Ebony And Ivory... In Perfect Harmony?

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The Star (St.Lucia)

Ebony And Ivory . . .

In Perfect Harmony?

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019

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Former and current prime ministers Stephenson King and Allen Chastanet (l-r) have always joined heads against their common enemies, as in 2016.

Is this about to change?

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DASH Independence Colour Run 2019 Launched for 5th Year

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

The night has a thousand eyes

By Michael Walker

F

rancis William Bourdillon, a poet you have doubtless never heard of, penned the following lines in the latter half of the 19th century. I’m sorry I can’t be more precise but suffice to say he was born in 1852, so unless he was born with a pen in his hand there’s a good chance he did not compose the poem before his twentieth year, by which time his juices would have been flowing and love would have been in the air.

“The night has a thousand eyes, And the day but one; Yet the light of the bright world dies With the dying sun. The mind has a thousand eyes, And the heart but one; Yet the light of the whole life dies When love is done.”

Somewhat weirdly, there was a hit record in the early Sixties with the same title, The Night has a Thousand Eyes, that was almost completely without merit, but for some reason it has been dashing here and there in my memory banks for the past few days.

The reason is probably not too hard to find. It’s been a bit chilly here of late, a good 12 degrees below zero, which has made my nights a bit of a nightmare because we have a new puppy who, though delightful, does need to be carried outside every couple of hours for a pee and possibly a poop. More than once the thought has crossed my mind that the nights belong to him, so you might believe you can see where the unsought association with the night having a thousand eyes might have come from, but you would be wrong. Actually, during these decidedly chilly nights I have been plagued by memories of my many visits in the 1970s to Chile, the country that stretches for thousands of kilometers from the tip of South America up the Pacific coast to Peru.

General Pinochet had seized power after his troops had murdered Allende, the lawfully elected President, and the country was under a military dictatorship. My American publisher had an excellent network of salespeople based in most of the major countries in that continent and I spent much of my time lecturing and holding workshops from Venezuela, down throughout Brazil and Argentina and up again from Santiago in Chile to Lima and Bogota. I made many friendships, some of which have lasted a lifetime, but I also encountered a much darker side of life.

I remember sitting at a bar in the smaller of the two airports in Buenos Aires waiting for a flight to Santiago in Chile when I was joined by a complete stranger and we shared a few drinks. I soon realized that he was pumping me for information but I didn’t care. You meet all sorts of weirdos on your travels. The flight never arrived, not an unusual occurrence in those days, so we had to check into the airport hostelry. Fortunately they had enough rooms so we didn’t have to share. We said our goodnights, and I thought that was the last I would see of him.

But he turned up again at breakfast, and, amazingly, he was on the same flight as I was on, which turned out to be a good thing because having a boarding pass for a delayed flight was never a guarantee that you would actually get on the flight way back then. My new friend took control and before I knew it we were happily seated in First Class watching the peasants struggling to get on board. When I say ‘peasants’ I am not being prejudiced or racist. In those days, people carried all sorts of livestock in their carry-on luggage. I would not have been surprised to find a goat or even a cow trapped in the washroom in the back. Once we landed in Santiago, my friend worked his magic and we were escorted in a military jeep through customs and immigration with not a problem.

He was being picked up and offered to drive me to my hotel, the Sheraton Carrera opposite the palace where Allende had been murdered.

I did not bother to ask him how he knew which hotel I was staying at.

He dropped me outside the hotel where my friends were waiting for me and quickly drove off. My friends seemed upset. “What were you doing with that man?” they asked.

I told them my story but it did not calm them.

“That man is the American representative at the DINA, the secret police,” they told me. “Well, he’s invited us to a cocktail party tonight, so what to do?”

In the end the woman who ran our Santiago office accompanied me to the cocktail party. There was a 9 o’clock curfew and the military were known to shoot before asking questions. Midnight passed, then 1 a.m. Nervously, I asked the Minister of Education, a general of course, how I would get home, and he answered with the most chilling simplicity, “Don’t worry, Professor. The night belongs to us.”

JANUARY 26, 2019 THE STAR

ow in its fifth year, DASH—the most colourful event on Saint Lucia’s independence calendar—has officially kicked off events leading up to its Sunday February 24, 2019 staging.

Welcoming over 2000 DASHers in 2018, DASH has literally positioned itself as an occasion that brings together generations of Saint Lucians, echoing the true embodiment of nationhood and growth.

The charity event continues to stand behind its sole beneficiary, the Child Development and Guidance Centre (CDGC), and maintains a consistent backing of dedicated sponsors and supporters.

DASH Inc. officials have coined this year’s activities as an “exciting time for the DASH team, where a milestone of five meets a landmark of 40 with colour, health and energy”. The group said, “This is a period of nostalgia for us all and we are so excited to execute another

sensational year of DASH.”

Curtains officially rise on the 2019 event on Saturday January 26, 2019 with the first of the DASH signature “popups” at its resident location, Baywalk Mall clock tower.

Over 20 volunteers will greet supporters in a Digicel-branded event that will see discounted registrations, giveaways and absolute fun.

The CDGC is the only multi-disciplinary developmental assessment centre in Saint Lucia. It continues to express gratitude to the donating public who help to keep the spirit of the organisation and, most importantly, of its patients alive.

“The Child Development and Guidance Centre is pleased to partner with DASH for the 5th Colour Run. Over the last five years that CDGC has partnered with the DASH family, we have benefitted from increased public awareness of paediatric disability, particularly from

the inclusion of children with disabilities in the fun event. It has also allowed for additional support for children in some Special Education schools and preschools,” said Centre Director Dr. Kim Gardener. “We wish the organisers a successful event and look forward to a fun, safe time on the road.”

Just over 40 per cent of the CDGC’s budget is covered by a governmental subvention so donations from the public and other organisations like DASH are paramount to its continuous provision of the much-needed service to the island.

Partners for 2019 include: Digicel, Yello Media Group, KFC/Real Foods Limited, LUCELEC, LumNat Distributors, Tropical Shipping and Hobie Clothing. Other sponsors are: 123 Digital, Hashtag Limited, Blue Waters, Caribbean Tents, BayWalk Mall, ECCO, Shoe Rehab/ The Foot Spa and The Cell.

Monroe College Celebrates First Graduating Class at New International Hospitality Training Institute

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onroe College, the US-based institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programmes from its campus in Castries, on Thursday held a graduation exercise for the first class of students to complete their programmes at the new International Hospitality Training Institute in the southern town of Vieux Fort.

Working with Saint Lucia’s National Apprenticeship Programme, the college created the Training Institute to provide a pathway for local residents to train for entrylevel hospitality and tourism sector jobs, a mainstay of the country’s economy. Jeannine Giraudy-McIntyre, President of the Senate in Saint Lucia, cut the ceremonial ribbon at a reception to open the facility last October. Marc Jerome, president of Monroe College, led the graduation ceremony, which was held on-site at the Training Institute. Guy Joseph, the acting prime minister of Saint Lucia, addressed the graduates and guests. Mr. Kendall Khodra, Chief Planning Officer for the Ministry of Education, also spoke. Cabinet Secretary Benjamin Emmanuel and Oracia Denbow-Bullen, Mayor of Vieux Fort, were among other local dignitaries in attendance.

There were 131 students in the Institute’s inaugural class; many have already secured entry-level jobs within their area of study. A light reception was held after the ceremony to congratulate the students on their accomplishments.

“It is an honour to be here today with our esteemed guests as we celebrate the first class of graduates from our new Training Institute,” said Jerome. “They leave here with the confidence of knowing they have the skills and professional training required to do well as they begin their hospitality careers. Such a career-ready workforce will no doubt be of great interest and benefit to the growing number of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cruise ships operating in Saint Lucia and throughout the Caribbean.”

The Institute offers five certificate programmes, with training on professionalism and the essential “soft skills” that hospitality employers demand incorporated into each track.

The available programmes are: bartending, event planning and logistics, front office or guest services, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

The second cohort of students admitted into the programme began classes this week. Applications are now

being accepted for the next class term which begins May 21, 2019. The Training Institute is open to residents throughout the Caribbean region, with priority admission granted to Saint Lucia residents.

Monroe College’s International Hospitality Training Institute is located at the Industrial Estate complex on the Vieux Fort-Laborie Highway in Vieux Fort. For more information and to apply, please contact: National Apprenticeship Programme Office of the Prime Minister, 2nd Floor, Chitolie Building, Beanefield, Vieux Fort.

Information is also available by calling the National Apprenticeship Programme on (758) 454-8263 or the International Hospitality Training Institute on (758) 456-3239.

Monroe College celebrated its tenth anniversary in Saint Lucia last year. The Saint Lucia campus, located on Vide Bouteille Highway in Castries, offers students from the Caribbean a broad array of educational opportunities through programmes offered via Monroe’s Schools of Allied Health Professions, Business & Accounting, Criminal Justice, Hospitality Management and the Culinary Institute of New York, and Information Technology.

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JANUARY 26, 2019

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Saint Lucians shine in 2018 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

aint Lucian students delivered winning performances in the 2018 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition with six attaining top awards when pitted against 12,000 of the world’s best student writers. Four of the six were on hand to receive their awards at a recognition ceremony hosted at Bay Gardens Hotel on January 9.

An appreciative audience was captivated by the videotaped recitals of Khadijah Halliday's, Ariel Albert’s and Azoya Howell's Gold Award prizewinning essays, before Kishelle Auguste stole hearts by doing a live reading of her Junior Silver awardwinning entry.

Three of the awardees spoke to the STAR after the ceremony, each expressing joy at being able to earn such prestigious prizes. Gold Award winner in the Junior category, Azoya Howell, a student of the SDA Academy, stated: “I never thought I would get so far, particularly with the number of participants being so high.” Her fellow awardee in the Junior category, Kishelle Auguste, a student of the Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School, declared her elation. “I worked really hard,” she said.

Saint Joseph’s Convent was well represented at the ceremony by students past and present, Khadijah Halliday and Ariel Albert. Halliday, who currently attends the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, enthused: “I don’t think it’s just about the awards.

I think it’s very important for other young people because it will inspire others to enter competitions like this.”

Michelle Samuel, a junior judge of the competition who is based here in Saint Luica, when talking about the judging criteria, put the awardees’ achievement into perspective: “I know the judging rubric is very, very tight. It is difficult to make it to the top and these students made it to the top.”

However, she also pointed out that Saint Lucia could do even better. “The students are not aware of this competition. Nobody is telling them about it. Nobody is informing them of this opportunity to use their literacy skills to improve themselves and to speak their minds about issues that concern and affect them.”

Smart Nation, Smart Saint Lucia

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n expert delegation from Taiwan International Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) arrived in Saint Lucia on 20 January 2019 to lay out the scope and framework of the “Smart Education” project.

During their week-long stay, they engaged public service and education officials and visited schools across the island. The “Smart Education” project aims at utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to build an Education Portal and an online learning platform, facilitate online communication between schoolteachers and parents, and provide smart technologies and tools in strategic locations such as school computer labs, classrooms, ICT access centres, etc. It is a sub-project of the “Smart Nation, Smart Saint Lucia” project which also comprises “Smart Community” (a web-based community development platform), “Smart Heritage” (digital access to Saint Lucia’s history and culture) and “Smart ID” (a comprehensive multi-purpose identification system for public service).

Based on the successful experiences of past ICT projects such as the establishment of ICT centres and WI-fi access points all over the island, Taiwan strives to help enhance Saint Lucia’s public sector with ICTenabled services and transform it into a smart nation.

This sentiment is in line with that of Coral Fleming, Programmes Officer, Youth and Education of the Royal Commonwealth Society. “This is a fantastic achievement!” she said. She added that over the previous two years there had been only five Saint Lucian participants.

The whereabouts of the two Bronze awardees is not known but Michelle Samuel is planning on having another recognition ceremony for them once they’ve been located. She also took time out to thank The Entrepreneurship Readiness Program, Easy Click Books, The Trophy Centre Plus, Sa Nou Saint Lucia, the Saint Lucia Writers’ Forum, Calabash TV and SLUDTERA for sponsoring the event. The deadline for applications for the 2019 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is May 1.

From left to right: Kishelle Auguste, Azoya Howell, ---DN Khadijah Halliday and Ariel Albert holding their awards.

we're hiring

Digicel is looking for a top candidate to fill the role of Service Delivery Project Manager. job overview The Service Delivery Project Manager coordinates the installation and delivery of services to end users in accordance with the Digicel’s high service level targets for the CARCIP/FTTB project. This position will manage the fulfillment activities on the islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenada. This team member plays a crucial role in ensuring timely delivery of service and strategic solutions to clients with exemplary service and communication. main duties and responsibilities: • Point of contact to manage the Fulfillment activities to a variety of fiber optic projects to include fiber to Government sites, Schools, Civic Centers, Large, Medium and Small Businesses.

• Establishing processes to account for end to end workflow that identify all turn-key touch points necessary to fulfill contractual obligations specific within a particular customer engagement • Develop, communicate and maintain the entire process from completion of sale through first bill to the customer.

• Manage the life cycle of all closed-won opportunities from the receipt of the signed proposal to the completion of service installation and hand off for timely invoicing.

• Communicate prompt, accurate and clear statuses of assigned orders • Review and report status delivery metrics of both internal service groups and external value add vendors as well as make recommendations to improve results • Implement continuing improvements to maximize the company’s operating productivity, quality, efficiency and reporting of fulfillment methods in a manner that is consistent with both industry standards and company objectives • Manage external fulfillment processes and reporting of third party activities.

• Ensure accurate tracking and reconciliation of all fulfillment activities for this project.

• Able to plan and efficiently schedule responsibilities to ensure maximum productivity and responsiveness to client needs and project schedules • Collaborate with warehouse to track material usage and ensure proper inventory levels are maintained.

• Coordinate with internal team members to ensure accurate and timely delivery of orders • Organize and prioritize multiple work assignments with attention to detail • Implement company-wide initiatives and direct contractors including Fulfillment and Service, Fault Rate reduction, Plant Security and TQA as well as Dispatch and Workforce Management areas.

• Ensure all crews have all specified safety gear per SHEQ requirements. Safety is very important and our crews must maintain a professional appearance.

• Other duties as assigned from time to time. qualifications and experience: • 5 years of fulfillment experience in the telecom industry • Basic understanding of fiber design.

• Ability to communicate clearly with clients and business contacts in a professional and courteous manner • Knowledge of management principles and practices • Well-organized, accurate, and attentive to details; excellent communication and public relation abilities; strong computer application skills as related to applicable construction management programs; ability to work in a team environment, assist, and support others as needed.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment • Motivated to meet deadlines and achieve goals • Skilled in written and oral communication To apply for this position, you should forward your resume to: Digicel St. Lucia Ltd., Massade, Gros Islet, P.O. GM791, or email to SLU_HR@digicelgroup.com Deadline for submission: Friday, February 1st, 2019 PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY SHORT LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED. © 2019 Digicelgroup.com All Rights Reserved.

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JANUARY 26, 2019 THE STAR

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Security Minister Insists Saint Lucia is a Safe Place Despite Brit Homicides!

Joshua St. Aimee

O

ver the years, our island has built a reputation as one of the leading tourist destinations, capturing countless tourism-related awards and accolades in the process. The tourism sector continues to be the island’s main foreign exchange earner and also the largest employer.

Undoubtedly, this didn’t happen by luck and was a result of years of building the tourism product, and marketing the island and its many offerings.

But, as business magnate Warren Buffet once said: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”

Following the death of British national Robert Hathaway on January 13, there has been a barrage of press coverage from news agencies in his homeland, the UK. They all take aim at the local justice system and the ongoing crime situation. Our lack of a functioning criminal court has also been highlighted. It has been non-operational since last April. Referring to the 2014 Roger Pratt murder and Hathaway’s, an article in The Sunday Telegraph reads in part: “The killings offer a glimpse into the dark side of the island, far from the luxury beach resorts. Despite the government’s promises, law enforcement remains haphazard.”

Another overseas publication reads: “Such violence would have horrified St Lucia’s rich visitors, but will have come as no surprise to those who live there. Away from the spotless beaches and infinity pools, the island is gripped by a violent crime epidemic rooted in drugs and gang culture.” Bringing up the

Saint Lucia as a destination has come under heavy criticism from international media. What will this mean for the number one industry?

still unsolved murders of fellow British citizens Oliver Gobat, and Roger Pratt, the report concluded: “St Lucia’s tourism chiefs may be fretting over the brutal killing of Bob Hathaway, but sadly his killer may not be nearly so worried.”

What kind of fallout can this coverage bring to this important, yet fragile sector?

Just last week tourism officials revealed at a press conference that the island had recorded last year, for the first time, 1.2 million visitor arrivals in a twelve-month period. The United Kingdom has historically been one of Saint Lucia’s top markets, alongside the United States. The number of stay-over arrivals in 2018 was 394,780; 76,142 came from the UK. Per statistics from the Central Statistics Office, stay-over arrivals for

2013-2017 were 318,626, 338,158, 344,908, 347,872, and 386,127 respectively. The UK was second only to the US in the international market, contributing 88,487, 73,960, 68,175, 64,514 and 72,580 for those years.

At a press briefing this week, National Security Minister Hermangild Francis addressed the situation. Minister Francis acknowledged that the negative reports will heighten tensions, and persons may question whether it is safe to come to the island. But while he said the negative press is understandable, considering the circumstances of Bob Hathaway’s death, Francis insisted that British visitors were not being targeted here.

The minister advised that local press should “send the truth out there” so persons in the wider

world know our country is not as dangerous as some claim.

Francis added: “Our judicial system is working.

Activities at the Nyerah Court were interrupted only because a particular individual threatened a judge and some of the staff felt they were unsafe in their location and went on sickout.”

He said the government had spent $1.5 million renovating Nyerah Court “and by the end of this month you’ll see a refurbished Nyerah Court.”

Time will certainly tell if Hathaway’s name will join those of Roger Pratt, Oliver Gobat and Jane Tipson on the list of unsolved murders involving British expats. It has yet to be determined what fallout, if any, will follow this latest murder. At press time, there had been no arrests related to the Hathaway homicide.

Bruceville Shooting Victim In Stable Condition

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he press office of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force says that Jamil Pierre is in stable condition after undergoing surgery at Saint Jude Hospital following Thursday’s shooting in Bruceville, Vieux Fort. The 25-year-old victim sustained five gunshot wounds on various parts of his body. To date, the January 24 shooting has produced no arrests.

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JANUARY 26, 2019 THE STAR

Pierre’s No-Confidence Motion Faces Steep Climb Dean Nestor

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f the Parliamentary waste bin is to be the final resting place of opposition leader Philip J. Pierre’s noconfidence motion, then the Department of Infrastructure’s conference room may well be the funeral home where the motion was prepared for burial. And if former Prime Minister Stephenson King is still expected to be Saint Lucia’s Charrandas Persaud, considering the optics on display at Wednesday’s launch of the Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Upgrading Project, then it’s a cinch he’ll clinch the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in a comedy.

It would be somewhat understandable if the SLP at any time placed the success of its no-confidence motion on the shoulders of Stephenson King, given the nature of his ouster as the UWP’s lead man at the hands of Allen Chastanet and the possibility that there may still be disgruntled MPs on the government side who publicly sided with King during that fight for the leadership of their party. After all, three swing votes are all that would be needed.

Opposition Leader Philip J. Pierre has said on numerous occasions that the success of his motion does not hinge on what government MPs choose to do. But then, if not, what would be the point? Could Richard Frederick have been speaking for himself only, when he promised, from a so-called “people’s platform” set up by the SLP, that come Christmas 2018 Saint Lucia would have a new prime minister?

Stephenson King, Infrastructure Minister, after thanking the UK government, his fellow ministers, chief engineer Albert Jn Baptiste and FDL Consult Inc for their contributions to the road projects about to get underway, reserved for his prime minister these special words: “I take special honour in thanking you for recognising the significance

and the strategic importance of the redevelopment of the Millennium Highway and West Coast Road when it was proposed to the UK government.”

As for the prime minister, he took the opportunity to wax lyrical about King, noting along the way that “his experience as a former Minister of Finance, his experience in overseeing the EU Hospital, I thought placed him particularly well to be heading up the Ministry of Infrastructure.”

The prime minister further declared: “We are going to see the greatest injection of capital into this ministry in the history of Saint Lucia.” The PM clearly wanted Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (right) and Minister Stephenson King (left) could be heard laughing and King and others to know he chatting away during Wednesday’s launch of the Millennium Highway and West Coast Road Upgrading Project. recognises the value of his It remains to be seen who was laughing with or laughing at!

Infrastructure Minister and, in by the two lead actors in Pierre’s play suggests counters of from that of Guyana, meaning that an 11-6 deficit was always the circumstances, the need to chickens long before they going to be too much to overcome with a keep him happy. are hatched. no-confidence motion. Then again, in politics who can be certain

The proceedings on We have a political environment here that’s very different about anything?

Wednesday afternoon were fairly nonpartisan, with one glaring exception: “I must indicate that prior to the agreement to redevelop the Millennium Highway and West Coast Road, the former administration wanted to invest the resources in the North-South link road, which would have been far too little to even commence consultancy on that major project; the North-South link road being a master vision plan which preliminary costs indicate some US $600 million . . . ”— s Congress struggles Bureau of Investigation, the future shutdowns, some even hard to say right now. We’re These the words of Castries filing lawsuits against the National Aeronautics and to make negotiations not able to predict yet whether North MP Stephenson King, as if government for violating the around Donald Trump’s Space Administration and even it would affect us.” Most to remove any lingering doubts 13th Amendment—the one proposed US$5billion wall national parks and museums, hotels contacted had similar as to where his loyalties lie. are either reporting to work that deals with slavery and along the US-Mexican responses. But, with Donald

Earlier this month, border, many US citizens without knowing when they will involuntary servitude.

Trump’s wall still unfunded, King had given his two cents’ We wondered whether be paid or are keeping buildings speak out publicly about hotels that benefit from US worth about the contentious closed, the world watches. the shutdown could impact the related government dollars remain vigilant. no-confidence motion in tourism to Saint Lucia. Last year shutdown. There are reports The hashtag #shutdownstories The PR at Sugar Beach, A Guyana: “Such situations are has curated on social media the island recorded 175,073 about grossly understaffed Viceroy Resort said: “Our main always wake-up calls and security and other personnel hundreds of descriptions of how visitors from the United States, regional team is in the States leaders cannot lead by just a 6,850 increase from 2017.

Trump’s decision has affected at U.S. airports, making and we’re keeping an eye on simply taking a course families’ abilities to pay rent, Mirabile dictu, the island’s main things. But right now, for us life even more difficult for without consultation . . .” hotels have not been noticeably it’s business as usual.” medical bills, mortgages and travellers. As for President And while that may have impacted, no cancellations Trump, he has suggested the credit debtors.

As we go to press US provided a sliver of hope to based on the US shutdown. shutdown could continue

As of Friday the shutdown media reports that Donald persons of a certain political

A representative from Bay through April. was at 35 days, the longest Trump has temporarily persuasion in this country— Gardens Resorts said: “From

While federal workers, in US history. Government reopened the government until that the prophecy of Allen what I can see, our booking workers are finding legal ways including from immigration Februay 15.

Chastanet’s downfall had to protect themselves from pace has been the same, so it’s departments, the Federal ---C.E simply been delayed by a month—the very public display of affection this week

Will Trump’s Government Shutdown Affect Local Tourism?

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JANUARY 26, 2019

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JANUARY 26, 2019 THE STAR

R Kelly Has Saint Lucians Looking in their Mirrors Claudia Eleibox

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hances are you or your child graduated to either I Believe I Can Fly or I’m the World’s Greatest.

R Kelly is considered the king (and the Pied Piper) of R&B. He is a black man with a powerful tale of his climb in the music industry, despite his struggles with illiteracy, and his music catalogue has something for everyone, from regular churchgoers to the nightclub addicts. Saint Lucia did not miss a thing during the peak years of Kelly’s career. Remember R Kelly at the freshly rebranded Jazz and Arts Festival in 2013 and his hypnotic effect on a large

crowd of fans who knew his songs by heart? I won’t ever forget: it was the first jazz festival my parents permitted me to attend unchaperoned.

I was unfamiliar with his repertoire but, if only vaguely, I remembered that he had been accused years earlier of urinating on some little girl.

It took Lifetime’s recent docuseries, Surviving R Kelly, for me to realize that the peeing pornography video, supposedly featuring a fourteen-year-old girl, was just one of a string of sexual allegations against someone I thought was just a highly popular, super-talented singer-songwriter. An inspiring success story starring an African-American. Absolutely disgusted, I binge-watched Surviving R Kelly, all the while

thinking: “What more could this man do?”

The six-part documentary premiered on January 3 and featured several women, including his ex-wife Andrea Kelly, detailing a decades-long history of sexual and physical abuse by the man many believed could touch the sky.

The women tearfully recalled being locked-up without food; not being allowed to look at other men; being videotaped during sexual encounters; being forced to ask for permission to use the bathroom; not being permitted to speak to each other; and being “manipulated” since their underage years to perform perverse sexual acts for Kelly’s pleasure. They all described the similar tales of a man with a “god complex”

The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation is accepting applications for the post of WIRE Network Program Manager (Part-Time). The primary purpose of this position is to lead the Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Network. She will provide lead support for managing WIRE and its various partnerships with the Caribbean Electric Utilities Association (CARILEC) and others. This person will focus on growing the impact of WIRE to reach and support more women in the renewable energy sector with leadership and professional development opportunities. This position is part time and can be undertaken remotely/virtually. However, this position has the potential to become full-time in the future.

Qualifications and Requirements: • Minimum Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Environment, Communications, Human Resources, International Development/relations, Geography or other related fields • Acceptable: Master’s in public administration, Environmental Management or other related fields • Experience in the Gender and Energy sectors • 3 years’ experience with a regional and international non-profit/NGO and working in a developing country context; experience managing grants and in fundraising.

• Minimum 1 year experience in community management and capacity development • Strong written and verbal communication skills; • Must have excellent ability to understand and communicate complex program and practices to a wide variety of stakeholders; • Ability to learn how to adopt a system thinking approach to their work; ability to listen to colleagues, partners, and clients to understand the interconnected relationships between and amongst the elements in the energy and climate system and/or an individual project, and to synthetize ideas and concepts.

• Ability to work in a varying schedule including nights, early mornings, weekends and holidays.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, and work on multiple time zones, as necessary.

• Ability to work remotely, given projects will be based in a number of different countries.

To learn more about the Duties and Responsibilities visit: https://www.carilec.org/home/career# Please email resume including two references and cover letter to jobs@carilec.org Or mail to: The Training Manager, PO Box CP5907, Sans Souci, Castries, Saint Lucia Deadline: January 31st 2019 Only suitable candidates will be contacted for an interview.

publisher, as acknowledged in his book Lapses & Infelicities, was a regular critic of his policies and it was the prime minister’s way of taking his revenge—especially with elections in the air.

Readers will also remember former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony’s public acknowledgement of “serial rapists in our midst” without declaring how he came by the information or whether he had told the police what he knew about the unidentified “serial rapists”. For all we know, they might still be on the loose. In late 2017 a physical education teacher at the Canon Laurie Anglican Primary School was indicted on twelve counts of “gross indecency and buggery”.

He was granted bail and is still free, considered innocent until proven guilty!

Last year a 12-yearold was impregnated by her stepfather whose brother raped a seven-year-old just months R Kelly (pictured) faced sexual allegations long before later. Then there’s the long Lifetime’s recent documentary, but like many powerful forgotten Mary Rackcliffe whose eight or nine-year-old daughter men in Saint Lucia, he’s still virtually free. was ravaged by Rackliffe’s liveand his persistent pursuit of than I’d earlier realized. I in lover. She reported the matter teenage girls. understand those who are on to the police and for that was

Surviving R Kelly comes the cusp of this crisis: do we decapitated by the rapist lover. about twenty-two years after separate the music from the

Recently a most popular he married, at 27, his protégée, musician or concede that it was man who nestled and the singer Aaliyah, then aged the support of his countless established himself in a small 15. There were also the stories fans that had given him the community was last year of R Kelly convincing children power to do the evil that men charged with gross indecency that their sexual relationships do? By the final instalment of and buggery against a primary had everything to do with the series I decided that I would school boy, one of several he love, alongside his promises not abet anything associated had reportedly been teaching of money and fame for them. with R Kelly. It bothered me so the arts.

There were also constant much that around midnight on

Saint Lucians whisper financial settlements.

Monday I woke up and prayed about parents who prostitute

Surviving R Kelly offered for him and all the women their daughters to older men, little that was new about R he had assaulted. But then I and about students who come Kelly’s dark side. It simply could not help recalling other to school with more money highlighted the injustices of the powerful men and how they had than their parents could ever system of justice in America. I misused their power. afford. There are the scores of choose not to be a spoiler. Let

A certain local prime sexual offences similar to the the world discover for itself minister came to mind. I allegations against R Kelly. what Surviving R Kelly is all recalled his love letters to a girl To what avail? By all the about. (It can easily be found not yet sixteen; excerpts were evidence, in Saint Lucia you online.) published in this newspaper, can get away with almost

While surfing the depths just days before the 1992 anything if your name carries of YouTube it hit me that I had general elections. Several weight, as does R Kelly’s. The seen one of R Kelly’s music months earlier the particular story about our former prime videos repeatedly on HTS. I prime minister had convened minister won his greatest was about eleven then and a special House meeting at mandate immediately following curious about how I might the start of which he accused publication of his activities with look after puberty took over. this newspaper’s publisher of an underage girl, some of them It occurred to me then that I producing child pornography involving abuse of his office. knew more songs by R Kelly for distribution overseas. The Food for thought!

THE STAR

JANUARY 26, 2019

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JANUARY 26, 2019 THE STAR

IS COCOA MAKING A COMEBACK? servants. It was clearly bad politics for agriculture officers Peter Josie to count the long-term cost of the destruction of forests, cocoa and coconuts.

No politician or civil leader s a young agronomist in seemed to care sufficiently the early 1970s, I was about the income security of asked to undertake a banana farmers, to remind survey of cultural practices in them that Sir Arthur Lewis, banana fields on the island. the Nobel laureate they like to Before that I had noticed the claim as their own, had warned felling of mature cocoa trees that economic booms never and virgin forest to make last; they are often followed way for banana cultivation.

Bananas were then referred to by economic busts. Fact is, as “green gold!” By its regular Saint Lucians too often exhibit an unreasonable fear of truth, fortnightly income, it had preferring to bury their heads attracted part-time farmers who joined the frenzied pursuit in the sand, like the proverbial ostrich. As we celebrate of the banana dollar.

These, and others, refused the island’s Nobel laureates and the 40th anniversary of to listen to sound agricultural independence, it may be a advice to desist from cutting good time to remind ourselves down mature cocoa trees, that the search for factual coconuts and forest trees, information and objective truth for banana cultivation. To is an unending one. It gives me the utter dismay and chagrin no pleasure to observe that the of the more conscientious banana boom has long run its agriculture officers, the course. But I digress! mad rush for “green gold” Conventional wisdom continued unabated, supported by ruthless politicians and their informs us that people who visit

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our island during winter, do so in search of sun, sea and sand.

That explains why so many hotels are built near sandy beaches. Fond Doux Plantation & Resort is an exception. It went against conventional wisdom and established the first genuine plantation resort, boutique hotel on the island, at Fond Doux Estate in Soufriere.

The visionary Lyton Lamontagne and his dear wife Eroline fell in love with the agriculture of their native Soufriere long before the environment and climate change became sexy. Their multi-award-winning resort, which stands on 135 acres of fertile agricultural land, was the first to introduce its visitors to local cocoa production. The “dancing” of dry cocoa beans to cure and polish them for use in making cocoa sticks and refined cocoa is a feature of a visit to their hotel. The finished cocoa product is sold at the resort’s cocoa shop called “Plas Cacao Chocolate Shop” and at

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While many of Saint Lucia’s hotels boast lovely sandy beaches, Fond Doux Plantation & Resort chose an unconventional, tasty route.

Eroline Foods supermarket in downtown Soufriere.

This humble comeback of the cocoa crop, and the idea for guests to enjoy the greenery of nature and plantation life on the island, did not go unnoticed. Soon, farmers and agriculturists were noting the comeback of cocoa and making arrangements to participate in its rebirth. The economic benefits of cocoa, viewed against the threats posed to the vital banana industry, need no elaboration.

Interestingly, the return of cocoa cultivation and processing is being organised very differently to previous practices. The return of cocoa is energized by persons whose first interest is tourism and not cocoa production as such. For example, the Hotel Chocolat group has purchased the Rabot Estate, about two miles from Fond Doux Estate, and has rehabilitated the cocoa crop that once flourished there. The hotel grow its own cocoa and creates a direct connection with its visitors and the finished product, which is refined eating and drinking chocolate. Visitors are afforded an opportunity to tour the cocoa plantation, learn more about the plantation methods, dine on a chocolatethemed menu and even have a try at making their own chocolate. Who said Saint Lucia

has nothing to teach investors who are prepared to learn?

For my part, the more exciting aspect of the expansion of cocoa production by Hotel Chocolat is its intention to work with some 200 cocoa farmers on the island as part of the Engaged Ethics Cocoa Programme. The company has set out to buy every cocoa bean the farmers produce and provide these farmers with technical support as well as subsidized Trinitario cocoa seedlings, the type the market demands. This and other private sector initiatives are the best indication that cocoa is poised to make a comeback.

Still in the Soufriere region, Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet Resorts are producing Emerald Estate Chocolate on-site from cocoa beans grown on their own estate. This effort produces chocolates mainly for consumption at the resorts, and not for export.

The management of Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain also encourages farmers to produce cocoa beans while urging local independent chocolate-makers to produce chocolate from Saint Lucia for the tourist market.

These stories are new and different from the story of agriculture production and export from Saint Lucia and the

Caribbean during the colonial period or at any other time during the early history of the island. The conversion of cocoa beans into high value, refined cocoa products is exactly the type of “value added” that Caribbean thinkers such as George Beckford, C.Y. Thomas, Lloyd Best, Swinbird Lestrade, Vaughan Lewis and Keith Nurse had long advocated. These and other far-sighted thinkers would be happy to witness the transformation that is taking place in cocoa production and refining in Saint Lucia, Grenada and even in Trinidad.

Still, the greatest comeback for cocoa in Saint Lucia, as far as this writer is concerned, is the vision of a national farmers cocoa cooperative, wherein registered cocoa farmers supply quality cocoa beans to a central factory for the production of refined eating chocolate, soaps, creams, liqueurs, desserts and, of course, cocoa beverages.

“Value added” must become the new mantra in the island’s agriculture diversification drive. We must thank the business visionaries in the tourism sector for their motivation as we continue to engage them in a holistic national effort in agriculture diversification and value added, including cocoa production and refinement.

THE STAR

JANUARY 26, 2019

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JANUARY 26, 2019 THE STAR

Can Pierre Pull O Douglas, Mottle T

he Constitution of Saint Lucia, at Section 60, states as follows: “There shall be a Prime Minister of Saint Lucia who shall be appointed by the Governor General.” Also that “whenever the Governor General has occasion to appoint a Prime Minister, he or she shall appoint a member of the House who appears to him or her likely to command the support of the majority of the members of the House.” (Curious, those iffy words—“likely to . . .” in relation to a matter of such importance.)

Subsection 6 of the earlier cited Section states: “The Governor General shall remove the Prime Minister from office if a resolution of no confidence in the Government is passed by the House and the Prime Minister does not within three days either resign from his or her office or advise the Governor General to dissolve parliament.” (The Governor General shall . . . nothing iffy here!)

Moreover: “If at any time between the holding of a general election of members of the House and the first meeting of the House thereafter the Governor General considers that in consequence of changes in the membership of the House resulting from that election the Prime Minister will not be able

to command the support of the majority of the members of the House, the Governor General may remove the Prime Minister from office.” (Yes, we’re back to iffy may, but never mind.)

From the steps of the House on the morning of 20 November 2018, the leader of the parliamentary opposition, Mr. Philip J. Pierre, read out for the benefit of media reporters what he referred to as “a motion of no-confidence in the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.”

He complained that some people including members of government had attempted to “discredit this historical action by suggesting it will not prevail.” (What historical action? Something that is historical is simply something that happened in the past, regardless of its significance.

To borrow from William Saffire: “Any past event is historical, but only the most memorable ones are historic.” In short there’s a world of difference between the words historical and historic.)

Besides, perhaps Pierre’s “some people” were simply better informed about his proposed initiative than was its author!

On the remembered occasion outside the House, Pierre appealed to parliamentarians on the government side “to place

country above self and support the motion of no-confidence in the leadership of Allen Chastanet and that he resigns immediately as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia.” (Standing with Pierre as he delivered his sermon were his fellow opposition parliamentarians, save for the member for Vieux Fort South who was conspicuously missing in action. By the way, never mind what Monroe’s Robert Lewis might say, will the SLP ever learn the ordinary meaning of the word “immediately?”)

Pierre’s reportedly retooled motion is scheduled for debate in parliament this coming Tuesday. The usual mindless memes have been circulating for weeks now. But given the earlier cited provisions of the Constitution at Section 60, which speaks only to “no confidence in the government,” not individual MPs, will Pierre’s motion, to borrow from Nancy Pelosi, prove “a nonstarter?”

On Wednesday, Pierre reminded reporters at a press briefing that his noconfidence motion was not without precedent, that in Barbados “then opposition leader and current prime minister Mia Mottley presented a motion of no confidence in parliament.” Did his proffered memory jogger contain a

Mr. Philip J. Pierre: Tuesday’s scheduled House session could prove a high point of his political career or validate unkind assessments of his ability to lead Saint Lucia into greener pastures.

THE STAR

JANUARY 26, 2019

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Off What Corbyn, tley Could Not? hidden message? Where else but in parliament are noconfidence motions normally presented? Perhaps Pierre saw need to establish he was not reinventing the wheel, that other House opposition leaders before him had presented no-confidence motions in parliament. Or maybe he sensed something lacking in the media representatives at Wednesday’s press briefing.

So far as is generally known there have been no challenges to Pierre’s locus standi in the matter. What at this time remains in question is whether the Saint Lucia Constitution permits noconfidence motions against individual MPs, including prime ministers. Indisputably, Mia Mottley had presented an ultimately unsuccessful motion in her country’s parliament. But unlike the case at hand, hers was not against her island’s prime minister.

The Honourable Miss M.A. Mottley’s Private Member Resolution of 3 May, 2016 opens with the following words: “Whereas the Government of Barbados . . .” and closes with “Be it resolved that this Honourable House has no confidence in the Government of Barbados to properly and effectively manage the affairs of state . . .”

Is it mere coincidence that Pierre’s motion takes aim only at the SLP’s second favorite target? It opens this way: “Resolution for a vote of No Confidence in the Honourable Allen M. Chastanet, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Growth and Job Creation and External Affairs.”

It closes with: “Be it resolved that this Honourable House expresses its total lack of confidence in the leadership of the Hon. Allen M. Chastanet and be it further resolved that this Honourable House call for the immediate resignation of the Honourable Allen M. Chastanet as Prime Minister of Saint Lucia.”

In between the introductory and final whereas-es are twenty-something paragraphed allegations, with nary a mention of the word “government.” Only the prime minister is referenced throughout Pierre’s motion that could easily pass as a cut-and-paste version of an ebullient document presented at the National Assembly of St. Christopher and Nevis by opposition leader Denzel Douglas on 24 December 2018. It introduces itself as “a vote of no confidence in the government” but ends with the prayer “that this Honourable House no longer has any confidence in the Prime Minister and calls for the immediate resignation of the Honourable Dr. Timothy Harris as Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.”

Two weeks ago the host of a call-in TV show brought back remembrances of times not long past as he entreated MPs on the government side to betray their leader and support Pierre’s motion—a Judas move calculated to deliver on a public promise of “a new prime minister by Christmas,” if nothing else. Over and over the impassioned TV host implored government MPs to show Chastanet the door.

“You won’t be changing the government if you support the motion,” he explained.

“Your party will continue to form the government. Put country before self or history will not be kind to you.” As if they had never heard of Neville Cenac and George Odlum, Sarah Flood-Beaubrun too, all of whom had been guided by their consciences out of the Labour Party and suffered the killing kindnesses of roadside SLP historians especially adept at spewing convenient pawol bo lawi.

The TV host was himself no political novice. He had sampled the sweets and the sours of local politics, enough to render saints bitter. Never mind his explosive exhalations, he had to have known deep in his pumping heart how futile were his televised siren calls.

There was, after all, the matter of complicity. Why demand only the prime minister’s head when it was common knowledge even among the Facebook intelligentsia that government decisions are recorded as Cabinet Conclusions? In any event, whatever happened to the principle of collective responsibility?

As for the battle-weary Pierre, is he hoping his “historical” motion will deliver what five years of acrimonious and vicious campaigning could not on June 6, 2016? Does Pierre actually expect sitting government ministers to turn on their leader with Brutus daggers? Is the unspoken message of Pierre’s motion a bashful acknowledgement of newly discovered confidence in the leadership qualities of “no university degrees” Stephenson King, himself a palace coup survivor? Does Pierre share his party’s assessment of

the former prime minister’s intelligence, to the extent he can actually imagine King gobbling up fulsome praise from SLP mouthpieces? Did the 2016 elections teach Pierre nothing about King’s limitless devotion to his party?

If my interpretation proves on point, it would mean Pierre’s motion ignored Section 60, aided and abetted by the House Speaker Andy Daniel.

As I understand the particular Section, and regardless of what subservient House Standing Orders might say to the contrary, the Speaker would be abusing his authority if he should entertain on Tuesday the Pierre motion as presently composed.

In an article that appeared recently in Barbados Today, the UWI political science lecturer Cynthia Barrow Giles writes, presumably with tongue buried deep in her cheek: “From time to time the no-confidence motion crops up, providing an opportunity for the parliamentary opposition to criticize governmental action without the slightest chance of success.”

Is that all no-confidence motions are about? Doesn’t every sitting of parliament provide opportunities to be less than honorable? In all events, no-confidence motions also allow the government side to strike back. Count on it, regardless of how things go down on Tuesday, there will be the predictable theatrics we’ve all come to expect whenever a particular party is in opposition. I, for one, can hardly wait for the show, if only to determine who is most deserving of my award for the best impersonation of the 1979-82 radical Brother George!

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JANUARY 26, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Remember Boo’s ‘School Bag’ Song?

his week, the Wednesday edition of Timothy Poleon’s Newsspin programme focused on the upcoming celebrations for Saint Lucia’s 40th year of Independence. Early on in the show, the official song for independence 2018—All in by Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson—was played. The song calls on all Saint Lucians from all walks of life to come together as one to “shape and share a brighter future”. At one point during the show, special guest and Independence committee member Toni Nicholas said the feedback for the song has been great and he is confident it will capture the popular imagination and inspire citizens to get on board.

One can only hope that Boo’s latest composition will have a greater impact than one he penned over twenty years ago, entitled School Bag which features these lines: “It suddenly hit me that the turn of the century is not far away/ Like most people say, it’s time to study what’s in store for me country/I done see she history and culture, what I want to

study is really she future/ I thought I should get a crystal ball, I decide I don’t need that at all, no/The school bag will tell me what’s in store at the turn of the century.”

What did the school bag tell the songwriter? The song goes on: “You finding knife and gun in the school bag/Packets of condom in the school bag/ At the turn of the century me country in jeopardy/they hiding blue movies in the school bag; stolen jewellery in the school bag/The future of this country not looking good to me, I done see the whole of the future of this country Saint Lucia/And it looking bad.”

His advice: “So when the children come and they leaving home/Go through the school bag with a fine toothcomb/Like we old-time granny used to do and save some of we.”

Hinkson says when the song was released everyone loved it but he has reason to believe its message never quite registered. “People just talked,” he said this week. “But there was total inaction. There should have been more decisive action by the decision makers. Not

just the authorities, but also parents.”

News broke this week of an alarming incident at the Corinth Secondary School, where a fifth former was allegedly handed back a gun he had earlier reported lost.

Reports are that another male student found the gun, and then the teacher was told there was a missing item. Later, the teacher was given a container but was unaware what was inside. Upon realizing what was actually in her possession, she returned the gun to the student, but only after he had threatened that if she did not, someone might be killed.

“I’m not surprised,” said Boo Hinkson, referring to the incident. “I don’t know why anybody would be surprised.

That’s exactly what I was writing about twenty years ago.

The problem in the schools is not just guns, it’s a lot of other things: drugs, all kind of things.”

He acknowledges searching students’ bags is not the only solution, but believes it is an important measure that should be taken; also that

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Police state the gun incident at the Corinth Secondary School is under investigation, like numerous other disturbing occurrences.

the society must deal with the ethos that creates the kind of individual who would go to school with a gun, and thinks it’s all right to do so.

“We cannot address the child alone,” he said. “The

problem is the environment that creates that individual. It’s not just a matter of installing metal detectors either. We have to find out what is causing our society to produce children like that, and that is what we have to

address.”

He says our schools should also be places for social reform and not only to teach students how to pass exams.

He lamented that a song written two decades ago is as relevant today as when it was first released. “Unless I can see some evidence that the authorities are deeply concerned about the plight of our youth, I will remain pessimistic.”

Meanwhile, the police say they are investigating this latest matter. Seems we’ve also heard that song before. All attempts to reach the principal for comment proved futile.

Joshua St. Aimee

Gabrielle Ryan Celebrates Life on Netflix

G

abrielle Ryan loves that her family’s roots are right here in Saint Lucia.

This fact affords her the opportunity, unlike most British students, to escape to the island’s golden sunlight every summer.

“Who doesn’t want to come to Saint Lucia?

It’s like paradise. I just love everything Saint Lucian and that’s it!” That’s what Gabrielle told the STAR on her latest visit, to see her grandmother. “She is the most sprightly person with the best spirit and you’ll always find her wanting to party and with a strong drink,” Gabrielle laughed.

There was a time when Gabrielle visited annually but she’s far too busy these days to manage that. Her latest visit was her first in two years. Since she last featured in our sister publication, SHE Caribbean, about three years ago, she’s had nothing but good luck. For one, there’s Bonding, produced by Anonymous Content, famous for such shows as 13 Reasons Why. Gabrielle is one of the main actors in Bonding, due for release on Netflix next year, and in which she plays the role of Portia.

“I actually auditioned for the lead role and when they called me back I was told, ‘I just saw you as the role of Portia.’ I guess they were happy with what they saw.”

Gabrielle could not share much about the show before its release but she said: “This show, it was so much fun, it was amazing.

As for the show advancing my career, it’s definitely been one of the funnest roles I’ve got to play so far. They’ve described it as a drama; its very clever writing.”

Bonding was selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Soon after Netflix announced plans to pick it up. “I’ve always joked that I want to be on Netflix,” said Gabrielle, “so that all my friends and family can see it. It’s the only platform where everyone can see it.”

She had more good news: “I also am joining the cast of the Tyler Perry show, The Have and Have Nots, but I’m not allowed to talk about it yet. I can say I’m going to be in the next season, which is amazing. It airs on

Life for actress Gabrielle Ryan couldn’t be better these days but there’s a price tag: not being able to visit her Saint Lucian grandmother as often as she once did, for one thing. (Photo by: Anthony Chatmon.)

the Oprah Winfrey Network. Tyler Perry directed me, which was great because he’s such a force.”

Gabrielle’s acting career is also expanding into movies. She will be appearing in an AugustSeptember movie release, Faraway Eyes, starring Christina Ricci.

Since her last visit to Saint Lucia, Gabrielle has put in hundreds of hours travelling back and forth between Europe and the United States, attending scores of auditions and rehearsing thousands of lines to advance her full-time acting career. But although she describes her passion for acting as reminiscent of an “abusive relationship”, she would not change a thing.

Obviously happy beyond words, she said: “I think that there is nothing more fun than being able to dress up and play characters and be people that maybe you wouldn’t ever have the guts to be in real life, and to do illegal things legally. To just be somebody else is amazing and fun.”

---Claudia Eleibox

THE STAR

JANUARY 26, 2019

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

15

Karen Kuo Departs These Shores

By Nahdjla Bailey

S

he’s Hui-Li Kuo or, in these parts, Karen Kuo, her western name. Better still, she’s simply Karen to all who know her. For eleven plus consecutive years, as an employee of the Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund, as well as in her capacity as project manager, she has been the living, breathing, essential embodiment of Taiwan and its government’s generous programme of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) project co-operation with the State of Saint Lucia.

Others of her compatriots came and went, but the unstoppable Karen remained, an ever-present part of the landscape of the City of Castries, housed in the ICT Centre on Bourbon Street, known and recognised by city workers, respected by the many vendors to the projects which she managed: Establishment of the National ICT Centre, Bourbon Street; Crime Management System (a collaborative project with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force); Agriculture Response System; Civil Status Registry System; Vehicle Registration System; Electronic Document Records Management System; Government Island-wide Network Project; loved and admired by local colleagues and associates.

As her tutor of English in the early years of her sojourn here, I could, if they’d asked me, have written a book about this woman and her impressive attributes, both personal and professional, but I’ve been asked instead to write an informal profile for the press and I am honoured and happy to do so through this medium.

Shortly before Christmas 2018 I met with Nadia Charlery, receptionist at the National ICT Centre; Ashkea Martial, project assistant and Kentus Eugene, project manager. Kervyn Tobias (Project Co-ordinator) popped in also to register his approval of what had been said, and Zena Sookwa (a former project assistant) contributed her thoughts as well. These professionals spoke with one voice of Karen’s noteworthy characteristic qualities: industriousness, efficiency, assiduousness, focus and dedication, all in superlative terms. And it was easy to understand just what they were talking about.

Nadia had known Karen for nine years, four of which saw Karen as her manager, and she shared with us the fact that Karen had never had a sick day or taken a day off, as well as being a stickler for punctuality (Karen was never ever late). Add to that her displays of kindness, and Nadia had a boss whom she held in the highest regard.

Ashkea chimed in: “Karen was always right on-the-spot.

Karen Kuo (pictured above with schoolchildren) has made a positive impact in Saint Lucia over the past eleven years.

GINet was Karen’s prized possession, her pièce de résistance.

For his part, Kentus, the GINet’s local project manager and Karen’s direct counterpart, expressed his admiration as follows: her work ethic— whether a Saturday, a Sunday or night-time she was there—she was driven, and essentially never gave up; then there was the level of co-operation which she exhibited, going out of her way to mend relationships with others where they had been fractured. Overall, he admired her undeniable genuineness— nothing was ever said or done insincerely. Kentus revealed, too,

Senator says Government Transactions can be Hazardous to Health

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aunched in 2016 in Trinidad & Tobago, WiPay is an online payments platform that allows persons to sell their products and services online.

Users can create a WiPay account at https://wipaytoday. com, and it allows businesses and persons to accept payments via credit cards, bank accounts, vouchers or in person.

With offices in Trinidad, Jamaica, and Guyana, the company is now expanding its footprint to Saint Lucia. On Thursday, the official launch was held at Harbor Club in Rodney Bay.

WiPay CEO Aldwyn Wayne says the company was founded out of a need for financial inclusion for everyone. “If you look at the growing trend of business and commerce,” he

said, “it’s all migrating to the online space.”

Another team member added: “We are bringing to Saint Lucia financial inclusion, the ability to allow e-commerce to explode, and we are bringing the ability for anyone to now export goods and services.”

Also present at Thursday’s launch was Senator Dr. Ubaldus Raymond, who has responsibility for the public service. He spoke on the government’s intention to work with WiPay in the near future to improve the ease of doing business. Dr. Raymond offered a short story: “A man had a sick wife. The wife had recovered, and the first thing the wife said to the man was, ‘I will go to renew my driver’s license.’ The man’s response was, ‘Do you

want to get sick again?’ The point I want to make here is that doing business in government can get you sick. If you want to get yourself stressed out, just go and try to renew your driver’s license, go ahead and try to get a birth certificate, or a passport. Just go to one of the government departments and you’ll prove me right.”

The senator said he wanted to keep citizens happy. And one way of doing this is to improve the ease of doing business at the various government departments. He looks forward to a time when people can carry out their transactions from their homes. In the meantime he wished to make it clear the government had not signed any agreements with WiPay. ---JSA

that something which surprised him about Karen was how creative, this matter-of-fact, down-to-earth colleague of his could be.

In continuing our discussion, a couple of typical “Karen Quotes” arose, such as, “When we’re friends, we’re

friends; when we’re on the job, we’re on the job,” and “Time is time.” As we rounded off our discussion, my interviewees and I decided we’d brainstorm the name Karen with appropriate descriptors. Lots came up, and the obvious (kind, keen, key; adept, alert, aware; reliable responsible, resourceful; efficient, ethical, exceptional; nice) aside, the group finally settled on the following which surely epitomised Karen Kuo as she navigated her professional life in this Helen of the West, and whereby hangs a tale, or two, or many: knowledgeable, astute, resilient (Zena insisted on that one), energetic, nononsense!

In the end, it was Kentus who spoke for all and said it best when he remarked that it would be difficult to fill the shoes of one Ms Karen Kuo. Some days later, I met with the lady herself and asked if there was anything she wished to say before bowing out. And here is what she left us with: “I have been living in Saint Lucia for over 11 years. Saint Lucia is like my second home.

My wish is that this beautiful island progresses in all areas, especially in and through the efficient use of ICT. I thank the GINet team members for giving me so big and wonderful a gift before I leave the country: the GINet project was the most successful ICT co-operative project since 2007. I wish Saint Lucia would duplicate that successful experience in respect of the new ICT project as well as all future ones. There’s no doubt in my mind that it can be done if the right people are appointed to do the right things and do them right. This is very important and is, in fact, the key factor in the success of any project.” Well said, Karen!

Recently, at the official Castries launch of the GINet, Karen was presented with a beautiful trophy by Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, an award of appreciation which read: ‘Ms Karen Kuo . . . In acknowledgement of your Long Service to the Government and People of Saint Lucia. December 2018.’ To that we say, “Amen.

Thank you, Karen!” And, of course, “Thank you, Taiwan!”

INVITATION FOR TENDERS To supply and install broadband equipment for improved internet access at the Boys Training Centre – Gros Islet, St. Lucia The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission invites tenders from eligible telecommunications providers to supply broadband and related services for the establishment of Internet access at the Boys Training Centre – Gros Islet, St. Lucia. funding for this project is provided from the Universal Service Fund.

Further information and tender documents may be obtained from: The Universal Service Fund Administrator National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission 1st and 2nd Floor Rajana Group of Companies Building Bois D’Orange, Gros – Islet P.O. Box GM 690 Castries Saint Lucia, West Indies Tel: (758) 458-2035 E-mail: ntrc_slu@candw.lc and ntrcsaintlucia@ntrcslu.lc cc. sjones@ectel.int The deadline for the submission of sealed tenders is 12:00p.m, March 05th 2019 at the office of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. Late bids will be rejected.

A nominal fee of $ 50.00 will be charged for copies of documents.

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JANUARY 26, 2019 THE STAR

THE STAR

JANUARY 26, 2019

local

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Star Power for PM’s Independence Ball 2019!

T he Celebration of Saint Lucia’s 40th Independence Anniversary is underway, after an exciting calendar of activities for the year-long observance was launched here in December. One of these activities is the annual Prime Minister’s Independence Ball, to be held on Saturday February 23, at the Sandals Grande Resort.

Over the past two years, the event has raised over EC$150,000 for several charities and other causes on-island.

The ball is usually heavily patronized by the business sector as well as the diplomatic corps and heads of state.

Renowned Saint Lucian actor Joseph Marcell will host this year’s ball, which will also feature, as keynote speaker, famed music executive and entrepreneur Steve Stoute.

Joseph Marcell, an actor of stage and film, is best known for his role as Geoffrey on long-running TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which starred Will Smith. Marcell currently serves on the board of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. He has starred as Leonato in a production of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare’s Globe, as well as in the lead role of King Lear.

Says a spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Independence Ball: “Mr. Stoute is one of the defining talents in Hip-Hop and R&B, as well as advertising and marketing. He is also a bestselling author and famed entrepreneur.”

Stoute first made his name in the late 90s, shaping an urban and Hip Hop sound with artists such as Mary J

include State Farm, Apple Music and McDonalds.

Stoute also went on to launch UnitedMasters, an “artist services company” with $70 million in funding from Google parent Alphabet as well as 20th Century Fox and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. He positioned the company as an “alternative to the major-label system” for up-and-coming artists seeking to distribute and monetize their music. In 2009 the American Advertising Federation inducted Stoute into their Advertising Hall of Achievement, the industry’s premier award for outstanding advertising professionals age 40 and under.

In 2010, Stoute was recognized as “Innovator of the Joseph Marcell visits Saint Lucia once again, this Year” at the ADCOLOR awards time to host the Prime Minister’s Independence Ball. ceremony, an initiative launched by the ADCOLOR Industry Coalition, to promote increased Blige, Nas, Foxy Brown and LL diversity in the advertising, Cool. He served as President marketing and media industries. of Urban Music at Sony, before In 2013, he was named launching Translation in 2004. In 2012 Translation made waves by “Executive of the Year” by Ad Age, the leading publication for winning the Bud Light account the advertising and marketing and later became the agency industries. Most recently, Fast on record for the NBA. Other Company magazine named high profile Translation clients

Financial Action Task Force:

Terrorist Financing Offence

“Any person who, directly or indirectly, provides or makes Chambers and available, financial or other the National Anti-Money related services intending Laundering Oversight that they be used, in whole Committee (NAMLOC) or in part, for the purpose of committing or facilitating the commission of a terrorist act errorism has been or for the purpose of benefiting problematic for many any person who is committing countries across the or facilitating the commission globe. However, the events of a terrorist act; or knowing of September 11, 2001 that in whole or part, they will changed the landscape of how be used by, or will benefit, a countries deal with terrorism. terrorist group, commits an Recommendation 5 of the offence and is on conviction Financial Action Task Force’s on indictment, liable to Forty Recommendations deals imprisonment for a term of 25 with “Terrorist Financing years.”

Offence”.

Also of note is the fact

Under this recommendation that terrorist funds may come it is incumbent upon countries to criminalize terrorist financing from legitimate or illegitimate on the basis of the International means. Recommendation 5 Convention for the Suppression identifies this and states that terrorist financing offences of the Financing of Terrorism (Terrorist Financing Convention). should extend to funds irrespective of the source.

The Recommendation further The Anti-Terrorism Financing calls for the criminalization of Guidance Notes Regulations any financing to terrorists and explain that “Financing of terrorist organisations, even if there is no direct connection to terrorism may involve funds raised from criminal activity a terrorist act. e.g. fraud (credit cards

The Anti-Terrorism Act and cheques), prostitution, (ATA) of Saint Lucia, Chapter 3.16 of the revised laws of Saint smuggling, intellectual Luica criminalizes the financing property theft (e.g. CD piracy), of terrorist acts and financing of kidnapping and extortion.

Some terrorists’ operations, terrorist groups or individuals. however, do not depend on Section 6 of the Act states,

By The Attorney General’s

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outside sources of money and may be self-funded either through legitimate sources such as employment, personal donations and profits from charitable organizations”.

Saint Lucian legislation gives the Commissioner of Police powers to seize assets, which are used in the commission of terrorist acts and a Judge of the High Court may restrain and forfeit such property to the State.

Recognizing the close connection between international terrorism and money laundering, and consistent with Recommendation 5, Saint Lucia has enacted legislation ensuring that the financing of terrorism is a predicate offence for money laundering. Our legislation therefore covers a wide spectrum.

During the 4th Round Mutual Evaluation Process in September 2019, the assessors will seek to determine how effectively Saint Lucia has criminalized terrorism financing to the extent that persons, whether natural and legal who finance terrorist acts and terrorist organisations may be prosecuted, and criminal and other sanctions may be applied to them.

Stoute one of the “Most Creative People in Business”.

As an entrepreneur in 2005, Stoute also founded Carol’s Daughter, a line of natural hair and body care products created by Lisa Price in Brooklyn, NY. A bevy of spokeswomen for the line includes Mary J. Blige, Solange Knowles, Selita Ebanks and Jada Pinkett Smith.

In 2011 the business mogul published his best seller, The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy.

The Prime Minister’s Independence Ball will feature performances from a number of talented Saint Lucians including the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band, Barbara Cadet, Shannon Pinel and Ronald “Boo” Hinkson. In the past the ball, through its auctions of luxury items, has benefitted the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association, Cornerstone House, The Children’s Home at Ciceron, The Saint Lucia School of Ballet and Modern Dance and the Upton Gardens Girls’ Centre.

Properties For Sale The following properties located in Vieux-Fort are available for sale.

Property # 1: A 2-storey commercial bldg. located at Beane Field Vieux-Fort Land size: approximately 11,130 sq. ft.

Gross area of bldg.: approximately 7,800 sq. ft.

Property #2: Consisting of two separate 2 storey structures located on New Dock Road Vieux-Fort Land size: approximately 3,285.54 sq. ft.

Building #1: approximately 3,300 sq. ft.

Building #2: approximately 2,216.54 sq. ft.

For further information, please contact the following: Richard Surage Liquidator Castries, St. Lucia Tel: 758-450-7777 email: admin@pkf.lc

Accountants & business advisers

18 LOCAL

JANUARY 26, 2019 THE STAR

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SUNBILT NEW STORE AT BEXON IS NOW OPEN

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unbilt Ltd. opened its new store in Bexon on January 19, 2019 to an impressive turnout from customers in and around the neighbouring communities.

Customers expressed delight at the convenience of the new location. One Facebook follower commented, “I was there yesterday, spent a lot of money and will surely be back even when I’m done building.

Everything I need is right there

and it’s easy to get through the aisles.”

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, the

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 better shopping experience with an expanded range of products at affordable prices.”

Vernessa Chance, Marketing Manager of M&C Group of Companies, said, “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.”

Sunbilt’s customers enjoy its newest, more versatile location.

we're hiring

Digicel is looking for a top candidate to fill the role of Sales Manager. job overview You will report to the Head of Business Solutions. This role requires a talented individual to effectively and professionally manage the Sales Team and the distribution channel, to attain revenue targets. main duties and responsibilities: • • • • • • • • • • •

Management of the Sales Channel to ensure that the revenue targets set are achieved.

Monitoring the achievement of Sales targets and initiating corrective action where necessary.

Maximizing and maintaining the number of Corporate/Business subscribers on our Network.

Efficient and professional management and development of sales staff to meet customer requirements, thereby retaining customer business and growing the existing base of customers and revenue.

Manage the Dealer Network and Repair Centre and build effective business relationships with them to drive Business partnerships.

Produce Sales Reports and Analysis of sales activity in Sales Force.

Liaise with Marketing to initiate promotions etc. for increasing Direct and Indirect sales.

Manage implementation of projects in a timely manner to recognize business revenue.

Manage costs, SAC and internally to improve or increase profit margins.

Accurate and timely reporting of sales Channel Any other duties assigned from time to time.

qualifications and experience: • • •

First Degree, preferably in Business or related field Minimum of five years experience in sales management Must be based in St. Lucia

functional skills: • • • • • • • • •

Persuasive communications skills is essential People Management skills Can do and upbeat, positive and dynamic personality Strong organizational skills and keen attention to details Ability to work under pressure Excellent written and verbal communications skills Solid computer literacy and the ability to collect, update and use data would be critical to sales efficiency.

Ability to prepare effective presentations that respond to the needs of customers.

Excellent problem solving skills To apply for this position, you should forward your resume to: Digicel St. Lucia Ltd., Massade, Gros Islet, P.O. GM791, or email to SLU_HR@digicelgroup.com Deadline for submission: Friday, February 1st, 2019 PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY SHORT LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.

© 2019 Digicelgroup.com All Rights Reserved.

More information about the new Sunbilt Bexon location and opening details can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sunbiltdoitbest or call 458-8170. Come visit the store today and enjoy amazing deals. Sunbilt—Do It Yourself and Save!

STATEMENT BY CARICOM ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN VENEZUELA

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he following Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM): Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago; Foreign Ministers of Grenada and Suriname; meeting by videoconference on 24 January 2019, issued the following statement.

“Heads of Government are following closely the current unsatisfactory situation in Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a neighbouring Caribbean country.

They expressed grave concern about the plight of the people of Venezuela and the increasing volatility of the situation brought about by recent developments which could lead to further violence, confrontation, breakdown of law and order and greater suffering for the people of the country.

Heads of Government reaffirmed their guiding principles of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of states, respect for sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights and democracy.

Heads of Government reiterated that the longstanding political crisis, which has been exacerbated by recent events, can only be resolved peacefully through meaningful dialogue and diplomacy.

In this regard, Heads of Government offered their good offices to facilitate dialogue among all parties to resolve the deepening crisis.

Reaffirming their commitment to the tenets of Article 2 (4) of the United Nations Charter which calls for Members States to refrain from the threat or the use of force and Article 21 of the Charter of the Organization of American States which refers to territorial inviolability, the Heads of Government emphasized the importance of the Caribbean remaining a Zone of Peace.

Heads of Government called on external forces to refrain from doing anything to destabilize the situation and underscored the need to step back from the brink and called on all actors, internal and external, to avoid actions which would escalate an already explosive situation to the detriment of the people of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and which could have farreaching negative consequences for the wider region.

Heads of Government agreed that the Chairman of Conference, Dr the Honourable Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis would seek an urgent meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General to request the U.N’s assistance in resolving the issue.”

THE STAR

JANUARY 26, 2019

HEALTH

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KIM’S KORNER

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The Young and the Restless

ain is not just something experienced only by adults. Young children and adolescents often complain of pain, which initially can be dismissed as growing pains.

But children can also suffer from many of the conditions that affect adults. Although they may have slightly different names the symptoms are often the same: juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndromes and overuse injuries. So how do you know if it is just typical growing pains or something else?

Growing pains, aches in the thighs or calves, tend to occur after a very active day or during a growth spurt whereas other, more serious conditions may last more than a few days and be accompanied by swelling, pain in the joints and/or fever.

Once you have determined it is not growing pains and have ruled out serious pathology, arthritis or fibromyalgia, what else could it be? The following are common problems, rather than chronic conditions, that afflict adolescents and can affect everyday activities and limit participation in sports.

Hypermobility—Sometimes

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referred to as being doublejointed, this is increased range and flexibility at the joints, usually as a result of slack ligaments. When you’re young, being hypermobile can be something of a blessing and sometimes even a party trick (for adults too). Hypermobility can make things like doing the splits easy—making you the envy of your friends; or enable you to pull your fingers back almost to the knuckles— making them squirm. It is said that Houdini was hypermobile, making it possible for him to get into small spaces and even escape from a tank full of water while confined in a straitjacket.

But hypermobility has its downside, especially when taking part in sports. Being so flexible can also mean less stability; and less stability can lead to injury. At the first sign of hypermobility, seek advice on how to protect your joints and minimise the risk of injury.

Slipped capital Femoral epiphysis—A condition that affects the hip of adolescents and is more common in boys than girls. The head of the femur slips backwards causing pain, stiffness and instability. It can occur during episodes of

heel. It is normally seen in children who perform repetitive movements or who are very active, but it is not uncommon Chondromalacia patellae for it to appear during a growth (runner’s knee) This also spurt. The key to recovery is affects the front of the knee rest and ice to reduce irritation but is caused by damage to the cartilage on the underside and inflammation. To prevent recurrence it is important to of the knee cap. The damage decrease the stress on the may be a result of excessive running and jumping, hence the tendon when walking and running, by strengthening the name. Sometimes a few days’ muscles around the ankle, and rest can resolve the pain but to improve ankle flexibility. if the problem is due to poor alignment of the patella, special So next time your child complains of pain, stop and exercises may be required to think what’s causing it. It may address muscle imbalances. be more than just growing

pains. If in doubt, contact Sever’s Disease—This is pain at the back of the heel, at the your healthcare provider insertion of the Achilles tendon. or physiotherapist who can It differs from achilles tendonitis perform a full assessment and in that it describes inflammation suggest what steps are needed for a pain-free and active child. at the growth plate of the in sports but also when performing everyday tasks.

Children can feel common bodily discomforts, just like adults, but aside from growing pains there are several conditions that can cause this.

rapid growth or after a fall but it can happen for no apparent reason. The aim of treatment is to correct the deformity and this is done by surgery, after which physiotherapy can help to increase the range of movement at the hip and strength of the muscles.

Osgood-Schlatter (patella tendinopathy) disease—This is inflammation of the patella tendon. It is common during growth spurts and among youngsters who participate in sports that involve running and jumping. In most cases, rest and exercises that include stretching and strengthening are all that’s needed to resolve

the problem. Surgery is very rarely recommended.

Patellafemoral Stress Syndrome—This describes pain in and around the kneecap.

It tends to affect females more than males, possibly because females have wider hips, resulting in a greater angle where the bones meet at the knee joint. It can be caused by overuse—excessive running and jumping can put strain on the joint; falling directly onto the kneecap or muscle imbalances. The key to recovery is to ensure that the muscles of the lower legs are strong, and biomechanics are good, not only when participating

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

Taiwan Technical Mission Supports Global Gap Certification

he Ministry of Agriculture, with technical support from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), through the Taiwan Technical Mission, has implemented a record-keeping book workshop. The exercise, which included a donation of 600 farm management record books to farmers, will help banana farmers achieve Global GAP certification.

All farmers wishing to access the international market are required to obtain Global Gap certification.

The programme was launched with five brief

ceremonies in Roseau, Mabouya Valley, Deglos, Micoud North and La Retraite in the south of the island on January 15, 2019.

Addressing the farmers was Mr. Mario Cheng, head of Taiwan Technical Mission. Mr. Cheng pointed to the advantages associated with the recordkeeping and traceability. He said that traceability gives the consumer confidence in the product; it assures the consumer of the safety of the product. He urged the farmers to be diligent in their recordkeeping and ensure that all production and field practices of significance are accurately recorded.

“We expect banana quality to improve as you obtain Global GAP certification standard.

Through certification, you can now access the international market and broaden your marketing options . At the same time, creating rich profits makes the banana industry proud of us,” Cheng said.

Attending the ceremony was Mr. Kerde Severin, Project Manager of the Banana Productivity Improvement Project (BPIP). He thanked the Taiwanese Technical Mission for their generosity and said that the farm management books will enable more farmers to access the international banana market.

Some banana farmers are currently benefitting from a record-keeping workshop in an effort to promote better farming practices.

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JANUARY 26, 2019 THE STAR

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The Rural Unknown

Fyre Island was promoted as an exclusive, luxury party but what did it cost a small Caribbean island?

Fyre Island: A Cautionary Tale

By Keithlin Caroo

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ust a week ago, streaming services Netflix and Hulu, released two documentaries about the Fyre Island scandal. Fyre Island was intended to be an ultra-exclusive music festival held in the Bahamian island of Great Exuma. It was supposed to feature groups like Major Lazer, and celebrities including Kendall Jenner and Chanel Iman promoted it. What was supposed to be the experience of a lifetime with rented yachts and mansions saw people resorting to sleeping in FEMA tents on soggy mattresses. Some concert-goers paid as much as $20,000 for all-inclusive festival packages.

While the documentary mostly highlighted the con-artistry of festival creator Billy McFarland and the amount of loss experienced by mostly rich millennial concert-goers, the conversation online post-documentary circled around the impact the festival had on Bahamians themselves. One restaurant caterer had spent up to $100,000 of her own personal savings to cover the cost of workers who were supposed to be paid for by the festival, not to mention the thousands of Bahamian labourers who remain uncompensated for the work they did in the months leading up to the festival.

Many may say that Bahamian local authorities should be blamed for not having the foresight to look into the background of the festival organisers.

But like many islands where unemployment is extremely high and the economy is mostly based on tourism, the idea of hosting what seemed to be a tropical music festival that could rival the likes of Coachella, Lollapalooza or the Burning Man Festival, every year for the next five years, with major celebrity endorsements including by co-organiser Ja Rule, seemed to be exactly what Great Exuma needed to push its tourism portfolio.

Fyre Island should be a cautionary tale to all in the Caribbean. In the words of Shakespeare, “All that glitters, is not gold.” How many investors have come to our shores promising palatial resorts or exclusive experiences and great returns to our citizens to only flee in the end leaving hundreds of workers unpaid? If Fyre Island doesn’t leave Caribbean tourism officials hypervigilant for the next scheme, I don’t know what will.

Keithlin Caroo 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

THE STAR

JANUARY 26, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

COCO PALM LAUNCHES NEWLY UPGRADED ROOMS

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aint Lucia’s Coco Palm has undergone a soft refurbishment plan with all 83 Palm rooms to be completed in 2019, offering guests a more contemporary look to the award-winning boutique hotel.

The room refurbishment is a continuation of the revamped Plantation Lobby launched in December 2017 and the addition of an executive lounge revealed in October 2018 as the needs of both the corporate and leisure guests are better served.

Coco Palm’s Managing Director, Mark Ferguson, has overseen the new look at Coco Resorts with the expertise of local interior designer Loraine Moffatt from the company Inside Out. Mark noted, “In keeping with the demands of today’s travellers, regardless of budget, guests are seeking a minimalistic yet fresh ambiance with attention to detail, whether on business or pleasure. Given the strong repeat guests from both regional and international markets, we have incorporated a more contemporary look with a dedicated space to work in the executive lounge while enhancing our rooms and bathrooms.”

Ferguson has been encouraged by the feedback from a few of Coco Palm’s biggest tour operators who have seen the renovated rooms, lounge and lobby, and welcome the new look which is clean and fresh with enhanced features.

The new rooms at Coco

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INVITATION TO TENDER ATTENTION ELKS CITY OF CASTRIES COOPERATIVE CREDIT UNION MEMBERS

Coco Palm’s room renovations are part of a revamping process in the hotel that began in 2017.

Palm feature a vivid tropical green and white wallpapered backdrop, which ties in with the original hand-painted mural at Front Desk. The lighting in the rooms has been updated to accommodate those choosing to work or read, with spotlights over the desk and reading lamps over the bed. Given the number of electrical gadgets one has, USB ports have been included in the outlets and are easily accessible from both the desk and bedside. The LCD TVs have now been mounted on to the walls to offer guests enhanced desktop and dressing table space. The soft furnishings have also been upgraded with blackout curtains in a pale silver with a sheer drape which reduces the glare.

Bathrooms have been fully upgraded with a lighter coat of creamy white paintwork,

and enhanced spotlights with illuminated mirrors while the shower seating in the rainfall showers is now painted with a cream palate. The Luxe SwimUp rooms and suites will have further enhanced bathroom finishings.

This refurbishment will continue to the F&B department with the patio furniture at Ti Bananne Caribbean Bistro updated to cater to those dining or relaxing al fresco on the open deck. The conference rooms will also be on the agenda for 2019 as events and meeting space continues to be a core market for Coco Palm. As the biggest renovation undertaken at the fifteen-yearold award-winning boutique hotel, Coco Palm is confident its product will continue to offer exceptional value without compromise.

Saint Lucian Returns Home from Successful Training in Japan

he Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Saint Lucia Office is pleased to announce the recent return of Saint Lucian Forestry Officer Virginie Sealys, having completed an intense training in “Urban Environmental Management” in Japan.

In the course, participants from various CARICOM countries were trained to understand the importance of participation and collaboration among all levels such as national and local governments, regions, research institutes, educational institutes and private sectors in urban environmental management.

Trainees also considered effective means of urban environmental management and

local

The Board of Directors of the Elks City of Castries Cooperative Credit Union is calling on contractors from among its membership for the retrofitting and electrical installation at its new location on Chisel Street, Castries Members are asked to visit the General Manager for details of the floor plan and design All tenders should be placed in a sealed envelope addressed to:

The Secretary Board of Directors Elks City of Castries Cooperative Credit Union Limited Cnr. Brazil & Coral Street Castries Tenders should reach the Secretary of the Board of Directors no later than February 15, 2019

Participants of the Urban Environmental Management Training Course with facilitators outside Nature Tech in Japan.

sustainable use of resources, and citizen participation in activities which are applicable to their own country.

The JICA Saint Lucia Office welcomes home Mr. Sealys and

encourages him to share with his peers the knowledge which was imparted to him in Japan, as we all collectively work towards the development and sustainability of our fair Helen.

By order- Board of Directors Elks City of Castries Cooperative Credit Union Limited

22 international

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NOTICE F Representatives from the following entities and persons listed below are asked to contact the CLICO’s office located on Brazil Street, Castries St. Lucia Companies: 1.

2.

3.

Castries SDA Church Pensioners Association of St. Lucia Castries East Human Resource Development Committee Individuals

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Raymond H Moses Jr. Renee Carl Moses Sr. Christina Prosper Laurie St. Ange Leia Swee Licorish Augustina Jospeh Norbert Bataillard George Vital James George Williams Sir Fitzroy Augier &/or Leila Augier Peter Clarke Angelina Dantzie-Brown Beverly George Rigmor Alice Karlson Francis Girad Joseph Sandiford Carlyle J. Whitfield Robert Augustin Judith Nurse Frances Girard

Signed: Richard Surage - Judicial Manager

CLICO International Life Insurance Company

Limited (Under Judicial Management)

Castries, St. Lucia Tel: 758-457-7630

JANUARY 26, 2019 THE STAR

CEOs SOUR ON TRUMP POLICIES, WARN THEY HURT BUSINESS, INVESTMENT

rom centre-stage in Davos last year, President Donald Trump told the world’s corporate bosses that America is a great place to invest. It hasn’t quite turned out that way.

Foreign direct investment to the United States fell in 2018, and companies gathered at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss Alps this year say they are worried Trump’s trade war with China will dampen the global economy and business investments even further.

One key complaint is that companies increasingly reliant on consumers in China have had to lower their earnings outlooks as the world’s secondlargest economy cools. And while the US administration has cut taxes and regulations to attract new investment, a wave of caution is rippling through many industries in the United States. Foreign investment in the US, which includes crossborder mergers and acquisitions and intra-company loans, fell about 18 per cent in 2018 from the prior year, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

That is close to the 19 per cent year-on-year drop in foreign investment globally.

But it is notable given the deregulation and tax cuts that might have otherwise fed into inward investment. In January of last year, at Davos, many executives said they planned to spend money in the US in 2018. While the UN trade agency attributed the global and US declines to the tariffs that the United States and China have imposed on each other’s imports since mid-2018, foreign investment in China actually rose 3 per cent last year over the previous year. Foreign investment in India rose 7 per cent.

Alan Jope, chief executive of consumer goods company Unilever, said the United States remains a good market for its products, which include Dove deodorant, Magnum ice cream and Lipton tea. But it is China, where Unilever last year joined forces with ecommerce giant JD.com to move its products around the country, that has become the more resilient market. Jope said China was “one of our most reliable sources of growth. China provides the new stability in

Ken Hu, Deputy Chairman of Huawai attends the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, January 22, 2019.

REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann

consumer consumption.”

The US-China trade war has hit industries around the world over the past few months.

Big Chinese companies such as Alibaba have shrunk their plans to invest in the United States. Taiwan-based Foxconn has scaled back its plans for a Wisconsin factory, and Chinese automaker GAC Motor has also delayed a move into the US market.

In September, Austria’s fibre producer Lenzing halted a planned US expansion, blaming rising tariffs between the United States and China.

Chinese textile exports to the US are among the goods facing tariffs. Lenzing mothballed a $322 million project in Alabama to focus on setting up a new production facility in Thailand.

Foreign companies are still investing, particularly in the auto industry. Volkswagen said earlier this month that it would invest $800 million to build a new electric car at its plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Toyota and Mazda are working on a new assembly plant, and Daimler and BMW are investing in existing operations. But the economic malaise driven by the upending of trade flows is hitting tech companies hard due to both supply chain disruption and the economic slowdown in China.

Apple this month warned of disappointing quarterly revenues, citing slowing iPhone demand in China. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd , the world’s biggest maker of smartphones and the manufacturer of chips for other smartphone makers including Apple and Huawei, said its fourth-quarter profit likely dropped 29 per cent.

“For the long run . . . I

worry that the trend will expand to many other countries and industries, and at that time . . . we all will be negatively affected,” Ken Hu, deputy chairman of China’s Huawei Technologies said in Davos. Huawei, the world’s biggest producer of telecommunications equipment, is “probably suffering the most right now” because it relies on heavily integrated and globalised supply chains, Hu said. As a result of the disruption, Trump’s trade war with Chinese President Xi Jinping is looming large over Davos this year, even if neither man is there.

The International Monetary Fund trimmed its global growth forecasts on Monday and a survey by auditing and accounting giant PwC of nearly 1,400 chief executives showed increasing pessimism among business chiefs. It’s not only economics that is clouding the skies. Foreign companies, mainly Chinese, also face tighter scrutiny when they bring deals to the United States, after the Trump administration last year strengthened the powers of the Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS), an intra-agency panel that reviews acquisitions on national security grounds.

Chinese state-owned Sinochem Group, which has been in merger talks with ChemChina to create the world’s biggest industrial chemicals firm, said that it did not think it could clinch a US acquisition in the current environment. “The Chinese are getting quite confused. They thought they were welcome to invest in other countries.

Now they realize they are not being welcomed all the time,” said Sinochem Chairman Ning Gaoning.

---Reuters

THE STAR

classified 23

www.stluciastar.com

JANUARY 26, 2019

FOR SALE

BY LIQUIDATOR A property consisting of two adjoining lots totaling 15,393 square feet of land overlooking the La Toc Bay is available for immediate sale.

The property has a 1 1/2 story concrete building with a combined floor area of 4,500 square feet with all modern amenities.

For further information, please contact the following:

Richard Surage Liquidator Castries, St. Lucia Tel: 758-450-7777 email: admin@pkf.lc

Accountants & business advisers

BOAT FOR SALE 1999 Carver Motor Yacht 45.6 ft twin cabins Cummings 450 hp 6BTA Live aboard or charter business

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: 1 758 461 6216

Call:758 285 4391

VEHICLE FOR SALE

vacancy

Silver Honda CRV, 1996 model good condition.

Best price! Best offer!

Please call Mobile: 730 1844 or 720 5046 For viewing

Kitchen Assistant, cook and customer service personnel needed.

All interested applicants please submit resumè at Livity Restaurant on Jeremie Street Castries or via email: livityinc@gmail.com.

Call: 4518813 or 2855195 for further information

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