tonic Wine Xplosion' are pulling out all the stops in ensuring that fans and consumers across the country feel the pulse of the event.

Magnum Xplosion will be held on Saturday August 25, 2018 at Pigeon Island. The event will feature three of the biggest names in Dancehall: Ding Dong, Busy Signal and Aidonia.

Magnum Xplosion will also feature some of the hottest Dennery Segment artistes, as well as deejays A1 Jugglers, Selecta Twis and Litchie Sounds.

Distributor of Magnum Tonic Wine in Saint Lucia, Peter & Company Distribution (PCD), is teaming up with two of the most well-known and successful promoters on the island to stage the event. Rontgen Charles of Dotcom Sounds and Lamar Sifflet of Verve Entertainment will be lending their expertise

to ensure the highest level of quality entertainment is offered to patrons on the night.

The action continues on Tuesday August 21 at Falcos in Richfond, Dennery; on Wednesday August 22 at Old House Grill’s Pork Wednesdays in Mon Repos, and on Thursday August 23 at Like It Bar in Bexon and at Verve in Rodney Bay.

The promotions culminate with a massive jam as part of the Gros Islet Street Party on Friday August 24. All events

start at 8pm.

Magnum Xplosion has had a strong social media presence on the PCD Experiences, Verve, Dotcom Sounds and the Wave Facebook and Instagram pages.

Persons also have an opportunity to win tickets and Magnum Tonic Wine by simply uploading a oneminute video, dancing to their favourite Ding Dong, Busy Signal or Aidonia song.

Videos should be uploaded to Instagram or Facebook using the hashtags #PCDexperiences

#Ridethewave or artistes names (#dingdong #aidonia #busysignal), then tag @thewavestlucia and @PCDexperiences.

The video with the most likes at the end of each week wins a 6 pack of Magnum Tonic Wine plus two tickets to the event.

It’s the Magnum Tonic Wine Xplosion on Saturday August 25 at Pigeon Island. Gates open at 8pm and the show starts at 10pm. Patrons must be 18+ to drink.

Please drink responsibly!

Early Bird tickets for Magnum Xplosion are on sale at EC$70, VIP EC$300.

Ticket Outlets: The Cell (Rodney Bay, Castries, Vieux Fort), Verve (Bar and team members), Dotcom Entertainment, Soufriere Service Station, Bryden Liquor Stores (Bridge Street, Rodney Bay, JQ Mall), Snapper International Barber Shop, Cool Runnings Barber Shop, Peter & Company Cul De Sac and DJ Outlet on Jeremie Street.

THE STAR

august 18, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

LOCAL

11

Who other than WASCO RECOMMENCES PLANS TO FORMALIZE Looshans can THE TI-ROCHER MICOUD boast of St. Lucian WATER PROJECT Citizenship? P lans have recommenced for the hosting of a ceremony to formalize the start of works on the Ti-Rocher Micoud Water Project. The event, which was originally scheduled to take place on August 2, 2018, was postponed due to the passing of the former parliamentary representative for Micoud South, Arsene James.

Mr James had been integrally involved in the commissioning of the project and had been lobbying for its commencement since 2002.

The ceremony is now slated for August 22, 2018 at 3pm at the tank site in TiRocher Micoud.

Four contracts have been

Per the CIP’s annual report, seventeen foreign applications for Saint Lucian citizenship were granted in the financial year 2016-2017.

Joshua St. Aimee

T

he Citizenship by Investment Act was passed in the House of Assembly on July 28, 2015 and subsequently in the Senate on August 4, 2015. It enables nonnationals to acquire Saint Lucia citizenship. The Act outlines the functions of the five-member CIP board. Among the many listed is the submission of an annual report: "Not later than three months after the end of each financial year, the Board shall submit to the Minister an annual report on the work and activities of the Board for that financial year, and the Minister shall, not later than three months after the submission lay the same in Parliament."

The board's financial year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31 each year or as otherwise determined by the minister with responsibility for CIP, at this time Prime Minister Allen Chastanet.

The annual report must include: The number of applications made, granted and refused, and the names, nationality and address of each and every successful applicant.

The names of unsuccessful applicants are not to be included in the report. Thus far, the board has submitted the annual reports for the financial years 2015-16 and 2016-17.

These reports, in keeping with the Act, have also been laid in parliament and are available to the public at the Parliament Library in Castries.

Saint Lucia's CIP scheme began operating in October 2015. As a result, its first financial year was cut short to six months, beginning in October 2015 and ending in March 2016. The 2015-2016 report explains: "Much of the focus of the Unit was on setting up." There were no applications for citizenship in this financial year.

The financial year 20162017 was the first full year of activity for Saint Lucia's CIP. During this time, thirty-six applications were received.

A whopping 68% of the applications came from the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA); 9% came from Russia; 8% from Asia; 6% each from the USA and the rest of Africa and 3% from the European Union.

A total of nineteen applications were denied in the financial year 2016-2017.

Those came from Iran, China, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and the United States.

For the financial year 201617, seventeen applications were accepted, which resulted in the granting of 61 Saint Lucian citizenships. One application does not necessarily mean one individual person. Under the Act, an individual is entitled to include a spouse, children and parents in their application. This is referred to as the “qualifying dependent” in the Act.

Of the seventeen successful applications, one was granted through the “Request for Review” process.

This means that the application was originally denied, but the applicant requested a review.

Iraq topped the list with eleven Iraqis gaining Saint Lucian citizenship. There were ten Saudi Arabians, seven Moroccans, six Italians, five Lebanese, four Bulgarians, four South Africans, four Ukrainians, four American, three Russians, and one each from Israel, Malaysia and the MENA region.

awarded for the installation of pipes to connect the Micoud treatment plant to an already installed 100,000 imperial gallon tank at Morne Desir, Ti-Rocher.

The selected contractors include Mr Felix Samuel, Mr Gaspar St Hilaire and Mr Ted Emanuel, all from the area of Micoud South. The project includes four phases and the laying of approximately 1.468 km of PVC and ductile iron pipes, fittings, valves and other related infrastructure.

A signing ceremony for three of the contracts took place at WASCO’s Lanse Road headquarters on July 30, 2018. Present were

WASCO’s General Manager Mr. Edmund Regis, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Francis Denbow and Technical Committee Directors which include Directors Mr. Eglan Flavien, Mr Joseph Dujon and Mr Paul Joseph. Also present were Design and Construction Manager Mr. Kelvin Emilien and Corporate Secretary/Legal Officer Mrs Nichola Benjamin.

The fourth contract is still pending and awaits official signing

The project is to be completed by November 26, 2018. Motorists and pedestrians traversing the area are advised to exercise caution along the route.

12 LOCAL

august 18, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

THE FUNNIES!

Harbor Club St. Lucia Curio Collection

by Hilton – Quarterly Staff Awards

With so many loyal and hard-working staff at the photo op, who was manning the hotel?

H

arbor Club St. Lucia, Curio Collection by Hilton hosted its second Quarterly Staff Awards Ceremony since the hotel became part of the Hilton worldwide chain of resorts.

The prestigious ceremony was held on Wednesday August 15 at the hotel’s Golden Grove Ballroom, where approximately 130 members of staff were in attendance.

Mr. Rich Cortese, president of the resort’s management

company, Aimbridge Hospitality, and new General Manager, Mr. Michael Mathius, addressed staff with speeches of inspiration and gratitude for execution of stellar tasks and successful completion of rigorous training to comply with Hilton’s standard of five-star service.

Winners of quarterly awards, nominated by and voted for by their peers, included: • Manager of the Quarter:

Carl Seales • Front of House employee: Chrissy Fedee • Back of House employee: Dilly Baptiste

The management and staff of Harbor Club St. Lucia Curio Collection by Hilton would like to extend gratitude to the Saint Lucian public for their continued patronage and look forward to welcoming more guests as the hotel grows and continues being ‘The Place to Be’!

BArnArd’S Hill, CAStrieS, SAint luCiA The Black hills sTaTe UniversiTy (BhsU) in collaBoraTion wiTh The omegos inTernaTional edUcaTional insTiTUTe (oiei) and sTUdy aBroad sTUdenT services offers a one (1) year onlIne cerTIFIcaTIon In

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

THE STAR

august 18, 2018

LOCAL

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13

SOME EMANCIPATION DAY OBSERVATIONS

By Peter Josie

O

n the evening of Monday, July 30, I was a guest on Kari FM-radio’s “Reflections”. After a brief survey and discussion of the previous 30 days, the host introduced the subject of Emancipation Day. He opined that the day had been changed from the first Monday in August to the first day of August by a former enthusiastic Minister of Culture some twenty or so years ago. Should Emancipation Day be returned to the first Monday in August? That was the question the host put to me.

The argument for reverting to the first Monday in August is persuasive. August 1 can fall on a Wednesday, as recently happened and disrupt the working week. On the other hand, the first Monday is predictable, and affords a longer weekend for individuals,

families and organisations to better celebrate Emancipation Day. I offered the advice that one must first discover why a gate was built before one proceeds to remove or destroy it. In other words, why was Emancipation Day originally observed on the first Monday of August and then changed?

Politicians open themselves to criticisms when they proceed to change willy-nilly the things that have stood the test of time—especially when it is obvious such individuals know little about our history.

Before we can set our minds on what ought to be done to mark the next Emancipation Day, we first need to settle on an appropriate and acceptable day to mark its observance.

The government ought to appoint a committee of five qualified individuals to advise on a day and an agenda for

the observance of future Emancipation Day activities. I humbly offer three ideas: first, the observance should be no more than one week's duration.

If spread too thinly, it loses its meaning as it competes with other national pursuits.

Secondly, the entire week should be underpinned by education: sharing information.

It should emphasize our people’s struggles over the last 200 years, that have taken us where we are today.

Thirdly, it should include an in-depth report and discussions on reparations. Should reparations seek to arouse the Caribbean masses and force their governments to unite and demand United Nationssponsored negotiations between countries that participated in the slave trade and slavery on one hand, and the descendants of former African slaves on the other?

From where I stand, wisdom and knowledge ought to underpin every thought and action to be pursued by the descendants of former African slaves. Collective peoplepower must guide the actions of governments in that regard.

Experience teaches us that when people unite in a common cause, the outcome of their demands is more likely to be met than when politicians are allowed a free hand to act as they please. The question that remains is: Who shall lead the people to demand reparations from Europe?

Politicians tend to become quite animated whenever citizens unite for a worthy purpose. For example, if people come together to fix a pot-holed road, a politician will quickly jump in to help finish the job, especially if he is likely to be on the evening news. The mindset of the

When it comes to St Lucian citizenship, Iran need not apply!

S

aint Lucia's Citizenship

by Investment Unit will no longer accept applications from Iranian citizens. The ban will apply to all Iranian citizens, whether or not they reside in Iran. This was announced by the CIP Unit on August 9, 2018. Four other Caribbean islands—Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Dominica and Grenada—have citizenship by investment programmes. However, Saint Lucia's programme alone has an 'Iranians need not apply' condition.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet called Timothy Poleon’s Newsspin lunchtime radio show to address the ban.

He said: "The issue with Iran is determining the source of funds, as well as being able to confirm whether the information that the applicant is giving us is correct. We cannot do it ourselves and the agencies that would normally do the third party background checks for us are themselves struggling with that."

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet says the Iran ban is in keeping with the programme’s standards.

He said: "The sources of information from the banks in Iran aren’t trusted sufficiently, so therefore it would make the application process virtually impossible."

Host Timothy Poleon asked, "Prior to the ban were any applications accepted from any Iranian nationals?"

The PM's response: "Yes there were, and the policy that we had in existence only accepted applications from Iranians who were residing and had bank accounts outside of Iran."

Mr. Chastanet added: "I hear people trying to make a connection between Donald Trump, or the US's position on Iran, and the letter that came out. There is no connection.

That’s very different from what the US position is or anybody else's. It is just in terms of meeting the standards that we have."

The prime minister went on: "One of the obstacles that we've had is that there's what’s called the Economic Fund.

Funds are paid to the CIP board;

the board then is to transmit the funds to the Economic Fund.

The former government never created regulations or created an Act for the Economic Fund.

So, in the absence of those regulations and that Act, it was my understanding that the prime minister, or the minister of finance, would be able to direct where those funds have been going. And so far we've directed that all those funds go into the Consolidated Fund."

According to the Act that governs the CIP, the Saint Lucia National Economic Fund means the "special fund established under Section 33 of this Act for the special purpose of receiving qualifying investments of cash for funding government sponsored projects."

Mr. Chastanet took the opportunity to announce: "We will be coming to parliament very shortly to have a new Act called the Economic Fund Act, which will also have its own regulations."

---Joshua St. Aimee

average citizen ought therefore to be “Forget the politician; let’s help ourselves wherever we can.” Such a decision should come easily to those who live by the precept that God helps only those who help themselves. It makes little sense standing aside and criticizing. That’s what losers do. Success-oriented people, whether descendants of former slaves, or children of indentured labourers, or whether they are from the black coal pits of Pittsburg and Virginia, have one thing in common: they are hardworking and do not depend on handouts.

If we are to make emancipation or reparations work for us, we ought first to know and accept our history for what it is. Then we ought to grab the present by the scruff of the neck and set aside retarding thoughts, abandon debilitating drugs and alcohol, and resolve

to be at the forefront of a well thought out programme for Emancipation Day observances next August.

Who will lead Emancipation Day and Reparations in Saint Lucia?

The question of leadership has always been difficult because leadership skills are not taught in homes or in schools.

Perhaps leadership is a gift from God that cannot be taught.

Obedience, which is taught to Saint Lucian children at home and school, is often mistaken for submissiveness. It’s difficult to develop true leadership qualities from an environment of learned submissiveness. Children ought to be encouraged from an early age to ask questions. They should know early in life that there are no foolish questions— only foolish answers, of which we’ve had far too many from self-absorbed, self-promoted “best brains”!

Dolphin Park Still Hanging In The Air! T

he proposed dolphin park to be fashioned by Dolphin Discovery at Pigeon Island National Landmark was not so long ago a hot topic. But the prime minister remained adamant: “If it’s not at the proposed Pigeon Island location,” he said, “then it may be somewhere else.”

It would appear the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, the Saint Lucia National Trust and the tourism ministry, when it comes to the project, may still not be singing in harmony. “The National Trust is a member of SLHTA,” a reliable source ventured this week on the STAR’s promise of anonymity, “and the SLHTA is highly affiliated with the Ministry of Tourism. In our role we have to stay neutral; we have to be careful in how we get involved in the lobbying.”

Lesson learned from the recent past, perhaps?

According an SLHTA source: “The National Trust is trying to stop it but, from the information we have, the dolphin park is scheduled to happen.” The source could not confirm location. Attempts at confirmation from the horse’s mouth received this terse response: “That’s a question for the prime minister!”

---C.E.

14 comment

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AUGUST 18, 2018 THE STAR

Some Things Right Nor T

here are several shades of meaning to the word wrong, from “an injurious, unfair or unjust act: action or conduct inflicting harm without due provocation or just cause; a violation or invasion of the legal rights of another”—according to Merriam-Webster. The Oxford dictionaries, my own preference, define wrong as “not correct or true, incorrect, unjust, dishonest or immoral.” As for right: “Behavior that is morally good or correct” (MerriamWebster). “Conforming with, or conformable to, justice, law or morality” (Oxford).

Now consider the most recent feast for Facebook piranhas, courtesy the normally irreticent president of the increasingly obscure media association: “I note the ad nauseum demands to [sic] journalists . . . by the Richard Fredericks, Christopher Huntes, Rick Waynes, Andre Pauls, Yardies, et cetera [sic] to do their ‘research,’ and in light of an exchange between the the [sic] Prime Minister and a colleague this past week, it would be remiss of me to not come to his defense [surely he meant to write not to come]. First off, there’s no two ways about it: The Prime Minister was WRONG to say that he will not entertain questions ‘regurgitated from the opposition.’ ”

Before getting down to the meat of the matter, for obvious reason I dare to ask: Wouldn’t the media association president and journalist have better written “there are no two ways about it?” And anyway, what exactly was wrong, or WRONG, for that matter, about the prime minister’s reaction to a reporter a fortnight after he had answered a particular question from a member of the House opposition? The original version as put by the MP for Castries South at the most recent House session was not so much a regular question seeking a response as a one that sought to make a point rather than elicit an answer.

Certainly the opposition MP could not reasonably have expected the prime minister to reveal at the recalled televised House meeting how he came by information that among desperate Venezuelans fleeing their country were some with possible links to arms and drug trafficking. Details about such matters of national security are not normally requested, let alone flung around the House—notwithstanding that unforgettable regrettable business with the Mace back in 1982, and other more recent debacles nearly as egregious.

Some government-related issues simply are not for public consumption. Remember when

a sitting minister was subjected to wall-to-wall embarrassment after his U.S. visa was pulled, for reasons that remain classified more than eight years later?

Remember the related political football match the matter generated at the time of the 2011 elections?

But back to the reporter who sought from the prime minister more information than had been given the House about the government’s new visa policy in relation to Venezuelans. The media association’s president, doubtless for the further edification of his Facebook following, insisted the prime minister’s reaction to the reporter was wrong—meaning immoral, unjust, and the rest of it. By reliable account the reporter had actually prefaced his query with a reference that amounted to a red flag waved in the face of a bull: “The opposition wants to know . . .” or something to that effect.

Obviously not amused by the prime minister’s reaction, the association president shrieked: “Any question emanating from the opposition side, however silly it may appear [sic], should be treated as a question from the people, whom both of you represent in the House, and not that [sic] from a political party. To

say that you are not going to entertain questions from the opposition is, to my mind, an indirect scoff at the people of Saint Lucia.”

On the other hand, just because a notion sounds Solomonic in certain ears does not necessarily mean it makes sense to reasonable minds.

As for suggesting opposition questions, “however silly,” are deserving of answers, well, the prime minister holds a contrary opinion. For all I know, he may have good reason to believe “silly” questions from any source are not reflective of the Saint Lucian intellect, therefore undeserving of time that might be better spent pursuing national goals.

I’ve said it countless times: journalists who rely solely on what falls out of the mouths of politicians do an injustice to their profession and to those who depend on them for validated truth and informed analyses. The evidence plainly suggests most of our reporters are lazy. Many are too hungry for scoops that in reality are rumors, rum-shop persiflage and plain idle gossip. I arrived from California to work in the local media in 1987. Of course, I’d had some experience of life on this rock of sages during an earlier stint at the Voice. Press conferences were at the time unheard of. Existing media received weekly government five-line communiqués from the government’s press relations officer, a gentleman called Willie James, especially famous for his “this is St. Lucia, where we are happy” wake-up call to fans (party hacks?) of his government-sponsored radio programs. Few reporters had the gonads to call a minister of government with a question. On

Allen Chastanet: The prime minister saw red w what he pe

THE STAR

AUGUST 18, 2018

COMMENT

www.stluciastar.com

15

s Are Neither r Wrong!

saw red when recently confronted by a media representative painted in hat he perceived as opposition colors!

the rare occasions when Willie convened a meeting with a visiting dignitary accompanied by an over-protective local MP, attendant reporters depended on the bravest among them to speak for the collective. More often than not the MP answered even the most innocuous press queries with just two dismissive words: “No comment!”

So, I roamed the country where I encountered the good the bad and the ugly. I wrote about the abject poverty that seemed to have no impact on those not victimized by it, the politicians especially— who were responsible for it.

I wrote about multi-purpose dying rivers that served as laundry, drinking fountain and public toilet. I wrote with photographed evidence about the desecrated and abused environment. Yes, way back in the 80s we had been raping helpless and unprotected Helen. I covered the courts, where those with seeing eyes were afforded a close-up of the dehumanizing effects of state-sponsored deprivation.

I wrote detailed accounts of horrific rapes, barbaric murders that resulted from drunken arguments between the equally poor and ignorant, child abuse and batterers. Also about heroworshipped murderous crooked cops!

Typically, the politicians retaliated. There was hardly a public rally that did not devote hours to painting a certain reporter yellow or red. My fellow journalists—I hesitate to call them colleagues or friends, for that would be fake news— were too blind to see what was being done to me could, and would in due course be done to them. Unwittingly, perhaps, they turned the attacks on my

journalism into headlines. I was called a sensationalist, Julian Hunte’s personal propaganda machine, “the scourge of John Compton.” Attempts were made to frame me as a pornographer connected to rings all over the world.

When I tried to rescue a 17-year-old from a life of crime by employing him at the STAR (he had turned state’s witness in a notorious murder trial and afterward released) one newspaper editor wrote that I had remade the ostensibly evil young man into a hero, to be emulated by others his age.

And then there were the socalled “bombshells” involving the country’s most powerful, including a church leader who, confronted by evidence of the shocking behind the scenes proclivities of one prime minister, was reluctant to comment for publication, on the basis that “if John the Baptist had been more careful he might’ve saved his head.”

Such stories were always dangerous, particularly so at a time when magistrates and judges were falling over themselves to cosy up to incumbent politicians. Oh, I also wrote about fornicating priests demonstrably at odds with their celibacy vows; pedophiles and holy Fathers that hid under their snow-white cassocks were secret fathers.

I wrote indisputably about Saint Lucian life—without having to attend a single press conference.

Then arrived the great white hope of recent politics, soon to become my special target. He started out well enough, with two, sometimes three, press meetings weekly.

But before long he decided it would be in his own best

interests to govern in the dark, with disastrous consequences.

Our earlier friendly relationship inevitably soured . . . The rest is recent history, familiar to most Saint Lucians.

To return to my point that serious and committed reporters need not rely on droppings from the mouths of politicians. There is no law that forces politicians to acknowledge the existence of newsmen. Compton was never a lover of the press. Neither Allen Louisy. Kenny Anthony loved only reporters that imagined him infallible.

For his own convenience Donald Trump is desperately seeking to make the American press “the enemy of the people.” Has that prevented America’s mainstream press from covering his activities, public and not so public? The world knows the answer!

Of course, we’ve also had front-line politicians who could not resist talking to the media.

The late George Odlum was one. Today, we have the sitting prime minister and his health minister, ever forthcoming. If only they would learn to answer with caution the laced questions (some might consider them silly opposition queries!) put to them by uncreative scoop-chasing reporters. As for my fellow scribes, if only they would quit griping and write . . . effectively!

Journalism is tough work demanding of a tough hide. It’s not for crybaby namby-pambies.

One more thing, Mr. Media Association President: Contrary to your Facebook assertion, there are no “Rick Waynes.”

There is just one Rick Wayne— and I have no doubt more than one politician daily thanks the Almighty for that!

16 LOCAL

august 18, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

When will Levern be given Due Respect?

O Levern Spencer: As if the rigours of training were not already hard enough, lately Saint Lucia’s leading athlete has had to suffer totally avoidable embarrassments not of her own making!

n August 2, Levern Spencer competed in the women's high jump finals at the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in Barranquilla, Colombia. She was the only jumper to clear 1.90m, and captured the gold medal. Eight days after her stellar performance, she travelled to Toronto, Canada to participate in the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) championships. There, she continued her dominant streak. The Caribbean's undisputed high jump queen was once again the only one to clear 1.91m on her way to claiming another gold. Second and third places went

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to two Americans: Elizabeth Patterson and Loretta Blaut. They cleared 1.88m and 1.82m respectively.

The three athletes took to the podium to receive their medals. After the bronze and silver medals had been handed out, it was Ms Spencer’s turn to receive her gold. As is customary at international sporting events, the winning country’s national anthem immediately precedes the placing of the champion’s medal. For many winning athletes, hearing their national anthem being played is an unforgettable experience.

However, when it came time to receive her gold medal, it was not 'Sons and Daughters,' that reached the ears of Saint Lucia’s pride and joy. Instead, what Levern and the sports world heard was the national anthem of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. A confused Levern tried unsuccessfully to alert the crew. Afterward, the event announcer apologized to the Saint Lucian star athlete for the mistake and for not having available her country’s national anthem.

Gregory Dixon, Levern's manager, spoke with the STAR about the incident: "It's not a very good situation. That's something, as an athlete, you always look forward to. Levern always looks forward to the opportunity to hear her national anthem.”

Mr. Dixon says that the President of NACAC, Victor Lopez, was contacted. "They've been written to by Mr. Alfred Emmanuel, General Secretary of the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee.

He expressed Levern's and Saint Lucia's disappointment to them."

By the NACAC president’s account, Canada has issued a formal apology in writing to the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, the Athletics Association, and to Levern.”

---JSA

324 dead and thousands homeless as worst flooding in 100 years hits India

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t least 324 people have died and more than 223,000 people have been rendered homeless and placed in relief camps after the worst floods in a century hit Kerala in India.

Since the monsoon began at the end of May, the state of Kerala has received 37% excess rain water. In some parts it has been in excess of 84%.

The unprecedented rains have led to 37 of the 42 dams in the state running over the dangers mark, with gates being opened to drain excess water from catchment areas. The waters released caused the rivers to flood the adjoining areas.

Hundreds of military personnel from the army, navy, air force and coast guard have been pressed into rescue and relief operations. They are being supported by hundreds from the National Disaster Response Force. Air force helicopters have been rescuing many from remote places.

Emergency services have been overwhelmed by the flooding, and local fishermen have come in to help, using their boats in urban areas to deliver relief material to those stuck.

Damage to the roads and highways is hampering relief operations while landslides have caused blockage. The rail networks have also been affected badly with many trains being cancelled.

Food, medicines and essential supplies are in shortage, particularly in remote areas.

Schools have been closed and some districts have banned tourists, citing safety concerns

The Indian Meteorological Department said heavy rains will continue, but the intensity has lessened slightly.

---SkyNews

THE STAR

august 18, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

TUE 21ST AUG 6:00PM

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18 comment

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august 18, 2018 THE STAR

VIVA FIDEL, VIVA JEUNESSE STE. LUCIE Ambassador, Jorge Soberon, acknowledged the support of Peter Josie the government of Saint Lucia in the completion of the process of granting the scholarships. Cuba, wo news items caught my it added, continued to strive attention this week. The to maintain the scholarship first was the awarding of programme. Some 560 Saint thirteen scholarships to young Lucians have graduated in Saint Lucians to study in Cuba. higher education centres in According to a release from the Cuba from the commencement Embassy of Cuba in Saint Lucia, of the programme in 1980. the scholarships to Saint Lucia George Odlum and I were the were finalized by the granting main light that opened the door of thirteen awards in the fields to Cuba. I was the first Saint of medicine, dentistry and Lucian after the revolution post-graduate medical studies. to visit Havana for a world The release said that the Saint conference of workers.

Lucian students signed the We are not aware that commitment to the code of there has been a press release ethics to be observed in the from the government of Saint Cuban higher education centres, Lucia indicating how much and received their scholarship money it spends to help these files. youngsters get to Cuba and The code of ethics the cost of sustaining them statement reminded me of the there for four years or more. late President Fidel Castro who An invitation from this writer would have been 92 on August to the Ministry of Education for 13. This is probably a good comment went unanswered. time to review Fidel’s life and The most charitable thing I can judge for ourselves what he say about that is, regardless of meant to Cuba, the Caribbean the minister in office, the result and the world. May he rest in would have been the same. peace! The Cuban embassy Another issue deserving release added that the Cuban some thought: When will Cuba-

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trained Saint Lucian doctors be required to sign contracts with the governments of Saint Lucia and Cuba that will obligate them to make free home visits to the sick and incapacitated in Saint Lucia? The period of such contracts of service to the poor and uninsured in Saint Lucia should be a matter for national debate.

Also: When will Saint Lucia emulate Cuba by sending doctors and dentists to help in developing countries? Shall we forever be at the receiving end of charity? Still on the issue of training, it may be time to more aggressively expand this island’s agriculture technology by closer co-operation with Cuban agriculturists.

Most worthy of mention in this dispatch: the excellent performance by the island’s under-fourteen football team in a regional tournament in the Dominican Republic. The national football association and its coaches must be commended for their efforts. By now everyone involved in the administration of football on the island knows how important it is to monitor progress in

Fidel Castro's legacy includes the continuing relationship between Cuba and Saint Lucia through education.

these youngsters—male and female—and to keep them constantly engaged. They must be kept in the spotlight until they graduate to the island’s national senior team or some

Flow awards School Scholarships

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professional team overseas.

I have not read an analysis of the below-par Saint Lucia team performance in the recently concluded Windward Islands Games at Vieux Fort. We seem

reluctant to review and analyze our performances in sports and arrive at what must be done to improve. I’ve seen the same reluctance in other spheres of local life. Some people avoid analysis because it exposes mistakes and weaknesses, which point fingers at individuals. And that, to some, must be avoided at all cost. This is precisely why it is necessary to review why Grenada and not Saint Lucia topped the inter-school tournament this year.

How can we improve if we don’t review?

I pray that this newspaper’s excellent sportswriter David Pascal will press the coaches of the Saint Lucia national school team for answers. In the meantime, we should show appreciation for the assistance the government of Cuba continues to offer in training and educating the youth of Saint Lucia. Fidel is dead, long live Fidel!

This year twenty-three students are benefitting from Flow’s 23-year-old scholarship programme.

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alf a dozen new secondary school students were presented with Flow Scholarships this past Wednesday at the telecommunication company’s headquarters in Corinth, Gros Islet. This brings the total of students on Flow Scholarships for 2018 to twenty-three, twenty-two at secondary school and one at the tertiary level.

Saint Lucia and the Caribbean’s leading telecommunications service provider has been giving scholarships to the children and wards of employees for 23 years. More than 100 students have benefitted from seven-year awards, and with this year's expenditure of EC$50,000, the total value of the programme is over $1 million.

Among the awardees this academic year is Zeke Louis who attained a Common Entrance examination score of 92%. Along with Anselm

R. Mathurin, Zeke will attend St. Mary’s College. Makellah Charles and Kaitlyn Alphonse will be going to St. Joseph's Convent. Eridania Mc Vane will start school at Leon Hess Comprehensive, and Tyler Zephirin will take up studies at Castries Comprehensive.

The 2018 Flow Scholarship Ceremony for secondary school recipients took place under the theme 'The Journey to Greatness Continues'. The feature speaker was long-time educator, former principal of Entrepot Secondary School, and former Chief Education Officer, Ms. Augusta Ifill, who spoke on the potential of technology.

Said Mrs. Ifill: "Technology has revolutionised the world, and is here to stay. You must choose to use it for the better.

It is up to us, the parents, to encourage our students to use their computers and cell phones to further their education, to go to educational websites

and develop themselves, because in everything there is potential for good and bad. Choose sites to enhance your learning. Whatever the subject—mathematics, English—there are resources out there. The phones etc. can enhance your learning process, or be a hindrance. It is up to you."

Awards and cheques were presented to students and parents.

Selection for the Flow Secondary Scholarship is based on Common Entrance Examination scores and the continued academic performance of the students over the course of their time at secondary school, combined with the job performance of their parents.

First established in 1995, the Flow Scholarship is a seven-year commitment to the recipients, inclusive of five years at secondary school and two years at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, whether their parents remain with the company or not.

THE STAR

august 18, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

health 19

KIM’S KORNER

Cricket, Lovely Cricket

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ricket is the world’s second most popular spectator sport after football. The first reference of cricket in the history books was of a game played by children in the south of England in 1598. It did not become inclusive of adults until the middle of the 17th century and was introduced to the British colonies in the 18th and 19th centuries. It became very popular in the West Indies, India, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa but it never really took off in Canada; it had to compete against baseball, and lost. Ironically, the first international cricket match was held in 1844 between Canada and USA, played at New York’s St Georges Cricket ground.

Up until 2003 the most popular formats of the game were 5-day test matches, 50 overs and ODI but that all changed with the introduction of the twenty20, a fast-paced cricket tournament lasting for about 3 hours. This new modern version of cricket brought a fresh new look to the game and, with it, new fans. The injuries, however, stayed the same.

This month sees the start of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) where teams throughout the Caribbean will be vying to take the Champions Trophy. Despite the changes to the format of the game, the acute and chronic injuries are the same. Below we look at the most common injuries and discuss treatment and prevention strategies.

Finger sprains and fractures: These can be caused by a direct strike from the ball or catching the hard ball incorrectly. To minimize risk of injury, batsmen and wicketkeepers should wear special gloves.

Shoulder Injuries: Cricket involves a lot of throwing and bowling and this can cause irritation of the rotator cuff leading to tendonitis, a common overuse injury. If left untreated, weakness may occur which makes the rotator cuff susceptible to tears. Tears can also occur with a forceful movement or a fall onto the shoulder.

Another common problem is shoulder impingement

syndrome, which is commonly known as swimmer’s shoulder.

Pain is felt in the shoulder when the space between the head of the humerus and top of the scapula narrows, putting pressure on the tendons at the top of the shoulder when the arm is raised above the head.

If you have ever focused on bowlers, you will understand why they are susceptible to this condition.

To prevent shoulder injuries, pay attention to your exercise programme and make sure you include shoulder flexibility, strength and endurance training. Spending time on your throwing and bowling technique is also imperative, as is having a strong core and good posture.

The stronger your core and back, the less force you have to put through your shoulder.

Medial Meniscus tear: The meniscus is a horseshoeshaped cartilage padding that sits on top of the femur to provide increased support and cushioning. All the twists and turns in cricket put this structure under a lot of pressure and tears can occur.

Strengthening the muscles of the hip and knee is the key in minimising the risk of injury.

Hamstring strain: Cricket often requires sudden, explosive movements, such as diving for a ball, the run-up in bowling and sprinting between the wickets. These sudden movements can strain the hamstring. Depending on the severity of the injury it can be graded as a minor strain, a partial tear or full tear.

Prevention involves a good warm-up and adequate rest to avoid over-bowling.

If you do sustain an injury, it should heal within six weeks but if you return to play too early and/or without sufficient rehabilitation, the problem may recur.

Ankle sprain: Sprained ankles are common in many sports and cricket is no exception, especially among bowlers.

Rapid changes of direction, uneven surfaces and even stepping on the ball can contribute to ankle injuries.

Ankle sprains are also graded I, II or III: simple sprains may just

need rest and ice but signs of swelling and bruising may indicate more serious damage and may require a period of up to six weeks rest and rehabilitation.

Taping, strapping and bracing all help to protect the ankle from undue stress and sudden movements. It is always important, however, to remember your strengthening and balancing exercises, especially if you do decide to step on the ball.

Bumps and bruises: These can happen either because of collision with another player, a sharp dive to the ground or, most commonly, by a direct hit from the ball. Like sprains, these can be graded I, II, or III, with III being the most serious.

With grade III contusions, bruising and swelling are obvious and, in some cases, there may even be an underlying fracture; these may require physiotherapy to rehabilitate the muscle and regain strength.

Wearing protective clothing/equipment like helmets, gloves, pads and the infamous box will help to minimize the risk of serious injury.

Thrower’s elbow: Also known as golfer’s elbow, or by its technical name of medial epicondylitis, this is an overuse injury. Pain starts on the inside of the elbow and is caused by inflammation of the tendons from the constant flexion and extension at the elbow when throwing the ball. The best treatment is ice and rest but failure to take the right course of action can lead to more serious problems and, in severe cases, surgery may be indicated.

To prevent this type of injury, ensure you include stretching, strengthening and endurance work for the elbow and wrist. At the first sign of symptoms, rest and use ice.

Low back pain: Any cricketer can suffer from low back pain, the same as anybody else, but it is more common in fast bowlers. The fast, repetitive action and the force with which they release the ball can put excessive stress on the discs, ligaments, muscles or facet joints of the lower back. Quite often these bowlers will present with stress fractures which can be very painful and take a long time to heal.

Prevent this type of injury by ensuring that good form is adopted during training sessions. The excessive bending backwards (hyperextension) and side bending can put stress on the soft tissue and vertebrae, so adding a good strengthening programme and core exercises can help. Some bowlers find that wearing shock-absorbing insoles also helps. Heat to soothe the muscles and muscle spasms may help reduce your back pain.

Take rest of about six weeks, with a graduated exercise plan, to ensure that when training resumes, the back is able to take the strain of bowling.

So, for those of you who enjoy getting out there and putting your skills to the test, I hope these tips keep you in good shape. And for the rest of you, enjoy watching the fast-paced and colourful CPL20 – keeping an eye open for those potential injuries of your favourite players. Howzat!!!!

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

Star players such as Daren Sammy know the value of fitness and take care not to invite injuries that could keep them off the field for days on end, if not properly treated.

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20 local

CARPHA Concludes Risk of Getting Zika in the Caribbean is now Low

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he Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has concluded that Zika virus transmission in the Caribbean region has been interrupted, and that the risk to residents and visitors to the region of acquiring Zika is low. This follows a review by CARPHA of the data of the last 30 months pertinent to the situation.

Zika Virus (ZIKV) was first detected in the Caribbean region in late 2015. The number of cases increased in the first half of 2016 and reached peak circulation in August 2016, and then declined rapidly by December 2016.

Before, during and after the introduction of the virus, CARPHA has been conducting surveillance and laboratory testing activity for ZIKV and has worked assiduously with its 26 CARPHA Member States (CMS) and partners to strengthen the ability to detect and diagnose cases; to enhance the capacity to reduce transmission of this and other vector-borne diseases; and to improve co-ordination and use of information for prevention.

Ongoing surveillance and laboratory testing in CMS indicate that the epidemic circulation of ZIKV has been interrupted in Caribbean territories. This is based on

august 18, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

vigilance of health and disease trends and risks for residents and visitors in the region.

CARPHA continues to work closely with other public health partners including US CDC, PAHO/WHO, tourism organisations, and public health agencies in Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union to find innovative ways of mosquito control including behaviour change communication and research.

While there is a significantly reduced number of Zika

Working alongside CMS, cases, CARPHA is still encouraging people to be CARPHA will support vector careful. control activities and educate congruency of data available past 12 months. the public to protect the health from several sources and • CARPHA has reached out of all within their borders. on experience of previous to international public health There is a need to strengthen outbreaks of mosquito-borne agencies, including the Public surveillance in member states, viral diseases in the region: Health Agency of Canada set up registries for babies • Local surveillance (PHAC) and the European affected in the 2016 epidemic, in member states has Centres for Disease Control enhance laboratory testing demonstrated both a decrease (eCDC), for information on cases capacity, document the findings in general fever-related illness of ZIKV in travellers returning of countries to ensure evidenceas well as a specific absence of from the Caribbean to Canada based policy and practice, ZIKV reports over the past year. and Europe respectively. and look at ways to deal with • CARPHA Regional

The data shared indicate climate-sensitive, mosquitoLaboratory continues to test a similar pattern to that seen borne diseases. samples for mosquito-borne in our regional data—a drastic

As CARPHA works towards disease, including ZIKV, Dengue decrease from a high-point in the elimination of the vector virus (DENV) and Chikungunya 2016, to sporadic cases in the and their breeding sites, virus (CHIKV). These tests immediate aftermath and no it encourages visitors and have shown the drastic cases this year. residents to protect themselves decrease from the peak of ZIKV CARPHA advises that there from mosquito bites by using circulation in 2016 to a situation is still a need to be vigilant insect repellents, wearing where no cases of ZIKV have given the ongoing risk for protective clothing and staying been confirmed among samples mosquito-borne diseases. The in screened or air-conditioned received from any CMS over the Agency maintains continuous accommodations.

JARED SAYS, “EVERYBODY MUST WORK”

Jared hopes to inspire youngsters, like his students, with his

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he latest single release from Gospel Rap/Hip Hop artiste Jared is titled ‘Work’.

This single is targeting the youth as Jared proposes to encourage them to work on all aspects of their lives to achieve success. Whether trying to achieve greatness in finances, physical health and fitness, emotional battles and even their spiritual lives, they must Work at it.

Being a professional teacher at one of the leading primary schools in Saint Lucia, Jared is very concerned about the increased apathy pervading the youth, which is clearly exemplified in their increased involvement in criminality, decreased

productivity levels and a lack of full participation in church life or commitment to God. He therefore urges his listeners to Work.

The song sets out to encapsulate the teaching enshrined in Proverbs, chapter 12, verse 24 which avers that “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labour”.

The other scripture noted

by Jared which this song brought to his mind at the time of composition is quoted from 1Timothy, chapter 5; verse 18: “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives and especially for their own household has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

This new track was written

by Jared, produced by LND and mixed and mastered by Cory Raggie of The Air Born Academy.

This young and talented gospel artiste hopes that the listening public will embrace the message in this new song and be stimulated to get a grip on their lives. The lyrics offer varying perspectives on the concept of “work”, and the hope is that listeners will become agents of change in their communities.

“Work” is available on YouTube, Sound Cloud and other social media platforms.

Applications for the UK Government’s prestigious Chevening Scholarships now open

A

pplications for Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK are open between 6 August and 6 November 2018, with applications to be submitted via www.chevening. org/apply. Also offered is a Fellowship in conjunction with the British Library. Applications are invited from Barbados and the independent countries of the Eastern Caribbean.

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals with demonstrable leadership potential who also have strong academic backgrounds. The scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university whilst also gaining access

to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional and cultural experiences.

Over the last 35 years, 50,000 outstanding professionals have had the opportunity to develop in the UK through Chevening.

There are more than 1,500 scholarships on offer globally for the 2019/2020 academic year, demonstrating the UK’s ongoing commitment towards developing the leaders of tomorrow.

Janet Douglas, High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, said: "We are looking for ambitious, professional, forward-thinking leaders from any walk of life.

There is no such thing as a

“typical” Chevening scholar, but one thing that all of our previous scholars have in common is that they were bold enough to step forward and apply.

"If you are chosen for Chevening, you will receive a first-rate UK education which can open doors in your career. You will also become part of the global Chevening Alumni network full of dynamic influencers who have shared the same experience as you will, and can offer mentorship, advice and contacts.

"There is a lot to potentially gain from submitting a thoughtful application so if you or someone you know has what it takes to be a Chevening

scholar, I would encourage you to apply before the 6 November deadline."

Chevening’s Head of Programme Management, Louise Thomson, said: "Chevening allows you to explore whatever you’re passionate about. You can choose from over 12,000 master’s courses at over 150 different higher education institutions. UK institutions consistently rank highly in global university rankings so be prepared for an academically challenging and fulfilling experience. However, the UK is a classroom like no other—you will learn so much outside of the classroom simply by interacting with people from

all over the world, travelling around the UK in your spare time, and getting involved in the communities you live in.

"Chevening organises an exclusive programme of events and activities, enabling you to experience Britain’s heritage and history, discuss international policy, and interact with thought leaders at a range of academic, cultural, and social events.

"Recently, scholars have visited 10 Downing Street in London, faced history at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, climbed Mount Snowdon in Wales, stood pitchside at Old Trafford in Manchester, and witnessed the beauty of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern

Ireland. Some have even visited Hogwarts at the film studio where the Harry Potter films were shot.

"With so much to learn and achieve, a year goes by in a flash. During this time, your academic knowledge deepens, your networks expand, and your ambitions evolve, leaving you motivated and better equipped to return home and achieve your dreams.’

Previous successful applicants have been sharing their stories through the #ChosenForChevening hashtag on Twitter and Instagram.

Visit www.chevening.org/ apply/guidance for detailed information on the eligibility criteria and scholarship specifications.

THE STAR AUGUST 18, 2018

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www.stluciastar.com

21

Rodney Bay, Now and Then

A place to come home to

By J. Wynner NOW: 2017

C

hange is inevitable.

Time takes care of the transformation.

Travelling back to Saint Lucia in mid-2017, and in particular to Rodney Bay which I called home for four and a half years from 1998 to 2003, I found, not too far from where I used to live, where once was the Triangle restaurant, an open concrete space where a few locals get together to play board games. And opposite, the Lime restaurant, the hub of activity in the area, no longer existed. Where the building once stood had reverted to a mini grassland, and you stared at a barren landscape devoid of the liveliness and gaiety once generated there; the place was “dead out” as Trinidadians say.

Instead, all the hustle and bustle was at the other end of the road, highway-side in the vicinity of the JQ Mall, and the new (to me) spanking, colossal

mall opposite JQ.

Even the hills across the highway looking out to sea seemed to have more concrete than trees. The very first time I saw those hills few structures were there but on the second visit, about a year later, I found the hills transformed; so many homes had sprung up there.

Yes, time changes even places, too! But in the residential area, time seemed to have stood still; it was just as I remembered it.

The place now, as it was then, is very near and dear to my heart.

I remember how sad I was to be leaving and made a record of it then: THEN: 2003 Soon we’d be leaving. But oh boy, how I’d miss this place that has been home for the last four and a half years! It is already turning to dusk. It is quiet now.

I particularly love this hour of the day. I can barley discern the outline of the coconut branches and terracotta shingled roofs on the opposite shore. Neither can

I make out their condominiums’ ‘tom thumb’ lawns, exquisitely etched with crotons, palms and ferns. I would have to wait until morning to see the blazing red shrub, the name of which I do not know. Those cabin cruisers and speedboats, which were out for the day, have already been hosed down and moored to their respective quays for the night.

In the early evening pale, the water acquires the appearance of a frosty windowpane. The lights along the pier are already on.

The few regular yachts fastened to their buoys remain in darkness. ‘La Mauny’ was already anchored in the bay when we came to live at Admirals Quay in Rodney Bay, which is connected to the marina by a small, narrow channel. Above the whir of the ceiling fan in my living room, which opens out on to the bay, I can hear the hiccups of her dinghy as the boatman stirs up her outboard. “Need some last-minute stores,” I mused.

Only ‘La Mauny’ sometimes has light.

Come mid-December the bay takes on a twenty-four hour gala atmosphere. If you think this enigma of a place, Rodney Bay, a hub of excitement in the off-season, wait until the beginning of the tourist season and the arrival of the first of the yachts participating in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, popularly known as the ARC. Then, it’s open throttle as the entire place goes into full revelry. Besides the Rodney Bay and west coast ferries shuttling passengers right past our patio to and from Pigeon Island, the bay would be deluged with vessels, ensigns astern from all corners of the world.

But, Rodney Bay is not only about the bay and the marina. Hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, nightclubs, and pubs. Two new malls, and a medical centre also share this former vermin-ridden swampland. People also have their homes on Reduit Drive, Flamboyant Drive, Palm Drive,

Almond Drive, Orange Crescent, Cashew Drive, Cordia Place and Jacaranda Drive, which are all the streets in this quiet, upscale neighbourhood. But twenty something years later, some tiny creatures still abound.

A bat guards my bedroom window. The first encounter was frightful. Seeing it in the wee hours of the morning through the open louvers wiped the remaining sleep right out of my eye. Why it did not enter the room, I would never know, but I am grateful. We have now grown accustomed to each other, and I sleep with batman or batlady hanging-out outside my closed louvers.

Beautiful Rodney bay and Reduit beach with its ecru shoreline bordered by renowned Pigeon Island, one of Saint Lucia’s cherished national landmarks to the north, and Reduit Point to the south provides one of the loveliest and safest beaches in the Caribbean, and is always heavily populated with tourist as well as locals.

Across the road from the bay, suburbia Rodney Heights is one of those elevated Lucian suburbs from which you can look the sunset square in the eye. The homes of the well-off residents, constructed amidst once luxuriant hillside, offer a stunning view of the bay and marina. Meanwhile, a stone’s throw away, down in the flat, along Reduit Drive the evening stirs.

As the stars come out, the transient population wanders; groups huddle here and there reviewing the night’s menus posted outside various dining places, while others check out the pubs and nightclubs.

Later on, as the excited flock mosey the area to implement their evening’s plan, the streets become charged, echoing with the bouncy sounds; songs of the island at the Lime and Triangle Pub junction—Saint Lucia’s answer to Barbados’ celebrated liming spot, St. Lawrence Gap on the Maxwell coast. But unlike St. Lawrence Gap, Rodney Bay is also a place to come home to.

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AUGUST 18, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Heineken Green Synergy Continues to Amplify The Beat!

I

t was an electrifying and exciting launch last Sunday August 12 for the 2018 edition of Heineken Green Synergy, one of the longest running DJ competitions in the region.

The event has evolved into more than just a DJ competition; it is now the most sought after summer-long interactive musical experience, bringing together fans and consumers all over the island for an eclectic

mix of music and high-level fun and entertainment.

Sunday was no different, as the 2018 Heineken Green Synergy launch successfully drew a large audience to the Rudy John Beach Park in Laborie. Patrons were entertained by DJs and live performers including past Heineken Green Synergy competition DJs: Twinz of Twinz, 2016 Skills Champion T

Boog, DJ Chubby and SwallEye. Sir Lancealot also got the crowd going while the 2018 Road March winners Nasis & Krome, alongside Keenan, had the crowd fully entertained.

Soca star Sedale closed off the performance segment with a thrilling high-energy performance.

Moving forward, Heineken Green Synergy this year will feature the Green Synergy Green Synergy launched with a bang this year and is expected to be even more exciting in the coming weeks.

Beatz Series with a total of ten bars across the island.

At these events, clash DJs will vie for a spot in the semi-finals as well as the opportunity to win EC$1,000 in cash and prizes each night.

For the skills competition, DJs are being asked to submit a video recording of a 10-minute demo to greensynergycompetition@gmail.com for a place in the semi-finals.

The semi-finals of the 2018 Heineken Green Synergy DJ Competition will be held on September 9 at The Base (Kaka Bef) in Vieux Fort, while the grand finals will be held on September 23 at Fond D’or, Dennery.

Last year’s winner, X Factor, is expected to defend his title this year. Over EC$25,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs.

Follow all the Heineken Green Synergy action, and win prizes, too, on the Facebook page; share your amplified moments using “#Green Synergy” as we “#Amplify the Beat” once again. And remember to enjoy Heineken Responsibly!

Forecasters downgrade hurricane season predictions

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ow that we’re mid-way through hurricane season, forecasters are dialing back their predictions.

The 2018 hurricane season started a little early with a late May tropical storm and a couple of hurricanes in early July. The last, Hurricane Chris, swirled along the East Coast July 6-12.

This spring, the hurricane scientists at Colorado State University predicted a slightly above average season, with 14 named storms. They forecast seven of them to become hurricanes, with three of the seven reaching major hurricane strength.

But changing water and atmosphere conditions prompted them to scale back their predictions recently.

They now call for 11 named storms, four hurricanes and only one major hurricane.

So why did we go from an above average tropical storm season to a below average tropical storm season? Parts of the Atlantic Ocean have been experiencing cooling waters, which means less fuel for tropical storms.

A weaker El Nino has also been predicted. This means equatorial Pacific and Western Caribbean waters will not be warmer than normal. Back in April, when the forecasters released their first predictions, El Nino was expected to be stronger. El Nino forecasts are much more difficult to make in late spring, but late summer and early fall El Nino predictions tend to be more accurate, hence the updated hurricane forecast.

This is good news for those living in US coastal areas, although they still have to keep their eyes on the tropics through the end of the season in November.

The latest named Atlantic Ocean storm, Ernesto, is headed northeast across the Atlantic and is expected to bring heavy rain and wind to Ireland over the weekend.

---KTBS 3 (ABC News)

THE STAR

august 18, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

Mercury Fest Raised Weekend Heatwave Temperatures!

W

hile congratulating each other with continuous clapping, members of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Epic Events and other entities involved in the execution of Mercury Fest emphasized on Wednesday how proud it made everyone feel that the event was exclusively local.

Mercury Fest, on August 10-11, is the reincarnation of Mercury Beach, originally a Martiniquan event that was held in Saint Lucia for the last four years. When the promoter demanded this year from the Saint Lucian government half a million dollars in sponsorship, the local tourism authorities “knew we had to do something”. With the support of “the motor behind everything”—Minister for Tourism Dominic Fedee—and the formation of Epic Events three months ago especially for the inaugural Mercury Fest, Tiffany Howard (currently the acting chairperson of the SLHTA until Nicholas John takes his position) announced: “This has really saved our summer. All of the hotels, especially the ones in the north, can tell you they were full for the entire weekend. But it wasn’t just a hotel win, it was a win across the island: the restaurants, tours, attractions, everyone!”

Preliminary accounts from the SLTA, based on interviews with arrivals, say a total of 2,288 visited with only Mercury Fest on their minds. The breakdown included 114 from France and 111 from Dominica. The majority, 2,020, came from across the northern channel in Martinique, despite Bacchanal Fest being hosted there at the same time as Mercury Fest. Approximately 4,000 people attended the Popcaan show on Saturday. Nevertheless, the SLTA acknowledged that in 2015 and 2016, the numbers for Mercury Beach were higher.

For an investment of $300,000 from the Saint Lucian government, Minister Fedee said, “The return is phenomenal for us.” That, while also admitting there had never been a mechanism by which to determine returns on investment. Organisers also insisted that apart from the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, who invested $25,000 in Mercury Fest from the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Gros Islet vendors are really the ones smiling all the way to the bank. Jacintha Annius Lee, general manager of the National Conservation Authority, said vendors reported they had never had as many visitors attending the legendary Gros Islet Street Party.

Added Lee: “For the first time we had a promoter taking care of the beach. There was some negative publicity with respect to litter but I can testify that Epic Events took care of that in quick time.” Moreover: “There was an event subsequent to Mercury Fest and although the organisers did clean afterward, some people lingered and littered the beach after the cleanup.”

As for the immediate future of Mercury Fest, an Epic Events spokesperson said, “The plan next year is to not just focus on the French territories but also on the wider Caribbean; Trinidad, St. Vincent, Barbados. I think there is the potential to make this thing epic.”

According to Minister Fedee, Martinique may be Saint Lucia’s fourth largest tourism market, represented by about 35,000 tourists a year; about 50% of total Caribbean visitors. “The demand for Saint Lucia in Martinique was very strong. We should be confident to give our commitment now to Epic that we will be sponsoring again next year.”

---Claudia Eleibox

Mercury Fest in its early hours last weekend, before some 4,000 funseekers took over Pigeon Point.

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AUGUST 18, 2018

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entertainment

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An Asteroid Named Aretha The Queen of Soul’s legacy can be found even among the cosmos activist Malala Yousafzai.

Even though 249516 Aretha was first detected in 2001, it was not formally designated an asteroid until February 2010. To determine if a space rock is indeed an asteroid, astronomers must observe it dozens of times to figure out its orbit and other properties. After that, discoverers like Mainzer are free to submit potential names to the Minor Planet Center, the global organization that collects observational data for all known and suspected asteroids and comets. The names are then judged and chosen by a 15-person committee at the Aretha Franklin, who died on Thursday, has a International Astronomical namesake in the heavens.

Union.

249516 Aretha measures n 2001, Aretha Franklin took asked the crowd to sing along two to three kilometers, or less the stage at Radio City Music with her at Radio City, no one than two miles, across. It orbits Hall in New York City. She would dare; she was met with between Mars and Jupiter, one wore a bleach-white jumpsuit “complete silence,” according to of hundreds of thousands of and feather boa, her hair teased a New York Times review of the known asteroids that reside up in her trademark style, glossy 2001 performance. between the two planets. It as obsidian. A guitar twanged

The asteroid population takes about five and a half over the cheers of a packed kind of needed it, too. The first years to make one trip around house. “What is that, Teddy?” asteroids to be discovered, in the sun.

Franklin said, addressing her the early 1800s, were named

The most recent son, the evening’s guitarist. for figures in Roman and observations of 249516 Aretha “Play that riff again. We all Greek mythology. As more have been made by the Panknow that, don’t we?” They did, were found, astronomers STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii, and as the Queen of Soul broke began naming the space rocks which scans the night sky into “Chain of Fools,” the crowd after themselves, and then for near-Earth objects like rose to their feet and clapped after famous individuals in asteroids and comets. Rob their hands sore. culture, science, art, music, and Weryk, a postdoctoral fellow

Several months later, a literature. In those times, all of at the University of Hawaii, is telescope in Mexico City spotted these fields were dominated by in charge of sorting through its a tiny pinprick of light in the sky men, so women working and data. I contacted Weryk after during its nightly observations. contributing to the same arenas the news of Franklin’s death

These events, of course, were overlooked. broke, and he combined several had nothing to do with each

This is what led Amy observations of 249516 Aretha, other. But their stories would Mainzer, an astronomer captured in July 2016, to create align nearly 15 years later. The at NASA’s Jet Propulsion the GIF. 249516 Aretha is a point of light turned out to be Laboratory, to start naming fuzzy speck of light, moving an asteroid, and astronomers asteroids after women. “My across a tapestry of stars. decided to name it for the postdoctoral fellow Dr. Carrie

In 2007, on the 40th singer: 249516 Aretha.

Nugent brought to my attention anniversary of the release of

To have an asteroid named the fact that although many “Respect,” an NPR segment after you is an honor, but asteroids have been named, declared that the record had Franklin, who died Thursday very few have been named “arrived with an impact of of pancreatic cancer at the to honor the contributions of an asteroid.” What a suitable age of 76, already had plenty women (and particularly women metaphor, when you leave of those. The legendary singer of color),” Mainzer wrote in the dinosaurs out of it. Aretha had accumulated, over a a blog post in 2015. Mainzer Franklin was a force, in music career spanning five decades, leads the NEOWISE mission, and beyond, in the cultural and more than 100 singles on the which uses an Earth-orbiting social movements for which her Billboard charts, 18 Grammy space telescope to search lyrics provided the soundtrack.

Awards, and numerous other for asteroids and comets. In She completely shook the accolades. The state of addition to Franklin, Mainzer landscape, fusing gospel, blues, Michigan, where Franklin grew has named asteroids after the and pop in a way no one had up, had her voice designated civil-rights activist Rosa Parks, ever done before—and hasn’t a “natural resource.” That the abolitionists Sojourner Truth since. voice was powerful, velvety, and Harriet Tubman, and the unmatched. When Franklin Nobel Peace Prize–winning ---The Atlantic

I

FUEL SURCHARGE COST ADJUSTMENT Applied to Bills for August 2018

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

Current price of fuel EC$ 8.1655 / gallon

Average price for 2017 EC$ 6.2342 / gallon

Amount of fuel used (July 2018) 1,739,842 gallons

Cost of 1,739,842 gallons at EC$ 8.1655 per gallon EC$ 14,206,680

Cost of 1,739,842 gallons at EC$6.2342 per gallon EC$ 10,846,523

Current cost of fuel less cost at base price EC$ 3,360,157

Electricity Sales (July 2018) 30,490,370 units 3,360,157 Fuel Surcharge Cost Adjustment: ----------------- x 100 11.0 cents / unit 30,490,370 2018 Tariff FSCA Cost Rates per Electrical Unit EC$ EC$ EC$ Domestic 1-180 0.680 0.110 0.790 >180 0.730 0.110 0.840

Commercial/Hotel/Industrial Low Tension all units 0.830 0.110 0.940

High Tension all units 0.790 0.110 0.900

Streetlighting all units 0.825 0.110 0.935

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

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

Ian Peter Chief Financial Officer

THE WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY INC. (WASCO)

NOTICE

JANITORIAL SEVICES The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) wishes to invite eligible bidders to offer Janitorial Services to the Company. Interested Companies/ bidders are required to submit their sealed bid(s) by 12:00 Noon on Friday August 31st, 2018 at the Company L’Anse Road Office.

Interested bidders are asked to visit WASCO’s website at www.wascosaintlucia. com, or the Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) Website at www.govt.lc or the National Printing Corporation (NPC) website at www.slugovprintery.com for Request For Proposal (RFP) and Terms of Reference (TOR), or a hard copy of the documents may be collected at the Water and Sewerage Company’s L’Anse Road office.

All bids should be addressed to: Mr. Trevor Jn Paul Maintenance Supervisor Water and Sewerage Company Inc. L’Anse Road, Castries

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AUGUST 18, 2018 THE STAR

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The Roundup on ‘ROUNDUP’ R

ecently, agro-chemical giant, Roundup, a subsidiary of the Bayer company, was ordered to pay $289 million in damages to a Californian groundskeeper, Mr. Dwayne Johnson. This landmark case was the first time that the company was ever taken to trial with the claim that Roundup caused Mr. Johnson to contract nonHodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that affects the blood cells.

In the trial, it was noted that a number of independent investigations from the scientific community made linkages to glyphosate (the scientific name) but these studies have been buried by the company through bullying and political lobbying.

Several health and

Does it kill more than just weeds?

regulatory companies had insisted that there were no linkages to glyphosate and cancer, and the herbicide was registered in 130 countries and approved for use on more than 100 crops. However, in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that glyphosate was “probably carcinogenic to

humans”. This would explain why Mr. Johnson is the first man to take the company to court.

In his line of work as a groundskeeper, Mr. Johnson was required to use Roundup to control weeds on school grounds, this would involve using the product sometimes

several hours a day, and while he used protective gear, he was still exposed to the chemicals due to “drift”.

What caught my attention to this case was the very fact that Roundup was an essential part of our farmers practices. At the height of the agricultural industry, thousands of farmers were exposed to this chemical on a regular basis and oftentimes without the appropriate protective gear. It begs me to wonder how many farmers’ health was impacted by this chemical or how many lives have been lost as a result of the constant use of these harsh chemicals.

While our farmers are becoming more knowledgeable in safer, organic approaches to their pest problems, policy

The distraction of Walcott vs Naipaul

By Nicholas Loughlin

T

he day before the start of the Calabash Literary Festival, the sky above Treasure Beach, Jamaica, was rent by the blades of a descending helicopter. Which writer merited a whisking-in by air, avoiding the hours-long drive from Kingston? Perhaps a Nobel laureate? Later one of the organisers crisply denied the rumour: "We did not fly in Derek Walcott by chopper."

Walcott was the headline act at Calabash 2008. The festival had wooed him for years, and the crowd was abuzz with anticipation.

He can be prickly at public appearances. Would Walcott behave himself? Would he say something rude? At high noon on a sweltering Saturday, hundreds packed the Calabash tent. Not a whisper of breeze came off the sea behind the stage as Walcott eased himself into an armchair to be interviewed by the Jamaican poet Kwame Dawes. Walcott was at first only mildly prickly, speaking about art, film, Paul Simon's music. He read a handful of new poems. So far so good.

Then he came to his final selection, a poem called The Mongoose. "I debated whether to read this here," Walcott said. "You'll recognise Mr Naipaul."

Uh-oh. As Daniel Trilling

reported, there followed "a fast-paced, savagely humorous demolition of Naipaul's work and personality", composed in rhyming couplets and spiced with vitriol of the highest proof.

Walcott touched on Naipaul's sexual peccadilloes and his supposed racism; he even mocked a photo once circulated

by Naipaul's publishers: "to show its kindness it clutches a kitten / that looks as though it's scared of being bitten".

"How long before this makes the headlines?" a friend asked afterwards. The press was scooped by the Jamaican writer Annie Paul, who blogged about the event next day. As she noted, The Mongoose was surely "payback" for Naipaul's latest book, A Writer's People, the opening chapter of which praises Walcott's earliest poems, only to condemn him in tones of deceptive gentleness as "a man whose talent had been all but strangled by his colonial setting".

Walcott and Naipaul have long been considered the opposing poles of West Indian literature. Near contemporaries, born on islands a few hundred miles apart, they both decided early - influenced by fathers who died young - on literary careers. Walcott was the prompter prodigy, selfpublishing his first book of poems at 18, encouraged by mentors like the Barbadian poet Frank Collymore. But Naipaul, leaving Trinidad on a

scholarship to Oxford, was the first to enjoy a London publisher and an international reputation.

Their paths crossed over the years, and in 1965 Walcott even interviewed Naipaul for the Trinidad Guardian - an awkward encounter. But they were never quite friends, and at a glance the thrusts of their writing could not look more different.

Walcott celebrates the landscape and people of the Caribbean, imagining new metaphors for the "green world" of the islands; Naipaul exposes the absurdities and hypocrisies of post-colonial societies with an honesty that can feel cruel.

Walcott charts the sunlit "New Aegean" of the Antilles; Naipaul gropes through Third World "areas of darkness". Walcott the hopeful lyricist; Naipaul the harsh satirist. (Never mind that Walcott's poems of the 70s can sound a despair as dark as anything in Naipaul; or that the nickname he invented for his opposite, "V S Nightfall", harks back to the title of "What the Twilight Says", Walcott's bittersweet essay on the plight of the Caribbean artist.)

In the fame-and-fortune race, Naipaul long ran ahead.

Not until Walcott moved to the US in the 1980s did he have a truly international profile. It must have been a blow to Naipaul when his rival won the Nobel prize first, in 1992. But the cold war between them was already escalated in 1987 by Walcott's review of Naipaul's book The

Enigma of Arrival. "The myth of Naipaul . . . has long been a farce," he wrote. "That self-disfiguring sneer that is praised for its probity is only that." (Readers may notice how "The Mongoose" echoes the language of this earlier piece.) Naipaul waited 20 years to strike back in A Writer's People - who knew mongooses were so patient? At 78, Walcott clearly did not wish to delay the next round.

The pity is that The Mongoose has overshadowed the rest of Calabash 08, which included top-notch Jamaican writers such as Lorna Goodison, Erna Brodber, and Margaret Cezair-Thompson reading to an avid home audience. Thomas Glave opened the programme with a forceful and moving denunciation of Jamaican homophobia and the poets Aracelis Girmay, Jackie Kay and Kei Miller electrified their audience at a reading that brought tears to the eyes of many (myself included).

The Mongoose may end up as a footnote in literary history, in the chapter titled Feuds, but it's those three poets reading like incandescent angels on a hot Sunday afternoon that are burned in my memory. I'll take angels over mongooses any day.

--- The Guardian First published 2008

approaches and regulations have not forced them towards these alternatives. Commercial products, such as Roundup, still sit prominently on many of the shelves of our agricultural suppliers.

Furthermore, the risks are not only borne by our farmers but also by ourselves as consumers. Glyphosate has now been tested and found in a number of foods in the global market. Without the capabilities to test the agricultural produce that goes into our food supply, how can we ensure that we are not feeding cancer-causing foods to our citizens? Even in the aftermath of this case, and with many developed countries like Switzerland, Portugal and the Netherlands completely banning glyphosate, a quart

of Roundup goes for about $37- $40 if you include VAT. So it begs the question: How much more would it take to ban Roundup from our shelves?

---Keithlin Caroo Helen’s Daughters Helen's Daughters is a Saint Lucian non-profit with a special focus on rural women’s economic development through improved market access, adaptive agricultural techniques, and capacitybuilding. It was formed in 2016 in a winning proposal for UN Women’s Empower Women Champions for Change Program.

Ti J’s Ultra Mart takes action on plastic shopping bags

T

i J’s Ultramart has announced its intention to start the shift to managing single-use shopping bags offered within its operations. The supermarket, which has four outlets, three of which are in Castries, says the decision is because Ti J’s stores is concerned about environmental issues including the impact on sea creatures which form the basis of financial sustenance of local fisheries.

As a means of encouraging customers to eliminate single use plastic, the company will offer a range of incentives during the months of August, September and October. Following this, a plastic charge of ten cents will be effected by Ti J stores.

Ti J’s Communications Officer, Ketisha Leon says, “It is not our intention to reap any financial benefit gain from this initiative. Therefore where any surplus is generated we will reinvest it into more efforts to reduce the impact of plastic waste on our society. The only benefit we seek is to help our society towards a cleaner and safer environment.”

Ti J’s Ultramart says the company is proud to do this voluntarily and not wait for

government to legislate this practice, which is now the trend in many parts of the world. More than 30 countries and 18 states in the USA have some form of voluntary or regulatory approach to restricting the use of single-use plastic bags. The most common regulatory approach is a direct pointof-sale charge on plastic bags. In many countries, new industries in reusable bags have been established, thereby creating jobs.

Plastic bags are a convenient way to carry groceries and they have become a big part of our everyday lives. However, we tend not to think about the consequences if they end up in the wrong place.

All the scientific evidence is highlighting the presence of plastic at all levels of the food chain. Plastic bags have one of the biggest adverse impacts on our environment—and particularly on our marine environment and fauna.

When plastic bags get into the waterways and marine environment, animals like sea turtles and sea birds can ingest, or become entangled in them.

THE STAR

THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE (MATRIMONIAL DIVISION)

SAINT LUCIA CLAIM NO. SLUHMT2018/0117

IN THE MATTER of Divorce Proceedings by THERESA AUGUSTIN

THOMAS for the Dissolution of her marriage with LLOYD ERROL SIMMONS.

AND IN THE MATTER of an Application for Leave to present a Petition

for Divorce before the expiration of five (5) years from the date of marriage.

BETWEEN:

CLASSIFIED 27

www.stluciastar.com

AUGUST 18, 2018

AND IN THE MATTER of the Divorce Act and the Divorce Rules Chapter 4.03 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia 2013.

THERESA AUGUSTIN THOMAS Proposed Petitioner and LLOYD ERROL SIMMONS

Proposed Respondent TO: LLOYD ERROL SIMMONS -The Proposed Respondent -NOTICE OF DIVORCE PROCEEDINGSTAKE NOTICE that Divorce Proceedings have been commenced against you The Respondent in the High Court of Justice Saint Lucia by The Petitioner THERESA AUGUSTIN THOMAS. AND IT has been ordered by the High Court that service of the Originating Summons on Application for Leave to present a Petition for Divorce before the expiration of five (5) years from the date of marriage, all Ancillary Applications and all other documents within the action herein be effected on you by the publication of a Notice of the divorce proceedings in two (2) weekend issues of a newspaper circulating in the State of Saint Lucia.

IF YOU desire to defend or be heard in the matter you must within twenty eight (28) days of the second publication of this Notice enter an appearance at the High Court Office, La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street in the City of Castries in the State of Saint Lucia.

Copies of all documents filed in this action can be acquired from the High Court Office at La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries in the State of Saint Lucia.

…………………………………………

ANDRA GOKOOL-FOSTER Legal Practitioner for The Proposed Petitioner

This Notice of Divorce Proceedings is prepared by Chambers Andra Gokool-Foster whose business address for service is #5 High Street, Castries, Tel/Fax No. 1-758-451-9300; E-mail: agokoolfoster@yahoo.co.uk The High Court Office is at La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries, Saint Lucia Tel. No.1-758-468-7500 Fax. No. 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. on Fridays except Public Holidays. The Office can also be contacted via E-mail: stluhco@eccourts.org

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

FOR RENT 1 unfurnished one bedroom spacious apartment for rent at Beausejour, Gros Islet

$850.00 monthly.

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2013 Ford Ranger Limited 3.2, Automatic 6 speed Leather interior

Contact:

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Call: 519-0590

Please be advised that

Vacancy

is no longer employed with Amalgamated Security Services Limited and is not authorized to transact any business on behalf of Amalgamated Security Services Limited or Alternative Security Services (St. Lucia) Limited.

For rental villa in the Cap Estate wanted.

Mr. Steve Martin

ADVERTISE IT!!

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

Tel: 450-7827 or Fax at 450-8690

Must be able to work weekends and holidays.

Apply in writing by August 23, 2018 to: The Manager P.O. Box GI 2115 Gros Islet Or info@a1stluciavillas.com

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PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for sale in Soufriere 2600 Sq ft.

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Potential for commercial use Serious buyers/ enquirers only Call:

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VACANCY

SALES REPRESENTATIVE TRADEVIN LIMITED HEALTH CARE DISTRIBUTION COMPANY INVITES APPLICATION WITH RESUME FROM SUITABLE CANDIDATES. • BUSINESS GRADURATE OR MINIMUM “A” LEVEL WITH (COMPUTER LITERACY) • SALES EXPERIENCE WITH REFERRAL WILL BE PREFERRED ALL APPLICATIONS ALONG WITH RESUME AND RECENT PHOTO TO BE SENT TO tvinmedicals@gmail.com BEFORE AUGUST 31ST 2018

Online Classifieds Get maximum exposure for your dollar.

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

SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2018

www.stluciastar.com

$2.00

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ADIDAS BACKPACKS

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