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SATURDAY, MARCH 02, 2019

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Congrats St Lucia on a magical Independence show

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Photo by Bill Mortley

Happy th Independence Anniversary Saint Lucia • Tel: (758) 450-0021 / 31 / 728 1000 • Fax: (758) 450-0092 • Email: info@bluewatersslu.com • Website: www.bluewatersslu.com

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MARCH 02, 2019 THE STAR

WLBL, DBC Support Gros Islet Vendors

REFLECTIONS W

(An over-my-shoulder look at life)

A Truly Good Man By Michael Walker

suppose you, like me, have met your fair share of good and bad people along the way, and the memories of your encounters with them remain indelibly etched in your mind; that’s just how it is. So today I thought I would tell you about one of the finest, ‘goodest’ people I have had the honour and pleasure of knowing. I could, of course, tell tales of quite a few bad people in my life, but that would be a complete waste of space and time. Bill was the man who stole my sister’s heart. He was a couple of years older than me and I absolutely disapproved of him when I discovered he was pursuing my kid sister. I seem to recall shoving him up against a wall and threatening him with all sorts of violence if he made her unhappy, something that was totally out of character for me then as now; I have always been a bit of a pacifist at heart, not fanatically, but modestly. I was among the first batch of boys to avoid doing National Service as my year of birth was the cut-off point for conscription to the armed forces. Everyone born before me was doomed to become a soldier, sailor or airman of some sort. Actually, maybe I am wrong about the date because I am pretty sure that Bill never served in the forces and he was, as I previously noted, a little older than me. Bill was a Boy Scout, a real Boy Scout. He didn’t just meddle with scouting—he was the real thing. He had just about every proficiency badge you could imagine. I was always amazed at the breadth of his knowledge. Maybe he had no choice in the matter; his parents were both seriously into scouting. Bill knew all about life in the open air. He went camping regularly, knew how to survive in the wilds, catch game, make fires with no matches, find his way with or without a compass and build a shelter even on the coldest nights. In fact he was perhaps the epitome of all fairly useless knowledge in today’s world, but I envied him. Bill was a truly Good Person. Yes, he could get angry, and yes, he was highly opinionated and never shrank from letting you know his opinion, but there was no malice in him. He was helpful to a fault. He could fix just about anything. Bill worked as an industrial chemist in the days when Sheffield Steel still meant something. When

the industry collapsed he was made redundant and tried various soul-destroying jobs, like selling insurance or foot-care for the elderly, before he finally became a driving instructor with his own school. His students loved him. At his funeral it was heart-warming even in that time of tragedy to see how many of his former pupils came to say their last farewells. I loved Bill for a hundred different reasons. He was honest and true. There was never any doubt where Bill was concerned. He was incapable of telling a lie, no matter how uncomfortable the truth might be. I loved him for making my sister happy. The milestones in their marriage were always a year ahead of ours. They stayed together for 50 years until Fate cruelly stole him from us. I used to visit them regularly when our kids and theirs had left home and we had time to ourselves. Neither of us was a particularly heavy drinker but when I visited them, Bill and I would take a glass or two of our favourite drink, which we called ‘a whiksy’, and play a stupid game in the back garden. We would suspend a plastic cup from the clothesline about six feet off the ground and try to chip a plastic golf ball into it. Amazingly we would succeed, but only now and then. For reasons I cannot explain, I always wore one of my sister’s old dressing gowns for the game. Lord only knows what the neighbours, a nice Pakistani family, thought about it all. And then Bill fell ill. It started quite innocently and he went to the hospital for a check-up. It was his prostate, nothing serious they said. He just needed a scrape and he would be fine. Well they were wrong. Bill’s condition deteriorated despite regular trips back and forth to the hospital. All the time they insisted that there was nothing really wrong with him. They scheduled a procedure for him, but it turned out the machine was broken. The specialist offered to perform the operation privately, but then he went on vacation, and when he returned to work he had changed his mind. There was no emergency; Bill could wait until the machine was replaced. It wasn’t until three weeks before he died that the folk at the hospital finally diagnosed his cancer and Bill died, not peacefully but in agony. His body was riddled with cancer. The hospital had screwed up royally; it took eight months from start to finish for him to die. Oh yes, they paid out some compensation to my grieving sister and her kids for what happened, but they never formally admitted their mistakes. It was a truly miserable ending to a truly good man’s life.

indward and Leeward Brewery Ltd. (WLBL) and Du Boulay’s Bottling Company Ltd. (DBC)—part of a Heineken company— completed their first Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) community project, “Brewing a Better St. Lucia”, in the town of Gros Islet. The WLBL-DBC team was on hand to deliver on the companies' commitment to customers, providing the vendors of that community with customer service and sales training. New Piton Beerbranded vending carts were also handed to vendors who do not have a dedicated outlet in Gros Islet. Sylvester Henry, Senior Category Manager indicated: “We worked very closely with the Vendors' Association, as well as the Town Council, to ensure that over 30 vendors who

needed these carts received them. The new carts, which are functional and sturdy, will facilitate the vendors in selling their products at the ever popular Gros Islet Friday night street party. We are thrilled to have an impact on the town’s vendors and look forward to continue working them and making an even greater impact in 2019.” Over 30 vendors participated in the Customer Service and Sales Training conducted by Gaius Harry, area sales manager. The training focused on packing of beverages, stock rotation, grooming, branding, upselling and sales techniques. On behalf of the Gros Islet Vendors' Association, Anette Maxius extended thanks to Windward and Leeward Brewery Limited. The mayor of Gros Islet,

Mr. James Edwin, commended the company on this initiative, highlighting the need for entities such as WLBL to work with communities and associations to build the brand of Saint Lucia. “The town of Gros Islet thanks WLBL for stepping forward and working with the Gros Islet Vendors' Association and the Town Council to help develop our vendors, as well as enhancing the aesthetics of the Gros Islet street party. Vendors, I implore you to take care of these carts and utilize the knowledge imparted on you to enhance your brand and customer service. Thank you again WLBL and we look forward to strengthening our partnership moving forward.” WLBL is currently working with the Gros Islet council on a project that will benefit children in the community. It is slated to be rolled out this month.

Cops tight-lipped about whether a news reporter has been linked to pre-Independence bomb scare! By Rick Wayne

olice are maintaining a determined silence in relation to reports on the Internet, also broadcast by at least one home-based radio outlet, that a local TV reporter has been linked with the bomb scare two days before Independence. The officially unconfirmed reports also say the individual was brought in for questioning by detectives on Thursday evening, and that while at the station he asked

to visit the bathroom. It is unclear whether or not he was accompanied. In all events, it is being bruited about that while in the police toilet the individual ingested a quantity of cleaning liquid and had to be hospitalized as a result. At time of writing various sources claim the news reporter is still at Victoria Hospital’s ICU but the police will say only that they have nothing to add to what they said at the time personnel at George F. Charles airport took a call from an undeclared source indicating

a bomb had been planted on an unidentified aircraft. By official account the call also resulted in serious disruption of flight schedules at Hewanorra International Airport. As we go to press the word from the police is that no one has yet been charged in relation to the bomb scare. According to law, anyone found guilty of making such calls is liable on indictment to five years in prison. Meanwhile all attempts to reach Media Association of Saint Lucia president Miguel Fevrier proved futile.

Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations Partners with the Daren Sammy Foundation Independence Essay Competition

s part of this year’s celebrations for the 40th anniversary of independence, the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations has partnered with the Daren Sammy Foundation to host an essay competition among primary and secondary school students. The competition provides students with the opportunity to reflect on this year’s Independence theme “All In, Our Journey, Our Future” and consider the contributions which young people can make towards our development.

The competition requires students to prepare a speech which would inspire other young people to become active citizens in the development of Saint Lucia and which would help them to understand that one person can have a positive impact. This initiative will also provide participants with the opportunity to critically examine some of the challenges we face, and perhaps recommend some suitable solutions. The Daren Sammy Foundation has donated four laptops which will be used as prizes for the winners.

The entries will be judged by a carefully selected panel of educators. Two winners each will be selected from both the primary and secondary schools. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 15, 2019. Entries can be submitted to the Office of the Chief Education Officer. The Daren Sammy Foundation and the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations would like to wish everyone a Happy 40th anniversary of Independence. Let us all do our part to contribute to the continued development of our country, Saint Lucia.

THE STAR

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march 02, 2019

Sunbilt Fire Family Coping with Loss of Home By Dean Nestor

or mother-of-four Kysia Stephen and her sister, the afternoon of Wednesday, February 6, 2019 will not soon be forgotten. It was on that day that they experienced their worst nightmare: a fire that seemingly, in a matter of minutes, ate up the little they had in this world. Indeed, they were extremely fortunate to escape with their lives. As usual, scant information has been released about the cause of the fire at Sunbilt, Castries. Meanwhile the survivors have little choice but to continue with life, as difficult as that is proving. “I felt really bad that it happened,” Stephen told me last week. “I didn’t have the time to take anything out. I didn’t have the time to save

anything. It was so shocking. It was everything bad. Afterwards I just broke down. There was nothing else I could do.” Stephen had shared with her four children and sister the top portion of their building. A family of three occupied the floor beneath them. On the afternoon of the fire, she had gone shopping nearby. She recalled: “I went to get something. My mum lives not far from us. I told the kids not to go out. But they did.” None of them was home when the fire started. “Yes, it’s a good thing they didn’t listen to me,” Stephen said. “The family below us were watching TV in their apartment when the fire started upstairs. They were lucky to get out. In no time at all the whole house was in flames. A member of the family alerted my sister but it was too late. Everything we had was gone by the time she got to

the house.” Since then, Stephen has turned to her own mother for help. “I’m getting all the support from my mum. She’s trying her best. That’s where I’m staying for now with my children, until I can pick myself up and get back on my feet.” But her mother hasn’t been the only one to offer her help with her three girls and boy. Two of the children are old enough to attend school. One is a kindergartener at the St. Aloysius R.C. Boys’ Infant School, the other a 1st Grade student of the Ave Maria Girls’ Infant School. The R.C. Boys’ principal Wynnykyj King told me: “Our first concern was ensuring that the child came back to school as soon as possible. The first thing we sought to do was to make sure he had all he needed for school: supplies,

Wynnykyj King, Principal of the St. Aloysius R.C. Boys’ Infant School, was thanked by fire victim Kysia Stephen in interview.

uniforms, from shirt to shoes; everything was handed to the parent a couple days after the fire. We wanted him back at school on the Monday.” The school turned Valentine’s Day into Fundraising Day, not only for its student but also for his three siblings and

their mother. “We sent out a letter to parents asking them to dress the students in red and white and to contribute either five dollars or an item from a prepared list. We asked for shoes of various sizes, clothes, underwear and so on. Everyone proved quite generous.

Then we hired a vehicle to transport the donations to the kindergartener’s mother.” At Ave Maria Girls’ Infant School, Principal Claudia Edward told the STAR that plans are underway to assist the Sunbilt fire victim and her family, although they have been pushed back by the recent disruptions at the school. Stephen corroborated all that Principal King had said: “They gave my son school supplies.” However, Ave Maria was another story: “They’re willing to help,” Stephen told me, “but due to the closure of school, they haven’t been able to. I know they are trying their best.” Stephen was most grateful for Principal King’s efforts. “I was very surprised by what she did. It helped us a lot.” She also discovered the school principal was “a very, very nice person”.

Officials grapple with the blue of the St. Lucia Flag

ne of the major events hosted by the Independence committee to usher in the island’s fortieth anniversary of independence was the hoisting of a largerthan-life flag at Waterfront, Castries, followed by a grand fireworks display. A few minutes before midnight on Independence Eve, Saint Lucians turned out in their numbers to congregate in the Government Buildings parking lots and on John Compton Highway, all the way down to the Castries market, to witness and participate in the celebrations. Following a short delay, the fireworks display

Pictured is the giant flag (left), feet away from smaller flags near the Castries waterfront.

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went on seamlessly for a good twenty minutes As for the larger-thanlife flag . . . Well, it turned out that bigger isn’t always better. Historically, the main difference between flags has been the shade of blue used. While some took the position that blue is blue regardless of how light or dark, others insisted that it was high time the authorities decided on a uniform blue. On Monday, Senator Fortuna Belrose addressed the subject. “From what I’ve been told,” she explained, “the correct pantones were given. It’s a problem we will do our utmost to overcome.” She acknowledged that

across the country, different flags of varying shades of blue are being used, and that this is something that needs to be addressed. Toni Nicholas of the Independence committee revealed that the ministry of foreign affairs is currently putting together a document which will be presented to Cabinet, with the aim of legislating the correct colours of the flag. A ministry official was unable to provide specific details of the proposed legislation, such as fines for future violations. ---JSA

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The Prime Minister’s Secret Weapons weapon of love which embraces all the people of Saint Lucia, led by the prime minister’s family and that of his wife. That ring of love includes the Diaspora and all the genuine friends who call our island ‘home’. One prays that the power of such love will be strengthened over time, and never be broken. It is that ring of love that makes Saint Lucia attractive to visitors. It is often said that the personality

Peter Josie

rime Minister Allen Chastanet’s star has been on the rise ever since he became political leader of the United Workers Party. I made a point of declaring my support for him long before the last general elections because I saw his potential. I take pride in stating that I’ve never been a political-fence-sitter. Politicians are better advised to make simple declarative statements to the electorate and the media, and to communicate stronglyheld ideas. The electorate is consequently afforded opportunities to weigh the pros and cons of arguments before casting their ballots. This is the preferred way in a free, democratic society. But there is more. Each political leader comes into politics with his or her secret political “weapons”, often not apparent until the new prime minister emerges. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet is armed with six most powerful political weapons. First there is his affability and passion for economic development. Closely attached to this, and forming an indivisible covalent bond, are his drive, energy, determination and the political savvy of his wife, Raquel Du Boulay-Chastanet. That bundle of energy, combined with the PM’s likeability, openness and willingness to listen, makes this duo a formidable team indeed. This core nucleus is at the heart of the love that delivers to the people of Saint Lucia the longheld hope of work, education, health care, security and justice. The first ring of energy outside the husband-wife nucleus consists of some of the most savvy and energetic politicians and advisers. This includes his trusted Cabinet colleagues, senators and the hierarchy of the United Workers Party, and selected others. When these pull in the same direction, the UWP is unbeatable. Many have opined that the recent motion of no confidence tabled by the leader of the opposition against Allen Chastanet was a godsend. The resolution allowed ministers of the government to further explain the work of their various ministries and the role which the prime minister and minister of finance plays in each of their

of the people of Saint Lucia adds beauty to our island. As we embark on the first year of this new journey, following our fortieth anniversary of independence, we must continue to embrace the message of unity and love of which the prime minister spoke. I pray that coming generations will learn from the prime minister’s not-so-secret weapons outlined above.

Book Launch: Saint Lucian Writers and Writing

The author insists it will be a long time before the opposing party moves a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Chastanet (left) like that recently proposed, to no avail, by opposition leader Philip J. Pierre (right).

respective portfolios. Each entity was better placed to deliver budgetary and campaign promises to their various constituencies. I suspect that it will be a very long time before another such motion against Prime Minister Allen Chastanet is tabled. The third ring that protects the prime minister and forms a strong barrier against his foes consists of UWP stalwarts, many of whom cut their teeth in the political camp of the former leader Sir John Compton. Since the formation of the United Workers Party, many new streams have joined, adding strength and diversity as it works towards a more productive and beautiful Saint Lucia. The UWP is aware of the role it needs to play in this new and evolving world order, under its visionary prime minister. The party has pledged to continuously strengthen its membership drive, adding fresh, new ideas as it delivers a better and more progressive country. The party must boldly embrace the new vision of a different and better technosmart country which the prime minister so ably described in his Independence address to the nation. The PM’s strong desire for consultation should ensure the success of his UWP and his

government. The fourth ring of support which presents a formidable economic weapon that continues to strengthen Prime Minister Allen Chastanet is the capable and friendly countries that offer advice and economic assistance. For example, the redevelopment of Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) at Vieux Fort could hardly have started without the assistance of the government and people of Taiwan. Japan’s assistance in our health services and bridge-building and road construction is well known. The USA, Canada, Britain, France, Mexico, Morocco and others offer helpful assistance. We must salute, especially, Cuba for its unwavering assistance in the field of health care and eye care. However, as the prime minister said, in the end Saint Lucia is ours to build, and we the people must unite and work for the common good of all its citizens. Cuba is a Caribbean reality and will always be our friend. The fifth ring of support, which may prove to be the most significant weapon, is the emerging excellence of the nation’s youth. Some people would prefer to focus on crime and the senseless violence that are often blamed on the

youth. We also need to focus as sharply on the youth who are engaged in positive work and research, sports, music and arts and other fields of endeavour. I was truly moved when I listened to the two young men who addressed the Independence charity ball on Saturday evening, February 23. I recalled forty years ago, some political detractors found it safer to ride the wave of UWP popularity on the road to independence. Then, it was the voices of the minority (former members of the St. Lucia Forum) who said that even before independence, the form of the new and liberated Saint Lucian had already appeared on the horizon. Of course, some people chose to listen instead to the criticisms of the so-called advocates of “Black Power”. But times have changed. Had the St. Lucia Forum had its wish, the new man it envisaged 40 years ago would have been at the centre of the island’s development thrust a long time ago. Still, the maturing excellence of the forty-something, combined with the emerging sensibilities of the youth, should soon take its place at the centre of this island’s social, economic and political development. Finally, there is the

The new book by John Robert Lee.

ew bookstore 758 Saint Lucia Books, Café Littéraire at the Gablewoods Mall, Sunny Acres was the venue for a wellattended and successful book launch of Saint Lucian Writers and Writing: an author Index of published Saint Lucian books, compiled and edited by Saint Lucian author and librarian John Robert Lee. Billed as a cultural event and book launch, the occasion was organised as part of a conference hosted by the Msgr Patrick Anthony Folk Research Centre with the participation of the World Association of Christian Communication (WACC) from February 25 to 27 at Coubaril Mount of Prayer. The Conference discussed among other matters the importance of the promotion of the use of indigenous languages for communication as societies develop. Delegates came from Haiti, Suriname, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Columbia and Canada. The new book is published by Papillote Press based in London and Trafalgar, Dominica. It is the Press’s first Saint Lucian publication. Among those addressing the book launch was Ms. Polly Pattullo, founder of

the Press. Mr. Embert Charles, Chairman of the FRC spoke on “Mediating the culture: Saint Lucian writers and writing.” Saint Lucian Writers and Writing commemorates the 40th anniversary of Saint Lucian Independence and records the published achievements of Saint Lucian writers including well known authors like Derek Walcott and Garth St. Omer as well as many other poets, prose writers and dramatists. The journalism of Rick Wayne, founder of the STAR, is also documented. The Index also recognizes the 70th anniversary of the University of the West Indies. The author made a number of presentations of the bibliography to some persons present including Dame Pearlette Louisy, Dr. Kenny Anthony, Dr. Philip Lee of WACC, Ms. Sigrid Nama (Derek Walcott’s partner) and Ms Marcia Symphorien of UNESCO. Entertainment was provided by Manmay La Kay and Les Danseurs Traditionelles, and there were readings by Kendel Hippolyte. The new book is available at the 758 Saint Lucia Bookstore.

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MARCH 02, 2019

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March 02, 2019 THE STAR

Allen Chastanet Promises: ‘The south will be transformed!’ Joshua St. Aimee

overnment ministers, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) and representatives from the Republic of China (Taiwan) were all on hand this past Sunday at the sod-turning ceremony for the Hewanorra International Redevelopment Project. The ceremony took place in Vieux Fort, at the site of the proposed project, and was held under the theme “Ready for Take-Off”. SLASPA’s acting general manager Mr. Daren Cenac, in pledging his support for the project, said it would be a “world-class airport” with available land remaining for future expansion. Among the many plans are a 100ft high air traffic control tower, a 337,000

sq. ft. terminal building, four new baggage carousels, and new road infrastructure. The project will be constructed by Taiwan’s Overseas Engineering Corporation (OECC) and is estimated to take thirty months to complete. Mr. Cenac promised SLASPA will keep the public informed as the project progresses. The Export-Import Bank of China (Taiwan) will finance the project for an estimated US$175 million. “We can anticipate in the future that every plane which takes off from this airport will symbolise the diplomatic ties between our two countries, and we believe that the completion of this project is going to boost the economy,” said President of the Legislative Yuan of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Honorable Su Jai-Chyuan. “Taiwan is committed to work

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet at last Sunday’s HIA sod-turning ceremony.

hand in hand with Saint Lucia on a path towards prosperity and mutual benefits.” Also addressing Sunday’s gathering was Prime Minister Allen Chastanet. He said the day was not only symbolic of the relationship between Taiwan and Saint Lucia, but it

also marked a critical part of his government’s future plans. Without this redevelopment project, he said, none of the other proposed investments would be possible. They include: a 350-room hotel by AMResorts, a 150-room Fairmont hotel, an 800-room Hyatt hotel and the

380-room Sandals resort. Anticipating more visitors to the island’s shores, he said: “I think it would be very difficult for the staff or any of us to visualize any more people going through the current airport facility that we have.” The prime minister painted a picture of “a very unwelcome environment” with travellers having to sit on the terminal floor, and being cramped together in some instances. “We’re not doing justice to the hard work that so many Saint Lucians have put into building brand Saint Lucia,” he added. He also cautioned future workers at the new facility: “We are not going to bring old habits into a new building. We have to completely modernise the services of the airport to meet with our largest industry.” He questioned how the US-

based delivery service company FedEx can pick up a parcel from one destination and deliver it to another person elsewhere but a tourist could not check their bags at the airport and have them delivered to their hotel. “Imagine being able to provide that quality of service!” he enthused. The prime minister promised his government will re-invent the south, and asserted that the promises of Sir John Compton and others of a “new frontier” will finally be delivered by this government. “It is my government’s firm belief that Saint Lucia can never achieve its fullest potential unless we tap into all that the south offers.” According to official sources, Labour Party MPs were invited to last Sunday’s ceremony but failed to materialize.

St. Lucia drops three positions on Rule of Law list

he World Justice Project (WJP) has released the WJP Rule of Law Index® 2019, an evaluation of rule of law adherence worldwide based on more than 120,000 household and 3,800 expert surveys in 126 countries. Featuring current, original data, the WJP Rule of Law Index measures countries’ rule of law performance across eight factors: Constraints on Government Powers, Absence of Corruption, Open Government, Fundamental Rights, Order and Security, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, and Criminal Justice. At 38th place out of 126 countries worldwide, Saint Lucia declined three positions for overall rule of law performance in the WJP Rule of Law Index 2019 edition. (Note that this change in ranking was calculated by comparing the positions of the 113 countries measured in the 2017-2018 edition of the Index with the rankings of the same 113 countries in 2019, exclusive of 13 new countries indexed in 2019). Saint Lucia’s score places it at eight out of thirty countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region and six out of 38 among upper middle income countries. The top three overall performers in the WJP Rule of Law Index 2019 were Denmark (1), Norway (2) and Finland

Neither the police nor the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was available for comment. The security minister is off-island. Left to right: DPP Daasrean Greene, Police Commissioner Severin Monchery and Security Minister Hermangild Francis.

(3); the bottom three were the Democratic Republic of the Congo (124), Cambodia (125) and Venezuela (126). Globally, the new WJP Rule of Law Index scores show that more countries declined than improved in overall rule of law performance for a second year in a row, continuing a negative slide toward weaker rule of law around the world. In a sign suggesting rising

authoritarianism, the factor score for “Constraints on Government Powers” declined in more countries than any other factor worldwide over the last year (61 countries declined, 23 stayed the same, 29 improved). “This slide in rule of law in general, and checks on government powers in particular, is deeply concerning,” commented Elizabeth Andersen, executive director of the World

Justice Project. Regionally, Latin America and the Caribbean’s top performer in the Index is Uruguay (23 out of 126 countries globally), followed by Costa Rica and Chile. The three countries with the lowest scores in the region were Honduras, Bolivia and Venezuela (126th out of 126 countries globally). The WJP Rule of Law Index is the world’s leading source for

original data on the rule of law. The Index relies on surveys to measure how the rule of law is experienced and perceived in practical, everyday situations by the general public worldwide. Performance is measured using 44 indicators across eight primary rule of law factors, each of which is scored and ranked globally and against regional and income peers. “Effective rule of law is

the foundation for communities of justice, opportunity, and peace,” said William H. Neukom, WJP founder and CEO. “No country has achieved a perfect realization of the rule of law. The WJP Rule of Law Index is intended to be a first step in setting benchmarks, informing reforms, stimulating programmes, and deepening appreciation and understanding for the foundational importance of the rule of law.”

THE STAR

MARCH 02, 2019

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Saint Lucian entrepreneur combines fashion with advocacy

riginally from Micoud, and now based in Brooklyn, New York, Vaughn Constable has his eyes set on making an impact in the fashion industry. The 35-year-old launched his company “Twist By Vee” in 2017. It manufactures bow ties of different styles and from various materials. The business also aims to make tangible differences in people’s lives with its “give-back” campaigns. Following a successful “Bows For Boobs” breast cancer campaign in September 2017, Twist by Vee’s latest project, “Bows For a Cause,” seeks to raise awareness in five areas that affect Vaughn, his family, and some of his close friends. For this campaign, five colour variations of hand-made and lace-covered bow ties have been created. The blue is for prostate cancer and autism; pink for breast cancer; purple for domestic violence; red for HIV/AIDS, and yellow for suicide. The yellow tie is dear to Vaughn’s heart. At the age 12 he lost his father to suicide.

having worked in Martinique for a number of years to understand branding, concepts and development.

The proceeds of sales go toward various support groups and foundations such as the American Cancer Society and the Heather Hurley Foundation. This week, the entrepreneur officially launched his company, “Twist Saint Lucia Ltd.” at Bay Gardens Hotel. Ahead of the launch, Constable spoke with the STAR:

STAR: What has been your biggest challenge? Manpower! Manpower! Manpower! It’s a big challenge because I cannot fulfill two huge orders at once. For example, a church in Washington, D.C. ordered 600 bow ties for Christmas last year, and I had to submit it within a timeframe. I also have to have a good turnaround time. There’s also the fact that I refuse to take production to China, so I decided to bring it to Saint Lucia.

STAR: What is the aim of Twist Saint Lucia? The reason for bringing the company here is so these bow ties could be made in Saint Lucia. My hope is to create a training manual, so I’ll be able to train people here, so they can make the bows. I’ve not calculated how many people I would need to make per bow; it’s going to be based per order. However, the training will be continuous; I’m hoping to do that over the summer, like by doing workshops in various schools. Once Twist is completely registered here, local organisations and foundations will be able to participate in

Vaughn Constable (left) during a showcase this week for the “Bows For a Cause” campaign.

future campaigns.

masonry, carpentry and painting. He did everything; he STAR: What influence did your did it all! I do get my creativity father have on you? from him. Every time I draw, I get energy from him. My dad was a tradesman; he was a jack-of-all-trades, STAR: Before you began and very creative. He built creating bow ties, did you houses, did farming, plumbing, have any experience in

CTO FOUNDATION EXPANDS PROGRAMME WITH INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CARIBBEAN NATIONALS

n an effort to provide more opportunities for Caribbean nationals pursuing higher education and careers in the tourism industry, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Scholarship Foundation has enhanced and expanded its programme. With the support of partners in the private sector, the foundation is this year introducing scholarships of up to US$5,000 in public relations and communications; tourism education or human resources development; hotel, resort, or villa development, design and/ or planning; and aviation or air transport technologies. In addition, the Arley Sobers Memorial Scholarship for those seeking to enhance their skills in tourism research or statistics is being doubled from US$2,500 to $5,000, while a master’s degree scholarship of no less than US$5,000 is being offered for studies in tourism-related disciplines, including language, agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, event management, interior design, medical tourism, architecture, sports, culture and heritage,

environmental protection and preservation. The foundation is also offering a US$5,000 scholarship to Caribbean nationals interested in pursuing a first degree in tourism management or marketing, as well as study grants of US$2,500 to those seeking to improve their skills in any tourism-related field of study that will enhance the development of a sustainable tourism industry and boost service excellence in the region. “By expanding the programme to include financial support for study in this wide range of tourism-related subjects, the CTO Scholarship Foundation seeks to meet its objective of ensuring that the brightest and the best are attracted to careers in the tourism sector or in areas that impact tourism, thereby helping to build a Caribbean tourism industry that is globally competitive and sustainable,” says Jacqueline Johnson, the foundation’s chairman. “The foundation is profoundly thankful to our partners who have come on board to make these industry specific

scholarships possible, and we look forward to welcoming other partners in the future.” The private sector partners financing various scholarships include Zelman Style Interiors which is funding the hotel, resort or villa rental scholarship, and Delta Air Lines which funds the aviation and air transport technologies scholarship. The foundation selects individuals who demonstrate high levels of achievement and leadership both within and outside the classroom and who express a strong interest in making a positive contribution to Caribbean tourism. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, April 19, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. All applications must be submitted online at https:// ctoscholarships2019.pgtb.me/ VQFjkj. Applications will not be accepted via mail, email or fax. Individuals who wish to make a contribution to the CTO Foundation can do so via its GoFundMe page at https://www. gofundme.com/cto-scholarshipfoundation.

making clothing? I’ve always been a creative person. I did clothing and textiles at the Leon Hess Secondary School for a few semesters. I’ve always been told that I’m good with my hands. The driving force was

STAR: What is your advice to other entrepreneurs? It’s going to be a lot of work and there’s going to be people who are not happy for you, and not going to support you. There is no start time or end time for working. Also, you cannot do it all by yourself. ---JSA

CARIBBEAN GALAXY ANNOUNCES LUXURY RESORT CONSTRUCTION IN ST. LUCIA

Pictured is a digital rendering of the proposed hotel development.

aribbean Galaxy Real Estate Corporation announced this week it will break ground later this year for construction of the Canelles Resort, which includes Dreams & Zoetry, offering 330 beachfront rooms overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to the south, together with an oceanfront

residence with 380 apartments. The dual resorts Dreams and Zoetry will offer restaurants, bars, conference centres, grad theatres, a spa, children’s clubs, and core and entertainment areas. The developer of Dreams and Zoetry Resorts is AMResorts, a collection

of luxury resort destinations, each with its own unique personality. “Saint Lucia is a beautiful vacation destination,” said Ying Jin, Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Galaxy. “We are delighted to partner with Saint Lucia and with AMResorts to make this stunning resort a reality.”

THE STAR

Peter & Company Distribution (PCD) NBA Sweepstakes

Participate and you may become the lucky winner!

CD Experiences is going all out with the Dewar's NBA Sweepstakes and a chance to see the Miami Heat face-off with the Milwaukee Bucks in VIP style! The two winning couples (who must be 21 years of age or older) will be provided with airfare, hotel accommodation and transportation as well as a one-trip ticket for each winner and companion with VIP passes to the American Airlines Arena Bacardi Suite. Meals will be provided during the two-day stay for each winner and their companion. Eligible persons who wish to participate must purchase a Dewar's 1 litre White Label or Dewar's 12 Years at any of the many participating stores and outlets. A receipt must be placed in the box provided in stores. To be eligible to win, participants must have a valid passport, a valid United States visa and legal residence of Saint Lucia. The game date is Friday March 15, 2019 with the sweepstakes draw taking place on March 4, 2019. If you haven't participated yet, this is your chance to do it now!

Chamber to “Chew On“ Saint Lucia's Economic Performance and Prospects for 2019/2020

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MARCH 02, 2019

he Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture will listen with intense interest to information on the "Performance of the Economy in 2018 and the Prospects for 2019/2020" when the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Ms. Cointha Thomas and her team address members at a luncheon on March 15, 2019. Dubbed “Chew on It”, members will not only listen but ask questions and assess implications for their businesses. The presentation will be followed by the lead discussant sharing some thoughts on the critical messages that should be gleaned from the presentation. The Chamber intends to utilize this forum to help identify the imperatives for the business community which should perforce be part of their critical advocacy issues to be pursued in the coming years. The drive for this dialogue arises out of the recognition that the modern business marketplace is a data-driven environment. Current and correct economic data plays an important role in empowering business leaders to make decisions based on facts, trends and statistical information. Business leaders must be able to access the right information, and understand and interpret it correctly. The forum will assist in this regard. The Chamber invites its members and the business community to "Chew on It: St. Lucia's Economic Performance and Prospects for 2019/2020" at the Finance Administrative Centre, 5th Floor, Point Seraphine, commencing at 12:00pm on Friday March 15, 2019. For more details, contact the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce. Interested persons are asked to express interest to the Secretariat as soon as possible!

LOCAL

Flamingo Auction Proceeds to benefit Local Charities

he Flamingoes are a group of kind-hearted golfers of diverse nationalities. Some live here while others spend much of the year elsewhere, descending on Saint Lucia in the winter months to enjoy the island’s sunshine, warmth and golf courses. On Monday February 25, 2019 the Flamingoes and their friends flocked to the home of Andy de Verteuil for a charity auction. Nestled next to the golf course in Cap Estate, the Flamingoes felt ‘at home’; this and the lunch no doubt enticed them to bid enthusiastically for

fifty items, ranging from accommodation, meals and fine wines to massages, boat trips and jewellery, all donated by generous individuals and businesses. Auctioneer Simon Anthonisz kept the level of bidding and humour high, such that some EC$15,000 was raised. The money will be distributed between four local charities that are close to the hearts of the Flamingoes: the Grow Well Golf Programme, the Saint Lucia Animal Protection Society (SLAPS), The Oliver Gobat Sports (TOGS) Fund and Amy’s Gift to Saint Lucia.

Some of the lots that were auctioned on Monday. The money raised will be disbursed to four local organisations.

10 comment

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Piti Z’ile Gwan Wèv Discovering the Dream Within Us

A Commentary on Independence By Adrian Augier

which to draw all the strength we need. Avoiding nostalgia and sentimentality, the Griots present a moving combination n our emerging nation, it is of optimism, scepticism and especially important to dream, realism. Their providence to collectively believe in the suggests that if we are not to possibility of new, and better, go mad, we must learn who and more. Given our meagre we are, whence we have come, origins and our vulnerable and the milestones already circumstances, there is no surpassed. other way to rationally address In that voice, the our future. Mundanity is not an denigration of the transatlantic option. Settling for the ordinary slave trade translates into a and the unimaginative is at triumph of spirit. One that odds with progress and change. refocuses our energies more Playing it safe advances neither profoundly and productively body nor spirit across new on what we did for ourselves. frontiers of emotion, experience We did not just suffer the or understanding. tyranny of slavery and sugar. Such advancement must We overcame it. We prevailed. be powered by an intelligence: We went on to prosper in a of history, identity, culture and harsh and doubtful world, art, which together provoke creating our own substantial us to rise, plunge, explore and societies. That single reveal the unsprung potential of affirmation—and there are both sower and seed. others—should fuel our dreams, These are the wellsprings validate our ambitions, and of our humanity, the fonts to inspire all manner of wondrous which we must return in that expectation. constant conversation between With that in mind, we source and tributary. Otherwise, cannot ignore the crippling there is no humanity . . . only dilemma of Lucien’s generation. the violence which plagues us We should prickle in the face now. of so much untapped heroic In the Saint Lucia Story— potential. We should admit staged February 21, 2019 to that his needs lie unexpressed mark our 40th anniversary because we have not given of Independence—the lead him the vocabulary to voice character, Lucien, is an them. His restless indifference archetypal figure in search of is not some irrevocable self. In that role, he represents a curse, but a symptom of generation craving a deeper something missing, understanding of the world into something lost, something which it has been thrust, too incomplete. often, unprepared. He journeys If that rings true, then on behalf of us all and is very rediscovering our history is akin much the redemptive figure. But to rediscovering our humanity, he is also the flawed product of and possibly the only way to an unlived history. save him—and us—from the The Griots—three wise chaos of unbridled instinct, women rich in ancestral naked greed, and the brutal memory—suggest that history imperatives of scarcity and is the foundation upon which all survival. else rests. But since that script We already know that is most often written by the self-interest, like political keepers of official documents, power, must be tempered by there must also exist another conscience, regulation and reality, experienced and enforceable law. Now there is recounted by the survivor. In another imperative. A national other words, our past, if we capacity for love. Love of wish to own it, can also be country. Love of self. Love of interpreted—by us—to create each other as living beings and, a philosophical bedrock from deeper still, as fellow Saint

La Port, sculpture by Jallim Eudovic. In his commentary on “Small Island, Big Dream”, the author proposes that, as a nation, “we can be our own statement and response: a Walcottian mirror in which we greet ourselves entering our own door”.

Lucians travelling the road of our ambitions, united in the struggle against deprivation and despair. It is a necessary therapy. A vigilance that guards against regression. An affirmation that we will not slip back. It is that same humanity which instructs us to peaceably co-exist, within agreed parameters of justice, equity, law and order. These values give meaning and relevance to our society, allowing us to move from survival of the fittest to no child, no elder, no citizen left behind or excluded. Hence the need for functional courts, universal health, viable schools, and the teaching of ethics and civics, literature, geography,

history and art. Confident in our identity, we could offer our example to the world: tolerance, multiculturalism, diversity, our sense of family and community, a love of life and learning, of colour and music. These national assets are much more than postcard attractions. They are our gifts, the tools and weapons we take with us, into a world that is increasingly unmoored and philosophically adrift. If our own new world still demands resistance, still promises empowerment, still offers relevance, such testimony should not go ignored. As an act of gratitude for living in such a place, we should encourage

each other to dream bigger and brighter and better, and try to recall, beyond mere survival and subsistence, our submerged propensity to prosper. Rekindling that dream into a new socio-economic outlook would be a massive achievement, driven by the sort of fervour glimpsed all too briefly in the Annou Wè-y National Independence Parade: a much-needed reinforcement of Lucian pride, largely free of alcohol, banality and reckless oblivion. In the Saint Lucia Story, the scene entitled “Forward Ever” reminds us of that other dismal moment on the national timeline: “ . . . Power and politics soon turn around / We mash down the city, we board up the town / but in that darkest moment a new light did shine / We listen to reason: close mouth, open mind . . . ” The memory captures both the angst and achievement of Lucian past and present. And, perhaps this is just what an independence celebration should do: move us forward, not into some euphoric fog of political pretension, but with eyes wide open, upward and onward to the justice, truth and charity promised in our anthem. Such powerful potential is already embedded in our Lucian scrap book, and if we had a national museum, we could go visit such things and be deeply enlightened. We would be able to spend real time with our sweet and bitter memories, objects and images over which we would weep, and smile in congratulatory satisfaction and remorseful catharsis. Then, the simple truth would dawn: we will find relevance in the outer world, when we achieve relevance within. People who have persevered as we have, should abandon neither memory nor dream. We need both in order to overthrow the myopia threatening to whittle us back to the mundane, the petty, the ordinary. Suitably armed, we can choose to move on to the

thousand other ways of viewing ourselves and telling our story. Adversity does not have to be our recurring finale. We are still young, and not entirely unwise. Our unique and original listwa (story/legend) is still brewing in the boyo (innards) of our imaginations, gestating in minds and bodies, young and old. This island can still be an ambitious, expansive place, unafraid to attempt things not done before. We can be our own statement and response: a Walcottian mirror in which we greet ourselves entering our own door. Arriving there, we will see ourselves moving forward, from adversity to deserved celebration, across generations as we are accustomed, transforming our circumstances from the shards of past and present. This is the only grail of meaningful development, and we would do well, at times of sudden and shortlived largesse, to keep such thoughts at the forefront of the national imagination. By holding unapologetically to a collective ambition, we might just recover sufficient wisdom to become again that symbol of hope and light which first fills us and burns so bright that it inspires a world where culture, people, development and the art of dreaming remain forever inseparable.

Adrian Augier is a development economist, an independent senator and Saint Lucia’s 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year. He is an award-winning poet and producer, and a Caribbean Laureate of Arts and Letters. He has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of the West Indies for his contribution to regional development and culture, and the Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (Gold) for his contribution to art and literature. For moreinformation on this writer and his work visit adrianaugier.blogspot.com.

THE STAR

INDEPENDENCE

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march 02, 2019

The Spirit of Independence:

We All In! The police band never disappoints.

he archetypical figure that was the centerpiece of Adrian Augier’s Saint Lucia Story must have been multidimensional. I say this because “the Spirit of Lucien” had captured the soul of the nation long before 9 p.m. on February 21, when the character hit the stage at the Sab playing field, Vigie. An air of excitement and joy permeated the work places, the schools, the streets such as had never been witnessed before, to quote the popular refrain. It was the eve of Saint Lucia’s 40th anniversary of Independence and, after weeks of activities across Saint Lucia to the build-up of what was expected to be the centerpiece of the celebrations, anticipation was running high. It was national colours day too, and many took the opportunity to dress up fashionably in shades of blue, yellow, black and white. Sales figures for flags, tee shirts, caps and other Independence paraphernalia, many emblazoned with slogans of national pride, set new records.

The pre-Independence bustle, long lines at the supermarkets and gas stations, traffic, reminded of Christmas Eve. Small hotels and guest houses also reported happy news, thanks in part to the hundreds of bikers and 4X4 truckers who came in from St. Vincent, Martinique, Barbados, Dominica, Trinidad and Jamaica, as well as returning nationals who wanted to be “All In” for Independence 40. By evening, Castries had been transformed into a magic city: three stages, one grand affair as fluttering flags and decorated business places bolstered the atmosphere. Stage one: At Constitution Park, with the statue of Sir John towering behind the stage, cultural groups from around the island put on a spectacle for hundreds who had congregated by 6 p.m. The performances by school choirs, solo groups and chorales reconnected in a very special way to some of the indigenous sounds now finding their way into our contemporary music. Continued on page 12.

Not your everyday firearm.

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Making big strides.

Left right, left right . .

Dame Pearlette with big smile and big hat.

Top cop (left) and PM stride across the parade ground.

Governor General Neville Cenac.

Music has no age boundaries.

The right shade of blue.

Photos: Bill Mortley, David Pascal, Joshua St Aimee. See page 14 for more.

12 INDEPENDENCE Continued from page 11 Stage two: A few yards away, over on Jeremie Street, another stage came alive shortly after 8 p.m., tracing the history of another form of music, Calypso. Ashanti, Nintus, Twop Chanse and others delivered the people’s favourites. The once maledominated art-form now included stars such as Menel, Lady Lyn and Osun. Soca was represented by the likes of Mantius, Ezra, Tedyson John and Ricky T, who put on engaging sets. Dennery Segment was perfomed by Mighty and Subance, Blackboy, Umpa and others. The thousands who had turned out, were clearly not disappointed. Stage 3: Saint Lucia Story— “Petit Z’il, Gwan Wev”—at the Sab playing field, as mentioned earlier. What an uplifting experience! With much attention to every detail, from costuming to lighting, music and more, this theatrical production came alive under the moon and stars, with standing room only for the free event. As the story of Lucien unfolds, three singing griots are used as the thread that connects the performances. The journey moves from creation to the Amerindians to the Africans as Lucien craves for a deeper understanding of this world into which he has been thrust. Through all of his adversities, there is still a yearning to celebrate who he has become. And so two hours later as Lucien takes his final bow to rapturous applause; his spirit shifts once again to the Castries waterfront (and the pier at Pointe Seraphine) where thousands have lined up to celebrate the Journey of Fair Helen. Thousands more are viewing live at home on NTN or on Facebook. At midnight the flag is hoisted at the park near Sans Soucis Bridge. Sure, there had to be a snag. I guess Lucien would say there is often a price for progress, there being no free lunch. But finally the troublesome flag makes it to the top, to the soulful singing of the national anthem. Then the fireworks, but not before nother snag. Something to do with Air Traffic Control, it turns out. And then it came: screams and joyous shouts with each burst in the midnight air. Castries was suddenly transformed into the magic city. A sight, as evinced on our front page by photographer Bill Mortley!

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march 02, 2019 THE STAR

Prime Minister's Independe

A family affair. Left to right: Feolla Chastanet, Raquel Du Boulay-Chastanet, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, Judy Chastanet. See below and right for more pictures of the ball attendees.

Special mention: the always elegant and sensationally attired Mae Wayne of Star Publishing.

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march 02, 2019

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INDEPENDENCE

ndence Ball

Photos: Bill Mortley, David Pascal, Joshua St Aimee

14 INDEPENDENCE

Photos: Bill Mortley, David Pascal, Joshua St Aimee

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march 02, 2019

LOCAL

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BAY GARDENS RESORTS 40th Independence AWARDED ST. LUCIA’S FIRST Proved What A United GREEN GLOBE—GOLD St. Lucia Can Do! B

Incredible scenes as thousands amassed on Bridge Street, Castries for the military parade.

that dutifully obliged and added spice to the show—a mere appetiser for what was to come. “I’ve never seen so many people at the parade,” remarked ageantry and one colleague, who has been ceremony’s necessity attending such parades for over in unifying a nation a decade. simply cannot be quantified. At midnight the country Its importance in galvanising had been dazzled by the near a population under one 20-minute fireworks display flag is crucial, not only to welcome in February 22, to nation-building but to 2019—Independence day. The nation maintenance and suspect voices of dissent were sustenance. What was drowned out by the cheers. most breathtaking about But the patriotic fervour Saint Lucia’s celebrations around Independence would for the 40th anniversary of reach a crescendo when the Independence was not the military parade passed through fireworks display, or the the streets of Castries. The midnight flag-raising or even crowd at Sab would more than the popular military parade; double in size as people chased it was the fact that, for a brief after the stirring procession. moment, the people were Saint Lucian patriotism was truly united as proud Saint at its height. The support Lucians. for our law enforcement The day’s weather representatives on the day was was perfect; the sun shone unanimous—earlier complaints upon the happy brows of evidently forgotten. Saint the crowd in its thousands, Lucia was being celebrated, present to witness history. seemingly by all its people. The Sab playing field was With flags waving in one the location, the military hand and camera phones in parade the main attraction; the other, patrons of the event and boy, did its members amassed behind the parade perform! The crowd was on Bridge Street, jumping and inspired, cheering on the dancing to tunes trumpeted by band of the Royal Saint Lucia their home-grown rock stars. It Police Force as well as all was uplifting, all hint of dissent the armed and unarmed or division apparently put detachments in the parade aside. As a radio caller tellingly Dean Nestor

observed on Monday: “It was like carnival, without the vulgarity.” Senator and culture minister Fortuna Belrose could not conceal her exuberance. “The parade on the streets of Castries on Independence Day was significant. I don’t remember the last time I witnessed such levels of patriotism and togetherness. It was unprecedented.” To dissenters, she said: “I don’t think we should look to quantify the celebrations in terms of the money. I think what we wanted was the experience and the fact that it has added so much value and connectivity to our people. That, to me, is much more than any amount of money can measure.” While in the midst of the Independence Day throng, a thought came to mind, juxtaposing what was happening before my eyes against a scene recalled by Rick Wayne’s recent article in this newspaper: “INDEPENDENCE: From Day One It’s Been Looshan vs Looshan!” My thought? Despite it all, the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Independence underscored the fact that we do have a future, if only we can move forward as one!

ay Gardens Resorts has been awarded Saint Lucia’s first Green Globe Gold Member certification. Three of the resort group’s five properties—- Bay Gardens Beach Resort and Spa, Bay Gardens Hotel and Bay Gardens Inn—have been awarded this global certification for sustainable tourism. Green Globe’s Gold Member status is awarded to members that have been certified for five consecutive years. This prestigious designation is only possible when a member meets all requisite criteria within the Green Globe Standard for Travel & Tourism (or their sectorial Standard) and have completed the independent and mandatory onsite and desktop audits in alternating years. Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director of the Saint Lucian family-owned and -operated group of hotels, said: “We are honoured and proud to have been awarded this Gold certification. We have always emphasized the importance of environmental protection and sustainability and will continue with our conservation activities in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint.” Guido Bauer, Green Globe’s CEO, said: “This is a major achievement and we

Sanovnik Destang of Bay Gardens Resorts (right) caught up with Guido Bauer of Green Globe during the recent Caribbean Travel Marketplace event in Jamaica.

should pay great respect to Bay Gardens’ management and staff for protecting their beautiful destination and supporting local communities.” Destang said the company was making strides to ensure that its other two properties (Bay Gardens Marina Haven and Water’s Edge by Bay Gardens Resorts), which were added to the Bay Gardens group of properties last year, become Green Globe certified. Bay Gardens Resorts has phased out the use of plastic in favour of biodegradable vessels and utensils made from wood, paper, compostable plastic and sugar cane bagasse. The

company has also ended the use of all expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) products at its properties. It has also embraced other ecological innovations such as installing GEM Link occupancy sensors in its guestrooms, leading to a 15 per cent energy-use reduction per occupied room. Bay Gardens Resorts’ environmental efforts also include converting its air conditioning units to energy efficient inverter units, changing lighting to LEDs across its properties, and implementing a farm-to-table menu that reduces its total food miles.

High Level of Demand for Knowledge on the Labour Act Continues

he Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture is responding to demands from members and the wider business community for opportunities to better understand and “know” the Labour Act, by acquiescing and hosting a third “Know Your Labour Code” class. Even after two fully subscribed classes, firms continue to call on the Chamber to run repeat classes. The expert job of the facilitator, attorney at law Cheryl GoddardDorville, is in no small measure responsible for the piqued interest in the course. Clearly the word is getting around. Handling the diverse participants with superb aplomb, Mrs. Goddard-Dorville has made the class practical

and interactive, where sharing and learning has become easy for all. From HR managers to supervisors and fellow attorneys at law, the exchange of experiences and interpretations by the trainees have been guided by the experienced and knowledgeable facilitator. She has shared her knowledge and experience freely while admonishing that the Labour Act, while law, always requires a human touch. The Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce is therefore exceedingly pleased to advise that the third class of “Know Your Labour Code” has been scheduled for March 13, 2019 at the Kreole Conference Room of Coco Palm Resorts. The workshop will focus

specifically on Part III Division 10 – Termination of Employment, of the Act and will explore typical cases that companies experience with regards to valid reasons for dismissal, unfair dismissal, constructive dismissal, natural justice safeguards, unsatisfactory performance, warnings, probation and termination. The Chamber remains committed to meeting the identified needs of its members and is well on its way to offering its Sales Management and Sales Champion Programme, as requested by members. For more information on this and other training programmes to be offered by the Chamber, please contact the Secretariat or visit the website: www.stluciachamber.org

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MARCH 02, 2019 THE STAR

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march 02, 2019

PAHO calls for Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean to Prepare for Possible Outbreaks of Dengue

CARPHA and UWI sign MoU to Collaborate on Health and Education Initiatives A n important aspect of the 30th Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the University of the West Indies (UWI) on Tuesday, February 26, 2019. CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr. C. James Hospedales, and Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of UWI, signed the agreement. “So you are bringing together the two organisations responsible for higher education and for public health to join forces to strengthen training and research to address the health priorities of our region from chronic diseases, climate and health, violence and injuries and the

environment we live in,” said Dr. Hospedales. The executive director said that the written agreement is for five years and it “packages a lot of what we already do in the region” such as health economics with St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad and Tobago, chronic disease at Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, and climate and health at Mona Campus in Jamaica. “I hope we will be able to leverage it to mobilize more resources for the noble purpose that we both have,” Dr. Hospedales said. Sir Hilary said that the signing is significant as it points primarily to “putting our house in order”. He said that one of the biggest problems the region faced is the spread of viruses, noting that the cooperation with CARPHA will help to address such. One virus he touched on was Zika, prevalent in the region three years ago.

“It required a tremendous mobilization of research, knowledge of institutions and public health, to prepare the region for the arrival of the Zika virus, and we did that with tremendous efficiency so that when the Zika began to appear in the region we were ready for it,” said Sir Hilary. “But we learnt a very hard lesson that we need to articulate and integrate all of the public health care professionals, the researchers in public health, and the skilled people in virology.” He added that there are a number of international partners and universities worldwide working closely with UWI but doing their own research “to pull all of this together to build resilience in the region”. --WICNEWS

SVG Geothermal Project Drilling to Begin in April

rilling related to a geothermal project in St Vincent and the Grenadines is expected to begin in April this year; by June the government will have an idea of the full extent and quality of geothermal resources. According to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, US$15 million, a soft loan, has been secured from the

Abu Dhabi Development Fund and that money will be utilized in the drilling phase of the geothermal project. The prime minister said on Tuesday that the drill rig is on its way to St Vincent and the Grenadines and, by April 2, over 100 containers of equipment will arrive. Gonsalves also noted that, in paying attention to the country’s energy sector, Union

Island will get a solar facility valued at US$6 million, a grant through the United Arab Emirates. He added that Dubai Cares has donated US$500,000 over the last two years for the school feeding programme and 12 of the 61 primary schools are able to give free lunch to students who need it. ---Searchlight

regional

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The dreaded Aedes aegypti mosquito.

he Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has called for countries in the Region of the Americas to prepare for a timely response to possible outbreaks of dengue. The disease is endemic in the Region and, since its reintroduction in the 1980s, has caused cyclical outbreaks and epidemics every three to five years. The first dengue epidemic with over one million cases occurred in the Region in 2010. Three years later, in 2013, the first epidemic with more than two million cases occurred. At the beginning of 2019 there was an increase in cases compared to the same period of 2018. “Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes that is widespread in the Americas,” said Dr. Marcos Espinal, Director of the Department of Communicable Diseases and Environmental Determinants of Health. “Its complexity has been increasing over the years due to several factors such as unplanned urban growth, water and sanitation problems, climate change and, in some countries, the simultaneous circulation of all four types of dengue, which increases the risk of serious cases and outbreaks,” he added. According to PAHO’s latest

epidemiological update on dengue, published on February 22, 2019, 560,586 cases of dengue were reported in the Region of the Americas last year, including 3,535 severe cases of dengue and 336 deaths. During the first six weeks of 2019, almost 100,000 cases of dengue were reported, including 632 cases of severe dengue and 28 deaths. The main recommendations from PAHO focus on countries intensifying disease surveillance, as well as vector control measures to reduce mosquito populations that transmit the disease. Currently, the only way to control or prevent the transmission of the virus is the fight against Aedes aegypti, the main mosquito vector. The organization also recommends continuing to educate the population, as well as community involvement initiatives. PAHO also requests that countries ensure that health professionals are trained in the diagnosis of dengue and other arboviruses, as well as in the adequate management of patients with these diseases. PAHO provides technical cooperation to prevent and control the disease. Dr. Espinal explained that the timely diagnosis of the disease has become more

complex with the arrival of two new arboviruses: the chikungunya virus in 2013 and the Zika virus in 2015, which present similar symptomatology. However, despite the introduction of these new arboviruses, dengue is the one that presents the highest number of diseases. Dengue is also a more lethal arbovirus than chikungunya and Zika, but its treatment is relatively simple, inexpensive and very effective in saving lives. “The key is recognizing the warning signs early and providing the care required to prevent it progressing to more serious forms,” said José Luis San Martin, PAHO’s regional advisor on dengue. If a physician is not sure whether a patient is presenting with dengue, chikungunya or Zika, PAHO recommends that the clinical management and treatment of dengue begins immediately, without waiting for a laboratory diagnosis. PAHO also recommends that the patient be monitored daily or at least every 48 hours in order to pick up on any serious warning signs, particularly during the critical phase of the disease. ---PAHO

18 HEALTH

KIM’S KORNER

MARCH 02, 2019 THE STAR

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These Boots are Made for Walking

alking has become an activity in which young and old participate, but it wasn’t until the Independence weekend that I realised just how popular it had become. Seven years ago a very determined man decided it would be a good idea to walk around the island for Independence Day. It sounds like a great idea, especially when you consider that Saint Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. But following the course of the roads makes the round trip some 88 miles, and that is no mean feat. When walking those hills that make our island so picturesque, 88 miles can seem like pure torture. But every year more people endure. What does it take to complete this arduous but rewarding journey? The simple answer is training and determination. If you seriously want to take part and finish, then your training should start

early. If you lack experience, then your training for next year should start now. Finding the time to take a 5 mile walk is much easier than finding the time for a 20 mile walk but the benefits speak for themselves: the longer you walk, the fitter you will be, and you will burn more calories. The aim when walking longer distances is to try to speed up, so that you can cover more distance in less time. You will want to start slowly and gradually build up your distance, then speed. Experts recommend that people training to walk a marathon need to start their training at least three months in advance. When you do the maths and work out that a marathon of just 26.2 miles, over 8-10 hours, takes at least three months’ training, then an 88 mile trek over a 24 hour period will take much longer. So where do you start? The first thing is to make

sure you have the right shoes for walking, and maybe more than one pair. Your footwear is important if you consider that a person, on average, takes 2,500 steps per mile on the big day, which equates to 220,000 steps. You need to choose shoes that provide comfort but that are also made for walking. There is a difference between running and walking shoes. When running, the sole tends to land first. But it is the heel that strikes the ground first when you walk. Points to remember when choosing the right shoes: • Make sure they are light and flexible. • They need to be breathable. Long distance walking can cause the feet to swell but don’t have shoes too loose otherwise they will rub and cause blisters. • Flatter heeled trainers are best as they ease the pressure to the front of the foot, reducing the risk of blistered toes.

• The padding inside the shoe can help protect you from the pressures of walking and rough terrain. Now you have the right shoes, it’s time to start hitting the streets. Start with small distances and gradually build up. Experts suggest that people training for a marathon should not start on their long-distance preparation until they are comfortable walking four miles at least three times a week. Only then does the real training begin! Day 1 and 3 – Moderate walks of at least 4 miles. Day 2 - Comfortable walk of at least 3 miles. Day 4 - Cross-training for one hour. Day 5 - Endurance walking, slowly building up to 80% of goal distance. Day 6 - Recovery day with at least 30 minutes of crosstraining or comfortable walking. Day 7 - Rest day. At the end of this stage, you should be walking at least 20 miles a week and can start on part two of the programme, making the following changes: Day 1 - Interval walks of varied pacing for at least 4 miles. Day 2 - Comfortable walks of at least 3 miles (no change). Day 3 - Power walking for 5 to 6 miles.

Walking with others can turn exercise into an enjoyable social occasion.

Day 4 - Cross-training for 2 hours. Day 5 - Endurance walking. At least once a month explore the route. Maybe choose Castries to Soufriere; Soufriere to Vieux Fort; Vieux Fort to Dennery; Dennery to Castries. Day 6 – Increase cross-training to 45 minutes or comfortable walking. Remember to give yourself time to adapt to these distances. You may not have the

time (or energy) to walk those distances every week. Apart from the obvious benefits of walking, like improving circulation, reducing body fat, strengthening muscles and bones, walking can improve your mood and reduce stress. Recent studies have revealed it can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. So, tie up those laces and get walking! You have 12 months before the next around-the-island walk. 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

Happy Women’s Day March 8

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One of the top restaurants in St. Lucia. Orlando’s Restaurant & Bar was awarded TripExpert’s Best of St. Lucia 2017 award. Travelers can be confident that it is an outstanding choice for dining out in St. Lucia.

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by every woman who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

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march 02, 2019

We Gatherin’ 2020 By Keithlin Caroo

n coincidence with this year’s Independence Day on February 22, a hundred miles away, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced huge plans for Barbados in the year 2020. In a call to all Barbadians living in the Diaspora to come home next year, she said, “2020 has been designated as the year for Barbadians and those who love this country to come home, reconnect with family and friends, and invest in the rebuilding and development of Barbados.” The year-long initiative will impact every parish in Barbados by allowing each one to showcase their icons, food, social life and identity. It starts in January 2020 in the north of the island and moves southward each month. Mottley’s clever

initiative not only calls for a resurgence of Bajan patriotism but it allows for those in the Diaspora and those at home to directly invest in projects that could help their community. While some could see the similarity with Saint Lucia’s 40th anniversary of Independence ‘All In’ campaign, Mottley’s administration puts people at the centre of the agenda and is allowing each parish, those well recognized and those not so much, the opportunity to showcase themselves in the best light. In some ways, Vision 2020, has elements of the Barbadian Social Partnership, a tripartite agreement between the government of Barbados, private sector and trade unions that was created in the ‘90s in response to severe economic challenges. One could say that Vision 2020 is an informal agreement with every sector of society that would contribute both economically and socially

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to “build the best Barbados”. Meanwhile, in Saint Lucia, are all sectors of society truly included in the ‘All In’ campaign when it comes to our nation’s growth?

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

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Local Bakeries team up with Caribbean Grains and Sandals for PM’s Ball

aint Lucia has been abuzz with various celebrations to commemorate forty years of independence. The baking industry has made its presence felt with indigenous bakeries collaborating alongside Caribbean Grains and Sandals Grande to provide delicious breadbaskets filled with a variety of tasty bread for the Prime Minister’s Independence Ball held on Saturday February 23 at Sandals Grande. A number of local bakeries made the Caribbean Grains showcase prep kitchen home as they prepared a variety of baskets and specialty bread for the event, before doing final baking at Sandals. Representing Cadasse Bakery was Ms Theresa Louis; Mr. Jamal Polius represented Zephirin’s and Ms Lydiana Lewis from Central Bakery made up the core team. The trio worked under the supervision of Caribbean Grain’s associate bakers and Sandals Chef Henrique Sparrow. The baking team was excited at the opportunity

to learn new techniques including breadbasket weaving and formation, and felt the experience was an enriching one. Owner of Cadasse Brothers Enterprise, Mrs CadasseWalker, stated, “As a collective of bakers we were honoured to have contributed to such a momentous occasion, and it brought a collaborative spirit and sense of solidarity among those of us who participated, particularly in light of our long standing within the industry of some 40 plus years. By all accounts, it was a wonderful effort on the part of the staff and an excellent precursor for what’s to come as we move forward in partnership. “I must highlight that, as recipients of the training provided by Caribbean Grains, they have much to offer our local industry and, together, we have already cited a range of exciting developments to modernize our operations, upgrade skill levels and work as a unit to educate the populace on local healthy choices as this relates to baked goods.”

A breadbasket, courtesy of local bakeries and Caribbean Grains.

Echoing the sentiments of the bakers after a successful event, Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Decosta Pierre added, “We are extremely impressed with the number of local bakeries who have continued to participate in our Baker Training Programme as we work towards reinstating a Bakers’ Association. In our last workshop we were elated to host over 40 bakeries in the north and south, in an intensive session. “Although there is a competitive nature in the

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Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Mr. Gaston Browne.

example of heavy infrastructure cost. “If the Italian government had not written off . . . 90 per cent of the loan for Heritage Quay, we would still be paying off the loan for Heritage Quay,” he said. Browne argued that the only way for small countries like Antigua to fight the FCCA is to form a regional port facility. “Unless the entire Caribbean comes together and forms a regional port facility and mandate that [the Cruise Associations] pay more, we will continue to end up in problems and have to subsidise that sector,” he said, adding that such a proposition was unlikely to succeed. --Antigua Observer

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rime Minister Gaston Browne has accused the industry, they all recognise Florida Caribbean Cruise the need to work together for Association (FCCA) of exploiting the betterment and survival the Caribbean. of the industry. We hope to According to its website, groom younger bakers as the FCCA is a not-for-profit well since the industry has trade organisation composed a lot of potential for growth, of 19 member cruise lines especially as it relates to operating nearly 200 vessels in providing healthier choices, Floridian, Caribbean and Latin catering events and providing American waters. job opportunities in an industry The association is which has experienced progress mandated to hold discussions in recent years.” with partner destinations on Caribbean Grains tourism development, ports, continues to welcome more safety, security and other cruise local bakeries, restaurants, industry issues. hotels, schools and even However, the prime households into its baking minister accused the academy in its quest to provide association of exploiting innovative techniques and Caribbean countries for lower assist the bakers in producing a visitor tax rates. wider range of products which “The reality is that the appeal to more customers. FCCA is literally exploiting the Currently, the company Caribbean. So you will charge, manufactures and sells for example, thousands of Premium and Regular dollars for your visitors to the All Purpose Unbleached White Caribbean—and I know that flour in retail outlets islandwide the cruise business is capital and 50lb bags of White Wheat, intensive—but when you are Whole Wheat, and a variety of giving these countries five or specialty flour including a donut six dollars per head this cannot mix, Rye, Multigrain, Campagne, cover the capital costs for the Brioche, Genoise and Pasta flour infrastructure,” Browne said, from its depot in Vieux Fort. pointing to Heritage Quay as an

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Trump’s former lawyer says president is a racist, a liar and a cheat!

ormer longtime Donald Trump lawyer Michael Cohen revealed on Wednesday that he hunted for a rumoured tape of the president hitting Melania Trump—footage that he believes does not exist—as he described 'catchand-kill' publishing schemes to silence allegations against Trump, including one that the president had a love child and another rumoured to involve spousal abuse. Cohen spoke on a dramafilled day on Capitol Hill, calling

the president a racist, a liar and a cheat. Trump, he said, knew about WikiLeaks' plan to publish hacked Clinton emails and would work with 'anyone' to win. Cohen presented what he said was evidence that Trump knew about payments to Stormy Daniels, and continued to write cheques to reimburse his attorney for them after he became president. Republicans attacked Cohen as a serial fabulist who already stands convicted of lying to Congress, making his

testimony worthless. One member of the House Oversight and Reform Committee referred him for further investigation during Wednesday's hearing, claiming he lied on a financial disclosure form about his contracts with foreign companies. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, one of the panel's most junior members, landed a blow on Trump from twelve time zones away by broadcasting a logical reason for the committee to subpoena the president's long-sought tax

F O U N D A T I O N

Tea & Testimony LADIES TEA PARTY HOSTED BY RAQUEL DU BOULAY-CHASTANET

ATTIRE: PRETTY IN PINK (WITH A HAT) PRICE: $100.00

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Annual Salary Slip (TD5/Form P11) and/or Profit & Loss Statement showing total income and deductions (including taxes) for the year

 HIGHER EDUCATION

Proof of attendance and maintenance at university for your relative; also include proof of support, e.g. payment of fees, tuition, housing...

 MEDICAL EXPENSE

Receipts should be retained and presented upon request

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rumour about Trump physically hitting the future first lady. 'The story goes that he struck Melania while in that elevator, because there's a camera inside,” Cohen said under questioning, before declaring about the supposed hidden cameras: “I'm not so sure. Actually, I'm certain it's not true. I don't believe Mr. Trump ever struck Mrs. Trump, ever,” he said, adding the man he served

for a decade would not 'ever do something like that'. Cohen said he had heard rumours of the tape's existence and that people from American Media Inc. had tried to “catch and kill” it, buying the exclusive rights to the story and never publishing it. “I know several people who went to go try to purchase it for catch and kill purpose,” Cohen told the committee. ---Reprinted from Daily Mail

Ladies' Tea Party in Celebration of International Women's Day 2019

GOVERNMENT HOUSE MORNE FORTUNE, CASTRIES

 INCOME STATEMENT

Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney, told a congressional panel on Wednesday about the moment Trump gave him the order to funnel $130,000 to pornographic actress Stormy Daniels to buy her silence about an alleged sexual affair

First Lady Hosts "TEA AND TESTIMONY"

SUNDAY MARCH 10th, 2019 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

I N L A N D R E V E N U E D E PA R T M E N T ’ S

returns. Cohen told her that Trump had previously inflated the value of some properties for insurance purposes, and undervalued others when it was time to calculate tax bills. He had already provided the committee with portions of some financial records from the Trump Organization. “Do you think we need to review his financial statements and his tax returns in order to compare them?” Ocasio-Cortez asked. “Yes,” Cohen replied. “And you'd find it at the Trump Org.” He said Trump had an interest in lowering his local real estate tax bills. “What you do,” he said, “is you deflate the value of the asset and then you put in a request to the tax department for a deduction.” Committee members also questioned Cohen about payoff schemes involving American Media Inc.—the parent company of the National Enquirer—hatched to protect the president. One involved the

ot on the heels of the success of the 40th Independence Ball which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Cornerstone Humanitarian Society, among other charities, First Lady Mrs Raquel Du Boulay-Chastanet now embarks on another worthy cause: raising funds and muchneeded support for the Women's Support Centre, a place of refuge for vulnerable women. Despite the event having been announced just two days ago, the tickets are almost completely sold out. The hope is for the tea party to raise awareness to generate support from the business community. The first ever "Tea & Testimony" is to be held at Government House in honour of International Women's Day and

promises to be the equivalent of tea at Buckingham Palace! It will take place on Sunday March 10th, 2019 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event, hosted by Raquel Du Boulay-Chastanet in her capacity as founder of the Make it Happen Foundation, boasts a list of inspiring speakers who represent a wide cross-section of society. They include Mrs Mara GiraudyThompson, former First Lady of Barbados, and Sister Marie Claire Joseph, longstanding Principal of the St. Joseph’s Convent. An interesting and inspiring variety of topics is guaranteed, ranging from love and marriage to work and worship; all important subjects that impact every woman. And, of course, our First

The IRD will accept any copies of documents

FILING TIME  MORTGAGE

Mortgage Interest Statement / Interest Statement for home improvements or renovations. Block & Parcel number must be indicated. Property MUST be situated in St. Lucia. *N.B. Interest on monies borrowed for house repairs is NOT allowable (maximum $18,000)

 HOUSE INSURANCE & HOUSE TAX Payment receipts

 REPAIRS/MAINTENANCE TO OWNER OCCUPIED

PROPERTY All bills/receipts should be retained. A detailed description of work undertaken MUST be attached (maximum $10,000)

 DONATION / GIFTS

Deed of Covenant for a period of not less than 3 years for religious donations; letters from NCF and St. Lucia National Trust for charitable donations; and, receipts of payment(s) made towards medical or sporting bodies approved by Cabinet

 CREDIT UNION / COOPERATIVE SOCIETY SHARES

Credit Union Share statements (maximum $5,000)

 STUDENT LOAN

Interest Statement (maximum $3,000)

Lady, who loves fashion, can't organise an event without a dash of sartorial style! She is intent on making this a colourful and en vogue afternoon and invites attendees to adhere to her chosen dress code: Pretty in Pink (With a Hat). There will even be a pop-up shop by a well-known Caribbean milliner as well as handbags from Christine Samuel. The fundraising tea party promises to be an afternoon of fun with auctions, gifts, giveaways and a raffle. So please come out and support this worthy cause and help women in need of shelter and a helping hand. For more information and to make donations, see the advertisement on this page or call (758) 452 5111 or Catherine McPhee on 484 1406, or email makeithappenstlucia@gmail.com

 ALIMONY MAINTENANCE

Court Order or Decree for Alimony payments. Proof of payment(s) MUST be attached and recipient must be chargeable to tax in St. Lucia

Taxpayers filing online must attach electronic or scanned copies to their online declaration forms

 SHARES FROM PUBLIC COMPANY

Certificate of shares from public company and purchase amount (N.B. New Shares must have been purchased during the income year)

 HOBBY FARMING

Letter from Ministry of Agriculture (maximum $5,000)

 COMMUNITY ROAD REHABILITATION WORKS

PROJECT Proof of Registration (from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Services & Transport) and proof of payment made (maximum $5,000)

 TRAVELLING ALLOWANCE

Travelling Allowance Form (TD Form AU-3) must be filled-out, signed by the company’s manager/director and stamped or embossed with company’s seal. Forms can be obtained from IRD office or website under the Forms & Publications menu (maximum $6,000)

For more info: AND DON’T FORGET THE DEADLINE:

MARCH 31st

THE STAR

BLOOD ISLANDS By McDonald Dixon In the beginning there was nothing, nothing became the word and spoke. Gliricidia seeds sprout wings, follows the breeze to bare rocks, anchored in blood to an ocean floor. They begin and end in capitals, berthed to half-baked stones, from Lucas Street, St. Georges, Prince of Wales, Roseau, Jeremie Street, Castries — wherever choice blends in. The age is youth, they die and resurrect in style, burning like incense in a hot cathedral. Your child lying stiff on a corner street, his candles on All Souls Night light every sepulchre— Touch the rain and you will not get wet. If the rock is too big, it’s not an island no matter if you live, or die in it. There is always cash to burn on a fix, waiting for seasons that seldom change, obdurate like law and order, sun or rain. An angry sunset riles the darkness, revealing subtle seams, wounds that never ever glow even in phosphorescent light. Children without fathers cannot love, hate is the only badge they know; a mind is their trigger; it cannot wait for the nightmare scrawled on tombstones to assume it’s alive before they react. Politicians blame the mess on T.V. Blame church, blame molesters, soul, as sole, but please, absolve the ghetto: my little one room chattels, littered with their dead. Like acrobats, they dare the high trapeze without wire or net. Forget sonnets, length, lines, this poem reeks of serious shit. Boys have died and more will die in vain, before unwritten words scribbled across their lives find symbols for a hidden peace. We do not need flowers to mourn, crutches digitalize in angry clumps like fists. Forget tense, simple sentences need time to ripen with their corpses, naked, or with clothes. Death is a red flag, black at centre on a lighthouse pole, the signalman displays in journals of lost hope. We cannot run, we cannot hide. Subway to tube, the mind when triggered, cannot wait, death follows its shadow around the globe. The Angelus rings, Millet strips sunsets of their flight, night climbs over islands the size of cities,

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ravines are rivers; boulevards half streets, without their plethora of whores. Here, every street corner feeds its hucksters on the same sweet drinks and corn-curls fare. From the Morne over Castries, on moonlit nights, the sea warm, I search for streets I knew before cement blocks four storey high smothered the view up old Saint Louis street; the lot at number ninety-nine, my navel string buried there under its sour sop tree with all my generations. Forever lost I remain, underneath faceless monstrosities afraid to confront History. Tar after the day’s heat swells in a drizzle; full moon lights shadows, clouds march on. All of my seventy years cruise past, encapsulated in this cornerstone, fearful of poems that enter bedrooms not understanding mirrors reflect only what they see. Never bothering to mark her face, whether she came or went, until she came back with a baby boy; it resembled me.

From the wrong side of town, this poem will never feel the sun in its hair; never heal the sore festering like an anemone at the harbour’s edge, in reality a chancre blossoming all over these islands.

So different, despite your one dwiyèt, cerulean blue, trimmed in aquamarine, we remain friends. So strong, so long loving the same lover, until you hopped on a plane and split to New York; took a hike on the ‘Six’ to Soundview, spent time at OTB, Westchester Avenue, the Bronx, waiting on a ‘Pick Six’ to come home, back to your island ghetto, renamed ‘Graveyard’ to please local journalists, who write about nothing good. Mornings dawn, children mocking birds, too soon to learn their alphabets of fate, making tough love a clinical retreat. Wars spread throughout a landscape void of conscience: Castries River runs a sanguine shade of red under a sky searching for its favourite blue. I could write about Columbus and change the subject, or about

the sea and the zygote spawned in the keel of the Sancta Maria that brought its pain of church and rosary beads, multiplied by conquistadores and pirates and the million voices screaming overboard through an Atlantic’s mist: “Spare me Papa! Spare me the loss of home!” Forgiveness like a two face four nail cutlass, sharpened on both sides for one job only, will do what it’s asked to do.

JOB VACANCY

After battle they hide their new toys, anticipating repeats next weekend. It is the same morning in Grenada; the Saints, Antigua, Dominica. Islands, no matter their language, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Haiti. Spanish speaking Cuba or Dutch Saint Martin, stuck in red pustules, their own muck. ravines, blood red, miasmas of their own making. Mismatched, swelling like rivers in rainy season, in any large city, no crab hole is safe to hide.

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They crawl, on stepping stones, canoes, airplanes, boats surging up the islands dreaming of visas their last mad dash to Babylon where people die from love for love, swallowed by everlasting blight.

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Imprisoned, sickened by island blight, with nothing left outside our meridian, I wait repentant on that promised change beyond the seasons, (wet or dry,) not to undo the past, looking back for antidotes to stop the slaughter that comes year after year, not necessarily in order of date, or place, but comes just the same. The young, they suffer, they die young, careless of cause, or pain. The lack of feelings this nothingness brings to us who wait in vain, challenge the metal of our restraints. Hope is a barren rock, (Barrels ò Beef), where hopeless minutes sing.

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CPJ St. Lucia Limited is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager

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Procurement Manager Managing Director

The incumbent is required to perform the following functions among others: • Monitors stock balances for all products within the following portfolios: Wines & Spirits, Ready to drink, Frozen and Refrigerated goods, direct purchases of Seafood and local purchases. • Develops and implements strategies for procuring, storing, and distributing goods or services and maintaining stock levels. • Oversees a team of purchasing agents. • Liaises with key managers to determine their product and service needs and maintain par levels for all product categories mentioned above. • Prepares reports for the categories above for review by the relevant Managers. • Receives monthly sales projections from respective Managers. • Prepares weekly analysis of items backordered and provides ETAs where necessary • Maintenance of all price sheets. • Nurtures relationships with suppliers to negotiate the best prices for company. • Identifies and researches new potential suppliers. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities • Food & Beverage industry experience • Container logistic experience • Excellent communication skills • Excellent interpersonal skills

• • • •

Negotiating and marketing skills Strong interpersonal and organizational skills Ability to be proactive and use initiative Excellent working knowledgeable in the use of Excel spread sheets

Education & Experience • A Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration. • Certification in Procurement Preferred • At least 5 years’ experience in a similar capacity. • Knowledge of inventory control and purchasing procedures. • Experience in collecting and analyzing data Proficiency in Word and Excel. • Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics Great Plains would be an asset. Compensation & Benefits: We offer a competitive remuneration and benefit package which will be influenced by the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience. Please forward a cover letter and complete resume, including work related references to vacancies@slu.cpj.com Applications with resumes can also be mailed to: P.O. BOX BJ46 CUL DE SAC CASTRIES Deadline for applications is Friday March 15th, 2019. Only applicants who meet the criteria will be acknowledged.

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Also on special: MEN CARGO SHORTS $16, , MEN BLUE JEANS $36, MEN BASKETBALL SHORTS $11,

MEN PYJAMA SETS WITH TSHIRT $48, MEN DASHIKI SHIRTS $35, MEN DRESSING PANTS WITH BELT $31, MEN HOODED TSHIRTS $25, MEN JACKETS $40, MEN JOGGING TRACK PANTS $39, MEN PRINTED VESTS $14, MEN SEAMLESS BOXERS $4, MEN INNER WHITE VESTS $4.00, MEN BRIEFS $3.50, MEN BLACK BELTS $9, MEN 3 PACK HANDKERCHIEF $7.25

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