Is This Pierre's Weapon for Guy Destruction?

SATURDAY, JUNE 08, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

Is this Pierre’s Weapon for Guy Destruction?

$2.00

Lisa Jawahir Joahill says she has what it’ll take to bring change to Southeast Castries!

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

info@stluciastar.com

02 LOCAL

REFLECTIONS

(An over-my-shoulder look at life)

A moving experience

By Michael Walker

D

ear reader, this piece is unique in that it is written with one reader in mind. I feel moved—nice choice of words—to tell you all about my recent colonoscopy, which I admit is not the sort of thing about which a gentleman speaks to a lady under normal circumstances, but given your reluctance to fully appreciate the above-mentioned procedure on your own body part, I feel that a little encouragement would not be out of place. Additionally, there must have been a reason for the thought of such a procedure to filter through your mind and I would hate you to miss out on something that might be important simply because you did not fancy undergoing the experience.

Almost two days of fasting before the event might have been difficult for some but, as I am not a great eater, it was no problem for me. What was problematic was the obligatory mixing of two different powders in one litre of water that had to be drunk between the hours of 5 and 6 the evening before, which was followed by yet another litre of water containing two similar packets of powder that had to be drunk an hour later. Thereafter one glass of water had to be imbibed each hour for the next several hours. The cocktail tasted foul, well not at first, but after a few mouthfuls I knew it was time to stop although I was not allowed to.

Rest assured, the person who composed these instructions was a happy soul with a generous sense of humour.

My appointment was for 8.40 the next morning, before which I was required to present myself at the hospital laboratory to test my blood as I am on 'blood thinning' medication and, as they so nicely pointed out, they would be taking samples from my innards if they found anything suspicious while they were 'in there anyway’. I was advised to have a good night's sleep (by the twisted, demented pervert who wrote the instructions) but between the hours of 11 and 5 throughout the night I spent most of my time glued to the toilet religiously drinking glass after glass of water. The Germans have a word, Durchfall, which means 'fall through', for a particularly severe form of diarrhoea.

I really felt my insides were falling out, or rather shooting out, of my soon to be abused little anus.

6 o'clock finally came around and I got up and showered, dutifully avoiding the intake of any food or drink, as instructed, and leaped

june 08, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

into the car in which my son was to drive me to the hospital for the procedure. On the way, we stopped at the local clinic that opened at 7 to have my blood tested. Because everything is computerized over here the results were waiting at the hospital long before I arrived.

Once I had paid my fee of approximately EC$30, I was directed to the operation area waiting room that was ominously labeled Pain Management Department. Not a good sign, but at least they were up front about it. Within five minutes I was whisked away by a charming nurse to the changing room where I had to strip naked, put on a gown and lie on a stretcher to await my turn while the nurse examined me and did the usual testing of blood pressure, etc. A glance at the clock revealed that I was running one minute behind schedule, a delay that was quickly rectified.

Once in the operating theatre I was instructed to lie on my side and relax. The nurse injected something into my arm. The main surgeon and his assisting doctor both shook hands with me and asked whether I wanted to watch the procedure. When I answered in the affirmative they lowered a giant TV monitor to my eye level so that I could see everything they could see as the probed away at my insides. It was quite fascinating. I had expected to see clumps of unmentionable stuff in there but actually the intestine was quite clean and empty. Now and then, there was a stream of liquid that dribbled down. I asked what it was and the doctor explained it was the remnants of my medication the evening before that were still having an effect. My intestine, which in reality is quite small, was enlarged on the screen. Every so often they blew air into me to expand it even further so they could get a better look at areas of interest, which caused me a little discomfort, nothing more. The whole procedure took about 45 minutes.

The surgeon proclaimed himself to be satisfied with my innards. Even in places where you could expect some deterioration due to my age there were no signs of excessive wear and tear. I was given a clean bill of health before I was wheeled into the recovery room where the original nurse served me coffee and a cheese sandwich.

Less than half an hour later I was dressed and raring to go with one less concern to worry about. Maybe I was lucky, but my advice to anyone faced with the challenge of a colonoscopy is this: Go for it! It’s not as bad as they say, and it might just save your life!

Financial Action Task Force Recommendation 20: Reporting of Suspicious Transactions By the Attorney General’s Chambers and the National Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee (NAMLOC)

T

he Financial Action Task Force (FATF), through Recommendation 20, mandates financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions (DNFBPs), classified as other business activities in Saint Lucia, to report suspicious transactions.

Transactions which financial institutions or DNFBPs view as being unusual in nature or circumstance and have reasonable grounds to believe are proceeds of criminal activity or related to terrorist financing are classified as suspicious transactions. There can also be a concern about the person conducting the transaction and this can also result in a suspicious transaction.

Criminal activity, as referred to in Recommendation 20, means any criminal act

which is considered a predicate offence to money laundering. In Saint Lucia, these include drug trafficking, burglary, prostitution etc. All these activities bring illicit gains which the perpetrators will seek to launder to give the appearance of clean funds.

The reference to terrorist financing speaks to providing financial support to terrorist organisations or terrorist acts.

Any amount which is donated is classified as terrorist financing.

These transactions, if suspected, and regardless of the amount, should be reported to the Financial Intelligence Authority. Section 16(1)(k) of the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act states that financial institutions and DNFBPs should ‘report to the Authority any suspicious transaction relating to money laundering as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event, within 7 days of the date the transaction was deemed to be suspicious’.

Additionally, the AntiTerrorism Act in section 32(3)

mandates financial institutions to report to the Financial Intelligence Authority whether they are in possession of property owned or controlled by or on behalf of a terrorist group.

Failure to report a suspicious transaction is an offence, and any financial institution or DNFBP which fails to comply, as indicated in section 33(7) of the Money Laundering (Prevention) Act, is liable on indictment to a fine of $500,000.

Assessors from the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) will seek to ascertain whether suspicious transactions are being filed by financial intuitions and DNFBPs when they arrive in Saint Lucia for the on-site visit September 16-27, 2019. It should be noted that they will not seek details about the transactions reported.

More detailed information on Recommendation 20 can be sourced from the CFATF website at www.cfatf-gafic.org.

The Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. is seeking to fill the following positions:

• Chief Executive Officer • Production Manager • Public Relations Officer Details of the job, duties and responsibilities are available on the company website

www.eventssaintlucia.com Interested applicants should address and email their applications to: The Administrative Manager Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. 1st Floor, Sureline Building Vide Bouteille, Castries Saint Lucia Email: admin@eventssaintlucia.com Deadline for receipt of applications is 4pm, local time, June 21st , 2019.

Only suitable applications will be acknowledged.

THE STAR

T

JUNE 08, 2019

03

US$42 million Road Improvement and Maintenance contract signed

he permanent secretary in the Department of Infrastructure, Mr. Ivor Daniel, made no bones about it. Roads throughout the island have been poorly maintained for years, largely as a result of dwindling budgetary allocations. Weather conditions such as hurricane Thomas and the Christmas Eve trough, Daniel says, placed tremendous pressure on infrastructure. “It’s like we’ve won the lottery,” he said, referencing the $14 million budgetary allocation for road maintenance. The department requires approximately $26 million annually for routine maintenance.

"The minister for finance did not stop at $14 million," Daniel went on. "He thought it necessary to give us a very substantial allocation. And I speak to US$42 million. We have termed this capital maintenance programme, the Road Improvement and Maintenance Programme Phase 4."

Daniel says the programme is expected to improve roads from Gros Islet all the way to Saltibus, some 101.32 km of roads islandwide. His comments came during the official launch of the programme on the Saltibus playing field last Friday. In attendance were government ministers, the Taiwanese Foreign Minister Dr. Jaushieh Joseph Wu, and Ambassador Douglas Shen, as well as representatives from the Overseas Engineering & Construction Cooperation (OECC).

The project is financed by a loan from the Export–Import Bank of Taiwan and will be undertaken

by OECC. Infrastructure Minister Stephenson King said the project will get underway "in the coming weeks" and will put an end to three decades of "requests, suffering, anticipation and hope".

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet asked Saltibus residents not to think of the project as a road of comfort "but as a road of opportunity" that will change their lives forever. Highlighting other planned projects—the airport redevelopment, the Sab Wisha hotel, DSH, and the cruise port in Vieux Fort— Chastanet said: “You're going to have cruise ship passengers now based in Vieux Fort who are going to want to go to Soufriere, and your job is to make sure you distract them from going to Soufriere as much as possible. So because of all of the attractions that are here in this constituency, we need to fix up the entire road network to make sure the taxi drivers can bring

MAYOR REITERATES CONCERN OVER IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF FATTY WASTE

T

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

he Mayor of Castries, Peterson D. Francis, has renewed calls for the proper disposal of fatty waste. Mayor Francis, in highlighting the magnitude of the problem, explained that the improper disposal of fats clogs the drains within the city.

“We need to continue encouraging businesses to assist in the reduction of pollution and flooding by not putting fat, oil and grease down the drains. This problem is a big one and whether it is from a health or environmental perspective, food establishments need to take full responsibility or face the law where that matter is concerned,” said Mayor Francis.

He said that waste fats, which are quite visible from some restaurants, create problems for an already compromised city drainage system.

“There have been many complaints, ranging from blockage of the drains to the stench coming from those drains. We are now putting food establishments on notice that we will use the law to ensure that the practice does not continue," explained Mayor Francis.

them to these facilities."

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Dr. Jaushieh Joseph Wu said that Taiwan was determined to be a force for good in the world and will continue to work with the island in whatever area it can.

He referred to Prime Minister Chastanet as “a visionary". He said: "Taiwan is very far away but we and Saint Lucia have been working very closely with each

other, and we are very glad to able to work together with you. The purpose is very simple. Saint Lucia has been helping Taiwan as well.

We have been having difficulties participating in WHO activities, and Saint Lucia’s prime minister and other government officials have been speaking out on behalf of Taiwan."

---JSA

Permanent Secretary Ivor Daniel (left) alongside Jeff C. F. Chung, Chairman of the Board, OECC.

04 local

www.stluciastar.com

JUNE 08, 2019 THE STAR

SLP Leader appeals to Supporters to get ready for Elections!

The Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. is seeking to fill the role of

Chief Executive Officer to continue delivering on its current mandate.

Job Summary: The Government of Saint Lucia has established an events company to manage and produce national events and festivals.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for all day-to-day management decisions and for implementing the Company’s long and short-term plans.

The CEO shall act as a direct liaison between the Board and staff of the Company.

This position requires a dynamic, detail-oriented and focused individual.

The ideal candidate should have at least five years full-time management experience.

Relationships & Responsibilities: The CEO is responsible for successful leadership and management of the company, in accordance with the strategic direction approved by the Board of Directors.

Duties & Tasks: • Develop a vision and strategic plan to guide the Company in

collaboration with management, staff and the Board of Directors; • Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects

of the company’s activities; • Act as a spokesperson for the company; • Represent the company at local, regional and international activities

to enhance the company’s activities, network and profile; • Ensure that the operation of the company meets the expectations of

its clients, stakeholders, Board and general public; • Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the company; • Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures

to implement the company’s policies; review existing policies on a

regular basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate; • Oversee the planning, execution, evaluation and reporting of the

company’s programmes, services and events; • Work with management, staff, the Board and its clients to prepare a

comprehensive annual budget and work with the Board to secure

adequate funding for the company’s activities.

• Oversee the research of funding sources, development of fundraising

plans and writing of funding proposals to support the company’s income; • Administer the funds of the company according to the approved budget and provide the Board with comprehensive, reports on

revenues and expenditure; • Ensure the development and execution of a rolling annual calendar of

events, including detailed work plans and individual event plans.

• Ensure ongoing evaluation of events, staff and resources for the

effective delivery of the organisation’s mandate • Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with clients, event stakeholders, community groups, sponsors,

donors, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals

of the company.

CONDITIONS • Suitable office accommodation will be provided • Required to maintain a motor vehicle for the proper performance of

the above duties and tasks • Able to work extended and flexible hours EVALUATION METHODS • Work performance will be evaluated on the basis of: • Demonstrated supervisory capabilities and interpersonal skills.

• Timely submission of reports and meeting of task deadlines.

• Effective execution of events within agreed guidelines and budgets • Quality of reports produced, as reflected in accuracy, clarity and relevance.

• Effective Oral and written communication skills KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILTIES Strategic Thinker Business Acumen Good Leadership Skills Organizational Skills Results Driven Financial Management Problem Solving Motivational Skills Detailed Oriented QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Masters’ degree in Business Administration or Management with three to five years at senior management level. Experience in event planning and management would be a distinct advantage.

OR Bachelors’ degree in Business Administration or Management with five to ten years at senior management level. Experience in event planning and management would be a distinct advantage.

REMUNERATION Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and Experience.

The successful candidate will report to the Chairman of the Board.

Interested applicants should address and email their applications to: The Administrative Manager Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. 1st Floor, Sureline Building Vide Bouteille, Castries Saint Lucia Email: admin@eventssaintlucia.com Deadline for receipt of applications is 4pm, local time, June 21st, 2019.

Only suitable applications will be acknowledged.

SLP supporters unofficially met a potential candidate for the Castries Southeast seat. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Philip J. Pierre urged supporters to prepare themselves to unseat the Allen Chastanet administration.

reinstate the subvention to the National Trust and “recommence the distress fund”. he Allen Chastanet

He assured his audience: administration marked “Tonight, in the presence three years in office with of my colleagues and the a thanksgiving service at the people of Saint Lucia, I, Philip Odsan Pentecostal Church on Joseph Pierre, leader of the Thursday evening. Related SLP, formally declare that the activities will continue on movement to remove the UWP Sunday with a public meeting slated for Soufriere. Meanwhile, from office by democratic means has been called to and not unexpectedly, the order!” Doubtless many who opposition St. Lucia Labour heard him wondered what his Party has marked the party had been doing since administration a failure. On June 6, 2016.

Wednesday the SLP took to He warned: “We will be the Castries market steps to calling on you, my brothers and repeat its usual complaints, sisters, to make your feelings most of them directed at Allen known by demonstrating your Chastanet in particular. The disgust for this corrupt and longstanding problem of crime, the St. Jude/OKEU tra-la-la, how wicked regime. So, from tonight, when you go home, ensure that direct awards are handed out, you have your ID cards; ensure and the airport redevelopment that you are registered. Join project—all received the that movement for change, do regular opposition attention. not worry with the detractors.”

Party leader Phillip J. The language sounded long Pierre was the final speaker outdated. From all this reporter on Wednesday night. He declared that finally the SLP has had read, words like “regime” harked back to the early 70s, to “survived the defeat of June George Odlum and Peter Josie.

6, 2016” and now is “stronger

At a press conference in than ever”. For three years the January, Pierre promised there country has been governed would be several women on in “the most wicked, corrupt his party’s election slate. On and vindictive manner”. He Wednesday evening one of promised that a government them was evident: entrepreneur under his leadership would Lisa Jawahir Joahil. She “immediately complete the spoke with this reporter at St. Jude hospital”, reverse the end of the night’s rally. any privatization of the OKEU, Joshua St. Aimee

T

She revealed her intention to challenge Guy Joseph for the Castries Southeast seat.

A communications expert and founder of Edge Marketing Inc, Jawahir grew up in the community of Forestiere in Castries. She attended the area’s Methodist Combined School and later the Castries Comprehensive Secondary School. Born to a security officer and a seamstress, Jawahir recalled growing up in tough times. She was able to attend school on a regular basis, thanks to the government’s bursary assistance programme and support from community members and the Seventhday Adventist church. After graduating, she entered the workforce. Meanwhile she continued her studies.

She holds a masters degree in Strategic Communication from American University, Washington D.C. and pursued a bachelors in Business Administration and Marketing at Monroe College. She currently hosts a weekly television show called Uncut with Lisa Joahil during which she discusses policy changes that address social issues.

Jawahir says it has always been her intention to enter elective politics in the hope of making a positive impact on society but she had not planned on making the move quite so

early.

“But after listening to the cries of the people of Castries Southeast,” she said, “I knew I had to make the decision to contribute now and not later.

Why do I need to wait to give them proper representation when I believe I have the qualities that they are looking for? The people are looking for a dynamic, young person who has fresh perspectives and plans to provide proper representation for all.”

Obviously she believes Guy Joseph needs to be replaced.

“The people of Castries Southeast have been pleading for better representation and now is the time to give them what they deserve,” she said. “They thought they would’ve gotten it with the current representative but they are expressing how dissatisfied they are with how he has managed the constituency.”

Guy Joseph has been MP for Castries Southeast for 13 years.

His hopeful challenger went on: “We keep saying the youth are the future. But we need to realize that the youth is now! We need to do things that can impact their lives now, and nothing of the sort is happening in Castries Southeast.”

As to why she chose to run on a Labour ticket, Jawahir said the SLP aligns best with her beliefs and its vision for Saint Lucia “will take the island to the next level.”

THE STAR

05

www.stluciastar.com

JUNE 08, 2019

Create your sweet retreat GET ALL YOU NEED AT THE COURTS HOME EVENT

20% OFF

20% OFF

SERTA SPINAPEDIC FIRM MATTRESS

SERTA PERFECT SLEEPER ULTIMATE ECLIPSE MATTRESS

FULL BMT1B3

QUEEN BMT1B4

QUEEN BMT1BC

KING BMT1BD

CASH DISCOUNT CASH $1,149 WKLY $10

CASH DISCOUNT CASH $1,699 WKLY $15

CASH DISCOUNT CASH $2,049 WKLY $18

NOW $799

NOW $959

CASH DISCOUNT CASH $949 WKLY $8

ANY SIZE, ONE PRICE

NOW $1,439

NOW $1,759

20% OFF

RESTONIC COMFORT CARE PILLOW EURO TOP MATTRESS

ALLNITE PREMIER HD FOAM FIRM MATTRESS

QUEEN BMT1EE | KING BMT1EF

QUEEN

ONLY $1,399 CASH DISCOUNT CASH $1,649 | $14 WKLY

BLT00005

NOW $959 CASH DISCOUNT CASH $1,149 | WKLY $10

Prices are correct at the time of going to print. Courts reserves the right to subsequently change prices without notice. Offers available while stocks last. All finance terms are subject to credit approval. Weekly prices are based on a Gold 36 months repayment plan. 3 to 36 months credit plans available. See in-store for details. Offers end on the 30th June, 2019.

NOTHING DOWN AND

NOTHING TO PAY FOR

30 DAYS

06 local

JUNE 08, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

What exactly separates one Saint Lucian from Another?

Dean Nestor

J

ust what does it mean to be Saint Lucian? Is there a secret code that must be deciphered, a rite of passage to be undertaken before an individual can be considered a true blue (black?) Saint Lucian?

Does one have to be “100 per cent Looshan” to understand Saint Lucians?

Earlier this week, Opposition leader Philip J. Pierre declared over the airwaves the nation’s prime minister Allen Chastanet incapable, for several reasons, of understanding the Saint Lucian psyche.

On Andre Paul’s show, What Makes Me Mad, while critiquing Chastanet’s comments about the negative impact of broken homes on the country’s crime rate, Pierre said: “He who feels it most, knows it. So the prime minister doesn’t feel what Saint Lucians feel. And you can’t blame him. He can’t feel it. He can’t understand it. So what may sound very simple for him is actually very complex.”

How do we determine the genuine Saint Lucian? By his or her skin tone, hair, the ability to speak English with a particular accent, or their economic status? Left to right: Gale Rigobert, Kenny Anthony, Vaughn Lewis, Guy Joseph, Philip J. Pierre, Jeannine Compton.

“How do you know he can’t understand?” asked Andre Paul.

“Because of his history!” Pierre replied. “It’s a complex socio and economic environment that causes these things to happen.”

The radio host pressed on: “When you say his history, what exactly do you mean?”

“I don’t want to go into that,” Pierre said curtly. If only Pierre had chosen to leave it at that. Instead he went on to offer proof of Chastanet’s inability to understand what makes Saint Lucians tick: “You know very well that our

prime minister cannot speak patois, and you once attacked me for saying so, but it’s a fact! I wasn’t condemning him for not being able to speak patois. What I was saying is that you can see the prime minister’s background; it’s not a background that is . . . Look at how the prime minister speaks.

And I’m not condemning him.

That’s the fact. He cannot help it. That’s in his DNA. And don’t think that’s a criticism; it’s fact.

I speak like a Saint Lucian.

I’m a Saint Lucian. They say I stammer but I’m a Saint Lucian!

The “Lucianism” in me comes out all the time. My passion is Saint Lucian. I understand what the people of Saint Lucia go through. I understand. I may not have experienced it but I understand it.” Which of course made him no different from Allen Chastanet. By Pierre’s own measure, he and the prime minister had not “experienced” the problems of regular Saint

Lucian life.

I might add that nowhere in our Constitution does it say you have to be able to feel whatever it is that true Saint Lucians feel to be considered a son or daughter of the soil.

Neither does it demand fluency in kwéyòl as a prerequisite to citizenzhip!

I wish also to take the opportunity to remind others

who may think as Pierre seems to think, that English is the language of parliament, regardless of the speaker’s accent—not kwéyòl which is often referred to as “langue mama nous”. Truth be told, the official language in Saint Lucia was handed down by the then Mother Country—which we profess to despise whenever convenient to do so!

WLT presents Mary Francis with Woman of Courage Award

T

he ovation was resounding as attorney Mary Francis was recognised with the Woman of Courage Award on Sunday, June 02, 2019.

Presented by Sanue Joseph of Where Ladies Talk (WLT), the award recognises Francis’ dedication and perseverance and the impact of her work.

The award was one of many firsts for WLT, a newly formed organization. The 500+ member group has, in a short while, proven to be a valuable resource for women in Saint Lucia.

In delivering the award, Joseph stated simply, “I wanted to honour Mary Francis because she deserves it. Sisterhood is important for support . . . we need to let you know that we love you, that we honour you, that we appreciate you and that we are all here to support any and every woman.”

Mary Francis’ name has become synonymous with human rights. She has been in the field of law for 38 years, serving as registrar of the Supreme Court and Chief registrar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court before going into private practice in 1992. She was a parliamentarian, serving as a member of the senate in 1992

Mary Francis accepts her award from Sanue Joseph of Where Ladies Talk.

and 1995.

Francis has remained true to her watchwords since being called to the Bar in 1981: The law should be an instrument of social change rather than social control. She has kept the conscience of Saint Lucian society alive by the undeterred respect for the dignity of the human person. Her dedication and energy in defence of members of marginalised groups has been unparalleled and very often misunderstood, although recognised by international human rights agencies.

Joseph noted, “When the history of Saint Lucia is being written, the name Mary Francis will be remembered as being in the vanguard of social justice and a champion for human rights.”

Francis’ award was one of the highlights of A Woman Talks, a seminar by and for women. The event featured nine phenomenal speakers with a special guest, activist Kenita Placide, co-founder and Executive Director of the Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality (ECADE).

The event is the beginning of a journey of shared experiences out of the Where Ladies Talk group. From the stories of resilience and joy that were the focus of Sunday’s event at Bay Gardens Beach Resort, to networking and professional development opportunities, Where Ladies Talk will actively nurture a sisterhood of support among women in Saint Lucia to become leaders in our own lives.

THE STAR

07

www.stluciastar.com

JUNE 08, 2019

RUNWAY READY

FEATURING THE 2019 DESIGNER EYEWEAR COLLECTIONS

CHANGE YOUR LOOK WITH A 2019 FRAME

20% OFF LENSES AND GET

THE LARGEST AND FASTEST GROWING OPTICAL CHAIN IN THE CARIBBEAN GET IT NOW AND PAY NOTHING FOR

30 DAYS

BOGO

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENTS TODAY.

www.courtsoptical.com *SPECIAL CONDITIONS APPLY

30% OFF

2nd PAIR OF GLASSES WITH LENSES

08 local

The Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. is seeking to fill the role of

Public Relations OFFICER

to continue delivering on its current mandate.

Job Summary: To act as an advocate for the organization, building and maintaining positive relationships with the main stakeholders of Events Company of Saint Lucia through internal and external communication. You will be responsible for creating promotional content, brand partnerships and competitions for on-air broadcast and digital use.

Duties & Responsibilities: • Develop and execute corporate and events communications plan including strategy, goals, budget and tactics • Develop media relations strategy, seeking high-level placements in print, broadcast and online media • Coordinate all public relations activities • Direct social media team to engage audiences across traditional and new media • Leverage existing media relationships and cultivate new contacts within business and industry media • Manage media inquiries and interview requests • Create content for press releases, byline articles and keynote presentations • Monitor, analyze and communicate PR results post event and on a quarterly basis • Evaluate opportunities for public relations partnerships, sponsorships and advertising on an on-going basis.

• Maintain a keen understanding of industry trends affecting the organization and events and make appropriate recommendations regarding communication strategy surrounding them • Commission or undertake relevant market research • Assist the relevant departments with planning and coordinating external workshops, seminars, company launches and overseas road shows • Assist in analyzing potential partner relationships for Events Company of Saint Lucia’s projects and services.

• Assist the Marketing Manager in audio-visual presentations, advertising production as necessary Job Requirements • Proven working experience in public relations required • Proven track record designing and executing successful public relations campaigns at both a local and national level • Strong relationships with both local and national business and industry media outlets • Experience in acting as a company spokesperson; comfortable and skilled in both broadcast and print media interviews • Exceptional writing and editing skills • Solid experience with social media including blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

• Event planning experience • BA/MA degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications or a related discipline Attributes: Mature and responsible individual; highly organised; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people Interested applicants should address and email their applications to: The Administrative Manager Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. 1st Floor, Sureline Building Vide Bouteille, Castries Saint Lucia Email: admin@eventssaintlucia.com Deadline for receipt of applications is 4pm, local time, June 21st, 2019.

Only suitable applications will be acknowledged.

JUNE 08, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Was Pierre’s ‘no Grynberg probe’ statement reassurance to Kenny Anthony?

Peter Josie

I

n his time, George Odlum took the island’s cultural/ religious phenomenon, which described children as legitimate or illegitimate, and applied the derivative legitimacy to political misfits and pretenders who had no history of struggle and were, in his view, unqualified for politics. Legitimacy is hardly bandied about these days, perhaps because those whom the cap fits have decided on a truce of silence. Still, some who fall within Odlum’s description are bent on pointing fingers, believing they can hoodwink others. Perhaps it’s the technique of the con artist who points elsewhere while his mischief is created before our very eyes.

In the above context the latest public comments by the leader of the opposition and his preferred sidekick, the MP for Castries South, recently reached me. The leader of the opposition has been disclosing for public consumption what he would do, if God forbid, his party is returned to office.

His latest promise is: “There will be no investigation into Grynberg.” This is a self-serving statement. It obviously was meant as reassurance for his former leader whom he prays will disappear quietly into the setting sun before election time.

Mr. Pierre’s statement on Grynberg can also be interpreted as party propaganda for consumption by SLP hacks.

It may even be an invitation to one Earl Huntley to join the Pierre for Prime Minister campaign. Those who have had a modicum of training on how to observe the spoken word vis-à-vis the actions of

Opposition leader Philip J. Pierre: Last week he declared that should his party win the next elections there will be no probe into the genesis of Jack Grynberg’s US$500 million lawsuit against the government of Saint Lucia!

politicians will now question the grounds on which Mr. Pierre wishes to investigate Mr. Guy Joseph, the MP for Castries Southeast.

Let me say this as clearly as I can: Guy Joseph does not need me or anyone else to defend him. My only interest in this latest contract signing matter is as a student of politics. It allows me to state that no politician has been pursued more relentlessly by this new SLP than Guy Joseph. From name calling to forensic investigation by foreign expertise, they have thrown everything at him.

I should declare a second interest: It’s in my nature to fall automatically on the side of the unfairly persecuted.

I also find it politically interesting that the IMPACS matter has not been settled and that the island stands to lose more from this prolonged crisis.

Here is a summary of one of the several articles I wrote on IMPACS: “The IMPACS report about the police investigations for extra-judicial killings could not proceed except by way of further investigation commensurate with the judicial process. Evidence was apparently adduced when there was no report of any cross-examination during the proceedings. Who gave evidence and what was the nature of the evidence, was not made known and has not been made known. What then should have happened is this:

the Governor General should have set up a commission of inquiry and the persons who gave evidence to the IMPACS Commission would have had to give evidence in public and also be crossed-examined in public.

That should put an end to this seemingly unending fiasco.”

I wish to suggest to the leader of the opposition that if he genuinely is interested in the welfare of the people of Saint Lucia, including the members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, he should propose a Commission of Inquiry into the IMPACS matter. Also, and to clear his good name and that of his former Cabinet colleague, he must state in clear language that he is prepared to set up a similar commission of inquiry into the Grynberg oil deal, and to try to find a way out of the expensive legal entanglements that threaten to return this island to the begging bowl. For clarity, I go further and suggest that Mr. Pierre drop the Juffali matter, seeing that the guy is no longer among the living. I pray that any goodwill payments from Juffali be directed at struggling school children in need of books and support.

Of course, there is nothing stopping the opposition from investigating Guy Joseph or any other member of the government. What seems hypocritical (and I have no reason to believe the people of Saint Lucia have any great love for hypocrites) is when politicians see the speck only in their opponent’s eyes but never in their own. That is never good politics and it often strikes at the root of one’s legitimacy. A politician who criticizes another must first make certain his criticism does not apply equally to the critic. There is always the chance some child will discover that the emperor is naked!

THE STAR

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

JUNE 08, 2019

09

Pierre and PM Rumble Over Teenage Pregnancy Claudia Eleibox Mc Dowell

R

ecently, while enclosed on a plane for sixteen hours, I watched The Hate You Give, a movie adapted from a bestselling novel of the same title that translates Tupac Shakur’s famous tattoo: THUG LIFE. The late rapper had once explained it to be an acronym for a philosophy he espoused: The Hate You Give Little Infants F### Everybody.

The film is one of the latest of continuous media highlighting of the merciless social cycle in which some African Americans are placed: broken homes with children that leave high-school to work and contribute to the household, but are only ever able to find low-income jobs, so they then turn to the same drugs that created their broken homes.

These communities, stereotyped into gangs and single mothers, deal with violence, crime, neverending poverty and death.

Allen Chastanet had no movie or internationally beloved rapper to help deliver his claim when he stated on May 6 at a press meeting that the cycle of young people having children is a main contributor to the escalating crime and violence in the country. It’s a theory that the prime minister has been explaining for years, and in January 2018 on Timothy Poleon’s NewsMaker Live. Last Tuesday, the prime minister found himself defending the theory again on Andre Paul’s What Makes Me Mad after negative public reaction to his May 6 statements. On the occasion he emphasized that under-age pregnancy is also rape.

A week later, the leader of the House opposition, Philip J. Pierre, also appeared on What Makes Me Mad. He wanted to talk “about this thing with single mothers and pregnancy". It seemed he planned to shock.

Pierre (pictured) not so subtly suggested this week that Allen Chastanet cannot understand the plight of Saint Lucian teenage mothers.

“Are you ready for that?” he asked, flipping through what must have been the Vital Statistics Report 2014. “First of all, evidence. When you make statements, they must be based on evidence.”

Pierre went on to quote “facts” from the report: “The incidence of teenage pregnancies has been the focus of attention in the society throughout the past decade. The adolescent teenage fertility rate has experienced decreases over time moving from 62.3% in 2002 to 45.4% in 2010 and to 41.1% in 2014.”

After authenticating that the adolescent fertility rate had decreased, albeit to a lesser but still high percentage, and corroborating the prime minister’s previous statements that anyone who impregnates a 12-year-old girl is a criminal, Pierre continued to make his point, though he remained unclear on what he was proving.

“We’re discussing the so-called teenage mothers,” he said, “who make children without having the necessary social structures for them.

Because of that fact, we have to be careful with our fertility rate.”

(Careful that the fertility rate is decreasing? Careful when handling the fertility rate? Careful when talking about teenage mothers without consulting the fertility rate statistics?)

He went on: “We should encourage these mothers to get some training; we should encourage them to bring their children up in the proper way— and I heard Father Anthony say that at a funeral this week. We should encourage the way these children are brought up. So, we should nurture these children; that would make them proper citizens.”

Pierre also cited, without examples, the consequences of hotel and cruise ship jobs on local families and how shift systems in schools once “impacted the level of crime and the level of criminality and the level of misbehaviour.” He continued: “So it’s not very simple. You see, if you come from a family where you have your mother and your father, that I was fortunate to have . . . you can say these things. But who feels it most, knows it. “

By “these things” Pierre may have referred to some

Castries Anglican Infant School Emerging Winner of the National Primary Schools Calypso Competition

A

fter a successful staging of the National Primary Schools Calypso Competition, presented by Events Company of Saint Lucia at the National Cultural Centre, Mighty Lily emerged the crowning winner. Mighty Lily, a student of the Castries Anglican Infant School, delivered her tune Tribute to Teacher and won with a whopping score of 346 points.

Taking the second position, with Social Media, was Lady K of the Ti Rocher R. C. Primary School, with 345 points—just

one point less than the overall winner.

In third place, with 339 points, was Double D of Grand Riviere Primary School performing I am not a Barrel Baby. Fourth place went to Jandi J of Ave Marie Primary School who earned 333 points for singing Be Strong.

A full house, the students representing eleven primary schools showed enthusiasm and excitement as their peers took to the stage.

The competition

commenced at 10:20 am coming to an end at 1:15 pm. With an entertaining intermission before the results were received, Radio Personality Scady Dot P entertained the crowd with a question-answer segment allowing the students to win prizes from the sponsors of the event. Included in the entertainment were Ricarado, Shemmy J and Tennyson John.

Senator Fortuna Belrose was specially invited and was the selected presenter of the trophy to the grand prizewinner.

of the prime minister’s May 6 statements but, while Pierre noted a decreasing fertility rate, he did not address the increase of crime and violence in the country. Chastanet insisted last Tuesday that he did not have in mind single mothers, as such; rather, that he was concerned about children having children in an economy that doesn’t accommodate them—a recipe for all kinds of social ills. Pierre’s contribution on Tuesday remained ambiguous about whether he was using his evidence to tell the prime minister that teenage pregnancy did not contribute to the crime problem or that the prime minister was not Looshan enough to properly address under-age pregnancy.

Pierre continued: “So the prime minister doesn’t feel what Saint Lucians feel.

He can’t understand it.” (See page 6.) In any case, the prime minister’s observations are not new. In February 2018 the STAR published the following: “Teenage pregnancy is a social problem that merits urgent attention, not simply because of the negative impact on the future prospect of the parents but moreso because of the negative effects on the overall well-being of the children

throughout life.

“Back in 1999, at a session of the United Nations General Assembly, Saint Lucia’s representative made the point that a high prevalence of teenage pregnancy has long been a feature of Saint Lucian Society.

In 1996 a comparative review of adolescent fertility among islands of the region revealed that Saint Lucia’s rate was 50% higher than that of our neighboring island Barbados, for example, and more than twice that of the United States whose rate was highest among that of industrialized countries for that period.

“The representative added: ‘While at the primary and secondary level, girls continue to out-do boys in performance standards. We are faced with the problem of drop-outs, particularly by girls who become pregnant while at school or who do not move on to tertiary education because of an unplanned pregnancy.’

“She highlighted the plight of these young girls in the following statement: ‘For the most part, they remain unskilled and are forced to take up low-paid jobs, or remain unemployed, dependent on a male partner, and are caught up in the vicious cycle

of poverty.’”

Using Pierre’s evidence, while the adolescent fertility rate decreased, so did the overall fertility rate by half. Children born circa 1999 (under a Saint Lucia Labour Party government that included Pierre) as a result of teenage pregnancy are now twenty-year-olds, some who might already have three of their own children and are caught up in the cycle of low-paid jobs and poverty.

Meanwhile, the country’s homicide rate spiked to its highest as recently as 2017. Last week the STAR also reported: “The May 8, 2019 Bordelais Correctional Facility report states: ‘The majority of incarcerated persons (47%) grew up in single parent households whilst 24% grew up with both parents.’”

The PM and Pierre may be wrestling over respect for teenage mothers but, in the meantime, the cycle manifests around us.

They can agree on one thing though: we must do a better job of raising our children. Whether it’s addressed by taking away children from unable mothers or providing family education, our society must undergo an attitudinal change. In the end, that’s also what it came to in The Hate You Give.

vacancy - banking

Compliance Assistant Duties Include:

• Risk Management: o Ensure that internal control procedures are adhered to within the bank to eliminate non-compliance • Operational: o Assist Chief Compliance Officer to ensure regulatory requirements are met. o Assist with assessment of files and make appropriate recommendations. o Monitor account activity on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with the Bank’s policies and applicable laws and regulations. o Liaise with CRMs and Operations team regarding new accounts. o Assist the CCO in monitoring controls and risk management framework of the Bank o Assist CCO with the preparation of compliance report as requested • Maintain professional image in keeping with company policy • Ability to work within deadlines Requirements: • Associate or Bachelor’s degree, and or professional designation in Compliance related field, or enrolment in relevant course.

• Minimum of 3 years relevant banking/financial services experience • Good working knowledge of banking, corporate and AML law is required • Knowledge of banking and investment products, especially related to international financial services industry.

• International experience and an understanding of international business culture • Excellent communication skills Applications should be sent via email to vacancy7725@gmail.com Deadline 14th June 2019 Only suitaby qualified applications will be acknowledged

10 local

JUNE 08, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Grieving Mother says Canaries Police Failed her Son!

By Dean Nestor

N

ews of Kadeem Joseph’s death was just about the last thing his mother Sophia Arundel expected when she took a call from her sister on April 29.

A man has since been charged with fatally stabbing Joseph but Arundel is far from pleased with the police.

“I spoke to Kadeem an hour before I got that call,” Arundel recalled. “Just asking him to keep his head above water. I was telling him he could come to England soon, to attend school.”

She was in the U.K. at the time of the incident.

“Hanging up without saying I love you is the hardest part for me. I just said, ‘Talk to you later!’ When my sister called to tell me what had happened, her exact words were: ‘Sis, I have some bad news. Kadeem was taken from us. He is no longer with us.’ I did not believe her. I said to myself: If he were dead, I would have felt it. I had to hear it from the doctor before I could believe it. Afterwards, I sat on the bed and cried, still waiting for the doctor to tell me my sister had

Windward

Kadeem Joseph [pictured] wearing the gold chain he left at the Canaries police station after an altercation with the individual now suspected of his murder.

His mother, Sophia Arundel, picked it up from the police earlier this week.

been mistaken. Instead, when he called it was to confirm what my sister had told me.”

A tearful Arundel added, “He died in his aunt’s arms. She told me he had been sitting on a bucket near to her house. She was inside with her door ajar. My son was waiting for his cousin.

His aunt told me she heard a

and

Leeward

Brewery

commotion. When she looked up she saw my son falling over on a sheet of galvanise. She only realised what had happened when Kadeem removed the scissors and she saw the blood.

She grabbed a cloth and ran to Kadeem where he fell. His last words were: ‘I cannot breathe.’

She sat down, cradled him, then he died.”

Arundel was unhappy about the response of the Canaries police. “The police station is in the village. Why did it take the police twenty minutes to get to the scene of the crime? From what I was told, the ambulance from Soufriere got there before the Canaries police officers did. I was also told one of the Canaries officers was around when Kadeem was killed. He saw what happened but left.”

Arundel has also been told that the whereabouts of the murder weapon are unknown.

“Had the police arrived on time they might have gotten the weapon that my son pulled out of his body and dropped on the ground. Whether someone at the scene got rid of it, I don’t know.

But it disappeared. If all I’ve been told is true, then who’ll be held responsible for all of these mistakes?”

Limited

prides

itself

on being a preferred employer and supplier of premium beverages in this region. It therefore seeks to recruit a

Digital Marketing Executive SUMMARY Digital Marketing Assistant will be responsible for planning and executing the digital brand marketing strategy, for the company’s alcohol and non-alcoholic brands.

The individual must be highly motivated, organized and creative with experience and a passion for connecting with current and future consumers especially through social media. He/she will engage with consumers on a daily basis, with the ultimate goal of turning onlookers to fans and fans to adorers. An essential component is communicating the brands in a positive, authentic manner to attract today’s modern, hyper-connected buyers.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Digital Marketing Plan Development •

Develop and implement digital marketing plan in line with the company’s strategy. Plan should address at a minimum:

Digital positioning and targeting • • • •

Visual Design and Web Development Strategy Promotion Strategy Engagement Strategy Conversion Strategy

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE • • • • • •

• • • • •

Measurement, tracking and analysis of performance

•

Content management

•

•

• •

• • •

Administrate the creation and publishing of relevant, original, highquality content in line with brand guidelines Create a regular publishing schedule.

Implement a content editorial calendar to manage content and plan specific, timely marketing campaigns.

Promote content through social advertising.

Essential Duties Social Media & Activation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Manage social media marketing campaigns and day-to-day activities including: Develop relevant content topics to reach the brand’s target customers.

Create, curate, and manage all published content (dynamic written, graphic & video content) Monitor, listen and respond to users in a “Social” way Develop and expand community and/or influencer outreach efforts.

Oversee design (i.e.: Facebook Timeline cover, profile pic, thumbnails, ads, landing pages, Instagram profile, etc.).

Design, create and manage promotions and Social ad campaigns.

Manage efforts in building online reviews and reputation. Monitor online reviews and respond to each review.

Analyze key metrics and tweak strategy as needed.

Compile reports for management showing results (ROI).

Become an advocate for the brands in social media spaces, engaging in dialogues and answering questions where appropriate.

Develop organizational elements in order to implement a proactive process for capturing happy, loyal consumer’s online reviews.

Monitor trends in social media tools, applications, channels, design and strategy.

Analyze campaigns and translate anecdotal or qualitative data into recommendations and plans for revising social media, content marketing, SEO and social advertising campaigns.

Monitor effective benchmarks (Best Practices) for measuring the impact of social media campaigns. Analyze, review, and report on effectiveness of campaigns in an effort to maximize results.

•

Possesses knowledge and experience in the tenets of traditional marketing. Marketing degree is welcomed but not required with relevant work experience.

Demonstrates creativity and documented immersion in social media. (Give links to profiles as examples).

Proficient in content marketing theory and application.

Experience sourcing and managing content development and publishing.

Exhibits the ability to jump from the creative side of marketing to analytical side, able to demonstrate why their ideas are analytically sound.

Displays in-depth knowledge and understanding of social media platforms, their respective participants (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest etc.) and how each platform can be deployed in different scenarios.

Experience with Hootsuite Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices and Google Analytics Maintains excellent writing and language skills.

Graphic Design Skills (Knowledge of Photoshop & Illustrator) Enjoys a working knowledge of the blogging ecosystem relevant to the brands field.

Displays ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in written and video format Exceeds at building and maintaining consumer relationships, online and off Excellent analytical and time management skills Is a team player with the confidence to take the lead and guide other team members when necessary (i.e.: content development, creation and editing of content, and online reputation management) Possesses great ability to identify potential negative or crisis situation(s) and apply conflict resolution principles to mitigate issues.

Interested applicants should apply submitting up to date CV’s with certified copies of relevant qualifications and three listed references as follows;

By E-mail preferred: Email Titled “Digital Marketing Executive” recruitment@wlbl.lc

By Mail: “Digital Marketing Executive” Windward & Leeward Brewery Limited P O Box 237, Vieux Fort For further details on this employment opportunity, visit our website at http://www.wlbl.lc Deadline for Submission is Friday June 14th 2019 Please note that only suitable applications will be acknowledged

Windward & Leeward Brewery Limited cherishes its culture in which Respect, Passion for Quality, Performance and Enjoyment are central values

Kadeem Joseph had submitted two reports to the police about assaults by the suspected killer, the last just two days before he was fatally stabbed.

Arundel’s demands are simple enough: “I want a revamp of the police officers

at the Canaries police station.

It’s unfair that police officers are transferred to Canaries as punishment for offences they committed. Canaries has problems like every other Saint Lucian community. We need officers who actually work, and who don’t use the excuse of

having no police vehicle for not patrolling their beat.

Had they been out on the street, they might have seen something and prevented my son’s death. It is unfair that parents have to worry whenever their children step out of the house.”

Chartered Director Programme shows Board Diversity is here to stay

CGTI Chartered Directors course, May 2019.

E

very year, trends in corporate governance are reviewed and predicted by global business authorities like Forbes—who for 2019 identified a clear game-changer in the boardroom as gender equality, citing the #MeToo movement as “evolving into a serious discussion of gender equality; the need to advance women and improve gender diversity within the organization.” According to Leadership Strategist, Michael Peregrine, this issue has “vaulted to the forefront of boardroom discourse”, making clear that “boards must be prepared to address internal issues associated with the promotion of women".

So, it was fitting that the Caribbean Governance Training Institute (CGTI) saw a classroom with more women than men for this year’s Saint Lucia edition of its unique three-day Chartered Director Programme, in collaboration with the local Chamber of Commerce. The programme is now in its sixth year and has catalysed the development of more than 800 qualified board governance professionals across the Caribbean from a wide spectrum of private, public and non-profit organisations.

Co-founder and Chairman, Dr. Chris Bart, was not surprised

by the gender split in Coco Palm’s conference room, having observed the trend across CGTI’s range of board governance training programmes held in the region since 2014.

After all, more than 52 per cent of managers in Saint Lucia are women, for which the country has held, for the past several years, the third highest ranking position in the world, with Jamaica at number one.

This means the widely-held perception of board governance as being a man’s world is now being challenged and upturned while women seek to strengthen their knowledge as sitting or future directors of organisations, large and small. Women-owned businesses are showing the fastest growth rates in the region too. Becoming professionally accredited in governance is seen as a pragmatic plan for sustainability, whatever the sector.

Speaking from experience, CGTI’s managing director, Lisa Charles, agrees with the importance of board governance training for women in all areas of business. “More women today are board members, occupying high-ranking positions within many organisations. It is now vitally important for every board member to be educated in corporate governance if they

want to make a difference in the boardroom, particularly for women who have to work harder to attain those positions than their male colleagues.”

Becoming a Chartered Director (post-nominal C. Dir) in three days requires a level of instruction and interaction that leaves no stone unturned, and it is the responsibility of the CGTI faculty to deliver this gamechanging programme. This year, lead presenter Dr. Bart welcomed back Kate Bursey, Managing Director of Bursey International, and Marcel Mongeon, Chairman of Mongeon Consulting along with new faculty member Roman J. Ciecwierz, Founder and CEO of Turquoise Advisors.

Over the course of six energetic and engaging sessions, the C.Dir candidates were guided through the latest principles and thinking in corporate boardrooms via the best and worst business world examples and a rigorously-paced workbook curriculum. From reinforcing the basic principles to defining roles and responsibilities of board members, financial accountability and oversight, strategic planning and risk managements, the experts articulately challenged Caribbean professionals to shake up their performance in the boardroom with twenty-first century thinking.

THE STAR

MNP INVITES A THIRD TELECOM PROVIDER

C

hoosing between Digicel and Flow for your telecommunication needs is uncomfortably similar to waiting to cast your vote at a local polling station. It’s like having to choose between two evils. Deciding between the two services amounts to which is more expensive, drops the most calls, has the most defective data plans and unguaranteed texts. There is also the issue of currently only one provider of Internet and the sometimes haphazard connection.

The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority’s launch of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) on Monday, although not guaranteed, might kick off an emergence of better service from local providers. MNP allows consumers to switch their provider easily and quickly while keeping their phone numbers.

Now Digicel and Flow have equal access to the local market, possibly heightening competition stakes as the providers rope in new customers.

But it also opens the door for a third party to come in and swoon Saint Lucians with more attractive services and without a number switch. Andrew Millet, current managing director of ECTEL, said on Monday: “I guess all the providers will have to work

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

JUNE 08, 2019

the economics of it, but number portability will reduce the barriers of entry. We have an open market and we have to see more and more competition in Saint Lucia and the rest of the Caribbean.”

He continued: “I would definitely encourage competition.

It’s one of the things that ECTEL wants to do: to increase the competition so the prices will go lower, and the service will improve of all providers. But we will definitely like to promote competition and increase the service that people actually receive.”

If there is a third provider, however, what would they have to do differently to stand out?

Minister Guy Joseph explained that it would have to make required investment, and it is the only way to provide quality service. “At the end of the day,” he said, “striking the balance between how profitable the companies want to be and how much they want to spend in order to be profitable.”

The minister suggested this is also what would enable Saint Lucia’s current providers to deliver better service, and it is entirely up to the companies to gain a better standing in the eyes of consumers.

Millet added: “We have gotten a lot of concerns about

Now Saint Lucians can switch providers with ease, hoping to bargain for better service.

the quality of service from broadband and mobile. That is something we are continuing work with the providers to enhance. That is a work in progress, and it must happen.

We must improve the network connections and eliminate dropped calls and also data.

Too many times the broadband connections are too slow. We need definitely to improve that.”

“Can the existing providers improve? They can improve substantially,” said Joseph.

“The technology today makes it more manageable to improve the service at a lesser cost than before, when you had to roll out

an entire fibre network. Now the technology allows us to access different ways of sending signals to benefit the consumers.”

Additionally: “The governments of these small islands must strike the right balance between how much we regulate, how much we do. If you squeeze the businesses to the point where they cannot operate at a profit, then it’s no longer an attractive market. We have to regulate in a manner that still allows our market to be attractive and profitable.”

---Claudia Eleibox Mc Dowell

11

DIGICEL INVITES MOBILE USERS TO SWITCH AND LIVE THE EXPERIENCE

W

ith June 3, 2019 marking the day that mobile users across five countries in the Eastern Caribbean can switch networks without losing their numbers, Digicel is offering customers who move to its network a free LTE smartphone loaded with three months of free data with the activation of a plan, so that they can share, stream and like to their heart’s content.

Now that Mobile Number Portability (MNP)—the process by which a mobile user can switch to another network and keep their number—is a powerful reality in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica and Saint Lucia, Digicel is highlighting the myriad benefits of its best network, best value and best experience offering and is encouraging customers to give

it a try and 'Live The Experience' on Saint Lucia’s only islandwide LTE network.

Digicel CEO, Siobhan JamesAlexander, comments: “Across the globe, Digicel is known for being a champion of choice and competition—so we are excited by the benefits that MNP brings.”

She continues: “This is a great opportunity to show everyone what we can do and to demonstrate our commitment to serving our customers. As we look forward to welcoming new customers to the Digicel family, we are focused on ensuring that we deliver all our customers a best-in-class LTE network, great value and an amazing communications and entertainment experience as we work to help create a world where no one gets left behind.”

12 COMMENT

JUNE 08, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

How much further c go with Kenny on h N

It is widely felt that Philip J. Pierre is little more than an echo of former prime minister Kenny Anthony, that his own voice, like the truth about Grynberg, remains to be heard. His recent promise not to undertake an investigation of the oilman’s relationship with Kenny Anthony—should the SLP win the next general elections— has not helped.

ot so long ago, when a particular MP I need not identify was perceived as “the worst prospect confronting politics in Saint Lucia” and marked for demolition by whatever means, some chose to see me as his chief enabler largely because I demanded proof of their outrageous allegations. I had been in shoes similar to the targeted MP’s and knew how it felt to have as your stop at nothing enemies (yes, enemies, not just adversaries!) the most powerful in the land, for whom state power was just another weapon to be used against critics of their policies.

This was how I responded to one especially vicious assault on my own unwilting professionalism by dubious nameless characters demonstrably without minds, let alone minds incapable of metaphor (apologies to Derek Walcott): “If what the MP’s accusers say is valid, public relations alone will be of small avail to him. Quite obviously he would be better served by a good criminal defense lawyer, or two!”

Some fourteen years on the once besieged MP remains conspicuously free.

Evidently the countless charges daily leveled at him when he held public office have been forgotten. Iced, some might say, to be defrosted should he risk a return to the campaign trail. In more recent times the poisoned arrows have been flying in the direction of another

MP. And yes, since I’ve resisted all invitations to join the latest howlers for his hide, I am once again accused of giving him shelter him with my silence.

The undeniable truth is that Guy Joseph has repeatedly proved his ability to frustrate those who live only to bury him. Not once has he been required to stand before a commission of inquiry, let alone a court. On the contrary, the MP has publicly challenged the muckrakers to prove themselves more than garden-variety rumormongers.

Which is not to say they’ve not spent millions of taxpayer dollars prospecting for nuggets supportive of their often alarming allegations.

The last desperate attempt at nailing Guy Joseph, according to the MP himself, was made by the Kenny Anthony administration in early February 2012. Retained for the job was the famous American financial forensic investigator Robert Lindquist, at a cost of some $3 million.

Seven years later, and despite several official requests, the Allen Chastanet government still has not received a report.

It would seem Robert Lindquist considers his special assignment a matter between him and his client the 2012 government of Prime Minister Kenny Anthony—no business of the government elected in its place on 6 June 2016.

A reliable source informs me that all work

performed during the Lindquist engagement is construed as “attorney work product,” to be kept by the firm as “confidential.” Moreover, that Lindquist will not disclose his findings except with his client’s permission. Lindquist remains in total control of the results of his probe into Guy Joseph’s activities, private and public— unless otherwise directed by Lindquist’s client the former prime minister Kenny Anthony.

But my source suggests there may be another way to skin this accommodating bearcat: by order of a court of law.

Still, it is baffling that having spent public funds on an investigation of a Cabinet member, the government cannot avail itself of the result without the intervention of a judge.

Could it be that what Robert Lindquist discovered might be potentially embarrassing to his retainers?

I should at this point repeat myself: I know from experience how low incumbent politicians can stoop in their quest to silence uncooperative journalists or even an opposing parliamentarian. Which is why, before I write or speak out on an issue, I have always insisted on proof of the allegations.

In today’s world, I need add, when lies can be made to resemble distilled truth, I have of necessity become even more careful in my judgments.

In all events, our Constitution demands that citizens be treated as innocent until

THE STAR

can Pierre his Back? proven guilty. Additionally, that the burden of proof be borne by the accuser—never the accused!

The last mentioned constitutional protection came to mind this week as I took in the spectacle of my friend Philip J. Pierre taking questions from that well known denizen of the spirit world, Andre Paul. It didn’t take long before the “to whom it may concern” letter was served up.

For several weeks now the opposition party has been referring to it as “a contract” allegedly signed without proper authority by the MP Guy Joseph.

(For the record, here’s the simplest definition of contract: “A legal document between two parties. In order to be enforceable the contract must contain seven elements: offer, acceptance, consideration, competence/ capacity, mutual consent, legality, writing.”) The letter in question features a single signature.

The MP Guy Joseph has himself said little on the matter, on the reasonable ground that professed official documents picked up from Facebook, of all places, are altogether undeserving of his attention.

Incidentally, Section 16 of the House Standing Orders reads as follows: “A question shall not be asked inquiring whether statements in the press, or of private individuals, or official bodies are accurate.” Conceivably, that would include online publications.

During Tuesday’s interview with Andre Paul, Pierre was asked to comment on the possibility that the letter in question might be a photo-shop concoction.

Pierre’s reaction: “All the minister had to say is ‘I did not sign that letter.’ Simple. Or ‘That letter is a forgery, and let me call on the police to investigate.’ Further, when the prime minister was asked to comment on the letter he said that as far as he is concerned [the projectslisted] had already

LOCAL 13

www.stluciastar.com

JUNE 08, 2019

been funded.”

The host wondered aloud about the need for a “to whom it may concern” letter that apparently sought financing for a project for which the government had already secured funding. Pierre’s response: “That is what the government has to answer.

That’s what Guy Joseph has to answer. What he normally does is go to Grynberg, Rochamel and so on.” (By the way “to whom it may concern” is defined as “a formula placed at the beginning of a letter or document when the identity of the reader or readers is unknown.” I might add that such letters carry little weight!)

The host reminded Pierre that in an earlier interview the prime minister claimed he had no knowledge of the letter to which Pierre persistently referred. Pierre recalled a former prime minister (Stephenson King) telling reporters that “if that letter was written by the minister then Guy Joseph should be disciplined.” Perhaps inadvertently, Pierre actually emphasized King’s carefully positioned “if” that spoke volumes to the attentive ear.

(I am here reminded of the nursery rhyme that says “if wishes were horses, beggars would ride!”

Finally, Andre Paul asked Pierre what he would say should the letter prove a fake.

Pierre replied that in the event he would willingly offer his apologies.

It seemed to me that in the matter at hand Pierre rode aboard a cart placed before his ass. He could not swear to the authenticity of the “to whom it may concern” letter, and even admitted at one point in the interview with Andre Paul that the letter was in its circumstances

“unnecessary.” It was up to others to prove it was the real deal, he implied. But that would turn on its head the law that requires the accuser to prove his case, not the accused—who need not utter a single word in his own defense.

Mr. Pierre, lest we forget, is the leader of the House opposition. He has at his disposal mechanisms by which to discover the truth in matters of public interest.

However, that he has chosen to try his case in the media and not before the appropriate tribunals only leaves room for conjecture, whether or not reasonable.

Indeed, I might add that Mr. Pierre has at his disposal both the media and House mechanisms, not to say the courts. To turn only to the media and his political platform suggests to me either a lack of faith in his repeated assertions or in the system itself. Or, considering all that has gone on before— among them the unforgettable hollow accusations against John Compton in 1998— perhaps the latest assault on Guy Joseph’s reputation is just more noisome propaganda, for which local politicians are especially notorious. I have been reliably informed that at least one of the projects mentioned in the Facebook publication has been contracted out— and not to the party indicated in the questionable “to whom it many concern” missive.

It goes without saying that while Pierre mentioned Grynberg during his sit-down with Andre Paul his announced lack of interest in revisiting the road to RSM’s US$500 million breach of contract lawsuit against the government was never questioned!

U.S. requiring Social Media Information from Visa Applicants V

isa applicants to the United States are required to submit any information about social media accounts they have used in the past five years under a State Department policy that started on Friday, May 31. Such account information would give the government access to photos, locations, dates of birth, dates of milestones and other personal data commonly shared on social media.

“We already request certain contact information, travel history, family member information, and previous addresses from all visa applicants,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement.

“We are constantly working to find mechanisms to improve our screening processes to protect U.S. citizens, while supporting legitimate travel to the United States.”

In March 2017, President Trump asked the secretary of state, the attorney general, the secretary of homeland security and the director of national intelligence to put in effect “a uniform baseline for screening and vetting standards and procedures,” according to a memo published in the Federal Register. Requiring information about the social media accounts

of visa applicants was part of that.

The move represents a step up from a September 2017 measure in which the US Homeland Security Department proposed and enacted a regulation calling for the surveillance of social media use of all immigrants, including naturalized citizens. During the Obama administration, the State Department began to ask visa applicants to voluntarily submit their social media information.

“This seems to be part and parcel of the same effort to have an extraordinary broad surveillance of citizens and noncitizens,” Elora Mukherjee, director of the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at Columbia Law School, said on Sunday of the latest development. “Given the scope of the surveillance efforts, it is hard to find a rational basis for the broad surveillance the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security have been doing for almost two years.”

The added requirement could dissuade visa applicants, who may see it as a psychological barrier to enter the United States.

“This is a dangerous and problematic proposal, which does nothing to protect security

concerns but raises significant privacy concerns and First Amendment issues for citizens and immigrants,” Hina Shamsi, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Security Project, said on Sunday.

“Research shows that this kind of monitoring has chilling effects, meaning that people are less likely to speak freely and connect with each other in online communities that are now essential to modern life.”

The social media web today is a map of our contacts, associations, habits and preferences. This kind of requirement will result in suspicion of surveillance of travelers and their networks of friends, families and business associates, Ms. Shamsi said, adding that the government had failed to explain how it would use this information.

Further, the U.S. government has been unable to prove that social media can provide reliable indications that identify a security threat, she said. “In the absence of any such indicators, what we’ve seen domestically and abroad is government officials penalizing people’s speech, religious affiliation and other conduct,” she said.

---The New York Times

Flow Welcomes Mobile Number Portability

S

aint Lucia’s leading fullservice communications and entertainment provider, Flow, welcomes the implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in Saint Lucia, stating that the new feature will be beneficial for all customers.

The Eastern Caribbean Telecommunications Authority (ECTEL) recently announced the availability of MNP on the island, which will now permit mobile customers to change providers without having to give up the service numbers that their friends, family and business associates would have been familiar with for years. The

new feature went live on Monday, June 3, 2019.

Flow Saint Lucia’s Country Manager, Chris Williams, said, “We at Flow welcome mobile number portability. The ECTEL MNP Working Group—of which we are part—has been working on this diligently for several years now, and we are happy to see it become a reality.”

Speaking on the benefits of MNP for customers, Williams added, “Residential and business customers can take advantage of our new 'Always On Mobile' prepaid plans, which come loaded with 1 to 10 GB of data and free social media messaging; or any of our other great offers for

postpaid customers by easily ‘porting’ from their current provider without worrying about changing their current phone number. MNP will give many new customers the freedom to benefit from our reliable, hurricane-proven network and the fastest 4G LTE data speeds on the island. More competition is good for everyone, especially customers!”

Customers who would like to move their service to Flow can do so easily at any retail outlet with photo identification by asking to be "ported" onto the Flow mobile network. The process is free.

14 COMMENT

www.stluciastar.com

The Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. is seeking to fill the role of

Production Manager to continue delivering on its current mandate.

Job Summary: Take primary responsibility for the concert production and stage management of the organization’s calendar of events. Work closely with and supervise the Event Production staff to ensure successful execution of the organization’s events.

Duties & Responsibilities: • Oversee the planning, coordinating, and facilitating the

logistics of events with the event production staff • Develop and control event plans and budgets and detail events

for management approval and internal communication • Assist internal teams and suppliers with event logistics • Exercises discretion and utilizes independent decision-making

during events that will best represent ECSL • Ensure that all event insurance certificates, licenses and permits required for production are obtained in a timely manner • Advance and communicate all event information to appropriate

departments and staff • Troubleshoot during event preparation and during event to ensure that all event setups are correct including making

decisions about policy, procedures, billing and staffing • Oversee all production, set up, event staff, event-related

contract services • Create work schedules for event and security staff, delegate

assignments and review performance and results • Communicates in a timely fashion any/all problems and

proposed solutions to the CEO • Supervise the conduct of Post-event analysis, evaluations and

recommendation reports as well as department reports • Provide excellent customer service to internal and external clients • Perform other duties as assigned Job Requirements Bachelor’s degree in related field (Event Management, Interior Design, Concert Production and Management/ Communications, Business) •

•

•

•

7+ years experience of successfully developing and executing large scale events 4+ years of notable event production experience in major live, on location events Proven track record of leadership within live production demonstrating an ability to take a creative concept and build an organized structure around it Knowledge of operational characteristics of events, including crowd management and control techniques; fire and public safety regulations, food service practices, A/V equipment and local regulations

Desired Skills: • Proficient in use of Microsoft Office programs; experience with

AutoCAD preferred; Attributes: • Relentless attention to detail and passion for documenting and

organizing information so that it is clear and remains current • Driven sense of ownership, leadership, and accountability • Demonstrated eagerness to learn and expand skill set and a

positive attitude!

• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including long

nights, early mornings, weekends and holidays as needed The successful candidate will report to the Chief Executive Officer.

Interested applicants should address and email their applications to: The Administrative Manager Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. 1st Floor, Sureline Building Vide Bouteille, Castries, Saint Lucia Email: admin@eventssaintlucia.com Deadline for receipt of applications is 4pm, local time, June 21st, 2019.

Only suitable applications will be acknowledged.

By Tony Deyal

GOOD BOUFF AND QUICK LIME

R

ecently, there was a newspaper headline in Trinidad about the prime minister and a female television host: “Rowley lose cool, bouff Hema”. In fact, although “bouff” is a local colloquialism for someone being put in their place or rebuked, if I were an outsider and had no idea what it meant and looked it up in a dictionary (especially if I heard it rather than read it), I would be lost or, worse, come to the wrong conclusion.

Different dictionaries have “bouff” as meaning money, food or grub, “opera lover”, “drinking excessively” and—from the questioning of Brett Kavanaugh, the US Supreme Court by the Senate Judiciary Committee— without the second “f” it can mean “anal sex” or a “kayaking technique”. While I definitely will not explore that further before I get a bouff from my wife, I will go to another word that is also being used without explanation for the visitor or online reader.

When I was growing up, almost every yard in the village had a lime tree and when my mother was about to marinate or “season” the fish or Sunday chicken, she sent me outside for a lime. We added sugar to lime and water to make a “punch” or squash and some men added puncheon or over-proof rum to pack an extra punch to the drink unless the attempt was squashed by the lady of the house. Eventually that word “lime” and the practice of lime picking, plucking or imbibing took on an additional meaning

that has considerable mileage and frequency of use throughout the Caribbean. It has got to the point where in the Trinidad newspapers, the old word, but with its new meaning, is used freely by the newspapers without any explanation for the non-Trinidadian (who may still interpret what is said or read by the common English meaning and not changes through usage based on different experiences in other countries).

The North American visitor to the Caribbean has no problem with the word "lime". It is, after all, the main ingredient in a margarita. When we say, “We going out for a lime,” the visitor understands that here in the tropics these fruits grow quite handily on trees and, with our preference and propensity for having a good time, rum always being handy, we just simply have to nip outdoors for the main margarita ingredient. The visitor becomes slightly confused when you return, obviously disappointed, saying, "The lime was sour." After all, this is what makes it so attractive as a cocktail ingredient. However, visitors generally take consolation in the fact that just as they cannot stand some of our hot sauces and peppery food, we might not like sour limes. They understand that, as the woman said when she heard that her son was wanted by the police, there is no accounting for taste.

However, all visitors quickly move from confused to perplexed when they are invited out for a lime and find themselves on a beach, surrounded by coconut trees, or in a house or club,

SLABBFA Presents Anti-Doping Workshop

T

JUNE 08, 2019 THE STAR

he Saint Lucia Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (SLABBFA) presents an Anti-doping workshop today, Saturday June 8, 2019. The workshop will be held at the St. Lucia Olympic Committee House located in La Clery (opposite Massy Stores, La Clery) from 3 p.m.

This is a superb opportunity for current and prospective bodybuilding athletes to learn about doping in the fitness world.

Participants will be provided with information on the importance of doping prevention for health reasons, key challenges and best practices.

Come receive a wealth

of knowledge with a unique opportunity for athletes to network, discuss body ideals and well-being, and inspire each other with information sharing.

This workshop is part of a series of athlete development programmes leading up to our local Bodybuilding Championships on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the National Cultural Centre.

It is open to all SLABBFA members, bodybuilding enthusiasts, personal trainers, coaches and gym owners. All are asked to make a special effort to attend and be on time.

Follow SLABBFA on Instagram and Facebook @ SLABBFA.

Where are you liming today?

surrounded by couples dancing and otherwise disporting themselves. They keep looking suspiciously for the lime and wonder what is its purpose in such circumstances. However, it is when you invite them to go out "liming" or invite them "to lime" with you that they move from perplexed to utterly bewildered.

They know the language, particularly those who come from England and the United States.

They know that if you say you are going "fishing" you are going in search of fish. The same goes for the participles of all other pursuits except liming. "Liming" as a verb is totally beyond their comprehension. Many of us who take it for granted and know what "liming" is, and might even be quite expert at it, are also not clear on its antecedents and, with our usual parochialism, believe that it originated in Trinidad. It is true that Trinidad was the first country to use it widely as a verb meaning "to indulge in pleasurable pursuits for the purpose of conviviality and relaxation". However, its claim to paternity is cause for a DNA test: Guyana, in fact, has the best claim to the change in meaning and application of “lime”.

It seems that given the excessive heat of that country, the need to have vitamin C supplementation, and the habit of relaxing on the verandah at midmorning or in the evenings with suitable liquid refreshment, the main drink, chaser or beverage of choice was lime juice. Lime, after all, grew plentifully around the bungalows of the plantocracy and around the barracks of the estate labourers where it was used both as a cool-aid and a marinade. It became customary, then, for the planters to invite their friends to come to their homes for lime juice. The act of sitting with friends on one’s verandah, slaking your thirst with lime juice or lime-based cocktails (hence the expression "slaked" lime), watching the sun set and indulging in small talk, chit-chat and gossip, became known as

"liming" and people went out "for a lime." The verb quickly spread throughout the Caribbean, the most sociable place on earth, and liming quickly lost its direct connection with the citrus fruit and, as a verb, connotes our most prevalent and precious pasttime, the simultaneous pursuit of persiflage and pleasure with some mild philandering.

If the tourists from the English-speaking countries are confused, consider the problems faced by those from Scandinavia and Continental Europe who might already have problems differentiating between a lime and a limbo, between liming and climbing. It is why they need help and, as we see from liming on our beaches, there are so many of our young, and not so young, men and women anxious, eager and willing to assist those poor, linguisticallydeprived people. Those of you with dirty minds from Trinidad who talk of "gigolos" and Barbadians who refer slyly to "bleached-hair paras", Jamaicans who shake their heads at the goings-on in Negril or MoBay and Trinis who go to Store Bay and watch in envy, do not truly understand the nature of the transaction. Our friendly citizens, mindful of the language barrier, are providing a service that is more about linguistics than libido, communication than commerce.

The next time you see a local person and a tourist together, curb your censorious impulses.

What you are witnessing is not a “white-lime” or even a “quick-lime”, it is an educational encounter of the third kind.

Tony Deyal was last seen on Accra Beach in Barbados with a bottle of Clorox.

Tony Deyal is from Trinidad.

He now runs a column in the Jamaica Gleaner, NationNews Barbados and the St Lucia Star, and runs a free literary magazine on mytrinidad. net. Tony can be contacted at tdeyal@yahoo.co.uk or on 1-868-351-1000.

THE STAR

REGIONAL

www.stluciastar.com

JUNE 08, 2019

15

ANOTHER OILY STORY . . . SOUNDS FAMILIAR?

By Kiana Wilburg in Guyana

W

hen a businessman is looking for proper safekeeping for his wealth, he turns to a reliable security firm. When a person is sick, he seeks the services of a reliable hospital or a private doctor who is known in the field.

And when a government wants oil companies to explore the potential of a country’s resources, they court firms that have a track record of finding oil and gas.

But that has not been the case here. Days before the 2015 General and Regional Elections, former President Donald Ramotar acted in a manner that was contrary to international best practice. Ramotar signed away the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks, which total over 4.8 million acres,

to four companies which had no track record of exploring for oil prior to 2015. Up to this date, they still lack the experience to independently do so.

In fact, the four companies which were able to acquire these licences did not, and still do not, have the financial wherewithal to independently search for anything in such deep waters.

The two companies to which Ramotar signed away the Canje Block are Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas, and JHI Associates Inc. The block was awarded to the companies on March 4, 2015. This was two months before the May 11, 2015 elections.

According to documents held by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Secretariat, JHI was only incorporated on June 17, 2015 in the British Virgin Islands. This

nation is under no obligation to provide countries like Guyana with tax information of companies registered there.

And even though MidAtlantic Oil and Gas was incorporated here on April 8, 2013, both companies were in one-on-one negotiations with the PPP government for the oil block one month before, that is, March 2013. This means that the individuals behind the companies were asking for oil blocks without the companies having being formed.

Furthermore, in a press release on Saturday, JHI and Mid-Atlantic sought to respond to the State Asset Recovery Agency’s (SARA) probe of the oil blocks. It was noted that JHI’s CEO is John Cullen and Mid-Atlantic’s is Dr. Edris Dookie who was named in the damning

Sandals Prestige Awards 2019

Panama Papers. Both are exemployees of CGX Energy, which is also operating offshore Guyana.

The Canje Block operators claim that they brought in a “technical team with years of experience in the sector and significant financial capabilities based on prior successes”.

However, industry experts who spoke with Kaieteur News are urging the Guyanese public not to be fooled by these statements. The analysts who will be providing help to SARA on the case in due course stress that JHI and Mid-Atlantic would have to bring way more than the years of experience of a technical team for such a fairly new company to be granted a licence for the Canje Block that is in very deep waters.

“The point remains that the companies, JHI and Mid-Atlantic, do not have a track record for exploration anywhere in the world, since incorporation,” the officials added.

What is also significant to note is that the Canje block is the only asset that these two companies have to date. Further information on Mid-Atlantic could not be found since its webpage is under construction.

Additionally, JHI and MidAtlantic, which participated in Guyana’s EITI reporting process, failed to submit their audited financial statements for review. JHI also failed to submit information on its beneficial owners. The EITI report lists Dookie as the beneficial owner of Mid-Atlantic.

Ramotar awarded the Kaieteur Block to Ratio Energy Limited and Ratio Guyana on April 28, 2015. Both companies are registered at the same offices in Prashad Nagar and Gibraltar.

Ratio Guyana does not have a website but on the Kaieteur Block’s Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Ryan Pereira is signed on as the Company Secretary, Director and General Partner of the company. This company’s only asset remains the Kaieteur Block. Not a single trace of evidence can be found to prove that it has years of experience in the exploration of oil and gas.

Ratio Energy, which also calls itself Ratio Petroleum, is chaired by Ligad Rotlevy. With the Kaieteur Block in hand in 2015, this Israeli company was able to capture three other blocks. In 2017 it was able to acquire rights

in Suriname’s basin, specifically for Block 47. In June 2016 Ratio Petroleum was granted a licence to operate in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Ireland.

In October 2018 the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and Ratio entered into a Production Sharing Agreement, for oil exploration in an offshore section of Philippines continental shelf, known as SC 76.

Of its four assets, Guyana’s Kaieteur Block is its largest.

Kaieteur News understands that the Kaieteur Block operators did not submit their audited financial statements and documents regarding beneficial ownership for Guyana’s EITI report. The dates of incorporation for the two Kaieteur Block operators were also not provided to EITI.

Kaieteur and Canje Blocks are in close proximity to the prolific Stabroek Block which has over 5.5bn barrels of oil equivalent reserves. The Stabroek Block, which is operated by ExxonMobil, is 6.6 million acres.

When combined, the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks cover over 4.8 million acres.

---Kaieteur News Online

SAINT LUCIA TOURISM AUTHORITY

PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER Position : Public Relations Manager Reporting To : Chief Executive Officer Primary Functions : Responsible for managing the Saint Lucia head office public relations team and assisting with the coordination of the PR effort of Saint Lucia in its main tourist generating markets, working closely with PR reps assigned overseas. He/she is to curate content on an ongoing basis to stimulate interest in the destination and highlight the activities of the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority with an effective Public Relations strategy that will assist in creating a positive public image with the local public and regional and international markets.

Patricia-Ann Calderon (centre) took home the prestigious Diamond Team Member of the Year Award and will get to vacation at the Sandals resort of her choice.

T

he Annual Sandals Prestige Awards, where the best of the best employees are wined, dined and rewarded for their outstanding contributions throughout the year, took place on Monday, a warm June 3 evening. 16 different awards were on offer with 90 outstanding team members nominated. Patricia-Ann Calderon took home the Diamond Team Member of the Year Award, while Damian Matty walked away with

the MVP award. The Stewarding Department, won the A Team of the Year Award.

Della John, the Operations Manager for Sandals Regency La Toc, described the event as, “A celebratory time where we could share in the glory of the performance of each team member. The awards definitely provide motivation. Members look forward to it every year because they’re sitting on the other side of the table.

“We get to serve them.

We have awards every month and the monthly winners go onto the annual awards. It gives us an opportunity to provide various gifts and experiences to them.The Diamond Team Member awardee gets to go to any Sandals of their choice for a vacation, all-inclusive, with everything, including flights, paid.

There are also a lot of monetary gifts as well. We all look forward to the celebrations.”

Qualifications and Experience : Bachelor’s Degree in Media & Communications or Public Relations.

Postgraduate qualification in Public Relations, Media & Communications or Journalism.

Experience working in the field is required.

Characteristics : The Public Relations Manager should display a high level of maturity and be able to interact and maintain good relations with stakeholders at all levels. He/She is expected to be capable of directing and supervising a team. He/She must participate in the Authority’s overall strategic planning process and advise management regarding media responses and relations. He/She should be adaptable and possess excellent communication and presentation skills. Knowledge of digital media is required. Knowledge of tourism would be an asset. The capacity to work long hours, including weekends and travel away from home is mandatory.

Remuneration : Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application : Applications are invited from suitable qualified persons, with full Curriculum Vitae and at least two references to be received by the Board before the 22nd June, 2019.

Applications to be addressed to the Chairman, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, PO Box 221, Castries, Saint Lucia, and can also be sent to: jobapplications@stlucia.org.

16 local

JUNE 08, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Eating With Taiwanese

Tasting food is the best part of experiencing another culture but, in some parts of the world, you might have to eat a lot more than usual.

I

was warned over and over by Saint Lucians living in Taiwan that the food is completely different from what I’m used to.

I imagined that tofu would be the scariest thing. Then again, I expected the food to be different.

Why travel across the world only to be served something that tastes like green fig and salt fish?

It turned out that the ingredients weren’t all that foreign to me. But, oh, who knew such appetizing dishes could be made from, say, yams?

On my first night in Taiwan,

after being in the air for some 30 hours, I and the rest of our International Cooperation and Development press group were welcomed by our exceptional host Vincent Lu, with a most extravagant dinner. All ten of us were seated together around a massive table with a spinning disk in the middle. With good reason we were warned that the Taiwanese people go out of their way to ensure their guests always leave the dinner table totally stuffed. Imagine realizing your menu did not entail meal options,

Choiseul Co-operative Credit Union Limited

Notice of Special General Meeting Notice is hereby given of a Special General Meeting to be held at the Old Boys’ School, Reunion Choiseul, on Wednesday June 19, 2019, commencing at 5:00 pm.

The Agenda for the meeting is as follows: 1. Resolutions 2. Election of an Officer Please note that copies of the Resolutions are currently in circulation; they are available at our offices in Choiseul and Soufriere.

Transportation Arrangement The following bus drivers have been identified to transport members to and from the meeting: Ignatius Lafeuillee- Marlon Alexander: Leebee Hungry Lion Dwayne Eugene Sheen Wensley Clarke Terry Stanislas Marcus Regis

Ravineau Gap, Mongouge, Ponyon, Le Riche, Martin` Franciou, Dierre Morne, Ravineau Gap Piaye, Tete Morne, River Doree, La Fargue, Choiseul Village La Pointe, Delcer, Fond Gen Libre, Industry Mongouge Gap (by Kell’s Mini Mart), Morne Sion, Fiette Dugard, Cafiere, La Fargue, Choiseul Village La Maze, Montete, Roblot, Debrierul, La Fargue Morne Jacques, Victoria, Belle Vue, Dacretin, Reunion Soufriere (Pick-up will be at the Soufriere Square)

Buses will begin pick-up from their start point at 4:30 pm

but eight courses. Some of us were half asleep by the fourth course.

Come the next day and it seemed every order at our restaurant was enough to feed Canaries. On the occasion, Ambassador Henry M. J. Chen, (Director-General of Taiwan’s Department of International Information Services) was the host of a welcome luncheon with an unforgettable almond milkbased dessert. We learned the spinning disk in the centre of the dining table served a purpose.

It’s where the waiters place their massive bowls, platters and hot

stones filled with food. A serve yourself situation.

Maybe we were taken to places with the best chefs, but it was almost impossible to resist anything placed in front of us. Most times it was because of curiosity, especially when it came to dumplings and dim sum of varying fillings, shapes and colours. The tastes were always unexpected, but nothing was as repulsive as my friends thought, at least to me. Well, to be fair, I didn’t have stinky tofu or whatever the prime minister had on his visit. The strangest food for me was a steaming bowl

of “white fungu with red date”.

Otherwise I enjoyed a wide selection of seafood, especially Japanese style, and Caribbeanaccustomed bananas, mangoes and papayas.

By the third day, we learnt the trick to eating with Taiwanese: take one taste of everything. That means one piece of sashimi, one scoop of beef noodle soup, one bit of fried pork, one bite of all the other twelve dishes. It worked, and that’s how we got the full experience, while making our Taiwanese hosts happy.

---CEM

UWP GIVES THANKS

T

he United Workers Party Government marked three years in office with a Church Service at the Odsan Pentecostal Church on Thursday June 6, 2019. Government ministers, senators and supporters of the party packed the church for the thanksgiving service. It was an evening of reflection, thanks and celebration for the UWP.

THE STAR JUNE 08, 2019

COMMENT

www.stluciastar.com

17

Miss Understood The Love Life of A Successful Independent Woman

By Allana Maximin

I

n my long number of years thrown in and out of the dating pool, I have experienced a lot and have come to many realizations that I’m sure many others can attest to. In the last ten years I have seen many changes in how I approach dating and how I am approached. Now at my age and maturity, it would seem like it should be easier to find a partner willing to settle and work towards the goals that I have for my life in terms of family. But I have realized that, as a young, independent, successful woman, or as I like to say a “Mary Jane”, dating isn’t as easy as you would expect. Now, for a very long time I was convinced that men were just intimidated by a Mary Jane. But after a bit of feedback from both genders, I have come up with a few reasons why it might be a challenge for us to find Mr. Right.

up losing the opportunity to be with someone we actually needed.

Secondly, Mary Jane is a woman who has attained on her own everything she has, while overcoming adversity, heartache and disloyalty from others. Because of her experiences, she builds a wall around herself and doesn’t allow anyone close enough to hurt her. She craves adult company and stability but does not realize she is so distrusting that even if she finds a good guy, her paranoia will eventually drive him away.

A non-negotiable list of qualities for your future spouse is doomed for failure.

As women, we are taught one thing about dating: wait.

Wait for a man to ask you

One of the first reasons I We have to realize that no one will speak on is the fact that we comes with everything we want. out, wait for him to get your number, wait for him to call; Mary Janes have this unrealistic It may seem that way in the basically allow the direction idea and a list of all the qualities honeymoon phase but there is we need a man to have because always something we won’t get of your interaction with him to be on his terms. And since we “deserve” it. There is on that list. A downfall of being it’s been drilled into us, well nothing wrong with knowing a Mary Jane is that we are so what you want. However, living stuck in our ways that we don’t we do just that, plus we have the added ego attached to our a life where you are unwilling feel we should bend even the success that we do not need to to compromise or accept flaws slightest bit to accommodate a approach anyone for anything. in others will lead to loneliness. potential partner and so wind

So why is it that we do that and still end up single?

Well, in 2019 it is very apparent that men approach less and that is simply because most of us women are becoming more and more unapproachable, especially successful business women. While you might look at it as them not having real balls or are easily intimidated, you don’t realize that we, too, are busy, our heads always in our phones, rushing in and out of places, never taking time to engage in our environment.

When you do take a breather, and see a good-looking guy, you get shy and look away. And if you do continue to look his way, it’s highly likely you have resting b*** face and he looks away.

Then the guy who approaches you, even with your mean face, you mistake for a guy who is really interested, when most times, he’s just a “Lame Lester” who would approach any woman he is attracted to with hopes

that he could seduce one of them by the end of the week, because he is so cocky. Many of us successful women get bounced from one Lame Lester to another because we are too high and mighty to approach the guy in the corner who just might be secretly interested in us.

So what should you do?

I say, develop the courage to flirt. Let just enough of your guard down to see the good in people. And take time to actually date. Engage in friendly activities with people that don’t involve cozying up and see whom you can just relax and be comfortable with. If you can be yourself around someone and not feel judged or criticized, that’s a good start.

My advice to you is that there is nothing wrong with just being a little more open to people and things. Don’t be aggressive, allow a man to be a man (because no straight guy wants to date another man) and you will see things slowly start to change in your life.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

NOTICE is hereby given that the 41st Annual General Meeting of the Elks City of Castries Co-operative Credit Union Limited will be held at the Finance Administrative Centre, Pointe Seraphine, Castries, on Saturday June 15th, 2019 at 2pm.

AGENDA OPEN SESSION 1. Credit Union Prayer 2. Prayers 3. Welcome Address – President 4. Fraternal Greetings 5. Feature Address 6. Vote of Thanks CLOSED SESSION 1. Call to Order 2. Ascertainment of Quorum (Rule 40) 3. Apologies for Absence 4. Reading and confirmation of minutes of the last A.G.M and matters arising 5. Adoption/Confirmation of Reports: (a) Board of Directors (b) Treasurer (c) Auditor (d) Credit Committee (e) Supervisory Committee i. Appointment of Returning Officer 6. Elections to: (a) Board of Directors (b) Supervisory Committee (c) Credit Committee Appointment of Auditor Resolutions if any Other Business Adjournment REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD …………………………

Sherane Long Secretary

18

www.stluciastar.com

JUNE 08, 2019 THE STAR

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

JUNE 08, 2019

HEALTH

19

KIM’S KORNER

Heel that Pain or Put some Pep in your Step

P

ain in our feet can often stop us in our tracks, with detrimental effects on our daily activities. Most times we attribute our symptoms to plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis but, before we jump to conclusions, it is important to ascertain the source of the problem. If the pain is felt close to the arch radiating towards the heel, then the likely cause is plantar fasciitis. But if it is radiating from the heel to the calf, it is usually a sign of Achilles tendonitis. However, if the pain is felt only in the the heel, it may be due to heel spurs.

So, what exactly are heel spurs? Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits as a result of trauma to the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. The pain is localised to the heel, either under the sole of the foot (caused by the plantar fascia) or the back of the heel (caused by the Achilles tendon). Unlike plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, which can cause diffuse pain and stiffness, especially after a period of inactivity, heel spurs can be described as a stabbing pain each time the foot/heel makes contact with the floor. The stabbing pain is a result of the spurs pushing against the fat pads in the foot, although it is important to note not all heel spurs produce pain.

Heel spurs are typically caused by trauma or damage as a result of tension on the plantar fascia. Because of the mechanism of injury, they are common amongst athletes, especially participants in sports that require jumping and running. However, you do not have to be an athlete to develop a heel spur. They can also be caused by: • Gait abnormalities • Being overweight • Running on hard surfaces • Having flat feet or wearing shoes that have poor arch support • Wearing flip flops on a regular basis

Heel spurs can be seen on an X-ray but the symptoms alone may be enough to diagnose heel spurs. To determine the original cause of the symptoms, your doctors will

First determine what part of your foot hurts in order to choose the best course of action.

ask a series of questions during the examination. Knowing the cause can help direct the treatment. For example, heel spurs caused by Achilles tendonitis will often present with pain at the back of the heel and are exacerbated by pushing off from the ball of the foot.

On the other hand, heel spurs caused by plantar fasciitis tend to present with pain underneath the foot and are felt more when stepping onto the heel.

Inflammation is the primary cause of pain as the spurs irritate the surrounding soft tissue, so one of the first priorities of treatment is to reduce the inflammation.

This can be done at home by applying ice for 20 minutes 2-3 times a day (or more if you have irritated it by activities like running, jumping or walking a lot). Another method of reducing inflammation is by taking an anti-inflammatory medication.

If over-the-counter medication does not work, your doctor may prescribe an alternative, and in cases where these are not effective, he may suggest an injection directly into the area of pain.

Physiotherapy is also another useful intervention for pain relief and resolution of symptoms, through the use of a range of modalities like electrotherapy, stretching and strengthening exercises. Your physiotherapist will also carry out a thorough assessment and

examination and analyse your movement and gait to identify any other factors that may be contributing to the problem.

If weight-bearing is extremely painful and debilitating, you may need to rest and take the weight off your feet until your symptoms are more manageable. The use of orthotics may help by relieving the pressure on the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon, which can speed up the recovery process. In extreme cases where conservative management does not bring lasting relief, then surgery may be indicated, but this is only done when all other options have failed.

Prevention may not be possible in every situation but taking notice of your feet can make a difference. Every day we place huge demands on our feet but don’t give them enough attention. Adequate rest at the end of a hard day, and a daily routine of stretching and strengthening, as well as an occasional pampering session and foot soak, can go a long way to preventing heel spurs.

If, however, after this extra attention you do develop heel pain, rest! Continuing to push through the pain will only make it worse. And remember, not all heel spurs cause pain. Taking extra care and following these steps can ease the pain and, in some cases, prevent the symptoms from developing.

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

CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT

NOTICE OF AUCTION The Public is hereby notified that under the provisions of Section 63, Subsection (3) of the Customs (Control and Management) Act, Cap 15.05 of the Revised Laws of St Lucia, the following will be put up for Public Auction at CASTRIES PORT, BERTH 4, on Saturday June 29th, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.

1. 1997 HINO LIESSIE II BUS ENGINE CAPACITY - 4200 FUEL TYPE - DIESEL Please be guided accordingly.

.........................

ANITA MONTOUTE (MRS.) Comptroller of Customs (Ag.)

20 SPORTS

JUNE 08, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Second Lap - St Lucia Channel Swim 2019 launched

By David R Pascal

O

rganisers and swimmers are currently preparing for the second annual St Lucia Channel Swim Event which will take place July 4-9 and, with that in mind, held a recent press launch at the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority office in Rodney Bay. Officials in attendance included Director of Youth Development and Sports, Patrick Mathurin; Main Event Organiser, Sue Dyson; Meet Director, Lily Bergasse; and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority official, Christopher Gustave.

In 2018 Saint Lucia hosted the Inaugural St Lucia Channel Swim Event consisting of a 21m/33km swim from Saint Lucia to Martinique as well as Open Water Swim Clinics and races in the 1K, 3K and 5K distances. The event was orchestrated to bring open water swimming to the forefront in Saint Lucia. The first solo swimmer attempted and completed a swim from Saint Lucia to Martinique in May 2018.

This year the event will again be facilitated by Philip Rush, open water swimming expert and still the current world record holder for the fastest two- and three-way swim of the English Channel which he completed in 1987 in a time of 28 hours and 21 minutes (he finished the two-way in 16 hours and 10 minutes).

Speaking at the press conference, Sue Dyson said, “Our goal is to bring open water swimming to Saint Lucia as well as to bring another avenue for channel swimming, marathon swimming and long distance swimming to our region and the Caribbean.”

During his brief remarks, Mathurin said, “I would just like to say on behalf of Youth and Sports and, of course, the Government of Saint Lucia, that again we would like to support the initiative. When the idea came up last year about channel swimming, we were not quite certain as to how this thing would develop but, from what we have seen, it is a market where we could engage the public and, of course, the international fraternity in terms of how we market and produce another sporting event for Saint Lucia.”

He went on to say: “Also, from the ministry’s standpoint, we may have our own selfish reasons for getting involved

because, 1., it is an international sporting event but, more specific for us is, the whole idea of swimming is something we support greatly. We want our Saint Lucian public to be aware of the sea. Don’t be afraid of it.”

Mathurin pointed out what we already know: “It’s amazing the number of persons in Saint Lucia who live on-island who cannot swim. So we want to encourage persons; and so the ministry has fully endorsed the activity; is on board from last year. We are hoping that this thing grows; have a bigger event from year to year; we get more swimmers and our aim, of course, is to get more persons locally involved in swimming.”

Taking place July 4-9, this second annual event will include Open Water Clinics for the public on July 5 as well as the races on July 6 with 1K, 3K and 5K events.

One exciting addition to this portion of the overall event will be a mixed relay at the end of the races. Meet Director, Lily Bergasse, stressed this allows participation by individuals who may not be confident or able to complete 1,000 metres.

Saint Lucia Tourism Authority representative, Christopher Gustave, conveyed that he is happy that this partnership is developing another sports tourism event which draws Saint Lucia to the international market. “Sports tourism is great for the economy for one simple reason,” said Gustave. “It generates economic impact through direct spending in our communities. Sports tourism is a rapidly growing niche in the tourism industry.

This kind of tourism brings in thousands of visitors, like the recently concluded England tour of the West Indies and the Rodney Bay Aquatic Centre Invitational Swim Meet where we welcomed swimmers from Barbados, Martinique, St Vincent and Trinidad.”

July 7 is set as the main date for the channel swim from Saint Lucia to Martinique.

This date is flexible depending on weather. Alternate dates for July 8 and 9 have been set depending on weather conditions. This year the channel will be attempted by two solo swimmers: Sandra Bergquist and Kevin Pollman.

Both are from Minnesota and are avid open water swimmers who have swum in various parts of the world.

Most recently, Bergquist completed El Cruce from Cancun to Isla Mujeres in 2

Open water swimmer and record holder Philip Rush (left) with Main Event Organiser Sue Dyson.

hours and 11 minutes, placing first for women and second overall. On March 28, Pollman placed first in the Apolima Strait Swim, a 22.3 km race between the two largest islands of Samoa, from Upolu to Savai’i.

He completed this swim in 6 hours and 17 minutes.

M

Seated, left to right: Meet Director, Lily Bergasse; Main Event Organiser, Sue Dyson and Saint Lucia Tourism Authority official, Christopher Gustave. Standing, left to right: Monique Devaux-Lovell, Vanessa Eugene, Rodriguez “Rodia” Constantine and Director of Youth Development and Sports, Patrick Mathurin.

Excitedly, Sue Dyson announced that there will also be a local trio attempting to swim the channel, all from Adventure Swim Club, whose team mantra is: “If we can see it, we can swim it!”

The trio consists of Vanessa Eugene, Monique Devaux-

Lovell and Rodriguez “Rodja” Constantine. This group has consistently been training for the swim since deciding to take the plunge.

The races and clinics will be open to the public.

Registration can be completed online by visiting the Facebook

page: St Lucia Channel Swim or by emailing sluchannelswim@ gmail.com.

Registrations completed before June 21 will receive a free commemorative T-shirt.

Further information can be found on the social media pages at @sluchannelswim.

St. Lucia Aquatics Federation CCCAN Team announced

ay 26 was the final day for Saint Lucian swimmers from various clubs across the island to qualify for the Central American and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Confederation Championships (CCCAN). At the end of it all, ten swimmers made the qualifying mark of achieving a minimum of two AAA times (2 triple A times.)

Taking the plunge to compete for a spot on the podium June 28 to July 2 at the Barbados Aquatic Centre will be, in the 11–12 year old group, Karic Charles and Tristan Dorville; in the 13–14 year old group, Naima Hazell, Naekeisha Louis, Ziv Reynolds and D’Andre Blanchard; and in the 15–17 year old group, Makaili Charlemagne, Jayhan Odlum Smith, Ethan Dyke Elliott and Terrel Monplaisir.

Twenty participating teams from all across the Caribbean and Central America will compete at the meet. These include strong swimming nations such as the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Panama, Jamaica, El Salvador and the Cayman Islands.

Niama Hazell is among the 10-member CCCAN swim team.

Jayhan Odlum Smith will compete in the 15–17 age group.

Tessa Charles is expected to lead the team on its journey, alongside Coach Brian Charles, assisted by Chaperone and Masseuse Sabrina Odol. With an intense preparation schedule, the team will visit Martinique for a training session and will be engaged with mental training and nutritional exercises.

Aside from congratulating

the successful swimmers in securing their spot on the team, President Eddie Hazell said, “Coming out of CARIFTA, I expect the team’s performance to be impressive. With the assistance of the competitors’ coaches, support from the executive and parents, we all continue to work towards unleashing the greatness in our

athletes, especially at that level of competition.”

The St. Lucia Aquatics Federation invites everyone to come along tomorrow, Sunday, June 9 near The Landings, (by Pigeon Island) for its Open Water Carnival where food and drinks will be on sale to assist in the expected expenses in funding the team’s travel.

THE STAR

Kudos for Girls’ Grass Roots Football Festival

By Trevor Daniel Coach and Program Director, Flow TDFDP

J

ubilant voices shook the foundations of Marchand as the sound of laughter, excitement, fun and contentment bounced off Rockhall, Bagatelle, Entrepot and Cedars Hills, and echoed through the streets and homes of the East Castries community.

Fifteen primary schools in the north of the island were invited to take part in the first ever all Girls Grass Roots Football Festival on Friday May 24.

The opening ceremony/ press conference started a little late, and the 37-minute delay must have felt more like 37 months for the 131 eager girls who made their way to Mindoo Philip Park for the 1st National Bank ‘Kick it Destiny!’ Girls’ Grass Roots Football Festival.

Recreational Centre of St Lucia organised the exciting event; the Flow Trevor Daniel Football Development Program (TDFDP) delivered the terrific training, and 1st National Bank saw the vision and made it their own.

By all accounts, the 1st National Bank ‘Kick It Destiny!’ Girls’ Grass Roots Football Festival was a huge success.

The festival format was a 10 station circuit. 10 coaches each had a 30 x 50 yd mini field to manage, and all of 10 minutes to instruct and to demonstrate one footballspecific game/drill. The girls rotated in groups of 10-12 and were introduced/exposed to advanced technique training disguised as fun games: Pirate Hunt, Fire Stake Race, Foot Golf, Foot Bowling, Freeze Tag, Punt Catch, Rapid Fire, Dance Off, Toss, Clap, Knee, Kick, Catch.

The festival, themed ‘Barbie dolls to boots & footballs #Opening doors’, was the launch of a 36-week curriculum designed specifically for girls, to get them interested in the sport and to keep them training consistently.

Every participant received a certificate of participation and will also receive a brand new football which must be used

sports

www.stluciastar.com

JUNE 08, 2019

Participants went through various fun drills.

for homework. Football skill assignments will be issued weekly to the girls who, in turn, must present them to a specially trained ‘Kick It Destiny!’ coach/staff member.

The hope is that as the girls grow with the programme, more opportunities for education and employment will be made available to them. The belief is that as they become more confident with the football at the feet, they will increase in self-confidence and be more aware that they can accomplish anything if they work hard.

The participants, the physical education teachers and the principals have expressed great anticipation for the start of the second phase of the ‘Kick It Destiny!’ girls’ football development plan. This will involve: (1) The Schools Outreach Project — the Flow TDFDP coaches will go to the schools to give the ‘Kick It Destiny!’ participants a 30-minute training session weekly until December 2019.

(NB sponsors are needed to help make this happen).

(2) All the participants have been awarded scholarships

to train with the Flow TDFDP after school for three months.

(3) Every participant will be directed to a licensed football club in/near their community, where they will train with their club coach on weekends.

The aim of this project is to see that girls: (1) Enjoy and love the game of football as they grow; (2) Improve technically as they grow; (3) Increase in self-confidence on and off the field as they grow; (4) Make lasting friendships with girls in their communities, districts, locally and in other countries; (5) Have “doors opened”, i.e. opportunities to study and work through football; (6) Adopt healthy life choices and healthy life practices from now through to older age; (7) Have an awareness of the spiritual/moral component of their existence; (8) Are encouraged and empowered to dream big, to work hard to go after their dreams; (9) Become good examples for younger girls coming up; (10) Above all, that every participant will have a positive life-changing experience through this festival.

21

International Masters Invitational underway here

By David R Pascal

T

he long-awaited Veterans in Sports Inc St Lucia International Masters Invitational football tournament kicks off this morning at three venues: Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet Playing Field and the Sab Sporting Facility at Vigie.

The tournament, taking place June 8-10, was officially launched recently at Sandals Halcyon in collaboration with the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority. In attendance at the launch was CEO of Veterans in Sports Inc, Alvin Malaykhan; former West Indies Captain, Brian Lara; former national player, Earl Jean; and Senior Marketing Manager Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA), Jackie Mathurin, along with other officials from the the SLTA.

After greeting everyone, Malaykhan said, “As part of the 40th Independence celebrations for Saint Lucia, we are thrilled to be hosting the St Lucia International Masters Football Invitational under the theme ‘Be Inspired’. After eight years of hosting our annual National Veterans Football Tournament, we have attracted a great deal of regional and international attention. Better believe it!”

Having hosted international teams, most recently RUM FC from New York, Malaykhan said, “The main event, however, commences June 8 where 28 teams will play 76 matches over a three-day period. An organisational nightmare but, you know, it’s fun!”

He emphasized: “At Veterans in Sports Inc our brand of football is not just for competition and winning.

For us it is about impacting the lives of people for the better. We find ourselves being organisers of ventures that continue to shape both the sport of football and the country in a positive and meaningful way. Community activities have always been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of our development plans. We have been able to launch our Kick for a Cure Campaign, all done in partnership with Caribbean Alliance Insurance and the Veterans Football fraternity.”

In closing, Malaykhan thanked key individuals like Gavin Niles and Lopez Barthelmy, the numerous

Former West Indies Captain Brian Lara (left) with CEO of Veterans in Sports Inc Alvin Malaykhan.

sponsors old and new, as well as special guests Lara and Jean for helping to promote the tournament.

Lara mentioned his fondness for Saint Lucia, having been here first as player and now as ambassador for this tournament. He spoke highly of Jean and Malaykhan and said, “These two men that you see here did not take very much to get me on board.

The professional way they do stuff—they really care about themselves. Aligning my brand to something like this is very easy for me to do.”

Lara touched on another important aspect of Saint Lucia hosting this international tournament: “The sports tourism landscape in the Caribbean—I see Saint Lucia playing a very big part in ensuring this grows, especially on this particular island. Sports tourism is definitely one of the biggestgrowing, money-making things around the world. Six to seven billion dollars is spent every year on people looking to play sport, or people looking to just spectate. Why not have a slice of it?”

While Saint Lucia, at this time, may not be able to stage world-class events, Lara pointed out that there are people around the world—sportsmen and sportswomen—who are willing to spend money to play a level of sport and get recreation; so why not in Saint Lucia?

Lara went on to say: “I am very proud that Mr Malaykhan and, of course, Earl Jean took the opportunity to introduce Veterans Football. They have created something for a group

of people.”

Regrettably, Lara, who has played in previous veterans’ tournaments, will not be here this time around. He has been called to duty not on the cricket pitch but instead watching the West Indies win the World Cup. “Hopefully,” he mused.

Lara said he is off to India to provide coverage of the World Cup but could not miss the opportunity to once again give his blessing to the tournament.

There were also brief remarks from Mathurin of the SLTA, Caribbean and Events’ Christopher Gustave, and officials with St Lucia Distillers and Peter & Company Distribution who are among the many sponsors of this tournament.

Following are the teams playing in the various age groups:

Forty plus, Group A: Era Masters (Trinidad & Tobago), Real Ole Men (Grenada), SLU Metals (Central Vieux Fort), Marchand Veterans, Mon Repos Sharks.

Group B: X Men (Trinidad and Tobago), Micoud Veterans, VSDAC, All Blacks Dennery, Nature Boys (Dominica).

Group C: Pele Masters (USA), Flow Lancers FC, Soufriere Veterans, Valley Legends, Anse La Raye Combined.

Group D: Sunday Krew (Trinidad and Tobago), Gros Islet Veterans, Labowee Connexions, Choiseul Veterans, Caricom Masters.

Fifty and over, Group A: X Men (Trinidad and Tobago), Vieux Fort South, All Blacks Dennery, Caricom Masters.

Group B: Pele Masters (USA), VSADC, Gros Islet Veterans, Marchand Veterans.

22

sports

JUNE 08, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Digicel SPLT2019 End of Group stage

T

he Digicel SPLT2019 group stage could not have delivered any differently; an exciting end to what has truly been an eventful group stage. On Monday we saw group A come to closure with Choiseul Credit Union’s Choiseul Craftmasters getting one over their biggest rivals Avatar City Blasters. The Craftmasters have never defeated Daren Sammy’s men in their previous two meetings in the tournament (finals in 2017 and semis in 2018). However, Monday night had a different feel to it.

Despite the best efforts of Johnnel Eugene with 41 runs, the Blasters fell 45 runs short of their target. With this, the semifinals will, for the first time, be without the City Blasters. The two teams qualifying from the group are the Craftmasters and Mabouya Valley Renegades, both of whom have never failed to make it to the knock-out stages since the SPL began in 2017.

In other action (Group B), on Tuesday night we saw the thrill at Gros Islet Playing Field as Mon Repos Pioneers met the Gros Islet Knights in what many dubbed a mouth-watering affair.

For the first time, the SPL had games being played at the same time in different locations, with the defending champions, South Castries Lions, making light work of the Raiders, wrapping up their game within 13 overs and booking their place into the semi-finals.

With the game ending early, the Lions sat back to watch the broadcasted game between the Knights and the Pioneers. A game full of emotion lived up to the hype, as the Pioneers won the game but with Gros Islet doing enough on the night to keep their Net Run Rate ahead. As the Pioneers fans celebrated, they received the news that although their team had won, they just missed out on the semis. This did not stop them from having a great time and showing what SPLT2019 is all about.

This has been such an entertaining tournament so far, with the group stage coming to an end, leaving us with the following Ministry of Sports powered tournament stats: Runs scored, 3,334; Lucelec Power boundaries, 301; Nagico Maximums, 183; 50s, 12; 100s: 1.

As usual, the top team of each respective group will play

West Indies' fury at 'dodgy' decisions as Australia get rub of the green

frustrating and sent ripples through the dressing room.

"To lose Chris in a chase of 280, who can probably get 180 of them himself obviously, broke the start that we wanted to have. But the umpires do their job; they try to do it to the best of their ability. We, as players, go out there to do our job as well, so there was no confrontation between the players and the umpires."

Daren Sammy and his

Holding, commentating team Avatar City Blasters on the ICC's world television lost a key match to Choiseul Craftmasters. feed, was even more scathing, extending his criticism to the umpires' handling of the second place of the other group.

Australian bowlers' appeals Following are the semi-final for wickets. "The umpiring in match-ups: Monday June 10, this game has been atrocious," Philip Marcellin Grounds, Holding said. "For one, even Lions vs Renegades at 2:00 pm; when I was playing and you followed by Craftmasters vs were not as strict as they are Knights at 6:00 pm. now, you were allowed one

The third place and finals appeal. You don't appeal two, are tentatively set for Saturday, three, four times to the umpire.

June 15 at the same venue.

They are being intimidated

For all the latest news, which means they are weak." fixtures and results from the Chris Gayle’s dismissal

In all, Gayle reviewed three games, follow via www.splt20. was controversial decisions—two in one over and net. but Australia still came all off the bowling of Starc, and out on top. had the first two overturned.

On the first occasion, Gaffaney

By Melinda Farrell gave him out, caught behind, only for the replay to show the ichael Holding has audible sound of ball on wood slammed the umpiring had come from the ball shaving during West Indies' loss the stumps but somehow not to Australia as "atrocious", while dislodging the bails. Gayle Carlos Brathwaite described reviewed twice more, both some decisions as "frustrating" for lbw decisions by Gaffaney, he Saint Lucia and "dodgy" and suggested that before being given out. But it Amateur Boxing West Indies players are on the wasn't until the ball preceding Association (SLABA) wrong end of decisions more the wicket was replayed on recently announced the often than their opponents. television that the West Indies postponement of the He denied, however, that the players realised that Starc had proposed Organisation of decisions had cost them the overstepped by a considerable Eastern Caribbean States match in a hard-fought 15-run margin.

(OECS) Boxing Championship defeat to Australia at Trent

Brathwaite suggested it originally set for June 2019.

Bridge. was not unusual for umpiring

This decision follows

The umpires, Chris decisions to go against West a request from the Gaffaney and Ruchira Indies players and this match Associations invited, due Palliyaguruge, had four was just the latest example. to the current Caribbean decisions overturned between While Gayle's wicket may Examination Council (CXC) them and Gaffaney also missed have been a huge blow early exams being taken by most a blatant front foot no-ball from on in the West Indies' chase, of the young boxers who Mitchell Starc that preceded the Braithwaite didn't blame the were likely to be selected to delivery that claimed the wicket missed no-ball for the eventual participate. of Chris Gayle. If the no-ball 15-run loss to Australia.

Organisers say this had been called, Gayle would "Whatever is to be done event will now be held after have had a free hit on what was will be done; whatever is to the Creole Games, scheduled ultimately the wicket-ball. be seen will be seen. But as for early July in Saint

"I don't know if I'll be fined players we just need to get Maarten. Grenada. Dominica, for saying it but I just think on with it. Obviously we were Antigua, Guadeloupe and that the umpiring was a bit frustrated but the message Barbados have already been frustrating," said Brathwaite. in the dressing room was confirmed to take part.

"Even when we were bowling, 'let the frustration end here Therefore, attention now we thought a few balls close to and concentrate on the next turns to team preparation head height were called wides. ball', which we tried to do and for the Creole Schoolboys And obviously three decisions evidently Australia came out on and Juniors in Guyana taking in one over, as far as I can top." place in the middle of August. remember, being dodgy. It was ---ESPN cricinfo

OECS Boxing Championships postponed

T

M

THE STAR

june 08, 2019

CLASSIFIED 23

www.stluciastar.com

VACANCY STAR PUBLISHING is looking for an account manager for our Printed Materials, to coordinate jobs through production.

Maintain positive customer relations through active engagement of the customer through all stages of the manufacturing process from initial contact through final delivery of the customer’s product.

Responsibilities • Ensure job instructions are entered and verified in the various manufacturing systems and queued in to the production schedule.

•

Confer with customers throughout production to keep them informed of the status of jobs, solicit additional information needed for current jobs and coordinate changes to jobs. May forward/review proofs with customer, obtain approval of materials, such as artwork, color, or ink and paper samples.

•

Coordinate the resolution of customer or manufacturing issues with customer jobs. Engage appropriate departments to verify the issue and determine the root cause. May make recommendations to management on appropriate response to issues that are in the best interest of the customer and the company. Communicate with customers regarding the resolution of issues.

• May provide pre-sales support with customers and discuss the manufacturing capabilities and requirements needed to produce a successful job.

• May assist sales in supplying estimates and determining how to efficiently process a complete job.

• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.

Required Skills • Administrative/operational support in manufacturing operations or office environment directly related to the duties of the job.

• Able to consistently apply applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and program objectives when carrying out the duties of the job.

•

Must have advanced knowledge of technology to include computers and software programs such as MS Office or MAC word processing, spreadsheets or other programs specific to the job in order to complete job duties successfully. Experience with Graphic software.

• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills to communicate effectively across departments when completing assignments.

• Must have strong organizational skills with ability to manage deadlines and prioritize workload and make adjustment to meet business needs.

SUBMIT CV & References by email: hr@stluciastar.com

By June 7th 2019

Apartment for Rent

NOTICE

Two bedrooms, 1 bathroom Located at Mongiraud, Gros Islet EC $1000.00 per month No Inclusions, unfurnished No Dogs allowed

The public is advised that

Interested individuals Please call:

SHEM GLASGOW

724 5032

is no longer employed with

Commercial Building

Superior Shipping Services Limited and Freight Services & Distributors Ltd

For SALE / LEASE or Joint Venture Use In Vieux-Fort near Police Station 4000 Sq ft Ground Floor + 4000 Sq ft Concrete upper Deck, Small Office Spaces Starting at EC $600/ Month Free Internet, Cable Etc Large Yard with Parking for 100 Vehicles.

Ready for Immediate Occupancy Best Offer will be accepted Call or WhatsApp 758-7192318 with an Offer, or further Details or Discussion

and therefore is NOT authorized to conduct any business transactions on behalf such companies.

by Management

SATURDAY, JUNE 08, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

$2.00

When a Wink’s as Good as a Nod! S&S

LAYAWAY NOW AVAILABLE AT S&S THE PRICEBUSTERS

MEN’S SUNGLASES MEN’S BODY SPRAYS

$10.00

Come and apply for your S & S Loyalty Card

$10.75

Bois D Orange • Castries • Vieux Fort www.facebook.com/the.pricebusters

MEN’S HATS

$9.00

MEN’S LAPTOP BAGS MEN’S COSMETIC POUCHES $12 $28.00

MEN’S WALLETS

$7.00

Also on special: MEN PYJAMA PANT SETS $48, MEN BASKETBALL SHORTS $12, MEN DRESSING SHIRTS FROM $20, MEN DRESSING PANTS WITH BELT $43, MEN POLO SHIRTS $14, MEN JACKETS $45, MEN BLUE JEANS $30, MEN COSMETIC TRAVEL POUCHES $10, MEN WALLETS FROM $14, MEN SLIPPERS $5, MEN BEDROOM SLIPPERS $11, MEN RUBBER BOOTS $27, COWBOY HATS $8, TUM HATS $5.75, MEN BRIEFS $3.75, MEN WHITE VEST $5.50, MEN PLAIN BOXERS $4.50, LEATHER BELTS FROM $10

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