Pierre Pained by 'Grief in PM's Heart!'

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2020

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Pierre Pained by ‘Grief in PM’s Heart!’

Castries VIRUS NO At High RESPECTER Noon

OF PERSON! See pages 10-11

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

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PLANE TALK, PLAINER ENGLISH A

lmost every airport in the world is now closed to passenger traffic and all I can do in these weeks and maybe months of self-imposed imprisonment is revel in flights of fancy and indulge in what I call “Plane” English as distinct from “Plain English”.

Although I live on the “Fantasy Island” of Trinidad where reality is a bad word and a nightmare is when you dream that the country’s rum-shops, brothels and casinos are closed forever, I am not referring to the catchphrase from the TV series of that name in which the diminutive Tattoo sees a plane approaching and, while shouting out “Boss, Boss, de plane, de plane”, rings a bell.

While this might ring a bell for some of my older readers, I am more concerned about what you read or hear when you’re on cloud nine.

My favourite is the sign “Fasten seat belt while seated”.

I used to tell myself that the sign did not make sense since the belt is not long enough for you to fasten it when you’re standing or in any other part of

the plane. Eventually, I found out that while it does not follow the rules of grammar as we know them, the fasten seat belt sign follows the grammar rules for signs, and these are different from those that govern speech. In Plain (and not Plane) English the sign would read, “(You damn fool) Fasten (your effing) seat belt when (you are) seated”. Fortunately, spoken Plane English, especially by some flight attendants, makes up in humour, friendliness and simplicity what the signs are clearly lacking.

On one flight the attendant surprised everybody with: “Position your seat belt tight, low and across your hips, like my grandmother wears her support bra.” Another came up with: “To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt. If you don’t know how to operate a seat belt, you probably shouldn’t be out in public unsupervised.”

While our Caribbean Airlines and LIAT flight attendants stick to badly

written, memorised and recited scripts, other airlines are encouraging humour in uniform. On one flight the passengers were told, “Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride.” Out of the cockpit came the announcement, “Hi, I’m Captain Amanda Smith. Yes, I’m a female pilot and, as a benefit, if we get lost on the way I won’t be afraid to stop and ask for directions.” On another flight the stewardess said, “Please be careful when opening the overhead bins because shift happens.” The two announcements I like are: “Sorry about the bumpy landing. It’s not the captain’s fault; it’s not the co-pilot’s fault; it’s the asphalt,” and “Please remain seated until the plane is parked at the gate. At no time in history has a passenger beaten a plane to the gate so please don’t even try.”

After the brilliant and funny examples of Plane English, I won’t even try any more but move on to the bigger

CASTRIES CONSTITUENCY COUNCIL: CHANGE IN OPERATIONS AMIDST COVID-19

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ith the mounting concern over the spread of COVID-19 globally and in the region, the Castries Constituency Council has made adjustments to its service operations.

The aim is to minimize person-to-person contact and to control the potential spread of COVID-19.

Our focus and challenge as an essential service is on maintaining operations within the City of Castries, particularly the upkeep, cleanliness and sanitation of our facilities and the streets during this period of the partial shutdown of the country.

As such, effective March 25, 2020, and until further notice, we are making the following changes to our service operations:

- We will no longer provide walk-in service until further notice; - If you require any service or assistance, please go to the city police complaints desk.

You can also call 452 2121 for assistance; - The Landscaping, Sanitation, and Administrative departments will work until 1pm on a rotation basis. The Works Department, based on urgent matters of maintenance, will be on-call.

Pertaining to our facilities: - The Vendors Arcade and the Castries Craft Market will be closed except on Fridays and Saturdays; - Derek Walcott Square and Serenity Park will remain closed until further notice; - The comfort stations at Darling Road, Lower Jeremie Street and Serenity Park will remain closed until further notice.

- The comfort stations at High Street, Babonneau bus stop and Upper Jeremie Street will remain open, along with those in the communities of Pavee, Rose Hill, Marchand, Faux au Chaux and Graveyard.

- Staff of the Cemetery Department will work only on burial days.

These measures are necessary to ensure the safety of employees and the general public as we remain committed in supporting the Prime Minister’s call for persons to stay at home and exercise social distancing.

Castries Constituency Council encourages you to send all requests to: communications@cccslu. com. Our staff will respond and advise you accordingly.

picture or what is known as the “Plain English Campaign” (PEC), a group formed in 1979 to persuade organisations in the UK and abroad to communicate with the public in plain language. Every year PEC gives out the “Foot In Mouth Award” for “a baffling comment by a public figure” and the “Golden Bull Award” for “the worst examples of written tripe”.

In 2004 Boris Johnson won the “Foot In Mouth Award” for his comment on a BBC quiz show: “I could not fail to disagree with you less.” He won again in 2016 with: “Brexit means Brexit and we’re going to make a Titanic success of it.” In 2016 Donald Trump, described by the PEC as “unrivalled”, won with his remarks on Mexican immigrants, “They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime.

They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.” PEC also cited Trump’s comments on John McCain: “He’s not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”

Mitt Romney, another US presidential candidate, boasted

about his patriotism: “I believe in an America where millions of Americans believe in an America that’s the America millions of Americans believe in.

That’s the America I love.” My favourite is by Naomi Campbell, the English supermodel who won in 2006 for the priceless: “I love England, especially the food. There's nothing I like more than a lovely bowl of pasta.”

The Golden Bull Award is given to an organisation which has made what is deemed by the campaign to be a confusing and bad use of English. In 1980 the British National Health Service won with a 229-word definition of a bed and the 1981 winner received a parcel of tripe through the mail.

Starbucks is one of the 2018 candidates and may soon have

to add tripe to its menu for this gem of obfuscation: “While certain demand headwinds are transitory, and some of our cost increases are appropriate investments for the future, our recent performance does not reflect the potential of our exceptional brand and is not acceptable.” But the one that stuns me is from the BBC, an organisation which boasts that it informs, educates and entertains—wherever you are, whatever your age. It makes me wonder about the age of the person who wrote: “BBC staff have been told to use non-binary pronouns when addressing gender-fluid or transgender employees to ensure that the corporation does not develop a ‘heteronormative’ culture.” Given a choice, I would prefer a Plane English speaker who says, “And today we have someone who is celebrating their 21st birthday. Please stand up Mr. Jones. Fancy that! 21 and never been in a Virgin.”

Tony Deyal was last seen quoting a flight attendant who said to her passengers, “Now that you’ve had your morning coffee, please return your seats to their upright and most uncomfortable position.”

Cops Cockblock Quarantine Sex!

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ccording to police sources a man caught illicitly servicing a female at the Starfish hotel on Thursday evening was himself placed in quarantine on suspicion he may have exposed himself to the lethal coronavirus.

It’s unclear whether the intruder, who gained entry into the building “from the

sea side”, was practising safe sex, or had washed his hands and other body parts prior to his adventure, or was wearing a face covering.

Police gave no details about the female. They were more concerned with containing the spread of COVID-19 than with other particulars.

The suspicion is that the man may have been engaged

in a sex-for-hire deal.

Prostitution is illegal in Saint Lucia.

Recently a quarantined man was pictured escaping with his belongings from the facility. This is the first time someone has been caught breaking in. Our source would not comment on whether charges have been laid!

Embassy of Taiwan helps St Lucian medical staff acquire crucial PPE

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o help Saint Lucia enhance its preparedness against the threat of COVID-19, the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has made a donation to the Ministry of Health for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Suits and medical face masks will be procured by the Government of Saint Lucia through CARICOM regional vendors.

Hon. Mary Isaac, Minister for Health and Wellness, expressed appreciation on behalf of the Government.

H. E. Ambassador Douglas C. T. Shen said that the donation is a token of Taiwan’s partnership with Saint Lucia. He also indicated that arrangements are being made to build a direct line of communication between

Victoria Hospital and Chi Mei Medical Centre in Taiwan, with an aim of sharing best practice and expertise in fighting the new type of coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China.

Ambassador Shen emphasised that the virus knows no borders and the world should work together to combat the pandemic in a concerted way.

THE STAR

march 28, 2020

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march 28, 2020 THE STAR

Acting Commish warns would-be illegal entrants safe arrest not guaranteed A

cting Police Commissioner Milton Desir on Wednesday sent a stern warning to Saint Lucians in Martinique who may be considering illegal re-entry.

On March 21 the Ministry of Health had announced that one day earlier 95 Saint Lucians had arrived in the country from Martinique and had been taken to the Rodney Bay Public Health Facility to begin a 14-day quarantine. Forty Saint Lucians had opted to remain in the sister territory “to avoid being quarantined”. The Department of External Affairs announced via press release that another shuttle service, courtesy Express Des Iles and scheduled for March 22, was cancelled.

Appearing on the National Television Network, Acting Commissioner Desir said the police had had some challenges with individuals coming in from Martinique. He said he had since taken corrective steps.

He disclosed that 24-hour

surveillance by the Marine Unit is now underway.

“Actually I have emptied the cells at Custody Suites,” said Desir. “The persons who were there were transported to Marchand and other police stations. Custody Suites is empty, and it is for that purpose.” He warned that any person caught on the waters, or if any are known by the police to have landed illegally, will be arrested. He also indicated that he had arranged for those persons to have necessary check-ups at Custody Suites by medical personnel.

He said police intelligence had revealed the illegal entries took place under cover of darkness. “Now, persons who know the sea at night would understand that it is not like in the day. Boats have lights but only so they can be seen by other vessels. So, when a vessel has been intercepted, I cannot guarantee persons on that vessel, that they would

have a safe arrest. I don’t know if persons can interpret what I’m saying but I could tell you, things may happen in the night.”

Desir also warned individuals who facilitate illegal entries that they too will be arrested. The police’s efforts, he said, are all in the hope of limiting the spread of COVID-19.

He appealed to everyone with relatives in Martinique to urge them to stay where they are.

Supporting the acting commissioner, Security Minister Hermangild Francis said that he would not allow officers of the Marine Unit to be put in danger.

“So my police officers’ safety will be paramount and they will do what they have to do to make sure that they are safe. So it is not a threat; it is just the reality that in the darkness there you cannot make sure that those persons are not armed and dangerous,” Francis said.

--JSA

Acting Commissioner Milton Desir (pictured) has warned of the actions that will be taken against those who defy the law, especially in this time of the coronavirus.

CIBC FIRSTCARIBBEAN OFFERS CREDIT CARD CLIENTS 3-MONTH PAYMENT WAIVER DUE TO COVID–19 PANDEMIC

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IBC FirstCaribbean credit card holders are being offered a payment ease to help cushion any financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bank announced today that its credit card holders would automatically benefit from a payment waiver for three (3) months based on their current account standing. As a result, clients will see their minimum payment on their statements set to $0.00.

“Our credit card holders are a key segment of our business, with many of them having additional products and services with us. We felt it essential at this time that we offer them as much of a financial cushion as possible to see them through this crisis,” said Mark St. Hill, Managing Director, Retail & Business Banking.

Mr. St. Hill said that in addition to the payment waiver, card holders will also not have to pay late fees or over the limit fees during the three-month waiver period.

He noted that clients who could afford to make payments

and wanted to continue doing so could make their monthly payments as usual. The offer is not available to clients whose cards are over 60 days in arrears at the commencement date

The special waiver period began on March 25, 2020 and comes to an end on June 30, 2020.

Last week the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Colette Delaney, announced that Retail, Business Banking, Wealth Management and Corporate Banking segments could benefit from a number of measures to mitigate the impact of any adverse effects from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

She said the help could include deferred payments, special loan financing and other concessions including: • 6-month payment moratoriums on existing loans and mortgages; • Temporary revolving or working capital financing options for our Corporate Banking and Business Banking clients.

Ms. Delaney urged CIBC FirstCaribbean clients who may

be experiencing challenges to reach out to the bank to see what assistance could be offered to them.

Clients experiencing financial challenges can contact: Retail & Business Banking: • Customer Care & Sales Centre or branch directly; • Relationship Manager.

Platinum Banking: • Business Banking Manager.

Corporate & Investment Banking: • Relationship Management Team directly by telephone or by email.

Wealth Management Clients: • Relationship Management Team to arrange the earliest opportunity to discuss specific needs, either by telephone or by email.

The bank’s clients can also make contact via email. There is a list of email addresses on the bank’s website at https:// www.cibcfcib.com/covid-19.

We also recommend clients visit us online: www.cibcfcib. com/locations to find additional contact information for CIBC FirstCaribbean offices in each territory.

THE STAR

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Tourism official anticipates zero occupancy level in Saint Lucia by next week Joshua St. Aimee

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n his over ten years at the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association, CEO Noorani Azzez says he had never experienced anything that so completely brought the tourism industry to a grinding halt as has COVID-19. In an effort to contain the spread and importation of any new cases, the government announced on Monday the closure of all airports to incoming passengers—the final nail in the sector’s coffin.

In an interview with the STAR on Thursday, Azeez disclosed that over 250 companies are members of the association—approximately 60 of which are accommodation providers ranging from guest houses to villas and high-end resorts. As far as leisure visitors are concerned, Azeez said he expects as of next week zero occupancy.

“I expect that by March 31 all of them would have been closed for business,” he said, “except for those that have made their premises available to the government for use as quarantine and isolation facilities.” As more visitors

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SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez acknowledges the sacrifices made by a number of hotel owners in the best interests of quarantined individuals, and lamented the impact of COVID-19 on resort personnel, including musicians and other entertainers.

return home, Azeez asserted, many hotels have been scaling down and operating with only skeletal crews engaged for purposes of maintenance and security. Mindful that close to 14,000 workers will be impacted, Azeez revealed that letters had been submitted to government in relation to a

displaced employee assistance programme.

Of particular concern was the plight of entertainers, arts and crafters, and licensed beach vendors who Azeez anticipates will be dreadfully impacted. “They primarily earn their livelihood from engagements within the

OPERATIONS AT THE ST. LUCIA NATIONAL MENTAL WELLNESS CENTRE

he management of the St Lucia National Mental Wellness Centre is actively monitoring the COVID-19 developments.

The safety and well-being of the staff and patients are of paramount importance to us.

With immediate effect and until further notice, we are making the following changes to our out-patient clinics and other operations to minimize person-to-person contact and to control the potential spread of COVID-19.

1. We are scaling down our services and are encouraging out-patients to keep to their scheduled appointments to

avoid overcrowding, and to promote social distancing.

2. We will limit the number of patients to 10 at any given time inside the out-patient clinic area.

3. Tents will be placed outside the clinic area to accommodate the other waiting patients.

4. Each patient‘s temperature will be taken before entering the clinic area.

5. A security officer will be at each of the doors of the Administrative Building to dispense hand sanitizer to each patient/customer who enters the building.

6. Visiting hours will be scaled down to a maximum

of 15 minutes for each visitor, and each patient will only be allowed one visitor, preferably one family member.

7. With effect from Wednesday, March 25, 2020 visiting hours are from 4:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m.

No children will be allowed.

These measures are necessary to ensure the safety of employees and our patients.

The management and staff of the St Lucia National Mental Wellness Centre would like to thank the general public for their understanding and cooperation as we work together to control the potential spread of COVID-19.

industry,” he said, ‘and it’s most evident to us that the impact of this will have a ripple effect across the spectrum.”

The second letter to the government contained a summary of an economic stimulus package detailing how support might be provided to the private sector, particularly tourism, so as to position it for as quick a comeback as possible.

As for a recovery timeline, the CEO considered that “a moving target”. Initially, the organisation had been hopeful that there would be improvement at the end of April. That expectation was revised following an analysis of the circumstances in main source markets: the United States, United Kingdom and the Caribbean.

Said Azeez: “We expect to see some sign of recovery in the travel trade within the next five months but we do not expect to

be back in business full throttle for another 18-20 months.”

He said the pre-COVID-19 industry had been performing well, with healthy arrival figures of over 400,000 annually. He envisages that the impact of the virus will force industry officials to revisit the whole concept of all-inclusive vacations—where a large number of guests are huddled together in small spaces, such as restaurants. Azeez acknowledged a general reassessment of cruise tourism.

A move towards social distancing spells a paradigm shift for tourism— which Azeez described as “a very intimate, interactive and physically engaging experience”. He urges a careful monitoring of visitors’ demands, given lessons associated with COVID-19.

If the disease lingers for a few years, when Saint Lucia reopens its borders there will be associated risk. He

emphasized a radical ramping up of healthcare facilities and testing capabilities.

So far the government has announced that two hotels, Starfish and Rendezvous, are serving as quarantine facilities.

Azeez said he was impressed that properties recognized the need for sacrifices in the interests of quarantined individuals.

“The companies who have provided their facilities assessed that risk and I really commend them highly for making their facilities available.

They certainly are going to have to invest significant funds into deep cleaning and refurbishing.

There’s also going to be high capital expenditure for them to re-brand and re-market themselves,” Azeez said.

“I have no doubt it will be challenging but I am not overly concerned about it. I applaud those properties for stepping up to the plate.”

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march 28, 2020 THE STAR

Pierre Pained ‘By Grief in the Prime Minister’s Heart!’ government servants—when they have to come into contact with more individuals than necessary. The risk of them catching the virus increases exponentially. I’m begging you ack in late January and to stop behaving so selfishly. into early February there Think of others. Think of the was much criticism of people you love.” government from the usual

How ironic that the very quarters for what was described prime minister who barely a as its unpreparedness in the month ago was accused by face of the coronavirus. Some local tin foil hat wearers of went so far as to say the prime keeping our borders open minister had decided not to for the benefit of “undeserving stop traffic into the country so foreigners”, now had as to facilitate horse racing to be scolding the nation by a much maligned Chinese for not abiding by the rules investor. Then there was the laid down for its protection. brouhaha involving a Russian Thankfully, it hasn’t been national admitted to Victoria all bad. There has been Hospital who, it was falsely much public pushback claimed, had tested positive for against those who would coronavirus. The bearer of good threaten the country’s safety news on the occasion, CMO for selfish gain.

Sharon Belmar-George, was

Philip J. Pierre in accused by the government’s parliament this week added detractors of covering up the his voice to that of the prime truth. minister: “We have to look

Not many countries at what got us there. It pains can boast about successful Opposition leader Philip J. Pierre (left) and Prime Minister Allen Chastanet me when I hear the grief in measures taken against are all in when it comes to fighting the deadly invader COVID-19. the prime minister’s heart the spread of COVID-19. As when he said Saint Lucians Opposition leader Philip J. refused to listen to what will Pierre pointed out at last overseas.

With the lethal coronavirus where people came over on to be a threat to society and week’s NEMAC meeting, Unfortunately dominating the world news, the boats . . . How is it we cannot affect an entire community? The benefit them. We have to ask ourselves, why? Why is there “the government of Taiwan (predictably?) more than a few prime minister was left little understand by doing that we’re ill-advised behaviour we saw such mistrust and division in a could be contacted to assist of us have turned that STAR choice but to issue a further exposing the entire country? this weekend, and have seen in our testing . . . to advise hypothetical into nightmarish appeal for local help in the If the virus spreads through prior to this, needs to stop. I say country of 165,000 people? Why us, because Taiwan seems to reality. Beyond whether we government’s efforts to save the community, no one has to you that you are exposing our can’t people understand that these measures have been put have controlled that disease would practise good hygiene Saint Lucian lives: “Individuals any special protection. You’re most valuable resources—our in place, not because anybody very well.” Pierre has not been in this critical time, many who are illegally coming in not going to be favoured over police officers, our nurses, hates them, but for their own alone in his assessment of the have taken to breaking the from Martinique—and we saw another person. Why would you our doctors, our emergency health?”

Taiwanese. His assessment quarantine, and aiding and that happening this weekend bring someone in that’s going personnel, fire officers and brought to mind a STAR report abetting those who flout the entitled: “St. Lucia Shouldn’t recently imposed border Take Just a Page from Taiwan’s restrictions. This is how the Response to the Coronavirus: prime minister on Monday on We Should Grab the Whole NTN addressed the regrettable Book!” It underscored how truth: “We saw people scaling the reaction of the Taiwanese walls, being undisciplined at people to government-imposed airports, refusing to go into restrictions had contributed quarantine. I want to make a to the country’s relative special appeal to Saint Lucians success in its fight to control tonight. The coronavirus the spread of the disease. “If

Individuals wishing to access the landfill are reminded to he Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA) does not discriminate. Rich public establishments in Saint wishes to inform all residents that waste collection schedules follow instructions given by SLSWMA personnel and continue to or poor, farmer or businessLucia were to require patrons remain unaffected. However, in order to safeguard human practise social distancing; i.e. limiting person to person contact as person, young or old, we’re to submit to hand sprays, what health, the SLSWMA appeals to the public to exercise vigilance much as possible while on site. all susceptible. This is why might be the public reaction?”

Persons interested in obtaining any documentation or with respect to the management of all solid waste. As such, the protocols we’ve put in asked the STAR. application forms are advised to visit the Authority’s website or SLSWMA requests that residents adhere to the following: place since Friday call for us

The government weeks ago to practise social distancing.

- Ensure that all waste is bagged properly, limiting direct exposure contact it’s WhatsApp hotlines. imposed a 14-day quarantine to waste material by waste collection personnel;

The SLSWMA also wishes to inform the public that effective This is why the government on passengers coming in from -Double bag waste containing personal cleaning supplies such as Tuesday, March 24, 2020 the Deglos Sanitary Landfill and Vieux has decided to scale down our high-risk countries. Earlier Fort Waste Management Facility will operate from 8:00 a.m. to tissue, paper towels, wipes, used gloves etc; commercial activities, in order this week, border restrictions 4:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday and will remain closed on Sundays. to reduce the number of people -Place waste out ONLY on designated collection days, ideally were further tightened, with all between 6a.m. and 7a.m. This also applies to areas with These changes will remain in effect until further notice. Individuals exposed to other people and but essential personnel being wishing to access the facilities are asked to adhere to the consequently bringing the virus communal bins, to avoid overloading and spillage. denied entry to the country from to their homes.”

-Secure all waste to limit access by stray animals and rodents. aforementioned time frames.

Dean Nestor

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Change in Operational Hours at Waste Disposal Facilities T

THE STAR

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march 28, 2020

“Critical” St. Jude Redevelopment Project to continue amid COVID-19 Fallout Destroyed by fire over a decade ago, government says the St. Jude Hospital Redevelopment Project will deliver a 90-bed facility.

(Pictured: Prime Minister Allen Chastanet.)

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ero income from the tourism sector is expected by government for the next six months. Commenting on NTN on Monday evening on the fallout from COVID-19, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet predicted the end of August as the timeline for when tourists are expected to resume visiting Saint Lucia. In the meantime the Ministry of Finance is working with the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Chastanet said, in hopes of creating liquidity—cash to replace the loss of tax revenue.

He indicated that one of the topics already discussed was loans taken from the Taiwanese government. Specifically, an application has been made to re-use the loans to support the healthcare system and counter the income loss. The prime minister told host Lissa Joseph that this did not include the loan for the St. Jude Hospital Redevelopment Project. (Earlier this month, the government received parliamentary approval to borrow US$20 million for the project.) Said Chastanet on Monday: “The St. Jude hospital is a critical project and we must continue the construction

and make sure we complete it as quickly as possible. It’s an essential service that we can’t do without.”

Economic Development Minister Guy Joseph also spoke on the project. He said there were over 300 workers at the site in Vieux Fort.

However, operations had to be scaled down drastically to adhere to social distancing practices. Joseph indicated that in discussions with the contractors, it was brought to

his attention that there was a lot of exposed material, such as steel and plywood on the site.

The contractors asked whether within the next ten to fourteen days they would be permitted to proceed.

Given the current state of the vital tourism industry, the minister said critical construction projects would likely go on, if properly monitored, and social distancing practices adhered to.

--JSA

ST. LUCIA CRISIS CENTRE CLOSURE

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n light of the current situation regarding the uncertainty of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the St. Lucia Crisis Centre (SLCC) has closed its doors temporarily fromTuesday 24 March to Friday April 3, 2020.

Let us continue to co-operate and prepare as this is everybody’s business whilst we protect our most vulnerable.

The Board and management of the SLCC regret any inconvenience that this may cause. However, in case of any emergencies, the Crisis Centre can be contacted on 712-7575 or 485-8712.

Please note also that the SLCC’s fundraising Raffle Draw scheduled for March 31, 2020 has been postponed. The public will be notified of the revised draw date.

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GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS Applications are invited for the position of Coordinator-4th Round Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Mutual Evaluation with the Attorney General’s Chambers. The principle responsibilities, specifications, associated details for the position and qualification requirements are provided below.

Principle Responsibilities The successful applicant will perform the following duties and responsibilities and will report to the Attorney General, Permanent Secretary and NAMLOC: 1. Gather, collate and analyze data and other information from relevant public

and private stakeholders and the general public relating to anti-money

laundering/anti-terrorism financing awareness and compliance systems.

2. Organize and Coordinate round table discussions, conferences and workshops

with policy makers/stakeholders.

3. Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports.

4. Coordinate meetings for NAMLOC, develop work plan for the NAMLOC and

track progress.

5. Record minutes of committee meetings.

6. Coordinate all interface between the NAMLOC and CFATF. 7. Oversee the updating and dissemination of the NRA. 8. Prepare annual budget and expenditure statements.

9. Undertake any other responsibility as may be assigned by the Attorney

General, Permanent Secretary and NAMLOC. Qualification and Experience Requirements Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Banking, Finance, Risk Analysis or completion of an Advanced Stage of Professional Qualification in Banking, Law or related discipline plus 5 years’ experience in related post.

Or Professional qualification in Banking or Law, Plus 7 years’ experience in related post.

Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) certification and/or experience in anti-money laundering/anti-terrorism financing compliance will be an asset.

Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be in accordance with the terms stipulated by the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Suitable qualified applicants will be acknowledged and invited for an interview.

Application with resume including the names and contact details of two referees must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: Confidential-Application for the Postion of Coordinator National Anti-Money Laundering Oversight Committee and must be sent to: The Permanent Secretary Attorney General’s Chambers 2nd Floor, Francis Compton Building Waterfront Castries OR By email, signed and in pdf format to: ps.agchambers@govt.lc Applications must reach the address above or email address below by April 14th, 2020

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Minister puts Minibus Drivers on Notice!

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conomic Development Minister Guy Joseph says it’s no longer business as usual at the Transport Division. Last week the agency announced the suspension of services effective Mach 23, in an effort to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

Licensing and registration activities, including theory and practical examinations for hopeful drivers, have been put on hold.

On Monday Joseph updated the nation. With examinations temporarily halted, the minister notified learner’s-permit holders that they would not be required to pay for a new licence when normal operations resume.

Permission is given to drivers whose licences expired after March 1 to continue driving.

Also, according to Joseph, “Any vehicle license that expired up to the end of February,” the holder “would be exempted for the next 90 days”. As for elderly drivers, he noted that the license renewal test has also been suspended, so they

also are authorized to drive.

On the other hand, Joseph cautioned drivers that all insurances must be in order.

Minister Joseph’s main issue was with the essential public transport system, specifically government’s requirement for no more than ten passengers on a bus.

Given that this is the mode of transportation for some frontline workers including nurses, police officers and firefighters, Joseph said it was important that the bus system remains in effect. He explained the ideal sitting arrangement as: three passengers in the back row, two in the other three rows; and one in the front seat. This is in a bid by government to “help reduce the proximity in which people normally sit, and would help us to enforce the social distancing that we require.”

Joseph said he had been in consultation with representatives of the National Council on Public Transport, who expressed willingness to comply with the requirements.

Minister Guy Joseph this week urged minibus drivers to adhere to the 10-passenger per bus requirement.

However, some passengers and drivers have not been cooperative. The minister blamed this on the possible lack of adequate information and advised: “If you stop a bus and you realize there are already ten passengers on board,

you should wait for the next available bus.”

Failure to abide by the requirements will have serious

consequences, the minister warned. “If the police stops your bus and you have more than ten passengers on the 14-15 seater,

you will be placing your route permit at risk. Your bus could be impounded.”

He said many were making great sacrifices to see we have the required level of control so we can mitigate against the full impact of a coronavirus outbreak.

Addressing gas prices this week, Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said government was considering whether to allow the price at the pump to go down to reflect the global prices.

The option also exists to put an additional excise tax which would go towards the healthcare sector.

“If brought down, given the economic crisis, it could potentially help people,” he noted, “but at the same time we want people to slow down, so maybe keeping the prices higher would help us do that.”

--JSA

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS MAKE FURTHER ADJUSTMENTS TO BANKING OPERATIONS

T

he Bankers Association of Saint Lucia shares the concerns over the spread of COVID-19 globally and in the region. In the time since the Honourable Prime Minister Allen Chastanet’s announcement of a partial scale down of all nonessential economic and social services under the Heightened Protocol and Social Distancing Regime, the number of COVID-19 infected persons and associated deaths globally has continued to escalate while the number of confirmed cases in Saint Lucia now stands at three (3) persons.

On Monday March 23, 2020 the Government of Saint Lucia declared a State of Emergency in order to respond more quickly to the pandemic.

The Bankers Association of Saint Lucia is committed to supporting the Prime Minister’s call for persons to stay at home and exercise social distancing.

In this regard, the Association, with the endorsement of the Prime Minister, the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (CCIA) and the

Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA), has announced further changes to its operations.

Effective Monday March 30 to Friday April 3, 2020 the following adjustments will be made to the banking services available to the general public: Services offered: - ATM dispensing of cash only; The following transactions will be fully available electronically: - Wire transactions/online transfers; - Electronic payroll processing; - Processing of urgent temporary credit facilities; Services NOT offered: - All in-branch and face-to-face transactions and interactions; - Night depository services; - Processing and clearing of cheques; - ATM deposits.

The Association wishes to emphasize that while it will be closed to the public, it will continue to facilitate customers’ banking needs via email, telephone and online channels to the extent possible.

Customers are also encouraged

to avail of alternative banking channels such as mobile and online banking, and the use of debit and credit cards.

The Bankers Association is again adding its voice to the call for persons to stay at home and support the effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community. It is also appealing for the public’s support and co-operation with law enforcement personnel and health practitioners, for it is only through our collective efforts that we will overcome the threat posed by this virus.

- 1st National Bank St. Lucia Limited - Bank of Saint Lucia Limited - Capita Financial Services Inc. - CIBC FirstCaribbean International - Financial Investment and Consultancy Services Limited - First Citizens Investment Services Limited.

- RBC Royal Bank - Republic Bank EC Limited - Sagicor Finance Inc. - Saint Lucia Development Bank - St. Lucia Mortgage Finance Company Limited.

THE STAR

LOCAL 09

www.stluciastar.com

march 28, 2020

“COVID-19 OUTBREAK: WAKE-UP CALL TO BUILD A LOVING AND COMPASSIONATE SOCIETY”

CONSULTANCY

By Rev. Seth Ampadu Superintendent Minister, Methodist Church in St. Lucia Circuit.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Saint Lucia is currently seeking applications for a Security Consultant (SA). The SA will advise and counsel the Representatives and staff of JICA Saint Lucia on safety and security matters in Saint Lucia especially on matters concerning JICA affairs.

In 1Peter 3:8, it is written “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”

O

ne of the greatest lessons COVID-19 seems to have taught the whole world, and by extension our society, is the need to show humility, love and compassion. This outbreak should teach our society that human beings are “nothing” but helpless without God.

As a society, looking at all that is happening around us, it is a wake-up call for all of us to drop the guns, the knives, the hatred, the enmity, the grudges, and begin to demonstrate humility, love and compassion towards one another during these uncertain times in which we find ourselves.

Let us remember that life can be short and uncertain.

As a people, we need to commend our political leaders from both major political parties as well as our medical and security officials for a job well done. One could see unity and collaboration between leaders from both Yellow and Red factions and also the medical officials. This kind of unity and collaboration is something else that COVID-19 has taught us; that as a people, we can work together for the common good of our society.

Looking at other places and various hospitals, one could see how helpless human beings are without God. This incidence of COVID-19 seems set to bring down empires. It has brought both the rich and the poor to the same level of helplessness and hopelessness.

Some of the giant nations are on their knees seeking God’s intervention. In some places, it is alleged that because of the overwhelming number of affected persons, doctors have to make determinations as to who lives and who is to be left to die.

Looking at some graphics and videos of the situation in certain parts of our world is just heart-breaking. Many patients appear to be helpless. Some people are actually crying out for help; many people are suffering because of pain and death.

Most of the hospital facilities

Rev. Seth Ampadu is urging all Saint Lucians to live in peace and harmony.

and medical staff are stretched to their limit. Upon hearing and seeing videos of some of these instances, we can’t help but shed tears for persons in these conditions.

In this critical crisis situation, those with huge bank accounts, insurance policies, the latest cars and luxurious mansions would not be saved from a COVID-19 attack by their wealth. This is a wake-up call for all of us to reflect on how fragile humanity is and to begin to humble ourselves and demonstrate more love and compassion to everyone at all levels of our society.

If care is not taken, this situation will shake the foundation of our faith as believers to the extent that we question the source of our faith.

Where is God in all of this? Why does God allow COVID-19 and other natural disasters to cause such pain and grief in our world?

These are complex questions that people have wrestled with for many years, without seemingly receiving the answers.

After all, we say we believe in a God who is almighty, all powerful; and we say we believe in a God who is all loving and compassionate and merciful. Yet we wonder how it is then that God does not act to prevent COVID-19 spreading and causing such suffering in our world.

I think that God is using this situation to teach us humility, dependence on Him alone; to teach us love and compassion that seem to be absent from our world and our communities.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, one could see how our medical professionals are working very hard to save lives; how our security personnel are working selflessly in order to rescue people who are at risk; how our governments are trying to provide the necessary logistics

to combat this deadly disease.

Think of this outpouring of care and generosity and assistance we have seen from the medical and security personnel and our leaders. These actions are teaching us to be humble, loving and compassionate towards one another.

True humility, love and compassion during this crisis would mean praying for the victims and their families, those who are in quarantine, and above all remaining in solidarity with them as they prepare for what might be their last moments of life on earth.

At this critical time in our society, I urge all of us to learn to humble ourselves. To live in peace and harmony; to demonstrate care and compassion for all, as our medical and security personnel are doing to save others’ lives, risking their own personal lives and that of their families. This is the time we need to depend upon the wisdom of God and seek His guidance.

Let us not abandon each other because of the quick spread of COVID-19, but let us just be careful and follow the guidelines outlined by our medical officials. Let us as a people look out for each other.

Even if it is not direct personal contact, it could be through phone calls, emails and other media. Let us not neglect each other during this crisis, but let us show more love and compassion.

God wants salvation for all of us, everywhere, and by salvation I mean shalom— peace, well-being, prosperity, justice, harmony; people at one with God and with each other.

This is the lesson I think we can learn from this COVID-19 pandemic. May God bless us all and keep us safe under His wings of grace. Shalom!

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• •

Ensure dispatched JICA and JOCV personnel receive security briefings on arrival and are kept informed and updated on matters concerning their security.

Conducts security survey and provides security input on workplaces, and living areas of JICA-related personnel and JOCV volunteers living in Saint Lucia.

Makes recommendations concerning physical security.

Undertakes security risk assessment for locations in the country area where JICA activities are conducted.

Identify, monitor and advise on current and potential security risks to JICA personnel and JICA activities/projects.

Implements all aspects of security management, crisis readiness and preparedness. Prepares and maintains and updates security plans, contingency plans and listings of JOCV and JICA-related persons in Saint Lucia.

Follow up on arrests and/or detentions of JICA personnel, JOCV volunteers and their dependents.

Make a formal report of all activities, findings, assessments, briefings, recommendations and proposals to the JICA Saint Lucia Office, every month.

Also make a monthly report on crime and security climate in Saint Lucia. The report shall include information on and analysis of political, social and economic situation in Saint Lucia, any credible threats to the country and neighboring islands and information on natural disasters.

Maintain regular communication with JICA St. Lucia and as directed.

Perform any other duties in accordance with JICA stipulations.

Requirements • Ability to handle situations with tact and patience.

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment and to manage

problems and communication issues arising from this type of environment.

• Military or police background is required: o A minimum of twenty years in the position of Superintendent of Police or

higher.

• Candidates must be knowledgeable about JICA schemes and the JOCV program.

• Candidates must have comprehensive knowledge of St. Lucia: geography and

history. An extensive human network is required for this position.

Compensation Successful applicants will be awarded a one-year contract from 1st April 2020 to 31st March, 2021 as a Security Advisor to JICA St. Lucia, with a three month probationary period. The position will be considered as an independent consulting position, and not as a permanent staff. JICA will not be responsible for payment of taxes or benefits, however, expenses including domestic travel expenses and phone expense will be included in remuneration.

Application • Kindly email a copy of your resume, a consultancy estimate (including estimated domestic travel expense and communications expense) and cover letter to LatoyafulchereVsc.SC@jica.go.jp with ‘SLU Security Advisor’ in the ‘Subject’ line of the email. All attachments must be in Microsoft Word format or PDF. Deadline is 28th of March, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. (-4:00GMT).

Applications received after this time will not be considered.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

10

LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

march 28, 2020 THE STAR

Coronavirus The Nightmare Eq

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orman Mailer, in his book Genius and Lust, about the oeuvre of Henry Miller, referred to New York as “the garbage can of big city bruises.”

Earlier Mayor Lindsay had renamed it The Big Apple. Who could’ve conceived of America’s largest city as the epicenter of a horror pandemic without precedent? In recent days U.S. health officials have been recommending self-quarantine for resident New Yorkers as well as others who’ve recently been to the city.

Meanwhile the president of Gore Vidal’s “United States of Amnesia” is hard-pressed to defend himself against those who would blame the current state of the city that never sleeps on the leader of the world’s most powerful nation— who, typically, had ignored bad-news warnings about the deadly virus as “a hoax.”

Could the current situation have been averted had Trump taken appropriate action back in December? The answer depends on whom you ask—and where he or she is politically situated. This from the most recent issue of The Atlantic: “Someone with Trump’s makeup, when faced with facts and events that are unpleasant, that he perceives as a threat to his self-image and public standing, simply denies them.

We saw that repeatedly during the early part of the pandemic, when the president was giving false reassurance and spreading false information one day after another. After a few days in which he was willing to acknowledge the scope and scale of this crisis—he declared

himself a ‘wartime president’— he has now regressed to type, once again becoming a fountain of misinformation.”

Shakespeare’s Henry the Fourth comes to mind. At any rate his indisputable declaration that “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.” There is good reason why such as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama seemed to age before our eyes, never mind the unique perks associated with the office of President.

Live by the sword, die by the sword, says the proverb, indisputably. Picture yet again the frightened, wet and disheveled Saddam Hussein being hauled like a half drowned rat out of a Tikrit sewer, a long, long way from his regular palatial habitat and his armed bodyguards. Revisit, too, Muammar Gaddafi in similar circumstances, pleading with jeering peasants not to kill him.

“The bigger they come, the harder they fall,” sang the prophet Jimmy Cliff. They certainly do not come bigger than a combined U.S. of A. and Europe whose leaders, with their much advertised array of WMDs, have been brought in less than three months to their knees. And not by a united China, Russia and Korea north and south. Not even by the retaliations of a too long abused Mother Nature. The leaders of the wealthiest, most powerful countries on the planet are losing their heads, as all around them their worlds daily crumble, their fearsome weapons of little use save to keep their panicking fast diminishing populations under control.

Meanwhile the microscopic

presumed gloating alien enemy hides in plain sight, conceivably chuckling in the masked faces of the world’s brightest lights as they stumble over one another in the darkness of their desperation to create a defense against possible annihilation. In consequence, our most respected health authorities have been turned into inadvertent disseminators of fake news; news that changes on publication.

I return to the earlier cited Atlantic article: “In this instance Trump isn’t facing a political problem he can easily spin his way out of. He’s facing a lethal virus. It doesn’t give a damn what Donald Trump thinks of it or tweets about it.

Spin and lies about COVID-19, including that it will soon magically disappear, as Trump claimed it would, don’t work.

In fact they have the opposite effect. Misinformation will cause the virus to increase its deadly spread.”

Here at home we continue to turn on one another like rats in a barrel with no way out. We’ve permitted it to become characteristic to pray for smart hurricanes, by which I mean hurricanes programmed to strike only our unsuspecting next-door neighbor and other perceived enemies. We appear less concerned with doing all we can as individuals to protect our shared community.

We make demands on an effectively empty national purse that even in the wealthiest countries would be cause for pause. We seek to turn every unconfirmed off-

island plus into a new weapon by which to topple the current administration—evidently oblivious to the fact that its removal will not automatically enrich the government treasury, enough to make real the fantasy of free lunches for all.

Dominica has this, we say.

St Kitts has that. What does Saint Lucia have? Trump has announced stimulus packages for businesses great and small, what is Allen Chastanet doing about de local malaway?

We flood Facebook with jeers that inevitably amount to spitting in our own faces.

We greet with disdain the repeated reminder that our circumstances permit us to do only so much against the seemingly unstoppable pandemic. “Oh, but I thought Chastanet said the economy was doing well,” crowed one Brooklyn-basemented Facebook Greenspan, as if “doing well” meant our country was suddenly debt-free, fully employed, sans crime, with a thriving private sector and lots of what the world needs and cannot buy elsewhere at prices lower than ours—that no longer were we dependent for our survival on the generosity of “foreigners.”

The coronavirus, rather than forcing us in the name of survival to come together, having set aside our picayune differences— indicative as they are of self-hate—appears daily to be bringing out the worst in our nature. We abuse our constitutional right to freedom of expression, publish satanic verses for the death of our country’s leader after his coronavirus test proved negative. Referencing the disease, we shout out gleefully to the world that our country is the “worst prepared,” as if we were a contestant in a Miss Coronavirus pageant, not the underdog in a mismatched struggle to the death.

It would serve Allen Chastanet right if he should

Where hav Thankfully not Times Square in reminds of a

die from the virus, asserted a Facebook scribbler. Why? The proffered excuse was the government owed him money! News that local health authorities had confirmed only three cases of coronavirus was predictably greeted in certain sections as further proof ours is a lying government, that our CMO and her team lack credibility—as if just one “confirmed” case were not one case too many, regardless of the imagined actual number in the bush!

The inescapable truth is that the virus has so far proved more than a match even for the

most resourceful of nations. It has driven home that in our pecuniary situation there is little more we can do than already we are doing.

Testing for the disease costs money. So does maintaining isolation and quarantine units. It costs money, too, when suspect individuals break out and have to be returned to places of confinement for the common good.

More disconcerting is that the hopefully life-saving actions we are forced to take are potentially deadly.

No work, no vacationers from abroad, no taxes to be collected, wall-to-wall shut-downs, all come with a price.

Meanwhile the demands on our meager resources increase on the

THE STAR

march 28, 2020

www.stluciastar.com

us: qualizer?

LOCAL

11

We wish to inform our valued members that with effect from Tuesday March 31st, both of our branches will be closed. We reopen for business on Monday April 6th.

The following services will remain available:

e have all the people gone? ly not to graveyards everyone. are in the “city that never sleeps” s of a city that long ago died.

minute. Last evening a friend sent me this note of concern: “Rick, 14 days lockdown? The chicken and bake vendors, who make a $100 a day and must purchase green figs and chicken or balawoo for food daily, cannot wait. They are already suffering . . . and this is only Day 3. I am receiving the calls and I have had to share my own groceries.

This is very real. What about the meds? The rent? The cooking gas, the coal.”

I replied: “Sad and real though it is, the condition you described has, regrettably, always been the norm here—however ignored. It’s taken the coronavirus to grab our attention.

In my time as a local journalist I

have written reams about the poverty in this ever-feting country, and its far-reaching effects. Even the UNDP has complained that there’s little change in the way the majority live even when our economy is actually doing well.”

I pointed out that ours is a region that’s always been in debt to its eyeballs. “On a more personal note,” I went on, “for how long can you provide for the needy before you cave in?”

The question is also applicable to a government that can stay alive only by squeezing blood out of the stone better known as The Taxpayer. That, and

1. 24/7 ATM transactions outside assistance which can take forever to materialize.

And speaking of life abroad: Britain, Canada, the U.S., all are on lockdown.

All are trying to cope with a multiplicity of shortages, more and more demands, and people dying daily by their hundreds. The “city that never sleeps” has turned abruptly into a ghost town. There’s little difference between pictures taken of Times Square and Jeremie Street at high noon.

What sets us apart is that there have been no reported deaths from the coronavirus.

At any rate, not yet!

2. Mobile App Services 3. Online Member Service

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march 28, 2020 THE STAR

THE STAR march 28, 2020

www.stluciastar.com

LOCAL

13

The Fire This Time!

By Cockadoodle Doo

I

was sure it had found me.

The first local out of a population of 181,000 persons? Some distinction!

My eyes were just not right, the fever had mounted to 100 degrees and my body ached. Why ever me? But, then again, why the nausea, and why not the characteristic dry cough? And what of the very present chills with the room temperature in the high eighties; what did they mean?

Hadn’t heard about those, I don’t think.

The scare lasted a good few hours. In fact, for as long as it took for me to arrive at the psychological moment when I was made to involuntarily expel the hostile contents of my stomach. Alleluia! Instant relief.

Almost back to myself. And as I write the day after, feeling good.

But, having been given instructions from friends,

only for their stupidity, which no doubt had also played a part in their being in there in the first place.

Can you imagine a whole floor of caged men setting on fire some mattresses in a hallway and crying out to themselves and each other to burn the whole place down because they are claiming to be scared stiff of a visit from the virus? Remember, these are caged men, men behind bars.

Once that fire really got going, show me the warden who would be running every which way to go unlock cells to free men who are very probably the bane of their existence anyway.

Can’t think of any. Surely, they would understandably be And what if Bordelais had gone up in flames with all escape routes rendered running to the nearest exit to too hot to handle? Would that have been equal to killing several jailbird save themselves. arsonists with one stone?

Now, on top of that first bright idea of those family and, come to think of and laptop. I hadn’t yet seen viewing the shots, ummm lawbreakers, they actually had a it—a couple of foreigners— footage of the fire at Bordelais, photos, and listening to the second even more hair-brained to take some time to rest, I and had heard no further audio. one: set alight the mattresses decided to dutifully slow down, news on it, but there it was

Such stuff and nonsense. in the very cells which they become a couch potato and announcing itself on the first Those imprisoned men inhabit. get to checking both my phone page, so caught up on that, deserved to be locked up, if

What were they thinking?

That new mattresses would be ordered instantly from Lubeco, or what? I dunno. I dunno. I dunno! But I rather suspect that would not have transpired. ‘Cause surely the aforementioned wardens would have had those Einsteins decide between the devil and the deep blue sea, i.e. in simple terms, the floor or the burnt-out mattresses for the rest of their incarceration. No? I say yes. It just might assist them in not conceiving such bright ideas in the future.

Am I being too callous and heartless? I mean, what would you do if you were a guest of Her Majesty and were suddenly seized of the notion that Corona was about to pay a visit to said institution and ravage every male in her path?

Pardon, but she is a woman isn’t she, with that label?

Well, whether a he or a she, or fluid, what would you decide? Tell me it’s a no-brainer.

Or is it?

Minister Hermangild Francis releases statement on national response on COVID-19, urging public to exercise responsibility

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ood day fellow Saint Lucians. We are facing a challenge that we have never confronted before. It has been described by others as a ‘World War’. As such we are now living in unchartered waters. The Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon BelmarGeorge has indicated that there are two strategies that we can employ in our fight against the Corona Virus, also known as COVID-19: the pre-emptive, hard approach taken by Taiwan, or the reactive soft approachtaken by Italy and Iran.

It is evident from the data produced, that the pre-emptive, hard approach has had much more success than the reactive, soft approach.

One of the measures of the pre-emptive, hard approach is social distancing.

As the Minister with responsibility for Home Affairs, Justice and National Security,

the following entities fall within my purview: Home Affairs • The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force • The Saint Lucia Fire Service • Bordelais Correctional Facility • Department of Home Affairs, including the Citizenship Unit • Department of Probation and Parole Services • Parole Board Justice • The Judiciary/DPP’s Office, Judges, Magistrates, Courts • The Forensic Lab • Civil Status Registry • Legal Aid—Rehabilitation Board

In keeping with the social distancing strategy, the Commissioner of Police has made statements that all social activities such as boat rides, community days, beach

bashes, river limes and other similar activities that require his permission to be held, will be suspended with immediate effect.

The Honourable Chief Justice has also indicated that there is a partial shutdown of the Court system for seven days. A review of this order will be undertaken and the public shall be advised accordingly.

I would like to encourage our citizens to understand that these are not ordinary times and as such we must be “all in” in the fight against this pandemic.

We have to be our brothers’ keeper and make the sacrifices, no matter how difficult they may be, to save our citizens from this deadly virus. Please National Security Minister Hermangild Francis co-operate with the Police and (pictured) encourages citizens to be their brothers’ keeper. other authorities.

I know that there will be persons trying to capitalize to the information coming Office of the Prime Minister on this pandemic. Please be from the Chief Medical Officer, for official pronouncements. advised that you should listen Ministry of Health and the Do not allow persons to visit

your homes, pretending to be government workers. Ask for proper identification.

In closing I would like to thank all those who are at the front lines dealing with this pandemic in our country. Our prayers are with Prime Minister Honourable Allen Chastanet for demonstrating unwavering leadership at this time of unforeseen challenges, rapid developments, changes and uncertainty. To our citizenry, let us all provide our full cooperation at this time.

Let us take personal responsibility to comply with the special rules and regulations that are being implemented at this time.

Desist from compounding an already difficult situation for the country with any manner of reckless conduct or civil disobedience. Together we can keep ourselves and Saint Lucia healthy and safe.

14 REGIONAL

march 28, 2020 THE STAR

35 ‘rejected’ Trinis taken in by Barbados

SANDALS PROVIDING SUPPORT TO TEAM MEMBERS

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andals Resorts in Saint Lucia has joined with its sister resorts all over hirty-five Trinidad and had to make a humanitarian the Caribbean to provide care Tobago nationals who flew decision and it was a decision packages for its team members out of England hoping that we felt was principled and on-island. Like many hotels to return home on Monday, correct, ensuring at all times but were left stranded with that Barbadians were safe,” said all over the world, Sandals Resorts International recently the closure of this country’s Marshall. announced that it would be borders, have been taken

The Barbadian Attorney closing all its resorts from in by the Government of General said that his country March 30 to May 15 as a result Barbados. The Attorney General does not have a legal of the Coronavirus pandemic. of Barbados Dale Marshall responsibility to accept

In a statement the said that the Government of individuals other than its own company indicated that it had Barbados made a “humanitarian citizens. originally planned to stay open: decision” to allow them

“Therefore, technically “If we could have, we would landing rights into Barbados speaking we could have The Attorney General of after the Trinidad and Tobago denied them landing rights into have remained open to welcome Barbados guests and for the benefit of Government refused them entry Barbados but that would have Dale Marshall. in Piarco. meant that they would have had our team members but airline disruptions and airport closures, kicked into operation—the

Marshall made the to return to England. We had coupled with recent global Ministry of Health, Ministry of disclosure during a televised no way of knowing what the health warnings, have forced us Tourism and so on. Essentially interview on Caribbean situation would be for them in to temporarily close.” it is our responsibility that Broadcasting Corporation England when they returned.

In order to soften the all Barbadians are safe.

This (CBC) in Barbados on Monday And so it was a question of economic fallout, Sandals presented some challenges for night. Minister of National weighing what our options us in relation to this particular Security Stuart Young, at a were. We felt that we were in a will be paying team members a portion of their salaries situation, obviously these news conference on Monday position to adequately receive during the closure and will also individuals having done their afternoon, reiterated that these individuals so long as ensure that all their benefits travels and intending to go on the country’s borders are they were put immediately remain intact. to Trinidad. But the position is closed and there would be no into mandatory quarantine and

The resort group has that they were not accepting exemptions except for the“most that’s what we have done”, he gone further and created care them. We reached out to the crucial of circumstances”. said. packages which it is distributing Government of Trinidad and Young said these measures

Marshall said that the Tobago during the course of were very strict for the thirty-five Trinidad and Tobago the day to urge that they take protection of the people in nationals were received their citizens. But the fact of the and screened by Ministry of Trinidad and Tobago. matter is that they declined to

And Prime Minister Dr Health officials immediately do so.”

Keith Rowley said even one of upon arrival and straight after

Marshall said that the his daughters was in New York they were taken to a place in and could not get back into T&T. Government of Barbados was quarantine. He said that the faced with a position “that really location at which they were

Marshall said that during was not difficult and it had to do staying was funded at their own the course of the day the with the humanitarian nature of expense, not at the expense of Barbadian Government had reached out to the Trinidad and it” as the situation in England the Government of Barbados. has become increasingly worse Tobago Government about the “But at all times, as long as and there was a lockdown in matter. He said, “The Trinidad Barbadians are protected and he Taiwan Technical the United Kingdom. and Tobago nationals arrived safe, we will try to make the Mission in Saint Lucia

“These individuals are not right decision,” said Marshall. in Barbados this evening and and the Ministry of elderly, but they are certainly they were immediately treated Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical not the youngest. I understand to special protocols. The entire --Trinidad Express Newspapers Planning, Natural Resources they are in their sixties. We machinery of Government and Co-operatives met with

T

A sample of the care package given to team members.

to its team members throughout the Caribbean, including here in Saint Lucia. The care packages contain a number of essential food items including rice, sugar, flour, milk, juice, eggs, fruits and vegetables.

General Manager of Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort and Spa, Christopher Elliott said making sure team members were OK is a priority of the company at this difficult time:

“Our team members are the heart of who we are, and we want to ensure that during this challenging period our resort team members do not go home empty handed. In addition to retaining benefits, fully-paid vacations and a portion of salaries, our resort members are also receiving these care packages. We are in this together, and in difficult times, families stand together.”

Taiwan Technical Mission and Saint Lucia Marketing Board enhance Fruit and Veg Market Access

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SAINT LUCIA TOURISM AUTHORITY VIRTUALLY SERVING THE PUBLIC

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he Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) hereby informs the public that our team members are virtually available during the normal working hours of 8:00 a.m.

-4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, effective Monday March 23 through Sunday April 5, 2020.

This is in keeping with the Government of Saint Lucia’s Heightened Protocol and Social Distancing Regime to keep the public safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please reach out to us at the contact details listed below.

Receptionist: 458-7101, blouisy@stlucia.org CEO’s Office: 458-7103, tlay@stlucia.org Administration/Operations: 458-7127, naugier@stlucia.org Public Relations: 458-7115 /97, ggeorges@stlucia.org, rcharlery@stlucia.org Accounts: 458-7120, accounts@stlucia.org.

For questions or concerns, please email:

information@stlucia.org or visit www.stlucia.org for information on Saint Lucia and travel updates amidst this global crisis.

As the premier destinationmarketing agency for Saint Lucia, we look forward to resuming normal operations in the near future. Meanwhile, we urge you to observe all the necessary precautions outlined by the Health Authorities to stay protected from the COVID-19 pandemic.

farmers, hotels, and the Saint Lucia Marketing Board (SLMB) on March 3 and 9 with the aim of reducing vegetable and fruit importation.

The enhancement of the efficiency of productiondistribution supply chains in the fruit and vegetable sector project, more commonly known as the 7-crop project, has been offered to different stakeholders since 2019. One of the main objectives is a 30% increase in volume of the agricultural produce sold by farmers to hotels and supermarkets. The focal crops are watermelon, cantaloupe/honeydew, pineapple, tomato, cabbage, lettuce and bell pepper.

The project provides

production technical support on weather-resilience technology.

Achievements to date include: the introduction of a new technology—a mini greenhouse for cultivating cantaloupe and honeydew with consistent production standards; the development of a production schedule calendar for the country for the seven focal crops, and various training sessions.

An additional step now is to host meetings with farmers and hotels to discuss production and contractual marketing as a continued effort to meet the project’s objectives.

With that in mind, a meeting was held with farmers from Region Four on Tuesday March 3, 2020 at Anse Ger Agricultural Station. Over 75 farmers were in attendance.

The meeting was held as part of the ongoing progress to impart knowledge to farmers about

the project; and hold discussion relating to increased production and marketing of agricultural produce.

On March 9 the project team engaged with the Saint Lucia Marketing Board and hotel purchasing managers to ensure that the farmers have marketing opportunities for their produce through contractual agreements.

Attended these meetings were Mr. Kemuel Jn Baptiste; Chief Extension Officer from the Ministry of Agriculture, Adline Eudovic; Project Coordinator Bartholomew Donovan; the Purchasing Manager from SLMB; Mario Cheng, Chief of the Taiwan Technical Mission; and Ai-Lin Chen, Marketing Specialist from the TTM. Other meetings of this magnitude will continue to be held with farmers as they are an integral stakeholder in this project’s success.

THE STAR

INTERNATIONAL

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15

Coronavirus: Nicolás Maduro: US charges Venezuelan UK Prime Minister Boris president with ‘narco-terrorism’ Johnson tests positive

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he US has charged Venezuela’s President, Nicolás Maduro, and other senior officials in the country with “narco-terrorism”. It accused them of flooding the US with cocaine and using drugs as a weapon to undermine the health of Americans. The charges were announced by Attorney General William Barr.

A $15m (£12.5m) reward is being offered for information leading to Mr Maduro’s arrest.

The US move will further escalate tensions between the two nations.

Washington has long accused the Venezuelan president of leading a corrupt and brutal regime, a charge he has repeatedly rejected. It backs the opposition leader Juan Guaidó, who declared himself interim president last year. The new charges represent an escalation in the longstanding US pressure campaign on Mr Maduro, which also includes sweeping sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry. As well as Mr Maduro, the US charged more than a dozen top Venezuelan officials. These included the country’s defence minister and the supreme court’s chief justice. “The Venezuelan people deserve a transparent, responsible, representative government that serves the needs of the people—and that does not . . . engage in illicit narcotics trafficking,” the US state department said.

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The US has offered a $15m reward for the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro (centre).

The charges against Mr Maduro and 14 members of his inner circle include narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering and corruption. At a news conference announcing the indictment on Thursday, Mr Barr accused Mr Maduro of conspiring with a faction of the Colombian Farc rebel group “to flood the United States with cocaine” and “devastate American communities”.

“While the Venezuelan people suffer, this cabal . . . lines their pockets,” he added.

Mr Barr said the Colombian rebels had “obtained the support of the Maduro regime, who is allowing them to use Venezuela as a safe haven

from which they can continue to conduct their cocaine trafficking”.

“Maduro very deliberately deployed cocaine as a weapon . . . to undermine the health and wellbeing of our nation,” US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said.

He accused Mr Maduro and his top aides of running a “narco-terrorism partnership with the Farc for the past 20 years”.

In a separate statement, the State Department said those named in the indictment had “violated the public trust by facilitating shipments of narcotics from Venezuela, including control over planes that leave from a Venezuelan air base”.

In response to the US charges, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza hit out at what he called “unfounded allegations” and said they showed the “desperation” of the “Washington elite”. “The deep frustration of the White House is a product of the peace that reigns today in Venezuela,” he said.

And in a tweet earlier on Thursday, Mr Maduro accused the US and Colombia of conspiring against Venezuela and causing widespread violence in the country. He has long accused the US of trying to overthrow him in order to seize control of Venezuela’s oil reserves.

--BBC

Passing of Solomon Agyemang S ir Arthur Lewis Community College is mourning the loss of long-serving esteemed colleague and lecturer Solomon Kwesi Agyemang.

Mr. Agyemang passed away on Saturday March 21, 2020.

He began his employment at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in September 1988 as a Politics and History lecturer and became a permanent member of staff in September 1990.

Mr Agyemang attained the compulsory age of retirement on his 60th birthday, June 16, 2017.

However, after retirement his services were retained and he was employed as a part-time lecturer at the College until his passing.

During his tenure at the College he taught these additional courses: Caribbean Issues and Perspective; Ethics and Professional Development; Caribbean Society and Culture Sociology; and Caribbean Civilisation (part of the UWI franchise programme at the College).

Mr. Agyemang held a Master of Philosophy in Government from the University of the West Indies and a

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with History from the University of Ghana.

Solomon Kwesi Agyemang was born in Ghana but spent almost half his life giving dedicated service to his adopted homeland, Saint Lucia.

He was an active member of the community, serving for many years as a Liaison Officer for the Saint Lucia Tourist Board during the Jazz Festival.

He was a proficient Creole speaker and an enthusiast of the history and geography of the island.

Agy or Solo, as he was affectionately called, is

described as a beautiful soul with a generous heart. He always saw the positive in everything and had a smile and kind word to share with all. He will be greatly missed by his SALCC family and the many students that he taught throughout his 32 year tenure at the College.

He is survived by a daughter and grandson who reside in Trinidad and Tobago, his mother in Ghana and five siblings residing in the UK and Ghana.

May his soul rest in peace. Nanti yie, onua (Walk well, brother).

rime Minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating in Downing Street. He said he had mild symptoms over the past 24 hours, including a temperature and cough, but will continue to lead the government.

Mr Johnson is thought to be the first world leader to announce they have the virus.

He was last seen on Thursday night, clapping outside No 10 as part of a nationwide gesture to thank NHS staff and carers.

Despite having the virus, he said he will “continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus”.

In a video on his Twitter account, Mr Johnson, 55, said: “I’m working from home and self-isolating and that’s entirely the right thing to do.

But, be in no doubt that I can continue thanks to the wizardry of modern technology to communicate with all my top team to lead the national fightback against coronavirus.

“I want to thank everybody involved and, of course, our amazing NHS staff.”

He added: “So thank you to everybody who’s doing what I’m doing, working from home to stop the spread of the virus from household to household, That’s the way we’re going to win.”

Mr Johnson was tested at No 10 by NHS staff, on the personal advice of England’s CMO, Downing Street said.

He remains in charge of the government’s handling of the crisis and is understood to have chaired a phone call on Friday morning.

PM Boris Johnson (pictured) says he is self-isolating and will work from home.

Earlier this week the prime minister’s spokesman said if Mr Johnson was unwell and unable to work, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, as first secretary of state, would stand in.

Mr Johnson is in the flat above 11 Downing Street, which is now sealed off. He is working from the office and study in No 11, with meals and work being left at the door of the flat, said his official spokesman.

The prime minister’s fiancée, Carrie Symonds, who is several months pregnant, is also self-isolating, although it is not known if they are still living together.

Mr Johnson’s spokesman said all No 10 staff “will of course remain two metres apart from him at all times if they were to have any contact”.

Mr Johnson has been seen at several of the government’s televised daily briefings in the past week, where he has appeared alongside senior medical officials to update the country on the virus.

--BBC

IMPORTANT NOTICE BY STAR PUBLISHING CO. In keeping with the government’s recommendation to practise social distancing, we advise that we remain open for business, by telephone and email contact only.

For sales, please contact Mrs. Vanessa Julien on 720-5046 or by email: sales@stluciastar.com For any other information, please call the Operations Manager, Mr. Danicius Philippe on 720-5041.

16 HEALTH

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THE EIGHT LIMBS OF THE TREE OF YOGA

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THE FUNNIES!

The Fifth and Sixth Limbs Pratyahara and Dharana

he first two limbs of the Eight Limbs of the Tree of Yoga, the Yamas and Niyamas, control the Yogi’s passions and emotions, which keeps us in harmony with humanity. Asanas, the physical practice, and the third limb, keep the body strong and in harmony with nature. Asanas are the first stage of beginning to gain focus and discipline. The first three limbs are considered the outward quests.

The fourth limb is Pranayama, control of the breath, and it guides us in learning to control the mind.

This is the first limb of going inward.

Pratyahara, the fifth limb, comes from the Sanskrit word prati, meaning against, and ahara, meaning food, as in something that is taken in or ingested. Pratyahara is withdrawal and emancipation of the mind from the domination of the senses and exterior objects.

Pranayama and Pratyahara begin the inner quests of the mind. This helps us to free the senses from being dependent on the objects of desires. This is the conscious withdrawal from the senses.

In yoga we learn that the senses, or Jnanendriyas, are the organs of knowledge. They are sight, hearing, smell, taste and the skin of the entire body, which is touch. Without these five organs we couldn’t learn or move about life as we do.

Dharana, concentration, is the sixth limb and it pertains to creating attentive awareness in the body, senses and consciousness. When we are introduced to Pranayama, it takes time and practice, and with that practice we eventually

learn to control the breath. With the control of the breath comes concentration—Dharana.

Learning to concentrate with a one-pointed focus takes practice, time and discipline. It’s not something that most people learn quickly.

The seventh limb, Dhyana, pertains to meditation and contemplation. Once we learn to control the breath and concentrate, we are ready for the practice of Dhyana, meditation. By profound meditation, the knower, the knowledge and the known become one. Meditation is a mind-body practice.

Meditation trains the mind and helps us to create a heightened state of awareness of ourselves and our surroundings. It helps us

to have less stress in our daily lives; we become mentally and emotionally more calm and stable. It creates a more focused, happier life.

In Yoga we find that by teaching children meditation, they do better in school and athletics; they are happier, more focused and more physically and mentally alert and relaxed.

Samadhi, the eighth and last limb of the Eight Limbs of the Tree of Yoga, is a state of intense concentration achieved through meditation. It is a state of complete absorption where we become one with the object of meditation.

Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi take us to the innermost quest where we look within and come into harmony with the universe.

Jill Hagar is a certified instructor of Iyengar Yoga and a certified International Yoga Therapist.

She holds regular Yoga classes at Harmony Suites in Rodney Bay. For more information about classes please contact Jill by phone or WhatsApp on (758) 718 1297 or by email on yogastlucia@gmail.com

march 28, 2020 THE STAR

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE: COVID-19 RESPONSE MEASURES

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he Ministry of Commerce, International Trade, Investment, Enterprise Development and Consumer Affairs is cognizant of the precautionary measures necessary to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In order to protect staff, clients, other stakeholders and the general public, it is advised that persons limit their visits to the Ministry. Effective immediately, the Ministry’s offices and the Government Supply Warehouse will be open to serve you from 8:00 a.m to 12.30 p.m. Monday to Friday until April 3, 2020, in the first instance.

Persons wishing to access the services of the Ministry are advised to contact us as follows: • Reception/Administration: 468-4218 • Accounts Department: 468-4208 /4257, 285-3222 • Commerce and Industry Department: 468-4238 /4214, 285-7603 • Consumer Affairs Department (CAD): 468-4232 /4226 • Government Supply Warehouse: 468-4253 /4255, 285-7398 • Import Monitoring Unit: 468-4200 /4228, 486-3604 • Small Enterprise Development Unit (SEDU): 468-4223, 453-2891, 285-4611

• International Trade Unit: 468-4570 /484-1464 • Investment Coordination Unit: 468-4266 /4265, 484-2887 /285-6725

With respect to the purchase of bulk flour, rice and sugar from the Government Supply Warehouse, please note that no more than ten (10) patrons will be allowed on the compound and the sale of these items will be rationed with immediate effect.

The Ministry of Commerce solicits your co-operation and understanding as we implement measures to mitigate the adverse impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

THE STAR

march 28, 2020

sports

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17

Tokyo 2020 Olympics Postponed to 2021 due to Coronavirus

By Gael Fashingbauer Cooper

H

uge numbers of sporting events have been cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And now the grand-daddy of global sporting events, the Olympic Games, originally set for this summer in Tokyo, will join them. The office of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe tweeted on Tuesday that following conversations with the International Olympic Committee, the Tokyo Olympics will now take place in 2021.

“After his telephone talks with IOC President Bach, PM Abe spoke to the press and explained that the two have agreed that the Tokyo Olympic Games would not be cancelled, and the games will be held by the summer of 2021,” said the tweet.

In a statement on Tuesday, the IOC said the Games will be rescheduled to a date beyond 2020, but no later than summer 2021, to safeguard the health of athletes and everyone involved in the Olympics. The sporting event will continue to be called Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.

“The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become

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the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present,” the committee said in a statement. “Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan.”

While the Olympics have been cancelled in the past, because of World War I and World War II, they have never been postponed to a different year.

The official announcement followed a report on Monday that IOC member Dick Pound had told USA Today that the games would be postponed. “On the basis of the information the IOC has, postponement has been decided,” Pound told USA Today. “The parameters going forward have not been determined but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.”

When asked if Pound was speaking officially for the IOC, the organisation replied only that “It is the right of every IOC member to interpret the decision of the IOC EB which was announced yesterday”. That announcement said that the committee would study different scenarios regarding the future of the 2020 Games. It went on to say that the group would finalize discussions within four weeks, and that cancellation was “not on the agenda”.

Also on Monday, Reuters reported that Japan Olympic Committee President Yasuhiro Yamashita

The Olympics are huge, both in the numbers of people involved and in the billions of dollars spent. More than 11,000 athletes from 206 nations had been hoping to compete in 339 events. Many thousands more were planning to work in some part of the games, from food and souvenir vendors to hotel clerks to trainers and coaches. NBC had been set to broadcast the games in the US, even offering a dedicated streaming Olympics package for those who wanted to watch as much as possible, with no ads.

And, as evidenced by the fact that tickets sold out last July, thousands more were planning to watch the events, whether The coronavirus pandemic has led to the 2020 Olympics being postponed. travelling from across town or across the planet.

The 1916 Summer Susanne Lyons and USOPC CEO send a team and encouraged said he was considering Games were cancelled due athletes to instead prepare for a postponement, reflecting the Sarah Hirshland said in a joint to World War I. The 1940 and most recent comments from statement. Even if global health summer 2021 event.

1944 Games, both winter and

On Friday USA Swimming, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo conditions were to change by summer, were cancelled due late summer, the group said that the national governing body for Abe. US President Donald to World War II. (Japan was the competitive swimming, had sent Trump tweeted that he will back “the enormous disruptions to country affected back then, whatever decision Abe makes: the training environment, doping a letter to the US Olympic and too—the 1940 Games were Paralympic Committee urging “We will be guided by the controls and qualification set for Tokyo and Sapporo.) wishes of Prime Minister Abe of process can’t be overcome in a the group to postpone the Other games have been satisfactory manner. To that end, Summer Games to 2021.

Japan.” it’s clearer more than ever that The virus came close to the affected by boycotts. By Numerous teams had contrast, in 2016 the Olympics Olympics on March 19, when already said that they wouldn’t the path toward postponement in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil played is the most promising.” it was announced that Tokyo compete if the 2020 Olympics out as scheduled despite 2020 Olympics chief Yoshiro took place as planned. Late On Sunday the Canadian scientists’ warnings about the Mori, 82, attended a March 10 Olympic Committee and Monday, the US Olympic and meeting with Kozo Tashima, the Zika virus.

Paralympic Committee called on Canadian Paralympic The next Olympics after Committee announced that deputy head of the Japanese the IOC to postpone the Tokyo Tokyo are the 2022 Beijing their teams wouldn’t head Olympic Committee who later Games, citing the results of a Winter Games followed tested positive for coronavirus. survey sent to 4,000 Olympic to Tokyo and urged that by the 2024 Paris Summer Mori has no symptoms and and Paralympic hopefuls. competition be postponed for Games, and then the 2026 “We regret that there is no one year. The Australian Olympic hasn’t been tested. The men Winter Games in Milan and were seated about 10 metres Committee’s executive board outcome that can solve all the Cortina, Italy. concerns we face,” USOPC chair also unanimously agreed not to (about 32 feet) apart.

Grow Well Female Golfers take the Spotlight

he spotlight was on Grow Well’s junior female golfers when The Oliver Gobat Sports Fund (TOGS) memorial tournament took place on Saturday, March 14, 2020. The event at Sandals Golf Club was followed with a reception at the Gobat home inside Cap Maison.

The team of Lisa Daniel and Celina Lubin placed third to a roar of applause. They were the only all-female team and one of three all-junior teams.

Lubin, the youngest player in the tournament, won the prize for the longest drive for ladies.

Grow Well President, Paula St Luce congratulated the female junior golfers, noting the contribution of the year-long golf programme supported

by Sandals Foundation and volunteers. She said: “The constant encouragement and support has developed Lisa into this young lady with a bright future. It has boosted her confidence and communication skills. I extend thanks to the Gobats for their sponsorship and to Mrs Colleen Newman of Grow Well, for never giving up on the golf programme for over

10 years.”

Well known golfers Joan and Brad Paul won the elite tournament, which was staged on the last day before the Coronavirus threat closed Grow Well’s after-school programmes. The tournament is a favourite among golfers, with 76 players participating in 38 teams at the 2020 event.

For her part Newman said: “We thank Helen and Theo Gobat and other kind and generous supporters for the sponsorship of this tournament, with the proceeds

benefitting lots of youth sports teams in Saint Lucia. From its inception four years ago, they have encouraged our juniors to participate.”

TOGS fund was set up by the Gobat family in Ollie’s memory, to offer financial support to Saint Lucian nationals. TOGS support is in addition to the principal year-long sponsor of Grow Well’s Junior Golf, Sandals Foundation. This beneficial programme has introduced the game of golf to more than 150 children in Gros Islet communities.

I

OECS/ECCB International Netball Series postponed

n light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and following dialogue with the host country and the ECCB, the second OECS/ECCB International Netball Series has been postponed to September 2020.

In the meantime, the St Lucia National Netball Association (SLNNA) will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and as soon as it is practical to so do, the new dates for the second OECS/ ECCB International Netball Series will be announced.

The SLNNA asks all clubs to stay abreast of all the necessary precautionary measures, as issued by the Department of Health, for their safety.

18

sports

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march 28, 2020 THE STAR

Brathwaite Celebrates Britney Spears claims Pride’s Title Success to have run a 6-second 100-metre dash

Barbados Pride, the declared winners of the 2019-2020 West Indies Championship.

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arbados Pride Captain Kraigg Brathwaite hailed his side’s resilience after they were declared winners of the 2019-20 West Indies Championship on Tuesday.

This followed a decision of the board of directors of Cricket West Indies to cancel the last two rounds of matches in the Championship because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the season broke on March 15, after the eighth round of matches, because of the virus outbreak, Pride were leading the standings on 134.8 points—a 40.2-point lead over their nearest rivals, Trinidad & Tobago Red Force.

The CWI directors unanimously agreed to award the Headley/Weekes Trophy (named in honour of West Indies batsmen George Headley and Sir Everton Weekes) to Brathwaite’s team. This meant the Pride claimed the 23rd first-class title for Barbados in the modern era of the

Championship, which harks back to 1966, and broke the five-year stranglehold of the Guyana Jaguars on the trophy.

Pride won six of their eight matches, including a season sweep of the Jaguars, and unearthed potentially three players for the future. Chemar Holder, 22, the former West Indies Under-19 World Cupwinner fast bowler, captured 36 wickets at 18.91 apiece and bowled dangerously fast at times, especially on helpful pitches on home soil at Kensington Oval.

Fellow pacer Keon Harding, 23, a member of the West Indies emerging side that won the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup some four months earlier, also bowled impressively and captured 29 wickets at 23.30 each to give good support.

On the batting side, lefthanded all-rounder Kyle Mayers, playing for the Pride for the first time, after four seasons with the

Windward Islands Volcanoes, was head and shoulders above the rest of his teammates. He finished the season with 654 runs from 15 innings in eight matches—at a healthy average of 50.30—including two hundreds.

Mayers, son of former Barbados batsman Shirley Clarke, stepped up with the bat after he was prevented from bowling because of an injury he sustained in the first game of the season. He ended the season second overall in the batting aggregates and showed the depth of his ability with a number of salvage jobs, batting at six when the team ran into early trouble, and started back bowling in the last two matches played.

It was not a personally rewarding season for Brathwaite, the West Indies opener, but he told CWI Media he was thrilled to have led the Pride to their title success.

Cricket West Indies Suspends all Tournaments and Meetings amid Coronavirus Pandemic

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ricket West Indies (CWI) has opted to suspend all tournaments and face-to-face group meetings for a period of 30 days from March 16. The decision was taken based on the recommendations of the CWI’s Medical Advisory Committee, as a precautionary measure

American pop icon Britney Spears and 100 metre record holder Usain Bolt.

By Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty and Ian Walton/Getty

B

ritney Spears is now the fastest person on the planet—that is, according to Britney Spears. The American pop icon behind hits like "...

Baby One More Time" and "Toxic" posted on Instagram Wednesday to announce that she had run 100 metres in 5.97 seconds. The only problem?

The time Spears posted on Instagram indicates that she broke the 100-metre dash world record.

Legendary Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who earned eight Olympic gold medals during his illustrious track and

field career, holds the official world record for the 100 metres at 9.58 seconds. This means Spears, a 38-year-old artist, would have beaten his mark by well over three seconds.

While some fans posted messages of congratulations to Spears in the comment section of the post, many more understandably questioned its accuracy. "I'm confused!" Instagram user datsaltycajuncracker wrote.

"100 meter dash? You mean 50 meter dash? Or 40 yard dash?

Something ain't adding up.

Sorry for being lost."

User jennt123 asked, "Is your distance correct? Lol Usain Bolts world record time for 100m dash is 9.58 seconds."

"Girl what," matt bluhm said.

Similarly, nickhautman added, "Wat." Regardless of whether or not she is actually the owner of a newly-set world record, Spears offered some advice to fans who may be interested in cutting their sprinting times. In the caption of the photo, she revealed that the key to success is "getting over your fear of pushing it in the beginning."

She also noted that she has improved considerably since she first started training, as her "first try was 9" and she usually clocks in somewhere in the six- to sevensecond range.

Representatives for Spears did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

against the coronavirus pandemic.

“The health and safety of our players, officials and staff are of paramount importance to CWI and we have advised the Board of Directors to take proactive policy steps to decrease the growing risk of contamination and spread of the virus,” said CWI Medical Officer, Israel Dowlat, reading from a statement.

While most of the West Indies Championship has been completed, the last two rounds, that were slated to begin on March 26 and April 2, remain suspended. The announcement means that the Women’s CMI Super 50 Cup, the Regional Under-15 Boys’ Championship, and the Regional Under-19 Girls’ Championship also will not take place as scheduled.

Apart from these tournaments, CWI suspended its Board of Directors’ meeting, due to be held in Antigua on April 17 and 18, and the Annual General Meeting, scheduled for April 19.

CWI has also advised all territorial boards and local cricket associations to follow the instruction of their respective ministries of health.

The decision to suspend all cricket activities may not affect the West Indies national team, who play their next match on June 4.

THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

march 28, 2020

classified

19

PEACE CORPS

TRAINERS NEEDED PEACE CORPS, ST LUCIA, INTENDS TO OFFER A FIRM-FIXED PRICE CONTRACT TO SUITABLY QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS TO CONDUCT A TWO-PHASED PRE-SERVICE TRAINING (PST) PROGRAM FOR APPROXIMATELY 40-45 PEACE CORPS TRAINEES (PCTS) OF VARIED AGES, SKILLS, BACKGROUNDS, KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES IN THE FIRST PHASE AND APPROXIMATELY 12 PCTS IN THE SECOND PHASE OF THE TRAINING. PHASE 1 WILL RUN FROM JUNE 30-AUGUST 14, 2020.

PHASE 2 WILL RUN FROM AUGUST 17- SEPTEMBER 4, 2020. SESSIONS MAY BE CONDUCTED ON NON-CONSECUTIVE DAYS. THE TRAINING IS DESIGNED TO EQUIP PCTS WITH THE RELEVANT COMPETENCIES TO INTEGRATE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES AND TO EMPOWER THEM WITH THE REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTITUDES (KSAS) TO WORK EFFECTIVELY AT THE SCHOOLS WHERE THEY ARE ASSIGNED. PEACE CORPS SEEKS: • A TRAINER OF LANGUAGE & CULTURE FOR PHASES 1 & 2 • A TRAINER OF PRIMARY EDUCATION FOR PHASES 1 & 2 • A LEAD TRAINER IN LITERACY EDUCATION FOR PHASES 1 & 2 • A CO-TRAINER IN LITERACY EDUCATION FOR PHASES 1 & 2 PERSONS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR THIS TENDER, SHOULD WRITE TO LC-HR@ PEACECORPS.GOV FOR A COPY OF THE BIDDING DOCUMENTS /REQUEST FOR QUOTATION (RFQ).

INTERESTED VENDORS SHOULD SUBMIT A QUOTE FOR THE SPECIFIC TRAINING AREA OR SERVICES THAT THEY WISH TO PROVIDE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RFQ, VIA EMAIL, TO: LC-HR@PEACECORPS.GOV BY 5:00 PM ON OR BEFORE MARCH 16TH 2020, WITH THE APPROPRIATE SUBJECT LINE: PST EC92 LITERACY CO- TRAINER-ST LUCIA: JUNE 2020.

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