Police Need Help Asap!

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The Star (St.Lucia)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2019

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No Time To Turn On Enfeebled Protectors

POLICE NEED HELP ASAP!

Police Commissioner Monchery (pictured) expressed his force’s determination to keep the number of homicides in 2018 below 25. The actual figure was 42. Is too much expected from the RSLPF in return for too little?

• Tel: (758) 450-0021 / 31 / 728 1000 • Fax: (758) 450-0092 • Email: info@bluewatersslu.com • Website: www.bluewatersslu.com

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(An over-my-shoulder-look at life)

JANUARY 19, 2019 THE STAR

The people in Taiwan will remain masters of their own fate

By Douglas C. T. Shen, Ambassador of Taiwan to Saint Lucia

Things are not always L what they seem

By Michael Walker

I

first met Peter in, I think, 1973 or ‘74. I was in Israel during one of their frequent skirmishes with their Arab neighbours.

My mind tells me (see how Creole I have become? Lidé mwen di mwen … You can’t escape the language) that it was the Yom Kippur War that took place in the early Seventies. Peter, by the way, in case you haven’t already worked it out, was Peter Ustinov: a talented movie star who died in 2004; a man of great genius. For those of you who don’t know, Peter was born in London, England, but conceived in Russia.

His pedigree was impressive. His father was of Russian, Polish, Jewish, German and Ethiopian descent. His paternal grandfather was a Russian noble, and his grandmother was of mixed Ethiopian-German-Jewish blood. Ustinov's mother, Nadia, was a painter and ballet designer of French, German, Italian and Russian descent. Her father was an Imperial Russian architect.

Peter’s father worked as a press officer at the German Embassy in London, in the 1930s. In 1935, two years after Hitler came to power in Germany, he began working for the British intelligence service MI5 and became a British citizen, thus avoiding internment during the war. Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov, as Peter later became, was an actor, writer, dramatist, filmmaker, theater and opera director, stage designer, screenwriter, comedian, humourist, newspaper and magazine columnist, radio broadcaster and television presenter. An intellectual and diplomat, he held various academic posts and served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and President of the World Federalist Movement. He was the winner of two Oscars, Emmy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTAs for acting and a Grammy Award for best recording for children. His unique cultural versatility earned him the accolade of “Renaissance Man”.

My family and I, wife and two kids, were in Israel some 50 years ago, and were staying at a hotel just outside the town of Eilat that nestled in the crotch of the Red Sea; the western shore was occupied by Israel and the eastern leg belonged to Jordan. In those days you couldn’t be closer to the frontline than that. The hotel was a fairly low structure, as I recall, probably no more than three storeys high. We had a room on the top floor.

What made the stay extremely interesting

was the machine-gun post that seemed to be positioned on the roof just above our heads to protect the hotel from Arab insurgents swimming over from Jordan. Our nights were occasionally disturbed by gunfire but only once did we see the body of a dead intruder by the water’s edge as we took our morning walk into town.

The hotel restaurant was a kosher establishment, which in those days—I don’t know about now—meant that dairy and meat had to be kept separate, serving exclusively either dairy (milchig) or meat (fleishig) foods.

Our son wanted his milk and cereals, which was a problem as other diners wanted their fleishig foods. We got on well with the staff but rules were rules. I remember one instance when a fly landed in the glass of milk and the waiter immediately swept the glass away muttering, “Oh my god, fleish and milch!” They had a sense of humour. The hotel came up with a solution. There was a guest in the hotel who always ate alone when the dining room was closed to outsiders. He had agreed to my family sharing his space when the dining room was de-koshered, which meant that we could eat whatever combinations of fleish and milch we liked.

Of course you must have guessed by now that the mysterious solitary diner was Peter Ustinov. And the secret that he and my family shared was that he was almost pathologically shy in his private life. I never asked for his room number but every day one of his attendants would ride down the elevator and stand by the door to stop anyone entering. Then the lift would be sent back upstairs to collect its sole passenger and return immediately to the ground floor where he would be escorted to the dining room. It was the same procedure every day, every meal. Peter and our family of four would dine together in an otherwise empty restaurant.

We left after two glorious weeks. Peter was working on a movie, a Western of all things. Every day it seemed they toddled into the Sinai Desert to film the exploits of gunslingers and bandits as far from the wild, Wild West as you could get. It was a bizarre situation. All around us there was the threat of intrusions from across the Red Sea but yet we never felt at risk. We even rented a vehicle and guide and drove into the desert to visit Bedouin Arabs and drink tea with them. There was something serene about sitting on carpets under the shade of an awning outside a tent dwelling surrounded by miles and miles of sand. We felt so secure.

ast week, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed to Taiwan in his speech a “one country, two systems” model seen in Hong Kong for China’s eventual unification. The President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Tsai Ing-wen, responded immediately, stressing that the vast majority of people in Taiwan cherish their freedom and democracy and are opposed to Xi’s idea. She called on China to bravely move toward democracy – for only in this way can China truly understand the Taiwanese people’s ideas and commitments.

In the speech, Mr Xi wrongly claimed that on the basis of the “one China principle,” the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have reached the “1992 Consensus”, assuming that both sides belong to the so-called “one China” and would work together to seek “national unification". He also refused to renounce the use of military force against Taiwan.

Mr Xi’s remarks evinced his lack of understanding and respect for the universal values of democracy and freedom, not to mention the fact that there has never been a "1992 Consensus” in the first place.

The vast majority of Taiwanese also deplore the "one country, two systems”. There is, on the contrary, a “Taiwan consensus" in the sense that Taiwan’s sovereignty, democracy and human rights shall be protected against undue external influence, such as China’s use of social media, cyber attacks

Ambassador Douglas Shen explains his country's stance towards remarks recently made by the President of China.

and fake news to manipulate Taiwan’s municipal elections in November 2018.

President Tsai does not exclude negotiations with China, as long as they follow the “four musts” principle, which is the most basic and crucial foundation that will determine whether cross-strait relations develop in a positive direction: “First, China must face the reality of the existence of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and not deny the democratic system that the people of Taiwan have established together; Second, China must respect the commitment of the 23 million people of Taiwan to freedom and democracy, and not foster divisions and offer inducements to interfere with the choices

made by the people of Taiwan; Third, China must handle crossstrait differences peacefully, on the basis of equality, instead of using suppression and intimidation to get the Taiwanese to submit; Fourth, it must be governments or government-authorized agencies that engage in negotiations. Any political consultations that are not authorized and monitored by the people cannot be called ‘democratic consultations.'”

Taiwan will continue to cherish and safeguard the democratic values and way of life with its diplomatic allies and like-minded countries such as Saint Lucia and the United States.

We the Taiwanese people are masters of our own fate and are committed to remain so.

SUNBILT NEW STORE AT BEXON OPENS TODAY

S

unbilt is pleased to announce the opening of its new store located in Bexon. This new location seeks to partner convenience with the best retail experience that customers have come to know with the trusted Sunbilt brand.

The approximately 16,000 square-foot store is dynamically different in the range of high quality and unique products available, as it caters to both contractors and DIY homeowners alike. The knowledgeable complement of staff is willing to assist on any home improvement and DIY projects.

Nicholas Devaux, Divisional

Manager of Sunbilt, commented, “We are honoured to open our new store in Bexon, a developing shopping location in Saint Lucia. We look forward to continue serving the community after 54 years of service. This location will offer a bigger and beyyer shopping experience with an expanded range of products at affordable prices.”

Said Vernessa Chance, Marketing Manager of M&C Group of Companies, “Our main objective is to provide convenient shopping to our customers in and around the Bexon community. We will continue to grow the brand and make strides to maintain an

international standard with our long-time partner, Do It Best.”

The Sunbilt Bexon opening will take place today, Saturday, January 19th. It is located on the Bexon Highway in the former Valley Basket Building.

Store hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.

More information about the new Sunbilt Bexon location and opening details can be found on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/sunbiltdoitbest or call 458-8170.

Come visit the store today and enjoy amazing deals.

Sunbilt-Do It Yourself and Save!

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

JANUARY 19, 2019

LOCAL

03

Pictures May Be Worth A Thousand Words But How Useful To Crime Investigators?

A

nauseating image featuring bloodied pillows and a naked Caucasian man’s body continues to dominate social media. More proof that there’s no accounting for taste. The picture started making the rounds soon after Robert Hathaway’s body was discovered at his Piat, Grand Riviere residence around 1:30p.m. last Sunday afternoon.

(See page 11)

The police have often been blamed when pictures of homicide, rape and suicide victims appear on the Internet minutes after the incidents occurred.

Also for some of the most grotesque images from road fatalities. A police officer I spoke with in relation to the deceased Hathway assured me the circulated image was taken before the police arrived at his address as a result of a tip-off. He informed me that specific memory cards are used by police photographers, then transferred to non-rewritable disks for purposes of trials.

So who took and disseminated those ghastly pictures of “the first homicide of 2019”—to quote the news presenters, in tones suggestive of some kind of ghoulish award to come!

There is no law to prevent regular people from taking pictures at a crime scene even before they notify the police. “It’s callous and insensitive,” said my police acquaintance. “It indicates a total lack of humanity and selfishness. Imagine a mother discovering, thanks to Whatsapp, that her son’s head was blown to bits shortly after he left home healthy and carefree. In some cases it would be far more useful to render basic First Aid instead of shooting a video.”

He said disseminating videos and pictures of a crime scene can actually interfere with police investigations. He cited the Hathaway incident: “If there was anything at the scene that only the victim and his killer could possibly know about, sending related images all over the world before the police have even seen the body could have serious consequences on the outcome of an investigation.”

At press time the Commissioner of Police Monchery was off-island and unavailable to comment. But from the police press office, this:

TRUCK OWNERS URGED TO REMOVE TRAILERS FROM VIGIE

T

he Castries Constituency Council (CCC) is calling on owners of trailer trucks to immediately remove trailers from the vicinity of the beach facilities at Vigie and desist from parking them there.

The area in question is the property of the CCC and is earmarked for development. The practice of parking trailers in the area poses threats to public safety and is unsightly given that the location is adjacent to the entrance of a major hotel.

The CCC will work with the relevant authorities to penalize offending truck owners and drivers who fail to comply with this public advisory.

“Videos of crime in progress can help but videos of crime scenes only make it more difficult for police investigators. It would be wonderful if pictures were submitted only to the police but, more often than not, that is not the case.”

--- Claudia Eleibox

Pictures taken in the heat of the moment on crime scenes are always circulated quickly on social media, but at what cost?

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04 COMMENT

JANAURY 19, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

A Note To Tennyson Joseph:

Poverty Is Poverty, Regardless Of Colour . . . So Are People!

V

enezuela’s presidential election has done nothing to end the country’s profound political, economic and social crisis.

Inflation is spiralling out of control, oil production is plummeting, foreign assets have been frozen, there are serious shortages of food and medicine, tens of thousands are fleeing the country, and the government of Nicolas Maduro has increasingly weakened the country’s democratic instruments [in order] to cling to power.”

Nevertheless, in a recent article published in the Barbados Nation, former SLP candidate for Choiseul/Saltibus and Professor at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Dr Tennyson Joseph, believes we in the Caribbean “should embrace Venezuela’s socialism, rather than seek its overthrow.” The article was evidently intended to mark Nicolas Maduro’s January 10, 2019 inauguration.

Meanwhile, the Allen

Chastanet administration refers to Maduro’s May 2018 election, as an “illegitimate process”.

I deliberately quoted the opening paragraph’s undeniably true description of Venezuela’s ongoing crisis. It featured in a column carried by Al Jazeera, written by Asa Cusak under the title: “Is Socialism to blame for Venezuela’s Never-ending crisis?” Lest misunderstandings may arise, I hasten to add Cusak is not anti-socialist. I also have in mind Tennyson Joseph’s declaration that “very intelligent Caribbean people, force-fed on American-controlled news, end up tacitly supporting the overthrow of a progressive, socialist and friendly ally to the region’s poor . .”

It is clear, however, that the Venezuelan crisis is not just a consequence of American fake news. Even a widely respected news organisation like Al Jazeera (hardly an American pro-capitalist rag), has reported on it. I’m inclined to agree that “very intelligent Caribbean people” want

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Maduro’s overthrow because the Venezuelan crisis has had a snowball effect on both the Latin American and Caribbean regions. On Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Sarah FloodBeaubrun touched on this regional collateral damage when she said: “We are very concerned, of course, in terms of our own security and with the influx of migrants, and also that invites criminal elements and arms moving across the region.”

This, before she echoed the government’s “try to please everybody while pleasing none” stance on the Maduro administration. “The process has been illegitimate,” she said of Maduro’s controversial election last May. She added that the Saint Lucian government “had said from early that the process does not appear, on the face of it, to be fair because there is not a free participation of the people and the opposition, and from that point of view we regard the process as illegitimate.”

Nevertheless: “We continue to recognise Venezuela as a friend.” Her justification for this seemingly paradoxical position? “We believe that if we are members of an organisation that is based on the principle of democracy, we have an obligation to point out and to call upon our friends indeed to respect those principles.”

Harkening back to Dr

External Affairs Minister Sarah Flood Beaubrun addressing reporters on the Venezuela issue on Monday.

Ernest Hilaire’s stark criticism in the House last year, of the government’s decision to place visa restrictions on Venezuelan nationals, l hardly think this explanation will fly with local Maduro empathizers, most of whom are associated with the SLP, declared supporters of ALBA.

But despite our government’s apparent fencestraddling position on this issue, and given what we know about the upheaval in Venezuela, it’s understandably difficult to grasp why Dr. Joseph still refers to Maduro’s administration as a “friendly ally to the region’s poor”. The poor and starving people of Venezuela, who have been forced to abandon their

homeland in order to keep themselves and their families alive, would likely hold opinions of Maduro different from the UWI professor’s.

Add to that, the people of Guyana, who are in the midst of a territorial dispute with their “friendly ally” Venezuela, and there is plenty of evidence to contradict Tennyson Joseph’s perspective.

The political scientist has no word of sympathy for the Guyanese. Toward the end of his piece for the Nation, he writes: “While Venezuela’s dispute with Guyana has polluted the Caribbean waters, global imperialists should not dictate our response to a regional dispute.” As Flood-

Beaubrun stated on Monday: “The concerns in Venezuela are for the Venezuelan people to resolve.”

Moreover, that despite the chaos currently plaguing that country, “we do not support the principle of intervention.

It’s about non-intervention in the domestic affairs of state.” She insisted that the UWP administration’s stance on Maduro has nothing to do with outside influence by any superpower. “We are not intimidated, we are not coerced, we are not forced to take a decision on any matter by any superpower. Our decisions are based on principle.”

It will serve no good purpose to blame the crisis in Venezuela and its impact on the region on “imperialist USA”. This isn’t a matter of the Caribbean and Latin America, versus them.

It’s a question of supporting a regime that has brought utter economic and political misery on its own people. Imagine if the situation in Saint Lucia began to resemble anything like what’s going on in Venezuela, where political dissidents are arrested, and opposition parties barred from participation in elections.

What would Tennyson Joseph say then? What would you, dear Saint Lucian reader, say? Alas, I suspect some reactions would depend less on humanitarian considerations than on political colours!

----DN

Financial Action Task Force Recommendation: Confiscation and Provisional Measures

By The Attorney General’s Chambers and the National Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee Confiscation and Provisional Measures is the focus of recommendation 4 of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Forty Recommendations.

This is a critical component in the drive to remove the profit from crime.

Recommendation 4 requires countries to adopt similar measures to those found in the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988 (Vienna Convention), the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, 2000 (Palermo Convention) and the International Convention for the Suppression of the

Financing of Terrorism (Terrorist Financing Convention). Saint Lucia has signed on to all three United Nations conventions.

Recommendation 4 calls for giving legislative powers to competent authorities (e.g. the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, Financial Intelligence Authority, Customs & Excise Department) to confiscate, freeze or seize assets. These assets include but are not limited to (a) any property which has been laundered, (b) any property which is the proceed of, has been used in or is intended for use in the financing of terrorism, terrorist organisations or in the commission of a terrorist act and (c) property from or used in or even intended to be used in money laundering or any predicate offence.

The measures being undertaken should give the

competent authorities the power to identify and evaluate any property which is subject to confiscation as well as the power to trace its origins.

The authority should also be empowered to carry out provisional measures such as the freezing of assets and the seizing of property to prevent any transfer or disposal of such property. Under this recommendation, countries are encouraged to introduce measures that would allow for property or instruments used in the commission of an offence to be confiscated without a criminal conviction.

The law which covers confiscation is the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) Cap. 3.04 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia.

Under the POCA the areas discussed above are addressed.

Section 9 of the POCA speaks to “Forfeiture on Conviction”

and under subsection (1) the Director of Public Prosecutions can apply to the Court “for a forfeiture order against property in respect of a person’s conviction for a criminal conduct and if the Court is satisfied that the property is tainted property in respect of the offence, the Court may order that the property or such of the property as is specified by the Court in the order be forfeited to the Crown”.

In addition, Section 17 deals with “Confiscation Order on Conviction”. The law posits that where the Director of Public Prosecutions makes a confiscation order to the Court against a person convicted of a criminal conduct, the Court, if satisfied, can order the individual to pay the Crown an amount which is equal to the benefits received from the offence committed.

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

JANUARY 19, 2019

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JANUARY 19, 2019 THE STAR

Autopsy Confirms Leonard Hippolyte Cause of Death

A

n autopsy has confirmed that Leonard Hippolyte of Baron’s Drive, Soufriere, died from drowning. It had been reported that Hippolyte drowned at the bay in Baron’s Drive on January 4, after he bet that he could swim underwater to a boat some distance from shore.

Several Baron’s Drive residents confirmed the story to the STAR. The other man allegedly involved in the wager told this reporter he knew nothing about any such bet.

Leonards brother, Benjamin Hippolyte, told us the body had been found ninety feet below the water’s surface by rangers of the Soufriere Marine Management Association. He also provided an account of his own efforts to retrieve his brother’s body.

Benjamin said that after being told where Leonard had dived, he “stayed there for a little while. After a minute had passed the other fellers told me it had been over three minutes since they saw him.” It was then he ran to the other side of the road, “took a diving glass and then I just dived in the sea and I started looking for him, but I couldn’t see him.”

Unfortunately, Leonard’s body had sunk too deep into the water to be retrieved by his brother. He recalled: “The place where he fell is so deep. Well, from where the divers actually pulled him up, that’s where I was exactly, so I was hovering over him, but I couldn’t see him because the divers said they got him at about 90 feet.” The Marine Rangers, in a telephone interview, put the depth at 100 feet.

The Hippolyte family, as well as the wider Baron’s Drive community, is still rocked by the circumstances of Leonard Hippolyte’s drowning. As his brother told us: “Everybody was actually very sad about that.

Everyone. Everyone. Not even just the family but everyone from the area because he is somebody who is okay with everybody and he likes giving jokes and different things like that; so, everybody was okay with him. Everybody was just saddened by that.”

When asked if his brother usually partook in those sorts of bets, Benjamin replied: “No, no, no, no. That’s not something he normally does.” On reports about his brother’s drinking

Leonard Hippolyte tried to swim underwater from the shore to this boat but did not make it.

just before his death, he stated that he didn’t know because he wasn’t there, but that was what he was told. However,

he did state that his brother liked to drink. “That’s what I was told. He was drinking.

Well I wasn’t there to see that

he was drinking. I know he is somebody, he likes to drink, he likes to drink.”

Now that the autopsy has

been performed, the Hippolyte Family is now making funeral preparations.

---DN

Pierre says he has no idea when no-confidence motion will be heard L

ast November, House opposition leader Philip J. Pierre delivered to the clerk of parliament a motion of no-confidence in prime minister Allen Chastanet. The motion was expected to be debated at the December 11 sitting. That month House Speaker Andy Daniel explained to reporters that in his view the motion “infringes some provisions” of the Standing Orders. Speaker Daniel also said he discussed the matter with the leader of the opposition, and expected the necessary adjustments to be made and the motioned refiled.

This week, Pierre acknowledged receipt of correspondence from the Speaker but wasn’t sure it would be prudent for him to

SLP political leader Philip J Pierre (pictured) says his party is scouting for candidates for the next general election.

disclose its nature, and added it was “very interesting”.

Said Pierre: “He promised to send me a new motion; he hasn’t. So at this point what I can tell you is that the motion is still proposed to be debated but the Speaker still has some concerns. I’m going to await the amended motion and then I will make an announcement.”

Pierre says he has no idea when the motion will be heard.

He added: “A House meeting was scheduled for next Tuesday but it was abruptly cancelled via phone call.”

Meanwhile, although elections are constitutionally due in 2021, it appears the party is wasting no time getting ready. Pierre revealed that his party intends to be especially

busy in 2019. Starting off in the first half of the year, he says, the SLP will hold a “Values and Principles” conference during which it will inform the public on what the party stands for, and also what makes it different from the United Workers Party. Also planned are “policy consultations” during which the public will be asked: How do you want the St. Lucia Labour Party to conduct the affairs of the country and what policies do you want our party to follow?

Pierre says special interest will be directed at the young.

“We’re also talking about the young people who some people think are on the block. We’re going to have face to face discussions with them, because many times we have policies

that we believe people want, but which people don’t really want them (sic).”

Pierre also stated that the party will look into its constitution to determine whether or not it needs tweaking or changing.

“We also are also going to be looking for candidates,” he said. “There are several people, and, you’ll be glad to know, several women who are going to be on our slate.” He refused to confirm the candidacy of former UWP MP Richard Frederick. The most he would say was: “Any citizen of the country can express interest to run elections for our party.”

--- Joshua St. Aimee

THE STAR

JANUARY 19, 2019

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JANUARY 19, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

BE CAREFUL NOT TO BE SURPRISED Peter Josie

A

s the days roll gently by, each new one standing on the previous twenty-four hours, I sometimes reminisce on the love and caring that shaped my early upbringing. I am forever grateful that I never lacked for basic necessities, as the extended family also helped keep me grounded in its values. I developed an early appreciation for my origins and learned to thank God as the source of all happiness.

Thankfully, there were no loudmouth boastful ignoramuses within, and humility and introspection became family watchwords. One first learned by emulation. Elders often spoke less than they actually knew, and appreciated silence as a golden rule. Later, I learned that words properly chosen often carry as much weight as silence, and that I should never be surprised by the things people say or do.

Lately, I resolved to display that quality, which I pray is now permanently embedded in me. The ability to survey one’s surroundings from a distance was aroused after I read Rick Wayne’s piece in the STAR of Saturday 12 January, 2019.

As a former MP who has not hidden his love for politics,

the expressed admiration for Donald Trump by a dinner companion that Rick chose not to identify did not surprise me. I had learned early that even the devil has friends. Besides, it has been reported that at least 3% of African-Americans support Donald Trump. Why wouldn’t there be Saint Lucians here and elsewhere who also adore him?

Never mind Donald Trump’s widely reported comments

this conversation took place about a decade ago. The question was obviously intended to demonstrate that more than one hand might succeed where one had failed.

That seems to underpin Rick’s intended lesson in social and economic development, which cannot be faulted here. In her own style, Hillary Clinton would say: “It takes a village.”

The identities of the

themselves in office by force.

Some even dream of a leaderdictator who will wipe out all of his opponents and theirs. What separates local Trumpophiles from the real McCoy is the line drawn at skin tone. And even that was breached during the 2016 election campaign on the island.

For my part, to dwell on lifting Rick Wayne’s “lump of iron,” or the admiration for

Any right-thinking person will soon discover that Donald Trump is not our problem or that of America. It’s the US presidency that makes him so influential and dangerous.

Catering to a narrow base is a curse on the office of President.

Trump is the President of the USA, not President of a particular state or region. His so-called base is a temporary cocoon of blind followers that

‘I remain convinced that the way we think as adults is influenced by how we were raised, and that the disrespect we demonstrate toward others is but a reflection of how we truly feel about ourselves!’ about “shithole countries” and their inhabitants!

What really struck me after reading Rick Wayne’s piece entitled “Be Careful What You Pray For!” was the back story about two businessmen, one an engineer. Rick had posed to him the following question: “Imagine your life depended on lifting a heavy lump of iron from the ground to knee height. You try with one hand. It does not budge. What’s your next move?”

The engineer’s response, Rick tells us, was to make that lump of iron lighter. When a perplexed Rick asked the engineer how he planned to do that, he said, so typical of us: “I don’t know!”

Remember, dear reader,

businessmen in Rick Wayne’s story is immaterial. In the more recent situation that recalled dinner with two fellow journalists, the same superficial cultural mores of avoiding deep thought and automatically distrusting anything new, resurfaced. One of his dinner companions declared a love and admiration for President Donald Trump. That should not surprise those who dabble in local politics. Saint Lucians love to advocate for strong leaders. But ask what they mean by a strong leader and what they’ll describe is a dictator unrestricted by laws or by parliament. Of course, they’ve not considered the fact that dictators put

Donald Trump by an obvious novice journalist, is too much dead weight so early in a New Year. Still, we must be careful when we compare lecherous Caribbean leaders with Donald Trump who makes no bones about his attitude toward minorities and people of colour.

He has consistently tried to degrade the contributions of former US Presidents Obama and Clinton. Bush, too, even though he, like his brother Jeb Bush, are Republicans.

Meanwhile he hides his personal income tax returns from the American people, perchance to keep to himself the origin of his wealth and details of his financial dealings.

will disappear like ice in the tropical sun if the US economy should turn south. It is to avoid such childish regurgitation that I have previously attempted to shed light through my columns in this newspaper.

I once opined that every senior government employee should first acquire a second degree at a top university in a temperate country, spending at least three winters. I am satisfied that local time and the weather are impactful elements that skew our minds against change—even as our youth are taught culture is dynamic. In winter, our best and brightest will learn to rise in the cold dark days, board their buses and

trains on time, and get to work and/or classes as stipulated.

No excuses! They will soon discover that people of all hues and shades aim to send their children to better schools up north to smooth the rough edges of speech and posture.

A period of discipline and sacrifice in the cold climes will do no less for our own. They will grow in confidence and learn to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Donald Trumps of the world and their surrogates. They will also learn to measure time in seconds, minutes and seasons; not in vague tomorrows, or later, while steadfastly avoiding their wristwatches. They will learn that hard work and perseverance will take them to the rich banquet God has prepared for those willing to toil and who keep trying. I remain convinced that the way we think as adults is influenced by how we were raised, and that the disrespect we demonstrate toward others is but a reflection of how we truly feel about ourselves.

Finally, if I were to pose Rick Wayne’s “lump of iron” question to one of my grandkids, I would be very disappointed if they did not reply: “Grandad, I would use both hands. If I still could not lift it, I would ask my dad and mom to help me.” I would be careful not to be surprised by such a smart reply!

Packed calendar for Independence

T

he chosen theme for the 40th anniversary of Saint Lucia’s Independence is: “All In. Our Journey, our Future.” Last Thursday the Independence committee convened a special meeting to update the press on several upcoming activities. The calendar of activities began last December and celebrations are due to culminate on December 12, 2019.

Committee member and former House Speaker Rosemary HusbandsMathurin addressed the religious aspect of the celebrations. She said the number 40 held special significance. “We start with, a 40-day fast of prayer and Former House Speaker Rosemary Husbands-Mathurin healing for Saint Lucia,” she has invited Saint Lucians to fast for Independence. announced. “So we start

on Monday 14 and we end on February 21. We’re asking the whole nation to fast. We did not identify a particular type of fast because people have different issues, health and otherwise.”

She encouraged those unable to fast full meals to at least abstain from meat and substitute it with something like peas, or simply set aside quiet time to pray. She asked that an hour in the day be chosen to “fast from words” and be silent. “A deliberate hour,” she added. “Don’t say, ‘Okay, well I can fast maybe before I go to bed.’ It’s not so deliberate, it just happens to be that an hour before you go to bed, you have nobody to talk to.”

She asked persons to fast for at least two days, or based on the number of letters in their initials. For each of the six

weeks during the fast, there will be special gatherings every Saturday for prayer sessions.

Adrian Augier is also on the Independence committee.

He spoke about a 75-minute stage production to be held at the National Cultural Centre on Thursday February 21. “It speaks to our ambition as a nation and the fact that our size has not deterred us from playing a major role in not only our own making, but in the making of world history as well.”

The director is the Cultural Development Foundation’s Drenia Frederick, the musical director is Gregory Piper, and choreographers include Trevor King, Theresa Collymore, Shakina President-Beckford and Barry George. Augier says the production will be driven largely

by dance and movement, with linking scenes using narrative prose and poetry.

Augier described the second major event, scheduled for Friday February 22, as a “carnival style” parade that will feature various aspects of Saint Lucian life such as commerce, sport, culture and art. He invited all interested participants to come forward with moving portrayals of their work, “to come celebrate Saint Lucia and its diversity”.

The full calendar of events and further information can be accessed on the committee’s website at www.independence.lc or on its Facebook page: IndependenceSlu40.

---JSA

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10 LOCAL

JANUARY 19, 2019 THE STAR

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Fire chief says Investigations into New Year’s fire ‘going good!’

Joshua St. Aimee

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n response to the disastrous New Year’s Day fire in Rose Hill, Castries, a committee has been formed to represent the victims. The fire destroyed seven homes and affected twenty-one individuals, the youngest a three-month old baby girl. Three other children, aged five, eleven and fourteen, were also impacted. The committee has since been in dialogue with the Ministry of Equity and Volunteer Saint Lucia that are jointly handling recovery efforts.

Ms. Diane Felicien is the consultant to the National Volunteer programme.

She told the STAR: "We've been liaising with the public and we've been getting contributions from volunteers.

We will be getting contributions from the Tapion Hospital and also members of the public.”

Persons who wish to

contribute can make donations at Volunteer Saint Lucia, located at the Office of the Prime Minister in the Greaham Louisy Building, Castries. Donations may include food hampers, clothing, toiletries and tools.

She explained that some of the victims include joiners, cooks and carvers so the tools are required to enable them to resume work in the fastest possible time.

This week Volunteer Saint Lucia handed out supplies to the victims, including clothing, school supplies and toiletries.

Also, thanks to the donations received, the affected children have been able to attend school.

Ms. Felicien indicated that the organisation, alongside the Ministry of Equity, is in the process of setting up a bank account to allow for persons to contribute monetarily. The organisation can be reached at 468 2125.

Nicole Nelson heads the special committee and gave insight into the rebuilding efforts. She indicated that they

Remains of one of the houses destroyed by the New Year’s Day blaze.

are waiting on fire extracts from the fire service so they can go ahead. (A fire extract gives account of the cost of damage,

and what was lost in the fire.)

“The fire service has been working on it,” she said. “We have three of them pending still.

The reason for this is because they were not able to get in touch with some victims as speedily as they wanted to.”

She expressed gratitude to all those who’ve contributed thus far and said, “We’ve had quite a bit of clothing donated so, now that we’re almost to the point where he have most of our documents, we’re getting ready to start asking for contributions, such as materials, and monetarily, so that we can rebuild our homes.”

Meanwhile, statistics obtained from the Saint Lucia fire service indicate that in 2018 there were sixty-four calls related to structural fires.

A representative said, "Most of the fires were of undetermined origin.” That includes the Folk Research Centre, in March.

Will the Rose Hill fire suffer the same outcome as many before it? Speaking on the investigation into the New Year's blaze, Deputy Fire Chief George Victorin said investigations are in progress and “going good so far". He added that the process can take some time but there are "no major hindrances".

MP Offers Voice Reporter A Timely Lesson! questions when he addressed party leader Philip J. Pierre.

“I want to ask you about Independence.

Have you been t was only last August consulted?” when I suggested in print

“No,” said Pierre, to a that a reporter should not question that hardly made be surprised if the prime sense. “No, straightforward.” minister or another member Pierre might’ve asked of government chose not to the reporter what in the expand on his response to an circumstances he meant by opposition MP’s question for ‘consulted.’ Or what it had to do the purposes of a unfriendly with Independence. But then, reporter, albeit perceived. On that has never been Pierre’s the recalled occasion I was style. He tended instead to kill referencing an encounter that with kindness, even in the face involved a DBS representative and Allen Chastanet. But it was of silly questions from selfobvious the Voice reporter at the important reporters.

But on Tuesday he most recent Labour Party press encountered a particularly conference was not, as they persistent strain, who possibly say, “an enemy of de partee.” had something to prove or was Indeed, by all he spouted at on the hunt for a particular Tuesday’s meeting on observer headline, whether or not his might’ve mistaken him for a own creation. Shortly before the Labour Party strategist. The press conference concluded, floor had barely opened for

By Rick Wayne

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he took another shot at Pierre: “Earlier you mentioned values and principles, and with so much happening in this country in terms of the economy and crime and unemployment at a high level, you have not received an official invitation from the government in terms of Independence celebrations, 30-something days to go.”

Confronted by this Niagara of non-sequiturs falling on top of more non-sequiturs, Pierre appeared overwhelmed. But the voice of the Voice still insisted on getting his headline. He went on: “Will the opposition take a stand . . . I’m being honest with you . . . will the opposition take a stand and boycott 40 and have y’all own Independence celebrations somewhere?”

Pierre said, ever so patiently: “No, we’ve taken no such decision.”

“But will ya’ll?” the headliner seeker persisted.

Pierre said: “But Independence is not for the government. It’s for all the people of the country.”

The Voice horsefly kept buzzing at Pierre’s tail. “But doesn’t it send a strong signal to the government that hey, things need to be done and y’all pussyfooting . . . and these sort of things.”

Pierre repeated himself: “Well, we haven’t taken that decision yet. It’s something we can talk about but we haven’t taken any such decision.”

It was at this point the MP for Castries South decided enough was enough.

Addressing the intrepid Voice hunter, Ernest Hilaire said: “You know what? I think you should go back to reporting sports!”

Castries South MP Ernest Hilaire (pictured) this week rescued his party leader from a headline hunter, no blood spilled!

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JANUARY 19, 2019

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Another Day, Another Brit Dies in Paradise along a rocky, narrow road to Hathaway’s residence Claudia Eleibox claimed they knew little of the deceased. He had only been obert Hathaway (more living in Piat for a year or so popularly known as Bob) and, by all accounts, shared a was discovered by Gros cordial relationship with fellow Islet police dead at his home residents. One said, “I was not in Piat, Grande Riviere on there when it happened so I January 13, 2019 following a don’t know who found him. But tip-off. Reportedly there were the police used my house to “apparent wounds to the body”. question people.”

At press time there had been no The same source said arrests. Police say no suspects Hathaway moved around with have been identified and, as of great difficulty. “The only time Friday, the post-mortem had not we really communicated was been completed. one day when he fell and I

Hathaway was a British helped him out. Other than national. He was educated that he would greet me from his in the United Kingdom aand vehicle or from his balcony. He worked there until he moved lived with two young women. I to Saint Lucia. According to don’t know where they are now. his business website, Marigot He was a very private man.”

Sunshine, he started working

A police officer at the here in 2001. He was the scene of the crime was not manager at the Marigot Bay able to give any information Marina from about 2006 until about the incident. He sat 2014 when he started his own in the balcony guarding the business, making a definitive premises, with the outdoor mark in the tourism industry. lights on despite that it was late The tourism and yachting morning. There was laundry on communities in Saint Lucia have clothes lines outside but the been expressing condolences entire property was cordoned by on social media. Hathaway police tape. also served on the board of the Yet another facet of Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Hathaway’s life has unfolded on Association. social media. Via screenshots

The people I encountered of a Facebook conversation

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This is the house in Grand Riviere where the body of Bob Hathaway was discovered by police following a tip-off.

allegedly between Hathaway and someone else, the deceased had explained why he shared his home with two young women.

Hathaway’s death is the latest in a series of unsolved cases involving British nationals. January 17 marked five years since Roger Pratt’s murder in Saint Lucia aboard

his vessel Magnetic Attraction.

Suspects have not yet been tried. His widow, Margaret Pratt, commented briefly about Hathaway’s death: “Roger and Bob were both men of great intellect. For them to share a similar fate, both murdered on this violent, paradise island shortly after their respective retirements, is hard to take.

My heart goes out to Bob’s family and friends at this dreadfully sad time. I know what you are going through.”

Roy Broughton was last seen on November 15, 2018 and remains missing. BritishSaint Lucian Oliver Gobat’s charred remains were found in his burned-out vehicle on April 25, 2014. There have been

no arrests. Gloria Greenwood was found dead in her garden on October 16, 2011. Her daughters in Britain await their day in court. The case remains unsolved. Jane Tipson was shot dead on September 17, 2003 with no arrests to date and despite money being offered in exchange for useful information.

Some unsolicited free words of advice to the Labour Party leadership

t would be hypocritical to call Ernest Hilaire a friend.

I count him as a fellow Saint Lucian on whom I have showered merited praise for his role as CEO of Cricket West Indies. He, Julian Hunte and Daren Sammy kept West Indies Cricket afloat when the bottom was threatening to fall out from the triumphs of the Caribbean game. I am saddened that he does not seem to have recovered from his many legal battles with Ramnarine, the cantankerous rabble rouser, trade unionist and politician of the West Indies Players' Association. Sadly, jealousy, greed and insularity militated against further progress may have led to the fall of these worthy Saint Lucians from the leadership of West Indies cricket.

Since his transition from cricket CEO to local politics, Ernest Hilare has consistently confused me and others by his

asinine performances as an MP, in and out of parliament.

He speaks without appearing to give much thought to his words, leaving his listeners wondering if he is merely regurgitating what has been prepared for him by others. The latest attempt to connect the sad death of a well-liked British national to the inefficiency of the legal system in Saint Lucia is a matter that should drive his friends to shame. Has Hilaire ever contemplated the dirty work of political activists trying to frustrate the construction of a new police headquarters and court houses in Castries?

Who does the Castries South MP blame for the miserable condition of the judicial system, including mould-infested buildings left to rot? Where is his former boss hiding and why does Hilare feel a commitment to speak while the man remains silent or hidden?

And when will Hilaire

From the author’s vantage, House opposition leader Philip J. Pierre (left) needs to get out from the dark shadows of fellow MPs Ernest Hilaire (centre) and Vieux Fort South representative Kenny Anthony (right).

encourage Philip J. Pierre, who has served the SLP faithfully, to remove himself from the shadows and begin to describe a new vision for Saint Lucia?

When will Hilaire stop blocking Pierre and instead allow him to display the qualities that made his father and his cousins—the Parris family— prominent

citizens of Saint Lucia? Frankly, it seems that unless a green donkey with blue eyes emerges to lead the SLP, Hilaire and Pierre and the silent man-fox

with the bloated belly may soon end up in the garbage can of local politics.

---Peter Josie

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JANUARY 19, 2019 THE STAR

Quit Scap The Police .

n article recently published in the UK Guardian observes that “the social system is failing when there are more murders but fewer officers trying to solve them.” The reference by the paper’s columnist Kate London, a former police officer, referred to the statistic that since 2008 the number of officers investigating homicides in London had dropped by 25 percent. Also, that since 2010 the Metropolitan Police’s annual budget had been cut by some 20 percent.

Cuts have consequences, the Guardian’s columnist reminded readers. Homicide teams must be properly equipped. Among other things, “they need firearms officers, administrative support and intelligence that comes from neighbourhood policing, support staff and community support officers.”

Cuts also result in impossible workloads and associated stress, with officers forced to report sick. Some resign after a couple years.

Another major fall-out: falling detection rates for murder.

Still referring to the Met, the Guardian’s columnist writes: “Police have long been frustrated that they can’t deliver a better service or convince the public that the

crisis in policing is real and important and that they are not just crying wolf.”

Finally this from the Guardian’s columnist: “A 2017 report from the National Crime Agency shows some street gangs evolving into more serious criminal enterprises: networked, technologically savvy, internationalized, more predatory and sometimes more violent.”

What is true about the reported state of London’s Metropolitan police is equally true, mutatis mutandis, of what confronts the longsuffering Royal Saint Lucia Police Force—only with more dire consequences. There was hardly a time when working conditions did not fall far below what our sole protectors of Saint Lucian lives and property deserve. Still we expect from the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, as bereft and neglected as it has been going back decades, the level of performance associated with the best law and order TV shows. It is a dangerous ignorance we demonstrate when persistently we dump on our local police for their inability to solve crime in our communities, reported and otherwise. When the exaggerations we see on American TV are daily shoved in

crime figures rocketing, and after a “nationwide survey of fear of crime and community policing in Saint Lucia,” the government formally launched a National Crime Commission.

Following is a statement on the occasion by Professor Ramesh Deosoran: “Policing should not be merely law enforcement on the end side of the crime problem. The their faces. engagement should also be

If only the police were focused much more heavily free to speak out. Even sadder on prevention. What has been is that those who profess to lacking in the Caribbean is a speak for them are more often than not the first to lay on their scientific approach to policing.

We have little or no measures over-burdened shoulders the load that should be theirs alone to establish whether the police have been effective or not.” to carry. Witness: at the time

Still the professor was able of the Oliver Gobat murder the to discern the local crime rate police secured from the press was not only constant but it our collective assurance not to was also increasing, indication feature information still to be enough, it would appear, that officially confirmed. For one, the police had not been as the identity of the particular effective as expected. The homicide victim. The last thing professor seemed to suggest the police expected was that the day’s prime minister would that when it came to the police, taxpayers were not getting their attend a memorial for Oliver Gobat when it had not yet been money’s worth.

“The police should explain officially determined that the why the detection rate is not scant remains picked at the as it could be,” said Deosaran, scene of the crime were related since in recent times the force to the young hotelier. As if had received “more equipment further to make the work of the and even more manpower and under-equipped police more financial support.”

His survey difficult, the prime minister had revealed “70 percent of had assured Oliver’s grieving Saint Lucians were dissatisfied parents and relatives that the police were on top of things and with the performance of the that an arrest was “imminent.” police.” Moreover, that even Months later, amidst complaints when the people took their complaints to the police stations

by Oliver’s grief-stricken and “they were far from satisfied.” frustrated parents to the U.K. Deosaran recommended “these press, the prime minister questions must be properly confirmed to a leading foreign dealt with if you mean business newspaper that “we have a in the face of this serious corruption problem with our problem of crime.” He had been police”—with no supportive amazed, he said, that when evidence! asked to what extent they felt

In January 2003, with

How easy can it be for the police to do their work when many citiz still unresolved IMPACS? Besides, t

crime was a serious problem “99 percent of them said it was.”

He went on to say, without stating whom he was actually

addressing, his civilian audience or the attendant ministers of government: “You should therefore begin to see that it is nothing personal. We are going to ride

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JANUARY 19, 2019

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pegoating . . . Or Else!

many citizens consider them criminals themselves, thanks to allegations from places least expected, to say nothing of the Besides, the police force is woefully underequipped and undertrained to fight current crime!

through this problem on the basis of science and methodology, using in the first instance the result from this survey.”

Then Prime Minister Kenny

Anthony's turn to express his concern about “public confidence in the police.” Citing Deosoran’s report, he said: “The survey reveals that almost 70 percent

of the Saint Lucian population are not satisfied with the performance of the police, especially in Castries and in Vieux Fort.” The prime minister

was and is the parliamentary representative for the lastmentioned constituency. And yet he considered the situation a challenge “for the police

force in a particular sense.” He recalled that when the rate of crime was seriously reduced in New York “one of the major reasons was the demand of accountability by police chief William Brackman from his commanders in the various New York districts.”

Actually, it was police chief William Bratton, not “Brackman,” who in 1994 had cooperated with New York’s Mayor Judy Giuliani in putting into practice the controversial “broken windows” theory. The prime minister neglected to mention the campaign had also required the recruitment of over ten thousand new police officers and an investment of millions of dollars. Instead, he said: “If the police is to earn confidence from the public, then the police must assure the public at large that it has the will, the courage, the capacity to bring to justice police officers who breach the law and commit offences while carrying out their duties.”

While the police took all the heat for the escalating crime, the prime minister said not a word about his own responsibility for guaranteeing the public safety. Two years ago the current government also conducted its own assessment of crime in the country, during which, as had its predecessor, it laid most, if not all, of the blame for the homicide rate at the feet of the police. As has been the case the with 2003 commission, little followed the 2017 talk shop. In the meantime, the police suffer the fallout from 2010’s Operation Restore Confidence and the expensive consequences, IMPACS especially.

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Still the police continue to take blame for what appears to be a repetition of what had led to Operation Restore Confidence in the first place. The difference is that this time around there seems to be no great enthusiasm on their part to confront the monster.

Regrettable, yes, but hardly surprising. The force has since 2012 been operating under stringent sanctions imposed by the U.S. State Department for what it has described as “gross violations of human rights”—alleged extra-judicial police executions of a number of citizens. In consequence the American authorities have for the last six years withheld millions of dollars and other support to the RSLPF, at a time when they are most in need of additional manpower, trained personnel and modern equipment. They’ve also been barred from police activities sponsored under the Patrick Leahy arrangements, even when the venue is the Caribbean.

As with the UK, our own citizens deserve a police force capable of operating according to the highest public expectations.

But dream police forces cost money. Lots of it. Training, modern equipment, wages, all of that demands astounding amounts. It also requires a population cognizant of the fact that a country at war with itself, by which I mean civil war brought on by mindless politics; a people ready to face the irreducible truth that crime is no respecter of person—or of political party—can only bring itself more pain. One last point, I have been reliably informed that current police manpower comes down to one officer per 175 citizens. Nice!

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www.stluciastar.com

JANUARY 19, 2019 THE STAR

A Nobel Laureate Festival for Everyone me the opportunity to be in the company of many international professionals and celebrities. have been the coordinator

Writing this piece, I of the Nobel Laureate realised that I had behaved Festival since 2014 when I like many Saint Lucians living represented the now defunct at home. Prior to becoming Radio Saint Lucia (RSL 97) and involved, I had been aware after I had been a committee of the festival, then called member for eight years. As a Nobel Laureate Week, but I member I revelled in the fact had not paid much attention that I sat with the festival’s to it. My role has forced me to chair, then Governor General, concentrate on, and to address, who I have always described as, some of the preconceptions probably the most-loved woman about the festival. All this, and in Saint Lucia, Her Excellency of course meeting Sir Derek Dame Pearlette Lousy. I was Walcott, eventually becoming also surrounded by committee friends with him and his partner members who were at the top Sigrid, his son Peter, and other of their fields. members of his family, has

But, when I first served as given me a greater appreciation coordinator I was in awe of the of Sir Derek and what his role. After all, our chair excels accomplishments mean. in education and the use of the

Along with many Saint English grammar. Working with Lucians, I was aware of Sir her directly was not something Arthur Lewis’s Nobel Prize I had ever imagined doing. The for Economics but I didn’t experience has been one of the truly understand why it was most exuberant in my life, giving important. Rather, I just

By Delia Dolor

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Delia Dolor's decision to take up the mantle of coordinator of the Nobel Laureate Festival has exposed her to the amount of talent of Saint Lucians.

acknowledged that he was a Saint Lucian who lived and worked in Manchester, England—the country in which I was born.

But the biggest achievement for me in my role was understanding the meaning of "Celebrating Excellence” which is the annual main theme for the festival. This theme motivated me. I learned how special I was, how special we all are. We all have something to excel in and it is that “thing” that each person can do uniquely. Being the coordinator of this festival has exposed me to all the different talents that Saint Lucians possess.

I’ve realized that people do not attend the festival because they may (like I used to) think that it is only for a “certain person”; intellectuals, people over 40, those who live in Castries . . . the list of ignoring its importance goes

on. But I continue to implore the public to submit an idea to a welcoming Nobel Laureate Festival committee that will assist in getting it off the ground. Just take a look at this year’s programme; there are many examples of new ideas.

I invite you, readers, to visit and like our Facebook page Nobel Laureate Festival: Saint Lucia, where you will find upto-date information on all the events and can make comments and submit your pictures and stories.

Join us on CHOICE at 7:55p.m. Monday 21 to Friday 25 January, 2019 for Celebrating Excellence: 40 Years On, where the committee will answer questions in the hope that it will enhance your appreciation of our laureates, the festival, and ultimately encourage you to attend. Request a programme from info@ddmediarelations. com or 717-7979 on WhatsApp.

Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Sir William Honorable Derek Arthur Lewis Alton Walcott Sir William Arthur Lewis (January 23, 1915 - June 15, 1991) was a Saint Lucian economist well known for his contributions in the field of economic development.

In 1979 he won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics.

Honorable Derek Alton Walcott, OBE OCC (January 23, 1930 - March 17, 2017) was a Saint Lucian poet and playwright. He received the 1992 Nobel Prize in Literature.

Wishes to extend congratulations to the Government and People of Saint Lucia on the Celebration of your two distinguished Nobel Laureates Sir Arthur Lewis and Hon. Derek Walcott.

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JANUARY 19, 2019

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Can you guess what was Derek Walcott’s favourite breakfast?

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igrid Nama was arguably Derek Walcott’s closest companion for just over thirty years. In Saint Lucia they lived together at Gros Islet, which may have been his favourite place in the world. Nearing what would have been the Nobel winner’s 89th birthday, and also Nobel Laureates Day—January 23— I sat with her, perchance to learn something new of his quotidian life. Perched on his favourite patio chair from which the revered poet had enjoyed so many Saint Lucian sunsets, I got ready to put my first question to Sigrid, for whom Walcott cooked his first breadfruit in 1986. He passed away on March 17, 2017.

STAR: What did Derek usually have for breakfast?

Sigrid Nama: He loved breakfast best of all the meals.

Breakfast was always the same: scrambled or poached egg, a sardine, two pieces of toast. When it was in season, he would have a slice of avocado and coffee and orange juice. The last toast with orange marmalade, as do the Brits.

STAR: What were his other favourite foods and drinks?

Sigrid Nama: That’s easy. His favourite foods were Saint Lucian ground provision, with either beef or chicken or fish. That was it, pretty much every day; different ground provisions with a salad and some protein. He liked all the local juices—passion fruit, golden apple, tamarind, guava, soursop—he loved them all.

He absolutely loved sorrel.

STAR: Did he have a favourite joke?

Sigrid Nama: He had lots of jokes but I’ll only tell you this one for print: A mushroom walks into a bar and sits and waits for the bartender to come over but he never does.

So he says, 'Oh bartender, I’d like to have a drink.’ And the bartender says, ‘I don’t serve mushrooms.’ And he says, ‘But what do you mean? I’m a fun guy!’ His jokes were always so silly.

STAR: How did he spend his day?

Sigrid Nama: Well, everyday he worked on something.

the same time.

Whether writing a play or poetry or painting. That’s what he liked to do and after breakfast that’s just what he would do. Write or paint. Usually write. And then later he would paint, because it takes a lot of paraphernalia.

He paints on the spot, not from photographs. He goes to Gros Islet and sits in the street with his easel and the paints.

There’s a funny story: little kids, after school, would look to see what he was doing.

So they would surround him and ask: ‘Mister, what are you painting?’ And of course he wouldn’t answer. So the kids would say, ‘He deaf.’ So one little kid tries to touch the painting and Derek blurts out in Creole: ‘Pa touché!’ [Don’t touch!] And the kid says, ‘You see, he not deaf!’

STAR: Did he have any hobbies?

Sigrid Nama: Aren’t reading, writing and painting enough?

But yes, he liked to swim.

That was kind of his relief, sometimes. At the beach at Pigeon Point mostly. Or the Cas-en-Bas beach.

STAR: Where was his favourite place to go with you?

Sigrid Nama: Well he liked to take rides around Saint Lucia, to random places.

We liked to go to Cas-en-Bas often because it was a beach that was quiet. We would go to Bouton and to Soufriere and Vieux Fort and that wonderful place, Fregate Park.

Wherever we went for a ride in Saint Lucia, he would be happy as a clam.

STAR: What was his favourite place in Saint Lucia?

Sigrid Nama: Well, the Rodney Bay Marina to eat, because it’s close. Cas-en-Bas to swim or to just hang around. But I’d say the beaches. Right where you’re sitting might actually be his favourite place to be.

STAR: Where was his favourite place to travel?

Sigrid Nama: We went to so many places. I think he loved Italy. He was invited there every year and always to a different place. But you can’t leave out Spain, because they also loved him and he liked Spain.

One of his favourite cities was Amsterdam; he liked New York too. He was invited practically

STAR: What did he most wish for Saint Lucia?

Derek Walcott with his long-time partner American-born Sigrid Nama, photographed November 20, 2002.

everywhere in the world. Of course, it was because Derek was Derek. But it’s also because he was a Nobel Prize winner. It happens to all of them, especially for literature.

Every country wants to check them out, talk to them.

Sigrid Nama: There are too many. Every time you mention a place or a person, or being there together, having fun . . .

It’s a lot of wonderful memories.

STAR: Did he laugh and cry often?

Sigrid Nama: A lot! He would cry and laugh at a lot. But not at

Sigrid Nama: He wished for Saint Lucia a good theatre. A proper 250 to 300 seater with a great stage, good lighting, wings for dressing rooms—just a proper theatre.

He was very excited at one point when they were thinking of doing it in that meadow by the cinema.

It was never done. He so wanted that. To go further, he wanted more attention paid to the arts because of the local talent. That’s Saint Lucia’s asset. You’ll hear of these Saint Lucians who make it and they go out and that’s the best product of Saint Lucia. They go out there and put Saint Lucia on the map. That’s what Derek did. It’s too little appreciated.

Wherever we went, all of a sudden someone would ask: ‘So where’s Saint Lucia?’ He would describe it . . . most of his poetry was about Saint Lucia and it was Saint Lucia’s best advertisement.

We would so often get visitors who said: ‘I bought your book and I’m here on vacation because of it.

Could I please get it signed?’

---Claudia Eleibox

STAR: How did he feel about parties and visitors?

Sigrid Nama: We were invited mostly to official parties, and some personal ones, but he would love to go when it was the writer’s crowd or contemporaries. He wasn’t really a partygoer at all. For visitors he’d say: ‘Oh no! Are they coming over?’ And I’d say, ‘Yes! They want to get a book signed.’ But nine out of ten times he would be so thrilled with the people when they came, and thought they were interesting.

Some of them actually became friends.

STAR: Did he have a favourite phrase?

Sigrid Nama: Oh yes. I laughed about that. ‘I’m terrified!’ That was his favourite phrase. He was always terrified. I guess no one will ever really understand that. He might have been just apprehensive as to what was going to happen. But he always said: ‘I’m terrified!’

STAR: Did you share a favourite memory?

Wishes to extend congratulations to the Government and People of Saint Lucia on the Celebration of our two distinguished Nobel Laureates Sir Arthur Lewis and Hon. Derek Walcott.

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Remembering St. Lucia’s First Nobel Winner

ormer vice president of the Caribbean Development Bank Marius St. Rose recalled meeting Sir William Arthur Lewis shortly after he received his Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1979. Ten years earlier, in 1969, Sir Arthur had helped establish the CDB and served as its first president. At the time of their meeting St. Rose was the assistant director. They remained friends until Sir Arthur’s death.

"One just has to see his contributions to the world, his contribution to economics," said St. Rose in an interview with the STAR. "He was a committed federalist and, of course, a very competent economist. He thought outside the box. Some people thought that he might've been a little austere and disciplinarian but, at the end of the day, it was all because he was interested in the people. You can't develop if you don't have discipline; you have to apply yourself."

St. Rose says it is ironic that maybe the only part of the world which hasn’t adopted any of Lewis’ theories or models is the Caribbean—his home area.

Nonetheless, St. Rose is confident that it is not too late to adopt

JANUARY 19, 2019 THE STAR

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them.

Speaking on Singapore, a Southeast Asian country that did adopt Sir Arthur's model, St. Rose pointed to the fact that they were able to do it mainly because of their authoritarian leader Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore’s first prime minister, he served from 19591990. Goh Chok Tong succeeded Yew, and led until he stepped down in 2004. Singapore's third, and current prime minister is Lee Hsien Loong, who also happens to be Lee Kuan Yew's son. All men are members of the People's Action Party (PAP) which has been in power from 1959.

"Singapore was able to do it because you had an authoritarian leader who was almost like a benevolent dictator,” said St. Rose. “He controlled, he directed, he dictated, but it was always in the interest of the country. He put his country through a lot of sacrifice."

Is Saint Lucia doing enough to celebrate and recognize Sir Arthur’s achievements and contributions? St. Rose says he believes we are, but only to a certain extent, adding that we talk a lot but it's totally different to walk the talk. He says everyone, including government, the civil

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SIR ARTHUR LEWIS? Here are some questions about Sir Arthur Lewis. How many correct answers do you know?

What was Sir Arthur's role at the University of the West Indies?

Answer: Vice Chancellor

What were the names of Sir Arthur Lewis' parents?

Answer: Ferdinand Lewis and Ida Barton Lewis.

To which country was Sir Arthur a UN Economic Advisor?

Answer: Ghana

How old was Sir Arthur when his father died?

Answer: 7 years old.

Is Saint Lucia doing enough to celebrate Sir William Arthur Lewis?

service, and even churches, must come together to decide where we want to take the island.

"It's not only knowing his theories, celebrating them, and so on, but at the end of the day it's implementing what he said are the models or the policies that we should follow. I don't think many of us are prepared to make that sacrifice voluntarily."

"Let us all participate and determine what direction the country should take," he added.

"Where do we want Saint Lucia to be in the next twenty years? But don't let a politician do it for us, let us talk about it. In saying what we want, we also have to ask: What are we prepared to sacrifice to attain that goal."

---JSA

In which article is the Lewis Model found?

Answer: Economic Development with Unlimited Supplies of Labour.

What was Sir Arthur's first job? Sir Arthur was the first president of which bank?

Answer: Civil service clerk.

Answer: Caribbean Development In what year, and how old was Bank.

Sir Arthur when he entered the London School of Economics? With whom did Sir Arthur share Answer: He entered the LSE in his Nobel Prize?

Answer: Theodore Schultz 1933 at age 18.

What did Sir Arthur want to be before applying to LSE? Answer: An engineer.

Where was the ceremony held for awarding the prize?

Answer: Stockholm, Sweden.

At what university is a building named after Sir Arthur Lewis?

Answer: University of Manchester in the UK.

Where is Sir Arthur Lewis buried?

Answer: The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College.

Building Excellence Through People

Sir Arthur Lewis & Sir Derek Walcott As we mark our 40th Independence Anniversary, Saint Lucia celebrates the distinguished achievements of our Nobel Laureates Education | Creativity | Innovation Celebrating Excellence: Forty Years On

THE STAR

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nobel laureate 17

Big Time Sir Arthur Fan To Give Nobel Laureate Lecture Peter Mosley: His determination to “make a difference” caused him from the mid-1940s on, to switch from the industrial economics he had done for his PhD into the economics of growth and development—a subject which he had a major role in creating. In The Theory of Economic Growth (1955) Lewis rightly claimed that this was “the first work written on this theme for about a hundred years”, and this is probably his best work (and one of the works cited by the Nobel prize committee in 1979) although not his most famous.

conomics Professor Paul Mosley of the University of Sheffield will deliver the 2019 Sir Arthur Lewis Memorial Lecture on January 24, 2019.

He and Barbara Ingham are the authors of Sir Arthur Lewis: A Biography published in 2013. While he prepares for his presentation this coming Thursday, the STAR explored his expertise and thoughts about the Nobel Prize winner. Here’s what he had to say.

STAR: What inspired you and Barbara Ingham to pursue the project of writing a biography about Sir Arthur?

Peter Mosley: We both idolised him! As the founder of development economics, and as someone who was capable of explaining very complicated issues in a simple and nontechnical way for both of us, his work was a major reason for Paul Mosley looks forward to gaining a Saint Lucian making a career in development perspective of the world during his visit for the economics, and we wanted to Nobel Laureate Festival. pay back a bit of the debt we low productivity, leading to way Lewis lived his life. owe him. low income, poor health and poverty once again. But, he STAR: How do you think it STAR: What was the research adds, ‘there is no vicious affected the way he worked project like? circle for men of determination’, and studied economics? and that is a good motto for the Peter Mosley: Exciting, but it took quite a long time to take hold because I was involved in writing up two other big research projects at the same time. We secured a research grant to do the project in 2005 but didn’t properly start working on it until 2011 or 2012. The crucial and most exciting bit was the archival work and interviews in Princeton and Manchester, and those were done only in 2012; the book was any degree of certainty say

By Dame Pearlette Louisy published a year later. yeah or nay. Admittedly, there

STAR: Do you think Caribbean economics utilizes Sir Arthur’s studies enough?

Peter Mosley: The best answer I can give is yes and no. Yes, there are plenty of development economics textbooks available worldwide including the Caribbean, and articles in the development economics journals, all of which pay ample tribute to Lewis and his influence on economics, other social sciences and development studies. But also no: standard macro and micro textbooks pay

little attention to Lewis’ ideas, and even new growth theory contains few references to Lewis, because Lewis did not use the econometric methods which are now mandatory. Even theoretical growth economics uses the Solow model of 1951 rather than the Lewis model of 1954, even though the latter is a better description of reality, because the Solow model is more mathematically tractable.

So in many areas, which matter, his work is not properly before the public.

STAR: What do you know about Sir Arthur and Saint Lucia?

Pater Mosley: I must stress that I am speaking only for myself and not for Barbara who did the Caribbean field research.

I know two things which are that he greatly appreciated the education he was given by the Catholic fathers of St Mary’s College and, even more, that he revered his mother for her success in bringing up five children on her own and running a shop at the same time. These are not really views about Saint Lucia but about his upbringing there. When he was older and spent a lot of time in

the Caribbean from the time he became vice-chancellor of UWI in 1960 until his death thirty years later, he did not live in Saint Lucia.

STAR: What do you anticipate about the lecture you are about to give?

Peter Mosley: First, I hope that it will provide new awareness of Lewis’ policy and institutionbuilding activities, and the contribution they make to development both directly and by leading the way to the publications for which he is famous.

But second, that I will be able to learn more about what has been happening in the development policy field, both in Saint Lucia and in the wider Caribbean, especially since we published our book at the end of 2013. Both from the transcripts of the lectures and face-to-face interaction with the audience, I hope to be able to bring myself up to date with what has been happening, and hopefully gain a Saint Lucian, as well as Caribbean, perspective on the world. I look forward to the experience very much.

Is Saint Lucia Ready for its Next Nobel Laureate?

STAR: What would you say was a prominent theme in Sir Arthur’s life?

Peter Mosley: In particular, anger at the conditions in which people in the colonies (indeed all developing countries) were forced to live during The Depression of the 1930s, leading to determination to set things right in whatever way he could. In his first unpublished work, the pamphlet Labour in the West Indies written in 1939, he describes how in the West Indies people are kept poor by a “vicious circle of poverty” in which bad working conditions aggravate poverty, leading to

F

or the past twenty-six years, Saint Lucia has been celebrating the fact that we have two Nobel laureates, an incredible achievement in proportion to our size and our population.

Since the second award, the tantalising question that pops up in our collective minds, even though we are perhaps too modest to verbalise it, is: Can Saint Lucia produce one more Nobel laureate, two more maybe, to replace the ones who have passed on? Without the luxury of a crystal ball, we cannot with

is no quota as to how many Nobel Prizes can be awarded to a country. France, for example, has received 16 awards since the establishment of the Prize in 1901, while many others have received none at all. So the likelihood of Saint Lucia receiving other Nobel Prizes is not beyond the realm of possibility.

But what really is a Nobel Prize? It is one of six international prizes awarded annually by the Swedish Academy of Science for outstanding work in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, economics

and the promotion of peace to persons who “shall have conferred the greatest benefit on humankind”. Our Sir Arthur Lewis shared his prize with Theodore Schultz “for their pioneering work into economic development research with particular consideration of the problems of developing countries”, while Sir Derek was awarded his for “a poetic oeuvre of great luminosity, sustained by a historical vision, the outcome of a multicultural commitment”.

So in this 40th year of our independence we can dare to ask ourselves: Are there any native Saint Lucians currently engaged in areas

that can qualify as “conferring the greatest benefit on humankind”? And if there are, do we know who they are or where they are? Are we sufficiently interested in their progress and their achievements to encourage them, to recognise their efforts, to celebrate them and fully embrace them as our own? Are we unreasonably critical of their decision to seek other shores as they pursue their interests, and develop their fullest potential, neglecting to appreciate the constraints and challenges that smallness of size imposes?

Do we provide at home the kind of nurturing environment that

will ignite and later fan the flame of excellence within our people to take them to the heights of their spheres of endeavour that a Nobel Prize demands? Because this is what it takes to produce a Nobel laureate, to sustain an individual determined to find success in the face of all else.

Yes. Another Nobel laureate from Saint Lucia is not beyond us, but it will take a collective effort on our part to sow and nurture that seed of excellence, which alone can deliver that coveted prize. The trail has been blazed for us; we need only to follow.

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JANUARY 19, 2019 THE STAR

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NOBEL LAUREATE 19

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JANUARY 19, 2019

Peter Walcott Talks Art, Architecture and His Dad Dean Nestor

P

eter Walcott was still a young man taking free studies at the university where his famous father Derek Walcott had been a Professor of Poetry, when he sustained an injury that put paid to his dream of becoming an architect.

Peter recalls: “I left Trinidad for Boston University when I was about 30, my heart set on a degree in architecture. Then I got this serious knee problem that required surgery. I had to skip several classes. Since my old man had a job at the university, his children were entitled to free tuition there.”

It was while recovering from surgery that Peter Walcott discovered what he was born to do. And clearly it was not, as he initially believed, to be an architect. “While I was recuperating, I painted,” he said.

“You could say I made a positive thing out of something negative.

Had it not been for that accident that required an operation and recuperation time, I might have been an architect and not the full-time painter I am today.”

It shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone that Peter Walcott was influenced by art from a very young age

“No matter what environment you grow up in, if you work hard, you can still make it. My father came from a humble home and won the Nobel Prize. So don’t let the circumstances of your birth stand in the way of your success.”

— Peter Walcott (pictured).

although it is fair to say that his appreciation of its visual forms, dwarfs that of the literary ones.

He wasn’t shy in copping to this: “My father’s work influenced his children and I took up the artistic side, not so much of the literature.” He recalled, “As a young kid, Daddy was always into theatre and theatreinvolved set design and lighting; a very artistic profession. From that young age, I was involved in helping building sets and

painting huge backdrops. I was always involved in arts and painting at a young age so, naturally, I developed an art skill. I got an A+ in A-Levels when I was about sixteen, so I always used to draw.”

He was also influenced by his father’s close friends, many of whom “were artistic and poetic so the environment, influenced me a lot”. Monet and Gauguin, who both employed the impressionist

style of painting, were also big influences. But conventional painters and artists didn’t monopolise this influence over Peter Walcott’s art.

“I got my technical and design influence from architecture too,” he revealed.

“You know, scale, proportion, and lighting, all come from architecture. Architecture is very artistic if you’re good. So, I just transferred that into my art.

Most architects are artistic, so it

wasn’t a problem.”

Peter Walcott recalled with a smile how his father was happy with his decision to take up painting full-time. Not unsurprising, given who he was, but most parents would have perhaps pushed their children into the presumed safer career path of architecture.

Peter shared with the STAR some of his fondest memories of Sir Derek: working as a director, directing his own plays; watching him work with actors, teach them about the importance of discipline and punctuality. A memory stopped him in his tracks. He threw back his head and laughed. “He was very stern on punctuality and discipline,” Peter shared.

“I admired that about him, and the fact that he could relate to anybody.”

The painter spoke with obvious admiration about his legendary father, and working with him: “I had a lot of pride and respect for him, remembering him as a very kind guy with a great sense of humour. He loved making people laugh.” He paused for several seconds before continuing, his voice cracking: “It’s kinda sad talking about this.”

He went on to speak highly of our annual Nobel Laureate celebrations, which

is not to say he didn’t have some reservations. “I like how it’s an example for the young people growing up; that no matter what environment you grow up in, if you work hard, you can still make it. My father came from a humble home and won the Nobel Prize. So don’t let the circumstances of your birth stand in the way of your success.”

He considered Nobel Laureate’s Month “a great festival and a good idea that provides young people with motivation to work and achieve excellence. But I think you can achieve all that in a week or so.”

He had this message for up-and-coming artists in Saint Lucia: “Any art is a tough life, like music, dancing, poetry even. You do it because you love to do it. And it makes you happy. So, do what you want to do, and I suppose the money will come.” He also recommended a secondary job like teaching, in order to sustain themselves while pursuing their dream.

He made it clear that visual art is what he loves above all other forms. Notwithstanding his departed father’s fame, he said, “I’m not really into poetry.

It’s very deep; they paint with words. That’s all it is. I paint with my hands.”

The Rural Unknown

Basic Rights for Vendors

By Keithlin Caroo

G

ood news came this week of the newly announced “Vendors’ Registration Programme” where 178 provisions vendors, craft vendors and “roadside traders” became registrants. Perks of the programme include free access to public bathrooms, job identification letters and tent packages. Now although I say good news, it felt like this programme should have been in force decades ago. I commend the Castries Constituency Council for its work but reading the benefits of the programme made me feel upset that vendors have been deprived of these basic amenities for so long. Even the line “free access

to public bathrooms” made me cringe. Should not vendors already have had access to that, particularly when they play such a vital role in cruise-tourism?

The Castries Market is one of the first depictions of the authenticity of Saint Lucia that cruise ship tourists observe when they walk from Point Seraphine to Castries.

Another concern is the simple fact of modernization.

While our vendors are still trading as they have done from the days of their ancestors, they have been denied necessities to present themselves as Saint Lucia’s finest artisans, farmers and micro-entrepreneurs. Training for finance modernization such as non-cash payments, uniforms, labelling and, first and

treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” If so, what does the treatment of our vendors say about us as a nation?

Vendors in the Castries Craft Market.

foremost, customer service, is sorely needed.

The Vendors’ Registration Programme is a baby step but,

if we keep moving at this snail’s pace, the Vendors’ Arcade and Castries Central Market will look less and less like an

attractive option for talented micro-entrepreneurs. As Nelson Mandela once said, “A nation should not be judged by how it

Keithlin Carooo is the founder of Helen’s Daughters a Saint Lucian non-profit with a special focus on rural women’s economic development through improved market access, adaptive agricultural techniques, and capacitybuilding. It was formed in 2016 in a winning proposal for UN Women’s Empower Women Champions for Change Program. To learn more about the initiative, visit: Facebook: Helen’s Daughters Instagram: helensdaughters.slu Website: helensdaughters.org

20 HEALTH

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JANUARY 19, 2019 THE STAR

KIM’S KORNER

Keep on Moving!

I

have just read the latest clinical guidelines on managing low back pain and it’s left a song stuck in my head: the Soul II Soul classic Keep on Moving. Not because I’m feeling especially nostalgic about the song itself. Rather, it’s the message in the song title that’s got me in its grip: keep moving, stay active.

Low back pain affects around 540 million people worldwide at any one time and in about 90% of cases no cause can be found. Only 1-2% of people complaining of low back pain have a specific cause, such as fracture, cancer or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal); or it may even be referred from the kidneys or due to an infection.

Back pain relating to a specific cause should be diagnosed by your healthcare provider who

will suggest an appropriate treatment protocol.

We are going to focus on back pain that occurs for no particular reason. Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) may also be accompanied by leg pain but remember, not all leg pain is sciatica. It is important to determine whether leg pain is radicular (caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve), either by compression or inflammation of the nerve root as it leaves the spine, or referred pain (caused by intense painoverflow from structures in the spine). Differentiation can be determined by performing certain movements, no X-ray needed!

Although many cases of NSLBP resolve within six weeks without any medical intervention, nearly a third of people will complain of

persistent low back pain one year after they felt the first symptoms. This does not mean something serious is wrong; it just means you need to find a different approach, and rest very rarely helps. To make the management of back pain easier it can be divided into three distinct categories: acute, subacute and chronic.

Acute NSLBP describes symptoms that have been present for less than six weeks.

Finding the right treatment approach during this time can influence the outcome but the most important part of management in these early stages is to keep active. Gone are the days of lying on a board or staying in bed! Using heat or ice often helps to relax muscles and relieve pain. It is during this stage that you should try to understand how

If you have non-specific low back pain, physiotherapy is a better option to relieve the pain than just waiting for it to go away.

the injury happened: Did you lift something heavy or are you sitting with poor posture in front of your desk or TV? Try to make lifestyle changes.

Adopt better posture, strengthen your core and take more time to be active. Try some exercises.

Sub-acute NSLBP is pain that has been present for longer than six weeks but less than three months. Even if you follow all the above advice, you may find that your pain is still present and making your life less than joyful. This is the

time that you should visit your physiotherapist. After taking a detailed history of how your

pain is affecting you and your lifestyle, your therapist will do a thorough assessment of your posture, movement, strength and flexibility. Having weak core muscles and decreased flexibility can affect your pain and slow down your recovery.

NSLBP lasting longer than three months is termed chronic and affects 5-10% of all back-pain sufferers. It is not known why this small percentage of patients do not respond to treatment but age is a factor, affecting people in the 50-60 age bracket more than younger people. There may be episodes that are pain-free but symptoms often return and will vary in intensity and duration.

Physiotherapy can be very effective during this stage.

The aim is not to diagnose and scrutinise underlying causes but to determine what factors are affecting your function. Your therapist will use approaches different from above and may add mobilisations and massage to your treatment plan, but will still include exercise and posture advice. So be ready to keep moving.

Physiotherapists want to teach you how to get better, not just treat you! It is a partnership, and together you will work out the plan that suits you and your needs. If you are a mother with a young family, your treatment plan will differ from that of a young athlete. The long-term goals will be the same—to help you get back to an active way of life—but the steps to get there may be different.

So, instead of sitting back and waiting for your pain to disappear, take control. For a pain-free active life, keep on moving!

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

THE STAR

JANAURY 19, 2019

Understanding Dementia Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) cognitive decline and 14 had loss of bladder control.

Of the 41, only 12 had all good reason to try to three symptoms. These three find a doctor that can symptoms are the hallmarks of give a proper diagnosis the condition but someone with of a dementia type is Normal NPH does not always have all Pressure Hydrocephalus three. The other notation is it (NPH)—a brain disorder in typically develops in people in which excess cerebrospinal their 60s and 70s. fluid (CSF) accumulates in the

So what causes NPH? In brain’s ventricles, which are most cases the cause of fluid fluid-filled chambers. Normal build-up is unknown. However, pressure hydrocephalus is sometimes it can be caused by called “normal pressure” other brain disorders such as a because, despite the excess tumour, infection, inflammation, fluid, CSF pressure, as measured during a spinal tap, is head injury or haemorrhage.

One or more of these often normal. As brain ventricles tests are done to confirm NPH enlarge with the excess CSF, diagnoses: they can disrupt and damage • Brain imaging: Imaging nearby brain tissue, leading to difficulty walking, problems with of the brain’s structure to thinking and reasoning, and loss detect enlargement of the ventricles, often with magnetic of bladder control. resonance imaging (MRI) or

Typically, if a person goes CT scan, plays a key role in to the doctor with symptoms described above, they are often diagnosing normal pressure misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s hydrocephalus. Several brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or Parkinson’s disease. disease, can cause overall brain tissue shrinkage that makes In a US study at a Mayo Clinic the ventricles look larger than with 41 older adults in which normal. In normal pressure NPH was suspected, they all hydrocephalus, brain tissue experienced difficulty with may not appear shrunken walking, 30 experienced

By Regina Posvar

A

even though the ventricles are enlarged.

• Clinical examination: Because the clinical picture for normal pressure hydrocephalus may vary and symptoms may overlap with those of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, experts recommend that a person with suspected normal pressure hydrocephalus undergo examination by a neurologist with extensive experience, evaluating brain disorders that affect movement, thinking skills and physical functions.

• Cerebrospinal fluid tests: CSF tests to predict shunt responsiveness and/ or determine shunt pressure include lumbar puncture, external lumbar drainage, measurement of CSF outflow resistance, intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring and isotopic cisternography.

NPH is one of the few dementias with a possibility of controlling or reversing the symptoms. Research on shunts to remove fluid has not been conclusively proven to be effective but for a short time, and the same for non-surgical

T

Get in the Ring (GITR) is a yearly pitching selection event for the Global Startup Competition of the Get in the Ring Foundation which challenges competitors to show what they’ve got in an actual ring. In 2017, GITR St Lucia was a tremendous success with over 26 start-ups registering for the event, with six advancing to the national finals. In the end, Mr. Patrick Eze of Eze Green Energy Company emerged winner and won an allexpenses paid trip to Cascais, Portugal to participate in the International Battle.

Participating in GITR is not only about winning the competition, it’s also an extensive, exciting and educative process to perfect your pitch and receive feedback from experts. You participate in one-on-one pre-matched speed consulting sessions with business leaders, financial consultants and investors and

21

Coco Resorts Celebrates Hardworking Staff

procedures such as medication.

More research is needed.

Questions about dementia: Q: My mother seems to have trouble with walking and she has some thinking issues. I have an appointment for her to see her doctor. Should I take her to a specialist? If so where?

Princess King of the Food& Beverage department won the Star Employee for 2018 award.

C

oco Resorts celebrated its annual staff awards for 2018 at Golden Palm Events Centre.

A: Keep your appointment. If

Department of the Year the doctor suspects more, they went to the Maintenance Team will refer you to a specialist. headed by Mr. Jean St Rose There is a brain clinic in Tapion. in recognition of the upgrades When you are describing undertaken over the last year, symptoms, be detailed as much which include a new lobby, new as possible. Explain what your executive lounge and 48 of the mother looks like when she has 83 Palm rooms, to date. trouble walking. Does she look

The Chairman’s Award, like she is on a boat and bent recognising the Head of forward? Does it seem her feet Department who stood out over are glued to the deck? In her the year for their contribution thinking: has her overall thinking to their respective department process slowed down? Is there and benefitting the overall a decline in concentration or a service for Coco Palm’s guest small personality change? All experience, went to the Food these descriptions are helpful & Beverage Manager, Mr. with examples. Keep in mind Alva Preville. Acknowledging other symptoms of NPH can the numerous events that his include short-term memory loss, department delivered over decrease of interest in daily the year, Chairperson Feolla activities and/or difficulty in Chastanet praised Mr Preville’s completing normal routines. enthusiasm and devotion to the Food & Rum Celebrity Chef dinner in January, the highest grossing Mother’s Day to date, Father’s Day, Jounen Kweyol at Coco Kreole’s car park servicing the community, along with the end of year Christmas corporate parties and New Year’s Eve fête which was the most extravagant to date.

Housekeeping’s Mr Norbert Harvey was awarded the Managing Director’s Special Recognition Award for his unwavering support and dedication with the ongoing room renovations.

Mark Ferguson described Mr. Harvey as “a pure joy to work with, recognising his positive attitude with nothing being too much. Harvey cares and it Get In The Ring 2018 winner Patrick Eze of Eze Green reflects in his work and how he (right) and GITR 2018 wildcard winner represented by engages with both guests and Denell Florius, co-founder of EcoCarib Inc. team members, and for that we have awarded him for his discover business opportunities. in over a hundred countries. contribution.”

Subsequently, you will pitch

GITR St Lucia 2019

The Star Employee of for a spot on the main stage of will take place on Thursday the year, nominated by the the selection event before an March 28, 2019. All interested respective Heads of Department experienced jury and advance to participants, mentors, of an employee who stood the final battle to compete for a volunteers and sponsors out throughout the year, was ticket to the global finals where should contact the Chamber awarded to Miss Princess King you will receive global exposure at 452 3165 or email from the Food & Beverage and contacts through a network gewslu@gmail.com.

ARE YOU READY TO GET IN THE RING? he Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture once again brings to Saint Lucia “Get In The Ring”. It is a premier pitching competition where entrepreneurs get a chance to battle on the global stage before hundreds of investors.

Entrepreneurs stand in a boxing ring whilst battling each other with witty and quick investment pitches going head-to-head with other business competitors whilst fans cheer.

This competition is open to start-up businesses with an innovative and scalable business idea, launched within the past eight years, and who can pitch fluently in English.

Start-ups in robotics, software engineering, agriculture or other sectors are welcomed to participate. However, the preference is for start-ups that are aiming to make a positive impact in this world environmentally or socially.

local

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department. Princess has been a star employee, engaging with guests, and a credit to both Coco Palm and Ti Bananne Caribbean Bistro and Bar. General Manager Jean St Rose credited Ms King for being a role model and the face of Coco Palm: “Princess continues to go the extra mile in delivering the ultimate guest experience. as our mission statement says. This has been noted by management and on TripAdvisor where Princess is the most credited team member, and for that we recognise her as the Star Employee.”

In addition to the top awards, Supervisor Awardees for 2018 were recognised by Coco Palm’s management, which included Housekeeping Supervisor of the Year, Jo-Ann Leon; Security Supervisor of the Year, Cheryl Lynch; Restaurant Supervisor of the Year, Rosemary Reynold; Kitchen Supervisor of the Year, Indira William.

The respective departments nominated their team member of the year which included: Technician of the Year, Victor Ledger; Landscaper of the Year, Roger Alexander; Room Attendant of the Year, Nicola Murphy; Houseman of the Year, Kevin Dominique; Safety Officer of the Year, Calvin Duplessis; Stores Attendant of the Year, Anna-Lee George; Receptionist of the Year, Tricia George; Accountant of the Year, Bradley Bray; F&B Steward of the Year, Derick Vidal; F&B Cook of the Year, Marcia Lucie; Bartender of the Year, Ashgail Saltibus; Restaurant Server of the Year, Curline Mathurin; Cashier of the Year, Shannon Charlemagne; Events Attendant of the Year, Joel Lewis.

The awards gala included an elaborate buffet and party for the team with a DJ playing beyond midnight. Team members were awarded certificates and prizes including hotel stays, gift vouchers for dining at leading hotels along with gifts from top clients for which Coco Resorts is most grateful.

22 INTERNATIONAL

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We are the largest retailer in the region, offering many opportunities for growth and development and are looking for a talented and dedicated individual to become part of our dynamic team.

Debt Collectors THE COMPANY: Come be part of a team with Unicomer Group!

A dynamic and fast paced retail organization spanning 24 countries, with over 1,000 stores and 16,000 talented and engaged retail professionals across Latin America, the Caribbean and USA.

THE POSITION We are looking for Dynamic, innovative and serious Debt Collectors to drive and contribute to Unicomer’s Credit Department Portfolio.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITES: • • • •

Keeping track of assigned accounts Planning Course of action to recover outstanding payments Locating and contacting customers to inquire of their payment status Receiving outstanding payment and issuing of receipts to customers as required • Undertake authorized collection of goods and issuing of receipts • Recovering money owed in as little time as possible

JOB SPECIFICATIONS: QUALIFICATION/EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: • Five CXCs including English and Mathematics

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: • • • • • • • •

Ability to work with targets and tight deadlines Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Excellent communication and people skills Excellent negotiating and persuasion skills Must be polite, compassionate and assertive Confidential Customer Oriented Must be in possession of a valid driver’s license and a vehicle

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY? • Attractive Remuneration • Excellent growth opportunity

INTERESTED CANDIDATES PLEASE EMAIL YOUR applications to Hr.unicomerlc@gmail.com ON OR BY JANUARY 25TH JANUARY 2019 .

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY SUITABLE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.

JANUARY 19, 2019 THE STAR

MPs attack ministers over delay to tax havens' public registers T he government has been accused of defying parliament by delaying plans to require British tax havens such as the British Virgin Islands to bring in public registers that reveal the true identity of owners of companies sheltering assets.

Foreign Office ministers have caved in after a rebellion in the British overseas territories, including threats to take the government to court or even to secede from the UK. The British-administered tax shelters have always been seen as a blight on the Conservative claim to be fighting the multibillion-pound corruption industry.

The Foreign Office told the overseas territories that they did not need to introduce compulsory public registers until 2023 – three years after the date MPs had thought they had set by law in a fractious debate last May.

The date means public registers in the overseas territories, seen as critical to winding down tax avoidance, will not be introduced until a decade after David Cameron first raised the issue as a flagship anti-corruption measure ahead of the UK chairmanship of the G7 industrialised economies.

A cross-party alliance of MPs last May, led by the former Conservative cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell and the former chair of the public accounts committee Margaret Hodge, had forced the government to concede that it would introduce an order in council by 2020 requiring public registers to be set up if the overseas territories had not done so voluntarily by that date.

Hodge said: “This new timetable is a sleight of hand and an attempt to ignore the clear will of parliament. It was clear not that that order in council should be introduced in 2020, but the public register.

We will have to consider what steps are taken to restore what was intended.”

Mitchell said: “It is good that the overseas territories and Foreign Office accept that

important change is coming.

Nevertheless, parliament will be surprised at any move to put back the implementation date. I am sure the overseas territories and the Foreign Office will not want to challenge parliament by revisiting an issue on which they were not successful.”

Chris Bryant, a Labour member of the foreign affairs select committee, said: “This timetable is not what parliament thought they were getting when they discussed this. The government has dragged its heels on this issue and this seems yet another unjustified delay. It as if the government has become the Department for Procrastination. It means the British overseas territories remain Britain’s achilles heel when it comes to financial corruption, money laundering and dodgy money.”

He pointed out that the amendment to the sanctions and money laundering bill that was passed, set a deadline of 2020 for the order in council.

MPs pushing this motion made clear this was also seen as the deadline for the introduction of the public register, he said, and that was also the understanding in the overseas territories.

Shadow foreign office minister Helen Goodman said: “The government have tried and tried to avoid and delay this. But the law is clear. This takes their contempt for parliament to a new low.”

Ministers appear to have backtracked after the 2020 deadline caused outrage in the overseas territories, which are worried that this timetable for disclosure requirements would lead to a flood of business decamping to other more secretive tax havens. Territories including the Cayman Islands argued that public registers should only be compulsory when they are introduced worldwide.

The 2023 timetable was set out by Lord Ahmad, the minister responsible for the overseas territories, in evidence to the foreign affairs select committee. He told the committee: “It is our intention that if by 2020 there is no public

register, for whatever territory, we will then issue an order in council, which will then have a requirement for an operational public register by 2023.”

He said the only obligation provided in the legislation was to pass an order in council by 2020, but no date for the actual introduction of the public register was set. He has formally advised the overseas territories of this new timetable in writing following a meeting of the joint ministerial council, the body that brings together ministers and the overseas territories.

Tax transparency campaigners have argued for more than a decade that only a public register will force companies to end the systematic tax evasion that lies at the heart of the economies of the overseas territories. A public register would be available to tax experts and reporters, not just law enforcement officials.

“Every year that goes by gives more opportunity for dirty money to flow through the UK’s overseas territories and crown dependencies undetected,” said Rachel Davies Teka, the head of advocacy at Transparency International UK. “It will be disappointing if the overseas territories do not take the initiative to implement public registers on their own terms before the 2020 deadline.”

The overseas territories are already in the process of setting up registers of beneficial ownership of companies that will only be available to law enforcement officers on request.

Hodge said the cross-party alliance against tax havens had, in private negotiation with ministers last year, agreed to defer the introduction of the public register by a year to 2020 after ministers argued the territories were struggling to cope in the wake of hurricanes.

The new timetable sets the date for the public register beyond the next UK election, opening the possibility that the timetable could be deferred further.

---The Guardian

THE STAR

JANUARY 19, 2019

Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (Non –Contentious Probate and Administration of Estates) Rules Form P7 Advertisement of Application for Grant

classified 23

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VEHICLE FOR SALE

VACANCY

Silver Honda CRV, 1996 model good condition.

Salon in Tortola, BVI

( Rules15)

The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE

Best price! Best offer!

SAINT LUCIA

Please call Mobile: 730 1844 or 720 5046 For viewing

Claim No. SLUHPB2018/0189 In the Estate of Peter Francis aka Peter Francois late of Desruisseaux, Micoud, Saint Lucia, deceased TAKE NOTICE that an application for a Grant of Letters of Administration has been filed by (1) JOHN FRANCIS and PHILOMENE FRANCIS acting herein and represented by their duly appointed Attorney Cuthbert Henry as appears by Power of Attorney dated 9th January 2018 and registered on 31st January 2018 in the Land Registry as Instrument No. PA 81/2018, the applicants who are the lawful children of PETER FRANCIS aka PETER FRANCOIS, Deceased, late of Desruisseaux, Micoud, Saint Lucia, the Deceased having died intestate on the 12th day of May 1959.

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

Dated this 11th day of January, 2019.

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

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

Online Classifieds Get maximum exposure for your dollar.

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

is seeking qualified persons to fill the following posts-

Hairdresser, Nail Technician and Barber.

Interested persons are asked to email: divahairbvi@gmail.com or call: 1-284-543-1410 for further information.

Serious inquires only.

Property for Sale On the Micoud Highway 3,850 sq ft excellent location close to everything. 7500 sq ft of land.

Unfinished concrete building consisting of 2 floors, a ground floor and a first floor 60% complete.

Ground floor consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, dining room, kitchen and car port First floor consists of 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, dining room, kitchen and verandah.

Call: 758 285 4391

LAND FOR SALE 32,670 square feet of land in Vieux Secrieux, Corinth, Gros Islet, St. Lucia Call:758 285 4391

Selling a house? Have an apartment to rent?

FUEL SURCHARGE COST ADJUSTMENT Applied to Bills for January 2019

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

Current price of fuel EC$ 7.7658 / gallon

Average price for 2017 EC$ 6.2342 / gallon

Amount of fuel used (December 2018) 1,639,714 gallons

Cost of 1,639,714 gallons at EC$ 7.7658 per gallon EC$ 12,733,691

Cost of 1,639,714 gallons at EC$6.2342 per gallon EC$ 10,222,305

Current cost of fuel less cost at base price EC$ 2,511,386

Electricity Sales (December 2018) 30,097,180 units 2,511,386 Fuel Surcharge Cost Adjustment: ----------------- x 100 8.3 cents / unit 30,097,180 2018 Tariff FSCA Cost Rates per Electrical Unit EC$ EC$ EC$ Domestic 1-180 0.680 0.083 0.739 >180 0.730 0.083 0.813

Commercial/Hotel/Industrial Low Tension all units 0.830 0.083 0.913

High Tension all units 0.790 0.083 0.873

Streetlighting all units 0.825 0.083 0.908

The Tariff Rate and the FSCA are computed in accordance with the Electricity Supply Act No. 10 of 1994, as amended by Act Nos. 12 and 13 of 2006. Note that since the average fuel price in December 2018 is greater than

the average fuel price for 2017, there is a Fuel Cost Adjustment (FCA).

Ian Peter Chief Financial Officer

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2019

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