Pierre's HIA Plan Revisited!

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2019

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PIERRE’S HIA PLAN REVISITED! House opposition leader Philip J. Pierre offers examples for the government to follow. But is he counting his chickens before a hatching? e 31

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Viv Lawòz!

embers of the La Wòz group celebrated their grand feast day on Friday August 30.

Groups from around the island have been conducting the traditional fundraising activity— the séance—in their respective communities, all in anticipation of the annual celebration.

The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) is elated to wish Saint Lucians far and wide a bon Fèt Lawòz throughout the weekend.

Fèt Lawòz is the celebration of one of two “floral societies which expresses an exhaustive system of mock administration from a royal family to an army, police force, judiciary, health service, and education system”, according to The Flower Festivals of Saint Lucia by Hon. Msgr. Patrick A. B. Anthony and others. A total of thirteen groups that are based in various communities around Saint Lucia registered for this celebration. Each group held séances in the lead up to the grand feast day, which consists of singing and dancing sessions all night. The central figure at the séance is the chantwèl (female singer) or chantè (male singer), who sustains the spirit and timbre of the evening’s entertainment.

The Gwan Fèt is celebrated annually, on Aug 30. This year, the Gwan Fèt took place in the community of Monchy. Nine

Community La Wòz séance to raise funds for the Gwan Fèt. participating groups, in brilliant fashion, paraded the streets of the main community from the Monchy Park to the Church of St. Rose De Lima where a church service took place from 3:00pm, after which they made dramatic presentations all in admiration and honour of the symbolic rose flower on the church grounds. CDF is hopeful

that the objectives of creating greater public awareness of the festival in terms of its history, purpose and the elements that make up the festival as well as encouraging greater private sector participation in the festival will be met. The CDF urges the public to portray interest in the celebration of a Saint Lucian tradition. Viv Lawòz!

Oktoberfest en Kwéyòl is back!

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his week, Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited (WLBL) launched its highly anticipated yearly event “Oktoberfest en Kwéyòl” which will be held on October 06, 2019 from 2:00pm at the Pigeon Island National Landmark.

Oktoberfest provides patrons with the unique experience to sample world-class beers, creole food and electrifying local entertainment all in one day, amidst a festive creole atmosphere. This year, WLBL has partnered with Antillia Brewing Company to further excite consumers and provide even more unique beer innovations for sampling.

Sylvester Henry, Senior Category Manager at WLBL stated, “Oktoberfest en Kwéyòl marries the internationally renowned beer festival with our local culture. Oktoberfest is a colourful festive celebration of food and drinks, arts & craft that has become an annual tradition around the world.

Oktoberfest is also a community event featuring continuous pulsating music of various genres, steeped in deep cultural heritage. Since October also signals the start of Saint Lucia’s cultural Creole festivities, we are proud that many have dubbed Oktoberfest the official start of Creole heritage month.

This year, we will be featuring our local beers with some new innovations as well as popular beers from Mexico, Surname, Haiti, Germany and Bahamas”.

The event, which over the years has showcased many local and international artists, will be no different this year.

On the line up from Saint Lucia will be Avot Sevis, Secrets Band, DYP Band featuring artistes such as UMPA and the Vye Twizeen Boyz. Tying in the cultural aspect, there will also be creole dancers, stilt walkers and local drummers.

International artists scheduled to perform are Ti Vice of Haiti,

one of the best Kompa/Zouk bands, and popular Soca group Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah from Barbados.

Winsbert Louison Director from Antillia Brewing Company said, “We are elated to be joining WLBL in the production and presentation of Oktoberfest en Kwéyòl 2019. We have been brewing some special beers for this event and patrons will not be left disappointed. We are sure that this partnership will continue to excite consumers at the event and leave you wanting for more.”

Early bird tickets for Oktoberfest go on sale from next week and start at EC$75 which also includes three free samples of beer for patrons. The event is slated for October 06, 2019 from 2:00pm at Pigeon Island Landmark and is an 18-years and over event. All patrons are encouraged to take the pledge to drink right and enjoy responsibly.

AUGUST 31, 2019 THE STAR

NO THAT’S ME OVER THERE

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Wait! Wait!” the lady said to me amidst the hustle and bustle of Frederick Street, the main shopping drag in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad’s capital city, where at the head of the one-way street with traffic heading towards him, Captain Arthur Cipriani, war hero and trade union leader, waits impatiently on his concrete perch. He is clearly anxious to resume his job as mayor of the city and deal with the criminals who now seem to have taken it over. Sparrow has a calypso about the statue with the chorus, “Ah comin dong, ah comin dong” and unfortunately, instead of Cipriani, the city itself is coming “dong”. But back to the lady who had stopped me imperiously and now, having brought me to a quizzical halt, was taking in every atom and molecule of my features, looking sharply into my eyes and then going from close-up to wide-shot and back again.

“Let me look at you,” she said unnecessarily. Then she had her Eureka moment. Her eyes lit up and she declared in glorious triumph, “You used to be Tony Deyal!”

The back-story is that when I returned to Trinidad from university in Canada in 1974, the only job available to me was at the Office of the Prime Minister. There, for each month of the next seven years, I produced twenty “live” Monday to Friday, 15-minute government information programmes and four 30-minute panel shows every Wednesday night. The panel show was named “Issues and Ideas” which my daughter Marsha, then five, converted into “Excuse of Ideas”. The shorter nightly shows were “Face of the Nation” which I became because I produced and hosted them. If Helen of Troy’s face launched a thousand ships, and the water level goes down in every country when there is a commercial break on television, I will not speculate further on what my faced launched except, there I was, almost 15 years after the show ended, being

scrutinized and then identified as the television had-been and government centrefold.

It happened again several years later. In one of the malls, a man looked at me as if he had seen a ghost, astonishment and recognition fighting for first place in his mind’s eye.

“Dole!” he exclaimed. Startled, I looked around hurriedly. While “Dole” may mean a former U.S. Senator and Presidential candidate, a brand of pineapple, the social security system in Britain, the act of dispensing little by little, or even a bad word in Hindi or Iranian, in Trinidad it had taken on new and disturbing connotations.

It was the name of a gangleader and reputed drug lord who had recently been hanged for multiple murders. I turned back to the man, worrying now about his eccentricity and my safety. “Dole Kolasingh!” he bellowed, satisfied with his perspicuity and mental acumen.

Mr. Kolasingh, whose first name was Dale and not Dole, was a television interviewer and producer until his untimely death a few years before. We bear absolutely no physical resemblance except a general East Indian appearance that leaves out my bits of Irish, Spanish and Portuguese. The man’s certainty that Dale and I were one and the same reminded me of the meek little man in a restaurant who touched the arm of a customer who was putting on his coat. “Pardon me,” he asked politely, “are you Mr. Jones of Richmond?” “No, I am not,” the man answered abruptly. “I was afraid that was the case,” said the first man. “You see, I am, and that’s his coat you’re putting on.”

In terms of the use of my name, when I was about thirteen, a policeman came to our house looking for me. It seemed that a young man was caught engaging in praedial larceny in an orange plantation in another village and gave my name as his. It was clear that the policeman had no

intention of arresting the culprit.

He wanted some free alcohol and money which, despite my proven innocence, he got.

Much later, there was an incident in Manhattan that I cannot forget. My TV show was well-known and watched, mainly because we had only one television station at the time, no cable, Internet or smart phones. I took a few days off by taping some of the shows and left for Manhattan where prices were low and every storekeeper was of Jewish descent and called you, “My friend.” I entered one of the stores and after I replied to the enquiry about what country I came from, the man boasted, “Yes, yes, we have many Trinidad people here all the time. Dr. Williams shops here. Even Tony Deyal shops here. You know Tony Deyal?” “Yes,” I responded.

“I work for Dr Williams and share the same office with Tony Deyal.” Needless to say, it made my day.

I am still mistaken for other people of East Indian descent and wonder whether to some people from Port-of-Spain and environs we all look alike. Apart from race, I am completely different from an artist and the host of a children’s TV show named Ian Ali (deceased) yet, even now, more than 30 years after, people in North Trinidad still stop me with, “Ian! Ian! How you doing boy?” This is like the story of the uniformed man who encountered American humourist, Robert Benchley, late one night when Benchley had been drinking heavily.

Benchley, thinking the man was a doorman, requested, “Would you get me a taxi, my good man?” The man drew himself up proudly and said coldly, “See here, I happen to be an Admiral in the United States navy.” “Perfectly all right,” Benchley replied, “just get me a battleship then.” *Tony Deyal was last seen being told in a case of mistaken identity, “You look like one of my friends behind.”

GCG Ground Acquires Company in St Lucia

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CG Ground, a division of Goddard Enterprises Ltd has expanded its Ground Handling business with the acquisition of Caribbean Dispatch Services Ltd (CDSL) in Saint Lucia.

It is expected that the company’s 234 employees will remain unaffected by the acquisition which took effect on August 20, 2019. The

company presently provides a full suite of ground handling services to both narrow and wide body aircraft at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Saint Lucia. CDSL presently services all the leading airlines that land at UVF including Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Airlines, Jet Blue, Thomas Cook Airlines, Sunwing Airlines, TUI Airways,

United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways and West Jet.

Managing Director of Goddard Enterprises Ltd, Anthony Ali, stated “We are extremely pleased to have the experienced team at CDSL as part of the Goddard Group through GCG Group. We know that both organisations will benefit by the association and look forward to working closely with the entire team there.”

THE STAR

august 31, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

United and Strong: Buggery law to be challenged!

LOCAL 03

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE CUSTOMS & EXCISE DEPARTMENT

NOTICE NO. 5 OF 2019

IMPORTATION OF REGISTERED TRADEMARK GOODS The Trade Marks Act Cap 13.30 makes provision for the Comptroller of Customs to take action in relation to imported goods which infringe on registered trademark goods All registered trademark proprietors, agents and objectors are required to submit the following to allow the Customs Department to intercept infringing goods and enforce the provisions of the Trade Mark Act: Gearing up for a legal battle? United and Strong’s Jessica St. Rose (pictured) says the buggery law will soon be tackled by her group.

It’s all about celebrating our pride and diversity, knowing that we are safe, and that the gay, lesbian, bi- and transeligious leaders from the sexual community in Saint Lucia Pentecostal, Methodist wants to be accepted.” and Seventh Day Adventist Also in the William Peter churches in Saint Lucia made Boulevard, the advocacy no bones about it: they would organisation United and Strong not support the hosting of the operated a booth to provide August 23-26 “un-Godly” LGBT information on the local LGBTQ Pride Celebration. At a press community. On hand were conference on the opening day, condoms, lubricants and other the organisers brushed off the merchandise. The fair offered criticism and promised the free tests for blood sugar levels, show would go on, regardless. cholesterol and blood pressure, That same day the group held a courtesy the St. Lucia Diabetes panel discussion at Bay Gardens & Hypertension Association.

Hotel. The topic: “Then and Then there was the Mobile Now, Youth Engagement on the Youth Clinic, where children Meaning of Pride Beyond Sexual received free general check-ups Orientation”. from pediatrician Dr. Jacqueline

The next day, a rainbow Bird-Compton. flag, commonly known as the

There was a remarkable LGBTQ pride flag, was hoisted lack of interest in the LGBTQ per in William Peter Boulevard in se. The booth that offered free Castries, where organisers health services proved the main hosted a Health and Knowledge attraction. Overall turnout was Fair. Addressing passersby, disappointing but organizers Jessica St. Rose, chairperson on appeared unfazed. As St. Rose the Pride Committee, declared: told the STAR: “Today we’re just “This is Saint Lucia’s very first here having fun, educating, and Pride celebration. It’s a joy to of course celebrating diversity see the Pride flag flying high in and our pride as LGBTQ persons Saint Lucia today; this is history in Saint Lucia.” in the making. This is the first

Asked what might be the but it is not going to be the last. reason for the low turnout, she Joshua St. Aimee

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said: “I don’t think it’s only the church. I think it’s the general feeling in the society. We are the minority and we’re not generally accepted. So our members are still sort of fearful.” Referring to the police presence, she said the officers guaranteed a safe space “but I think generally the mindset of our community is that we are not accepted. That is why there is a low turnout here in public. However, at our other events we do have the community coming out.”

At a rally on 18 August, held by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (PAWI), Jamaican guest speaker Attorney Philippa Davies called on Saint Lucians to keep the buggery law in place since repealing it will open the way for same-sex marriage.

“LGBT activists know they have to get rid of the buggery law first, in order to break open the dam and flood society with their lies,” she said. Presiding Bishop Dr. Thomas Eristhee told the STAR that PAWI intends to submit a petition to the government to keep the law in place. On the other hand, Jessica St. Rose considers it “a law to be challenged.”

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Letter informing the Customs Department of the trademark and the related goods, and an undertaking to pay any deposit, charges, rent and fees related to the detention or seizure of the goods.

Notice of Objection for Importation on the prescribed form.

Certificate of Registration of Trademark.

Sample of the goods under Trademark where practicable.

Photographs (color) of goods under trademark.

Where imported goods are found to infringe the provisions of goods registered under the Trade Mark Act Cap 13.30, the following shall be required: 1.

Customs officers shall detain any goods fitting the description of the registered trademark goods for further verification by the trademark proprietor or objector. If the goods infringe the registered trademark, a seizure notice shall be issued for the goods.

2. The Proprietor or objector shall pay a deposit amounting to the Customs Value of the consignment of goods detained or seized by the Customs Department. The payment of the deposit must be done before the seizure of the infringing goods and within seven (7) working days of its detention date.

3. Where the proprietor or objector fails to pay the deposit within seven (7) working days of the detention date of the trademark infringing goods, the Department may release the goods.

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

Anita Montoute (Mrs.) Comptroller Customs (Ag.)

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AUGUST 31, 2019 THE STAR

Is Pierre’s HIA Plan Another Case of Counting Chickens Before a Hatching? with Jamaica and Barbados as examples, to assume Saint Lucia following their lead would have been the best option in the ast Saturday, it seemed long run. my story’s headline:

Consider the situation in “Chastanet Torpedoes Jamaica and its Norman Manley Opposition’s Negotiated Plan International Airport. At the for Hewanorra International October 10, 2018 concession Airport!”, ruffled more than agreement signing, as detailed a few feathers. Particularly on the Jamaica Information controversial was the use of Service website, Jamaica the word “torpedoes”; so much PM Andrew Holness “said so a media colleague brought that in the case of the NMIA, it up in conversation: “How did management of its operations is Chastanet torpedo Pierre?” being divested to Mexican entity Obviously he had not read Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico past the headline. He added S.A.B. De C.V. (GAP), people that a good journalist (such who are airport specialists.” as he?) would have gotten the Moreover: “Under the NMIA opinions of the experts to settle concession agreement, GAP will the matter and would have be responsible for improving the taken into consideration the airport’s land and air operational “precedents” already set by efficiency, and financing and such economies as Barbados completing a modernisation and Jamaica. The suggestion programme at an estimated had earlier been expressed cost of over U$110 million.” several times by House

The company is of course opposition leader Philip J Pierre; not giving away its money on several occasions. for free. “Additionally, the

In this writer’s opinion, to Government will receive a assume that precedent plays guaranteed percentage of the much of a role in analysing the airport’s gross revenues. The HIA redevelopment debate is entity has the option to extend misguided, to say the least. the contract by another five Both pathways, PM Chastanet’s years.” That additional loan and Pierre’s proposed five-year extension option PPP model, come with huge would bring the concessionary fiscal risks. Additionally, there period to thirty years if isn’t enough quantifiable data, taken, just like what was Dean Nestor

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case over a ten, fifteen or even twenty-year period. How can we properly gauge the success of this model in economies like ours when it’s hardly gotten off the ground in Pierre’s cited examples? The concessionary periods both span twenty to thirty years. Think about that. This relegates Pierre’s reasoning to a “we should do it because they did it”. Not only is the proof of the pudding always in the eating, in this instance Pierre’s proffered puddings have not even reached the oven! At the risk of overdoing it, I might also remind my Pierre endorsing colleague that there’s folly in counting chickens before a hatching. It will be some time before anyone knows for certain that Barbados Wonder if Philip J. Pierre has ever considered the and Jamaica made the right risks in PPP arrangements? choices! proposed in Saint Lucia.

“The Government has signed a Speaking of which,

Of course the “guaranteed deal with the investment and Chastanet’s choice isn’t percentage of the airport’s gross advisory arm of the World Bank exactly blazing some wild and revenues”, as stated above, is Group that will see the country’s unexplored trail. Referring a euphemistic way of saying only airport being completely to HIA’s redevelopment, that the government and by renovated and refurbished.”

Caribbean Journal reported extension the people, will be

That report was made on it “will be supervised by the missing out on possible billions Thursday May 23, 2019.

Overseas Engineering and of dollars over the next three

With the PPP airport Construction Company, which decades, just as Allen Chastanet redevelopment arrangements has undertaken more than 100 argued at the last sitting of in both Jamaica and Barbados projects in the region, including parliament. In Barbados, the being so new, they can hardly St Vincent and the Grenadines’ PPP airport redevelopment ball be used as the model for new Argyle International has also gotten rolling. As the Saint Lucia. There is in fact no Airport.” So, there goes that Caribbean360 website reports: precedent of success in either argument!

And lest I be accused once more of not citing the “experts,”—whoever they may be—this is what one respected source has said about PPP arrangements: “Public-private partnerships (PPPs) offer new opportunities to develop public infrastructure, but also bring in substantial fiscal risks.” (Taken from: Corbacho A., Schwartz G. (2008), PPPs and Fiscal Risks: Should Governments Worry?)

But that’s not all. It further explains that: “By involving management and innovation from the private sector, PPPs offer the promise of greater efficiency, better quality, and lower-cost services than traditional public procurement. However, PPPs also involve new and significant fiscal risks and can be used to bypass spending controls and move public investment off budget and debt off the government balance sheet.

In fact, whether or not PPPs have achieved their efficiency objectives in practice remains an open question, although there is mounting evidence of fiscal risks associated with PPPs.”

My attempts to interview the opposition leader for the purposes of this article clashed with several other earlier arrangements. But Mr. Pierre has promised to meet with me as soon as possible!

Authorities say visiting U.S. hospital ship will be well vetted

op officials at the Ministry of Health and External Affairs on Thursday convened a press conference to address the scheduled visit by the United States’ Navy hospital ship the USNS Comfort, scheduled to be here from 23 September to 3 October. According to a press release from the US Embassy in Barbados, the visit is part of the ship’s five-month deployment to Latin America and the Caribbean, and another indication of the deepening of U.S. engagement in the region.

The ship will also make stops in Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and other countries.

Reaction to the planned visit has been varied. Some have anonymously suggested its part of a plan to use Saint Lucians as guinea pigs for hidden American agendas.

Reference has been made to the 1946-1948 Guatemala syphilis experiments, during which—a 2011 report by the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues found—over one thousand Guatemalans were infected with syphilis, gonorrhea and chancroid without their consent. In 2010, an apology was issued by the US government that reads in part: “We are outraged that such reprehensible research could have occurred under the guise of public health. We deeply regret that it happened, and we apologise to all the individuals who were affected by such abhorrent research practices.”

At Thursday’s press conference were Chief Medical Officer Dr. Merlene FredericksJames; Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Department of External Affairs Irene Gaspard; Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sharon Belmar-George; and

confirmed that this will not be the first time a voluntary mission has traveled to the island. In all cases, she assured, before medical professionals can treat a patient the councils undergo the necessary due diligence to ensure all is in order. She called on citizens to have faith and confidence in the procedures.

Additionally: “We are also vetting the list of medications and medical supplies to be Left to right: Dr. Merlene Frederick-James, Irene used while in Saint Lucia.

Gaspard, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George and Sherry Ephraim-Le Compte. While no one is forced to access Such a list has been requested and is presently with the drug the ship’s services, the officials encouraged Saint inspector, who is the authority Lucians to take advantage of the opportunity. on the law to review all medical supplies and medications Senior Dental Surgeon Sherry “The processes that we are imported into Saint Lucia.”

Ephraim-Le Compte. going to apply to the health

Dr. Belmar-George said

“All of the health professionals aboard this there will be two walk-in clinics professionals—doctors, nurses, floating hospital are essentially during the ship’s stay. One will dentists, pharmacists and allied the same processes we have be operated from the Owen health professionals—will be in-house for our local, as well properly vetted before they as other voluntary persons who King European Union Hospital (OKEU), while the other location, are allowed to practice on our may come.” which will be in the north, has soil,” said Dr. Fredericks-James. Frederick-James

not been confirmed. General services provided at the clinics will include: internal medicine, pediatrics, general medicine, dental services, optometry, physical therapy, dermatology and pharmacy. Each clinic can see up to 500 persons per day.

The ship will be docked at the Castries harbor, where 100 beds for general admission and 30 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds will be available. The following surgery types can be accessed: ophthalmology, urology, orthopedic, oral maxillofacial, plastic and wound care.

She encouraged individuals who wish to access these procedures to send in a referral from their physician to the Ministry of Health before September 6. Diagnostic services will also be provided and will include CT Scan, ultrasound, X-ray, echocardiogram, laparoscopy and stool and urine testing.

---JSA

THE STAR

AUGUST 31, 2019

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august 31, 2019 THE STAR

ANOTHER ASPECT OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Peter Josie

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omeone whose opinion I appreciate recently convinced me that I should take a fresh look at a national school feeding programme with the awareness of its potential to organise specific farmers and fishermen, unemployed youth, professional chefs and even delinquent fathers. The idea is that these people would be organised by the Ministry of Education with other departments in government to produce vegetables, food crops, eggs, milk and fish in a project to commence possibly as early as 2020.

The programme should begin with a pilot project in at least four schools in which the need is greatest. The choice of schools should be a matter of wide inter-ministerial discussion.

The Ministry of Education should then consult the department of agriculture in selecting competent and willing farmers and inland fishermen in close proximity to the selected schools, to produce and sell directly to each of these schools on a scheduled basis. Inland fishermen and regular fishers would be engaged to supply weekly quantities of fish to the programme.

The Ministry of Education ought also to consult and engage local chefs with the intention of attaching one to each school to help prepare nutritious meals for targeted students. The program is aimed broadly at preparing nutritious foods and juices and shakes to boost the nutrition of selected underfed students.

Willing unemployed youth ought to be engaged in helping sort out, prepare, and feed the targeted children at a time determined by the teachers and the Ministry of Education.

Fathers who have been taken before the courts for child maintenance ought to be engaged with those selected farmers and fishermen in producing fish and food for this programme. It matters not

The author is hopeful his ideas for a school-feeding programme will find favour with the government. Pictured left to right: Agriculture Minister Ezechiel Joseph and Education Minister Gale Rigobert.

whether their neglected child attends a school in the pilot project. The courts should be able to assist in directing such fathers.

During school vacation, negligent fathers and unemployed youth, along with the selected chefs, will continue to produce at least one meal a day for children whose parents sign up for the feeding programme at that time. It is suggested that children who are fed at the school during vacation should be engaged for at least two hours each day in reading, computer literacy and Math classes.

Unemployed mothers of these children should be encouraged to give time and expertise to work and assist in whatever way they can in the school feeding and vacation training programmes.

In the meantime, the million dollar question remains: What is the long-term solution for parents and guardians who cannot properly feed their children and furnish them with school supplies?

For how long should responsible taxpaying people contribute to a school feeding programme?

And should family-life education be compulsory for men and women lacking the

means to properly decide on their family size, and to feed and educate their children?

In addition to seeking foreign direct investment in the economy, such a school feeding programme will signal to the world that Saint Lucia has embarked on a new path to social and economic development, thinking outside the proverbial box and finding new ways to feed and educate all her children.

It is a new path to freedom from hunger which one hopes will gain support among politicians and business people, and the nation at large.

Who can fault a programme that encourages organised food production in order to feed children in need?

What is needed is the political will?

Local food production for such a project may prove difficult for those who love the glamour and bright lights associated with the more popular aspects of social and economic development.

Indeed, organising specific farm production to feed our needy children, creating new inland fishermen, engaging unemployed youth and selected local chefs plus the employment of delinquent, hard-pressed fathers, is a project too farreaching in its implication for social and economic development to be rejected by imaginative political thinkers and leaders.

It’s another aspect of social and economic development that needs to be undertaken by those who claim to love the children of this fair land.

SAINT LUCIA SHINES AT 2019 CTO MEDIA DAY

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aint Lucia has significantly boosted its media presence following participation in the recently concluded Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Media Day and Press Conference in Toronto, Canada.

Representatives from over a dozen Caribbean destinations were on hand to dialogue with travel media at the August 22, 2019 activity.

Saint Lucia was represented by the Minister of Tourism and CTO Chairman, Dominic Fedee, who was also a keynote speaker and provided updates on the Caribbean and the economic development of the region.

Minister Fedee told his audience that 1.4 million Canadians had visited the Caribbean in the first quarter of 2019, with overall arrivals rising 12% to 9.1 million.

That 12% figure for the Caribbean compares to 4.4% for tourism visits around the world, highlighting just how robust the Caribbean’s comeback had been following a devastating hurricane season.

He told travel journalists that Caribbean countries needed to pull together to improve their tourism offerings, and their national economies. The main objective of CTO Media Day is to develop sustainable tourism for the economic and social benefit of Caribbean peoples.

Another highpoint of the activity was the Media Marketplace, where destination representatives got the opportunity to engage one-onone with the media, consumer and travel trade outlets. As part of that engagement Minister Fedee met individually with Canada’s key trade media outlets, Pax News, Open Jaw Network and Travelweek.

Fedee also had the distinct pleasure to present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Doctor Rita Cox, a Canadian icon who is a librarian, renowned storyteller and she is admired as a leader in the community. Mark Stevens won the award for “Best Feature Article in a Trade Publication” titled “Saint Lucia: Inspiration Island”. It was the direct result of an individual media visit to Saint Lucia by SLTA Canada in April 2018.

Minister Fedee addresses CTO Media Day in Canada last week.

Along with a full day of media appointments on Thursday 22, Fedee on Friday 23, sat down for an exclusive “Pink Couch Interview” with Bruce Parkinson at OpenJaw’s head office. Other engagements in Canada included a luncheon at Hotel X where the Minister met with Marsha Mowers of Travel Pulse Canada for a one-onone interview to provide key destination updates including

Saint Lucia’s Hurricane Guarantee Policy, Soufriere Beach Park at Hummingbird Beach, the development of mud baths at the Sulphur Springs and Village Tourism.

The Minister concluded the day by visiting G98.7FM for a radio interview with Camelia Guthrie. G98.7FM is the only black-owned Canadian radio station. Its format is urban adult contemporary.

THE STAR

august 31, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

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www.stluciastar.com

august 31, 2019 THE STAR

Report blames opposition public statements for St. Lucia’s “most uncertain” CBI programme

fter two consecutive years of being ranked the worst Citizenship

by Investment (CBI) option in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia has climbed one spot in the Financial Times’ Professional Wealth Management (PWM) CBI Index. First introduced in 2017, the Index ranks the various CBI programmes across the world.

For their ranking, the PWM uses seven pillars, or categories, each worth a maximum of ten points: freedom of movement, standard of living, minimum investment outlay, mandatory travel or residence, citizenship timeline, ease of processing and due diligence.

In the PWM’s inaugural Index, Dominica tallied 63 points and placed first out of 12 countries. St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia followed with 61, 60, 55 and 53 points, respectively. Saint Lucia scored 6, 6, 10, 10, 9, 7 and 5 in the pillars. In 2018, the order in the Caribbean remained the same.

Saint Lucia received a total

score of 55, scoring 7, 6, 10, 10, 8, 9, and 5 in the pillars. The report described Saint Lucia’s programme as the Caribbean’s “most politically divisive”, referencing the opposition SLP’s promise to review all successful applications for citizenship if and when they return to office.

In the recently released 2019 Index, Saint Lucia moved up in the rankings, placing fourth ahead of Antigua and Barbuda. Dominica retained the number one spot, followed by St. Kitts & Nevis and Grenada.

In the pillars Saint Lucia recorded 8, 6, 10, 10, 9, 9 and 7. Much like the 2018 Index, concerns were again raised by the PWM team. This time around, Saint Lucia’s programme was described as the Caribbean’s “most uncertain”.

The report reads in part: “There are concerns with respect to the real estate arm of the program, which has seen project cancellations and suspensions, and which currently only features one

approved development. There are also continued claims by the Saint Lucia opposition party that legislative changes to the program ‘will be repealed upon a return to governance.’ ”

The real estate option has been a sore point for authorities at the CBI program.

In February, Nestor Alfred, the Chief Executive Officer of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, addressed the option in an interview with the STAR. “It has not been a route that the CIP board has been overly excited about,” he said. “However, we have had a number of CIP approved projects but we have not gone the route of offering them to investors, simply because we took the position that everything must be in order before such a product is made available to investors.”

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, who has responsibility for the CBI programme, told the STAR in May: “I’m not a big fan of the real estate component . . . With the $100,000 donation, that

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

and 2017-18 CBI programme’s annual reports, 205 applications for citizenship have been granted. This translates to 337 persons from across the world being granted Saint Lucian citizenship. (One application does not mean one person.) The investment option for 200 of the applications was the donation mode. The remainder was done through the purchase of government bonds.

At press time, the only approved real estate development listed on Saint Lucia’s CBI programme website is the planned Canelles Resort by the Galaxy Group. It states Nestor Alfred (pictured) has stated that he refuses to that applicants who choose to lose sleep over the PWM’s CBI Index. invest in this project in applying for Saint Lucian citizenship are $100,000 belongs to the state. to a developer . . .There are required to make a minimum In the case of real estate, a couple of companies and investment of US $300,000. the funds actually go to the projects that already had the

Nestor Alfred has developer; they don’t belong CIP investment in it from a real expressed confidence that to the government. My bigger estate perspective, so we’re the project will generate issue is why should the state going to continue the real estate a significant number of be leveraging its sovereignty but in a very limited way.” applications. in order to give free capital

According to the 2016-17 ---Joshua St. Aimee

BA Closes The VA Void

Notice is hereby given that the 2nd Annual General Meeting of the West Coast Communities Co-operative Credit Union Society Ltd will be held at the Anse La Parish Hall, Church Street, Anse La Raye on Sunday September 15, 2019 at 2pm.

AGENDA OPEN SESSION 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Credit Union Prayer Adoption of Standing Orders Fraternal Greetings Feature Address Vote of Thanks

CLOSED SESSION 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Call to Order Ascertainment of Quorum (Rule 42 1(b) Apologies for Absence Adoption/Confirmation of Reports:(a) Board of Directors (b) Treasurer (c) Auditor (d) Credit Committee (e) Supervisory Committee (f) Nominations Committee/Nominations Elections to:(a) Board of Directors (b) Credit Committee (c) Supervisory Committee

1.

Appointment of Auditor

2.

Resolutions if any 3.

Other Business 4.

Adjournment LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED. Registration begins at 1pm.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD Alice Minville - Secretary

British Airways quickly came on board to close the gap that Virgin Atlantic will leave in UK travel to Saint Lucia.

By Ulrick W Price

T

he old saying that when one door closes another opens seems to have proven true in the case of the Virgin Atlantic pull-out and the decision

by British Airways to fill the void. This having been said, we should acknowledge the decisive and prudent action of the government in moving swiftly to ease the minds of our hospitality partners.

Hopefully the government will continue to keep an open mind where Virgin Atlantic is concerned.

Saint Lucia remains a soughtafter destination by the UK market, but more importantly, with all the exciting projects onstream, including a top-of-theline international horseracing industry, this is the moment when visitor arrivals are actually on the increase. This view has already been shared by our US partners who have increased flights both in number

and by additional gateways.

The possibility of a direct service from Paris is presently being explored, based on the increased numbers using Martinique as a hub for Saint Lucia and the Grenadines.

The expansion of Royalton Saint Lucia Resort permits our tourism sector to benefit from that company’s rental fleet of some 25–30 jets at their service. All praise for our tourism minister and his team for remaining pro-active in a highly competitive industry.

THE STAR

august 31, 2019

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Centres Of Excellence Won’t Stop With Sports Academy

uring his most recent budget address Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said: “I do not think I am betraying any state secrets by admitting that over the years our education system has become unresponsive to our national development goals and the personal ambitions of our students. This is not a condition that began yesterday or in 2016, but it is a situation we must act on now if we are to move our nation forward with confidence, and if our young people are to fulfill their dreams while becoming productive builders of our society.”

He went on: “The Centres of Excellence in Sport and the Arts and Culture will provide non-traditional but important avenues for students to realize their full potential while receiving a sound secondary level education.”

In September, the Centre of Excellence in Sport will see its first term and no one

Slated for a grand September launch, the new Centre of Excellence for Sport is the first of three such centres to be opened in the coming years.

is more excited about that than Education Minister Dr. Gale Rigobert, who this week informed the STAR that this won’t stop with the former Gros Islet Secondary School, and that two more centres are on their way.

Said the minister: “Whereas Gros Islet seems to be maturing first we do have the explicit intention to do similarly with Anse Ger Secondary School and in the longer term with Grande Riviere Secondary School.” She said the Anse Ger Secondary School has been earmarked to become the Centre of Excellence for Creative Arts and Culture, while the Grande Riviere Secondary is to become a Centre of Excellence for Agriculture.

After praising Anse Ger Secondary for its commitment to the arts, Rigobert promised that “the consultations will now happen in earnest and we will go through a process similar to what we did with Gros Islet to bring Anse Ger to fruition in good time.”

While stressing that the transition of Grande Riviere into a Centre of

Excellence for Agriculture has still not gotten to its embryonic stage, Rigobert nevertheless was excited to announce this latest bit of news: “I can say to you with some degree of confidence that in the loan or grant that we are currently negotiating with the CDB, [Caribbean Development Bank] which you will hear more of in the coming months, we have asked that a financial provision be made for us to look at the transition of Grande Riviere into a Centre of Excellence for Agriculture.”

As for the former Gros Islet Secondary turned Centre of Excellence for Sport, Rigobert said: “It seems to be one of the few things in this country that has not suffered the acrimony of politics that can sometimes poison even the best and well thought out intentions.“ ---Dean Nestor

Opportunity awaits We’re always on the lookout for talent at PwC East Caribbean—bright people with fresh ideas and lots of ambition. In Assurance, we are currently looking for: • Experienced Associates • Senior Associates • Managers and Senior Managers Where do you start?

View the specific role requirements and qualifications, and apply by 30 August, 2019 at www.pwc.com/bb/en/careers.html We thank all applicants for their interest; however we wish to advise that only those candidates selected for an interview will be acknowledged.

At PwC we exist to solve important problems and to build trust in society. With your skills, expertise and enthusiasm we will be able to continue this purpose and improve upon it as we grow. Your relationship with us and our relationship with our clients will help create the value that both you and our clients are looking for.

© 2019 PwC. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms each of which is a separate legal entity.

Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details

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10 LOCAL

august 31, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Family of British man who died at Roseau Dam raises questions over his death Martin Ellis (second from right) and his three sone during a visit to Saint Lucia, that no one expected would end so tragically.

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA SETTLEMENT UPGRADING PROJECT CONSTRUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL ACCESSES, DRAINS AND FOOTPATHS INVITATION FOR BIDS The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in an amount equivalent to USD6,233,000 towards the cost of the Settlement Upgrading Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments

by CDB will be made only at the request of GOSL and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOSL shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The Project is being implemented by the Ministry of Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation through the Programme for the Regularisation of Unplanned Developments (PROUD) within the Department of Housing, Urban Renewal and Telecommunications. The PROUD has contracted Consultants who will assist PROUD with delivering the Project. The Consultants have prepared designs and contract documentation and will assist in tender administration and evaluation and supervise Project Activities.

The PROUD now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for Construction of Residential Accesses, Drains And Footpaths, Lot 1 & Lot 2. The works include, but are not limited to the following: 1. Construction of Residential Accesses and Drains at Bexon, Contract No. /SUP 53/SFR – OR – STL (P1), Lot 1 2. Construction of Residential Accesses and Drains at Bexon Heights Development, Contract No. /SUP 53/SFR – OR – STL (P2), Lot 2 Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms, which are legally incorporated or otherwise, organized in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible country and are either; (a) more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/ or a bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country, or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these requirements; or (b) owned or controlled by the Government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006).

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

Qualification requirements include, inter alia: 1. an average annual turnover (defined as certified payments received for works in progress or completed) within the last five (5) years of; a) Lot 1: XCD8,300,000.00 or equivalent; b) Lot 2: XCD5,550,000.00 or equivalent; 2. a demonstrable cash flow (including access to credit); a) Lot 1: XCD1,100,000.00 or equivalent; b) Lot 2: XCD 720,000.00 or equivalent; 3.

experience as prime contractor in the construction of at least two (2) assignments of a nature, scope and complexity comparable to the proposed works within the last six (6) years (to comply with this requirement, works quoted should be at least 80 percent complete).

Bidding Documents may be obtained by eligible bidders from the first address below for a non-refundable fee of XCD500. Requests may be made by written application including email. Written applications must be clearly marked: “SUP (ICB) - Request for Bidding Documents for the Construction of Residential Accesses, Drains and Footpaths, Lot 1 to 2”, along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder for which Bidding Documents are being requested. Payment should be by wire transfer, bank draft or bank guaranteed cheque made payable to Accountant General.

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

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

Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Bid for the Settlement Upgrading Project (ICB) – Construction of Residential Accesses, Drains and Footpaths (Lot 1 or Lot 2 or any combination)”, must be received at the second address below no later than 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2019. Bid opening will take place at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at the second address below in the presence of bidders representatives who choose to attend.

All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of Ten Thousand Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD10,000) or equivalent for any single ICB Lot or Twenty Thousand Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD20,000.00) or equivalent for both Lots.

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

1. The Project Coordinator

Department of Housing, Urban Renewal and Telecommunications

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

Email: cuthbert.mcdiarmed@govt.lc

2. The Chairperson Central Tender’s Board Department of Finance, Economic Affairs and Social Security Administrative Centre Point Seraphine Castries ST. LUCIA, W.I

By STAR Reporter

O

n 16 August, vacationing British national Martin Ellis met his demise at the John Compton Dam, Roseau. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force said that on that day, officers responded to a report of a suspected electrocution, where on arrival, Ellis was found unresponsive and was later pronounced dead by a medical practitioner.

In a press release by the Water and Sewerage Company Incorporated (WASCO) on August 17, the company said: “A UK National Mr. Martin Ellis and his three young sons were unfortunately able to access a restricted area of the Dam without first obtaining permission from the authorities to enter the compound.

Access to that hilltop area is blocked with a secured metal chain across the roadway. Mr. Ellis reportedly collapsed in this restricted area of the Dam.”

But the Ellis family claims otherwise. According to correspondence sent through Anthony & Antoine Chambers to the STAR on Friday: “On 16th August our father, Martin Ellis, of London UK, met his death at the Sir John Compton Dam as a result of a terrible incident. We, his three sons, were with him. Our mother, who is severely disabled, had remained at home in England…We do not accept that we accessed a clearly restricted area of the dam or that we were in any way notified before or on arrival that we had to secure prior permission to visit the site. Indeed, we were shown where to park so as not to be in the way of other vehicles on the site.

“We hope that in time the facts leading to the death of our father will be established. We also trust appropriate measures will be taken to avoid similar tragedies in the future.”

The Ellis boys described their father as one who loved to walk and explore, so when guidebooks, maps and Trip Advisor indicated the dam and a “nearby bird sanctuary” were worth the visit, he took the opportunity. Following the tragedy, the Ellis family said they had many to thank for help offered on that unfortunate day and to get them back home.

“We would like to thank Anne Moy, who was working on site and came to our aid when she heard us shouting for help; the staff and management of St James Club Morgan Bay who were so kind and sympathetic, particularly Alvin the Duty Manager who found out where we were and collected us from Victoria Hospital; Claire Coleman from the office of the British Government Representative, Michelle from AXA insurance and John the Tui Holiday Representative.

Between them, they got us home.”

The information sent to STAR ended with this: “Finally, we hope that someone reading this can help to locate our father’s wedding ring, lost during the journey from the dam to the Victoria Hospital, either in the ambulance or where people alight from ambulances and walk into the hospital. It is a heavy gold ring with beaten white gold between slightly raised gold rims top and bottom. Tristan, especially, is distraught because he thinks it fell out of his bag. Please, please can whoever found it, return it to us via St James’s Club Morgan Bay? We will gladly pay a reward. It is a one-off piece, made especially for him. Our father wore it for 33 years and it is the one item of significance that we cannot replace.”

Martin Ellis’ three sons are Lucian Ellis (19-yearsold), Tristan Ellis (16-years-old), and Piers Ellis (14-years-old). His wife, Amy Silverston, outlives him.

On Friday, the RSLPF told the STAR that the matter is still under investigation and was unable to say if Ellis had indeed accessed a restricted area.

THE STAR

august 31, 2019

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

11

Roots & Soul: Hit or Miss?

Estelle that went over big. But it soon became clear who they considered the main ingredient. The reaction to Estelle on her own was at best lackluster. On Sunday night, UB40 headlined after another very late start. Opening act Ginuwine was bland. The singer is loved for his slow tunes, especially for his 1996 release “Pony” which Rihanna covered in 2012.

But during Ginuwine’s rendition of the original, the audience was cold. The singer later told reporters the Saint Lucian heat made him reluctant to use up his energy. Mýa was the festival’s enchantress. All eyes were glued to her glowing skin, her inviting wide smile and dizzying dance moves. Alas, it seemed her audience was not familiar with her repertoire.

Claudia Mc Dowell

T

he excited bodies stretched over the railing at the front of the stage tried in vain to touch Tarrus Riley as the headliner skipped across the hot platform during the second show at this year’s Roots & Soul Festival. The “conscious” Rastaman belted out a string of Caribbean favourites, including ever popular “She’s Royal,” and the reggae version of Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature”—to the delight of attendant Looshans.

The more he delivered, the more the sing-along audience screamed for more. At every opportunity he recited the Rastafarian canticle “Who Jah bless, no man curse”—which the crowd loved.

But quite apart from Riley, it was hard to tell what else pleased the audiences at Roots & Soul Festival 2019. He was one Events Company of Saint Lucia’s hottest tickets. Last Friday night’s local acts at The Ramp on Rodney Bay also pulled a crowd: Curmiah Lissette’s modern performance, with delivery of her spoken word accented with song and dance from other local performers, was the highlight for many. As for the other acts at Pigeon Island, well, the less said the kinder.

Following a late start and Skip Monday’s performance, Lee John, decked out in various sequined outfits, took the stage to execute some pretty mediocre Michael Jackson moves at a half-empty venue—for almost two hours. His vocals were not unimpressive and his band banged out some popular songs.

But in the end they fizzled out, the crowd having lost interest in the singer despite his widely advertised Looshan roots. Before the next act came on, a shower of rain sent large sections of the audience seeking shelter while, ironically, the band played Bob Marley’s “Exodus”.

Before he appeared onstage the Nigerian singer Timaya, through MC Francheska Solomon, invited “three beautiful Saint Lucian women” to join him. But when the singer, who pulls millions of YouTube views, personally identified his chosen three, not a single female accepted. He ended his performance with “Sanko” replete with amplified f-bombs. Later the singer crowed to the media, ”The interaction was beautiful.”

Tarrus Riley was obviously the main attraction. He sang “Love Like Ours” in a duet with

UB40 were undoubtedly sizzling in their heyday. But that was fourteen years ago since they last came to entertain in Saint Lucia. The older section of their audience shouted out most of their hits but several younger people admitted to this writer that they’d only ever heard “Red, Red Wine.” The late start didn’t help.

Even hardcore UB40 fans left before the end of their act.

The regional and international press hosted by ECSL and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority will no doubt deliver great reviews. I’ve already seen the stream of good press in Google’s news tab alluding that

Roots & Soul could be the island’s next big thing. There was also Barbadian social media influencer, Regina Ramjit and two young women who cooked-up social media content all weekend-long for @travelsaintlucia to promote on Instagram.

However, Roots & Soul attracted a mostly Saint Lucian crowd. It was meant to be “a festival dedicated to musicians who are setting new trends in reggae, conscious hiphop, Afro-punk and R&B.” Roots & Soul also competed with the largest cultural festival in the Caribbean, CARIFESTA, on its final weekend.

Headliner and conscious Rastaman Tarrus Riley was worth every penny he was paid.

Timaya tried and failed to bring sexy ladies on stage.

Mýa was a sight to behold, but her songs were not as exciting to locals.

What some in the Roots & Soul audience looked like for most of Timaya’s performance.

Curmiah was a crowd favourite with a modern-take on concert performance.

UB40's Astro (left) and Ali Campbell spoke about their last visit to Saint Lucia before heading onstage.

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LOCAL

august 31, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

A Nation on the Brink . . “

Today the country has been split asunder in ways Hitler could only dream of.

There are vast chasms of hate and distrust between north and south, town and country, old and young. The last time things were this bad most of us were living in mud houses.”

For a moment I thought I was reading about presentday Saint Lucia. What a relief to realize the Daily Mirror correspondent was commenting on the state of things political in Boris Johnson’s Brexit-fractured England. Still there was no escaping our own similar reality.

Just when I had convinced myself we’d learned more than a few unforgettable lessons from our suicidal mistakes during “the era of green gold,” I found myself challenged by an unstoppable landslide of evidence to the contrary.

Conceivably in the name of party politics, it seems more and more of us are hell-bent on keeping alive the insane ritual of cutting off our noses to spite our Janus faces. More evidence of this mindless peculiarity surfaced on Monday, even as the prime minister was updating the nation on the ominous possibilities of TS Dorian. What a time for the more malodorous Some were not as lucky as St. Lucia. Our island escaped the anticipated wrath of TS Dorian but not Martinique drains of Facebook to overflow (pictured). Meanwhile the forecast is that Dorian could hit Florida as a Category 3 hurricane come Monday. their banks.

“Let’s hope Dorian does for St. Jude what Allen has refused to do,” wrote one anonymous cretin of the soil from who knows what area of Brooklyn—with no consideration whatsoever for the collateral damage to the sainted doctors and nurses that for countless years have toiled at the makeshift medical facility despite intolerable working conditions under different procrastinating political administrations. No thought for the hospital’s patients and fellow Saint Lucians in the south and other parts of our island, some especially vulnerable to natural disasters.

Then there was this jaw-dropping gibberish aimed directly at the prime minister: “When is the big gesture to Saint Lucia and its people? When are you taking up residence as PM of NEMO. Blessing in disguise!” The preceding was posted just minutes after the official announcement that by all indications Dorian could develop into a hurricane, in anticipation of which the country would be shut down from 6 p.m. until further notice.

The bulletin inspired one Facebook wag to write: “Dorian say Lucia horning him with Allen and he more destructive so he keeping away from that Shabeen . . .”

More than his own fair share of Dorian-related detritus was also dumped on the leader of the House opposition, Philip J. Pierre, courtesy the anonymous denizens of the diaspora and other idle permanent residents of the devil’s workshops.

THE STAR

on ...

local

www.stluciastar.com

august 31, 2019

The 'entirety of Florida' could be hit by Hurricane Dorian when it makes landfall as a monster storm A

For some the imminent arrival of Dorian offered the perfect opportunity to remind the beleaguered Pierre of perceived shortcomings that would sink his party’s efforts at returning to office.

Others offered as further proof of Kenny Anthony’s superior intellect his posted good wishes, which they compared most unfavorably with his predecessor’s.

Tuesday morning brought more of the same. Some went so far as to suggest the authorities knew all along Dorian posed no threat to Saint Lucia, that the government had conspired with supermarket and other business owners to create a fake emergency situation that resulted in consumer items flying off their shelves. Oh, I almost forgot those who discovered every reason to praise the prime ministers of Barbados and St. Vincent for the way they handled Dorian, compared with our own prime minister’s dismal performance. Of course, there’s nothing unusual about dogs barking at moving caravans.

But when canines cannot tell the difference between a caravan and their own tails, well . . .

I am reminded of yet another Norman Mailer truism: “A nation that forms detailed opinions on the basis of detailed fact that is askew from the subtle reality becomes a nation of citizens whose psyches are skewed, item from detailed item, away from any reality!”

13

ll of Florida is under a state of emergency and authorities are urging residents to stockpile a week's worth of food and supplies as Hurricane Dorian gathers strength and aims to slam the state as soon as Monday as a Category 4 storm.

"It's going to impact the entirety of Florida, and residents need to be prepared," Acting FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor said Friday morning on CNN's New Day. "So, take the time now...to understand what your local risk is."

"The clock is ticking right now," he added.

"Don't waste time. Prepare yourself and your family."

Dorian, as of Friday morning is a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 110 mph—just one mile per hour shy of Category 3 strength—is due to slow its forward speed in the coming days, allowing it to gain intensity over warm Caribbean waters and fuel the heavy rains, damaging wind and storm surge it's expected to deliver, CNN meteorologist Derek Van Dam said.

Track the Storm

Hurricane watches have been issued for the northwestern Bahamas, where Dorian is expected to hit Sunday as a Category 3 storm, the National Hurricane Center said.

It is then forecast to roar toward the US mainland Monday evening

"it is taking a little bit of a hindrance, especially when we're supposed to be preparing for one of our busiest weekends of the year," Frank Figueroa, owner of the neighboring Sandbar, said.

Empty shelves are seen at the supermarket in Patillas, Puerto Rico, on August 28, 2019.

into Tuesday morning at majorhurricane strength, though experts warn that forecasts are subject to change.

"There is a wide cone of uncertainty of the storm, especially since it is still days from landfall on Florida," CNN meteorologist Rob Shackelford said. The cone extends from Key West up to around Jacksonville, a distance of 500 miles, he added.

Big storm, big response

Dorian warrants a multibillion dollar price tag, FEMA associate administrator Jeffrey Byard told reporters Thursday. "This is going to be a big storm. We're prepared for a big response," he said.

Since Dorian had minimal impact on Puerto Rico, the agency is shifting staff from the island to Florida in preparation.

Dorian already has claimed the title of strongest storm so far of this year's Atlantic hurricane season.

If it reaches Florida, this will be the fourth year in a row a hurricane of any strength has hit the state. That would be the most years in a row since the 1940s.And if it reaches Florida as a Category 4 storm, with sustained winds of around 130 mph, it would be the strongest hurricane to strike Florida's east coast since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, CNN Meteorologist Brandon Miller said.

Florida residents are stocking up

DeSantis declared a state of emergency for all 67 Florida counties. The state has 819,000 gallons of water and 1.8 million meals ready for distribution, he said.

Florida residents have

been stocking up on gas and food for a stormy weekend, and officials are urging those in the state to be prepared.

"Get water, get gas, get cash out of the ATMs," West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James said. "The more we hear about this storm, it sounds like a serious one."

With Dorian scheduled to arrive in time for Labor Day weekend, major airlines have offered waivers for flights to Florida, Georgia and the Caribbean. And tourist areas were emptying out Thursday, CNN affiliate WFLA reported.

"We usually get hundreds of visitors every day, and it's just been one of those days that drives everyone away. It's a gorgeous day but the hurricane is just going to kill it all," Jason Pun, owner of a Cocoa Beach restaurant, told the station.

Military and NASA are making adjustments

To avoid damage from Dorian, the US Navy is moving more than 40 planes from Jacksonville to bases in Michigan, Ohio and Texas.

The US Air Force is evacuating 16 aircraft from MacDill Air Force Base near Tampa to McConnell Air Force Base near Wichita, Kansas, an Air Force official said.

Florida State University had been scheduled to play its season-opening game off campus, in Jacksonville near the Atlantic coast.

But because Dorian will be approaching, the game has been moved farther inland to FSU's normal home field in Tallahassee.

Because Dorian could impact Florida's Kennedy Space Center, NASA has said it will have a crawlertransporter move NASA's mobile launcher Friday from launch pad 39B to the Vehicle Assembly Building about 3.5 miles away. The launcher was being tested on the pad in anticipation of future Space Launch System missions.

---CNN

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august 31, 2019 THE STAR

Building an Inclusive United Nations with Taiwan on Board

By Dr. Jaushieh Joseph Wu, Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

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his July, President Tsai Ingwen of the Republic of China (Taiwan) transited through New York, an icon of diversity and freedom and home to the United Nations, as a prelude to her state visit to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Caribbean. While meeting with the Permanent Representatives to the UN of Taiwan’s allies, President Tsai reiterated that Taiwan’s 23 million people have the right to participate in the UN system. She also emphasized that Taiwan is committed to joining hands with global partners to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to forge the world we want, and the future we need.

The SDGs form a blueprint for a better and more sustainable future, aiming to guide the world down a sustainable and resilient path with “no one left behind.”

In the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development this July, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed again the pressing need to accelerate relevant actions. Likewise, he called on nations to advance the “Inclusion Imperative” because “development is not sustainable if

it is not fair and inclusive.”

The principles of inclusiveness and leaving no one behind are key to realizing the SDGs. Taiwan, a fullfledged democracy, has made considerable progress in fulfilling the SDGs and has provided assistance to countries in need. Nevertheless, it continues to be barred from participating in related meetings, mechanisms and activities due to political interference. This has seriously undermined the principle of partnership, the foundation of the SDGs, which requires the participation of all countries, stakeholders, and peoples. Taiwan is willing and ready to share its success story and contribute further to the collective effort to achieve the SDGs.

After many years of effort, Taiwan has made great strides in alleviating poverty and achieving zero hunger.

Our percentage of low-income households has been reduced to 1.6 percent. Launched in 1993, the National Health Insurance program now covers 99.8 percent of the population.

In 2018, our waste recycling rate reached 55.69 percent, our literacy rate 98.8 percent, and our infant mortality rate 4.2 per

Taiwan minister Jaushieh Wu insists that his country has a lot to contribute towards the UN's SDG goals.

1,000. These figures far surpass SDG standards. The government of Taiwan has further identified six major areas of interest with respect to the SDGs: smart water management, sustainable energy transformation, clean air, sustainable materials management and the circular

economy, ecological conservation and green networks, and international partnerships.

These areas complement the main theme of the UN HighLevel Political Forum 2018, the SDGs, and the 5Ps—people, planet, peace, prosperity, and partnership—referred to in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In recent years, Taiwan has been providing development assistance to and engaging in cooperation programs with partner countries in the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In 2018 alone, Taiwan conducted development

projects in SDG areas of interest in 39 countries. We will continue to track international trends and the needs of partner countries to ensure that all operations are aligned with the SDGs.

Considering Taiwan’s robust experience and contributions, it is absurd that Taiwan is barred from sharing experience and critical information that could be used to better coordinate international efforts.

The oft-cited legal basis for excluding Taiwan from the UN is Resolution 2758 (XXVI), adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1971. However, the resolution does not address the issue of Taiwan’s representation in the UN, nor does it state that Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In fact, Taiwan is not, nor has it ever been, part of the PRC.

Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent its 23 million people.

Unfortunately, the UN continues to misuse and misinterpret the resolution to justify its wrongful exclusion and isolation of Taiwan.

International organizations are created to meet the common objectives of its members, not to serve the interests of just one member. Article 100 of the UN Charter clearly states that “In the performance of their duties the Secretary-General and the staff shall not seek or receive instructions from any government or from any other authority external to the Organization.”

Regrettably, the UN sits idly by whenever China seeks to impose its so-called “one China principle” on the UN system. The

most recent example involves dozens of NGOs being denied Consultative Status by the UN Economic and Social Council simply because a reference to Taiwan in their documents contradicts China’s demands.

A truly inclusive UN would not leave anyone behind. Today, however, Taiwan passport holders are blocked from entering UN premises for public visits and meetings. Taiwanese journalists and media outlets are also denied accreditation to cover UN meetings.

These practices are unjust and discriminatory, and contravene the principle of universality upon which the UN was founded. The UN should make its actions and words congruent, and take immediate action to rectify its exclusionary practices.

This dire situation does not, and never will, intimidate Taiwan.

Taiwan is ready, willing and able to contribute. If the UN continues to yield to China’s coercion, rejecting Taiwan’s participation, it will only encourage Beijing’s callousness. Efforts to fulfill the purpose of achieving international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all, as stated in Article 1 of the UN Charter, will also be impaired.

If the host of nations is serious about promoting inclusion and making development sustainable for all, it should open its doors to Taiwan.

ST LUCIA YOUTH BUSINESS TRUST HOST IN-HOUSE TRAINING FOR MSME’S

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t Lucia Youth Business Trust continues on its mandate in providing training opportunities for MSME’s to help develop the attitudes, behaviors and actions of the young entrepreneurs and startups. In collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Youth Business Trusts (YBT) in the region will host a series of In House and Community based training in the coming months.

The CDB-Supported Regional pilot venture entitled, “Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Caribbean Youth” will provide training and mentorship to young entrepreneurs and startups between the ages of 18 -35.

The Youth Business Trusts of Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Dominica are part of the pilot

and training will focus primarily on building the capacity of youth to create self-employment opportunities through, among other things, the provision of entrepreneurial training, finance and mentorship.

The initial phase of the CDB-supported project in house training will train a cohort of only twenty applicants from across the island in the entrepreneurial areas of: Idea Generation, Resource Management, Brand Development, Finance Management and Strategic Management and all trainees will then be paired with mentors for a period of six months to one year.

The in-house training comprise of 30 hours contact sessions over a period of three week facilitated

by YBI trained facilitators and young entrepreneurs who

operate informal, micro and small businesses as well as persons with technical and vocational competencies are encouraged to register.

The first in house training which was originally scheduled for September 5th 2019 has now been rescheduled for 17th September 2019 at the Chamber of Commerce Conference Room , Bois D ‘Orange from 5:30pm. The Community based training will be scheduled for the months of October/ November 2019.

All Interested young entrepreneurs are invited to submit an application form for review and for further information, project and training details, please contact the St Lucia Youth Business Trust by calling 1 (758) 452 3165 or email: slybtslu@gmail.com

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Jacmel Youth complete training in agro-production under USAID’s CFYR Programme

ollowing a two-week training program funded by the United States Agency for International Development through its Community, Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR) Program, 18 young people received Certificates of Participation after completing a combined workshop on Youth Agro-Entrepreneurship, Social and Leadership Skills. These young people, who hail from the Anse La Raye district in Saint Lucia, completed a 40 hour curriculum that included sessions in crop production with basic farm and business management, as well as 8 hours of training in social and leadership skills that incorporated sessions on self- awareness, teamwork, conflict resolution and communications.

The young people who are teaming up to launch their own enterprise, Youth Coast Farm, are being guided by local farmers, agricultural extension officers and representatives of the business community in Saint Lucia.

This activity forms part of CFYR’s programme of activities, across five communities in Saint Lucia, to empower youth to become

Graduates of a workshop in agro-production, social and leadership skills take a group photo after receiving their certificates of completion. The graduates are from the Anse La Raye district where they are getting ready to farm produce for the local market.

as communities within Central Castries (Bois Patat, Grass Street, Leslie Land, Marchand and Morne Du Don).

The graduation event, which took place on August 29th at the Jon Odlum Secondary School near Marigot, was attended by representatives from the international development

TRIPLE DELIGHT: THREE ST LUCIANS COP CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS

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he Chevening Scholarship winners for 2019 were announced yesterday

by British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mrs Janet Douglas.

This year’s awardees hail from the islands of Barbados, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Antigua and Barbuda. The Saint Lucian winners studying for Masters level degrees are Liz Joseph studying Law at University College London, Hannolair Michaud studying Financial Analysis and Fund Management at the University of Exeter and Sherika Trim studying Humanitarian and Conflict Response at the University of Manchester.

During a special send-off ceremony at her official residence in Barbados, High Commissioner Douglas presented the Scholars with their Chevening certificates.

She was particularly pleased to see the high numbers of scholarships awarded to the Eastern Caribbean this year.

Mrs Douglas said, “We are delighted that once again Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean countries are the source of excellent candidates for the prestigious Chevening Scholarship scheme.

2019 Taiwan Scholarship Awardees

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more productive citizens and reduce their vulnerability to crime and violence, and is part of a larger effort by the United States government to help create a safer and more prosperous Caribbean. In addition to Anse La Raye, CFYR implements activities in the Districts of Dennery, Soufriere and Vieux Fort, as well

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community including the private sector, representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as local residents from the Anse La Raye District, all of whom are fully supportive of the young entrepreneurs in their quest to create opportunities and livelihoods that strengthen their communities.

his year, a total of 117 Saint Lucian students applied for Taiwanese scholarships offered by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), International Cooperation Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF), and I-Shou University School of Medicine.

They competed with thousands of applicants from all over the world. After a rigid screening and reviewing process, 22 Saint Lucian applicants are granted scholarships.The Embassy congratulates all the 2019 scholarship awardees.

2019 MOFA Scholarship awardees: Taliah Daniel Janelle Edovic Kaelan Alcindor Rocksun Yolansha Mathurin

Sherine St. Omer Zepherin Francis Nynia Etienne Francheska Richardson Shemar Constable Shanyqua Scott 2019 ICDF Scholarship awardees: Shanice Emily Bernard Wendell Joshua Bertrand Nykole Krishna Edward Joshua Cammie Cherrisa Vensia Marcell Michelle Julianetta Mathurin Ella Calixta Nelson 2019 I-Shou University School of Medicine for International Students Scholarship awardees: Keziah Sunitha Lashley Nefertiti Sherbazz Herelle Daba Amina Alexander Wennel Anselm Gabriel Kershelle Deterville

IN THE MATTER OF BRITISH-AMERICAN INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED (“BAICO”) (JUDICIAL MANAGER APPOINTED) RELEASING EC$30 MILLION IN SECOND DISTRIBUTION The Judicial Manager of British American Insurance Company Limited (The Bahamas) is pleased to advise that approximately EC$30 million is to be released to make a further Distribution of 4% on agreed Plan Claims that will be paid to Plan Creditors, making a cumulative total of 14%.

In the event that any Plan Creditor has not yet collected a first Distribution to which they are entitled, the amount payable in the second Distribution will additionally include such first Distribution amount.

British High Commissioner Janet Douglas (centre) with Sherika Trim (right) and Liz Joseph.

“The UK remains committed to providing first-rate educational opportunities for future leaders across the Eastern Caribbean, and I encourage interested persons to step forward and apply. You may be sitting here before me next year, preparing to embark on the opportunity of a lifetime.”

The send-off event was also attended by Chevening alumni, well-wishers and a cross section of other students who are headed to the UK to commence studies in September 2019. The event provided a prime opportunity to benefit first-hand from presentations and top tips about student life in the UK.

Applications for 2020 to 2021 Chevening Scholarships supporting a taught Masters

degree in any subject at any UK university can be made until 5 November 2019. Interested persons should apply at www. chevening.org/apply.

The Chevening Scholarships scheme is the global scholarship programme of the British government. The Scholarships are awarded to exceptional individuals with leadership potential, enabling recipients to study one-year taught Masters Courses in a range of subject areas at UK universities. The Scholarships are funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and aim to support UK foreign policy priorities by creating lasting positive relationships with future leaders, influencers and decision makers.

In Saint Lucia, payment of the second Distribution will be made by CHEQUE and will commence on Monday September 2, 2019. Cheques can be collected from the top floor of the Jeremie Building at Barnard Hill (formerly Olympic House) during the hours of 9:00am to 4:00 pm.

All Plan Creditors are asked to walk with proper identification (e.g. driver’s license or passport) when presenting themselves for payment. Representatives of Plan Creditors should present, in addition to their own ID:

• A notarized Letter of Authorization from the Plan Creditor

• A notarized copy of the Plan Creditor’s ID Executors of wills should also present notarized copies confirming their standing as executors.

If you have any questions, please contact: - Toll Free: 1-855-584-3122 or - 1 758 453 1471 or By email to: admin@frankmyersconsulting.com

Frank V. Myers Judicial Manager August 23, 2019

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august 31, 2019 THE STAR

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The Sandals Intern for a Day Experience

n just a few days, the 2019/2020 academic year begins and students, including those who at present hold Sandals Foundation scholarships, will return to secondary school after an eventful summer.

However, before that happens three Sandals Foundation scholarship beneficiaries; Tiffany Florent, Shaquil Flavius and Xaviour Blanchard got a first-hand look of what it’s like to be a Sandals Manager, and spent Friday, August 23 shadowing several team

leaders at Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia.

Tiffany Florent was most impressed by the staff she met at Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa. “Just saying that the hotel was nice would not suffice. It was gorgeous. I was given tours of the housekeeping, entertainment, food and beverage and watersports departments.

We ended the day with kayaking.

The staff at Sandals Regency La Toc was very welcoming and fun.

They made us feel comfortable and I enjoyed the day with them.”

Shaquil Flavius’ experience at Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort was an eye-opener for him. “Most young people don’t know how hard most jobs are for adults.

I got to experience one of the toughest and most fun jobs in Saint Lucia. Working in a hotel and experiencing the variety of departments with all the various functions was a huge teaching moment for me. I am thankful for the day of learning and fun that I had at Sandals Halcyon. I was taught a lot about working experience and of how a hotel

runs”.

As for Xaviour Blanchard, he just fit right in at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucia Spa and Beach Resort. “It was very interesting.

I learned a lot shadowing the different teams and I'm glad for this opportunity. The employees at Sandals are like one big family.

After only a few hours with different teams, I still felt a part of this huge family. Shadowing at Sandals was a great opportunity that has provided me with great insight on the industry. It is something I would do again if given the chance”.

Sandals wishes these students well as they return to school to work towards achieving their goals.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

GROUP INSURANCE ADMINISTRATOR Do You Have What it Takes?

• Are you a self-driven, detail-oriented professional with strong analytical skills?

• Are you able multi-task numerous initiatives without sacrificing quality?

• Are you able to provide strong manager support?

Key Duties and Responsibilities • Prepare Group Medical proposals across the assigned jurisdictions.

• Complete the preparation of renewal correspondence for the Group Insurance clients.

• Assist with the renewal options discussion with a view towards completing an agreement prior to the Plan’s renewal date.

• Co-ordinate and manage the use of the Online Adjudication program across the assigned jurisdictions.

• Log and track renewal correspondence.

What’s Expected • A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a similar role.

• An Associate Degree in Business Administration, Banking & Finance.

• Strong initiative, effective planning and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work in a highly-demanding and results-based environment.

• Ability to demonstrate poise, tact and diplomacy when dealing with customer queries and requests.

• Sound follow-up, highly reliable and detail-oriented.

• Advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software.

• Proven administrative and organizational skills with strong multi-tasking ability.

• A high level of interpersonal skills, and the capability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.

• Good written and verbal communication skills along with excellent administrative and organizational skills.

• Previous experience in a Financial Services environment would be an asset.

Go to the Careers link on www.sagicor.com to view further details and submit your application by September 8th, 2019.

Xaviour Blanchard, student of the Saint Mary’s College, receives his Sandals Foundation Scholarship Pack from Sandals Resorts Managing Director, Winston Anderson.

Financial Action Task Force Recommendation 29: Financial Intelligence Units

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

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inancial Intelligence Units (FIU) play a central role in any country’s anti-money laundering framework. In Saint Lucia it is established as the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) pursuant to the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act, Cap. 12. 20 (MLPA).

Recommendation 29 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Forty Recommendations covers the requirements expected of the FIU.

This recommendation provides for an autonomous FIU, which is free from political influence. This Authority is tasked with the responsibility of receiving and analyzing suspicious transaction reports (STRs) on money laundering and terrorist financing from financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs). DNFBPs include realtors, attorneys, casinos, accountants etc. Analysis of the all the information received using analytical software and human judgement is advised.

The FATF requires FIUs to conduct operational and strategic analysis on information received. Operational analysis uses the information to identify targets, these may be people, assets or businesses, and seeks to determine if there are linkages between the identified targets and proceeds of crime. On the other hand, strategic analysis is used to identify money laundering or terrorist financing typologies. It proves helpful in guiding the FIU on its objectives and policies. The recommendation also requires that when needed, the FIU should be able to access additional information, from entities which it supervises.

Any information which is received, analyzed and disseminated by the FIU must be held in the strictest confidence, using secured channels of communication and must only be used in accordance with policies, laws and regulations.

Section 5 of the MLPA outlines the “Functions of the FIA” in Saint Lucia, whilst section 6 details the “Power of the FIA”. Both sections are in keeping with the requirements of Recommendation 29. Saint Lucia’s FIA is the anti-money laundering regulator, as a result it has oversight for financial institutions and DNFBPs. The FIA’s website gives the public information on its role and functions, contains information for financial institutions and DNFBPs such as sanctions lists from the United Nations and gives the opportunity to lodge suspicious transaction reports. The website address is www.slufia.com.

Saint Lucia is now undergoing its fourth Round Mutual Evaluation, assessing the country’s regime in combatting money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This assessment includes an onsite visit by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) from September 16-27, 2019. During this on-site visit interviews will be conducted with the management of the FIA to ascertain whether they are in compliance with the requirements of the FATF Forty Recommendations. Financial Institutions, DNFBPs and the general public are encouraged to visit the FIA’s website, and additional information on this and the other recommendations can be had from the website of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force at www.cfatf-gafic.org.

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The Week at SLHTA Tourism Matters

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Joseph “Reds” Perreira To Receive Cricket West Indies Honour

he Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) congratulates acclaimed cricket commentator, Joseph “Reds” Perreira, who will be recognised by Cricket West Indies (CWI) for his contribution to the game over the past six decades.

Perreira was informed of the honour via a letter dated July 2, 2019, and signed by CWI’s President, Ricky Skerritt, who wrote that, “CWI is indeed appreciative of your sterling contribution to the promotion of West Indies cricket and the development of cricket commentary in the region.”

Perreira’s live commentary of the upcoming Test Match at Sabina Park in Jamaica, in the West Indies vs India 2019 Series ,will be his 150th Test Match as a live commentator. A brief recognition ceremony will be held on the field on the third day of that match (September 3) for the famed commentator whose vast knowledge of the game has inspired many cricket commentators.

CWI will also provide Perreira with a return Caribbean Airlines ticket from Saint Lucia (where he has resided for many years) to Jamaica, hotel accommodation at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston and ground

his illustrious career that has made him globally-recognised.

“Whatever I have achieved has been because of people giving me the opportunity,” Perreira said about the upcoming recognition. “Nobody achieves anything by themselves. It’s also about taking advantage of the opportunities and prepare and learn from those opportunities.”

Perreira played cricket at Saint Mary’s school, the YMCA and the Catholic Guild Club in Guyana. However, he became infected by the commentary bug in the early 1950s after listening to radio broadcasts of cricket commentary emanating from England and often stayed up late at night to listen to matches being broadcast from the 1951 Australia tour. At first, however, he had to overcome a major challenge.

“I stammered very badly back then, so I was like a racePerreira recently celebrated his 80th birthday and will car driver with bad eyes,” he noted. soon celebrate commentating his 150th Test Match.

He spent twelve years at the OECS Sports Desk—which transportation to and from word soon got around that he he created—as a Sports Norman Manley International was interested in commentary Coordinator and credits his Airport. having done so for friends at cricket background for his

Perreira’s debut First parties and other gatherings. outstanding performance in Class game was in 1961 and He was soon called up by Rafiq that position which allowed him featured Guyana vs. Trinidad Khan who sent him to provide at Rose Hall. He was in his commentary for a match at Rose to coordinate sporting events and share information among early twenties at the time but Hall. That was the beginning of

the various sporting clubs and associations within the region.

His advice to anyone wanting to get involved in cricket commentary is simple: “Prepare to be able to work on your own sometimes doing imaginary commentaries as I did. Work with little radio stations to provide 10-minute reports and, slowly but surely, establish yourself. Just tell the story of the game—don’t get involved in the politics of the game. Stick to the cricket.”

Perreira also shared a concern that the game is losing a large part of its soul: “The worrying thing is that not too many radio stations are carrying cricket commentary anymore.

It’s no longer like years ago when each regional station did so. Live cricket broadcasts and even cricket commentary are fast disappearing from radio in the region.”

Meanwhile, praises have begun to pour in for Perreira, including from former West Indies Vice-Captain Deryck Murray, fast bowler Michael Holding, diplomat Sir Ronald Sanders, Guyanese Dave Martins, Desmond Roberts and dozens others.

“The diaspora, especially the cricket lovers, are very pleased that CWI (formerly the

West Indies Cricket Board) has seen it fit to recognize a man who has made a significant contribution to the game,” Oscar Ramjeet wrote in Kaieteur News.

Perreira was born in Pomeroon on the Essequibo Coast in Guyana and moved to the capital, Georgetown, when he was six. He had a serious problem because of his inability to speak fluently and confidently, but with training and determination to move to the top he made it.

He has rubbed shoulders with world-renowned commentators like John Arlott, Freddie Trueman, Brian Johnston, Richie Benaud, Alan McGilvray, and his mentor, Tony Cozier.

He covered 147 Test Matches and broadcast between 300 and 400 other matches, including ODIs and First Class games.

He reported from all the cricketing nations of the world, except Bangladesh. He covered the 1975 Prudential World Cup, the controversial Kerry Packer series, and games in South Africa during the Apartheid days.

Perreira has also written a book on his work, entitled “Living My Dreams”.

SLHTA President: Tourism Sector Spared From TS Dorian P resident of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA), Karolin Troubetzkoy, has expressed encouraging news following the passage of Tropical Storm Dorian over Saint Lucia this week.

“As President of the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA), I am pleased to confirm that our Saint Lucia hotel and

tourism businesses have not been affected by Tropical Storm Dorian and operations are returning to normal,” Troubetzkoy said on Tuesday.

“A Tropical Storm warning must always be taken very seriously and our businesses were well prepared for all eventualities. We are all very grateful that Dorian had no significant impact.”

As of 8:00am on Tuesday,

August 27, 2019, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) said the Tropical Storm Warning for Saint Lucia had been discontinued.

The all clear for Saint Lucia went into effect two hours later, advising employers to determine opening times for business following the national shutdown a day earlier when Saint Lucia was placed on a Tropical Storm Watch by the local Met Office.

While Saint Lucia stood directly in the path of Tropical Storm Dorian and citizens had braced themselves for potential damage, the island experienced only some light rainfall and strong winds, a far cry from what was originally expected.

SLHTA thanks all those individuals who were instrumental in mobilizing efforts and creating public awareness on a national level

during the passage of Tropical Storm Dorian. Moreover, SLHTA thanks those team members from various businesses across the country who went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that operations ran smoothly. Many of them stayed after their shifts ended, demonstrating the selflessness and professionalism that our industry admires and recognizes.

While the post-storm assessment continues in earnest nationally, SLHTA will also do its own stocktaking to ensure that the tourism plant remains open for business wishing all Saint Lucian residents and visitors to our beautiful island a safe Atlantic hurricane season.

SLHTA encourages Saint Lucians to continue taking all the necessary precautions seriously.

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august 31, 2019 THE STAR

KIM’S KORNER

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

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ain, numbness and tingling in the arm can be worrying. There are many causes of this uncomfortable phenomenon and quite often our first thought is that it could be a sign that there is a problem with the heart; but there are other factors that could be causing the symptoms, one possibility being thoracic outlet syndrome. Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a term used to describe symptoms that arise from an area between the collarbone and first rib. TOS can affect the nerves as they come from the spinal cord to the neck and arm. This is known as neurogenic TOS, or it can affect the blood vessels, in which case it’s known as arterial and venous TOS. The majority of cases involving TOS affect the nerves, with about 5% affecting the blood vessels.

The condition is caused by

compression of the muscles, nerves and blood vessels in the narrow passage between the collarbone and the first rib and this can cause pain and a range of symptoms. There is not always a known cause of this condition but there are several factors that can lead to symptoms: • After an injury such as a car accident or a fracture to the collarbone.

• Repetitive stress injuries either through sports like swimming and volleyball or a job that requires lots of movement of the arms.

• Poor posture, especially if the shoulders are extremely rounded.

• Physical defects, some people are born with an extra rib which reduces the space even further.

• Excessive pressure on the upper back, such as carrying a

backpack or being overweight.

• Pregnancy, the extra weight can put a strain on the muscles around the collarbone, especially if they are already weak.

Symptoms tend to be exacerbated by movements of the arm, especially lifting the arm up to the side (abduction).

The actual symptoms experienced will depend on which structures are under pressure. Nerve pain usually presents with: • Pain or aching in the neck, shoulder or arm.

• Numbness and tingling in the arm, sometimes all the way down to the fingers.

• Decreased power, especially when trying to grip objects.

If the blood vessels are being constricted the most noticeable symptoms are: • Discoloration of the hand,

CAREER OPPORTUNITY _____________________________________________________

Compliance Supervisor

This position reports directly to the Division Head Compliance MAIN RESPONSIBILITES

 Evaluate and examine procedures and policies and systems of internal controls in place at Massy Stores to protect the company’s assets.  Determine compliance with established procedures and policies.  Review systems of internal controls and their suitability to the needs of Massy Stores.  Design and conduct compliance test of specified areas and departments - Inventory, Sales, Purchasing, Payroll, Expenses, and other non-accounting related areas.  Supervise junior compliance staff.  Assist with the carrying out special assignments.  Assist external audit with their year-end testing of internal controls.  Assist department head with the area of business continuity.

REQUIREMENTS

 A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting OR at Level 2 ACCA along with evidence of expertise  Minimum three (3) years’ work experience

QUALIFIED CANDIDATES PLEASE DO THE FOLLOWING: Send an application to: HumanResources.SLU@massygroup.com

Closing Date for applications: Thursday September 5th, 2019

Tingling in the arm is a symptom of TOS, a condition which is usually hard to diagnose.

usually a bluish or reddish tinge, or paleness.

• Cold hands.

• Pain and swelling in the arm and hand.

• Light pulse.

• Throbbing by the neck.

• Weakness and/or fatigue of the arm and hand.

This is a condition that is more common in people between the ages of 20 and 40, and is seen in women more than men, but is actually a condition that can affect anyone.

Diagnosis of this condition will depend on the symptoms, but is confirmed by a health-care provider after a thorough examination that will depend on the symptoms. Neurogenic TOS can be hard to diagnose as the symptoms can mimic other conditions such as arthritis, nerve compression, damage to the rotator cuff or carpal tunnel and even conditions like fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. Venous and arterial TOS on the other hand is much easier to diagnose due to the changes in skin colour and pulses.

One of the most obvious tests is the reaction of the symptoms when the arms and head are moved into certain positions. An X-ray can also

show if there is an extra rib present and also if there is a reduced space between the first rib and collarbone. If it is suspected that the blood vessels are being compromised then an ultrasound scan may be recommended to identify any narrowing or blockages of the blood vessels.

The treatment of TOS will depend on the cause of the symptoms. If the cause is neurogenic then physiotherapy may be recommended for pain management and to give advice on the correct exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the neck, shoulders and upper back and advice on posture and positioning.

Medication may also be

recommended by a doctor to relax the muscles, reduce swelling and relieve the pain.

If the symptoms are due to a compromise of the blood vessels it may be necessary to have a procedure known as TOS decompression. This involves surgery to increase the space so the nerves and blood vessels can pass through more easily.

As always, the best treatment is prevention. Taking a few simple steps may help to avoid this painful condition— stay fit and healthy not only promotes a trim body but also helps to improve posture and prepare the body for added challenges like carrying heavy bags or sitting for hours at a desk.

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, tel. 458 4409 or 284 5443; www.baysidetherapyservices.com

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Sports & HEALTH

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HOW DOES YOGA HELP HUMANITY AND MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE?

he ancient art, science and philosophy of yoga, which is thousands of years old, came to the western world from India. Swami Vivekananda came from India to the West in the 1890s and introduced the philosophical side of yoga. In the 1950s-60s, with the arrival of yogis such as BKS Iyengar and Swami Sivananda, we began to learn of the physical practice of yoga. From that time, yoga has grown into a billion dollar per year business with millions of people practising daily.

We now see yoga classes, workshops, teacher training, yoga teacher certification programmes, yoga retreats, conventions, yoga props, clothes, tapes and music as a growing and profitable business. A good yoga mat can cost over US$100. We find yoga studios on every block in our major cities and small towns.

Just 10-15 years ago it was difficult to find a yoga studio.

Yoga is growing at an

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Yoga practicing has been growing in the western world because it makes people feel good all over.

amazing pace because it makes us feel good. Yoga is my doctor, therapist and psychologist, it is also my teacher and guide through life. When the day has become tiring and stressful, when the body is in pain and the mental state is out of balance, just throw down the mat and do some yoga. It balances the systems of the body such as

the circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, nervous, digestive, and excretory systems. It also strengthens and stretches the muscular and skeletal body.

Every day our world is experiencing new challenges, and yoga is helping us to cope with those challenges.

Animal agriculture and meat consumption are considered

vegan.

Along with global warming, we know that consuming less animal products is better for our health and wellness. Organic farming uses no chemical fertilizers or insecticides; that means that we are healthier and the earth is healthier.

Practising yoga, pranayama (yogic breathing) and meditation, and maintaining a more natural and organic diet helps to build energy and better health within the body and mind. We consume less chemicals, therefore we need less chemical companies which is better for the environment,

to be significant contributors to global warming which, as we know, is a great problem to humanity and its future existence. Yogis practise ahimsa (non-violence) which means that we don’t believe in killing or hurting anything or anybody in any way. This is one of several reasons why many of us are vegetarians or completely

the earth and its inhabitants.

We need less chemical medicines which focus on one area of the body. While they are helping one part of the body, they could be harming another part.

When we’re happier, healthier people we deal with everyday life in a more peaceful way. We are more understanding and respectful of one another and know that the energy that we put out is exactly what we get in return.

Yoga teaches us to have a respect for creation, the earth and nature. We learn and gain a knowledge that we are one with all existence.

Jill Hagar is a certified instructor of Iyengar Yoga and a certified International Yoga Therapist.

She holds regular Yoga classes at Harmony Suites in Rodney Bay. For more information about classes please contact Jill by phone or WhatsApp on (758) 718 1297 or by email on yogastlucia@gmail.com

DAREN SAMMY LAUNCHES A NEW CHAPTER

aren Sammy is one of the most popular franchise cricketers in the world and a respected leader in the sport.

To his native Saint Lucia, he is considered a national hero.

He was awarded the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II and the national stadium in his homeland was renamed Daren Sammy Cricket Grounds. Daren Sammy is the only active cricketer in the world with this honour.

After accomplishing his childhood dream of becoming the first Saint Lucian to be selected to play on the international West Indies cricket team and eventually surpassing this dream to lead the team as captain to two world T20 championships, he thought he had stopped dreaming. Sammy says that one day in Dubai, he asked himself, “What is the next chapter for Daren Sammy?”

That was the moment that he decided he wanted to launch his brand. According to Daren Sammy, “Change can be scary but what’s scarier is allowing fear to stop you from growing, evolving and progressing.”

He still believes that he still has a lot to offer as an international cricketer but he is also ready

Daren Sammy’s new brand will offer specialised products and services targeted at helping clients believe in their dreams.

to add a new chapter to his story that he can share with fans and followers around the world. Daren Sammy is adding entrepreneur, influencer and fashion icon to his long list of accomplishments and titles. On Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at a private ceremony which included ambassadors from various foreign embassies, business leaders, and Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, Daren Sammy unveiled his new plans for his

Daren Sammy (left) and wife, Cathy Sammy, at Jade Mountain for official “It’s In You” brand launch photo shoot.

brand.

The cocktail launch event which was held at The Landings St Lucia featured a special presentation on the brand’s making which was spearheaded by international brand strategist and Daren Sammy’s global commercial manager, Hanna Fitz.

New brand photos reveal a new image of Daren Sammy in iconic locations including Jade Mountain, The Landings St Lucia, and the Daren Sammy

Cricket Grounds.

The new images which were styled, directed by Hanna Fitz and photographed by celebrity photographer Starla Fortunato features Daren Sammy and his family including sexy photos of him and his wife Cathy Sammy. Starla has photographed celebrities like Taraji Henson, Ben Affleck, and Morgan Freeman. According to Hanna Fitz, “We do not seek to write an entirely new story but rather a new chapter of the existing epic personality of Daren Sammy. In this chapter

with his new brand properties and image, we are bringing to the forefront Daren as the entrepreneur, motivational speaker, fashion icon and philanthropist through products, services, and experiences.”

The mission of the brand is “to inspire millions of people to believe in your dreams because you can achieve the extraordinary”.

“It’s In You” is the core message and name of the brand as Daren Sammy is a firm believer that, “What the mind can conceive and the heart will

believe, you can achieve. Power and greatness is not something on the outside of you. It’s in you.”

Daren Sammy’s new logo featuring his player number 88 in the form of interlocking infinity symbols captures the infinite possibilities of the brand, human potential, and his brand personality as the King of Hearts. It was designed by award-winning graphic designer, Rodney Schunck, who has designed for brands like Adidas, Chanel, and Mont Blanc.

Later this year and going forward, Daren Sammy will launch new projects, business ventures and media features that will give his over 2 million fans an opportunity to engage with the brand. Daren is also working on launching new lifestyle products and services globally.

A new website for Daren Sammy was also unveiled at the event, providing a central hub where updates, news and information can be obtained.

This platform provides Daren Sammy with a method of making sure fans have access to official information.

It is accessible it at www. darensammy88.com.

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AUGUST 31, 2019 THE STAR

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SLABBFA Championships was a national affair

By David R Pascal

I

t’s become increasingly clear that bodybuilding has taken on a new look here, judging by what transpired at Saturday’s St Lucia Amateur Bodybuilding and Body Fitness Association (SLABBFA) National Championship. Nine gyms from around the island were represented making this a truly national affair.

At least for that night, gone are the days when muscularity, vascularity and mass reigned supreme. Instead competitors in every division displayed sleek well-defined physiques, even in the senior class. The big winner on the night was Joneil Pelage of Laborde’s Gym. He was the Champion of Champions and also won the Senior Bodybuilding title.

In the women’s division,

newcomer Sara Honora (Vel’s Fitness Centre) won the bikini title while Velda John who literally had no competition, captured yet another Body Fitness/Figure championship.

Jabari Brouet (South Side Gym) was a cut above the rest in the highly competitive Men’s Physique Tall Class. He was also named the Men’s Physique Champion. Calum Samuel (Vel’s Fitness Gym) emerged victorious in the Men’s Physique Short Class. Owen Phillip (Mango Moon) placed first in the Bodybuilding Intermediate class and Kim Leon (Laborde’s Gym) was a first place finisher in the Novice Bodybuilding division.

Pelage took a leap of faith last year, having won the Intermediate category. This time he La Caye resident was on top of the world and during an interview he could hardly contain his emotions, “I gave it my all, my diet, the discipline

Fayth Jeffrey Shines at Goodwill Swim Championships

F

ayth Jeffrey was the lone swimmer from Saint Lucia to attend the recently concluded Goodwill Swim Championships hosted in Suriname from August 16-18.

Jeffrey, who is already a veteran at representing Saint Lucia for swimming at various regional meets, traveled to Suriname with her mother, Donna KaidouJeffrey, participating in the 9-10 girls age group.

Jeffrey didn’t disappoint!

Goodwill Swim Championships is normally a short course, 25-metre, pool developmental meet. Due to weather conditions, Suriname requested of the participating members to use their long course (50 metre) pool. Jeffrey stepped right up and achieved personal best times in the majority of her events.

She represented on the podium, taking second place in the 100m breaststroke. Jeffrey also achieved the 9-10 girls age group record, decreasing her time over four seconds in the event.

Her overall performance placed her fifth in the 9-10 girl’s age group and first overall for girls aged nine. Achieving AAA and AA times in most of her events, Jeffrey was elated about her overall experience and

On the podium Fayth Jeffrey of the Sea Jays Swim Club.

appreciated the opportunity to represent Saint Lucia again.

Jeffrey, a member of local Sea Jays Swim Club, is currently training in Barbados. Her favourite events are the 50m and 100m breaststroke. She looks forward to representing Saint Lucia at OECS Swimming Championships being hosted in St Vincent.

Jeffrey’s long-term goal is to continue representing Saint Lucia at regional and international events according to her development and eligibility.

Sara Honora placed first in the bikini fitness class.

it took. It was very challenging but I pulled through. I guess I had the right mindset and came out and did my best,” he said.

Challenging indeed! He’s come a long way. Pelage who is a former student at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, started out as a long distance runner. During the 2017 Inter School Road Race he collapsed and was hospitalized. He told me: “During that time my world was falling apart because I really liked being an athlete.

I told my cardiologist I really wanted to get back with what I was doing. It was really taking a toll on me and I really wanted to get back to it [running]. He told me it would [be] very dangerous if I did so.”

All was not lost though. He joined a gym, began walking on a treadmill and gradually built up his endurance. After that (you guessed it), Pelage began lifting weights! “I really fell in love with it after I saw how quickly my body was developing,” he said.

Taking the advice from the proprietor of Laborde’s Gym, Pelage entered the novice category at the 2017 bodybuilding championships where he placed second.

The next year in the same show, he placed second in the intermediate category. This year he reached the mountain top and emerged a champion.

Body Fitness / Figure portrayed by Velda John.

Bodybuilding proved to be the perfect cure for his ailments. He couldn’t help but rave about the sport.

“Bodybuilding helped me a lot”, he said: “It’s not just about bodybuilding, it is just the feeling of going to the gym.

It relieves stress and for me [it] is a form of medication for everything.”

In winning the bikini fitness competition, Honora received stiff competition

Guest poser Natasha Samuel Ploeg had flex and sex appeal.

from Dillette Gerson (Fitness Freaks Gym) and Deanne Dujon (Voltage Fitness). But was this her first and last appearance? Honora’s interest in bodybuilding came from a desire to stay fit by going to the gym and admiring the physiques of others.

Someday she imagined herself performing on the big stage. So said, so done!

During an interview back stage she said: “This is my first

From left to right Dilette Gerson followed by Sara Honora and Deanne Dujon.

time competing and I am very, very happy that my hard work paid off and I ended up placing first. It was indeed a difficult time leading up to the show.

There were a lot of restless afternoons and being very tired from gym work. Like I said, I am just so happy that the hard work paid off. Like they say you work hard and you get the results that you need once you stick to it consistently.”

For now defending her title is up in the air. When asked about it she replied: “I am not sure, most likely, but for now I definitely don’t plan on competing next year. It takes a lot of work and dedication so I guess we will see what the future holds.”

Once again SLABBFA had a tardy start to the show which was over an hour late. President of SLABBFA, Jaqueline Trim apologized for the this, “When you are dealing with so many athletes coming from different parts of the island you tend to have a little late start. We have athletes coming all the way from Choiseul and Vieux Fort and they are here with us today.

We want to ensure that our aim and motto is to decentralize the sport and we need to get all our athletes from across the island to come and display their physique.

Continued on page 21

THE STAR

I thank you for being here and welcome you. Tonight is going to be a night you will not forget. Our athletes and guest posers have a great show planned for you.”

A parade with all the competitors from the various gyms was first on the agenda, however, not everyone was in attendance and the first competition that evening was delayed. The Association attempted to appease the crowd on account of the late start by allowing one of the guest posers Elite Pro Natasha Samuel-Ploeg who is Saint Lucian but lives in Canada, to give a teaser of what to expect later in the show. And it worked!

The crowd thoroughly enjoyed her performance and everyone, including yours truly, forgave the association for their tardiness. Overall, the championship was entertaining. The huge crowd (mostly women of all ages) gave all the performers tremendous support. However, they saved their best for last and were totally overwhelmed with the performance of the

Calum Samuel who won the Men’s Physique Short title (centre) with second place finisher Dwight William (left) and third place finisher Ultan Stanley.

two guest posers. SamuelPloeg displayed flex and sex appeal during her stunning performance.

Then there was the King of the Night, International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Elite , Raylison Maria, from Holland.

He appeared on stage looking somewhat like a gun-toting cowboy cloaked in a dark overcoat with a red bandana.

When he slowly removed his lengthy overcoat displaying skimpy black shorts complete with a holster, the crowd shrieked at his enormous

Basketball For the Future!

T

he highly anticipated National League Basketball Finals took place last Saturday night at the Beausejour Indoor Facility, between newcomers Basketball For The Future (BFTF) and Morne Fortune Gladiators.

Following a similar game plan that got them into the finals, BFTF sought to keep the Gladiators on the back foot early, as the lead ballooned to double digits throughout the game.

Gladiators on a 27-point, four rebounds and three steals contribution from Lanse Prospere, chipped away from a lead, which was once 19 to 4, late into the third quarter.

However, finals MVP Ron Dumerville (20 points, eight rebounds, five steals, six assists) and KFC Player of the Game Jervais Antoine (10 points, seven steals) instilled calm with a few decisive stops and powerful offensive plays.

The final score: BFTF 73, Gladiators 64. The 2019 Saint Lucia Basketball Federation National League was sponsored by Blue Waters, LUCELEC, Flow and Kentucky Fried Chicken.

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AUGUST 31, 2019

Basketball For The Future (with the ball) pictured above playing Dennery Dolphins won the National League Basketball Finals.

The Saint Lucia Basketball Federation (SLBF) is an affiliate of International Basketball Federation (FlBA), the world governing body of basketball since 1997 with full rights and

duties as stipulated in the General Statutes of FIBA. The SLBF has been assigned to the FlBA Zone of Americas as per the Annex to the General Statutes of FlBA.

21

The night belonged to Champion of Champions and Senior Bodybuilder Joneil Pelage.

physique from head to toe.

Maria delighted the audience even more, by wandering through the crowd and posing and flexing in a manner that excited young and old. In the end, did it really matter that the show was more than an hour late? Like always it ended on a high note and the audience certainly got their money’s worth and then some.

The following are the top three bodybuilders in the various categories. Champion of Champions: (1) Joneil Pelage (Labordes Gym), (2) Kim Leon (Labordes Gym), (3) Owen Phillip (Mango Moon).

Bodybuilding Intermediate: (1) Owen Phillip (Mango Moon), (2) Simeon Mathurin (Fitness Freaks), (3) Anthony Medard (Sidonie Brothers Gym).

Bodybuilding Novice: (1) Kim Leon (Labordes Gym), (2) Lance Etienne (Keep Fit Gym).

Bodybuilding Senior: (1) Joneil Pelage (Labordes Gym), (2) Orville James (Sidonie Brothers Gym, (3) Kurton Hubert (Labordes Gym).

Men’s Physique Tall: (1) Jabari Brouet (South Side Gym), (2) Zimeron Leon (Mango Moon), (3) Caleb Steide (Fitness Freaks).

Men’s Physique Short Class: (1) Calum Samuel (Vel’s Fitness Centre), (2) Dwight Williams (Mango Moon), (3) Ultan Stanley (Labordes Gym).

Men’s Physique Champion: (1) Jabarie Brouet (South Side Gym), (2) Calum Samuel (Vel’s Fitness Gym), (2) Bikini: (1) Sarah Honora (Vel’s Fitness Centre), (2) Dillette Gerson (Fitness Freaks), (3) Deanne Dujon (Voltage Fitness).

Body Fitness/Figure: (1) Velda John (Vel’s Gym).

Elite Pro Raylison Maria kept his word and “gave St Lucia something they have never seen before”.

Alicia John Women's T20 All Star Team

F

ollowing the completion of the St Lucia National Cricket Association Alicia John Women’s T20 competition, an allstar team has been named. The team was selected purely on the plays’ statistics in the just completed competition.

The players making it to the team are as follows: Opening batters: Roylin Cooper (105 runs), Nerissa Crafton (86 runs), Malika Edward (82 runs) Middle order batters: Qiana Joseph (186 runs), Joann Alphonse (50 runs), Allyah Alfred (45 runs) All-rounder: Marlene Preville (60 runs, eight wkts).

Wicket Keeper: Melika Destang.

Fast bowlers: Yasmine St Ange (10 wkts), Rena Eugene (seven wickets). Spinners: Julia Simon (nine wkts), Teeadie Crawford (nine wkts)

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Cricket titles for Millet and South Castries

Teeadie Crawford of South Castries dismissed three for 21 in the final.

Cricket official Eugena Gregg presented the winning trophy to South Castries for the Alicia John T20 title.

M

illet Cobras are the 2019 South Castries Cricket Association National Lotteries T20 champions. The men-in-green defeated Bexon Oval Super Stars by eight wickets.

Sent in to bat, Bexon was hoping that there would be a repeat power hitting innings from their opening batsman Collinus Callendar. That was not to be as Callendar could only muster 19 runs before being caught behind. At this point there was a steady fall

of wickets as Bexon was dismissed for 114 in 17.5 overs.

Adil Barlow was the main contributor with the bat with 30 runs.

Aloysius Charles, bowling at a gentle medium pace, bagged three for 31, with Kester Charlemagne and Shervon Leo picking up two wickets each.

Needing just under six runs per over, Millet raced to victory using up just 11.3 overs and only losing two wickets in the process. Their charge to victory was led by opening batsman

Anderson Charles, who stroked an aggressive 50 before being run out. There were also useful contributions from Kemrol Charles (30 runs) and Kester Charlemagne (22 runs).

At the presentation ceremony which immediately followed, the following awards were presented: MVP Qualifier 1 (Millet vs Crusaders) – Kester Charlemagne; Eliminator (SCCA U19 vs Bexon) – Lee Solomon; Qualifier 2 (Bexon vs Crusaders) – Collinus Callendar; Player of the Final – Anderson

Charles; Most Runs – Collinus Callendar (236 runs); Most Wickets – Lee Solomon (10 wkts); MVP of the Tournament – Collinus Callendar; umpires of the tournament – Maria David and Matthew John. They also received medals and a token of appreciation. The winning team, Millet, and runners up, Bexon, also received their respective cheques.

In other news, South Castries Ladies successfully defended their Alicia John T20 title following a four wicket

win on Saturday at the Mindoo Phillip Park. The win made it six consecutive titles for the South Castries ladies.

Sent in to bat Gros Islet was dismissed for 87, thanks largely to extras which totalled a healthy 41 consisting of 35 wides. National batter Malika Edward 16 and former national player Heidi Sandiford 11 were the only batters to reach double figures.

Bowling for the Lionesses, spinner Teeadie Crawford posted three for 21, Phillipa Eudovic two for six, Ashlene Edward one for 15 and Amia

Doping - Jamaican under-20 world champ Williams tests positive

By Kayon Raynor

J

amaica's world under-20 double sprint gold medalist Briana Williams has tested positive for a banned diuretic, her lawyer has told Reuters, potentially ruling her out of the world athletics championships in Doha.

Williams has denied any wrongdoing and her Canadabased lawyer Emir Crowne said the banned substance hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) appeared to have been in an over-the-counter cold remedy she had purchased.

She had also declared the medication on her doping control form, he said.

"I can confirm that we have an independent test on an overthe-counter cold medication that the athlete took (that) confirmed the presence of a diuretic," Crowne said.

"The diuretic was not listed among the ingredients in that cold medicine that the athlete took. It is genuinely a case where I would suggest no fault at all for a situation that was beyond her control, and beyond anyone's control really."

Alexander Williams, who chairs the Jamaica Antidoping Commission, declined to comment. Both of the 'A' and 'B' samples were tested at the WADA accredited lab in Montreal. HCTZ is banned because it can to mask the

Briana Williams pictured here at the World Under 20 Championships in Tampere, Finland. (Reuters).

use of anabolic steroids. It is normally used to treat high blood pressure.

The 17-year-old Williams

clocked a yet-to-be-ratified national junior record of 10.94 seconds to place third in the 100m final at the national senior trials in June, but

could now miss selection for the world championships in Doha. The Jamaican team for the September 27 October 6 championships will be named on September 6.

Under the World Antidoping Agency and IAAF rules, Williams is facing the possibility of a maximum ban of four years if found guilty. Warren Blake, president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, told Reuters he hoped it would not come to that.

"Based on what we have heard, we expect that a suitable explanation will be given," he said. The explanation and the (independent) test that has been done seem that they might, in my opinion, exonerate the athlete."

Polius one for 10. Despite the loss of national opening batter, Edward, in the first over without scoring, South Castries was able to secure victory behind a mature and responsible captain’s inning of 46 by Windward Islands all-rounder Nerissa Crafton. She shared in two crucial partnerships with Castelle Vitalis and Cherry George, as the Lionesses reached 88 for six in 14.3 overs.

Bowling for Gros Islet, Heidi Sandiford bagged three for 11.

Nerissa Crafton was adjudged Player of the Final.

Press launch and tournament draw for Blackheart

T

he 17th Annual Blackheart/ SLFA Knockout Football Tournament 2019 is here.

The draw for the tournament is slated for September 10, 2019 at the Bay Gardens Marina Haven at 7:00 pm. It was pointed out that the press has played a pivotal role in the coverage and continued success of the tournament.

The following dates have been confirmed for the tournament: Saturday September 14, Sunday September 15, Wednesday September 18, Saturday September 21, Sunday September 22nd, Wednesday September 25, Saturday September 28 and Saturday October 5, 2019. The venue(s) will be announced at a later date.

THE STAR

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La Casa Slu in Mongiraud One bedroom Studio apartment available for short stays

US$60.00 per night/day Beautiful space in a quiet neighborhood.

Maximum 2 people Kitchenette, bathroom, air conditioned comfort Call: 460 7315 OR

One bedroom apartment available for short stays

US$80.00 per night/day Beautiful space in a quiet neighborhood.

Kitchen, bathroom, air conditioned comfort – 1 bedroom with queen bed + 1 sofa bed.

Maximum 3 people Call: 460 7315

Property FOR SALE Spacious,2600 sq ft 3 bedroom house for sale in the Village of Micoud.

Close to everything.

Estimated 10 mins drive from the international airport. open plan Living Area.

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For further info Contact

1-758-285-4391

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Want your car sold?

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

Tel: 450-7827 or Email: info@stluciastar.com

FOR RENT

FOR RENT

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

Hot and cold.

Furnished house for rent at Beausejour Phase 2.

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

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732-7852

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Apartment for sale Includes 4 fully furnished 1 –bedroom units At Hewanorra Orchard, Vieux Fort Solar Dynamics Water tanks Split a/c Expandable Ideal for foreign med students $600,000 Negotiable Call/Whatsapp:

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VEHICLE FOR SALE White 2006 Nissan Altima in good condition.

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23

For Sale Car: Hyundai i-20; 2016 Colour: Midas Gold Mileage: 11,000 miles, only EC$50,000 negotiable Call:

724 5032

For Rent 2 Bedroom Apartment for rent at Corinth For more information Please call 450-3286 or 286-5631 During the evening time after 7pm

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

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