Our Leaders Sold Us Out! - STAR Newspaper

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The Star (St.Lucia)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 04, 2018

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Aaron Alexander on Emancipation Day!

Nothing Personal.

It’s Just Business.

ISSUE 207

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OUR LEADERS SOLD US OUT!

02 LOCAL

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

Take a NAP!

By Michael Walker

I

was talking to some young people in Sweden the other day when I learned something new. It’s always quite refreshing, don’t you think, to hear teenagers expressing positive opinions about what they are up to and what they believe their future holds.

But first a little background information: The Swedish school system is basically divided into four periods of three years, making twelve years of school in all. There is also a pre-school opportunity that is growing ever more important as more and more parents work outside the home. So there is pre-school, followed by three years of low school, three years of middle school, three years of upper school and three years of high school.

Years ago, entrance to high school was restricted to pupils who achieved high grades, but this changed and today almost every child attends high school. The same applies to university studies. Because tuition at a university is free, many if not most students are able to go in for higher studies and achieve a university degree. The critics of this system will tell you that the proliferation of degrees has watered down the importance of having academic qualifications, so much so that a first degree is only a stepping stone to a Master’s degree and eventually a PhD.

Now, here’s the strange thing: Some thirty years after these reforms were introduced there appears to be a significant backlash. People are tired of having academic degrees when they cannot find a competent

electrician, carpenter or plumber. There simply aren’t enough qualified tradesmen and women despite the fact that the pay levels of these trades often exceed the income levels achieved by academics.

The local Gymnasium (which is what High School is called in Swedish) decided to introduce an Apprenticeship Programme in our small community that attracted 14 students in its first year. By the second year that number had jumped to 54, almost four times as many. The Apprenticeship Programme offers numerous advantages: apprentices attend school two days a week and continue their regular studies. They are employed as apprentices in a regular job for three days a week and receive practical, up-to-date, real training in the skills of their chosen trade. Their workdays are longer than their schooldays as they follow regular working hours. They receive some financial compensation during their apprenticeship.

When they ‘graduate’ they are ready for the workplace and usually find a job straight away, often with the same company.

I am pretty certain that variants of such a programme might exist in Saint Lucia already, but what we need is a regulated, wellorganized National Apprenticeship Programme (NAP) that leads to recognized qualifications equivalent to A-Levels, or whatever they are called these days, so that school-leavers are ready and well qualified to take their place in the workforce and begin repaying society for the education and training they have received through the school system. So Take a NAP, Saint Lucia!

SLP EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE ARSENE JAMES

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he Saint Lucia Labour Party has learnt with deep regret of the death of Hon. Arsene James, former Minister of Education, Leader of the Opposition and Parliamentary Representative for Micoud South.

On behalf of the Opposition Parliamentarians, Executive and Members of the Saint Lucia Labour Party, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the family of the late Mr. James.

Mr. James was a long serving Parliamentary Representative, educator, Minister of Government and community worker who will long be remembered by the people of Saint Lucia and Micoud in particular for his commitment and hard work.

We are sure that Mr. James’ contribution to Saint Lucia will be etched in the memory of the people for a long time. May his soul rest in peace.

AUGUST 04, 2018 THE STAR

SLHTA Mourns Loss of St Lucia Tourism Pioneer

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he Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association regrets to inform its members of the passing of Mr. Bill Stewart, one of the pioneers of Saint Lucia’s tourism industry. The association extend s its condolences to his wife Heidi and their children Dominique and Liza.

Mr. Stewart served as the President of the SLHTA on several occasions. Hailing from the island of Guernsey, Mr. Stewart arrived in Saint Lucia in the early 70s, originally working for Courtline and, after the company’s demise, stayed on to operate the Halcyon Days, Halcyon Beach Club properties in Saint Lucia and the Halcyon Cove in Antigua.

Among Mr. Stewart’s other contributions to Saint Lucia’s tourism industry: in 1975 Theo Gobat and Bill Stewart formed the Caribbean Hotel Management Services (CHMS).

The formerly loss-making

Bill Stewart served on several occasions as an innovative and inspiring SLHTA President.

hotels were gradually turned into profit-making concerns, with high occupancies in the 3-star market and at some point operating more than half of the entire room inventory in Saint Lucia and employing over 800 staff. CHMS took on Smugglers Village in 1985. In

the early 1980s CHMS invested in Capone's with Albert Haman and Arthur Pilgrim, with Mrs. Berthia Parle as the restaurant's manager. 1987 saw the launch of Clubs International.

Smugglers Village became Club Saint Lucia. Club Saint Lucia expanded in 10 years from 100 rooms to 367. With the seven courts at Club Saint Lucia, CHMS created The Saint Lucia Racquets Club, Saint Lucia's first tennis centre, managed by John Easter. The club hosted the Saint Lucia Open, Davis Cup matches, ITF junior tournaments, and Legends tournament for four years in December, with stars like Roy Emmerson and Ilie Nastase giving exhibition matches, and coaching. CHMS was instrumental in the creation of The Great House restaurant and the creation of the Derek Walcott theatre. In 1997, Mr. Bill Stewart became the sole owner of Club Saint Lucia.

Children and Youth Warned to Guard Against Online Human Trafficking Recruiters

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he four Ps of the global mission to end human trafficking has been highlighted by the Department of Home Affairs and National Security, as the United Nations joined several countries on Monday, July 30, 2018, to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The four Ps are Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership, and are set at the core of Saint Lucia’s human trafficking work programme.

Reflecting on the international occasion, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Home Affairs and National Security and Chairperson of the Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, Mrs. Elizabeth Bailey, commented on the call to action selected by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The call to action is: “Let us act now to protect and assist trafficking victims”.

“For us at the Department

Technology is a tool of traffickers; children need to be warned and protected.

of Home Affairs and National Security where the human trafficking secretariat sits, the theme is not a chorus line for one day; rather it is our resolve in respect to meeting our international obligations. We do remain committed and definitely accept and support the UN’s call to action.”

Mrs. Bailey also highlighted that children and young persons should particularly be taught

about the crime of Trafficking in Persons.

Traffickers are known to misuse the internet and new technologies to broaden their reach in recruiting unsuspecting children and young adults for sexual exploitation, forced labour, pornography and organ harvesting.

See the EU article on page 19 about Human Trafficking.

THE STAR

AUGUST 04, 2018

SLSM does The Beatles

By Doretta Francois

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one of us is born a pro.

It takes practice, hard work and perseverance to become a professional in any field. That much was demonstrated at the Beatles Tribute concert last Saturday night at the Saint Lucia Yacht Club, organised by the Saint Lucia School of Music (SLSM), when seasoned, professional musicians wowed a full house that had been warmed up by students of the SLSM.

The Beatles rocked the world in the 1960s. Most members of the audience were of an age to have followed the band’s early days and its phenomenal, unprecedented, chart-topping success on both sides of the Atlantic. No wonder the middle-aged attendees, mouthing the words to all the songs, enjoyed the show. “We got a big bang for our buck!” and “That was so cool! Let’s have a Beatles concert every week,” were some of the praises overheard.

At the other end of the age scale, probably most of the students had never heard of John, Paul, George and Ringo before rehearsing for this concert. One hopes that they

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EU SUPPORTS HOUSING RECONSTRUCTION IN BARBUDA

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The SLSM and friends taking Beatles fans on a nostalgic trip down Penny Lane.

were at least already familiar with a tune or two from the collection of eighteen Beatles classics presented during the evening.

There were many musicians on stage, including the school’s students, mentors and faculty plus the professional performers. The marvelous Skip Monday band and the other guest performers played and sang with infectious energy.

Richard Payne, the Executive Director of the SLSM, deserves special mention, not

for his sterling work at the helm of the school, nor for his drive and determination in enabling students to progress in their music studies; on this occasion it was for his crowd-pleasing performance on the keyboard; clearly an ardent fan of the Fab Four!

The concert was a fundraiser for Coman Fevriere, a cello student at the SLSM who has been awarded a tuition scholarship at North Park University in Chicago, Illinois; the money raised will assist

with his living expenses.

Mr. Payne highlighted that there is a critical shortage of music teachers and he expressed the hope that Coman, and others like him, will return in due course to continue the process of helping aspiring musicians to become proficient. As vocalist Maria Lamontagne pointed out, “Today’s youngsters are the professional musicians of the future,” so let’s give them encouragement and support— aid them to ‘get by with a little help from their friends’.

03

ntigua and Barbuda and the European Union (EU) have signed an agreement for EUR 5 million (EC$15.7 million) to support the reconstruction of houses in Barbuda after hurricane Irma. The support was allocated from the emergency reserves of the European Development Fund, and comes on top of the country's co-operation programmes with the EU.

The programme, entitled "Housing Support to Barbuda after Hurricane Irma" will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and aims to rebuild to higher resilience standards 150 houses in Barbuda, following strict and adapted building codes, in close collaboration with the national authorities and concerned institutions like the

National Office for Disaster Services (NODS).

During the signing ceremony in Antigua, Daniela Tramacere, EU Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda said: "This partnership between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the UNDP and the European Union is the guarantee that 150 Barbudan families will return to a safe, high quality and hurricaneresilient home."

The common aim of Antigua and Barbuda and the EU, through their long-lasting partnership and co-operation, is to reduce vulnerability of the country to climate change and natural disasters in particular. It also seeks to improve the country's fiscal and macroeconomic resilience through direct support to the Public Finance Management System.

HERO LIFEGUARD TO BE NOMINATED FOR MOUNTBATTEN MEDAL

andals Grande Saint Lucia diver, St. Rose Jacobie, who dove into open ocean off the coast of Saint Lucia to save two persons who had fallen off a party boat, will be nominated for the Mountbatten Medal—an international award given by the Commonwealth Royal Life Saving Society for the most gallant rescue or rescue attempt.

The announcement came from John Bruce, President of the Life Savers Association of Saint Lucia, during a function held at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucia resort to honour St. Rose for his outstanding effort and bravery.

This is the second time in three years that a Sandals team member in Saint Lucia has been nominated for the award. In 2015 it was won by Zachaeus Dominique, a lifeguard from

Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa, after he had rescued a member of the public who had fallen into difficulty while swimming in rough seas.

During a recent carnival party cruise two persons, a man and his companion who are from the UK, fell from the boat into the open water.

Without hesitating, St. Rose leapt into action and dove off the boat, just in time to grab on to the gentleman who had already started going under.

He was soon able to stabilize both persons, and hold on to them until the boat turned around.

During a function held by the Sandals resort on Saturday July 28 to celebrate Jacobie’s act of bravery, he thanked his training for allowing him to respond so quickly.

“I dove in without even taking off my shoes. It was instinct and I just want everybody to know that I am not a hero; my team members would have done the same.

This is what we are trained for. Our training is something that we take seriously at Sandals. We have been [drilled] for years and I enjoy it. It’s a nice feeling knowing that if anyone were to get into trouble right now, any one of my team members at Sandals can stand up and give first-aid or CPR; this is what they put into us.”

St. Rose received an official citation from Sandals Deputy Chairman Adam Stewart CD, which was presented to him by Minister for Education, Innovation and Sustainable Development the Hon. Gale Rigobert.

A beaming St. Rose Jacobie (left) receives his citation from Minister Gale Rigobert on behalf of Sandals Resorts International.

In the citation presented to the hero diver, Mr. Stewart expressed the following: “Sandals Resorts International

wishes to formally recognise Mr. St. Rose Jacobie for the courage and heroism recently demonstrated when he dove

into the ocean to save two persons who had fallen from a boat during a party cruise.

St. Rose’s action saved the lives of those persons and is the embodiment of all that we stand for as members of the Sandals family. He certainly gave more than was expected and went well beyond the call of duty. He is indeed the definition of a true hero.

"On behalf of our Chairman the Hon. Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and the entire Sandals family, we are proud to call him our own.

"We salute you St. Rose; you are a shining example of what it means to be selfless and compassionate. Keep being you and don’t ever change.”

Should his nomination for the Mountbatten Medal be successful, St. Rose will travel to Buckingham Palace to receive the award.

04 LOCAL

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AUGUST 04, 2018 THE STAR

Education Minister says school rehabilitation off to a late start leaking roofs and interaction with water and electricity, which you know can pose a hazard, that’s top of the list.

We have some schools, Babonneau for example, their louvres are badly, badly damaged and so when it rains water comes in.”

Among other issues the education department wishes to address at schools across the island are: mould, leaking roofs and termite infestations.

“Many of our partitions which are termite-infested now pose a physical danger to our students and so we will be undertaking a replacement of as many of our partitions as we can.”

Additionally: “Food and

Keryn Nelson

W

ith the reopening of school nearly a month away, this week Saint Lucia’s Education Minister Dr. Gale Rigobert updated the press on the government’s progress regarding school rehabilitation projects. She detailed the extensive work still awaiting completion, the government’s priority concerns and the changes placed on the back burner. The minister also admitted that the much-needed work has taken more time to progress than anticipated.

“We have tried very hard to ensure that our rehabilitation programme is implemented in such a way that we will not suffer any delay in the reopening of school,” she said.

“Unfortunately I must say we are off to a late start and what it means is that we will have to deal with the priority areas first,

Hon. Dr. Gale Rigobert gave updates on school rehabilitian projects at Monday’s Pre-Cabinet meeting.

and those things that can be done later, we will do later.”

The minister announced that health and safety concerns reside at the top of her

ministry’s lists of priorities: “Issues regarding health and safety are paramount.

For example, where we have electrical problems caused by

nutrition and the need to rehabilitate labs will be looked at—such as home economics rooms and kitchens, especially since we use those kitchens to prepare the food as part of our school feeding programme.”

Cosmetic changes like repainting jobs, she said will be addressed later and with a phased approach. Repairs not completed in the summer will be rescheduled for the Christmas break.

It was also indicated on Monday that the government is in receipt of a donation of 100 new pieces of school furniture which the minister said her government hopes to replicate: “It is a gift that we appreciate

and we expect that we will be able to scrape up some monies to allocate to purchasing new furniture.”

Earlier in the year the government also received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of a Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project.

Some of these funds were slated to cover payments under the Contract for Procurement of Furniture and Office Equipment for schools. The minister said she is insistent on having local joiners, tradesmen and carpenters provide these new pieces so that monies will circulate inland and for the benefit of Saint Lucians.

School is currently scheduled to begin on September 3, 2018.

Soufriere Hospital Reopens Its Services

WATER AND SEWERAGE COMPANY INC. (WASCO) Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) Consultancy Services to prepare a Communication and Awareness Plan Submissions are invited from suitable qualified persons for “Consultancy Services to prepare a Communication and Awareness Plan”.

Deadline date for the receipt for Expression of Interest (EOI) is not later than 12:00 Noon on 15th August, 2018.

Interested persons are requested to visit the following: The Government of Saint Lucia Website The National Printing Corporation (NPC) Website The Water and Sewerage Company Inc. Website and Facebook page for a detailed description of the Expression of Interest (EOI).

Soufriere Hospital’s staff and services—excluding the urgent care services—have been restored to its original location.

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esidents of Soufriere and environs from Monday July 30, 2018 have once again been receiving public healthcare services from the Soufriere Hospital since fire destroyed part of the facility on December 2, 2017.

Following the investigation by the police into the cause of the fire, the hospital was officially handed back to the Ministry of Health and Wellness some two months ago. The hospital underwent deep cleaning, retro-fitting and electrical works in readiness for the reopening.

Principal Nursing Officer of the Soufriere Hospital, Alicia Alexander, expressed gratitude to both staff and clients for their patience and understanding

during the period, which saw services move to St. Isidore’s Hall and Etangs Wellness Centre in Soufriere. She outlined the services which are now available at the Soufriere Hospital: maternal and child healthcare clinics, medical clinic, pharmacy services, dental services and mental health care.

Alexander advised that urgent care services would remain at the Etangs Wellness Centre until late August while work is being undertaken to complete the A&E section of the hospital.

Due to the two recent fires at the facility she said more is being done to ensure the safety of staff and clients, “We have increased security measures, as

well as personnel, in ensuring that both clients and staff are secured.”

Having been displaced for more than seven months, Alexander said staff were happy about the return: “Staff and clients are all excited to return back to Soufriere Hospital. We’re coming into a place which has been retrofitted, our walls are newly painted. We had cleaning services that did a wonderful job in cleaning the place. So we are all very excited and happy to be back at Soufriere Hospital.”

She noted that the Ministry of Health will inform the public when urgent care services will resume operations at the Soufriere Hospital.

THE STAR

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AUGUST 04, 2018

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Government of Saint Lucia Reflects on Contribution of former Education Minister and Micoud South MP Arsene James

he Cabinet of Ministers paid tribute to the late Micoud South Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Arsene James, with a moment of silence at Monday morning’s Cabinet meeting.

The nation received news on Sunday July 29, 2018 about the passing of Mr. Arsene Vigil James, a distinguished educator, a former Leader of the Opposition and Saint Lucia’s Minister of Education from 2006 to 2011.

Prime Minister and current Micoud South MP, Honourable Allen Chastanet, on Monday gave a heartfelt tribute to Mr. James stating that the news of his death had been a shock to the government and the people of the community of Micoud South.

“My constituency is very saddened,” said PM Chastanet. “Mr. James was a person who had made a significant impact in the constituency and everyone would remember him most for ‘friendly society’ which is something that he loved. He is going to be greatly missed.”

Prime Minister Chastanet explained that Mr. James was involved in several projects in the constituency, including the Desruisseaux Road, and was especially concerned about the water situation, being integral to the Ti Rocher/Micoud pipe-laying project.

“Mr. James was the consummate gentleman,” the Prime Minister went on. “He continuously stayed above the fray. He always allowed the community and the people to remain at the forefront. He had great humility and was a great statesman. I would like to say to the young people of our country that may be discouraged by politics that if they look back at his history, he has set an incredible example and a very high standard for the rest of us to be able to pursue.”

On behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia, Prime Minister Chastanet expressed condolences to the James family, friends of Mr. James, former students and colleagues, as well as the people of Micoud.

Born October30, 1944, Mr. Arsene Vigil James began work as a teacher at the Micoud Primary School from 1957 to 1959, following which he went on to teach at the Desruisseaux Infant School and then the Combined School for another nine years. In the early 1970s Mr. James also served as a teacher at the Micoud Junior Secondary School. Later he went on to serve as the Principal at the Vieux Fort Senior Secondary School and the Principal of Micoud Secondary School. Mr. James was also a former president of the Principals Association and was heavily involved in his community’s charitable activities.

Also paying tribute to Mr. James was Minister for Education and Micoud North MP Hon. Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert who described Mr. James’s passing as a loss for the entire district of Micoud.

“Mr. James distinguished himself as a statesman of extraordinary capacity, wisdom, poise and grace. I have no recollection of him being dishevelled, unnerved or angry. He was very principled,” Minister Rigobert noted. “One of the things I think he will be most remembered for is his people-centred politics.”

Minister Rigobert also referred to Mr. James’s involvement in ‘friendly society’ which is any organisation to which members pay small amounts of money over a long period in the event of illness or loss of life.

“I want to make special mention of the people from the friendly society that he managed. In a sense, he was there for them every Sunday when they went to pay their society,” the Micoud North MP stated. “That is a tradition that we are losing in this country. Mr James being there on the day that society was going to be paid was of paramount

importance to him and that is how embedded he was in the community. Even throughout his political career and throughout his professional career this is something that meant a lot to him because that is where he got to connect with the people.”

The minister also spoke to the Ti Rocher/Micoud pipe-laying project: “I am especially glad that, notwithstanding years of delay that he knew before his passing, that finally the water project that he had fought for so diligently will happen. I know that the invitations were given to him and he was carefully involved in the crafting of that water project. In my mind that was his last gift to the people of Micoud South.”

Minister Rigobert expressed condolences on behalf of the Ministry of Education and the constituency of Micoud North and to all who knew Mr. James.

Cabinet in moment of silence in honour of Mr. Arsene James.

06 LOCAL

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august 04, 2018 THE STAR

Activist Aaron Alexander: We Are Lost Until We Discover Who We Are! of past and present; as well as being a time to acknowledge David Venn and pay tribute to his ancestors.

It is important to honour this day, Alexander points out, “but it should be a reminder to be hese new plantations resilient and reflect on the by the sea; a slavery modern state.” The liberation without chains, with no of slaves and the achievement blood spilt—just chain-link of gaining semi-autonomy is fences and signs, the new degradations.” In his poem, ‘The unfinished business, according to the Rastaman.

Acacia Trees’, Derek Walcott’s

According to Alexander, rhythmic words prefaced his abolishing slavery and the opinion on tourism in Saint establishing of Saint Lucia’s Lucia, that it is synonymous independence from Britain in with slavery. The poet’s view is 1979 was not done with proper strongly supported by activist insight. Saint Lucia, along with Aaron Alexander, who is the the wider Caribbean and most chairman of the Culture and of Africa, were left hollowed, Mobilization committee of unfulfilled and entrenched the Iyanola Council for the in their heritage and lack of Advancement of Rastafari identity. “Our ridiculous and (ICAR). He is no glee-ridden, stupid leaders at the time, Sir happy sap who puts his John and so on, who was called dreadlocks up in a bow and the father of the nation—not kicks it back on Emancipation my father—accepted this Day with a Piton, dreaming of having every Wednesday off. For thing without any sort of compensation. They didn’t Aaron Alexander, Emancipation see the need for that. If Sir Day is an incomplete junction

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John was the father of the nation, then he sold us out big time.” Not that Alexander was ever against Independence.

He believes Saint Lucia was shortchanged. “It’s like you are weaning us from the breast but at the same time you are not giving us any milk to go with.

“We are often told that England is our Mother Country, that we come from the bosom of England. So isn’t the mother supposed to help her children? It goes without saying, a mother has to nurture her children. But yet we got Independence without reparations; we got no kind of compensation after hundreds of years of brutalization, abuse and oppression and all the atrocities committed against us. And our government, after independence, is supposed to start an economy? With what?”

In 2013, leaders of government from different Caribbean states rose together to create the CARICOM

Aaron Alexander embodies the Caribbean’s perennial warcry: We want it back!

Reparations Committee (CRC), an organisation founded on the history of the enslaved, and the basic principles of human rights. The CRC claims that of the countries subjected to colonialism, their modern struggle is a direct consequence of just that. Since the CRC’s launch, a number of other reparations committees have sprung up in Europe, Great Britain and Canada.

And in 2015, the International Reparations Conference was held in New York City, featuring advocates for the cause from around 22 countries, according to the CRC’s website.

Although there has been progress from this movement, the United Nations has not formally requested any reparations from any colonial power. Nevertheless, the organisation has deemed 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent. Their objectives for the decade are to promote respect and knowledge, and strengthen legal frameworks regarding racial discrimination.

Alexander says reparations can manifest in monetary value or with the placement of institutions in Saint Lucia.

“We need universities in Saint Lucia. We need the British, the colonial powers, our former slave masters, to build proper institutions in Saint Lucia,” Alexander says, with the idea of post-secondary schools, a revamped educational system and proper healthcare in mind.

Supplementary to education

that will surely better the distant future of Saint Lucia, he wants institutions that can help the economy sooner, rather than later.

The activist would like to see a refined agricultural industry among other industries that could spawn diversified opportunities. “Give us these industries so that we can take our raw, natural resources and create things out of them. So our people will feel a sense of empowerment; so they create things, instead of seeking work in hotels, hotels, hotels where they serve, serve, serve. This is 21st century slavery.”

Essentially, he wants to keep everything in-house; the biodiversity, the natural resources, all of it. According to Aaron Alexander, former and current government administrations don’t hold the obligatory value he believes agriculture should have. He says: “We need more autonomy for our country. We are capable of handling our affairs, if only the politicians realize the resources we have.” Besides, “it’s unsafe to build an economy solely off tourism; let alone the underlying demoralizing aspects of serving rich citizens of wealthy countries.”

He is concerned about the country’s education system. He believes Saint Lucia’s young people must learn about their heritage so as to be empowered through identity and opportunity. ICAR has allegedly had a number of meetings with government asking it to

introduce African-heritage studies into curricula across the country, but so far to no avail.

“All children will tell you about Christopher Columbus,” Alexander assured me. “They know the history of the Europeans. But how much do they know about their own history? And that is the power that the children need. Give them a sense of identity as to who they are.” He says this will help solve problems such as youth violence and delinquency.

“We need people to know that there are opportunities out there for them. When the people feel that there are no opportunities and no hope, what do they do?

We need to repair the damage to our culture, our religion being ripped from us and replaced by a foreign religion, a foreign culture.”

The activist would like to see Emancipation Day being operated by a specific committee, such as ICAR, so that it can be celebrated with more dignity. “Every Emancipation, it would be fitting for the government to meet with the Rastafari because they know that this is something dear to our hearts,” he says while condemning the government’s $3 million investment into Carnival when the day that represents the end of slavery received nothing.

“It has often been said by men before our time that a people with no knowledge of their history is like a tree with no roots,” Alexander tells me, for the second time. He believes that Emancipation Day should include an accumulation of events leading up to August 1.

“In the spirit of Emancipation, all these things we need to look at, my brother.

Or else Saint Lucia is going to be a lost cause.”

Aaron Alexander: The cultural activist is selfconvinced that our leaders sold us out, that the wool was pulled over their eyes when they agreed to Independence without compensation for what their people suffered at the hands of their former colonial masters and earlier enslavers.

He believes the nation needs to reconsider which is more important: Carnival or Emancipation?

THE STAR

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08 COMMENT

www.stluciastar.com

AUGUST 04, 2018 THE STAR

Words and a Parliament Devalued have a natural propensity for standing by the underdogs of Peter Josie this world. Let others malign and ridicule. That has never been my style. Indeed, I have a severe antipathy for persons ’ve stood-up in defence of who attempt to marginalize and Guy Joseph ever since an ridicule others. honourable member of Her Let me be clear, I do not Majesty’s opposition referred consider it a useful strategy to to him during a debate as a walk out of parliament. I’ve long dog. I remember wondering believed that an MP’s reason at the time who actually had been proved a canine: the name for contesting elections is to give voice to the voiceless; a caller or his target? It also face to the faceless, and hope had occurred to me that the to the hopeless. Addressing foundations of the venerable parliament is an opportunity House may have started to for an MP to soar like an eagle crumble when another MP of the breed that dared to cast Guy into the rarefied air of politics, Joseph as a poodle had himself philosophy and economics. He threatened to shoot a colleague is expected to deliver with style and eloquence, and panache. An during a sitting of parliament.

MP declares his mettle, when For my part, an MP’s he is on his feet addressing performance in parliament parliament. has always borne a close The recent challenge resemblance to his cast of mind.

by Mr. Speaker that MP Guy His behaviour is a reflection of Joseph retract certain words himself, his competence in the used in a cross-exchange with use of English, his intellectual an opposition member, while preparedness for the job. I both were seated, left me have supported Guy Joseph dumbfounded. At the time of (as opposed to mindlessly the incident neither MP was on defending him) because I

I

his feet, or attempting to catch the Speaker’s attention. Mr. Speaker should have ignored them. And if his sensitive microphone picked up any of the below-the-belt cross-talk, well, let us remember Mr. Speaker has the authority to decide what does not go on the record.

I take no pleasure from saying I find local House sittings largely uninspiring. The quality of debate suggests MPs do scant research and too often speak off the cuff and out of turn. It’s a sad reflection on MPs. Unparliamentary conduct suggests poor upbringing; a warped sense of right and wrong. Few can predict accurately the outcome of elections. But as sad and counterproductive as it is, constituencies not represented by MPs on the side of government are unlikely to receive much attention during the five years following an election. This must change but in the meantime it is what it is.

Another reason I stand up for Guy Joseph (who, like

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The author makes no bones about it: he is an avowed supporter of the MP for Southeast Castries, Mr. Guy Joseph (pictured).

me, falls short of the glory of God) is personal experience.

Whenever a politician takes a principled stance, and is unafraid to speak his mind, he is seen as a threat to the status quo. People who ought to know better will disavow the plainspoken politician. Fearing the unknown is a human weakness.

Courage is born in the cradle of the soul wherein good and bad is often in turmoil, in the human breast. Once a determination is made, however unpopular it

may seem, the genuine leader stands firm, and is prepared to lose his popularity rather than sacrifice his soul to weaker men.

It’s worth an MP’s time adopting Mr. Speaker as a friend. (That goes for both sides.) Before a sitting of the House it’s wise to alert the Speaker that a matter may arise in which the MP has a constituency interest or that might need the Speaker’s intervention. A courtesy visit

to the Speaker’s office is a refinement on the etiquette of the House. MPs ought to remember that the House of Assembly is the theatre of politics, to which constituents are often drawn to observe and listen. An MP must therefore conduct himself in parliament accordingly. The Standing Orders ought to hold, unless the parliament is faced with a MP gone loco.

The other reason I stand up for Guy Joseph is because I have been in situations where MPs have used me as a shield.

I take comfort in the knowledge that weak politicians have a very short shelf life. They are easily forgotten because they never occupied public attention in the first place.

I leave you, dear reader, with these words from US President Theodore Roosevelt, delivered at the Sorbonne in 1910: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit actually belongs to the man who is in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat . . . because there is no effort without error and shortcoming . . . If he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Unfortunately, too many MPs will never discover what it means to put everything on the line for a worthwhile cause!

Public Service presents cheque to the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association

T

he Department of the Public Service has been saluted by the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association (SLBWA) for undertaking the noble act of giving to the non-profit organisation a cheque of $605.05 on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.

The presentation was made during a special ceremony to mark the close of Public Service Day Activities at the Finance Administration Centre in Pointe Seraphine.

Representative of the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association, Mrs. Debora Pamphile-McLean thanked the Public Service for its act of generosity.

“On behalf of the SLBWA, I would like to thank you. The blind and visually impaired will be the beneficiaries of this support and so it is nice to know that they are being thought of and the work of the SLBWA has not gone unnoticed. We continue to make the call to the public to give of your time, talent or treasure and we will very much appreciate whatever you can give.”

The Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association is slowly recovering from a hard-hitting financial crisis which saw the organisation scaling back on its staff complement and services earlier this year.

A

EMANCIPATION DAY ART EXHIBITION

s part of plans to commemorate Emancipation Day, the Cultural Development Foundation has set up an art exhibition at the Baywalk Mall in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet. The exhibition, which consists of over forty drawings and handcrafted ceramic sculptures, showcases the talent of Saint Lucian artist Natasha Fontenelle. The various pieces seek to explore the varying degrees and levels of mental and physical freedom. On July 31, this reporter went to the exhibition. Eye-popping sculptures are a constant throughout the entire gallery.

As two women passed by, they stopped to view the works.

One who identified herself as Luselta, shared her thoughts: "I find it’s interesting. It’s different from what we're accustomed to seeing. I think whoever did it, did a good job of capturing a different side of Emancipation."

However, she pointed out that there was nothing to indicate exactly what was happening: "If somebody just sits there, they would just look and say, 'Oh, that’s somebody’s

09

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

by Michael Walker

An inland community.

One of the many unique sculptures on display at the Baywalk Mall exhibition.

artwork.' But when they really look through it, then they understand that it's about Emancipation."

As far as Emancipation Day is concerned, she said: "A lot more can and should be done to celebrate this important day, I think there are so many areas they can focus on."

As for the artist, she says

she gets inspiration to produce her artwork in different forms. For her drawings, she allows her imagination to take control but with the sculptures she draws inspiration from life experiences, feelings, emotions and even music.

Ms. Fontnelle hopes that everyone who views the exhibition will “get to

experience a piece of my story.

I hope people get to see different ways of expression; different ways you can express yourself with the same material.

For example you can use clay in many ways.”

The exhibition started on July 27 and will end on August 17.

---- J.S.A

Cancellation of East Asian Games Should be Condemned!

The following is a press release from the People’s Republic of China (Taiwan):

A

thletes and sports fans around the world dream of a world where politics and sports don’t mix.

And yet the history of modern sports has been littered with deplorable incidents of politics getting in the way of sportsmanship. China’s politically motivated pressure on the East Asian Olympic Committee (EAOC) to cancel the 2019 East Asian Youth Games (EAYG) in central Taiwan’s Taichung City is such a case in point.

On July 24, 2018, the EAOC held an Extraordinary Council meeting to cancel the 2019 EAYG due to heavyhanded interference from China. The cancellation marks

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

august 04, 2018

Mayor Lin Chia-lung (pictured) of Taichung City presented the application for restoration of the right to host the East Asian Youth Games in 2019.

(Source: Taichung City Government website)

the latest move in Beijing’s campaign to suppress Taiwan’s international space and advance its agenda through exerting pressure in nonpolitical arenas.

Sports events are the

ideal venue for cross-cultural communication and exchanges.

Taichung City has invested over US$ 20.5 million and countless human resources to make the 2019 EAYG such a propitious

event. EAOC’s unilateral decision to cancel the Games not only breaches the Olympic spirit but also deprives thousands of young athletes of their rights to compete and excel.

China’s ruthless actions are unacceptable to the people of Taiwan and will be disapproved by sports enthusiasts around the world

It seems like only yesterday that Jesse Owens’s record-setting performance in the 1936 Berlin Olympics shattered Adolf Hitler's plot to showcase the so-called Aryan superiority via sports events. As another totalitarian regime is using its sharp power to bend the world to its will, it was about time the world stood together to tell the Chinese regime “enough is enough.”

A

new inter-active series of programmes from IETV to engender pride in our nation by promoting literacy and local general knowledge. The series can be viewed on channels 118 (FLOW), 102 (Karib analogue), 32 (LIME) and on NTN.

1. This is the a. East Coast Highway. b. West Coast Highway. c. Gros Islet Highway.

5. The last place this road passed through was a. Gros Islet. b. Babonneau. c. Praslin.

6. The next place this road comes to is a. Laborie. b. Patience. c. Micoud.

7. To the right of the highway close to the bend there might be

2. The highway is heading a. west. b. east. c. southwest.

a. a health centre. b. a police station. c. a gas station.

8. This area is generally

3. The area to the right of the highway is Lombard so a. the area to the left of the highway is Mon Repos. b. the area straight ahead is Dennery. c. the area to the north is Micoud.

a. commercial. b. residential. c. agricultural.

9. The houses have been built a. haphazardly. b. in strict lines. c. accidentally.

4. The Fox Grove Inn is 10. The road a. off to the right. b. off to the left. c. behind us.

a. descends away from us. b. ascends away from us. c. is perfectly flat.

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

THE STAR

10

LOCAL

august 04, 2018 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Massy Stores Raises the Bar with Club GAR C lub GAR's annual Walk 4 a Cause event has passed but the group's groundbreaking achievements continue. Every year Club GAR—well known for providing firearm and competitive shooting training—hosts a walk with the intent of raising funds for a particular charity. This year the organisation donated its proceeds to the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association.

Having attracted a crowd of approximately eleven hundred participants, the walk was held on June 3 and raised $93,300—an unprecedented amount for local fund-raising activities of a similar nature. The club's achievement has since drawn the attention of Massy Stores who came on board to raise the bar even further. On Thursday the supermarket chain, in a special cheque presentation ceremony held at its headquarters, donated an additional $6,700 to Club GAR and ultimately to the SLBWA.

Club GAR 's intial accomplishment of accumulating $93,300 had

left it floored, according to a representative. Mr. Anthony Avril, Executive Director of the SLBWA, challenged the club to bring the donation amount even higher, to $100,000–-a challenge, Club GAR says, it willingly accepted. The team, cognizant to Massy Stores' reputation as a “strong corporate giver” reached out to its executives and the decision proved rewarding.

“When we were approached by Club GAR to assist in raising the bar with their own activity, we felt the need to. Why? Because we understand the value of the work that SLBWA does for Saint Lucia,” said Divisional Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Sariah BestJoseph.

She added, “This is an organisation that touches many Saint Lucians. We [Massy Stores] are also an organisation that touches many persons as we have all walks of life coming through our supermarkets on a daily basis. I also know that our staff, twelve hundred of whom are very excited that we are

Community Foundation as per a memorandum of understanding.

These funds will be dispersed to the SLBWA based on set guidelines agreed upon by the organisations involved to determine how the monies are used.

Anthony Bristol, Executive Member of Club GAR, explained why the group annually undergoes such a philanthropic venture: “This year's Walk 4 A Cause has really taken on, we think, the life we want Walk 4 a Cause to take. It's not just Club GAR makes unprecedented strides in fund-raising thanks to a charitable about our ability to get people gesture by Massy Stores. The SLBWA is the grateful recipient. going on the day of the walk, it's about the ability to raise consciousness and awareness together, there are many, many We've worked so hard together.” of critical, social needs that doing this, some of them have actually been touched by the beautiful things that we can do

The SLBWA, which in impact all the people of Saint the past few years has been SLBWA.” as a country.”

Lucia.

President of the SLBWA, experiencing financial burdens,

Best-Joseph later urged “We cannot thank Saint provides medical and several business colleagues to extend Glen Simon, was on hand to Lucians enough and we are receive the cheque on the other forms of aid to improve a charitable arm: “What we grateful for corporate Saint ease and comfort of living for recognize is that there is a association's behalf. He said: Lucia. We ask, now that they the visually impaired. Simon major role for the private sector “This is one of the biggest, are coming to their budgeted single donations that has ever added, “It's extremely important process for next year, to look to use its financial resources been given to the SLBWA, and that the blind welfare survives; to assist with the overall within themselves and put Club GAR has been remarkable it should be there for the next development of our country. an amount, $2,000 or $5,000, generation.”

In partnership with nonin the way that they have towards the SLBWA.”

Club GAR's gathered funds governmental and charitable conducted this Walk 4 a Cause will be secured by the National organisations, if we all come and included the blind welfare.

--- Keryn Nelson

Pierre’s New Promise: A University Graduate In Every Home!

By Joshua St. Aimee

T

he next general elections in Saint Lucia are constitutionally due in 2021. Nevertheless, the leader of the opposition has promised that if he should replace the current prime minister, his government will ensure “there will be at least one university graduate in every household in Saint Lucia within a reasonable time”.

The SLP leader did not say precisely what he meant by “a reasonable time”.

In 2011 the party. then under the leadership of Kenny Anthony, had promised voters that "immediately upon getting into office, we will inject $100 million into the economy to finance job creation activities throughout the length and breadth of the island".

Let others promise the electorate a chicken in every pot. This week opposition leader Philip J. Pierre pledged that his party, if elected for a fourth term, will deliver a university graduate to every Saint Lucian home!

During an interview on Choice TV following the elections, the education minister Robert Lewis, when reminded of the $100 million pledge, argued that “immediately” did not mean right away.

In relation to his most recent promise, Mr. Pierre said: "The first question that people ask is where you're going to get money from. The people who ask that question obviously don't understand the

value of education and what education means to the development of a country.

There are various means by which we will reach that goal. It's not only going to be by money!"

The SLP leader continued: "Education is evolving. There is [sic] distant learning and work-study programmes, and we're going to be expanding on it."

He went on: "Who in their right senses is going to criticize an idea of a party that believes that each household should have a qualified graduate. Who would criticize that?"

Mr. Pierre, whose party first came into office in 1997 with a 16-1 mandate, said this week that his party’s aim, if elected again, is to have “a well educated population to reduce the level of poverty and prepare global citizens."

LOYAL BEER DRINKER RIDES AWAY WITH THE SECOND GRAND PRIZE

A

s the I Love Beer promotion nears its finale, Windward and Leeward Brewery (WLBL) pulled out all the stops to reveal the second grand prize winner in its Under The Crown promotion.

Against the backdrop of the picturesque Pigeon Island, WLBL treated loyal beer drinkers and patrons to a selection of popular tunes, fantastic giveaways and great entertainment on Sunday July 29, whilst local celebrity announcer, Mr. Jordan, hyped up the crowd and beach-goers as the highlight of the evening drew near.

The I Love Beer promotion has not only received incredible commendation from its loyal consumers, but it has received thousands of entries across the island. Evidence to that: on Sunday evening the WLBL shocked patrons by utilizing a concrete mixer truck to assist with selecting the prize winner.

Brand Manager, Sylvester Henry commented, “For us, it was the first time that we had to use a mixing truck from Rayneau & Company.

This is just a testament to how many entries we had and how many people love their beer.

Seeing that mixer spin and the anticipation of who would win created such a great energy that we are even more so looking forward to the draw for the Subaru.”

Despite the large number of entries, there could only be one winner of a Suzuki GSX-R motorbike, which was revealed to be Adesia Emmanuel of Morne du Don, Castries.

“I love my Heineken Beer!”

Adesia exclaimed as she revved her motorbike for the first time.

Adesia joins the ranks of our first grand prize winner, Adrian Medard, who was awarded $10,000.

Consumers still have a chance of winning the extraordinary grand prize of a 2018 Subaru SUV, by collecting six I Love Beer Crowns, of the same beer brand—Heineken®, Guinness®, Amstel® or Piton®.

Consumers have until August 17th, 2018 to redeem their instant prizes and to also qualify for the grand prize draw.

Entrants must be 18 and over.

THE STAR

11

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august 04, 2018

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AUGUST 04, 2018 THE STAR

Say Hi To The Master In Your M

A

couple weeks ago some nice people invited me to participate in a discussion of Emancipation and “the Search for a Saint Lucian Identity.” My knee-jerk reaction was to say hell no, for several reasons including that I do not normally engage in activities guaranteed to depress me. Besides, that we were still searching after four hundred years or more for a Saint Lucian identity reminded me, for some reason I can’t put my finger on, of all the stories I’d read about similar searches involving Big Foot, the Loch Ness Monster and aliens from another planet.

But lest you understand me too quickly, dear reader, let me elucidate: I’ve more or less been permanently based on this Rock of Sages for over 20 years and in all that wondrous time had never attended or witnessed a single Emancipation Day ritual that did not painfully remind me of our lack of imagination: always the same vexed speeches; the same outpouring of hatred for ghosts; the same feeling as I drove away from the venue that we remained our own worst enemies, stuck in the past without the smallest consideration of the future.

A firm believer in Norman Mailer’s “repetition kills the soul” credo, I tend to steer away from things that resemble even faintly the same ole same ole with no redeeming qualities. But the nice people at the Cultural Development Foundation were

seductive. They seemed to know exactly the location of my endorphins.

“Oh, but this one will be a different discussion,” cooed one of the inviting ladies, playing nicely with my mind. “Your inclusion on the panel was calculated to guarantee that!”

She also promised the event would be covered live

by NTN and RSL, with ample opportunity for callers to “contribute.” As if further to honey the bun (I’d never before been invited on NTN), she added that one of my favorite people, a certain news presenter, would also be on the panel, along with the irrepressible Shelton Daniel.

The remembered evening started out well enough, with Shelton as ever acerbic and sarcastic, at times even witty and comedic. His first question went to a fellow panelist named Winston, currently doing a PhD, as I seem to remember, in anthropology. His well-delivered response offered much food for thought. And given a less restrictive platform, he might well have dropped more intellectual stink bombs from his obviously large arsenal.

I was especially touched by his reminder that truth (I’m paraphrasing) has always been in the eye and ear of the beholder. Suffice it to say the panelists collectively agreed the promoters had hit on a fine idea. Pity its implementation left much to be desired. Or so we thought. The audience also had its moments. While

more than a few wished to discuss why, where and how the emancipation papers were signed, at least one member wanted to tackle why we’re still stuck up to our necks in a muddy bush of backwardness and complacency.

He didn’t get very far, what with most of the show’s two hours devoted to callers, at least two of whom were of a variety of mosquito known as ganjanopheles —capable of numbing the brain with just one injection of its peculiarly outrageous stupidity. One of them expressed the view that I owed Saint Lucians an apology for suggesting several years ago that too many of us were illiterate. If that were not enough to have rendered me unqualified to sit with the rest of the panel, he shamelessly grumbled, then my skin tone certainly should have. The last expressed sentiment tended to suggest why the genius of Derek Walcott has never been fully appreciated on this Rock of Sages, not even by its officially declared “best brains,” addicted as are the majority to “lubricants for idiotic intercourse.”

Sadly it did not explain why the caller is among plantation product Kenny Anthony’s more dedicated boosters, at any rate before the caller has taken a puff or ten on his favorite pipe.

Then again, his love for the halfwhite prime minister may well have everything to do with the caller’s present employment, so go figure. Sadly panel and

Placards and marches may have their place but ignoring the rea we revisit past atrocities real and imagined will neve

studio audience never got around to discussing, as I’d hoped we might, the on-going enslavement of blacks by blacks in Africa, where scores of teenage prepubescent girls have been abducted and sold to companies whose main business is human trafficking.

We didn’t get very far with my proposition that right here in Saint Lucia slavery is alive and well and in diverse

ways perpetuated by our elected leaders. Then there are the naked attempts at silencing the media. (I could not resist a smile when the easily recognizable voice of one doped-up caller reminded our audience that I had once made on-air fun of Timothy Poleon. At least I had also defended him openly when a prime minister publicly tagged him as “a media terrorist.” Also when well known supporters of the Kenny

Anthony administration sought to frighten Tim into silence by serving him several lawsuits that made sense only to his torturers, one of them the day’s Minister of Justice!

I’d have liked to discover how many in our audience, women in particular, felt free and safe in our ostensibly emancipated country, where the vast majority of rapes go unreported; where eight-yearolds give birth without a report to the police; where the DPP alone

THE STAR

AUGUST 04, 2018

e Slave r Mirror!

ng the real enemy in the mirror while d will never set us free!

determines what cases will be prosecuted by the police; where billions are borrowed in our name whether or not we know it, to be repaid by us, whether or not voluntarily. It might also have been wonderful to hear the audience and my fellow panelists on the subject of “reparation” for the living descendants of slaves.

I wondered how many knew that every year since 1989 a bill on reparation has been placed before Congress, with little discernible

effect. Meanwhile one wise Rastafarian has been making the point that, like charity, efforts at reparation should begin at home—on the touted premise that the living sons and daughters of slave owners now deceased should be relieved of their ill-gotten gains. Something in there reminded me of a notorious African leader. Finally, I’d have liked to hear from fellow panelists and audience where we go from here. What

COMMENT

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do we do to restore to the souls of our young people the self-confidence and pride and all those other wonderful attributes that once were ours—until those evil pale faces erased them from our DNA via their unspeakable slave trade? What are we doing to make our people self-sufficient, no longer dependent on the sons and daughters of our ancient masters? What are we doing to restore black pride?

I suggest we might stop repeating on Emancipation Day the same tired old horror stories and instead start teaching our children in school that they are as good as their counterparts in any part of the world, regardless of skin color. Oh, and let us start rewarding those among us who’ve proved the point, not with money necessarily, but with demonstrated respect.

Not that I’m holding my breath, you understand!

PS: As I write, the opposition MP for Vieux Fort North, Moses Jn Baptiste, is on the radio explaining to Newsspin’s Timothy Poleon why governments are reluctant to invested in celebrations to mark Emancipation: “I do not think any government, and I’m being sarcastic here, I’m a politician and therefore I might take blows for this . . . I don’t think any government will be gang-ho [sic] about things that could eventually build up and bite them in the butt, because when you go out and support things like Emancipation what you are really doing is building up grassroots organizations and building resistance, and generally governments don’t want the grassroots to develop . . .” Better to keep them uneducated, mentally shackled and ever dependent on forktongued politicians!

13

When Will We Learn To Love And Respect Ourselves?

W

ith Emancipation Day just a few days ago the Internet was abuzz with Afrocentrism.

Quotes from Bob Marley, Mandela and others ran across my timeline. But one by the somewhat controversial Marcus Garvey stuck: “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”

It brought me back to last July, when starting Helen’s Daughters. Our first event was held at the Fond Doux Estate, and one of the presenters remarked that the occasion was significant because this workshop that was organised to empower 40 rural women was very near Piton Flore.

He asked if we understood the significance but most participants and presenters, including me, were left stumped. He explained that it was named after Flore Bois de Gaillard, a female rebel-slave, best known for leading a band of free slaves called ‘Armée Française dans les Bois’.

I wondered why I had never heard of Flore Bois de Gaillard or her contributions to our freedom. Furthermore, when researching, I noticed that Flore’s achievements were comparable to those of ex-slaves like Queen Nanny of Jamaica and Harriet Tubman of the US. All three were former slave women who led military campaigns against attempts to re-enslave them and, while they were all killed for their efforts, they opened the way to many freed slaves.

Far too few women have been immortalized in their country’s history and even less recognition has been rewarded to female slaves who fought against the tyranny and servitude of the Slave Trade. While Queen Nanny and Harriet Tubman have been immortalized, Flore has a mountain named after her but no one knows the name’s significance. In Jamaica when you hear the reference to a Nanny, it refers to the Jamaican $500 bill, which has the leader of the

Flore Bois de Gaillard—the heroine we never knew?

Maroons—Queen Nanny’s— face emblazoned upon it.

Harriet Tubman’s name has been mentioned prominently in films, inscribed in books and graced hundreds of AfricanAmerican institutions.

While neighbouring islands have been able to preserve the names of their heroes, we seem to be lacking historical information on our founders (and that goes for all races). In fact, I found more information on Flore Bois de Gaillard on a French historical site than in any other Saint Lucian resource. Come to think of it, while many have their idols for Emancipation Day (Jamaica has Queen Nanny, Barbados has Bussa), Saint Lucia has, well, no one.

What’s even stranger is that last year the Venezuelan Embassy in Saint Lucia celebrated the 200th anniversary of the death of Jean-Baptiste Bideau, a French privateer and free man of colour who was born in Saint Lucia.

Bideau has become a national figure in Venezuela because he saved the life of Simon Bolivar.

Hence the bust of Bolivar in Constitution Park (which was

a gift from Venezuela) and a bust of Bideau in Castries.

What is surprising is that the commemoration was brought on by Venezuelans and not by Saint Lucians, which begs to question our lack of knowledge on the contributions of our ancestors.

So what are we truly celebrating each Emancipation Day?

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

To learn more about the initiative, you can visit: Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/ helensdaughters.slu/), Instagram page (https:// www.instagram.com/ helensdaughters.slu/) Website (http:// helensdaughters.org/)

14 LOCAL

Grynberg Investigation Underway?

D

uring Prime Minister Allen Chastanet's Budget Address four months ago, he repeated in a special statement to the House his government's intention to put an end to business as usual, starting with the investigation a number of "suspicious undertakings" by the previous administration.

"We must clear the suffocating smoke that conceals the truth about Mr. Walid Juffali, Robert Lindquist, St. Jude Hospital, the infamous minister’s account and Grynberg," he said.

He added: “We are determined to deliver on all our election pledges, regardless of impediments deliberately put in our way. Our country was sick and dying of business as usual; we need to put an end to it . . . or die trying!”

Since then there has not been much on the announced probes. On Monday, in answer to a question about Grynberg from a reporter at the government’s pre-Cabinet briefing, the prime minister said:

On Monday Prime Minister Allen Chastanet reassured reporters the announced investigation into Grynberg and other “smoky issues” will take place.

"What complicates the situation a little bit is that the case [Grynberg’s lawsuit against the government] is still ongoing.

We were hoping that by now the case would have been determined, but there's been an

appeal by Mr. Grynberg on the matter."

Despite this setback, and at the risk of reaping the “whirlwind” threatened by his predecessor, the prime minister further announced on Monday:

"We have met with one lawyer who is preparing a proposal to do a full investigation as to where we are."

Mr. Chastanet says the investigation will centre on: "How is it an agreement with Grynberg was signed that neither Cabinet nor parliament knew anything about? Also, that the documents themselves were not housed in government ministries but were secretly kept at the home of an individual in New York."

Thanks to the court case, the prime minister said, "The state now has to carry the expense of defending a related lawsuit. We have to determine whether, in fact, anybody can be held accountable, and who should be held accountable for what has transpired."

The prime minister indicated that, following the announced investigation, the government will know how best to proceed. He also gave the assurance that the report will be made available to the public.

--- Joshua St. Aimee

Remembering Arsene James, Educator and MP

By David Venn

M

r. Arsene James, the former minister of education and MP for Micoud South, unexpectedly died on Saturday. According to the prime minister, Mr. Allen Chastanet, earlier in the week Mr. James had undergone medical care in Saint Lucia before he was required to travel to Martinique to treat a tumour in his intestines and other serious ailments.

Comforting prose and warming remembrances flooded the airwaves at the sad announcement that Mr. James had passed. The callers to the various call-in shows included politicians on

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both sides of the political divide, as well as regular folk, former students of the deceased, and others who knew Mr. James simply as a loving and humble man.

“It is indeed a sad time for the people of Saint Lucia,” said deputy permanent secretary of the ministry of education, Michelle Charles. “All those who worked with him remember him for his humility, professionalism and dedication. He was a man of service and commited the last 60 years to service for our nation.”

Over the course of Mr. James’s tenure in education, he worked and taught at several schools in the southern region of the island. When the United Workers Party was elected in 2006, he was appointed minister of education. His

impact during his time as minister has been widely acknowledged, even by his opposition colleagues, among them Mr. Philip J. Pierre and Mr. Moses Jn Baptiste.

“He was a person who made a significant impact in the Micoud South constituency,” says prime minister Allen Chastanet, who replaced Mr. James as constituency representative upon his retirement in 2016 “He will be greatly missed.”

Ms Gale Rigobert, who took over the education portfolio following the 2016 general elections, said on Monday that the deceased Mr. James will be mostly remembered for “his people-centred politics”.

She added, “Whatever he embarked upon, his motivation was always the betterment of

the people of his community and of this country. We all knew that that quiet disposition did not equate with his ability to bring his weight to bear on any given situation. So it is with a particular kind of grief that we mourn his loss.”

A release from the St. Lucia Labour Party said as much: “Mr James was a long-serving parliamentary representative, educator, Minister of Government and community worker who will long be remembered by the people of Saint Lucia, and Micoud in particular, for his commitment and hard work.

We are sure Mr James’ contribution to Saint Lucia will be etched in the memory of the people for a long time. May his soul rest in peace.”

MARIGOT BAY RESORT BECOMES AN INDEPENDENT HOTEL

M

arigot Bay Resort and Marina, a luxury getaway situated in Saint Lucia’s coveted Marigot Bay, is no longer associated with Capella Hotels & Resorts.

Now a luxury, independent resort, the property has recently joined the LVX Collection of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

This portfolio represents renowned independent properties that feature the finest accommodations coupled with attentive and exclusive personal service, and memorable experiences through exceptional dining, entertainment and spas.

In addition, the resort has recently been invited to join American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts and has been acclaimed as one of "The Top 25 Resort Hotels in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas” by Travel + Leisure’s 2018 World’s Best Awards.

As part of its new look, the owners of Marigot Bay Resort and Marina have also announced an improved management team to lead the rebranding strategy. The team is led by Perle Flavien, Director of Resort Operations, and supported by a strong Saint Lucian team with years of Caribbean, luxury experience.

"As one of the Caribbean’s

top luxury resorts, our goal is simple: to provide the finest accommodations, the best service, and the most memorable experiences for our guests," said Perle Flavien.

"Current industry research clearly indicates that highend independent hotels in the Caribbean region far outperform branded hospitality properties.

This knowledge, combined with strong ownership involvement, our sales and marketing partners and dynamic onsite leadership team, will set us up for success as we look towards the future.”

The shift in approach is expected to enhance current reservations. For travel professionals, Marigot Bay Resort and Marina is available to book directly with the resort at www.marigotbayresort. com as well as via https:// preferredhotels.com and on the Preferred Hotels & Resorts “PH” GDS chain code. As a new member of the brand’s LVX Collection, the resort has launched an introductory offer to provide travel agents with a 15% commission for bookings made through October 31, 2018.

Repeat guests will see familiar faces and the same dedicated personalized service that they have grown accustomed to.

Mr. Arsene James (pictured) was the consummate gentleman! - Prime Minister Allen Chastanet.

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15

My Unforgettable African Childhood Friends

By Wayne Kublalsingh

O

n this day, Emancipation Day 2018, I celebrate the attributes of the African children of my childhood. My primary school, the Union Presbyterian School, stood at an important juncture in the district. East, towards the Central Range, lay the villages of Macaulay, Caratal, Bhagitola.

These were in the main East Indian villages. To the West of the school, towards the sea at Claxton Bay, lived the Africans, St Margaret’s. Here are some attributes of my African friends.

Tony: I have often distrusted European children’s books and Victorian fiction which portray children as the epitome of purity, angelic sweet temper, innocence. But in my friend Tony there was no sediment of guile. Once we had a roaring broomstick fight in front of Standard Five. I was ferocious,

reckless, a virtual bull in a china shop. I lashed out. Tony absorbed all the blows with his stick and smiled. There was no anger. No ego. He was the superior being. There was no winner, but for a spiritual one: Tony. Afterwards, he never complained, fussed, calumniated, like any mortal boy-child would. He just smiled, angelic, calm, sweet-tempered.

He knew I was being reckless, wild, egotistical, and he absorbed the blows for me.

Joy: Joy lent me ten cents. In those days, the late 1960s, it was hard to spend ten cents.

You could eat out of Mr Niles's shop the entire day and still have change left. I cannot remember why I asked her for ten cents. Perhaps it was to buy a copy book. I remember my father borrowing ten cents from a youthman to buy me a copy book. He had walked down to school with me, to see who he could ask, so that I could have

the book. But this time Joy saved me. She took the money out from her savings—she was very organised, always with her white ribbons, neatly plaited hair, supremely pressed uniform, real white sneakers— and handed it to me. She never asked for it back. Why not?

Perhaps she saw something, at the age of nine, that touched her.

Desmond: Desmond was a gentle giant. He found it difficult to understand the algebra codes of official education. As he stood in front of the blackboard he wept. A creature of sadism, a teacher, was cracking him on his back, on his buttocks, on his legs.

Big man lashes. The whip splashed and splintered. There was no way that Desmond could answer those long multiplication sums, too much tears, too much torture and confusion. But the licks kept coming. He just stood there,

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF COMPUTERS Tenders are invited for the “SUPPLY OF COMPUTERS” for the Financial Year 2018/2019

weeping, hands held limp, or rubbing his eyes, with no one to save him. Licks, licks, licks.

He was our safety valve; if it were not convenient, gentle, benevolent he, it would have been us.

Joanne: I was afraid of Joanne.

She was tall and wiry. She ran like a horse. I thought I had speed, endurance, but when Joanne ran, all bets were off.

She beat girl and boy alike. She was wild and free in running.

Really, like a real horse. She had no time for me. Or for who was afraid of her or not. Or for gossip, or pettiness. She was just the class goddess. Flying at a different level. Perhaps she damaged my ego. But she had no need to argue the point. Who was I? She just did her thing, and left us lagging behind in the dust.

Lynette: One day Luxy (Lutchmedial) challenged me to a fight. He was the most

exciting boy in the class. He was full of mischiefs and laughs and games. But he was also strong. We fought for about an hour in the playfield behind the school. We stopped and fought, and stopped and fought again.

Of course, a raging bunch of children, moving like waves, followed the moving gayelle.

Lynette arose from nowhere.

She carried a big branch in her hand. She began to beat the ground; this did not stop us; she beat us with the branch. She was much larger than either of the mad dogs going at each other. To everyone’s relief, not least the fighters, we stopped.

She was referee, justice, proportionality, saying what we could not: enough was enough!

Ann Marie and Wayne: All the time they were struggling.

I don’t know with what.

Perhaps it was the ignominy of confusing schoolwork. Perhaps it was something back at home.

But in all things they were as

gentle, clear and candid as light. Sincere, earnest, serious and committed. No cuchoor, no comesse, no deceit. No abracadabra. Wayne introduced me to middle-distance running.

In the evening after school we ran around and around the playfield, making it our duty. I do not know why I was running, or why he was. But we talked a lot while we ran, and he was my mentor, telling me about how to run.

Obviously, the attributes of my African primary school friends are radioactive. They do not belong to any particular group of human persons.

But in my primary school, just as gold dust might exist everywhere, but not gold ore, veins, lodes, I found the gold of African civilization in abundance. Civility, innocence, non-violence, purity, leadership, athleticism, sincerity, a deep sweetness of being, the legacy of, and ingredients for, great civilizations.

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF OFFICE STATIONERY AND SUPPLIES

Tenders are invited for the “SUPPLY OF OFFICE STATIONERY AND SUPPLIES” for the Financial Year 2018/2019

Guidelines for participation in this bid to which there must be strict adherence: i. Government does not bind itself and is under NO obligation to accept any bid or offer, whether in part or in full, from any bidder, including the lowest priced; ii. Bid prices offered and accepted on any Tender MUST remain valid for the duration of the contract and can only be altered on the written approval of the Central Tenders Board; iii. Unit prices offered for any one item MUST be independent of prices for all other items; iv. For precise product identification, promotional/reference material such as video or still photos, catalogues, brochures, product reference numbers/codes or any other appropriate reference material MUST be provided by bidders as part of bid documents submitted; v. All goods MUST be delivered within three (3) months of confirmation of acceptance by a successful bidder, of the terms and conditions of a contract awarded; vi. Barring any discrepancies, payment will be made within thirty (30) days of the full delivery of goods and in keeping with the payment policies of the Government of Saint Lucia.

Bidders MUST conform to the “Bid Terms and Conditions” that will be provided either: a) 2nd Floor, Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, Castries; or b) By e-mail to an address which is the sole responsibility of bidders to provide to: 1. Procurement Officer Trevor O. A. Cyril at tcyril@gosl.gov.lc; and /or 2. Procurement Officer Lana La Force at llaforce@gosl.gov.lc.

Deadline for the receipt of Tenders is 4:00 PM, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11th, 2018.

Bids are to be submitted in a properly sealed envelope clearly marked: “TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF COMPUTERS”, And clearly addressed to: The Secretary Central Tenders Board Department of Finance 2nd Floor, Financial Administrative Centre Pointe Seraphine, Castries Saint Lucia, West Indies

Guidelines for participation in this bid to which there must be strict adherence: i. Government does not bind itself and is under NO obligation to accept any bid or offer, whether in

part or in full, from any bidder, including the lowest priced; ii. Bid prices offered and accepted on any Tender MUST remain valid for the duration of the contract

and can only be altered on the written approval of the Central Tenders Board; iii. Unit prices offered for any one item MUST be independent of prices for all other items; iv. For precise product identification, promotional/reference material such as video or still photos,

catalogues, brochures, product reference numbers/codes or any other appropriate reference material MUST be provided by bidders as part of bid documents submitted; v. All goods MUST be delivered within three (3) months of confirmation of acceptance by a successful

bidder, of the terms and conditions of a contract awarded; vi. Barring any discrepancies, payment will be made within thirty (30) days of the full delivery of

goods and in keeping with the payment policies of the Government of Saint Lucia.

Bidders MUST conform to the “Bid Terms and Conditions” that will be provided either:

a) 2nd Floor, Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, Castries; or

b) By e-mail to an address which is the sole responsibility of bidders to provide to: 1. Procurement Officer Trevor O. A. Cyril at tcyril@gosl.gov.lc; and /or 2. Procurement Officer Lana La Force at llaforce@gosl.gov.lc.

Deadline for the receipt of Tenders is 4:00 PM, TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11th, 2018.

Bids are to be submitted in a properly sealed envelope clearly marked: “TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY OF OFFICE STATIONERY AND SUPPLIES”, And clearly addressed to: The Secretary Central Tenders Board Department of Finance 2nd Floor, Financial Administrative Centre Pointe Seraphine, Castries Saint Lucia, West Indies

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august 04, 2018 THE STAR

Government has New Proposals for Sargassum

By David Venn

T

he Saint Lucian government says it’s planning to implement new strategies for handling sargassum seaweed. On Monday Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said the Minister of Agriculture, Ezechiel Joseph, had just arrived back in Saint Lucia from a trip to Grenada that focused on mitigating the damage of sargassum seaweed. Chastanet declared, “This is not just a Saint Lucian phenomenon, it’s a regional phenomenon.”

Chastanet says a solution that the government is exploring considers collecting the influx of sargassum that is piling up on the eastern shores of Saint Lucia, and then burying it.

According to the prime minister, not only does the sargassum decompose after 60 days but, once the seaweed

is buried, the stench will be concealed. In addition, the government has endorsed a private contractor who will turn the seaweed into fertilizer.

Over the next few months the government will investigate how much sargassum can be turned into fertilizer. If the consultation goes well, the prime minister says the government may look into building more processing plants to produce such a product. Between cultivating sargassum at sea and preventing the seaweed from touching the shore, there are many other possible avenues for solutions to control the sargassum but, according to the prime minister, they don’t work. Right now, the government needs to determine whether or not its plans will be economically feasible.

“What we do know is, sargassum is not going away,” said Chastanet. “All indications are that it’s going to continue to grow.”

The Dennery docks are overloaded with the overbearing seaweed but the government says it may have a lasting solution!

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Ministry Opens up about Beanefield School . . . Kinda!

M

inistry of Education representatives spoke this week about shortand long-term solutions to the Beanefield dilemma. But most of them remain undecided.

Michelle Charles, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, says that the ministry will utilize the Vieux Fort Primary School to help transition the 60 incoming Form-One students in September. “The students are initially going to be held at the Vieux Fort Primary School and we are going to be taking the necessary steps to ensure we address the capacity issue at Beanefield Comprehensive School during the course of the year,” she said.

The primary school building is only meant to be a temporary solution for the month of September and perhaps October as well.

According to Charles, the ministry is working on more sustainable solutions. “During the course of the year, there are a number of discussions in terms of building an additional block for the Beanefield Comprehensive School,” she advised. “We are looking at all of the various options that have

T

What took Education Minister Gale Rigobert two weeks to confront, took Michelle Charles, deputy permanent secretary (pictured), just five minutes.

been presented to us to make a final decision.” The ministry has not made any commitments to the construction process.

Vieux Fort Primary School has had its share of problems that must be resolved. In order for the school to serve as a learning facility, the ministry still has work to do before the beginning of the school year.

“There are some

constraints at the primary school and these are going to be remedied before September,” assured Charles.

This seems to be just one of the many examples of schools that the ministry needs to tend to before students pack their backpacks for the fall semester. Minister Gale Rigobert admits the ministry is “off to a late start” on refurbishing

schools for the new year and that the schools will be worked on by way of priority.

“Those things that we cannot deliver in the next couple of weeks before the opening of school, we will endeavour to do during the Christmas break, depending on level of urgency,” said Rigobert.

equipment for business continuity.

A needs assessment list has been drawn up by the organisation. The items that are urgently required are being sourced locally and overseas.

Equipment donated thus far: • Two scanners provided by Saint Lucian Mr. Denis Ishmael who lives in Georgia, USA; • One desktop computer provided by Computer World (St. Lucia);

• One desktop computer provided by Computer amp, Business Services • One desktop computer provided by a concerned friend of FRC; • One multi-function printer provided by J.E Bergasse & Company Ltd; • One laptop computer donated by Flow.

A ceremony to thank the various donors will be held at FRC’s office in the Cultural

Certianly, there was no shortage of smiles at Micoud’s Carnival parade.

---David Venn

FRC receives donation of equipment

he Msgr. Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre (FRC) has been receiving donations of equipment following the destruction of its cultural assets and holdings by the fire of March 25 2018.

The FRC’s work programme had been seriously affected by the loss of all its equipment, and efforts are continuously being made to obtain the necessary

Micoud Carnival 2018: more spectacular, more colourful, more enjoyable

Development Foundation (CDF) at Barnard Hill on Tuesday August 7, 2018 at 10:00am.

At the ceremony a cheque will be presented to the FRC by Mrs. Margaret Lubrin Aoki, a Saint Lucian who lives in Japan. On hearing of the calamity that befell the FRC, she organised a fund-raising activity in Japan specifically to assist the centre.

T

he Micoud Carnival Committee says the 2018 season was nothing less than a total success! Micoud Carnival culminated with the adult parade and Glow Fete on July 29 and 31. Four bands participated in the parade: River Bank Patriots, Infinity White, Jr. Love and Kaotics.

Organisers of the event are pleased with the conduct of revellers and the effort bandleaders placed in designing the costumes.

Committee Public Relations Officer, Mr. Malan Leonce, noted, “The committee went all out to ensure that we delivered on our promise and that the 2018 objectives were met.”

Leonce noted that the inputs of stakeholders in meeting objectives were an

added benefit. “This year the committee placed greater emphasis on creating a notable, safe, peaceful and fulfilling carnival product, for the enjoyment of all. And that we did.”

Judging by the large number of people in attendance at the events, and the high level of enthusiasm portrayed from the patrons, performers, carnival bands, pageant contestants and committee members, Mr Leonce deemed the Micoud Carnival 2018 events “an outstanding success. This year’s events were even more spectacular, more colourful and more enjoyable for all.”

Leonce added that planning for Carnival 2019 will begin shortly.

18 HEALTH

KIM’S KORNER

O

What Are You Weighting For?

ver the last few weeks we have discussed walking as an exercise and also walking vs weight training. This time around we will look at different types of weight training: weight training machines vs free weights vs using body weight to improve size, strength and endurance. We will look at the fundamentals of designing and progressing the perfect weighttraining programme.

First let’s look at the difference between weight machines and free weights.

The first category tends to include equipment that you can sit or lie on, that uses plates lifted with a pulley system. Free weights include dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells; in fact anything that you can lift. Free weights tend to have an advantage over machines: you can exercise more than

AUGUST 04, 2018 THE STAR

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one muscle group at a time.

For example, you can squat while picking up a barbell from the floor, working both the upper and lower body. Weight machines, on the other hand, are designed to work only one muscle group at a time.

Most times it’s about personal preference, availability and access.

Once you have made your choice the next step is designing a programme. The safest and most sensible way to start is to be honest about your level of fitness and have firm objectives in mind. Have you ever used weights before?

Are you fit? Are you going from zero to hero? So, where do you begin?

Step 1 – Decide on your ideal lifting weight. There are several ways to do this: • Find out your repetition maximum RM. This is the

heaviest amount you can lift for one repetition. You may often see programmes that recommend lifting 20% or more of your RM. However, trying to determine your RM can take time. You will need adequate recovery time between tries.

It is also wise to ask for assistance; another pair of eyes can ensure you stay safe and are also keeping good posture and correct form.

• Start with a moderately light weight that allows you to focus on good posture but is heavy enough that by the tenth repetition you are starting to feel your muscles work, though you should not be straining or using excessive effort.

Step 2 – Pick a goal: size, strength or endurance. Believe it or not, size does not always equal strength. Size (mass) is the result of increasing the

number of muscle fibres within the muscle. This is known as hypertrophy. This is achieved by performing more repetitions— between 8-10—to the point of feeling the burn, and lots of sets using a moderate weight with short rests between sets.

Strength, on the other hand, requires less repetitions— between 1-8—per set but with heavier weights and longer rest periods between sets. Endurance involves lighter weights and higher repetitions—between 15-20 repetitions per set.

Step 3 – Understand the difference between intensity (weight vs sets), volume (repetitions vs sets) and frequency (how many days).

This will help you to design a safe and effective programme and also help you with step 4.

Aim to make your body healthy and supple.

the gym or equipment you can always use your body weight to help strengthen your body.

Push-ups, chin lifts, squats, lunges and the plank are perfect examples of exercises that can help build muscle and improve fitness without the use of equipment.

Whether you choose cardio

Step 4 – Watch out for that time when your body adapts to the load and vary your programme accordingly. If you notice that you aren’t seeing any improvements then you have to decide whether to increase your weight and reduce your reps or sets, or increase your sets or reps and reduce the weights.

Following these steps will help you achieve your goals but if you don’t have access to

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workout or weight training, or maybe even a combination of the two, remember: any exercise done correctly and in moderation is good for you. It is always better to do something you enjoy; your motivation and adherence will last much longer.

So, stop looking for excuses. Go out and workout!

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

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19

ST LUCIAN CHILDREN SPEND THEIR HOLIDAYS SAVING THEIR ENVIRONMENT T wenty five students discovered that it’s possible to have fun, learn a lot and work hard at the same time. Even when you’re on holiday!

CAMPING TO SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT A week of camping at the Quilesse Rainforest Reserve was organised by the Caribbean Students Environmental Alliance (Caribbean SEA) and sponsored by Lucelec. Away from home comforts, TV and cell phones, the children learned about protecting the watershed and got to know the plants and animals of the rainforest. The brilliant colours of the parrots flying through the trees above them was, for many of them, a first-time experience. The camp was led by Mary Beth Sutton,

the founder of Caribbean SEA in a number of islands, and Nadia Cazaubon the Saint Lucia Programme Director who runs projects with groups of children around the island, all year round.

CLEANING UP THE OCEAN There was much discussion about pollution of various kinds and when the children arrived home at the end of the camp, they found there was still more to learn and lots to do. Singleuse plastics was a big issue and they attended a community showing of the heart-breaking, but ultimately hopeful movie, A Plastic Ocean.

INSPIRATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE NATIONAL TRUST

Karetta Crooks-Charles from the National Trust, who gave up her Sunday to bring the movie to Marigot, said “The Saint Lucia National Trust is happy to be part of the viewing of ‘A Plastic Ocean’ with the children of Marigot Village. As residents of such a beautiful and historic area, we hope that they were so moved by the film to become better stewards of the environment and make a conscious effort to reduce their usage of single-use plastic.”

be checking the stomachs of the fish he caught in future to see how many of them contained plastic.

AN UNFORGETTABLE The message to the EXPERIENCE children at the end of the The experience was something evening was that ‘you are Saint Lucia’s future and if you want to the children will never forget.

The home-made popcorn served keep the water clean and safe for people as well as marine life, in biodegradable paper scoops it’s time to start the big cleanand organic juice provided by up!’

CMS helped the younger ones to cope with the tough movie CLEAN-UPS CAN BE message and there was a lot REWARDING! of discussion afterwards. The children wanted to know what COMMUNITY SUPPORT The very next day after they could do to stop so much watching the movie, Caribbean plastic waste clogging up our JJ of Marigot opened up his SEA organized a clean-up waterways and breaking down dancehall as the venue for more into toxic micro-plastics which campaign and the children filled than thirty children plus parents. are becoming part of our food huge bags with as many plastic The event was attended by bottles as they could find, from chain. Naima, aged ten, spoke Anthony Mark, President of for many of her friends when the roadside, the mangroves the Marigot Development and the beach. The plan was she announced that ‘seeing a Committee, who addressed the bird throw up plastic is gross,’ to take the bags to the mayor children, reminding them that while her brother said he would of Castries who was offering the future of Marigot was in their hands.

$5 for each full bag of plastic but the children were surprised and delighted when the Mayor’s environmental manager, Mr Soomer, came down to Marigot himself to meet and talk to them. The children then surprised Mr Soomer by asking if they could have school supplies instead of money for their bags full of plastic and he praised them both for their clean-up and for requesting school supplies instead of cash!

It was a big day for them and Mary Beth Sutton, Executive Director of Caribbean SEA, who has been working with the children of Marigot for fifteen years. She observed, “Marigot children are dedicated to making a difference in their community and we are proud to assist them in their efforts toward a cleaner and healthier environment!”

World Day against Trafficking in Persons W

orld Day against Trafficking in Persons, this year observed on Sunday July 30, is an opportunity to open our eyes to the scale of an abominable crime that is taking place in our midst and to shine the brightest spotlight on what takes place in the shadows: slavery. Human trafficking is just another name for modern-day slavery, wherein the victims are coerced and deceived into labour and sexual exploitation.

Modern slavery is a global problem; one that exists in nearly all societies. It does not respect borders or jurisdictions.

It is the second largest and most lucrative criminal activity in the world with human beings traded like commodities.

Despite international labour standards and a UN Protocol against human trafficking, globally, it is estimated that there are at least 20 million victims of human trafficking – trapped by debt and violence. In a perverse commercialisation of humanity, they are used like products and then thrown away, making modern slavery, whether for labour, sex, or organs, not only a crime against an individual; it is a crime against human dignity.

This barbaric exploitation

is a threat to national security, public health, economic stability, and democracy. Transnational criminal networks – be they dealing with drug trafficking, money laundering, or document forging – are partly enabled by participating in human trafficking activities and making high profits. The International Labour Organisation estimates that forced labour generates EUR 130bn of illegal profits each year.

Conscious of the risks posed by trafficking in human beings to people and societies, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes commitments and goals on ending trafficking in human beings. To be successful, all countries must be united in the shared commitment to end modern slavery.

The European Union (EU), as a major development aid donor, has funded projects in different regions and countries of the world to strengthen capacities of partner countries to prevent and effectively respond to this crime. Our actions, such as the EUUNODC Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, follow a comprehensive approach under the paradigm of the four Ps:

The EU has committed to supporting the Caribbean in an effort to curb human trafficking globally.

Prevention of engagement in trafficking activities; Protection of victims; Prosecution of criminals; and the establishment of Partnerships between the various actors involved.

The fight against trafficking in human beings features prominently on the EU Agenda on Migration adopted in May 2015. Trafficking is, however, more than just an immigration issue; it is a human rights issue, a development issue, a criminal issue, and a security issue. It requires a coherent response

that acts across multiple fronts: collecting data to uncover the scale of the problem; building specialist capabilities among law enforcement and criminal justice systems; and making sure that all relevant agencies are talking to each other, whether it is social services, health departments, hospitals, or care homes.

In addition, the ACP-EU Dialogue on Migration and Development provides a sound basis to develop a common understanding on the main challenges governments face in

addressing trafficking in human beings while strengthening co-operation in these areas. However, the real work has to be done in translating the Dialogue’s recommendations into concrete actions, inter alia, through projects such as the ACP-EU Migration Action.

Only this way can authorities be supported to provide the most comprehensive response to trafficking, can criminal networks be dismantled, and can victims be supported.

Considering that these

challenges are not unique to the EU, we are supporting our partners in the Caribbean in conducting a comprehensive study on extent, nature, and patterns of human trafficking in the CARIFORUM region.

As many countries in the Caribbean have still not recorded a single conviction for human trafficking, we are providing training to regional law enforcement officers in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those who are committing these abhorrent crimes.

-- The European Union

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THE STAR

AUGUST 04, 2018

Work on Caribbean island airport halted by court ruling A

Critics say airport and resort would do more ecological harm to Barbuda than Hurricane Irma

high court has suspended all construction work on a controversial airport development on the unspoilt Caribbean island of Barbuda that residents say will devastate its fragile ecosystem.

Antigua and Barbuda high court of justice granted an interim injunction to prevent building work on the airport from continuing during a legal challenge against the territory’s government over the international airport development.

The Barbudans who brought the case, John Mussington, a school principal and marine biologist, and Jacklyn Frank, a social worker, welcomed the court’s decision. They are being represented by Leslie Thomas QC, a London-based lawyer at Garden Court chambers, who also represents some of the

survivors and bereaved relatives at the Grenfell inquiry.

The injunction was granted after the case was lodged outlining concerns about environmental damage that Mussington and Frank believe the project will cause.

Internal documents used by their legal team revealed that the authorities had been warned about ecological as well as archaeological risks.

A full judicial review of the case will be heard on 26 September. Thomas said: “This is the first time the Barbudans are going to get real answers to some of their burning questions on the airport development. It is just a pity it had to be with the threat of the court armed with an interim injunction”.

The islanders complain that the work to bulldoze forests in preparation for the construction work got under way when residents were evacuated from the island

during Hurricane Irma.

There are formidable interests hoping to do business on the island if the challenge fails. The Hollywood actor Robert De Niro has a stake in a company, Paradise Found Nobu Resort, that plans to build a large luxury tourist resort there.

Thomas argued that Barbuda’s extraordinary habitat – turquoise sea, white sand and magnificent coral reefs as well as fallow deer, red-footed tortoises and many rare birds – would be at risk of significant damage if the development goes ahead.

Mussington says Barbudans have been careful custodians of the island’s fragile ecosystem for generations. They have made a living from sustainable fishing and export of lobster along with low-key tourism. Until now the island has escaped over-development and has been regarded as the ideal

destination for travellers seeking quiet and tranquillity.

“People on the island were shocked and devastated.

They broke down crying when they saw that thousands of feet of pristine forest had been torn apart to make way for the new airstrip,” said Mussington.

Fears over the impact were compounded by the fact that the initial area bulldozed was abandoned after it was discovered that caves lay underneath the proposed airstrip.

The legal challenge cited a review of the airport plan by the country’s Department of Environment dated 4 December 2017, which warned that “many of the negative environmental impacts have already occurred in the absence of an environmental management or mitigation plan”.

-- The Guardian

Quebec sailors arrested in Caribbean after drug-laden boat set ablaze After controlling the fire, law enforcement found 1.5 tons of cocaine, estimated to be worth about $300 million.

T

wo Quebec men face charges in the Caribbean after a drug-laden yacht in which they had been sailing burst into flames while being escorted by law enforcement.

During the night of Thursday, July 19, French border agents patrolling the waters off of the French Antilles in the Caribbean Sea intercepted a sailboat with a small blue fleurde-lys emblazoned on its side.

The sleek, white yacht pitched and rolled on the open sea in what Jean-Damien Moustier, the head of the French government’s Caribbean anti-

drug trafficking unit, called difficult conditions.

“There were large waves,” he said. “It was complicated and the coast guard wasn’t able to quickly control the boat.”

Unable to board, agents began escorting the sailboat, called the Livie, to the nearby port of St-Martin.

The ships sailed through the night until, at 10 a.m., the Livie burst into flames. The two Quebecers bobbed nearby in a life raft. Moustier alleges they set the vessel on fire in an attempt to sink it before authorities could seize its cargo.

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The yacht’s masts caught fire and fell amid clouds of smoke.

Six hours later, border agents and firefighters had the blaze under control and were able to inspect the badly charred boat. Below decks they found no less than 1.5 tons of cocaine, an amount that Moustier estimated would be worth about $300 million on the Canadian market.

Moustier said that the Livie probably picked up its cocaine shipment off the coast of Venezuela. He speculated that, had it not been intercepted, it would have sailed up the

East Coast of the United States and delivered it to be sold in Montreal and elsewhere in the province.

The two Quebec men, aged 53 and 55, are in a Martinique prison after having appeared before a judge on Tuesday in Fort-de-France to face charges of drug trafficking, criminal association and destruction of goods by dangerous means.

Moustier said that his organization is investigating the circumstances surrounding the smuggling operation.

-- Montreal Gazette

21

Indian official in Antigua promises extradition request for CIP recipient

Mehul Choksi, an Indian billionaire businessman, wanted for alleged fraud in India, was granted Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship in November 2017.

T

he High Commissioner of India, V. Mahalingam, has told the Government of Antigua and Barbuda that a formal extradition request will be forwarded to the authorities in the not-too-distant future in relation to fraud-accused Indian investor Mehul Choksi.

The billionaire diamond dealer, who is said to be in Antigua and Barbuda, is a citizen of that state, having acquired this in November 2017 under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

This is the word from the government here following a meeting with the High Commissioner who travelled to the twin island to discuss the possible extradition of the accused Indian fraudster and alleged fugitive.

According to a press release from Lionel “Max” Hurst, the government’s chief of staff, Choksi is wanted in India for fraud. Prime Minister Browne has indicated the government’s desire to co-operate with the Indian authorities.

Attorney General Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, who was part of the meeting, along with Minister of Foreign Affairs, E.P. Chet Greene, Solicitor General, Martin Camacho, senior legal counsel, Carla Harris and Ambassador Colin Murdoch, senior advisor to PM Browne, revealed that under Statutory instrument no 34/2001 and

Section 7 of the Extradition Act 12/1993, there exist bilateral extradition arrangements between Antigua and Barbuda and India.

According to news coming out of India, Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, both diamond tycoons, were alleged to have colluded with two employees of the Punjab National Bank in a fraud scheme of over US$1.8 billion.

The alleged scam began in 2011 and was detected in January of this year.

But, through his local attorney, Dr. David Dorsett, the accused man has said that there is no truth to the allegations.

He reportedly claimed that he had taken Antigua and Barbuda’s citizenship to expand his business because the country’s passport provides visa-free travel to 132 countries.

Additionally, Choksi’s lawyer filed a motion in the High Court suggesting that there is no legal basis for the “expulsion, extradition or other lawful removal” of Choksi from Antigua at the behest of the government of India. He argued that as a result of his citizenship, “No lawful basis exists for the extradition of Mr. Choksi under Section 5 of the 1993 Extradition Act.” --- Antigua Observer

22 international

AUGUST 04, 2018 THE STAR

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The man who has seen more U.S. executions than anyone else

By Mark Berman

M

ichael Graczyk saw someone die for the first time in March 1984. Graczyk, a reporter with the Associated Press, walked into a Texas prison to watch the execution of James David Autry, who had been sentenced to death for killing a convenience store clerk four years earlier.

Graczyk watched as Autry — a 29-year-old known as Cowboy who had been convicted of killing Shirley Drouet, a mother of five — took his final breaths. It was the second time Graczyk had gone to the prison expecting to see Autry’s execution; a few months earlier, a Supreme Court reprieve halted the lethal injection with the needles already in Autry’s arms.

When it was over, after the lethal drugs were injected and after Autry’s eyes fluttered open one last time, Graczyk sat down to write his story.

His dispatch was circulated to readers across Texas and the nation. He wrote about how Autry had unsuccessfully tried to have his execution aired on television and about the heavy fog outside the prison and about Autry’s final meal (a hamburger, fries and a Dr Pepper).

Not long after, Graczyk returned to the prison to witness another lethal

injection, then another, and then so many he stopped counting.

His job as an AP reporter in Texas gave him a front-row seat to the epicentre of the American death penalty. Across more than three decades, he has witnessed more than 400 executions, probably more than any other person in the United States.

“I understand there’s a certain curiosity that a lot of people have about that,” Graczyk, 68, said during an interview this week. “It certainly comes up in conversations with people who want to know, ‘Wow, what’s that like?’ It’s not something I generally bring up.”

Graczyk has just retired from the news service but he won’t step away from covering executions entirely. He lives near Houston and plans to help the AP cover them as a freelancer since he lives not far from the death chamber in Huntsville. But he will abandon the routine he had set up to cover executions, a process that started weeks before the actual lethal injections were scheduled to take place. He would seek interviews with the inmates as well as relatives of the victims, research the legal issues of the case and explore any appeals.

Graczyk emphasizes that executions are not the only topic he has covered. Texas is “just a terrific place for news,” he said, and his work has spanned tens of thousands of miles, hundreds of cities and towns, and a range

P Michael Graczyk, who witnessed and chronicled more than 400 executions as a criminal justice reporter in Texas, retired on Tuesday after 45 years.

(David J. Phillip/AP)

of topics including hurricanes and former presidents, sports stories and business stories.

“Pretty much everything you can think of here," he said.

But he also acknowledges that “there’s a certain notoriety” that comes with being a regular witness to something most people will never see.

Since the Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976, the United States has executed 1,479 people; 553 inmates — 37 percent of the nation’s total — have been executed in Texas. That’s more than four times as many as the state (Virginia) with the second-most executions during that span (113), according to data kept by the Death Penalty Information Center.

In recent years, executions have declined in Texas — and across the country — but the Lone Star State remains one of the nation’s bastions of capital punishment. Texas has executed eight people this year, the most nationwide.

Eighteen states have executed at least that many people total since 1976, the Death Penalty Information Center’s numbers show.

Executions happen less frequently these days, down from a peak of 98 in 1999 to 23 last year. Fewer states have the death penalty on the books, and many of those that do have struggled to obtain drugs amid a shortage in recent years.

--- The Washington Post

Zimbabwe election: Emmerson Mnangagwa declared winner in disputed poll

resident Emmerson Mnangagwa has won Zimbabwe's presidential election, according to the electoral commission.

With all 10 provinces declared, Mr Mnangagwa won 50.8% of votes, compared to 44.3% for opposition leader Nelson Chamisa.

Police removed opposition officials from the electoral commission stage when they rejected the results.

The chairman of Mr Chamisa's MDC Alliance said the count could not be verified.

By narrowly winning more than 50% of the vote, Mr Mnangagwa avoids a run-off election against Mr Chamisa.

The president said on Twitter he was "humbled", and called the result "a new beginning".

Mr Mnangagwa, from the governing Zanu-PF party, took over as president last November from long-serving leader Robert Mugabe.

Mr Chamisa has insisted he is the winner of the presidential poll, telling reporters earlier on Thursday that Zanu-PF was "trying to bastardise the result", something "we will not allow".

But the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) said

there was "absolutely no skulduggery".

Six people died after opposition protests in Harare on Wednesday over alleged voterigging.

The elections were the first since Mr Mugabe, 94, was ousted and were intended to set Zimbabwe on a new path following years of repressive rule.

Harare was reported to be quiet on Thursday, as troops patrolled the city centre ordering people to "behave".

Mr Mnangagwa said the government was in talks with Mr Chamisa to defuse the crisis.

He proposed an independent investigation to bring those who were behind the violence to justice.

"This land is home to all of us and we will sink or swim together," Mr Mnangagwa said in a series of tweets.

This is the first time in 16 years that the government has allowed EU, Commonwealth and US election monitors into the country.

More than five million people were registered to vote in Monday's poll. Turnout was 70%.

-- BBC.CO.UK

Malaysian aviation chief resigns after investigation found someone veered MH370 off course

A

day after an investigation report concluded that someone steered Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 — and the 239 people on board — onto a doomed course, the country's civil aviation chief announced his resignation Tuesday over the shortcomings of the country's air traffic control centre.

The report, released by the MH370 safety investigation team on Monday, does not identify a culprit, but it ruled out a mechanical or computer failure as the reason the plane disappeared without a trace on March 8, 2014.

It is an admission that someone managed to thwart the systems and processes designed to keep fliers safe.

“Therefore, it is with regret and after much thought and contemplation that I have decided to resign as the Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia effective

14 days from the date of the resignation notice which I have served today,” Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said Tuesday in his resignation letter, which did not suggest that the authority was to blame for the plane's disappearance.

Azharuddin, an engineer, has headed the aviation authority since 2008.

Authorities believe the airplane crashed in the southern Indian Ocean.

Everyone aboard is presumed dead in what has become the greatest airline mystery since the disappearance of Amelia Earhart.

Only a scattered few pieces of wreckage — and none of the victims' bodies — have been found despite two massive searches that have cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

The 495-page MH370 report highlighted the lapses of Malaysia's Air Traffic Control,

which did not monitor radar continuously or determine that an emergency was occurring until well after MH370 was gone.

“There were uncertainties on the position of MH370 by both Kuala Lumpur [air traffic control centre] and Ho Chi Minh [air traffic control centrew]," the report concluded.

Controllers in Ho Chi Minh City did not notify their counterparts in Kuala Lumpur or the air force when the aircraft did not enter southern Vietnam's airspace as planned — one of the first signs that something was wrong.

“The Air Traffic controllers did not initiate, in a timely manner, the three standard emergency phases in accordance with the standard operating procedures,” the report said.

The last contact that controllers had with the plane was when Capt. Zaharie Ahmad

Shad radioed them, “Good night, Malaysian three seven zero.”

A short time later, the plane changed its flight path in a way that “probably resulted from manual inputs,” the government's report said. A system malfunction alone could not account for sudden shifts in the direction of the plane.

Investigators with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have said that everybody on the plane — the captain, his copilot, passengers and crew — was unconscious as the uncontrolled craft ran out of fuel and plunged into the Indian Ocean.

The Malaysian investigation report revealed someone controlled the craft for at least some of the time after Zaharie said good night.

Zaharie and co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid were prime suspects in the plane's disappearance from the beginning, according to news.com.au. Although

both have been cleared by the Australian government's investigation, there were rumours that Zaharie's marriage was falling apart and that he downed the plane after learning that his wife was about to leave him, the news site said.

Zaharie is also at the centre of a chilling theory posited by a team of experts gathered by the news show “60 Minutes: Australia.”

The show's experts claim a suicidal Zaharie put on an oxygen mask and depressurized the Boeing 777, rendering everyone else unconscious from a lack of oxygen — and helpless to interfere with his fatal plot.

The modern aircraft tracked by satellites and radar disappeared because Zaharie wanted it to, the experts said.

And the veteran pilot, who had nearly 20,000 hours of flight experience and had built a flight simulator in his home, knew

exactly how to do it.

For example, at one point, he flew near the border of Malaysia and Thailand, crisscrossing into the airspace of both, Simon Hardy, a Boeing 777 senior pilot and instructor, said on “60 Minutes.” But neither country was likely to see the plane as a threat because it was on the edge of their airspace.

Zaharie's suspected suicide might explain an oddity about the plane's final flight path: an unexpected turn to the left.

“Captain Zaharie dipped his wing to see Penang, his hometown,” Hardy said. “It might be a long, emotional goodbye. Or a short, emotional goodbye to his hometown.”

Zaharie's family members have defended him and said they were glad the official investigation cleared him of blame.

--- The Washington Post

THE STAR

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AUGUST 04, 2018

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