PM As Model Dad! by STAR Publishing

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019

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PM As Model Dad! Prime Minister Allen Chastanet took on a new role as fashion model at last Saturday’s annual Make It Happen fundraiser. Issue 38

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THE STAR K BUSINESSWEE

Citizen Data: Leveraging Peril? or Potential ment between govern The relationship citizen is always ripe e and the averag on. Even in societies where for ongoing reflecti democracies, featuring liberal barriers in place to n, the there are strong government intrusio guard against globalisation of our daily . digitisation and change has driven work and lives Page 3

rt as US lends suppo s de-risking battle Caribbean that it in November CIBC announced majority share in CIBC its just under would offload in a deal worth FirstCaribbean announcement came US$ 800mn. Thea similar withdrawal by of heels on the has now Scotia which Bank of Nova of its banking operations sale g closed the an markets, includin in seven Caribbe Saint Lucia. Page 5

Which CIP passports are set to challenge in the Saint Lucia’s next 12 months?

nt of Departme lanning: P Physical Better Use and ource ble Land Land Res Sustaina ent of Our em ag Man

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december 14, 2019 THE STAR

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Now I know. The University of Toronto has discovered that looking at something that reminds us of coffee can cause our minds to become more alert and attentive. In fact, other research has found that it is a phenomenon found among the world’s biggest not just in humans but also in coffee drinkers, consuming an rats. Research on rats shows average of 8kg (17.6 lbs) of that just a slight sniff of coffee coffee per person per year. It changes the way their brains was a black day for all coffee function and makes them so lovers and made worse by the official and absolutely false and brave that they don’t give a rodent’s rectum about anything. nonsensical view that coffee did not belong on the “essential One went into a Starbucks, asked for a double Jamaican to life” list. The country almost Blue Mountain macchiato and, ground to a halt. on being told they didn’t stock I can understand why the any, shouted “Raat it!” and went Swiss fought the attempt to deprive them of coffee. It would on a rampage. My continuing to drink be stupid at any time but to coffee has nothing to do face a traumatic emergency with some studies that have situation with nerves fraying found the beverage to be an like a Chinese T-shirt and no aphrodisiac for middle-aged coffee is a double disaster. men. I like the taste and smell, As a coffee drinker of although by the fifth or six many years, I am so steeped, cup, I hardly notice. Some I have now reached the point where I don’t sweat; I percolate. studies show that caffeine, the stimulant found in coffee, My life’s goal is to amount to is addictive. After my tenth a hill of beans. When people cup, that hardly matters. call me a “drip”, I consider What matters is the headache that a compliment. In fact, I that comes from not having had always wondered why my morning coffee or from just thinking of coffee made my infrequent efforts to stop me more alert and attentive.

THE DAILY GRIND T

he wife said we needed a new coffee maker. So I got one. Her name is Jill. The wife was not amused.” I found this post by my friend Michael to be amusing, especially since Jill was a scantily clad, well-endowed, buxom blonde wench. I did not show it to my wife since I knew she would definitely not be amused and might even be boiling mad at me. Right now, she just barely tolerates the electric kettle I use to heat the water I pour into my “drip” coffee filter, but what sends her into overdrive and percolates her patience is that I continue to buy and drink coffee. It is definitely not her cup of tea—which, by the way, is green and she drinks it (like we used to say long ago) “as cold as dog nose”. The fact is that I’ve been drinking coffee for so long that it does not keep me awake at nights. However, it keeps my wife up late worrying about the effects of coffee on my

health. She is convinced that it is bad for me and that my arteries are as hard as rock stone and are getting as rigid as my determination to continue drinking fresh percolated coffee. When I say it “perks” me up, she cites evidence from every health magazine and research study to show that coffee is bad for me. I tell her that I am so healthy that I can tackle and climb any blue mountain that is put before me. This is why I was quite surprised when she sent me an article about how the Swiss people found their government’s plan to stop stockpiling coffee hard to swallow. In Switzerland there is a nuclear bunker for every household and the country stockpiles thousands of tonnes of goods in the event of an emergency. Coffee is one of those, not just goods but very, very goods. Then, without any explanation, the government proposed to stop stashing the coffee of people who are

THANK YOU, ERNEST HILAIRE! By Cockadoodle Doo

aint Lucia owes Ernest Hilaire a huge debt of gratitude for showing us exactly who he is—and how far he may be willing to go to trash the land that gave us birth. No, we are not naive. We had already sussed out the character of the man through his House appearances, his reckless statements, his throwaway lines, his telling body language. “A dangerous guy,” “Watch out for him,” “Overriding ambition,” “Kenny’s puppet,” are some of the less hostile comments repeatedly heard. “It’s clear that he wants one thing, and wants it bad,” is the universal conclusion by Saint Lucians, here and in the UK. As for the Juffali matter, it seems the feeling on the ground, the popular consensus, is that

there’s urgent need for the authorities to get to the bottom of this pit and expose the currently concealed truth. In the meantime, wherever discerning folks gather, the questions usually asked in relation to the Hilaire-Juffali two-step give cause for pause. But we right-thinking people expect all shall be revealed in good time. Juffali may have gone to enjoy his allotted several celestial virgins but left behind are records that, from all I hear, speak shocking volumes. I need ask: Why has our presumptive next prime minister not been taken in for questioning by the authorities, given his well-publicized statements in Dominica that may well have given some cause to imagine our country as a cradle for trouble makers, including terrorists? One wonders what is being said at the U.S. Embassy in Barbados in relation to that outburst

in Dominica. It would not be the first time Saint Lucia has been associated with planned coups and other terrorist ambitions. Those old enough to recall the declaration of our country’s independence in 1979 will understand what I mean. We need to know what Hilaire knows about plans formulated here to affect elections in Dominica. We cannot afford to have the planners roaming free among us. How does Ernest Hilaire know what he says he knows that no one else knows? Not even the nation’s paid protectors of life and property? But, for me personally, the most objectionable aspect of this latest Hilaire affair is his vain attempt to walk back his words in cowardly fashion, employing such grossly illogical, self-deceptive rationalization, thereby insulting the intelligence of Saint Lucians of all walks of life and of all stripes. That’s as lousy as it gets, and further questions arise as to Hilaire’s suitability for any governmental office in this land. So, let’s take it from the top: We should be grateful to Mr Hilaire for showing us so clearly where he’s at before he gets to where he wants to be, come hell or high water. Philip J Pierre, if you have not already figured out any of this, better awake from your current dream and instead watch your back!

drinking the stuff. I boast that my love for coffee is so well known that Juan Valdez named his donkey after me. My wife once tasted a cup of my coffee, spat it out and said it tasted like mud. However, as I tried to explain to her, it was ground only ten minutes before. She is so concerned about my health that she tends to ignore all the good news about coffee including it reduces post-workout muscle pain by up to 48%, increases your fibre intake by 1.8 grams per cup, protects against cirrhosis of the liver, lowers the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer’s, reduces suicide risk and depression, protects against Parkinson’s, cuts down the risk of heart disease, Multiple Sclerosis and colorectal cancer, strengthens your DNA and, believe it or not, helps you to burn off cellulite or unsightly fat deposits. In this case, if you’re like my wife and hate even the thought of coffee, you don’t have to drink it; you just have to wear it. Several years ago, scientists at Palmer’s, an Australian lingerie manufacturer, claimed to have found an easy way to burn off cellulite or

unsightly fatty deposits through the use of tights impregnated with microcapsules of caffeine. The coffee-laced fabric is activated by body heat and the instant coffee liquid-drops boost metabolism and burn fat. As a perk, the lingerie works for four washes. However, if guests drop in and you are out of Nescafe it is not a good idea to drop your tights into a pot of hot water like a teabag, especially if you just took them off. As I sat thinking about Juan Valdez buying Colombian coffee tights for his donkey, I began to appreciate the global reach of coffee and the pleasure it gives to people of all races and religions. “Mr. Kung Fu”, Jackie Chan, insists, “Coffee is a language in itself.” He speaks Chinese, English and Coffee. I prefer to speak poetry and would have liked to use the language of the poet TS Eliot in The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons” but I pour straight from the bag and, like the substance itself, invariably end up in hot water. Tony Deyal was last seen saying that it is a toss-up about who is more hardened— he or his arteries.

Management of Waste During the Holiday Season

he Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority encourages all residents to contribute to a clean environment this holiday season by containing all garbage until the scheduled collection day for their respective communities. Greater personal responsibility is critical at this time due to the increase in consumption which results in an increase in the quantities of solid waste generated. Residents who require immediate disposal of waste are encouraged to transport all waste material to the Deglos Sanitary Landfill or the Vieux Fort Solid Waste Management Facility. Note that disposal of residential waste is free of charge. This year Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on a Wednesday. As such, there will be no garbage collection on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 (Christmas Day) and Wednesday, January 1, 2020 (New Year’s Day). The Deglos Sanitary Landfill and the Vieux Fort Solid Waste

Management Facility will also be closed on those days. Households who receive the collection service on Wednesdays are asked to pay attention to announcements over the media, on the Facebook page or through Twitter for the revised collection dates. The Authority can also be reached on 453-2208 or WhatsApp at 724-5544. Residents of the Gros Islet, Castries Inner, Anse La Raye/ Canaries, Soufriere, Micoud and Praslin Zones should note that the Wednesday, December 25, 2019 and Wednesday, January 1, 2020 collection days will be rescheduled. Please take heed of the rescheduled dates if your community is to remain clean throughout the holiday season. Those who dump indiscriminately or transport waste from their homes/businesses to other communities are encouraged to stop the practice. Instead, do what is required to keep Saint Lucia clean and be mindful that poor solid waste management is harmful to human health and the environment.

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DECEMBER 14, 2019

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DECEMBER 14, 2019 THE STAR

PM Stands By his Assessment of Compton-Antoine as National Trust Director Joshua St. Aimee

rime Minister Allen Chastanet is standing firm by his decision not to approve the appointment of former parliamentarian and independent election candidate Jeannine ComptonAntoine to the post of director at the Saint Lucia National Trust. At the organisation’s AGM on November 16, it was announced that after a rigorous process Ms. Compton-Antoine was selected pending the appropriate minister’s approval. Ahead of Tuesday’s House sitting, Chastanet was questioned by reporters regarding his decision. “Based on the current situation at the National Trust,” he said, “I don’t believe that she would be the best person to lead that organisation at this time.” The prime minister said an ideal candidate for the job should not have political baggage, should have conservation experience, and be commercially inclined to marry conservation and development. A former member of the incumbent party,

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (left) this week showed no signs of changing his opinion on the matter of Jeannine Compton-Antoine (right) as director of the National Trust.

Compton-Antoine resigned to controversially contest the 2016 general election, only to be beaten by the UWP’s Gale Rigobert. Asked whether he considered the Trust at this time an impediment to development, Chastanet cited their opposition to the government’s planned demolition of the long deserted

prison in Castries. It is the government’s intention to construct a hall of justice and new police headquarters on the site. He questioned why, when the Bordelais Correction Facility was constructed, the bodies buried at the ancient prison site were not exhumed and the remains transferred to the

new site, according to law. “Why was there no expressed concern then? Why only now when a vital project has been proposed?” Nevertheless, the prime minister acknowledged the importance of the Trust’s voice on conservation matters. On the other hand, he pointed out, also important are the voices

of poverty, youth, security and health, inter alia. Meanwhile at a December 2 press conference, the Trust announced that Mrs. ComptonAntoine had been hired in a senior management position, even as the campaign goes on to have her appointed director. Opposition Leader Philip J. Pierre charges that again

“vindictiveness” is at play. By his yardstick Compton-Antoine is capable, qualified and the best person for the job. He added: “Sir John is the man who made Allen Chastanet a minister for tourism. If they can treat Jeannine like that, you can imagine what they can do me or you. It is the vindictiveness of the government. It’s purely vindictive.” Others politically opposed to Pierre’s expressed views point out that if ComptonAntoine had been hired on the basis of her deceased father’s contributions to the UWP “Pierre would’ve been first to bleat about the government’s special treatment of friends and family. The Labour Party is famous for turning every government effort into a political football match. Besides, when did the SLP suddenly fall in love with the Compton family? Remember the night an SLP mob invaded their Vigie residence when the man of the house was absent?” Bishnu Tulsie, who has served as the Trust’s director from 2005, was due to retire but will remain at the helm until the end of January next year. The option to further extend his stay remains on the table.

1st NATIONAL BANK TO PURCHASE LOCAL RBC OPERATIONS

consortium of Eastern Caribbean indigenous banks, of which 1st National Bank St. Lucia Limited is a member, on Thursday announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase all banking operations in the Eastern Caribbean from Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, and is expected to be finalized in the coming months. The consortium was led by Johnathan Johannes, Managing Director, 1st National Bank St. Lucia Limited, who shared, “We formed the consortium for the express purpose of expanding the scale of the locally owned financial entities in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union. This transaction gives us the size and scale to play a more

active role in the development of our respective countries. We see this transaction as the first step in achieving even greater synergies, efficiencies and cross-territory marketing opportunities.” Johannes added, “We are proud and pleased that we, as a group of small islands, came together to pursue this momentous deal for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. We see this as a significant milestone in the life of our bank as we continue to grow in a way that will allow us to better serve our customers. There are no plans for any immediate changes to the operation of the business/branches that we are acquiring. “In addition, where possible, we will adopt best practices of RBC to ensure we maintain the very high-

quality service levels that RBC customers have come to expect”. The five financial entities participating in the sale are: 1st National Bank St. Lucia Limited, Antigua Commercial Bank Ltd., National Bank of Dominica Ltd., the Bank of Monserrat Limited and Bank of Nevis Ltd. The sale encompasses *seven branches of Royal Bank of Canada (Antigua, Dominica, Monserrat, Saint Lucia (two locations) and St. Kitts and Nevis (St. Kitts two locations)), as well as the regional businesses operating under RBC Financial (Caribbean) Limited (“RBCFCL”); specifically RBTT Bank (SKN) Limited (Nevis), RBTT Bank Grenada Limited (Grenada)—two locations, RBC Royal Bank Holdings (EC) Limited (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) and RBTT Bank

Caribbean Limited (St. Vincent and the Grenadines). Collectively, these operations are referred to informally as “RBC Eastern Caribbean”. “Self-determination is the highest level of empowerment —and the indigenous banks acquiring this business will now have an increased opportunity to influence the development of their communities,” said Rob Johnston, Head, RBC Caribbean. Johannes added: “And speaking on behalf of the local banks, we embrace and eagerly anticipate that opportunity.” The EC consortium was advised by PwC (JA) led by Wilfred Baghaloo, who added “this transaction demonstrates that Caribbean businesses have the capacity to come together when the circumstances are right.”

Johnathan Johannes, Managing Director, 1st National Bank St. Lucia Limited (pictured). He is confident that this momentous deal will redound to the benefit of all stakeholders.

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DECEMBER 14, 2019

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DECEMBER 14, 2019 THE STAR

INSPIRATION IN SMALL IRREGULAR DOSES Peter Josie

ince my last contribution to this paper I have focused on other writings, albeit in small irregular doses. There are, however, two recent incidents which I’ve decided to record from my vantage point. The first is the destruction by fire of the Adjodha Building, better known as the Gaiety, on William Peter Boulevard in Castries. I was one of three students from St. Mary’s College invited by Mr. Dunstan St. Omer (later Sir Dunstan), our art teacher, to help him paint the scenic murals on the inside walls of the Gaiety. The second student was Victor Burton but, for the life of me, I can’t recall who was the third. The Gaiety of beloved memory was the happy place where many generations of Saint Lucians fine-tuned their dancing moves to the music of the Big Six orchestra. (Palm

Beach Club later was popular when transportation became more readily available.) I recall a classic among Samarians of the 1960s, in relation to the Gaiety. A certain son of a certain prominent Castries family was asked by his English Language teacher at St. Mary’s what was the opposite of gaiety. The lad promptly replied: “The Royal Bank of Canada.” The bank had by then established a branch on William Peter Boulevard, opposite the Gaiety. To be fair, the young man couldn’t have had a clue his teacher never had the entertainment centre in mind. The other matter which warmed my heart was the news that some thirty adults had recently learned to read and write, using a method of teaching perfected in Cuba after the Revolution. The press release announcing the success of these adults omitted to inform readers that the graduates ranged in age from twenty to sixty-five. Yes, 65! This took me back to the Cuban

Revolution and how Fidel Castro had dedicated his entire adult life to educating the people after he assumed power. I have recorded in my first book, Shattered Dreams, my own experience: the difficulty that I encountered as a young agriculture officer with some local farmers forced to write an X on the dotted line intended for their signature. I have also written several articles about my admiration for teachers dedicated to their profession, and who are determined to share all they know with their students. Jose Marti, the inspirational father of Cuban Independence, said that “to be cultured and educated is the only way to be free”. I have long believed there can be no social, economic or political progress without education. We were once made to accept that a little education is a dangerous thing. It did not occur to us to ask: dangerous to whom or to what? Or how much is little. More recent experience and

Cuba’s Ambassador to Saint Lucia, His Excellency Alejandro Simancas Marín, is determined to take his country’s ‘Yes I Can’ literacy programme islandwide.

the presence of the Cuban professionals among us have helped to dispel that myth. It is generally accepted today that every person should be armed with the basic skills of reading and writing in their own language if they are to make sense of their environment and their situation. Such basic skills as reading and writing enhance the pride and value individuals place upon themselves. During one of my more enthusiastic public political meetings here many years ago, I suggested the government ought to ensure every citizen aged sixty-five and under who lacked the three Rs, be made to attend appropriate classes. My

suggestion aroused great anger among some who opined that I was attempting to introduce Castro’s communist agenda into Saint Lucia—at the time the farthest thing from my mind. I asked myself: what kind of politician who loves his country would fail to dedicate his life to eradicating ignorance—the kissing cousin of poverty? On behalf of the people of Saint Lucia who may have missed the news, I am happy to report that the Cuban Ambassador to Saint Lucia, His Excellency Alejandro Simancas Marín, is determined to see the literacy programme ‘Yes I Can’ continued—and expanded. I am myself unfamiliar with the

programme, but I intend to learn from it. I am confident the graduates now see the world and their place in the scheme of things differently. Ignorance in a language is not unique to those who cannot read or write English. I once spent a month in West Germany and was lucky to have had a guide to help me navigate the country. At the end of four weeks, I was beginning to follow the rhythm of the language but, regretfully, I had to leave when the short course ended. We in Saint Lucia continue to be grateful for the assistance offered by Cuba. I have suggested to the Ambassador that he share with the people of this country videos of the early mass-education campaigns started by Fidel after the Revolution. The youth of Cuba were mobilized to march holding huge eight feet-long replicas of lead pencils as a symbol of the new thrust towards eradicating illiteracy. Only after the country achieved full literacy was Cuba able to mobilize its people to help educate and care for others. ‘Yes I Can’ is a core component of helping nonCubans to read and write their native language. Those who understand the slave trade and Caribbean history will agree that the eradication of illiteracy in Cuba has been the real revolution in that country, and should be emulated. We salute Fidel and the Cuban people for their example and repeat, as our great Nobel laureate Sir Arthur Lewis reminded us, that the cure for poverty is not money but education.

NATURE ISLAND OPEN FOR BUSINESS AFTER DOMINICA’S GENERAL ELECTIONS

he Electoral Office has published that the Dominica Labour Party won a resounding victory over the opposition in Dominica’s General Elections held on December 6, 2019. Leading up to the elections, there were pockets of civil disobedience, primarily in the villages of Marigot in the northeast and Salisbury in the west of the island. These disturbances resulted in some

road blockages which caused delays and inconveniences for people travelling to the airport. However, the airport remained open for flights and operated as usual. The disturbances were isolated and not expected to impact cruise activities although cruise calls into Dominica through Sunday December 8, 2019 were cancelled. On December 6, 2019 the citizens of Dominica went to

the polls to elect 21 persons to the House of Assembly. The elections were conducted peacefully and without any disturbance. Now that the elections are over, the citizens have accepted the results and have once again settled to undertake normal business. Dominica reaffirms that it is open to conduct business and welcomes all visitors to enjoy all that the nature island has to offer.

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december 14, 2019

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Lipstick Cannot Turn a Pig into Queen Bey! R

eligious zealots share a preoccupation with “the Last Days,” synonymous, they faithfully insist, with the rise of ubiquitous antichrists and the trampling underfoot of all things Jerusalem. Also with wars and rumors of wars. Politicians also speak of their own peculiar last days as a time of miracles and wonder, when the previously impossible abruptly becomes commonplace; when earlier impassable roads are transformed almost overnight into bump-free thoroughfares, and geeks bearing gifts take up more or less permanent residence among the most deprived. Snake oil salesmen morph in a flash into low-rent philanthropists and providers of coffins for even the healthy, regularly buying up for obvious alcoholics everything available at off the beaten track watering holes while promising more generosities to come after they’ve been elected to office. Regular citizens of simply beautiful Saint Lucia have long grown accustomed to seeing in the last days before elections presumed sworn enemies, declared sexual deviants, robbers of the poor, and sundry haughty abusers of public office making whoopee, arm in arm and belly to beer belly. What’s at play is not so much Machiavelli’s “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” principle as the forgive and forget (for the time being) syndrome. Whatever had rendered friends political enemies and vice versa is never really out of mind, only

out of voter view. Then again, keeping in mind the scriptural pronouncements about the last days, was anyone surprised in 2016 when the ONE man abruptly showed up as one of the soldiers sworn to make war against Allen Chastanet and his father Michael? Or when a psychically bruised and battered political Vaughan Lewis deserted the hand that fed him to wax dithyrambic from the steps of the Castries market about Kenny Anthony’s recently uncovered virtues? Left behind in the fabled water under the bridge was the sticky mud slung at him by the leader of the Labour Party including this passage from his book At the Rainbow’s Edge: “Time has shown that the UWP has changed since the advent of Vaughan Lewis. But it is clearly a change for the worse. Never before have we seen such vindictiveness, such narrow-mindedness, such pedigreed arrogance . . . Many had hoped that the entry of Vaughan Lewis into the political arena would have signaled a higher level of public morality . . . There were some who thought he would’ve attempted to clean the rot, cut the patronage and excise corruption. Instead of rising to his historic opportunity, Vaughan Lewis sank to the lowest common moral and intellectual denominator. Even John Compton at his worst moments never sank so low . . .” By Kenny Anthony’s recorded assessment Lewis

their hatchets, conceivably in the back of their ailing common enemy John Compton. The late George Odlum got his, coming and going. To borrow the telling prose of Kenny Anthony, at page 20 of his earlier cited book: “I have to address a factor that the United Workers Party has been making a lot of noise about lately, the so-called ‘George was “the worst prime minister” Odlum Factor.’ The Flambeaus have claimed that George ever to hold office in Saint Lucia. Never mind he served for Odlum is a danger to Saint Lucia because he is violent and only one year! There was also the matter hungry for power and that he of a slander lawsuit successfully is a danger to the Labour Party filed against Lewis that required because he is hungry for the leadership of the party. In recent him to pay damages and costs times no politician has been to Kenny Anthony amounting as maligned as George Odlum. to some $50,000. Nevertheless Despite the abuse, despite the the earlier well-respected provocation, he has stood his Lewis would in due course ground in defense of the new appear to endorse all that had St. Lucia Labour Party. What been broadcast to the world more can you expect of any about his character and his man? The 1997 George Odlum abilities. A hairy plastic smile is an integrated member of the was not nearly covering for his SLP, working hand in glove with embarrassment as he begged other members to achieve a his market steps audience goal the entire party desires.” not to take seriously in the Alas, a few pages later, season of elections what men by which point he has been did to or said of one another— expunged from the SLP and presumably including paying formed with others another through the teeth on occasion. Conceivably, Lewis expected to political party, this is how Odlum is pictured: “The story of the be rewarded immediately with the collective warm embrace of Alliance is nothing more than the most sordid chapter in the the thousands who had never history of exploitation of the actually met him but had been sensitivity of the Saint Lucian taught by a certain former masses. It is sad because it school principal to hate him. represented an attempt to With a passion! perpetuate the greatest political What was politics finally fraud on Saint Lucians. They if not the art of the possible? are the most isolated, most Pragmatism over ideology! backward, the most greedy At his 2006 sloughing on the steps of the Castries market elements of the Saint Lucia bourgeoisie. They are those Lewis not only forgave those pedigreed by birth and by who had flushed his reputation down the toilet and made him a power. These charlatans believe they alone have a divine right laughingstock island-wide, but to rule and to control. They he also publicly owned up to are those whose wealth and his own wimpy raids on Kenny position are dependent not on Anthony’s good name. What special ability but on having the mattered, he said, was that access and influence to make he and his archenemy turned things happen their way . . . crumbs dispenser had decided In Odlum they found a willing for the greater good to bury

accomplice, a willing instrument of evil, so infected with ‘prime ministeritis’ that he could not distinguish between right and wrong.” A change dimensionally equal to what came over Saul on the road to Damascus. Kenny Anthony explained in typical style the transformation on page 374 of his book: At the time he showered Odlum with buckets of fulsome praise. Odlum “had not yet been accepted back into the Labour Party, given the strong level of suspicion toward him due to his role in the downfall of the 197982 SLP administration.” The book offers no comment on Odlum’s turning into a “willing accomplice, the willing instrument of evil” incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. Neither is a reason given for renaming him “The Great Satan!” Shortly following the June 2016 general elections the defeated Saint Lucia Labour Party handed control of its future to Philip J. Pierre. Last Sunday he set out to prove to the troops he was made of stuff at least as stern as his predecessor Kenny Anthony. Which might explain why he leaned so heavily on words and notions indelibly associated with Kenny Anthony at his most beguiling. He referred to the current prime minister as Saint Lucia’s worst, echoing the 1997 Kenny Anthony’s recorded estimation of Vaughan Lewis. Over and over Pierre referred to the present government’s “vindictiveness,” as had Kenny Anthony in opposition to Vaughan Lewis. Pierre informed his audience on Sunday that come the next general elections he anticipated the other side would offer money in exchange for votes, reminiscent of Kenny Anthony when he claimed to have evidence the United Workers Party had engaged in cash for votes deals on Polling Day 2016.

“Take the money,” Pierre shouted on Sunday, “take the money and vote for Labour.” (Isn’t there an election law against politicians paying? Doesn’t the law speak of fines and disfranchisement? How ironic that the SLP leader should publicly offer his followers such risky encouragement—especially when he has been promising, if elected to office, to enact anti-corruption legislation!) Another mindbender: With Sunday’s rally being covered by local television and also accessible on Facebook, Pierre introduced his party’s latest big catch, Keith Mondesir. To most Saint Lucians he is “Mondayzod”—a Kwéyòl play on his real name, indicative of his image as a pointless noise maker. But what Mondesir is perhaps best known for was his near silence on his work history in Canada. Then there’s the local matter that landed him before a judge back in 2009. The man who put him before Justice Brian Cottle sat conspicuously a few feet away from the lectern at last Sunday’s gathering. His charge was that in 2007, while Mondesir was a Cabinet minister and operator of a small hotel, he received concessions from fellow Cabinet colleagues to which he was not legally entitled. To quote directly from Justice Brian Cottle’s judgment: Acting under a Cabinet Conclusion “Minister Mondesir imported certain goods and electronic equipment. Some of the goods were unloaded at a house in Bonne Terre about one mile away from the main business operation of Tuxedo Villas. That main operation is in Rodney Bay. It consists of ten villas and a restaurant. The officials of the Customs Department became suspicious. They investigated. They discovered that a 20-foot container of household items consigned to Tuxedo Villas of Rodney Bay was being unloaded at a house in Bonne Terre. The surveillance officer observed

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As if already his leadership burdens were not sufficiently heavy, last Sunday the SLP’s front man Philip J. Pierre (L) embraced into the brotherhood Keith Mondesir (centre) whose stint as a minister of government can hardly be described as exemplary, all thanks to his exposure by Kenny Anthony (R).

items of furniture assembled and installed at the Bonne Terre house. He saw Minister Mondesir sitting on some of the furniture on the patio of the Bonne Terre house. The comptroller of customs enquired of Minister Mondesir who explained that the house at Bonne Terre was in fact part of the Tuxedo Villas hotel, despite the distance that separated the two locations. The comptroller of customs was not satisfied. He wrote to the minister . . .” As for the claimant, at the time House opposition leader, and still according to Justice Cottle’s judgment, “he seeks to have the [Cabinet] decision quashed on the basis that it is unreasonable, arbitrary, irrational and perverse and was made in bad faith. He seeks an order directing the defendant to revoke the decision and conclusion of the Cabinet.” Before turning to Justice Cottle’s judicial hearing, the claimant had sought the intervention of the attorney general, to small avail. After hearing from witnesses including the tourism minister Allen Chastanet, Mondesir and the clerk of Cabinet—the attorney general failed to show up—the judge granted the order “quashing the decision of the Cabinet and Cabinet Conclusion 574 (c) of 2008, date 29 June 2008 as unreasonable in the sense that no reasonable grounds have been shown upon which Cabinet could have arrived at the decision at which it arrived.”

He ordered Mondesir to pay the claimant’s costs “in the prescribed claim of $14,000.” As usual, Dominica’s Anthony Astaphan SC had represented the claimant Kenny Anthony. As earlier noted, on Sunday it fell to SLP leader Philip J. Pierre to paint in Jesus colors the man his party had on countless occasions declared a chronic prevaricator, an abuser of his office and altogether unworthy of holding a seat in parliament. Sitting a few feet away from Pierre as he delivered his words of welcome was Keith Mondesir’s main accuser, arms folded on his gut. Having embraced the new brother, Pierre announced the coming of a hundred or so unidentified members of the former House of Mondesir— the UWP. He neglected to say whether those who had committed to following Mondayzod were similarly burdened. This witness could not avoid recalling last December, when it seemed Pierre had been led to believe Saint Lucia would have a new prime minister before Christmas, so strongly that he presented a Motion of No Confidence in the prime minister, allegedly based on the commitments of at least four on the government side to desert their bird in hand in favor of two in the bush. But then things could prove different this time around—with Pierre himself openly leading the charge. Of course the man of the moment would be allotted time

at the microphone to make his own kind of noise. As if he were not already too famous by far—and had not a long time ago carved in the annals of local political history his own unique niche—Mondayzod began with the obvious: “Many of you will wonder why I am here, and I have to explain to you. I came into politics in 2001. I was brought into politics by the late George Odlum. I joined the Alliance because I believed in the concept of the Alliance. The concept was to take the best men and women of a country, put them together, and have

them rule.” To put it as kindly as I can, Keith Mondesir was not nearly the Mondayzod of yore, when the fire in his belly was real, not imagined. That is to say, up to 2000-2001 when the Alliance group was prematurely delivered and died. The sound that came out of the speakers was shaky, weak, unnecessarily proving again that age is definitely not a beach. Alas space does not permit me on this occasion a full analysis of all he recalled, however twisted. Suffice it to say Mondesir’s take on “the concept” of the Alliance,

as well as his estimation of himself, George Odlum and other members as “the best men and women of the country” in no way harmonizes with that of Kenny Anthony—to whose book we return once more, at page 85: “This group of concerned citizens are the most isolated, most backward, the most greedy elements of the Saint Lucia bourgeoise . . . These charlatans believe they alone have a divine right to rule and to control . . . They are concerned only about their wealth, power and position.” Before returning head

bowed to his seat the redshirted Mondesir issued several statements that were at once pathetic, contradictory and contrary to recorded facts. Alas, whether his lapses and infelicities were calculated remains conjectural. It certainly stood out that he forgot the leading figures onstage with him had conspired with Kenny Anthony to kick Odlum out of the Cabinet because of his involvement in the Alliance. Also that their Tuxedo Villas charges had indelibly stamped him as irreversibly soiled goods!

JADE MOUNTAIN FOOD GETS TOP FRENCH HONORS

t. Lucia's Jade Mountain resort has received many accolades for its visionary approach to hotel design, as well as the unparalleled views of the iconic Piton peaks rising out of the Caribbean Sea, but now, it has attracted even more global attention because of the world-class food it offers. The culinary team at Jade Mountain, under the leadership of Chef de Cuisine Elijah Jules and guided by consulting chef Allen Susser, has been awarded a coveted Gault Millau rating, making it only one of four restaurants in the Eastern Caribbean to receive a 3-Toque rating. The French expert reviewers described Jade Mountain as

"a truly wonderful discovery ... an exceptional venue - an opulent ecological sanctuary surrounded by nature - facing two volcanic spires" with its restaurant perched on the side of a mountain with "breathtaking views." The distinguished guide noted "Chef Elijah runs an excellent kitchen brigade with high gastronomic standards," with the dishes presented in a "refined manner, perfectly cooked, and combined in a harmonious way that brings out the best of the ingredients," with fruit and vegetables culled from the resort's own organic farm. Noting the service keeps up with the "high standards

of a world-renowned resort", the reviewers concluded that "everything here is conceived to surprise you and take you far away from your everyday life. A lovely gastronomic experience with Caribbean flavors." Karolin Troubetzkoy, Executive Director of Jade Mountain and its adjoining sister resort Anse Chastanet, said "it is so gratifying to see our highly skilled and dedicated staff getting the international accolades they so richly deserve, and we look forward to advancing even more into the higher levels of gastronomic excellence Chef Elijah and his team have reached." Gault & Millau, a high-end

French restaurant guide, was founded by two restaurant critics, Henri Gault and Christian Millau in 1969. The rigidly enforced rating system is based purely on the quality of the food. Service, price and ambiance are assessed separately. Gault Millau restaurant ratings are signified by a chef's Toque (hat) with a maximum of five Toques. Only a select few restaurants have received the top Gault Millau rating. In the Eastern Caribbean, there are only four restaurants with a 3-Toque rating, according to the guide: Jarad at Le Toiny and La Case de L'Isle in Saint Barthélemy, and Orchidea in Guadeloupe. And now, Jade Mountain Club in St. Lucia.

10 LOCAL

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december 14, 2019 THE STAR

Was House Opposition United in Support of Latest VAT Amendment or was Pierre the Exception? Dean Nestor

ust over a month after parliament amended the VAT Act to benefit local producers of educational supplies and other manufacturers, the government brought forward on Tuesday yet another amendment to the law. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet introduced it this way: “The Bill before parliament seeks approval for the waiver of the VAT on funeral home expenses, on electricity and water reconnection fees, on services under the contract agreement between SLASPA and the OECC for the HIA Redevelopment Project, on the services under the contract agreement between GOSL and OECC for the Road Improvement and Maintenance Programme Phase 4, and on imported goods and services under the Road Improvement and Maintenance Programme phase 4.”

Philip J Pierre (pictured) was the only Parliamentarian on Tuesday who failed to support the relief to Saint Lucians that the VAT Amendments Bill aims to bring.

Moreover: “At present funeral homes in Saint Lucia are subject to a VAT at the standard

rate of 12.5% on all transactions related to the provision of funeral services. This includes the cost

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of a coffin or a casket, storage and preparation of the body for the funeral, transportation and hearse services and the division of other variable funeral services. Burial costs in Saint Lucia are, on average, $8,000 but can range from $2,700 to upwards of $80,000. "It is the intention of this government to bring some relief to the people of Saint Lucia as it relates to funeral-related expenses. Our government believes a waiver of VAT on funeral expenses will be passed on to the customers and this will provide much-needed relief for the families of the deceased as they make preparations for the burial of the dead, their loved ones, at a very critical time.” Chastanet spoke similarly regarding the relief that a VAT waiver on electricity and water reconnection fees would bring to Saint Lucians. House opposition leader Philip J. Pierre, in his response, neglected even to acknowledge these stated aspects of the Bill during his 18-minute contribution to the day’s debate. Instead, he launched into what he described as the incumbent party’s failed promise. “Mr. Speaker, this afternoon we are back on the VAT wagon,” he said, “and the government has failed again to meet its promise to the electorate to eliminate VAT.” The VAT Act was brought in by the Kenny Anthony administration following the

2011 elections. The then prime minister had earlier decried the proposed VAT bill as “anti-poor, anti-worker and oppressive”. On Tuesday Pierre returned to the current government’s pledge when campaigning for office in 2016: “It made a solemn promise to the people of Saint Lucia, several times: the reduction and the gradual elimination of VAT. So we are here today to do the normal piecemeal. The last time we were here we had a waiver of VAT on educational supplies; now we are here with another waiver, all because the government has failed in its promise to the electorate to eliminate VAT, and I will be holding them to account for its failure to eliminate VAT.” He announced that he would not be commenting on the first part of the motion relating to the waiver of VAT on funeral services and the waiver of VAT on electricity and water reconnection fees. He said the House was being called upon to forego revenue on a contract agreement between the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority and the OECC for the HIA Redevelopment project. “But Mr. Speaker,” he said, “what is even more striking— and I hold no issue with the company [OECC], I don’t know anything about them and I am not questioning their competence— but the point is, Mr. Speaker, the public of Saint Lucia will have a debt in excess of $600 million for an airport redevelopment programme and the public does not know how the contractor was chosen. We have no idea. We’ve never seen any tender document for how the contractor was chosen. So I have to take the word of the government that the contractor was chosen in an open and transparent manner.” He asserted that the day’s government refused to accept blame. “They live in a world of fantasy and in a world of self-praise. Any time you refer to something that’s wrong, their response is, ‘You did it too.’ That is the only excuse. But the people of Saint Lucia wanted a change. They wanted to stop the wrong things that they thought the Labour Party was doing. We have taken our place in the opposition. But you cannot commit these sins and fall back on ‘You did it too! You did it too!’ ” He returned to his earlier theme: “I still await the

elimination of VAT. I await it. I await the government’s promise to eliminate VAT. Unless they eliminate VAT, the government has failed; failed the people of Saint Lucia. They made a solemn promise and that promise has not been delivered to the people of Saint Lucia.” In short, the former deputy prime minister in the government that had introduced the “oppressive” VAT law regardless, was now warning he would campaign for the Chastanet government’s removal because of its failure to eliminate VAT! Again he flipped: “In all good judgement, Mr. Speaker, I cannot sit in this honourable House and allow this government to put the country in that level of debt for an airport and road maintenance without the people of Saint Lucia having any say in how the contractors are chosen.” And with that he took his seat again. Not once in his 18-minute contribution did the Castries East MP state, allude to or indicate his position on the motion for the proposed VAT amendments. Remarkably, every other opposition MP voiced his support for the first part of the amendments to the Bill Pierre had decided to “not comment on”. Contrast Pierre’s nocomment comment with the contribution of the Castries South MP Ernest Hilaire: “I want to start off by saying that it is difficult for one to disagree with a measure which will make it, to some extent, cheaper for persons to be buried and to meet their funeral costs. I welcome the reduction because it will make life that less onerous.” Presumably he meant for relatives of the dearly departed! No surprise that the conflicting positions of the two opposition MPs was not lost on Mr. Guy Joseph, the MP for Castries Southeast. Referencing Hilaire’s expressed support, he said: “Tell that to Philip! Tell that to Philip!” Hilaire attempted a defence of his leader, however feeble: “I do not think the Member for Castries East opposed the motion.” “But he did not say he supports it,” Joseph persisted, an undeniable truth that the House record supported, which could be the reason Pierre chose to leave well enough alone and say nothing in his own defence!

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

december 14, 2019

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december 14, 2019 THE STAR

Cannabis Commission Chairman Reflects on Public Consultation

Another Suicide while in Police Custody T D eath as a result of asphyxia, secondary to hanging. This was the outcome of a post-mortem examination conducted on 34-year-old Shem Sinaise on Monday afternoon. Last Saturday residents of Laborie stood in shock outside the community’s police station as news spread of Sinaise’s death while in legal custody. On Monday afternoon police superintendent George Nicholas met with the press to discuss the matter. He said Laborie police officers arrested Sinaise on Thursday, December 5. Originally from Vieux Fort, Sinaise was held at the Laborie station and on Saturday December 7 was formally charged with stealing and causing harm. “Some time in the afternoon,” said Nicholas, “he asked to use the bathroom. A few minutes later the officer went to check on him and found him hanging from a window in the bathroom. The major crime department has conduct of this investigation.” Nicholas revealed that the prisoner had used "a piece of cord from his clothing” to commit suicide. As to why Sinaise was held at the Laborie

he Babonneau MultiPurpose Centre on Monday was the final stomping ground on the public consultation drive by Saint Lucia’s Cannabis Commission. Kicking off last month, earlier stops were made in Castries, Dennery, Soufriere, Vieux Fort, Anse La Raye and Gros Islet. Much like the first public meeting on November 26, just about twenty people showed up for the Babonneau meeting. Notwithstanding, the show went on with attendees voicing their opinions and concerns. Much of the discussion focused on ensuring that local farmers Superintendent of Police George Nicholas (pictured) says the latest suicide of a man while in are protected if and when police custody is still under investigation. cannabis is legalized. With the observation of Human station, Nicholas explained that procedures are followed. I Rights Day on December 10, the Vieux Fort police station in won’t go into whether or not members of the Rastafarian Beanefield had been relocated such procedure was in this community took the opportunity to Clarke Street due to mould. case adhered to. The lead to call for special treatment. The new location has no cell investigator has assured me They maintain that the present accommodation. Consequently, that by the end of this week illegality of their “sacrament”— individuals arrested by the he will have completed his cannabis—has led to years of police have to be held in cells at inquiries, at which time I discrimination, and infringed Laborie, Micoud or Choiseul. will make the appropriate on their right to practice their On November 22, Vieux announcements.” religion. Fort resident Michael Blaze On October 23, 2013 police Following the meeting, the was arrested and taken to the prisoner Chakadan Daniel STAR spoke with commission Choiseul station. Reportedly allegedly hanged himself while chairman, Michael Gordon released two days later, he has in police custody at the Micoud QC. He said that without not been seen since. station. Almost two years question, it was one of the best In response to widespread later an inquest determined meetings held in terms of public criticism related to the Sinaise otherwise. feedback. “I think the public is suicide, Nicholas said: “Once almost unanimously in favour an arrest is made, certain ---Joshua St. Aimee of legalizing,” he said. “The real concern is what regulation you put in place. The commission itself has not come to a conclusion but we hope to do so

very quickly.” The commission’s next step will be to submit a report to the government, advising on a legislative and regulatory framework for cannabis. Gordon is hopeful this will be done by year’s end. If not, then by midJanuary. Cannabis Movement chairman Andre de Caires was also in a celebratory mood. Echoing Gordon, de Caires said: “The general consensus after seven meetings is that everyone wants to legalize. So, if the politicians are looking at this as a barometer to determine what to do, then it's an overwhelming legalize.” It could not be denied, however, that public enthusiasm has been altogether disappointing. De Caires said

he would have loved to see more people at the meetings, specifically those opposed to legalization. He offered this public message: “The government put forward a platform for you to voice your concerns and you have not taken it. If and when the government decides to legalize, please don’t come afterwards and criticize the decision. You can write to the commission at slcconline. org to voice your concerns. We don’t want to be singing to the choir. We want to come up with regulations that the majority of the country will be satisfied with. Let’s protect the vulnerable while reaping the economic benefits!

Grenadines), Green Technologie (Martinique) and EcoCarib Inc. (Saint Lucia) currently provide services in the area of Green Technology in the Eastern Caribbean. They each participated in CREF, the largest annual gathering of the Caribbean energy market. The three-day event gathered over 500 representatives from governments and the private sector from 50 countries, including 25 countries from the Caribbean. Participants had the opportunity to attend key presentations on the state of renewable energy in the region. The event also provided the three entrepreneur company representatives with a unique opportunity to network with policymakers and key players in the energy sector, as OECS Competitive Business Technical Specialist, Kwesi Roberts, highlighted. “These events are very

important as they contribute to strengthening the connection between policy makers and the private sector towards the implementation of climate resilient energy solutions in the Eastern Caribbean. The CREF enabled these firms, which are operating in this emerging sector, to identify opportunities for financing, market expansion and growth,” Roberts said. CEO of Solife Inc, Ricardo Boatswain, also shared positive feedback on the event: “Overall, my experience was very memorable. Important contacts were made and the conference was well co-ordinated and engaging. Moving forward, I will conduct a company review, make business contacts and implement some of the lessons learned which were shared at the event." The three firms benefitted from technical assistance under the INTERREG TEECA

project, which seeks to increase reciprocal trade between Martinique and the Englishspeaking OECS countries, as well as to foster trade between OECS Member States and joint exploration of global market opportunities. The INTERREG TEECA project currently supports 29 companies from the English-speaking OECS and Martinique to access markets by reducing technical, language and cultural barriers that inhibit intra-regional trade. The CREF mission was co-ordinated and led by International Development Officer at the Chamber of Commerce of Martinique, Laurence Douet; and Special Advisor for Trade and Legal Affairs at the Caribbean Export Development Agency based in Barbados, Gayle Gollop. In closing, all of the participants indicated that the mission was well organised and successful.

OECS Companies Participate in the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum in Miami

hree companies from the Eastern Caribbean participated in the 11th Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) which took place in Miami, Florida October 16-18, 2019. The mission was part of a joint market exploration initiative implemented under the INTERREG Trade Enhancement for the Eastern Caribbean (TEECA) project. This is coordinated by the Chamber of Commerce of Martinique (CCI Martinique) along with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique and the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export). The three companies— Solife Inc. (St Vincent and the

Left to right: co-founder of Eco Carib, Denell Florius; co-founder of Green Technologie, Jean-Nicolas François; Trade Facilitation Officer for the TEECA programme at the Chamber of Commerce of Martinique, Laurence Douet; and CEO of Solife, Ricardo Boatswain.

Commission chairman Michael Gordon QC (left) and Cannabis Movement chairman Andre de Caires (right). With seven public consultation meetings in the bag, the commission now moves on to finalizing its report.

---JSA

THE STAR

december 14, 2019

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LOCAL

4th Annual Officers’ Ball & Fashion Event a Massive Success!

ver five hundred attendees were dressed to the nines for a runway gala fundraiser on Saturday December 7—the 4th annual Officers’ Ball and Fashion Event, 2019. The Make it Happen Foundation partnered with Saint Lucia Hot Couture to deliver a spectacular, blended gala experience featuring top local and regional designers, a sumptuous menu and amazing musical entertainment—all for a worthy cause. Upon entry it was evident that the organisers had spared no effort in delivering the promised theme of a 'Winter Wonderland'. Hues of whites, silvers and blues flushed evenly throughout the venue while a screen spanning over 60 feet wide established an animated backdrop of continuous snowfall and wintry scenes. The fabricated snow on the floor and tables enhanced, captured and sealed the theme. Saint Lucia Hot Couture opened the evening with its fashion showcase of Saint Lucian designers: Kuumba Designs, Patricia Lee, Anitanja Lawaetz, Lyn Bristol of LBM Designs, and Pas Jalou by Kashmina Montoute. The regional representation came from Trinidad and Tobago and featured Robert Young's The Cloth, Ecliff Elie, Meiling Esau, Anthony Reid, and Marlon George of Daww Creations showcasing their amazing capsule collections which wowed the crowd. One of the highlights of the evening was witnessing our Honourable Prime Minister Allen Chastanet grace the catwalk with a suit designed by Anthony Reid for Meiling while being escorted by his daughter Rhyan. Joining the Prime Minister on the runway was Honourable Bradley Felix who visibly transformed on stage, changing his hairstyle to complement each outfit he wore. Also on the catwalk were Honourable Dominic Fedee, and Honourable Lenard ‘Spider’ Montoute who shared the spotlight with his son Jurgen Montoute. Other local celebrities like Daren Sammy and Pinkley Francis rocked the crowd and donned pieces from both local and regional designers. The police force also had representation on stage

with Sgt. Eldeen Henry and Constable Nieki Sonson joining the cast and doing an amazing job ripping the runway. Roars of applause and cheers filled the room as the fashion extravaganza ensued, with each piece demonstrating the unique flair and style of the designers. Mrs. Mae Wayne and her production team featuring designers like The Cloth, and Caribbean Next Top Model’s Richard Young had pulled out all the stops for a fashion show beyond compare. The choice of music, lighting and quick pace created a unique spectacle that captured the hearts and attention of the audience from the moment the show opened. A significant feature of the ball is encouraging attendees to dress in local designers. It has been established that at each ball the coveted title of Best Dressed Male and Female will be awarded. This year, famed society and fashion reporter Novia McDonald-Whyte from the Jamaica Observer came down to cover the event and to judge Best Dressed. Capturing the male title was Samuel Agiste while the female title went to Hannah Fitz. The spirit of goodwill, charity and fun was definitely present on the evening—a key feature of this annual event is fundraising through auctions and raffles for some fabulous prizes. The corporate community made its presence felt as Mrs. Raquel Du Boulay Chastanet, the producer of the annual event and wife of the Prime Minister, indicated that several companies had assisted to make the venture a success, namely: Brice & Co, Digicel, Tomty Northern Tool Company Ltd, Saint Lucia Distillers, Peter & Co., Caribbean Metals, Sandals Grande, Coconut Bay Resort and Cabot Links. Special thanks were given to HTS, DBS, The Wave and Hot 7 as they played a pivotal role in advertising and supporting the event. On the evening there were two spontaneous financial contributions, each of $10,000; one by Galaxy Group, developer of the Honeymoon Beach Hotel project, and one by Republic Bank which recently

The theme of the evening was 'Winter Wonderland' and it was achieved in tropical Saint Lucia!

opened in Saint Lucia. “I am quite moved by the work and effort of the Make It Happen Foundation and, as I sat on the table with my colleagues, we made the decision to make this contribution,” said the regional manager of Republic Bank, Michelle Palmer. Another focal point of the evening was the honouring of three retired officers for their lifetime of service. Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award were ASP Kim Louis, Superintendent Peter Eudoxie and Chief Fire Officer Haynes Cyril. Mrs. Du Boulay Chastanet presented each with their award from the Make it Happen Foundation, together with a weekend for two at Coconut Bay Resort, which they were obviously delighted to receive. During her address, Chairperson and Founder Mrs. Du Boulay Chastanet stated: “Our Foundation is honoured to produce the 4th annual Officers’ Ball which recognizes the efforts of our hard-working police and fire officers whose sacrifices and commitment to service and country inspire us all. If we all work together, we can ensure that they have what they need to carry out their duties in a more efficient and effective manner, which

ultimately benefits us all.” She went on: “I have seen firsthand the difference a little support can make to their lives and the comfort they take in knowing that we as a society value their efforts and their contributions. We are so grateful to all our attendees and to those generous sponsors whose assistance has made this evening possible.” The Make It Happen Foundation is a non-profit charitable organisation founded with the aim of addressing small-scale infrastructural and other financial needs of groups but with a focus on police and firefighters. Assistance has, however, also been given to other groups such as the Bordelais Correctional Facility, educational institutions and health facilities. The Foundation will continue to work with the police force and fire service to lend a hand wherever it can. The Make It Happen Foundation would like to thank all sponsors, partners, donors and attendees of the 2019 Officers’ Ball and Fashion Event for helping to create a truly spectacular evening and looks forward to an even more memorable event for the Officers’ Ball in December 2020.

Raquel Du Boulay Chastanet (right) of Make It Happen Foundation joined forces with Saint Lucia Hot Couture's Mae Wayne (left) to deliver a spectacular gala event.

THE CLOTH

Daww

THE CLOTH

MEILING

Ecliffe Elie

MEILING

THE CLOTH

MEILING

LBM

Kuumba

THE CLOTH

PAS JALOU

LBM Designs

PAS JALOU

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MEILING & ANTHONY REID

MEILING

14 COMMENT DECEMBER 14, 2019 THE STAR

Ecliffe Elie

THE CLOTH

KUUMBA

MEILING

LBM

THE CLOTH

Kuumba

Ecliffe Elie & JACK BOURKE OPEN WITH OPERA

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COMMENT

Daww

Ecliffe Elie

Daww

Ecliffe Elie

MEILING

DECEMBER 14, 2019

Daww

THE CLOTH

MEILING

THE STAR

16 local

december 14, 2019 THE STAR

When is a Solidarity Walk also a Demonstration of Disunity?

nlookers watched seemingly perplexed as parliamentarian after parliamentarian poured out of the Parliament Building on Tuesday morning and headed down the Laborie Street sidewalk. Little did they know the MPs were about to embark on a walk to the NIC building on the waterfront and back. Neither did the gathered gawkers know that for once they were witnessing a local march for a good cause. December 10 was International Human Rights Day. To mark the occasion, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) organised a walk of solidarity, starting at the NIC Building on the Waterfront and ending at Constitution Park. Given that this is our country’s 40th year of Independence, 40 individuals with disabilities took part in the solidarity walk, along with families, well-wishers and other supporters. Specially invited were Saint Lucia’s usually warring MPs. A scheduled House session was held following the walk (see page 10). It was quite the sight, our parliamentarians, some athletic

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looking, some not (presumably with good reason, Kenny Anthony was not among them), traipsing down Jeremy Street, up John Compton Highway, eventually stopping outside the NIC building on the waterfront. There was also the puerile decision that the two parties, even for a good cause, could not bring themselves even to pretend they were united for the day’s purposes. Instead, one lot chose to walk on the right of John Compton Highway, the other on the left. There was an unavoidable crossing (sign of things to come?) at the point between the car park and the Greaham Louisy building, with the MPs reluctantly coming together at their destination. A waiting crowd emotionally welcomed them, with Prime Minister Allen Chastanet seeming to attract most of the fawning attention. Meanwhile, other MPs posed for photos and engaged in what appeared to be friendly exchanges with the congregations. Among those at the waterfront were beaming students in uniform and representatives of Dunnottar School. Altogether an uplifting sight in these times of constant

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER CHASTANET

rime Minister: I am one of those who accept that the business of government is not motivated by profit off the services it provides the public. I also accept that any selfrespecting government will do its best to collect as efficiently as possible all the revenues due to the state, hopefully to invest in the best affordable healthcare, education and other social services for its citizens. For this reason, I suggest that you, Prime Minister, select at least three businesspeople who should quietly visit the offices at the Ministry of Infrastructure, to which vehicle and driver's licenses are paid. Please ensure that you select only business-minded people who

understand that time means money. No university degrees or other qualifications are necessary—just simple business sense, plotting time and motion. Make it clear to those selected that it’s part of their national duty and they should expect no payment for helping the state collect these licenses more efficiently. Of course, it would be best if people would use their smart phones to pay their vehicle and driver’s licenses directly to the national treasury. The state could then eliminate their lethargic employees and incentivize them to work for themselves. God bless and good luck to all Saint Lucians this National Day 2019. ---Peter Josie

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet pictured wheeling out his partner in preparation for the NCPD-organised walk for solidarity.

conflict. The Prime Minister finally disentangled himself to squeeze in a little time for the media. “I think this is a very important cause,” he said. “When dealing with disabilities we should consider there are many kinds: we have physical disabilities, mental disabilities and economic disabilities. As a government we are doing our utmost to address all of them. We don’t always have the

resources but I want it known the will is there. Physically coming out today and lending support to our disabled is important. Sometimes it’s difficult to appreciate the perspective of those with disabilities. I think that adopting international standards and doing everything to make sure they have equal access to opportunities is vital.” Soon after our nation’s MPs’ arrival, the walk for

solidarity began. Each parliamentarian escorted a person with a disability to Constitution Park, making the occasion even more special. The feel-good factor was at its peak as each participant in the solidarity walk reached their destination. Hundreds stopped to bear witness to the proceedings. Also in attendance was the president of the NCPD, Merphilus James, who thanked all there, in particular the

country’s parliamentarians for their support of persons with disabilities. Opposition Leader Philip J Pierre inspired with this short autobiography: “Many of you will not know that I can share today a special message with you because I was actually born with a disability. So think I can understand what you feel. I can empathise with you. I was born not being able to walk and I had the good fortune to travel off island to get medical care and treatment and look at where I’ve reached today. So, if I can reach where I am today, I’m sure those of you who are differently abled can reach higher heights than me. So I want to tell you that you have no limits. Your limits are boundless. You can achieve whatever you want to achieve, once you have the commitment and the spirit and the discipline to achieve it.” The solidarity walk occured two weeks after Prime Minister Chastanet signed the Instrument of Accession of Saint Lucia to the UN Convention on The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on November 29, 2019. ---Dean Nestor

December Festivals Creating the Magic of Christmas

he past weekend was definitely a festive one for the Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) as the organisation hosted two important events on its annual calendar. With the Christmas season now in the air, the December Festivals are creating the magic of Christmas in a big way. On Saturday the National Lantern Competition was held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) where nearly 80 lanterns were judged in various categories. There were two new categories—the People’s Choice Lantern Competition, sponsored by Mayor Peterson Francis; and the Dutch Lady Innovative Lantern, sponsored by PCD, distributors for Dutch Lady Milk. The judges were certainly given a hard task of selecting winners, given the high level of creativity. CDF’s Senior Events and Productions Officer, Tyrone Harris, said various workshops

hosted by the CDF across the island has resulted in greater participation this year. He commented that standards continue to improve, mainly with the lanterns being able to light—a crucial factor in the judging process. “We’re particularly impressed also with the concepts of these lanterns and the themes behind them,” Harris said. “We’re seeing that people are not simply building lanterns, but are building lanterns to highlight important messages in our community.” While participation improved among the juniors this year, Harris said there needs to be more participation from the seniors, adding that the CDF will work to address this by hosting more intensive training workshops. Competing schools were Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary, Grande Riviere Secondary, St. Mary’s College, Castries Comprehensive Secondary, St. Joseph’s Convent

and St. Lucia Sports Academy. Results for all the competitions were announced at the Festival of Light Ceremony at Derek Walcott Square on Thursday, December 12. Meanwhile, on Sunday, December 8, the Festival of Carols served up some soothing musical delights. Held at Our Lady of Fatima Church in La Clery, Castries, the event attracted a large audience, including two government ministers: Stephenson King, Parliamentary Representative for the area; and Senator Fortuna Belrose. Presentations came from Saint Joseph the Worker Youth Orchestra, Our Lady of Fatima Choir, Justus, St. Mary’s College Choir, Cathedral Youth Choir, Isman Lovence and Steffiann St. Clair, Sent Anne Choir, Evergreen Choir, Supertonic, Holy Family Roman Catholic Parish Choir, and Total Praise Gospel Singers. The audience listened—

and sing along—to Christmas classics as well as traditional Saint Lucian offerings. The Festival of Light Ceremony was held at Derek Walcott Square on Thursday evening. The ceremony was preceded by a parade of lanterns and masquerade through the city streets. Various artistes and choirs performed, with a creole Santa on hand to present gifts to the children. CDF’s Director of Events, Drenia Frederick, had implored patrons to wear their creole proudly for the Festival of Light Ceremony, themed 'A Creole Christmas', especially as, via public voting on the night, a winning outfit was chosen. “If you encompass Pelay’s favourite song, this is the time when we have the best clothes and shoes,” Frederick said. “If you want to look at it in terms of our creole culture, you can come to the Derek Walcott Square dressed in madras. Just do what we usually do as a people: we invent and create.”

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18 REGIONAL

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THE FUNNIES! T

All OECS Schools to Benefit from Improved Internet Connectivity

he OECS-UNICEF initiative ‘ProjectConnect’ was successfully launched as part of a workshop held November 26-29, 2019 in Antigua and Barbuda. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) partnered with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to launch ProjectConnect, the first pillar of a wider project which seeks to connect every school in the world to internet and every young person to information, opportunity and choice. ProjectConnect aims to map every school and to provide real-time data on the quality of their internet connectivity. Hence, the workshop brought together 21 Information and Communications Technology Managers from OECS Ministries of Education, statisticians, and Geographic Information System (GIS) professionals from across the Eastern Caribbean. Participants benefitted from a training session focused on collecting, editing and

Denzil Douglas: "Daily Mail story, false, malicious and libelous"

ormer Prime Minister Rt Hon Dr Denzil L Douglas reiterated last Sunday that the Daily Mail story (see right) "is totally false, malicious and libelous" and he "was never detained or arrested in London". "The one-term government of Dr Tim Harris seems to have found a Reporter in the Daily Mail to push their false and libelous story to distract from our call that Minister of Tourism Lindsay Grant and Culture Ambassador Jonel Powell must resign now," said Dr Douglas. "Let it be known that I again emphasise that I was never detained or arrested at London Gatwick Airport on 16th November or at any other time. I have committed no crime and I’m under no investigation," said Dr Douglas, the National Political Leader of the St KittsNevis Labour Party (SKNLP). "The Article in question is

receiving the attention of my lawyers who will advise me accordingly." Dr Douglas' call for the resignation of Grant and Powell follows a default judgment in the High Court in October for breach of trust, breach of fiduciary duty and failure to account or misappropriation of US$460,000 (EC$1.2 million) belonging to a client. A client had claimed that US$460,000 was transferred to the bank account of Grant and Powell. After hearings before a Master at various dates in 2018, the St Kitts High Court in February 2019 determined the terms of the default judgment and ordered Grant and Powell to pay damages. On October 28, 2019, Justice Ventose refused to set aside the default judgment and ordered that Grant and Powell make submissions on the assessment of damages for a December 12, 2019 hearing.

december 14, 2019 THE STAR

disseminating spatial and internet connectivity data on schools through the use of open-source tools. The data will be critical in developing an evidence-based strategy to provide all schools with fast and reliable internet access. Head of OECS Education Development Management Unit, Sisera Simon, explained: “Schools are sometimes faced with unreliable and, in some instances, unavailability of internet access, and this is an excellent initiative to fill that gap. ProjectConnect promotes access to information and will strengthen efforts to enhance technology-driven instruction and administration at the school level in the OECS region.” Representatives from UNICEF Eastern Caribbean in Barbados, UNICEF Innovation in New York and the International Telecommunications Union in Geneva, who also attended the launch of ProjectConnect, were enthusiastic about the initiative.

“This is the first of its kind regional school connectivity mapping workshop that we’ve organised with the aim of building local capacity on how to collect and maintain data around internet connectivity in schools,” said Data scientist at UNICEF Innovation, Naroa Zurutuza.“The data will allow us to identify gaps and will be the foundation for follow-up work with OECS governments and internet providers, and build a common bid for connectivity that will ensure that all schools in the OECS region have access to the internet.” In closing, the representatives from the OECS Education Development Management Unit announced the intention to convene a major conference in early 2020 with senior government officials and technical officers from OECS governments, plus development partners, which will aim to develop a road map for connecting all public primary and secondary schools in the Eastern Caribbean.

Ex-prime minister of Saint Kitts held at Gatwick Airport after he tried to leave Britain with £70,000 in cash

Caribbean politician made a Privy Counsellor by David Cameron for his 'loyal service' to Queen and country is being investigated after he tried to leave Britain with £70,000 in cash, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. Dr Denzil Douglas—who was Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis for 20 years—was detained at Gatwick Airport by the UK Border Force three weeks ago. Officers seized the equivalent of more than £70,000—in sterling, US dollars and Eastern Caribbean dollars—from him on November 16 when he could not explain why he was attempting to leave the country with the cash. Mystery surrounds the bizarre incident on which neither the Home Office nor police will comment. However, the MoS understands Dr Douglas is the subject of a probe by the National Crime Agency. Officers were granted the right to hold the cash for a further six months by Crawley Magistrates' Court

Dr Denzil Douglas (pictured), was detained at Gatwick Airport by the UK Border Force on November 16.

on November 19. Dr Douglas boarded a flight to Dubai empty handed. A law enforcement source said: "He told them it was for political campaigning but could not explain where it came from and where it was really going." They added: "He was pulled up by Border Force and he declared he had a little bit of cash on him but something didn't smell right and the search found the stash." Anti-money laundering rules state anyone leaving the

UK to travel to a non-EU country must declare any sum above 10,000 Euros (£8,400). Agents are now attempting to trace the origin of the cash. Last week the Cabinet Office, which oversees the Queen's advisory Privy Council, confirmed that Dr Douglas remained on the committee, but would not comment on what he had been doing in the UK. During his 20 years in office, Dr Douglas's administration was criticised in a long-running passport scandal

around his island's 'Citizenshipby-Investment' programme. He lost power in 2015 but is seeking a comeback as leader of the island's opposition Labour party. It is understood he arrived in Britain on November 13 and was detained leaving three days later. Yesterday the Cabinet Office would not say if he had met with any UK Ministers or officials during his visit. The incident is embarrassing to Britain given the praise heaped upon Dr Douglas in 2011. Offering his 'warmest congratulations' at his promotion to the Privy Council, the then Prime Minister Mr Cameron said: 'I believe that this appointment is fitting for a prime minister with many years of loyal service to Her Majesty and I look forward to working with Dr Douglas in years to come.' Dr Douglas's office did not respond to requests for comment last week. The NCA declined to comment but a source said: 'We do not routinely comment on individual cases.'

---The Mail on Sunday

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december 14, 2019

INTERNATIONAL

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Finland anoints Sanna Marin, 34, as Caribbean Export world's youngest serving prime minister

Promotes the Caribbean’s Orange Economy in Kenya

inland will have the world’s youngest serving prime minister later this week when Social Democrat Sanna Marin, 34, is sworn in at the head of a coalition whose four other parties are all led by women, three of them in their thirties. Marin, currently the transport minister, will take over from Antti Rinne, a former trade unionist who resigned last week after just six months in office when he lost the confidence of the Centre party, a coalition partner, over his handling of a postal strike. She will become the Nordic country’s youngest ever head of government, but said on Sunday night she had “never thought about my age or gender. I think of the reasons I got into politics, and those things for which we have won the trust of the electorate.” The five-party, Social Democrat-led coalition has agreed to stay together and maintain the policy programme it announced in June, focusing on major increases in public spending on welfare and infrastructure, and a pledge to make the country carbon neutral by 2035. Marin, who narrowly won her party’s vote on Sunday to replace Rinne as prime minister, said the programme “glues the coalition together”, but admitted the new government had “a lot of work to do to rebuild trust”. Her Social Democrats currently stand at just 13% in the polls, well behind the nationalist Finns on 24%. Finland’s third female prime minister, Marin was raised by a single mother who later entered a same-sex relationship, and was the first of her family to go to university. She will be the world’s youngest sitting prime minister: New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern is

R Sanna Marin, 34, has been selected as the new prime minister of Finland. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images 39, while the Ukrainian Oleksiy Honcharuk is 35. She has enjoyed a rapid rise in Finnish politics since becoming head of the council of Tampere, Finland’s third biggest city, at the age of 27, and stood in for Rinne as party leader earlier this year when he had to take time off because of illness. The Social Democrats narrowly won April’s parliamentary elections ahead of the Finns on a platform promising to end years of austerity imposed by the outgoing centre-right government, which cut public spending by 4bn Euros and reduced Finland’s debt for the first time in a decade, but made it deeply unpopular. Rinne, who became the country’s first leftist prime minister in 20 years, said the government aimed to reduce income differences through increased spending on education, pensions and social services. But he was forced to step down

last week after several weeks of political crisis over a plan to cut wages for 700 postal workers. The national postal service withdrew the reform plans in November after widespread strikes, but questions soon emerged over whether or not the prime minister had previously approved the cutbacks, prompting the Centre party to declare it had lost its trust in the prime minister. The four other female party leaders in the coalition are Li Anderson, 32, who heads the the Left Alliance; Maria Ohisalo, 34, of the the Green League; Katri Kulmuni, 32, from the Centre party, who was named finance minister on Monday; and Anna-Maja Henriksson, 55, of the Swedish People’s party. Women have been present in politics in the Nordic region for decades and today represent half of the party leaders in Sweden. Four of Denmark’s nine parties are headed by women. Mette Frederiksen became Denmark’s

prime minister in June, while Erna Solberg has been Norway’s head of government since 2013. Iceland’s Vigdís Finnbogadóttir was the first woman to be democratically elected as head of state by voters when she defeated three men for the presidency in 1980. Finland’s former prime minister Alexander Stubb lauded the coalition, saying it “shows that Finland is a modern and progressive country”. Stubb tweeted: “My party is not in government, but I rejoice that the leaders of the five parties in government are female.” The timing of the change in leadership is, however, awkward for Finland, which holds the EU’s rotating presidency until the end of the year. Parliament was expected to approve the appointment of Marin and her new ministers swiftly so she could represent Finland at the EU leaders’ summit on 12 December. ---The Guardian

UK voters head to polls as Brexit’s destiny hangs in the balance

oters across the UK headed to the polls on Thursday for a general election that is likely to shape the country for decades to come. The snap vote was called by the government led by Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister Boris Johnson because of a parliamentary impasse over the Brexit deal he had negotiated with the EU. Johnson and his Conservative Party are aiming to win enough seats to give them a majority in the 650-seat

parliament that will enable them to pass their Brexit deal, formally known as the “Withdrawal Agreement”. The prime minister has repeatedly said a vote for his party means the ability to “get Brexit done”. It is estimated that any winning party must grab in excess of 320 seats for any sort of majority. A hung parliament, in which no one party holds an outright majority, cannot be ruled out given the margin for error in the last major voter poll before

the actual vote. That poll by YouGov/MRP on Tuesday showed the Tories could win 339 seats (22 more than they took in 2017) and a vote share of 43%.The poll also suggested that Labour was set to lose 31 seats—falling from 262 in 2017, to 231—and take 34% of the vote. Labour has pledged to give the public a second vote on Brexit, saying that it will secure a “sensible Brexit deal” that it will then put to another referendum against an option to remain. Party

leader Jeremy Corbyn has drawn criticism for his failure to make a clear personal preference on Brexit. Both main parties have experienced mixed fortunes during the election race with question marks raised over their trustworthiness, attitudes to Jews and Muslims, and commitments to grand spending pledges. ---CNBC

aising the profile of the Caribbean’s orange economy (also known as the creative economy), exchanging best practices, innovation and cultivating relations was the focus of the recently held mission of the Caribbean Export Development Agency to the 9th African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) Summit of Heads of State and Government which took place December 9-10, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Caribbean Export staged a fashion showcase in collaboration with the ACP Secretariat where 80 designers from 20 countries of the Caribbean, the Pacific and Africa presented under the patronage of the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados on the evening of December 7. Prime Minister Mottley stressed the importance of initiatives such as this to the promotion and popularisation of creatives in order to raise capital and investment, stating, “We hope that we can create the logistical framework that will allow the trading to take place so that we don’t only marvel at the beauty of the designs, but we can ensure that the economics that will support the sale of the designs can make the businesses sustainable.” Hon. Mottley continued, “We now need to popularise it and we now need to ensure that access to working capital is always there for our artists, because for most artists they don’t have the collateral to go and access funding from the banks in order to be able to expand production.” In a separate interview, Mr. Anthony Bradshaw, Caribbean Export’s Officer in Charge explained, “Participating in activities of this magnitude is critical for us as a development agency. We have to ensure that the Caribbean is well positioned within the African, Caribbean

and Pacific grouping and that the great contribution the region’s private sector is making towards our economic development is not only recognised and acknowledged but also supported by legislative frameworks.” The ACP Fashion Show, curated by Rodney Powers of the Caribbean Market Center and Socrates McKinney of Dominicana Moda, presented pieces from the Caribbean Fashion Showroom and the collection created during the Agency’s Caribbean Fashion Accelerator Pt 2 programme. One of the highlights of the show was the collection of contemporary shirts from the Dominican Association of Chacabana Producers (ACHADOM) which attracted a lot of interest from the male dignitaries in attendance. In addition to the ACP Fashion Show, Caribbean Export presented their initiatives supported by the CARIFORUM Directorate and the European Union under the 11th EDF Regional Private Sector Development and Haiti-Dominican Republic BiNational Programmes within the ACP Business Village. This included the work of “Manos Dominicanas”, a programme of the Vice President of the Dominican Republic, H.E. Margarita Cedeño, which supports the economic empowerment of women through the design, creation and selling of craft products. This event also showcased the talent of other ACP regions via the participation of the Fashion Council of Fiji, made possible by the Pacific Island Forum, and the Congolese-Italian company Samboue. This fashion extravaganza presented a practical example of intra-ACP and ACP-EU collaboration, showing how culture can unite our countries while securing a better future for our people.

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THE STAR december 14, 2019

LOCAL

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ARC Youth Team Celebrated on Arrival By David R Pascal

rom a local standpoint, of all the boats arriving here in the ARC, nothing created more anticipation and excitement than the arrival of Challenger 1 on Wednesday evening at IGY Rodney Bay Marina. The sailboat carried a young crew, including six Saint Lucians, and received a rousing welcome after completing the trans-Atlantic crossing from Gran Canaria. The welcoming committee included Minister of Tourism, Dominic Fedee; Events Company of St Lucia; Saint Lucia Tourism Authority; staff at IGY Rodney Bay Marina; World Cruising Club; sponsors of all the individuals on board the boat; parents of the young sailors and well-wishers. The Saint Lucian flag was proudly displayed by a huge, cheering section on the docks of IGY Rodney Bay Marina. Challenger 1 arrived in Saint Lucia at approximately 8:00 pm, some 17 days and 12 hours after setting out from Gran Canaria on November 24, and having sailed a total of

Challenger 1, with the ARC Youth team on board, preparing to dock at IGY Rodney Bay Marina.

3,028 nautical miles. Challenger 1 is 67-footlong sailboat and is part of a fleet that once did an ocean around the world race. She was built for speed rather than comfort and, during the crossing, reached a top speed of 15 knots. The crew’s skipper is Gary Rutherford from the United Kingdom, who has done the Atlantic crossing on three

There was a huge welcoming committee for the arrival of Challenger 1.

previous occasions although this is the first time he’s had a young crew on board. The crew consists of six Saint Lucians, four people from Gran Canaria and two from the UK. The Saint Lucians are Tyrus Antoine, Gabriella Chreiki, Chrisanki Flood, Krishna Joseph, Neil Melius and Andonai Modeste. Modeste gave his account of what he called “the experience of a lifetime”.

Clearly excited, he said:“It was truly an amazing trip! We had lots of fun on the way here. We learned a lot of stuff from our skipper and first mate and also our watch leaders. It was truly amazing. It was better than I expected. I had a lot of fun and I am sure everyone enjoyed themselves. It was hard work but that’s what it’s all about.” When asked how he got along with the other crew

members he hesitated for a while then replied: “Well, at first it is always going to be a bit challenging. Different nationalities—Spanish, English, Saint Lucians—but after a while we all grew as a family.” Modeste encouraged other sailors to follow in his footsteps and said that, given the opportunity, he would love to have another go at the ARC. Communications Manager for World Cruising Club, Sarah Collins was impressed with the reception Challenger 1 received.

“The welcome for the ARC Youth Team was unlike anything I have ever seen in seven years working for the ARC. It was amazing for them to be welcomed in such a wonderful way by Saint Lucians. Every single member of the crew was overwhelmed. In fact they said they had no words to describe this unbelievable welcome.” As of Thursday morning, just over 70 boats had already arrived in Saint Lucia and another 70 or so are expected over the weekend.

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december 14, 2019 THE STAR

THE STAR

DECEMBER 14, 2019

KIM’S KORNER

is inflammation and it has been found that people with certain conditions and lifestyle habits run a higher risk of developing this painful condition, such as: • Diabetes • Hormonal changes that can occur during pregnancy or the menopause • Underactive thyroid • Overactive pituitary gland • Arthritis • Wrist sprains or fractures • High blood pressure • Smoking • Being overweight

Light at the end of the carpal tunnel D

o you suffer from pain, numbness or tingling in your wrist and hand? If you answered yes to any of these symptoms you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. CTS is the compression of the median nerve as it passes through the wrist and was first described in 1894. Since then, with medical advancements, CTS is easier to diagnose and that may account for the rising number of people suffering from this painful condition. It may also be due to change in lifestyles and technological advancements. CTS is thought to be aggravated by repetitive movements. More and more people are now regularly using computers and game consoles, but, as CTS has been around for many years, we know there

must be other causes. CTS is a narrowing of space on the inside of the wrist where the median nerve and other structures pass through to the hand. The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger; it also innervates the muscles of the thumb. The onset of CTS is usually gradual, starting with symptoms at night. On waking, the hand needs to be shaken-out and feels “useless”, progressing to symptoms during the day as well. But wait! Before you self-diagnose your symptoms as CTS, it’s important to know there are other conditions that are similar, like repetitive strain injury. RSI can also affect the

wrist and fingers but there are some minor differences. RSI is used to describe pain and tenderness in the nerves, muscles and tendons caused by repetitive tasks, not compression, and can occur at the shoulder, elbow or wrist. However, unlike CTS, it does not cause weakness in the thumb. It is best to seek help early and your doctor or physiotherapist will undertake a thorough assessment to determine if you have CTS and rule out other possible causes. A thorough history of the onset of your symptoms and aggravating movements and activities

will be taken, followed by a physical examination. Do not be surprised if the focus moves from your wrist to your elbow, shoulder and neck. Some of the obvious signs that will be looked for are muscle-wasting around the thumb, reduced sensation, reflexes and your response to special tests. If the results are inconclusive, or a clearer picture is required, it may be necessary for you to undergo nerve conduction tests. The exact cause of CTS is still not known but it is more common in women than men, maybe because women have a narrower space than men. One of the underlying causes

The ART of TEACHING YOGA - PART III

n the previous two weeks I have talked about demonstration and observation in the ‘Art of Teaching Yoga’. Following demonstration

and observation we move on to hands-on adjustments, the anatomy of the body, the Sanskrit pronunciation of asanas (poses), sequencing, yoga philosophy and

HEALTH

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pranayama. In this article we shall focus on hands-on adjustment and basic anatomy. A well-educated yoga instructor should be aware of the anatomy of the human

body in order to work with the alignment and balance of each individual. Iyengar Yoga instructors are required to know all systems of the body which include the nervous, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, skeletal and muscular systems. In teaching basic standing poses, the student sees the pose, experiences it and feels it. When they understand the shape of the pose we can then work on the alignment, such as in utthita trikonasana (triangle pose) which is a standing lateral pose. Every pose begins with its base, the feet. Seeing that the feet are placed properly, we work from the feet up through the legs. In lateral poses, such as triangle, the forward leg turns to the side. This rotation is the femur bone rotating in the hip joint so that the thigh, knee and ankle are in one line. Without the proper rotation the student could damage the

Having a job with repetitive movements or using equipment that vibrates also puts you at a higher risk of developing CTS. But it isn’t only work that can be a problem; leisure activities like sailing can aggravate symptoms—holding the steering wheel or holding on tight to the tiller may seem like simple tasks but not if you have CTS. The earlier the condition

is diagnosed, the better the chances of a full recovery without needing surgery. In the initial stages rest and ice can help reduce inflammation and pressure on the nerve. If you use your hands at work, whether typing, writing or using equipment or machinery, you should take lots of rest breaks. Wearing a splint can also help stabilise your wrist and stop excessive bending. If these early interventions are not successful your doctor may suggest a steroid injection into the wrist or, in severe cases, surgery. Of course, the best action is always prevention; prevention is always better than cure. The first step would be to make lifestyle changes and reduce the risk factors alongside a stretching and exercise programme. Speak to your physiotherapist who will help you design the perfect programme for whatever stage you are at. 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

hip, knee, back and more. With proper alignment the student will strengthen, support and create flexibility in the muscles which surround the hip so that it becomes strong. If the turn comes from the knee, it can damage the knee, creating wear on either the inner or outer knee. With proper alignment the muscles that support the knee are strengthened. In poses such as Warrior I and II, as the knee bends we see that the bend is again in the alignment of the thigh, knee, shin and ankle. For those students with weak knees and knee issues, this alignment can help the student to heal the knee if practised properly. A yoga teacher must

have an eye to see that an adjustment must be made and how to make that adjustment properly. A teacher who doesn’t know the anatomy of the body and hasn’t been taught to make adjustments should not touch the student. Iyengar Yoga is a therapeutic yoga which helps the student to get to know their own bodies so that as the teacher adjusts an area to bring alignment, the student learns to maintain that alignment which builds strength and support. Yoga is a healing art; as we practise we should become stronger, more flexible and healthier. Jill Hagar is a certified instructor of Iyengar Yoga and a certified International Yoga Therapist. She holds regular Yoga classes at Harmony Suites in Rodney Bay. For more information about classes please contact Jill by phone or WhatsApp on (758) 718 1297 or by email on yogastlucia@gmail.com

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DECEMBER 14, 2019 THE STAR

Hallucine leads ARC fleet into Saint Lucia By World Cruising Club

t 00:52:47 on Friday, December 6, Rodney Bay welcomed the first arrival of ARC 2019, French-flagged Marsaudon TS5 Hallucine. Led by experienced ocean sailor Régis Guillemot, the crew of the 50ft multihull have had a great blast across the Atlantic, clocking up a record day of 385nm, an average speed of 15.2knts, and sailing under main and asymmetric the whole way. The winning formula was a combination of strategy, filet mignon and a competitive crew, aiming to beat one another’s helm speeds as they zoomed across the ocean! The crew, Régis Guillemot, his wife Veronique Le Gall, Yves Pellisson and Pierre Louis Delarue, were jubilant to reach Saint Lucia in an elapsed time of 11 days, 16 hours, 52 minutes and 47 seconds and sailed tactically south to pick up the trades. “It has been a truly great sail; at the start, the wind was not too strong but the boat performed amazingly and we

had no breakages or failures for the whole trip. Our tactic was to head very south, passing the Cape Verde islands close enough to see the crabs on shore, and once we found the trades we really took off. These winds carried us all the way to the finish line. We trimmed the sails but no changes to the set-up for over 3,000nm. We have had a great battle with fellow multihull Allegra who sadly retired at the last moment, but to beat the racing boats is a really proud achievement for us,” said Guillemot. Hallucine was built in Lorient at the Marsaudon yard and Guillemot completed an Atlantic circuit with her in 2018. “We know it is a fast cruising boat, but not built as a racer. The four crew on board have been perfect to handle her to be light and fast, as she could be,” he said. This year they joined the ARC for the first time, “for the fun, the competition and the camaraderie—we have not been disappointed and the organisation has been superb”. Following some time to sleep and tidy the boat, the crew were officially welcomed to Saint Lucia by Beverly

Hallucine, with a crew of four, was first to arrive in this year’s ARC. The crew of first arrival Hallucine received an official welcome.

Nicholson-Doty, CEO of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority; Depa Gidharry, Senior Tourism Officer from the Ministry of Tourism; CEO of Events Company of St Lucia, Lorraine Sidonie; and IGY Marina Manager Sean Devaux. With the steel pan soundtrack and obligatory rum punch, it was a special moment as 2019 marks the 30th year of the ARC arriving in Rodney Bay, and remarks of welcome from supporters of the ARC were made to a crowd of gathered media.

The French crew have all lived on the neighbouring island of Martinique, so arriving to see the familiar silhouette of Pigeon Island was a welcome sight. “We are from the islands so it is wonderful to arrive somewhere we feel like home. We are delighted to be here in Saint Lucia and are looking forward to enjoy the time on shore here,” said Guillemot. Despite the duel with Allegra, who retired, the next ARC arrival to follow Hallucine

was Sisi, a Volvo 65 and part of the Austrian Ocean Racing Project. The first monohull and leaders of the ARC Racing fleet, they crossed the line just under 10 hours behind Hallucine, and the French crew were eager to welcome them and compare notes from their very different ocean crossing experiences! As an out-and-out race boat, life on board Sisi is basic, with little luxury compared to the Marsaudon TS5—more freeze-dried food than filet mignon, and a great example of the diversity of the ARC fleet that brings together all kinds of

boats and sailors. Most of the boats in this year’s ARC are expected to be here this weekend. Challenger 1, which consists of a Youth Team with six skilled Saint Lucians on board, arrived on Wednesday evening (see article on page 21). Right up until the final ARC prize-giving on December 21, there is a full programme of fun activities for the ocean-crossers to enjoy in and around Rodney Bay. Regular updates are posted on the World Cruising Club website and ARC Rally Facebook Page.

Stars Arriving and Stars Aligning for St Lucia Pole Vault Summit By David R Pascal

elcome to the community Jump Centre here at the Patricia D James, formerly the Vide Bouteille, Secondary School here in La Clery. We are honoured to be here today and this week is really a big, big step for the sport of pole vaulting in Saint Lucia, and really a step forward, I believe, for the sport within the Caribbean region as a whole.” The opening remark came from Programme Director for Mon Repos Athletics Academy, Jump Centre and Pole Vault St Lucia, Andy Behl. He was speaking to students on Monday, prior to a training session at the Jump Centre. The students, both male and female, were taking part in St Lucia Pole Vault Summit which had a developmental clinic, plus training sessions for our top national junior jumpers, leading up to the first-ever boys’ and girls’ inter-schools pole vault championship on

Wednesday, followed by the National Day Street Vault. Continuing with his opening remarks, Behl said: “I am honoured to see all the students and all the schools participating today, overcoming a lot of the challenges that the school year presents, to make it here to make this first-ever St Lucia Pole Vault Summit a reality. I can say from my end this is really a project that we had in mind for a really long time. We have seen things similar to this in other parts of the world and the critical role these kinds of events play in the development of the sport.” Special guests in attendance at the Jump Centre included Chief Education Officer in the Ministry of Education, Fiona Bayer, to whom Behl referred as “a great champion for the development of this project”. She praised the instructors who came on board with Behl for this project, saying: “Good morning to Andy and the entire team. We are so appreciative of your presence. We know there are many things you could be

doing at this very moment, some of them very lucrative, but you have chosen to be here to support our children. This is why I, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, need to thank you.” Andy’s team that she mentioned includes Micky Ferdinand, a native of Desruisseaux and graduate of Micoud Secondary School, who is returning from the Texas A&M University – Commerce, where he is on a full scholarship for high jump and pole vault. After being introduced to the pole vault at a small school clinic in 2009, Ferdinand developed himself in the sport, eventually winning the gold medal at the 2014 CARIFTA Games where he also began a transition into the high jump event. His mark of 2.15 metres (m) in the high jump in 2017 set him on a course towards university, back in August of 2018. Also on the team are two veterans and a new face to the Pole Vault St Lucia community. Rick Valcin, a native of La

Instructors at the Pole Vault Summit (left to right): Isabella Johnson, Dominic Johnson, Rick Valcin, Andy Behl, Shem Edward, Tyler Thornbrue and Mickey Ferdinand.

Croix Maingot and graduate of Gros Islet Secondary School is returning from Dubuque, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Dubuque, after winning the 2014 NCAA Division III national championship in pole vault. Valcin was a silver medallist at the 2009 CARIFTA Games, hosted here in Saint Lucia. He later performed well in the 2009 Castries Market

Street Vault, which led to entry into Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kansas, a mere four weeks later. Shem Edward, who is also Saint Lucian, is a five-time medallist at the junior level: four time CARIFTA medallist and CAC junior medallist. Three-time Olympic qualifier Dominic Johnson was accompanied by his eldest daughter, Isabella, who is an

18-year-old senior in high school in Arizona. She has been vaulting for four years. Key partners on the St Lucia Pole Vault Summit include Mon Repos Athletics Academy, Saint Lucia Athletics Association, Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, and Ministry of Education, with sponsorship support from National Lotteries Authority, Blue Waters Saint Lucia Ltd and Harbor Club.

THE STAR

DECEMBER 14, 2019

Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred runs world’s fastest December 60m since 2001 By Terry Finisterre

he University of Texas Longhorns Track and Field program won eight individual events and one relay at the FasTrak Collegiate Opener on Saturday, December 7, their first meet of the 2019-20 indoor season. The Longhorns also set nine personal bests at Yeoman Fieldhouse in Houston. In the women’s 60-metre dash, Saint Lucian sophomore Julien Alfred was the fastest in the preliminaries with a personal best of 7.18 seconds (s). She ran 7.23s in the final to stand atop the podium and was six-tenths of a second faster than the second place competitor. A product of Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School in Saint Lucia and St Catherine’s High in Jamaica, the 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games 100 metre (m) champion has definitively declared herself in the early going. Her 7.18s was historic in several ways. It’s the fastest time in the world, even though it’s early in the season (it would still have been a top 25 time last season). Alfred’s run was also the fastest over the last 10 years by a D1 competitor

Lucian Grand Prix takes off! T

he fourth annual Lucian Grand Prix, hosted by Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre, took place from December 6 to 8. Although the event has not been held in the last two years, many clubs from the swimming federation were ecstatic to have this meet Saint Lucian sprinter back on the annual swimming Julien Alfred calendar. representing the Being the last swimming University of Texas event of 2019, this meet Longhorns. provides swimmers with a chance to improve their times in the month of December, per sub-region (including US Virgin and set goals for the new FloTrack’s Travis Miller. This run Islands). calendar year and potentially also places her squarely in the On a weekend that also new age groups. top 10 all-time for junior women saw 20-year-old Mechaela Lucian Grand Prix is globally. Hyacinth run a personal-best Her national record run of 7.39s to lead NCAA Division 2 the only local swimming has made her the fifth-fastest and enter the global top list, life competition hosted in Saint 60-metre sprinter in Texan is definitely looking up for Saint Lucia that offers swimmers the chance to compete in history, and it was the fastest Lucia’s women sprinters. preliminary heats and evening run by a Longhorn in the Among OECS territories, finals. This developmental event since Teahna Saint Lucia and Grenada have meet gives the swimmers Daniels (USA), won the National the most student athletes Collegiate Athletic Association enrolled in American institutions the ultimate experience of (NCAA) indoor title with a for the 2019-2020 season, with swimming in a competition format similar to CARIFTA, FINA school-record of 7.11s back in 23 apiece. Approximately 120 Worlds, or even the Olympics. 2016. athletes from OECS Member Swimmers competing in age It was also easily States are registered with groups 11-12, 13-14, and 15 the fastest run by a junior schools and colleges in the and over who achieve a top athlete from the Organisation United States for the season eight place in the morning of Eastern Caribbean States ahead and, with Alfred in the sessions then continue to the (OECS), and the fifth-fastest by lead, they are off to a flying evening finals for those events. an athlete of any age from the start. With 136 swimmers entered, Lucian Grand Prix started Friday night under the stars and lights with a brief opening ceremony. The swimmers were from RHAC Swim Club, Lightning Aquatics Swim Club, RR Aquatics, Sail Fins Swim Club, SeaJays Swim Club, Sharks Swim Club and Southern Flying Fish. Specially invited guests from St Vincent and the Grenadines included two swimmers from Black Sands Swim Squad. Swimmers took part in both mid-distance events, such as 200 metre (m) freestyle or 200m breaststroke, as well as sprint events, such as 50m butterfly or 50m free. This meet encompasses special challenging swims as well, Gilroy Mitchel tries to maintain his balance with a such as 200m butterfly or the Vieux Fort South defender in pursuit. 400m individual medley, which consists of 100m swimming all The tournament continued In the second encounter four strokes. on Sunday with another triple Congorians and Choiseul header at the same venue. In Veterans tied 2-2 and in the Results the opening game Marchand final game of the triple header High Point winners, Girls Six and shut out Prophets and Kings All Blacks of Dennery got past Under: (1) Isabel Anius, Southern 1-0. Vieux Fort North 2-0. Flying Fish; (2) Sapphire Park,

Veterans Football Competition Results ieux Fort North, Marchand and Dennery were all winners, while there were three ties in the latest round of action as the Veterans in Sports Inc football continued over the weekend at La Ressource playing field. The action kicked off on Saturday with a triple header. In the first game a shorthanded VSADC team with Sean Kirton in goal lost 2-0 to Vieux Fort South. In the second game, Mon Repos Sharks and Flow Lancers FC played to a scoreless draw. In the third and final game of the day, Soufriere, going up against Valley Legends on their home turf, tied 1-1. The ever dependable Jerome Serville scored in the 87th minute for Soufriere with Haze equalizing in the 89th minute for Valley Legends.

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RR Aquatic Swim Club; (3) Gia Arthurs, RR Aquatic Swim Club. Boys Six and Under: (1) Zane Williams, RR Aquatic Swim Club; (2) Jeshawn Yard, RR Aquatic Swim Club; (3) Tre Theresine, Unattached. Girls Seven to Eight: (1) Zaina Brathwaite, Sharks Swim Club; (2) Kayla-Marise Inglis, RR Aquatic Swim Club; (3) Helen Kabiye, Sharks Swim Club. Boys Seven to Eight: (1) James Sylvester, SeaJays Swim Club; (2) Noach Dorville, SeaJays Swim Club; (3) Aaron Charles, Lightning Aquatics. Girls Nine to 10: (1) Alexandra Bristol, Lightning Aquatics; (2) Damari Maxwell, SeaJays Swim Club; (3) Hannah Christopher, RR Aquatic Swim Club. Boys Nine to 10: (1) D’Andre Vigier, SeaJays Swim Club; (2) Thaedan Antoine, Sharks Swim Club; (3) Eric, SeaJays Swim Club. Girls 11–12: (1) Jamie Joachim, Black Sands Swim Squad; (2) Abigail Deshong, Black Sands Swim Squad; (3) Maliyah Henry, Southern Flying Fish. Boys 11–12: (1) Tristan Dorville, SeaJays Swim Club; (2) Karic Charles, Lightning Aquatics; (3) Ethan Hazell, Lightning Aquatics. Girls 13–14: (1) Naima Hazell, Lightning Aquatics; (2) Naekeisha Louis, Lightning Aquatics; (3) Courtney Paul, Lightning Aquatics. Boys 13–14: (1) D’Andre Blanchard, SeaJays Swim Club; (2) Nathan Vigier, SeaJays Swim Club; (3) Shaquil Flavius, SeaJays Swim Club. Girls 15 and Over: (1) Shalini Joseph, Sail Fins Swim Club; (2) Sade Joseph, SeaJays Swim Club; (3) Jania Prince, Southern Flying Fish. Boys 15 and Over: (1) Allandre Cross, Sharks Swim Club; (2) Jeannot Walters, Unattached; (3) Jamarr Archibald, SeaJays Swim Club. Special mention must be made regarding the performance of Tristan Dorville who set seven Age Group records during this meet. He set records in Boys 11-12 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke,

100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, and 400m individual medley. Diane Worrell, Managing Director of Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre and the Meet Director, commented that she’s delighted to offer this much needed event on the swimming calendar. “I am thankful to have support from the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports and various persons within the swimming community for Lucian Grand Prix,” remarked Dr. Worrell. She went on to explain that having this event back on the calendar allows swimmers a competition locally. Over the past couple of years the calendar has not seen local competitions from October until late February or early March. On Sunday night, after the top swimmers were awarded, the top teams were announced. Placing first overall was SeaJays Swim Club with 1,076 points, followed by Lightning Aquatics Swim Club with 723 points. In third place was Sharks Swim Club with 537 points. Achievements of the other clubs were: Southern Flying Fish, 316 points; RR Aquatics, 259 points; Black Sands Swim Squad, 120 points; Sail Fin Swim Club, 99 points; and RHAC Swim Club, 37 points. While the St. Lucia Aquatics Federation has several different events planned at the facility over the next few months, next on the calendar for Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre is the 21st Annual RHAC Invitational Swimming Championship. This meet is a regional favourite, drawing 400 swimmers from various countries throughout the Caribbean. Already in the planning stages and with interest expressed from clubs throughout the region and the USA, the staff and Dr Worrell are eager to provide even more fun for 2020. If you would like further details regarding the RHAC Invitational Swimming Championships being held from April 15 to 19, 2020, please contact Dr Diane Worrell on 758-450-SWIM (7946) or info@rhacstlucia.com.

sports

Pompey elected President of Panam Sports Athlete Commission

he new representatives of the thousands of athletes within the Panam Sports family have elected Aliann Pompey of Guyana to serve as the next President of the Panam Sports Athlete Commission. Pompey was elected at the first meeting with the new Panam Sports Athlete Commission members who were chosen by the more than 6,600 athletes who competed at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games. The new Athlete Commission members met and held the election on December 6 at the Panam Sports headquarters in Mexico City. Only the three standing members of the Athlete Commission who were elected at Toronto 2015—Carlos Santiago (PUR - Judo), Adriana Escobar (ESA - Rowing) and Aliann Pompey (GUY - Athletics) —were eligible to be elected as President of the Commission. Both Pompey and Santiago stood for the election, with the six members who were present participating in the election. “Honestly, I was a little bit surprised,” Pompey told Panam Sports following her election as the new President of the Panam Sports Athlete Commission. “I wanted to give it a shot because I think it’s a tremendous honour to lead the Commission and it was obviously something I would love to do. So, I’m very,

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athletes' voice has infiltrated pretty much all of their operations,” Pompey added. Panam Sports congratulates Pompey on her election as the President and looks forward to working with her more closely over the next four years to ensure the athlete voice is always considered in all decisions by Panam Sports. Pompey will sit in on her first Executive Board meeting on December 15 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Four-time Olympian and Pan American Games bronze medallist Aliann Pompey (centre) of Guyana is the new President of Panam Sports Athlete Commission.

very happy with the outcome. It is a lot of work and I quickly realized that, once we went through the timeline and what’s expected in the upcoming years, but I think we are a very collaborative group and with everyone working together we will do great things.” Pompey, Escobar and Santiago are joined on the Athlete Commission by new members Isabel Swan (BRA - Sailing), Melissa HumanaParedes (CAN - Beach Volleyball), Paola Longoria (MEX - Racquetball), Tony Azevedo (USA - Water Polo) and Amber Joseph (BAR - Cycling).

The new members will stand on the Athlete Commission until the 2027 Pan American Games, while Pompey will serve as President through to the Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games. “We are all thrilled to be on the Panam Sports Athlete Commission because it's a way for us to have meaningful impact in our sport and region outside of actual competition. I have and continue to learn so much, it's truly an enriching experience. In a few short years we've experienced the commitment of the Panam Sports Executive staff to the Commission in making sure the

About Panam Sports: The Pan American Sports Organization (Panam Sports) is the leader of sport and the Olympic Movement in the Americas. It propels the development of sport and supports its 41 member National Olympic Committees to inspire more participation in international competitions as well as participation of the youth to prepare the generation to come in its region. Panam Sports works closely with athletes, National Olympic Committees (NOC), Organising Committees of all regional games, Pan American Sport Confederations, International Federations (IF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to secure the success and celebration of its main event, the Pan American Games.

West Indies cricket star Dwayne Bravo eyes Bollywood

West Indies cricket star Dwayne Bravo (left) and Shakti Mohan. (Photo by Mid-Day)

By Sonia Lulla

outing the chammiya song to be his "Bollywoodesque single”, West Indies cricket star Dwayne Bravo, who enjoys a musical career under the name DJ Bravo, has rapped in Hindi and Punjabi in the recently launched number. He admits he had to work on nabbing the pronunciation of his verses, but doesn't deem the experience particularly toilsome. "I am happy to work on each kind of collaboration," says Bravo, who launched his music career with a Caribbean track in 2012 and has, so far,

Rising Stars U19 Tri-Series: Sri Lanka defeats West Indies in low-scoring thriller

n unbeaten last wicket partnership between Sonal Dinusha and Amshi De Silva propelled Sri Lanka to a nail-biting one-wicket victory over West Indies, in day-three he Rugby Barbados action of Rising Stars U19 World 7s marks the final Tri-Series on Tuesday at the international tournament Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in for Saint Lucia Rugby Football St John’s, Antigua. Union (SLRFU) for 2019. This On another difficult batting prestigious international wicket, Sri Lanka sent West tournament is being held Indies into bat after winning on December 13 and 14 at the toss and immediately their Kensington Oval, Barbados. bowlers made life difficult The male team consists for the host. West Indies of Mario Chico, Oscar Gabriel, plummeted to 67/7 in the 34th Jesey Francios, Neighman over, with new ball bowler Lascaris, Dwayne Nathaniel, Amshi De Silva (6-1-18-3) and Kurt Phillip, Ron Eugene, Zayvon leg-spinner Kavindu Nadeeshan Augustine, Vitus JnPierre, Yohan, (10-1-20-4), being the bowling Ethan Phillip and Jeanmael architects of this batting Phillip. The SLRFU girls’ team (pictured) and the men’s team are competing in the demise. The female team World 7s international tournament in Barbados. Kelvon Anderson (43) comprises Electra Marcelle, alongside useful cameos from Kameka President, Mary Team, Roger Butcher. is Technical Director and SLRFU’s Chantel John is lower-order batsmen Ashmead Roberts, Marissa Wilfred, This will be the third year Coach, Wayne Pantor; Team one of the tournament officials. Nedd (21) and Jayden Seales Genesis Alfred, Kisha Edgar, Physiotherapist, Zhenya C Allain; that SLRFU is competing in SLRFU also congratulates Jermiah Evariste, Mylene Team Medic, Senetta Viger; the tournament. Participation John and Wedrel St Clair on the (23), resisted and enabled West Indies to stretch the inning to Grunberg and Shawnette St Manager Male Team, Mario marks the culmination of successful completion of the Juste. SLRFU’s four-year strategic Chico; and President of SLRFU Caribbean Coaching certification the final over. For the third game in a Accompanying the teams and Manager of the Female development plan. course.

Rugby Teams competing in Barbados

primarily dabbled in English numbers. Having been exposed to the raw edit by co-vocalist Rimi Nique, Bravo instantly knew he wanted to be part of it. Along with choreographer Shakti Mohan, he is seen dancing to the wedding tunes of the Gaurav Dagaonkar composition. "I am open to singing wedding [songs], or those for Bollywood movies. I want the [hook step of] the song to [become] popular. When I come for the IPL [next year], this should be the song everyone's dancing to." Meanwhile, his next offering, 2Easy, will have him associate with Arielle Alexa.

row, West Indies bowlers stepped up to the mantle. Led by left-arm quick Ramon Simmonds (8-1-313), impressing with his pace and bounce, they fought back bravely as Sri Lanka collapsed to 101 for 9. However Ashmi De Silva (10), coming off his efforts with the ball, joined Sonal Dinusha (46) and their pairs unbeaten last-wicket stand denied the West Indies. “We believe our bowling unit is one of the areas that is firing for us. We said to them [the bowlers] the wicket is not easy to score on, so once we hit good areas and put our shoulders to the throttle we could have brought this game home,” said West Indies U19 bowling coach Kenny Benjamin. “When we look back at the game, the extra wide deliveries that were given away and not being able to score another 20-25 runs, are areas we all have to improve on.” The next match between the two teams took place Wednesday at the same venue.

THE STAR

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december 14, 2019

INTERNATIONAL

Saint Lucia Negotiates and Signs Caribbean Disability Conference: New Bilateral Air Services Agreement ‘We are an opportunity, not a burden’

dynamic air travel industry is an essential requirement for sustainable growth and development for economies that depend on tourism. Considering the foregoing, Saint Lucia recently signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ASA is one of the fundamental facets of modern international commercial air travel. Hence the many airlines from the Middle East region that may want to service Saint Lucia, whether directly or indirectly, now have the framework to do so. The signing took place during the International Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN2019) which was held December 2-6, 2019 in Aqaba, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Both Saint Lucia and the UAE were satisfied that the Agreement benefitted from rigorous scrutiny and was in line with international standard and respective local requirements. The annual event, which was supported by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and was the twelfth of its kind, was attended by delegates from over 90 countries, industry organisations, and international organisations. Saint Lucia was represented by Mr. Claudius Emmanuel, Permanent Secretary in the Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation. Mr. Emmanuel, having attained the requisite authority, signed on behalf of the Government of Saint Lucia. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE, through its Air Transport Department, signed on behalf of the UAE after the two sides had

agreed terms and initialled the ASA earlier this year. ASAs are Bilateral Agreements that call for countries to continually negotiate new treaties to allow international aviation to grow and expand their carriers’ access to new and emerging markets and to benefit either directly or indirectly from the expansion or search for new markets by foreign carriers. At the ICAN2019 Event Saint Lucia also met and negotiated Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and draft ASAs with Qatar and the Republic of Rwanda. Saint Lucia also held talks with the United States of America regarding Open Skies ASA between the two nations, and met with the United Kingdom to discuss implications to our existing Bilateral Agreement with the UK’s possible exit from the European Union (BREXIT). The Cabinet of Ministers approved the formal signing of the previously initialled ASA with the UAE at a mutually convenient place and time, pending the completion of any further national requirements necessary to formalize the agreement. The ASA creates an avenue that would be able to: (a) Maximize economic benefits to both countries (for example in the area of trade in goods and services) consistent with foreign policy and strategic considerations. (b) Secure enhanced quantity, quality and breadth in international civil aviation and air transport links. (c) Facilitate access to existing and potential air markets of interest, either directly or indirectly, to both countries.

FOR RENT

The objectives of the signed ASA include, inter alia: (1) To promote travel, trade and tourism with the intention to designate Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, RAK Airways and Fly Dubai as Designated Airlines of the UAE, and to also be able to designate additional UAE airline(s) in due course. (2) To establish and operate Air Services between and beyond Saint Lucia and UAE’s respective territories; (3) To acknowledge the importance of air transportation as a means of creating and fostering friendship, understanding and co-operation between the people of the two countries; (4) To facilitate the expansion of international air transport opportunities; A signed ASA between Saint Lucia and the UAE is likely to trigger further possible benefits as follows: (i) Access to a previously untapped market with possible more efficient linkages to the Middle East region and the wider Eastern Hemisphere. (ii) Increased airlift into Saint Lucia (direct or indirectly), given its potential appeal to a diversified tourist demographic. (iii) The creation of more air travel options for Saint Lucian residents and other travellers. (iv) Saint Lucians being able to benefit, through convenience, cheaper fares or otherwise from Cooperative Arrangements between/among the various airlines (v) The strengthening of linkages between trade (goods and services) and transportation, as well as the opportunity to explore new markets.

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t a conference in Antigua this week, disability rights advocates said that they don’t want special favours. Instead, they are calling for their basic human rights to be respected, protected and fulfilled. The second ‘I Am Able’ conference brought together more than 120 delegates from governments, charities, donor agencies and disabled people’s organisations from the Eastern Caribbean. The conference was opened by the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams. Other sessions were led by prominent regional spokespeople including the Caribbean Community’s Special Rapporteur on Disability Senator Floyd Morris, UN Ambassador Aubrey Webson and international ability activists Chaeli Mycroft and Merphilus James. “The challenges being faced by an estimated one billion persons with disabilities cannot be taken lightly,” said the Governor-General. “It requires all stakeholders to do more to build a more inclusive society.” Following the first conference, hosted by the Commonwealth Youth Council in Antigua in 2017, the government adopted the Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Act. “But there is room to do so much more,” said Samantha Marshall, Antigua’s Minister of Social Transformation, Human Resource Development, Youth and Gender Affairs. Delegates agreed that while good-hearted commitments are appreciated, more should be done to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy fundamental freedoms and full equality under the law, as well as full participation in the social, economic, political and cultural spheres of life. Chaeli Mycroft, the first female quadriplegic to summit Kilimanjaro, said: “There is great importance given to inclusion. It should also be reflected in the reality on the ground. We, persons with disabilities, are an opportunity, not a burden. There is a benefit when we are included and a cost when excluded.” Delegates developed the following five-point agenda for governments in the region to implement so barriers to

accessibility are removed and people with disabilities can live independently and participate in their communities on an equal footing. 1. Access to adequate healthcare Research shows that persons with disabilities seek more healthcare and have greater unmet needs than those without disabilities. Delegates asked governments to develop programmes to ensure persons with disabilities are aware of their health conditions and have access to quality free or affordable healthcare and rehabilitation services. They proposed that healthcare providers should receive training to be fully informed and skilled to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. 2. Provide accessible education Ninety per cent of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school, accordingly to the UN. Delegates urged governments to make education accessible for all and to invest in the necessary support such as training school staff, providing transport services and introducing a schoolto-work transition scheme. They suggested that assistive technology should be adopted in schools to make learning easier and to improve learning outcomes. 3. Employment in mainstream jobs Recent reports suggest that unemployment among persons with disabilities is far higher than non-disabled. Delegates recommended that regulation and legislation must be embedded within the domestic law and advised governments to focus on industries that are suitable for persons with disabilities to get a job. They asked for funding towards providing adapted equipment, delivering training to sensitise employers and developing campaigns to promote entrepreneurship. 4. No more exclusion and violence The conference highlighted that due to stigma and discrimination, neglect and indifference, people with

disabilities continue to be excluded from mainstream society. Demanding the enforcement of legislation and regulation and the establishment of service desks, delegates requested governments to ensure persons with disabilities are no longer at risk and families and caretakers can spot signs and symptoms of violence and report cases. 5. Stand up and push for disability rights Delegates identified the need for countries to collect data about persons with disabilities to inform the development of programmes and services while ensuring the data is made accessible to persons with disabilities. They called on persons with different types of impairments and disabilities to unite as one group, rather than sub-groups, and continue engaging with stakeholders to push for progress on disability rights. Keynote speaker, Ms Mycroft, said: “These are not favours we are asking for, but our very basic human rights.” Minister Marshall announced that her government will establish an inter-ministerial group on disability to drive the progress on this mandate and expedite the Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Act’s implementation. Layne Robinson, the Commonwealth’s head of Social Policy Development, said: “Antigua and Barbuda is a regional champion of persons with disabilities. We believe this light from the Caribbean will shine across the region and the Commonwealth to encourage other countries to accelerate the implementation of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, delivering on the promise of an inclusive society, where no one is left behind.” The conference was hosted by the Commonwealth in partnership with the government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth Youth Council to promote practical steps which countries can take to improve prospects of education, employment, health and mobility for persons with disabilities.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019

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