Another Rough Week For Beleaguered SLP Leader 'I Don't Practise Lies!'

SATURDAY, MARCH 07, 2020

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Another Rough Week For Beleaguered SLP Leader

‘I Don’t Practise Lies!’

Talk about indecisive.

First it was Chastanet did not go, then Chastanet refused to go, then he did go but only for a short period. (Pictured: House opposition leader Philip J. Pierre.)

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Don’t You Wish You Had A Pussycat Hot Like Mine?

Photo by Bill Mortley

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MINAJ À TROIS

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any years ago, a Trinidadian election candidate completing his personal information form, wrote as his profession, “Radio and Television Personality.”

Then he crossed out the word “Personality” and replaced it with “Celebrity”.

Is there a difference between “Personality” and “Celebrity”? Some see it as a matter of fame as the flame and name of the game. A celebrity is someone famous who is usually in the entertainment business – singing, acting and even sports. Jamaica’s top celebrity for the past few years is Usain Bolt, followed by Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. Vybz Kartel, the Jamaican Reggae Star who is in prison serving a minimum of 35 years for murder, continues to release new songs and is still on the list of “celebs”. Rihanna tops the present list in Barbados and, in St Lucia, while only visitors like Oprah Winfrey are listed as “celebrities”, there are “famous” nationals including Daren Sammy and Derek Walcott. In other words, all celebrities are famous people, but not all famous people are celebrities. The same goes for “personality”. You may have a lot of personality but may never be one.

I got to thinking about celebrity as a way of life and the world during last week’s Carnival celebrations in Trinidad. Usain Bolt was here and his arrival was duly and punctiliously noted. Mr. Teodorin Nguema Obiang and his delegation were here. Who is this guy and is he a celebrity or a personality? He is the “flamboyant” Vice President of Equatorial Guinea who came to Trinidad on a 90-metre superyacht four days after a court in France upheld a three-year suspended jail term and imposed a fine of US$33 million on him. His assets in France were also seized for “using public money to fund his lavish lifestyle” which includes, it seems, enjoying Trinidad Carnival with his friends. The flavour of the Carnival month, however, was Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, born December 8, 1982 in St James, Trinidad, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who is considered one of the most influential female rap artists of all time. Among her many achievements listed in her

WIKIPEDIA entry is that at the age of 19, as she struggled with her acting career, she worked as a waitress at a Red Lobster in the Bronx but was fired for discourtesy to customers. She said she lost “at least 15 jobs” for similar reasons.

Ms. Minaj was accompanied by her 41-yearold husband, Kenneth Petty (a.k.a. Zoo), who according to BILLBOARD boasts “quite the gallery of mugshots” including a conviction for attempted rape, manslaughter charges in 2006 following gunfire that resulted in the death of Lamont Robinson in 2002, and was on a supervised release program from 2013 to 2018 after serving seven years behind bars. However, while Ms. Minaj was basking in the limelight and adulation, her husband (according to the American youth-based media platform, COMPLEX) “caught flak after he was seen pushing Carnival singer Iwer George's arm away from his wife.” According to COMPLEX the issue was simple.

Iwer said it was not a big deal while Nicki initially made it clear that her husband, Petty, was not as petty as all that.

She posted, “My husband be all over the blogs & he don't even know it…I could never comment on a regular man this much.” In a follow-up tweet, she added, “Ppl get so mad when they see u happy. Just laugh & keep it pushin. Life is beautiful.”

She then apologised on Petty’s behalf, “Oh gawd, Allyuh like sh** eh? I go cuz all yuh real fkn stink yuh know?. He don’t understand anything about our culture. I apologize on his behalf. He’s always in security mode. All love. Love my country to death. Love my ppl to death.

Period… I should’ve told him it’s a very comfortable family atmosphere. He’s never been to a carnival in his life. Not even in Brooklyn babe.”

While the philosophers among us respond to all events, major or minor, by saying “And this too shall pass away”, one of the major casualties of time and tide is celebrity status. In his heyday, Brian Lara was “The

Prince of Port-of-Spain” and whatever he did or said, good, bad or indifferent, were widely reported. He was covered by the Carnival photographers and reporters as much as he was by the cricket media. Now, he too, has been deposed and like so many other celebrities, has become a victim of the dictum attributed to pop-art great, Andy Warhol. At an exhibition in Stockholm, Sweden in 1968, Warhol said, “In the future everybody will be world famous for fifteen minutes.”

While some have lasted more than fifteen minutes, celebrity status is not everlasting, and the spotlight eventually shifts.

In any case, mathematician Samuel Arbesman, estimates that only .0086 percent of all of us who make up the global population will be eligible for inclusion in Wikipedia’s “notability” standard or list of “famous” people.

That does not include the big fishes in the little ponds especially the ones who ask angrily, “Do you know who I am?” It is said that President Trump tried that when, on visiting a Washington D.C. nursing home, he was ignored by an old man. He shouted angrily, "Do you know who I am?" The little old man looked up from his walker and said, "No, but if you go to the front desk, they will tell you your name." In the mid-1970s I was the television producer in the Prime Minister’s Office and for a long time appeared nightly in a live talk-show. People called out to me and used my closing line, “Take care now, hear!” but a few also untruthfully claimed that I wore long-sleeve shirts because of the needle marks in my arms. That too is the part of the price you pay. One day, many years after I left television, a lady stopped me on the main street in Port-of-Spain and said, “Wait! Wait!” She scrutinised me from several angles and added, “Hold on!

Hold on!” Then she proved that my fifteen minutes were up by declaring triumphantly, “I know you. You used to be Tony Deyal!” *Tony Deyal was last seen saying he hopes British graffiti artist Banksy is wrong and that the future will hold more than a mere fifteen minutes of anonymity for everyone, especially Donald Trump for whom it should be an eternity.

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march 07, 2020 THE STAR

Facing ‘sophisticated crimes’ Police welcome RSS donation

he Royal Saint Lucia Police Force is one step closer to achieving a more intelligence-based policing strategy. On Tuesday, police officers, government officials and representatives of the Regional Security System assembled at the Sandals Regency La Toc for a handing over ceremony of crime scene investigations equipment procured by the RSS through the 10th European Development Fund.

In his welcoming remarks, Acting Commissioner of Police Milton Desir noted that the RSLPF continues to benefit from being a part of the RSS. . He said the equipment will be put to immediate use, and that it will undoubtedly assist police officers in their investigations.

"The RSLPF is in dire need of crime-scene equipment,” Desir said, “and it comes at an opportune time.” He added that crime has become more than ever sophisticated, while prosecuting offenders grows more and more technical. "We are looking forward to more of this superb initiative in the near future,” said the acting commissioner. “Come again, with more."

National Security Minister Hermangild Francis was also full of praise for the RSS. He said: "Forensic evidence, often described as the silent witness, contains information of utmost importance. Loss

(Left to right) Acting Commissioner Milton Desir, Security Minister Hermangild Francis and RSS Deputy Executive Director, Graham Archer.

of this information as a result of destruction, deterioration, or lack of awareness, can potentially jeopardize an entire investigation. Therefore, CSI kits are assets to any crime scene investigation."

The minister promised that the government would continue to build capacity to use forensic science as a tool against crime and lamented "the elevated level of crime,” facing the country, most of which, he added “are gun-related.” He gave the assurance that the police would not be intimated by threats, but would remain resolute in their determination make Saint Lucia a safe place to live and work.

Graham Archer, the deputy executive director of the RSS, revealed that the donation—

valued at some EC$67,000— included protective gear such as CSI overalls, gloves, face masks and glasses, as well as fingerprint and photography tools. He thanked the E.U. its support, and indicated that negotiations were on-going with the international body, hopefully to secure more funds for training and equipment.

Ms. Fernanda Henry, the director of forensic science services at the Forensic Science Laboratory, told reporters she was grateful for the timely and critical donation. "At the laboratory, we are committed to playing an integral role in crime scene investigations,” she said, “so I can assure you that the equipment will be put to the best possible use.”

----Joshua St. Aimee

CASTRIES CONSTITUENCY COUNCIL REMAINS COMMITTED TO SETTLING ALL OUTSTANDING UNION MATTERS

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he Castries Constituency Council is very satisfied with the guidance received in resolving grievances related to recent industrial action by some workers. We are pleased that the Castries Constituency Council (CCC) and the National Workers Union (NWU) were able to settle issues during a conciliatory meeting on Thursday February 27, 2020 at the Labour Department. In that regard, we at the Castries Constituency Council have recognized our shortcoming in the matter and accept full responsibility.

We have decided to reinstate the position that was the source of contention and revert to the appropriate method and procedures of the Labour Law. However, we wish to highlight our disappointment at the manner in which industrial action was taken. We being part of the Essential Services Act would appreciate if the same procedure was followed according to the Essential Services Act by formally notifying Council’s management of any decision to strike and respectfully providing a reason as Council was never informed.

In addition, we would wish that the same chastisement leveled at Council would be given to the National Workers Union (NWU) as they operated illegally and contradicted the very law books they are quoting from. We will continue discussions with the objective of resolving all other outstanding domestic matters.

The Castries Constituency Council wishes to express gratitude to the Labour Department and the NWU for their time, understanding and cooperation in resolving the matter.

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SO WHO’S POLITICIZING CORONAVIRUS?

‘I dunno, I dunno, I dunno!

You want me to lie?’

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ight now Saint Lucia is the worst prepared island for this virus in the entire region. You know why? Because on Sunday there was a meeting of Heads of Government. And you know our prime minister is a frequent flyer. But you know the prime minister did not see it fit to attend a meeting to discuss this virus in Barbados.”

On Tuesday evening Philip J. Pierre, leader of the House opposition, presented to a gathering of party faithfuls in Dennery the above shocking necklace of non sequiturs. The televised event was also carried live on social media. Choking with emotion, Pierre repeated himself.

“The prime minister did not go!” he bawled. “He refused to go. All of the other prime ministers went. But our prime minister did not see it fit to get on an aircraft and go to Barbados to discuss what could be one of the most serious issues facing our island. He did not go.”

For once exuding the confidence of Usain Bolt on his record-setting way to the finish line, Pierre spilled more vomitous beans. “And when they called him on the phone,” he said, “when they called the prime minister on the phone to have a discussion on the virus, you know what he said? After the conversation, when they were telling him how the virus had spread, you know what he said in the background? He want a Ti Ponche.”

Who exactly was “they” who called the prime minister on the phone? As to how far the virus had spread, who was the updating “they?” Presumably the answers were classified.

Pierre paused yet again, waited for the anticipated audience reaction—the wellwell-wells, the amplified teethsucking and other rude noises, the bopping bobbleheads, all of it recorded for later editing and calculated redistribution, reminiscent of worshippers at a Benny Hinn Miracle Crusade.

The camera now focused on his face, Pierre proceeded, like a man who woke up in the middle of the night to discover a fer de lance under his pillow— and lived to tell the miracle.

“When people were talking serious business,” he hissed, “he was asking for a drink of Ti Ponche!”

Another pregnant pause.

As I studied the amateur-night theatrics from my armchair, I was reminded of an earlier time when even the worst of the Labour Party’s snore mongers were guaranteed uproarious crowd behavior whenever they told a joke that placed a certain former prime minister in proximity to a liquor bottle.

“Bountee! Bountee!” went the sound of irrational exuberance.

“Toujours sou! Toujours sou!”

Finally Don Quixote took his final desperate swing at the windmills in his head: “When the people were talking about serious business he was asking for a drink of Ti Ponche . . . And I defy him to say that’s not true.

And if he says that is not true, I will publish the tape where he’s saying to give him a drink of Ti Ponche. That is the kind of prime minister we have in this country!”

What people? Where?

These days it seems everyone has a tape, whether or not obviously doctored. Actually the prime minister need not pick

up Pierre’s gauntlet—not when there is the recorded testimony of Pierre’s deputy, Shawn Edward, to vouch for him.

Evidently the absent opposition leader had more important matters on his plate.

At the conclusion of a specially convened meeting of the National Emergency Management Advisory Committee last Friday, also attended by the prime minister, this is what the clearly elated Dennery MP had said: “On behalf of the parliamentary opposition, I just want to register our collective gratitude to the health team. When I listened to the presentations

by Dr. Belmar and her team, it’s hard to imagine there is anywhere else in the region where they can top this.” So much for being “the worst prepared!”

“I mean, this is worldclass!” said Shawn Edward.

“When we are not able to achieve things, sometimes it’s not because we lack the capacity but because of resource constraints. I had my own personal fears, I must admit, prior to coming here this morning. But a lot of that has been allayed and I think I will leave here better informed and I can now, at least at the level of constituency if not nationally, help with a level of preparedness in the event we are faced with a case.”

Then there are the facts relating to the Sunday meeting that according to the SLP’s main man Saint Lucia’s prime minister had “refused” to attend. By verified account, the prime ministers of the region have stayed in touch with the CARICOM head in Barbados for

Where some see stars, others see only mud! Is there more than meets the eye between what Shawn Edward (left) and Philip J. Pierre publicly stated about the government’s efforts to protect the people of Saint Lucia from the coronavirus?

more than two weeks. They had formed a special committee and a sub-committee relating to various coronavirus-related protocols. The last-mentioned group reported back last Friday.

Allen Chastanet was among the prime ministers who expressed the need for last Sunday’s emergency meeting in Barbados. Saint Lucia’s CMO also attended with another local official. The prime ministers

who could not be in Barbados contributed nevertheless via Zoom. The Barbados summit was well covered by mainstream and social media. Most of the reports acknowledge the presence and contribution of Saint Lucia’s prime minister.

Somewhat perplexing, not to say out of character, is Pierre’s motivation for putting out a story to the world that

could so easily be debunked.

Surely he could not have imagined he was helping Saint Lucia by disseminating false news about the island’s state of preparedness in relation to a health problem the world has never before encountered. It is inconceivable that Pierre would be so retarded as not to have considered the consequences of his statement on the resident population, as well as on

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potential visitors, including foreign investors. Pierre’s speech recalled another gathering when party leader Kenny Anthony mindlessly threatened to advise foreign entrepreneurs to invest elsewhere, on the basis that the day’s government was corrupt beyond measure.

With no evidence whatsoever, Kenny Anthony repeated the corruption charge in an interview with a leading British newspaper shortly after the Ollie Gobat murder—this time against the island’s police force.

More recently another SLP MP made unwanted headlines when he assured Dominicans that the pre-election chaos they were experiencing was planned in Saint Lucia. Later he sought to lay blame for the fall-out on detractors that had twisted his words, that while the rotten eggs were hatched in Saint Lucia the hatchers were not necessarily native Saint Lucians.

The line added fuel to the bonfire, suggesting as it did that unidentified mercenaries may have been given cover in Saint Lucia as they prepared to interfere in a sister island’s elections—at a time when a CIP-related Al Jazeera documentary had painted some of the OECS territories

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the ugliest of colors. It was no secret that the United States and the E.U. were monitoring the Dominica elections. To date, the Labour Party has seen no reason to clarify the statement by one of its leading members.

Shortly before lunch on Thursday, the man who would be prime minister in place of Allen Chastanet attempted to undo the self-inflicted damage to his image. He assured reporters at a press conference that he had “never practiced the spread of rumors and lies,” that his reference to “the absence of the prime minister was to highlight the lack of sufficient attention that our government is giving at a policy level to addressing the coronavirus.”

Does that mean Pierre still did not realize his error, that contrary to his statement on Tuesday, the prime minister was present in Barbados with officials of the health ministry?

Or was he simply hell-bent on perpetuating what he had “never practiced?” Talk about jumping out of the frying pan into the fire!

“To the extent that some still feel that I misled them,” he went on, “I must humbly state that was not my intention. I felt and still feel that for a meeting of such importance the prime minister should have been

there throughout and I acted on the information I had at the time.”

He listed several questions he wished to put to the prime minister. As for “the medical professionals and technical people,” Pierre acknowledged they were “trying their very best to achieve world class standards of preparation.”

Nevertheless there are some critical issues he wished to address to the prime minister “on behalf of the people of Saint Lucia.”

As earlier stated, last Friday Pierre turned down an invitation to join what was arguably the most important meeting ever held in Saint Lucia, that of the National Emergency Management Advisory Committee, in relation to the coronavirus.

As already noted, the MP for Dennery deputized for Pierre, then later lauded the level of preparedness as “world class!”

It is difficult to imagine none of Pierre’s questions had occurred to any of the experts at Friday’s emergency conference—not even to Pierre’s stand-in on the occasion!

It would serve us well to keep in mind the following words by Nietzsche: “I’m not upset that you lied to me. I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you!”

Department of Home Affairs raises awareness via Social Media of Human Trafficking

n keeping with its mandate to increase public awareness, the Department of Home Affairs and National Security and the Task Force for the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons will release a skit on social media that will underline the message that it is illegal in Saint Lucia to exploit anyone including for the benefit or the financial gain of another party or individual.

Assistant Focal Point on Trafficking In Persons within Home Affairs Claudia Monlouis says the latest public message will be well circulated on social media platforms. “We have collaborated with one of our up and coming creatives, Mr. Noah Caesar. He has a good connection with young persons via his social media outreach and so we found him to be the ideal person to work with.

“We are asking everyone to pay attention to the messages on trafficking in persons. We

would also like the public to know of the 847 hotline to report any suspicious activity as it relates to human trafficking.

This is a 24-hour hotline.”

Noah Caesar, popularly known as Noah Seas, says he is pleased to be associated with this initiative. “Thanks to the Department of Home Affairs and National Security I was offered the opportunity to create a skit concerning human trafficking, because human trafficking is prevalent and it is happening right now, even in Saint Lucia; even in our small and beautiful island, Saint Lucia. It’s basically modern slavery so I am happy and elated that is going to raise awareness concerning human trafficking. I created a skit with that theme. I created a skit around that topic.”

Caesar called on the public to become interested in learning more about human trafficking.

“It’s going to be released soon and all I ask of you, my fellow

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Lucians that I love so much, is that you share it as much as you can—like and share, please—and thanks, and , let’s all raise awareness. If you know anyone who is in a situation that has to do with human trafficking, you could always call.”

This latest prevention of human trafficking skit will also be featured on the website https://www.antitraffickingslu. org/ and so persons who are active on social media are asked to visit the various social media platforms on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of threats, force or other forms of coercion, abduction, fraud and deception or the abuse of power to achieve control over another person for the purpose of exploitation.

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Unpardonable!

By Cockadoodle Doo Editor: I am hoping you will carry this, for we are all aware that your publisher has an incomprehensible soft spot for Philip J. Pierre, someone about whose idiocy I could write a book, while knowing him only from a distance, through his words in parliament, on various platforms, over the media etc.

Truly, there is just so much of an unflattering nature that one could say about this wannabe leader of this fair land, God forbid! But at this moment in time, as I listen to the repulsive recording of the day and hear the desperation in his voice, when in the throes of creating his latest negative, trumped-up narrative about Saint Lucia’s Honourable Prime Minister, a dedicated, responsible, intelligent, empathetic human being, I am struck by the farreaching, utter seriousness of his statement, dripping with so much political motive, as is everything which comes out of his unfortunate mouth: Saint Lucia and its reputation be damned, I have to get at Allen Chastanet somehow, and I’m going to keep trying in whatever way I can, come hell or high water, ‘cause he makes me look so miniscule, just by being himself, and my inferiority complex rises to the top again and again. So, I’ll keep doing my worst.

Sir, I could go on and on, but I shall make this contribution pithy. To the St Lucia Labour Party, for whom there is no love lost

At least one STAR contributor sees more leadership qualities in Dennery MP Shawn Edward (pictured)than the de jure House opposition leader!

on my part, if you know what’s good for you, then you need to jettison Mr Pierre if you are to have even the whisker of a chance at leading the country ever again.

He cannot be trusted.

More so, he has left himself wide open to total ridicule, as so many questions of great import arise from his ill-conceived messaging, which, it is clear, was said knowingly. And he says he wants to run a country? Not this

one, PLEASE! There should be no trouble replacing him, with all of the young blood, whose heads appear to be in a much better place.

Witness the honest, generous statement from the young Shawn Edward. He, no doubt, has thoughts of being at the helm of this country one day, and is obviously sufficiently conscious as to how he might get to do just that.

Impressive!

Dump Pierre!

Cast Your Vote Now: Saint Lucia nominated for AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards

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he Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is delighted to announce that Saint Lucia has been nominated among 17 islands for “Best Destination in the Caribbean” in the AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards. Now into its fifth year, the prestigious AFAR Awards reflect the tastes of the AFAR audience—the most affluent, influential, and well-travelled across all travel media.

The AFAR editorial team

has selected the destination finalists and encourages its audience to vote for their favourite hotels, cruises, airlines, trips and destinations.

“Saint Lucia continues to be named among the best for experiential travel, and winning this award would add to the numerous accolades that testifiy to her undisputed greatness, so be inspired to vote daily for Saint Lucia as AFAR Travelers’ Choice for Best

Destination in the Caribbean,” said Tourism Minister Honourable Dominic Fedee.

Encourage your friends, family, neighbours and associates to vote on the public platform by logging onto the official link, https://www.afar. com/surveys/afar-travelerschoice-awards-2020. Winners of AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards will be revealed on July 3, 2020 on AFAR.com and in the fall issue of AFAR Magazine.

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Mary Francis welcomes million-dollar court ruling!

Joshua St. Aimee

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he recent ruling by Justice Godfrey Smith SC that over $8 million be awarded Francis Noel and Anthony Henry marked a good day for Saint Lucia. So proclaimed Mary Francis, who also applauded their attorneys Lydia Faisal and Alvin St. Clair.

Justice Smith also indicated that the state's detention of the men in prison and not a mental health facility after they were found unfit to plead due to mental illness, was in breach of their constitutional right to personal liberty.

"It was a good day,” said Francis, “because at the heart of the ruling was the whole question of human rights, and the state's duty towards citizens when it comes to their rights—especially those who are within the criminal justice

system. It speaks well in terms of increased awareness of the rights of persons in the custody of the state; and also the role that the courts play as the guardians of those rights."

Francis, the coordinator of the National Centre For Legal Aid and Human Rights Inc., expressed the hope that the authorities will learn valuable lessons from this Smith ruling. She stressed that the necessary structure must be implemented so that inmates with mental issues are given the appropriate care. She lamented that, as a result of the state's inaction over the years, taxpayers will be forced to foot the bill.

The attorney said that the case also raises the question: What is the state doing in terms of human rights broadly?

Francis commended the government for taking small steps in the protection of rights.

Last week, she attended a

Mary Francis (pictured) says that while it’s important to focus on tourism and other sectors, government must not forget to tackle the nation’s social problems.

three-day workshop facilitated by the United Nations' Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. She said it served as a training programme for government officials and

civil society, to keep them informed about the human rights procedures and the structures of the United Nations system.

The establishing of the National Human Rights Coordinating Committee was

also outlined as a step in the right direction. However, Mary Francis insists that more needs to be done to prevent similar cases and reiterated her plea for government to establish a national commission for human rights. "The commission

must be established this year," she said. "Without it, we cannot say government is actually promoting human rights or ensuring that the fundamental human rights outlined in our Constitution are adhered to."

Under colonialism, she said, the authorities didn't care much about human beings, and control over the society took precedence. She described our history as one of “dehumanization”, and that this continues psychologically.

"The political parties concentrate on visible things like roads, housing and so on,” she said. “But in terms of justice, and the justice system, they've allowed it to become very dysfunctional over the years."

This week, National Security Minister Hermangild Francis told reporters that government was considering whether to appeal the amount awarded Noel and Henry last week.

NATIONAL INSURANCE CORPORATION VACANCY

Communications Technician- Audio Visual The National Insurance Corporation is seeking to fill the position of Communications TechnicianAudio Visual to complement the Communications function.

Summary of Duties: To capture and develop footage of NIC activities using video and audio recording equipment inhouse and on location, combining technology, visual and graphic skills for the creation of content for broadcast and for use on web and social media applications.

Reporting to the Communications Manager the essential duties will entail: • Editing video and audio by reviewing raw footage, extracting extraneous information, adjusting colour, etc. and using appropriate software to produce high quality productions.

• Utilizing computer graphics and special effects to create visual and artistic elements and illustrations to enhance video and audio productions.

• Installing, assembling and operating audio/ video, electronic and communication equipment by arranging as per specification and layout, adjusting and monitoring equipment to ensure effective functioning whilst on duty.

• Capturing recorded audio/video using appropriate software to make productions available in various formats.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities • Advance knowledge of and ability to set up, operate and maintain digital and analogue media systems and technologies, multimedia, electronic and communications equipment

including video cameras and recorders, audio recording equipment, microphones, sound systems, lighting and post production equipment.

• Advanced knowledge of audio/video production procedures, practices and terminology.

• Ability to undertake studio production with multi-camera shooting; to plan., translate and visualize abstract concepts and scripts in effective sound and visual form.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work in a team environment.

Experience and Qualifications • At least a Diploma in Digital Media from Sir Arthur Lewis Community College or equivalent.

• At least two (2) years relevant working experience Application Procedure: Applications along with a detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of qualifications and two referees, should be addressed to:The Human Resource Manager Position of Communications Technician- Audio Visual National Insurance Corporation Francis Compton Building Waterfront Castries

Deadline for receipt of applications is March 16th, 2020 Please note that only suitable applications will be acknowledged.

Sir Arthur Community College transforming to meet needs of Business Community

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ir Arthur Lewis Community College has appointed a new Principal, Dr. Keith Nurse, who formerly served at The University of the West Indies as the World Trade Center Organization Chair, Executive Director of UWI Consulting Inc, among other impressive positions. Dr. Nurse has commenced charting an exciting new course for Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, which he sees as being a pivotal institution as Saint Lucia seeks to navigate the 4th Industrial Revolution with all its rapidly changing and emerging new challenges.

Becoming more relevant to the needs of this global economy, and serving the development aspirational needs of the society and the evolving economy, is front and centre of the transformation that Dr.

Nurse seeks to champion at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. When he addressed the first SALCC graduation over which he presided, Dr. Nurse alluded to new courses and programmes, as well as innovative partnerships with international education and training institutions.

The business community looks forward to seeing how the College will serve its needs.

Meeting the new and emerging labour market needs and creating entrepreneurs who can manoeuvre in a digital world where Artificial Intelligence and the green and blue economy will dominate, is on the agenda of both Dr. Nurse and the business community.

On Thursday March 19 at Bay Gardens Hotel, the business community will receive an insight on what

they can expect from the “new SALCC”, and how they may be able to partner to meet the human resource needs.

An avid admirer of Sir Arthur Lewis, after whom the College is named, Dr. Nurse agrees wholeheartedly with the economist’s assertion that “the fundamental cure for poverty is not money but knowledge”.

Members of the business community and wider society are invited to attend what is expected to be an informative and powerful Executive Luncheon. Those interested are encouraged to confirm their participation early by contacting the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce via email: info@stluciachamber.org or by telephone: 452 3165.

Further detail can be sourced via the website: www.stluciachamber.org.

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march 07, 2020 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Kenny Anthony Blames Election Defeat On Police, Public Servants Lucia Labour Party under his leadership, and if it had to do with his hardline position on VAT, this was his response: “I think it was bigger than that, Calixte. I’m glad you raised this issue. When we got into office in 2011—you would know—the economy of Saint Lucia was in dire straits. We already had a fiscal deficit hovering around 10% of GDP. And we had to take some fairly strong measures. Obviously that was one. Although we did indicate in our manifesto that we would have introduced VAT; but the measures I took on were unheralded to bring down that deficit.”

Then there was the other reason he discovered himself choking on Allen Chastanet’s exhaust as the election results were announced: “Public servants punished me. A lot of them voted against me. The police, of course, voted against me because they were misled on the so-called IMPACS report.

But that’s another story. I’ll have my say on that at the right time. But when the issue of

for the road, I mean, this is really a remarkable achievement by the prime minister to have borrowed so much money in so little time.”

But by Anthony’s own telling, enny Anthony was in full during his last stint as prime school principal mode last minister, Saint Lucia was in even week, as he spoke with the more fiscal doo-doo than it is host of Lunch Room, the then today. prime minister’s speechwriter

“So the fact of the matter is and political attaché. With that the measures that we took reference to the current between 2011 and 2016 saved this administration, he said: “This is economy,” he told the Lunch Room a government that’s arrogant. host, “ensured that we didn’t go This is a government that has to the IMF and I was punished, not made use of the experience, I think, for these measures. So has not made use of the lessons it’s not just a question of the of the past. So it continues what Kenny Anthony as opposition leader marched arm in arm with teachers introduction of VAT . . . but really it does very blindly, believing and other public servants, but last week blamed them for his election you are looking at a complexity of that it has all the answers to defeat in 2016. factors, a compendium of factors. all the issues that confront the It was VAT, it was the sacrifice that sacrifice was raised, with the minister’s rebranding of ego, Anthony said: “I believe you country. That is not so. Whether public servants and police officers the 2013-2016 TUF wage public servants possibly taking are aware that the technicians you like it or not, there are had to make. Then, of course, the negotiations as “a sacrifice”, a cut in salary, I think they in the Ministry of Finance had lessons of the past that you IMPACS report that was so widely reacted with great disbelief consider this statement by in fact advised me to seek an need to be aware of so as not to misunderstood. And I believe and annoyance, et cetera.

And a member at last February’s IMF programme because there commit the mistakes.” there’s an untold story behind I think I was punished.

Now, Teacher’s Union meeting at were very genuine fears that we

The inescapable irony is that, but today is not the day for they may not have realized it, the Cultural Centre: “Before may not have been able to pay that of all the pejoratives hurled that.” but when they took the 0-0-0 we move forward with this our debt, especially treasury at Anthony when he was prime

Anthony summed it all up negotiation, I have an issue with per cent, this helped to save bills that were rolling over at a minister, “arrogant” topped the this way: “Suffice it to say though this country.

They made a major the last one [2013-2016 TUF very furious rate; and it was a list. Asked what he thought that despite the pain of the defeat, contribution in preventing us wage negotiations] that I need very painful period for me, and was to blame for the June 6, the pain of the loss—and every the executive to address.

At that from going to the IMF.” for weeks and days I pondered 2016 disaster that befell the St electoral loss has its pain—but

As for our former prime earlier meeting Mr. Monrose over the advice I got from the hinted that we, the teachers, Ministry of Finance and decided in my heart I am comforted by the fact that I was able to turn took a wage freeze. As far as I wasn’t going to go down in this economy around. I was able I remember, we never met in history as the prime minister to reduce the fiscal deficit of this this forum to discuss this issue. that would take Saint Lucia to Let me say that again. As I the IMF.” He delivered all of that country. I was able to restore the reputation of the country in remember, regarding the wage in one breath. the market place, that we laid freeze, we never met in this

Abruptly, he shifted gears. the basis for the revival of that forum to discuss the issue. The “I believe we’re approaching economy and I am comforted too, executive took a decision on our the figure of over two billion that in my tenure I did not have behalf. I would like to know if dollars now. When you add, of to take Saint Lucia to the IMF and this is the norm. Is it proper not course, the borrowing for the The Saint Lucia National Trust invites applications for the following positions: travel that road.” to have consultation? I demand airport and the new borrowing a response from the executive on this matter; whether this is a trend or whether we The successful applicant shall support the work of the Trust in the south of Saint Lucia and can expect it to continue, or implement the Point Sables Environmental Protection Area Management Plan. whether this was an error and

“It certainly has been he Saint Lucian duo you are ready to apologise for our pleasure to host these of Kerdisha and Tasha what transpired.” [Reporter’s Alexander were guests lovely ladies and to have them emphasis.] experience the Jamaica Rum of honour at Jamaica’s second

Clearly, the last thing Festival. Now in its second annual Rum Festival at Hope The successful applicant shall utilize the Trust’s resources and assets to expand and on the minds of teachers at year, the festival has grown Gardens in Kingston. The Rum optimize revenue streams. the recalled meeting was Festival, presented by Appleton dramatically and we anticipate “sacrifice”. Many remember Estate, saw the country’s best that it will continue to grow. Last Interested persons are invited to visit the Trust’s Website at: https://slunatrust.org/news/ vividly the then prime minister, year, winners from the Cayman rum brands presenting in a vacancies1 for further details on these positions. himself a former teacher, number of categories including Islands joined us, they had an marching in protest with his incredible time and that inspired over proof, aged and premium.

All applications should be sent along with a curriculum vitae addressed to: brethren during Stephenson us to broaden our scope to Displays by Wray and Nephew, King’s time as prime minister.

Mr. Bishnu Tulsie include more winners. Hopefully, Appleton Estate, Charly’s JB, They easily recall Anthony on Director Hampden Estate and Monymusk next year, we can have an the front lines, arm in arm with Rums added to the appeal of even larger cohort of winners,” Saint Lucia National Trust them, demanding that King the festival which saw well over explained Kamal Powell, Brand P. O. Box 595 deliver their wage demands.

Marketing Manager for the 11,000 patrons.

Castries They certainly recall the change Kerdisha and Tasha joined Region.

Saint Lucia of attitude demonstrated by

Kerdisha reported: “The other winners from Barbados, Tel: 452-5005/453-1495 Kenny Anthony upon returning the Cayman Islands and Belize Festival turned out to be much Facsimile: 453-2791 to office in 2011. different than I thought it would for the two-night festival.

Email: natrust@slunatrust.org

But back to Anthony’s Performances from Spragga be, but in an amazing way. The Lunch Room thoughts in relation Benz, Protégé, Capleton and Appleton team and staff truly Deadline for applications is Monday March 23, 2020 to the IMF. Referencing his made us feel like celebrities. I Ky-Mani Marley ignited the Only suitable applications will be acknowledged. host’s days as his political alter crowd, earning much applause. enjoyed every minute of it.”

Dean Nestor

K

JOB VACANCIES

PROGRAMME OFFICER / CONSERVATION

PROGRAMME OFFICER / BUSINESS SERVICES & EVENTS

T

St. Lucians Experience Jamaica Rum Festival

THE STAR

march 07, 2020

www.stluciastar.com

LOCAL 09

The Jimmy Henry Experience!

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lawyer’s adage advises: “If you have the law on your side, argue the law. If you have the facts, argue the facts. If you have neither, then pound the table.” There was a whole lotta table-pounding going on over the weekend (apologies to perennial rocker Jerry Lee Lewis), much of it conceivably by under-employed Looshan Johnnie Cochrans marooned on the Rock of Sages and other native philosophers at large.

I formed the impression from monitoring their exhaust that, given the opportunity, they’d already have sentenced recently resigned senator Jimmy Henry to unending STEP labor at Bordelais. But please permit me a small digression, before I proffer a sampling of last week’s not so diplomatic intercourse via Fakebook, which I have again renamed; this time, Fessbook.

Why Fessbook? Not for the reason you’re thinking, dear lover of langue mama nous. (I am presuming that since the last general elections everyone has taken the time to learn and appreciate the value of kwéyòl!)

In the case of Fessbook the prefix “fess” is English; short for confess; as in “Fess up, man. Do we have to beat the truth out of you?” And what is Fessbook if not the safest place to deposit whatever burdens may be pressing heavily on what’s left of our consciences?

It is by now common knowledge that often the accusations we level at others are actually unwitting confessions. This sobering fact was unforgettably underscored by none other than Jesus when he invited a bunch of whitened sepulchers to cast their holier than thou stones at a cowered and defenseless accused adulteress. Besides, how positively we see others has scientifically been linked to how happy, kind-hearted and emotionally stable we are.

“Your perceptions of others reveal so much about your own personality,” says assistant professor of psychology at Wake Forest University, Dustin Wood.

By asking study participants each to rate positive and negative characteristics of just three people, Wood and his fellow researchers were able to uncover important information about the raters’ well-being, mental health, social attitudes and how they were judged by others.

“Seeing others positively reveals our own positive traits,” Wood points out. Also, that how positively you see other people is an indicator of how satisfied we are with our own lives and how much we are liked by others. In

The former senator Jimmy Henry (pictured) whom the Star first covered one week after he was famously taken aside and searched by local airport officials on his return from Barbados.

contrast, negative perceptions of others are linked to higher levels of narcissism and anti-social behavior.

Wood adds: “A huge suite of negative personality traits are associated with viewing others negatively. The simple tendency to see people negatively indicates a greater likelihood of depression and various personality disorders."

The Wood study (which appears in the July 2010 issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, co-authored

by Peter Harms at the University of Nebraska and Simine Vazaire of Washington University in St. Louis) also revealed that “the level of negativity the rater uses in describing the other person may indeed indicate that the other person has negative characteristics but may also be a tip-off that the rater is unhappy, disagreeable, neurotic—or has other negative personality traits.”

Never mind that our legal system operates on the 'presumption of innocence' principle, with the burden of proof on the one who declares, not on the one who denies, still some continue to spew their venom at Jimmy Henry—whom the authorities have not once charged with wrongdoing. Indeed, last week the police went out of their way publicly to dismiss allegations, subtle and otherwise, against Jimmy Henry. No matter, certain axe grinders insist “the police never said he was not under surveillance by agents outside of Saint Lucia!” As if to suggest Henry may have drawn, unknown to anyone here, the attention of such as Interpol, the State Department, the FBI

and so on. Some went so far as to suggest our police are untrustworthy, that they may be covering up for the former senator. But covering up what?

Momentarily, the venomous speculators apparently forgot the Henry story had started with a so-called “random search” at George F.L. Charles in Vigie upon his return from a two-day stay in Barbados—whose officials had subjected Henry to no unusual treatment, coming or going. If the local police failed to arrest and charge Henry because they are part of a cover-up, as so many on Facebook are self-convinced, without a shred of evidence, then are the airport authorities in Barbados also Henry’s partners in crime?

The fact that the STAR had published some of Henry’s “personal reasons” for his apparently abrupt resignation was to some insignificant; unworthy of discussion. Not in a positive light, anyway. Ditto his assertion that he’d been considering resignation since mid-February. Those who bothered to go there dismissed what he told this reporter as more fake news, maybe because it did not help their cause, whatever it may be. They could not fathom why anyone would give up any job just because it placed too much pressure on his family life. Others suggested the sitting MP for Dennery North had been the snitch behind the Vigie search, again without the smallest corroboration. That I had interviewed Jimmy Henry’s friend and campaign manager on TALK only further strengthened the conviction of a particular set of full-time stone throwers that something in the alleged most rotten of states was, well, rotten!

Time to hear directly from the Cochrans, whose real names are more than likely known only to themselves. Warning: I have chosen not to edit the contributions.

Cecilia Allain: Rick Wayne, trying to obfuscate the scenario with bullshit talk. Let’s talk about lament’s situation. That’s the real issue here. I would be more concern about that interview given by his Campaign Manager.

Looks like he increminate both himself and the Minister. BTW it is no longer FAKEBOOK but FESSBOOK. Then get your FESS off it. You are doing yourself and the government in which you have a “vested interest” no favors at all. If Jimmy is prosecuted in connection with this matter, it will be your softball interview that nails his coffin shut. Enjoy the funeral, I hear they can be quite entertaining.

Leo Fields: Once a particular TALKshow host realizes that there are lucians with better investigative skills than him he start to act paranoid.

Sylvester Desir: One of the most shocking aspects of this drama is that the man actually informed the officers the amount of money he had in his possession after he was free to leave. And he was willing to be searched in the public area. It appears the guy was quite confident and comfortable. Was the fox outfoxed?

I hope I have not unintentionally attempted to manufacture any kind of execuses for the man.

Louisy Dee: We knew that.

RF said he declared it. I think in true fashion we are trying to make excuses. The gentleman was being surveilled for a reason. They said he was not under surveillance by the local authorities.

John Alvin: Rick clear something for me. Are you saying that we should only be concerned if Jimmy breaks local laws but if it is the laws of another country that is their business, not ours?

[I was tempted to ask Alvin whether we should be concerned with fornication in certain Middle East countries, even though in our own country it’s de kolcha!— Rick Wayne]

Ethelbert James: Jimmy ain tell rick the whole story.

Leo Fields: Rick is just looking for a few dollars to say the story is from a reliable source.

Sylvester: Here are some more questions: why was the man searched? What did they hope to find in the man’s possession? Who gave the orders to do so? Not a word, not a word, not a word.

Facts are fact but such an incident will inevitably generate speculation. Humans sometimes exhibit cannibalistic characteristics. By the way, was officer Desir speaking the truth?

If it was not the truth, then why would he be lying? [Talk about building your own strawman so you can burn it down!–RW]

To borrow from The Terminator: Ah’ll be back!”

--The preceding was first published on July 22, 2017 EDITOR’S NOTE: Last week Henry was interviewed at his own request by Choice TV’s Janeka Simon. While much of what he told her coincided with what he said during his STAR interview, there are also the telling contradictions.

GODDARD ENTERPRISES LTD. IT NETWORK ENGINEER The Goddard Group IT Department is seeking an IT Network Engineer to support the Group IT Department, to design, build, and implement network systems across the enterprise. The IT Network engineer is responsible for planning, development, installation, configuration, maintenance, support and continuous improvement of all local and wide area network connections, corporate servers, associated software, and communication links. In addition to troubleshooting network performance issues, analysing network traffic, providing capacity planning solutions, resolving hardware and software network problems and providing end-user training and support where required.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES • Daily operations including; monitoring, maintenance, installation, configuration and administration of the networks and telecommunications systems across the group of companies.

• To assist with the procuring, planning, design, installation and configuration of computer network and telephony h a r d w a r e , operating systems and to support the roll-out of new applications as required.

• To provide primary network and remote connectivity hardware/software support to users on an ongoing basis through various modes of communication, such as face-to-face, on the phone, via email or chat ensuring a high level of customer service always.

• To assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and documentation of network security across the GEL Group.

• To plan and coordinate the network preventative maintenance schedule with wider IT team.

• To assist in administration and preventative maintenance and repairs on servers and computer systems in order to keep the IT infrastructures running as smoothly as possible.

REQUIRED COMPETENCY SKILLS & BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES • The knowledge and experience of the following would be

considered as an asset:

o LAN / WAN administration and Cisco devices.

o Network+ or Cisco certification.

o Certified Ethical Hacker. o DOS in the use of Windows environments and Batch scripting.

o Administration of servers with Windows, Linux and Unix.

o Programming with C, CSS, Java, Javascript, PHP or Visual Basic.

o Database Administration.

o Asterisk, SIP and Voip Technology.

• Critical thinking and analytical skills.

• Conflict management and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to effectively multi-task and prioritize multiple activities

and experience working under pressure and deadlines.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to effectively present and work with staff at all levels in

both IT and business functions.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS & EXPERIENCE • A bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.

• A minimum of three years’ experience with a variety of

Information Technology environments – LAN/WANs,

Operating Systems such as Windows, UNIX and Open Source platforms.

TRAVEL This position will be based in St. Lucia, and is a travelling role.

Applicants must be holders of a passport valid for regional and international travel. This job will require periodic scheduled and unscheduled travel, working out of respective GEL businesses.

REMUNERATION The salary for the above position is based on qualifications and experience. Package to include group medical and life insurance, group pension, access to training and development, group discounts and more.

Applicants must submit a resume with two professional references and certified copies of relevant qualifications.

Deadline for applications is March 13, 2020.

Please visit our website at www.themandcgroup.com to apply.

Only suitable candidates will be contacted for interview.

10 LOCAL

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www.stluciastar.com

march 07, 2020 THE STAR

Taiwan’s Massive Lantern Festival

he golden glow of the Taichung afternoon sun shone brightly, in vivid contrast to the grey, seemingly perpetual overcast skies of Taipei.

Our small media group had, for about half an hour, been aboard the 300 km/hr high-speed train from Taipei to Taichung, Taiwan’s second most populous city, located in the island’s central district.

The sun was a small comfort to Caribbean eyes though, as the chilly breeze nudged my hands into my jacket pockets soon after our small media group bus dropped us off at the Lihpao Resort, where the press conference of the 31st annual Taiwan Lantern Festival was set to take place.

There was a more suburbanlike calm to it, as compared, that is, to the hustle and bustle of the capital. The Lihpao Sky Dream Ferris Wheel was a marvel to behold; a singular landmark and a standout fixture in the Taichung landscape, visible even from miles away. One of many reasons this tourism haven was chosen to host “the biggest Lantern Festival in Taiwan’s history”.

With the festival’s grand opening ceremony mere hours away, the spacious halls of the Liphao Resort began filling with the steadily increasing buzz of the world’s media. There was a 'big match' feel to it all, as we were handed translation devices and ushered into our reserved front row seats. Before us, about half a dozen suited up ministry and festival officials were being mic’ed up at the head table.

Behind us were seated well over a hundred of the world’s reporters.

Chou Yung-hui, Director General of the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, got proceedings

The Tree of Light was the centrepiece of Taichung’s showcase Lantern Festival, representing Taiwan’s cities and people.

underway. Of course, together with the festival itself, tourism was a major theme throughout the conference. The annual Lantern Festival was a part of Taiwan’s goal to create a trillion dollar-scale output value by 2030.

But the spectre of the coronavirus loomed large over the event.

As Chou Yung-hui said, Taiwan “is most beautiful when seen from above. You can see different ecologies across the island. The festival is all part of this grand ten-year plan and we’re confident we can contain the spread of the coronavirus. We believe we can overcome it.”

Taichung's Deputy Mayor Lee hop Ron was also present.

He stated: “We expect to reach 10 million visitors but this might be affected by the [coronavirus] outbreak. But this is an event where people can enjoy oriental culture through the advancement of technology. It’s a chance for Taiwan to show off its soft power.”

After the press conference we hopped back onto our bus,

which took us to the spectacle the world had converged on Taichung to witness. There to meet us was our welcoming tour guide who, with a warm smile, introduced himself to each of us.

He was one of the thousands of volunteers who kept everything running smoothly.

As I walked through the festival site to get a closer look at the still unlit lanterns, it quickly dawned on me that it was every bit of the 43 hectares we were told it was; an area larger than 100 football fields. It took two years to prepare for the hosting of the festival; every detail, every road, bridge, garden and lantern, was carefully crafted and put together.

The massive site was divided into three main zones, which represented Taiwan’s diversity and its native peoples.

Each zone had different lanterns, but the festival’s design concept of “one flower blooms five leaves”, brought everything under one petal, so to speak.

LA FEUILLE/CAYE MANGÉ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP & GROS ISLET SUB-DIVISION

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he members of the Gros Islet Sub-division and the La Feuille/Caye Mangé Community Development Group have teamed up to ensure that residents become more vigilant with respect to their safety and security. The two entities have planned a meeting for March 11, 2020 at La Feuille/ Caye Mangé Resource Centre from 6:30pm. All residents of La Feuille, Caye Mangé, La Retraite, Cedar Heights, Bonne Terre Gardens, Trou Salle and

other surrounding communities are urged to attend.

Sessions on community policing, the formation of neighbourhood watch groups and crime prevention tips will be presented by members of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force. According to Jacintha Lee, Chairperson of the La Feuille/ Caye Mangé Development Group, the meeting will seek to also identify suitable persons for the role of ‘neighbourhood watch captains’ and formation of formal

neighbourhood watch groups.

According to Ag ASP Elvis Thomas, let us all see this as an opportunity to further develop our country by making our communities safer and united in the fight against crime and violence.

Together, we can make a difference and let us embrace the theme for this year’s independence celebrations: “Now is the time, let’s do this together”.

Amid the trees, gardens and pathways were lanterns planted everywhere. More than 1,500 of them! It was like wandering off into a different world; “a forest fantasy” as the organisers described it. There were even mist makers strategically placed throughout the grounds to help enhance that ‘other worldly’ atmosphere.

Of the hundreds of lanterns on display, including the 'Jazz and a Mice Wedding' (a giant mouse with a blue bowler hat and a rainbow-coloured trumpet in his huge paw) and 'The Sound of Flowers Blooming' (a giant ball of changing lights which was spectacular to behold), the main attraction was the 'Guardian of the Forest—Tree of Light'; clearly the centrepiece of the entire ‘fantasy’ forest. It had 22 bands along its trunk, illustrative of the 22 cities and counties of Taiwan.

But the lanterns weren’t the only spectacle. There were thousands of people: families,

couples, visitors, all pointing in wonder and awe at myriad lanterns, enchanted by the display. Though many wore masks, obviously the coronavirus was not enough to keep them away.

Surreal also was the stringed music that reverberated through every corner of the colossal park. A live band, instrumental version of Jay Chou’s title track from Shigeru Umebayashi’s brilliant Curse of the Golden Flower film score was the first of many songs performed that day. Clearly, the organisers spared no effort making this an unparalleled event.

As Taichung’s sun began to cast its long shadows, the dazzled crowd was instructed to gather at the Tree of Light lantern; a cue for the commencement of the opening ceremony. Our group, on the other hand, was ushered into the VIP section, to view the slated performances.

Most of them were riveting.

Particularly energetic were the Japanese Yosokai performer groups, replete with drum-music and martial arts-choreographed moves. All were rewarded with deafening applause. More sombre was the piece by the French Luminous White Horse Dance Theatre, a striking thematic contrast to the more upbeat ensembles. The British clown drum group Spark, also put on a well-received show.

After the final group exited the stage, it was finally time to light the main lantern. President Tsai Ing-Wen herself, whose entrance was met with raucous applause, lead the countdown to the day’s finale. The crowd even joined her and roared when the main lantern was finally lighted.

Though the lanterns stood out in the afternoon, they became a brilliant assortment of colourful lights at night, with 'The Sound of Flowers Blooming' perhaps the standout.

--Dean Nestor

Another ‘unfit to plead’ accused remanded to Bordelais!

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n October 17, 2016 Kieran Johnny, 31, was pronounced the island's 23rd homicide.

Three days later, Ned Modeste was charged with Johnny’s murder. Following a sufficiency hearing, the accused was indicted on October 25, 2017. On Thursday this week, his attorney, Mr. Huggins Nicholas, told the STAR his client had exhibited signs of mental disability and was incoherent and schizophrenic.

Huggins had formed the impression the accused may be incapable of fully appreciating the court process.

The attorney said that in cases such as Modeste’s, the court usually arranged a fitness hearing—which is an inquiry into the mental status of a defendant.

In the matter at hand the services of psychiatrist Julius Gaillard had been retained. The doctor had submitted to the court his conclusion that Modeste was unfit to plead. On Thursday Dr. Gaillard testified before Justice Lorraine Williams. It was left to a jury to arrive at a determination as to whether the defendant was fit to stand trial. Finally they agreed with the doctor’s conclusion.

Modeste was remanded to the “psychiatric unit at the Bordelais Correctional Facility.”

Justice Lorraine Williams ordered that he be re-evaluated every six months. The judge is required by law to submit a report to the Chief Justice, whose job it is

Justice Lorraine Williams has ordered that Ned Modeste be re-evaluated every six months while on remand at Bordelais Correctional Facility (pictured).

to determine where Modeste is to be housed. A report detailing Modeste's mental status is expected by the end of September. The parties are scheduled to return to court on October 15.

In light of the recent ruling by Justice Godfrey Smith SC—that the state pay over $8,000,000 in damages to two men who had been declared unfit to plead yet were incarcerated for some years at Bordelais Correctional Facility—I asked Nicholas if he had any concerns about his client's future. He said he was confident Modeste will be protected by the ruling handed

down by Justice Williams. "I hope he won't be forgotten. If we remain diligent he will not fall through the usual cracks in the system and be forgotten. I think the state will be more vigilant after being slapped with that judgment."

At press time we were informed by Security Minister Hermangild Francis that there is no psychiatric unit at Bordelais.

Individuals determined to be mentally unfit to stand trial are periodically evaluated at the correctional facility by personnel from the Wellness Centre.

--Joshua St. Aimee

THE STAR

WOMEN'S DAY

www.stluciastar.com

march 07, 2020

11

International Women's Day 2020:

History, strikes and celebrations

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ou might have seen International Women's Day mentioned in the media or heard friends talking about it.

But what is it for? When is it?

Is it a celebration or a protest?

And is there an equivalent International Men's Day? For more than a century people around the world have been marking March 8 as a special day for women. Read on to find out why.

1. When did it all start?

International Women's Day grew out of the labour movement to become a UNrecognised annual event. The seeds of it were planted in 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote. It was the Socialist Party of America that declared the first National Woman's Day, a year later.

The idea to make the day international came from a woman called Clara Zetkin. She

suggested the idea in 1910 at an International Conference of Working Women in Copenhagen.

There were 100 women there, from 17 countries, and they agreed on her suggestion unanimously.

An international women's day was first celebrated in 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

The centenary was celebrated in 2011, so this year we're technically celebrating the 109th International Women's Day.

Things were made official in 1975 when the United Nations (UN) started celebrating the day. The first theme adopted by the UN (in 1996) was "Celebrating the past, Planning for the Future". This year's focuses on "An equal world is an enabled world" and asks for people to work together to create a gender-equal world.

International Women's Day has become a date to celebrate how far women have come

in society, in politics and in economics, while the political roots of the day mean strikes and protests are organised to raise awareness of continued inequality.

2. When is it?

March 8.

Clara's idea for an International Women's Day had no fixed date. It wasn't formalised until a war-time strike in 1917 when Russian women demanded "bread and peace". Four days into the strike the Tsar was forced to abdicate and the provisional government granted women the right to vote. The commencement date of the strike (on the Julian calendar which was then in use in Russia) was Sunday February 23. In the Gregorian calendar this was 8 March, and so that's when it's celebrated today.

3. What is happening this year?

This year's International Women's Day campaign has chosen the theme

#EachForEqual, which is drawn from the idea of collective individualism. "We are all parts of a whole," the campaign states. "Our individual actions, conversations, behaviours and mindsets can have an impact on our larger society.

"Collectively, we can make change happen. Collectively, we can each help to create a gender-equal world."

MARCH 8TH, 2020

The past few years have seen the women's movement reach an unprecedented scale. In October 2017 millions began using the hashtag #MeToo on social media to speak out against experiences of harassment and sexual assault, and to denounce their widespread prevalence.

In 2018 the #MeToo conversation grew to a global

scale, with countries such as India, France, China, and South Korea joining in the conversation to demand change. In the US, a record number of women were elected in the mid-term elections. Last year saw abortion decriminalised in Northern Ireland and the repeal of a law that controlled how women acted and dressed in public in Sudan.

--BBC

4 Ways to be Visible on International Women’s Day

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his Sunday is International Women’s Day, a day when we take time to celebrate the achievement of women and examine our systems to raise the bar on equality and inclusion. The #EachforEqual theme encourages us to “actively choose to challenge stereotypes, fight bias, broaden perceptions, improve situations and celebrate women's achievements”. This can start with each of us taking on our own cause, stepping into our power and making ourselves more visible. This is how we raise the tide that lifts all ships.

For those of you ready to become more visible this International Women’s Day, here are four things you can do today. • Express Gratitude • Brag About Your Wins • Create and Hold Space For Others • Own Your Ambition.

Happy International Women’s Day! KPMG in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean salutes and celebrates the achievements of women globally.

The future is together.

The future is equal.

The future is inclusive.

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Introduction of the Theme

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INTERNATIONAL WO

Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights” is a bold claim to cashing in on the rights guaranteed in the “I am Generation Equality: international and regional Realizing Women’s Rights” commitments made to date.

The year 2020 marks forty It is a call for action: to make one years since the United the comforting commitment to Nations drew attention to non-discrimination and equal women’s rights as human rights access, control and opportunity by adopting the Convention on as real and palpable to the the Elimination of all forms of women and girls they are meant Discrimination against Women to protect and serve. The (CEDAW), which was ratified world stands to gain when the in Saint Lucia three years later existing barriers and obstacles in 1982. This year also marks are removed from one half of twenty-five years since the its population, granting them world recognized the need permission, opportunity and the to accelerate progress in the enabling environment to thrive. advancement of women by

The year 2020 is committing to prioritizing twelve considered a year of vision critical areas of concern in the the world over. In the national attainment of women’s rights context, it marks the second in the historic Declaration and year into the decade of research Platform for Action which was and innovation. It is a time the outcome of the Fourth when unsupported claims of World Conference on Women equality must be dispelled in Beijing, China. The Latin with data and evidence. In America and the Caribbean keeping with Saint Lucia’s 41st region has, in the last two and Independence Anniversary half decades, made significant Theme: “Now is the time, let’s strides in promoting the rights do this together”, International of women and giving regional Women’s Day 2020 provides a context for compliance of these platform to reflect together as instruments. The development a country on the status of half and implementation of the of our population; to stop for a Regional Gender Agenda and moment and take stock of our more recently the Montevideo development initiatives and Strategy for Implementation together consider how equitable of the Regional Gender they really are. We must reflect Agenda within the Sustainable on whether we have left anyone Development Framework behind because we have by 2030 both attest to this moved along comfortably with region’s commitment to gender the status quo. We must ask equality and the protection ourselves whether equality is at and fulfillment of the rights of the centre of our development women and girls. initiatives. Our reflections and

A comprehensive review stock-taking must rely on data of Saint Lucia’s progress to and evidence. The various date in guaranteeing women’s undertakings of the Department rights within the frameworks of Gender Relations in 2019 of CEDAW and the Beijing have produced a preponderance Platform for Action was of data, strategies and completed in 2019. Thirty eight recommendations for policy years after the ratification of considerations for gender CEDAW and twenty-five years equality and the advancement after agreeing to the Beijing of women in Saint Lucia.

Platform for Action, Saint Lucia Specifically, the following has experienced progress in documents have been the advancement of women in produced. some areas such as education 1. Saint Lucia’s Beijing + 25 and training of women but has Report noted significant setbacks and 2. Saint Lucia’s 7th to 9th challenges in guaranteeing Combined Report to the the rights of women in other Committee on the Elimination areas such as violence against of all forms of Discrimination women. Moreover harmful against Women (CEDAW) gender stereotypes and gender (OHCHR and SFC, through EJA, norms undermine progress supported) made in the educational 3. Report on “Gender advancement of women.

Data Assessment in Saint

This year’s observance Lucia: Challenges and of International Women’s Recommendations” (ECLAC Day under the theme, “I am supported)

4. Report on “Assessment of Essential Services for Victims of Violence against Women in Saint Lucia” (UNFPA supported) 5. Report on “Essential Services Package for Women and Girls subjected to Violence in Saint Lucia” (UNFPA supported) 6. Progress Reports on “Mainstreaming Gender in Saint Lucia’s National Development Plan” (CDB supported) 7. Training Package for Public Officers in Gender Concepts and Gender Analysis (CDB supported) 8. Report on National and Technical Consultation on Domestic Violence Legislation with recommendations for updated Domestic Violence Bill (SFC and EJA supported) 9. Comprehensive Report on “Development of National Gender Equality Policy and Strategy for Saint Lucia” (ECLAC supported) *Pending*.

The Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations capitalizes on this year’s International Women’s Day in the context of the 41st Independence Anniversary theme to enlighten the Public Service, Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations and the general public on the strides made so far in Saint Lucia in guaranteeing the rights of women, the challenges faced in doing so and the priorities to accelerate progress in that regard for the next five years. Additionally, this platform allows for widespread stakeholder engagement on the role of all players, including the most marginalized and vulnerable, in shaping the gender-equal future that we want.

Saint Lucia Twenty-Five Years after Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action Saint Lucia joined the rest of the Latin America and Caribbean region to make a formidable contribution to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China in 1995, which resulted in the historic Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This conference sought to highlight

the challenges faced by countries all over the world in realizing women’s rights, even after the adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). It concluded with agreement on a shared goal to accelerate progress in the advancement of women through the prioritized twelve critical areas of concern that served as a road map for guaranteeing women’s rights in the areas where the greatest gender-based inequalities existed.

Twelve Critical Areas of Concern in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action 1. Women and Poverty 2. Education and training of women 3. Women and health 4. Violence against women 5. Women and armed conflict 6. Women and the economy 7. Women in power and decision making 8. Institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women 9. Human rights of women 10. Women and the media 11. Women and the environment 12. The girl child.

Twenty-five years into this mandate, Saint Lucia completed a review of progress in 2019. Last year’s review considered progress within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This review revealed a mixture of progress, challenges and setbacks. It also highlighted important gaps hindering progress in the advancement of women, which threaten achievement of various goals in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly goal 5, gender equality.

Achievements: According to Saint Lucia’s report, education and training of women is considered one of Saint Lucia's most notable achievements. It notes an increasing trend of women in the labour force with post-secondary and tertiary education in Saint Lucia. According to the report, “Although 48% of the labour force in the last quarter of 2014 was female, 15% possessed post-secondary and tertiary education compared to 14.3% of males. In the last quarter of 2018 whereas 52% of the labour force was female, 16%

possessed post-secondary and tertiary education compared to 13% for males.”

Although the report highlighted women in leadership as a challenge, it noted an achievement in the number of women in managerial positions in both the public and private sectors. According to a 2017 ILO report, just under 20% of small enterprises in Saint Lucia had a top woman manager. Saint Lucia led in Latin America and the Caribbean in medium enterprises where just under 40% of them had a top woman manager. With regards to large enterprises Saint Lucia was 7th in Latin America and the Caribbean, where in about 12% of these enterprises a top manager is a woman. In the public service, there is a sustained tendency towards gender parity at the managerial level, even with women dominating in some cases.

Another achievement was considered to be the introduction and implementation of a number of reform measures including the passing of the Child Justice Act of 2018 and the Child (Care, Protection and Adoption) Act of 2018 to create a more modernized system of child justice that increases access to protection of the girl child.

Environmental sustainability, in the context of sustainable development for the Caribbean, is a growing priority. Saint Lucia has sustained gains over the past decade in the number of women engaged in disaster risk reduction, particularly in the composition of the eighteen District Emergency Committees.

In addition, Climate Change initiatives, including the preparation of the National Adaptation Plan for Saint Lucia, are highly driven by women, both at the coordination and participatory levels.

Challenges: The report noted that Saint Lucia has encountered various challenges in the advancement of women in critical areas, particularly human rights of women, women in power and decision making, women and poverty, and violence against women. Some challenges were also identified in women and health and the institutional mechanism for the advancement of women. Calls

for greater attention in critical areas, such as the girl child, education and training of women, and women and the media, were expressed in stakeholder consultations, as these challenges were highlighted as important barriers to the advancement of women.

The slow pace of the judicial system is considered a central contributing factor to some of the other challenges, such as the continued prevalence of crime and violence, low prosecution rates, limited services for processing evidence especially for sex offences, inadequate social protection, rehabilitation and psycho-emotional support services. Moreover, gender stereotypes continue to be maintained and enforced by some religious beliefs and practices, resulting in resistance to change, at best, and the further institutionalization of discrimination against women, at worst.

Noteworthy is the report’s discussion on women in decision making. It states that women’s participation in highest decision making continues to be a challenge.

Temporary special measures to increase women’s participation in parliament have not been pursued

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WOMEN’S DAY 2020 women. Moreover, engagement in unpaid care of children and persons with disabilities, ill and elderly family members is a barrier to employment for older women of the workforce.

The majority of the poor who live in rural communities are disadvantaged as employment opportunities in urban areas for semi-skilled and unskilled workers are far from their homes, making the cost of transportation and the risks associated with working on a shift system important barriers to employment.

The National Report of Living Conditions of 2016 compares data on poverty in 2006 to 2016 and concludes: • Lower labour force participation rates among women pervade: 81.8% vs 68.1%. Invariably, earnings of women were lower in almost every case.

• There was greater disparity between the highest paid female workers and the lowest paid female workers than their male counterparts. The Gini coefficient for male wage and salary workers was 0.359 while for female wage and salary workers was 0.4.

• The share of the working poor in total employment fell for men but not for women, indicating the inferior labour market experience for women in both survey years.

The social context although this power is granted within created by pervading gender the context of CEDAW. The Lower House stereotypes, unemployment, the consists of two women and fifteen lack of emphasis on emotional men, or 12% participation of women and social learning in the members of parliament. In the Upper formal and informal education House, the President of the Senate is system, and the inadequacy female and, of the eleven Senators, of sexual and reproductive three are female, two of whom are on health education, forces the government side and one serving already vulnerable women into as an independent Senator, representing generational cycles of poverty 27% participation of women. The and increases their risk of Cabinet of Ministers comprises four being victims of intimate women and ten men presently, a partner abuse and domestic 28.5% participation of women. The violence.

Department of Gender Relations

Although the participation publication, Running in Heels, published of women in the economy in 2017, points to the high level of is increasing, it is still lower involvement of women in politics at the than that of men. There is an constituency level but laments their increasing tendency towards general unwillingness to participate as job segregation which is candidates in national elections. reinforced by unchecked gender

One other challenge that threatens stereotypes which continue the achievement of several sustainable to create barriers to access development goals is the continued decent work for women who are trend of feminization of poverty. The unskilled.

2017 Poverty Assessment Survey

Another serious challenge confirms the continued trend of the is gender-based violence. majority of poor households being The legal framework for female-headed. Teenage pregnancy and domestic violence has been burden of child-care create barriers to in a process of review for the labour participation of younger unskilled last fifteen years. The main

legal provision for addressing gender-based violence is the Domestic Violence Summary Proceedings Act of 1995. The various limitations of this existing piece of legislation in providing redress for victims who are not in cohabiting relationships with perpetrators of violence against them are well documented. A renewed process of review of the Domestic Violence Bill of 2016 was reinitiated in 2019.

Although there have been notable strides in women’s health, the report points to a higher rate of non-communicable diseases in women. It points to a troubling relationship between stress and noncommunicable diseases and their symptoms, suggesting gender determinants of stress.

It reports that the rate of obesity and physical inactivity in women is twice that of men in Saint Lucia. There is a concerning coincidence with a tendency for women to be the ones engaged in jobs that require less physical activity.

The report recommends greater emphasis on genderresponsive awareness campaigns and increased access to stress reduction services for women to urgently reverse these trends.

Insufficient resources for the national machinery for the advancement of women and few women’s organisations were the last two challenges stated in the report. The Division of Gender Relations, as the national machinery for the advancement of women, continues to struggle with staff and capacity issues that threaten its ability to fulfill its mandate for monitoring and promoting gender equality. An increase in voluntary women’s groups will assist with advocacy.

In the past five years, development initiatives resulted in attention to the following priorities: 1. Quality education, training and life-long learning for women and girls 2. Access to health care, including sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights 3. Women’s entrepreneurship and women’s enterprises 4. Eliminating violence against women 5. Right to work and rights at work.

on its surface but which has a disproportionate adverse effect upon members of particular groups, and which cannot be objectively justified. This is a covert form of discrimination like a rule prohibiting any worker from being on any form of leave exceeding two weeks.

Women of child-bearing age will be indirectly discriminated against; this is because childbirth for women would reasonably require more than two weeks out of work.

Signatories to CEDAW have an obligation to protect, fulfill and respect the rights of women. According to the convention, state parties must refrain from making laws, policies, programmes, administrative procedures and Saint Lucia’s institutional structures that directly or indirectly result in Implementation the denial of equal enjoyment of the Convention by women of their civil, on the Elimination political, economic, social and cultural rights. State parties of Discrimination also must protect women from discrimination by private actors against Women and take steps aimed at (CEDAW) directly eliminating customary and all other practices that prejudice and perpetrate

the notion of inferiority or

The Convention on the superiority of either of the Elimination of all forms of sexes and of stereotyped roles Discrimination against Women for men and women. Finally, (CEDAW) was adopted in 1979 state parties must take a wide and came into effect in 1981. variety of steps to ensure that It is the first comprehensive framework protecting the rights women and men enjoy equal rights de jure and de facto, of women under international law. To date, 189 countries have including, where appropriate, the adoption of temporary ratified the treaty. Although special measures. many of those countries have

CEDAW consists of the ratified the convention with following sixteen articles: reservations, Saint Lucia has 1. Definition of discrimination ratified the convention with against women no reservations. In 2000 an 2. Legal obligation and optional protocol came into force and Saint Lucia, like many protection to eliminate discrimination of our Caribbean counterparts, 3. The full development and is yet to ratify this optional advancement of women protocol.

4. Positive discrimination or

CEDAW denounces affirmative action two types of discrimination 5. Gender roles, stereotyping against women: direct and and family education indirect discrimination. Direct 6. Trafficking and exploitation discrimination refers to less of women favourable treatment of an individual or group on prohibited 7. Participation in political and public life grounds. This overt form of 8. International representation discrimination is the more and participation commonly known, more visible 9. Nationality form of discrimination, like dismissal on the grounds of sex 10. Women and education or refusal of hire on the basis of 11. Employment 12. Health their sex.

13. Economic and social life

The other form of the 14. Rural women and discrimination is more subtle. development Indirect discrimination refers 15. Equality before the law to a practice, rule, requirement 16. Marriage and family. or condition which is neutral

For the next five years, stakeholders have identified the following priorities to accelerate progress for the advancement of women in Saint Lucia: 1. Ensure equality and non-discrimination under the law and access to justice 2. Provide access to affordable quality health care, including sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights 3. Eradicate poverty, and increase agricultural productivity 4. Provide quality education and training and life-long learning for women and girls 5. Change negative social norms and gender stereotypes.

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State parties are required to submit an initial report one year after ratification, and every four years thereafter submit periodic reports detailing their progress in the sixteen articles, identifying challenges and setbacks in implementing the convention. State parties are subject to a constructive dialogue following submission of the report to the CEDAW Committee which comprises a team of experts from around the world who meet to review reports, submit questions to state parties based on their report and provide relevant concluding observations and recommendations to the state parties for their implementation.

CEDAW in Saint Lucia: CEDAW was ratified in Saint Lucia in 1982 after healthy advocacy from civil society.

In 2005 Saint Lucia submitted its initial and first to sixth combined periodic reports.

That report revealed several provisions already established in the constitution and civil code protecting the rights of women and pointed to some gaps in that regard.

The Concluding Observations from the CEDAW Committee were submitted in 2006. There were forty-two observations and recommendations for Saint Lucia’s consideration and implementation. In 2019 Saint Lucia commenced the preparation of the seventh to ninth periodic reports for review and submission in 2020.

The preparation of this last report involved a two-part process; Part A entailed capacity building in international treaties and human rights system in February and July 2019 and data mapping for the CEDAW report, also in July 2019 supported by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, Barbados.

Part B involved the identification of National Drafters from various Departments in the Public Service between July and August; capacity building in drafting national reports in August and October 2019 supported by Sisters for Change through the Equality and Justice Alliance initiative, and the actual drafting of the national report from August 2019 to January 2020 by the Team of National Report Drafters.

Continued on page 14

14 WOMEN'S DAY Continued from page 13

As a result of this process, twenty-three Heads of Departments from the Department of Education, Innovation and Gender Relations and the Division of Human Services received training in a pilot capacity building and data mapping exercise for two articles. Seventy-six Heads of Departments or their designates from ten departments received training in July 2019. Data sources and data gaps were identified for fourteen articles in this exercise. Fifteen drafters across ten departments received training in Drafting National Reports with specific emphasis on CEDAW reporting in August and October 2019.

A first draft of the CEDAW report produced by the team of drafters was compiled between August and October 2019. Seven of the fifteen trained drafters received hands-on training, reviewing the first draft of the report to identify gaps and areas for improvement in October 2019.

A second version of the draft report was produced and reviewed in January 2020.

A final draft will be validated

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within the next few weeks.

The process of drafting Saint Lucia’s latest report to CEDAW has resulted in capacity building and information sharing among various governmental institutions in Saint Lucia.

Particularly, it resulted in an increased capacity in the UN System and international law across the Public Service as well as in CEDAW national report drafting. Secondly, this process encouraged coordination and collaboration across various governmental agencies.

CEDAW's Findings: The report revealed that generally progress on the implementation of the 2005 recommendations has been slow. Non-discrimination against women is still not specified in the constitution and not explicitly reflected in domestic law. There has been some progress, however, in the inclusion of non-discrimination in specific pieces of legislation such as the Labour Act.

Although there appears to be some progress in breaking harmful stereotypes, the report revealed that there must be a more aggressive effort on public education to change harmful norms and stereotypes. There

is no existing coordinated strategic plan to address sensitization and education to address these stereotypes.

Related to this, it appeared that women transferred their reproductive and community work tendencies to the productive environments and continue to bear the burden of care in these settings.

There is improved visibility of women in non-traditional areas of employment and sports.

However, gender stereotypes and the unfair burden of care do not create an enabling environment for this trend to be sustainable.

The report reveals that women’s representation in managerial positions was on the increase. However, top leadership positions continue to be the domain of the men.

Moreover, no use has been made to date of temporary special measures.

There is progress in international representation of women and some nationality laws that discriminated against women have been repealed.

Progress was noted in the education of women.

However, when compared to the employment of women, this progress seems to be negligible as women’s employment

continue to lag behind that of men and poverty continues to be feminized.

Progress has been made in women’s health.

However, women’s sexual and reproductive health rights and education require attention in the interest of reducing teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and violence against women.

Although there was not much commentary on rural women, intersectionality needs further exploration through data

collection and analysis. Some vulnerable groups appear to be left out.

Marriage and family continues to present some concerns as there is differentiated treatment of married couples as opposed to cohabiting but unmarried couples. The emerging samesex unions are treated as cohabiting couples and, as such, do not share the same rights as married couples.

Paternity rights continue to be inadequate.

Saint Lucian called to New York State Bar Association

So put your arms out front and STRIKE THE #EachforEqual POSE

to motivate others and to make International Women’s Day YOUR day.

Do what you can to truly make a positive difference for women everywhere.

Happy Women’s Day From

The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) #BalanceForBetter

The implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Justice and Disaster Risk Management is inclusive of women. There is, however, the need to ensure that gender is mainstreamed in the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action (NAMA) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and for more data on differential impacts of climate change on men and women in various sectors.

Saint Lucia’s Darilyn Octave is determined to make a difference in her new position.

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nother talented, young Saint Lucian lady has made her country proud.

On February 5, 2020 Darilyn Nadeish Octave was admitted to the New York State Bar Association. The oath ceremony took place at the Supreme Court, Appellate Division:

Second Judicial Department in Brooklyn, New York, USA.

Ms. Octave’s formative years were spent as a student at Faulkner’s Pre-school on Chaussee Road, Castries and, later, as a student of the Anglican Infant School.

She went on to attend Canon

Laurie Anglican Primary School and, after achieving top marks in her Common Entrance Examination, went on to attend Castries Comprehensive Secondary School.

After graduating from Castries Comprehensive Secondary School, Ms. Octave emigrated to the United States to join her mother, Ulrica Octave- Eaddy.

In 2012 Ms. Octave graduated magna cum laude from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York with her Bachelor of Arts degree. Later that year she enrolled at Pace University School of Law in New York to pursue her goal of becoming an attorney.

Ms. Octave graduated from that institution, achieving an 'Excellence in Clinic' award for her work in the Immigration Justice Clinic.

After sitting for and passing the bar examination, Ms. Octave was admitted to the Supreme Court of New Jersey in 2017, the United States District Court of New Jersey in 2019, and the New York Supreme Court in 2020.

Ms. Octave is currently employed with a private immigration law firm in New York City, USA, where she practises Removal Defense, Family Immigration and Business Immigration.

Congratulations, Darilyn Nadeish Octave. Your family and friends wish you every success in your future legal career.

Saint Lucia salutes you—you have made the nation proud.

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“CORONAVIRUS NO CAUSE FOR PANIC: JUST BE CAREFUL AND KNOW THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL”

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

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s a people, we must trust the wisdom and sovereignty of God in this crisis of Coronavirus which seems to be now spreading across the globe. In situations like this, it is very easy to lose faith and to live in fear of the headlines and the false information of unknown origin that some people circulate in social media space.

This global uncertainty has raised its ugly head, claiming life and causing both health and economic hardship in the entire world of which our country is no exception. Every week this virus

is making headlines; crippling economies, cancelling schools in some places, disrupting travel and killing people in more places around the world. This is a critical time when we need to hold on to our God.

When fear threatens to grab hold of our hearts, our God is not surprised by a Coronavirus outbreak. He is not disinterested in our fears. He is our rock, our light, and our salvation. Let us put our hope in God and know that He is in charge. God has all knowledge and all authority over the natural and supernatural forces of this world. He knows exactly where the Coronavirus started and where it is going next. He has complete power to restrain it or not. Let us

Rev Seth Ampadu is calling on the nation to avoid prejudices that can surface during moments of fear.

Piton Malta provides Sustenance to St. Lucia Crisis Centre

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he Saint Lucia Crisis Centre has received a much-needed donation to continue its work with local families, thanks to Windward & Leeward Brewery Ltd (WLBL) and Du Boulay’s Bottling Company Ltd (DBC) and their most recent Piton Malta campaign.

The Saint Lucia Crisis Centre provides individual, one-to-one counselling and support services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, among many other social services, to the Saint Lucian public, free of charge. However, according to its President, Lancia Isidore, the non-profit organisation is reliant solely on a small subvention from government and the generosity of the private sector to be able to continue its work.

When the management of WLBL/DBC heard about some of the challenges facing the

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NGO, their corporate social responsibility mandate compelled them to assist. Several calls and meetings later, the Piton Malta Nourishing Futures Campaign was launched in September 2019 to raise funds to support the invaluable social services that the centre provides throughout the year. Whether or not shoppers were aware, for every Piton Malta purchased at a Massy Stores supermarket, five cents was donated to the Saint Lucia Crisis Centre. At the end of the promotion, the total raised was $3,625.00. WLBL/DBC decided to match that figure, increasing the donation amount to $7250.00

According to Brand Manager for Piton Malta, Mrs. Fern WilsonJean, “The Piton Malta brand is all about providing nourishment and care for families, something that the Saint Lucia Crisis Centre has been doing for years.

So partnering with them and supporting their work, is really a no-brainer for us.”

A small cheque presentation ceremony was held last week at WLBL’s corporate head office.

Managing Director of the Centre, Lancia Isidore, spared no words to express how grateful she and her colleagues were for the generosity of WLBL/DBC.

Windward and Leeward Brewery Ltd and Du Boulay’s Bottling Company Ltd were very pleased to commit to their promise to the Saint Lucia Crisis Centre. and to have the Piton Malta brand associated with the type of organisation that has a significant impact on the development of the nation’s human resource.

The Saint Lucia Crisis Centre is located at 107 Chausee Road, Castries and is open to anyone seeking shelter or counselling.

REAL FOODS INC. SUPPORTS JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

s part of its thrust to contribute to the transformation of Saint Lucia, Real Foods Inc. has partnered with Junior Achievement (JA) St Lucia. The sponsorship agreement is part of Real Foods Inc.'s ongoing commitment to contribute to the development of the youth.

KFC is a division of YUM! Brands Inc., with over thousands of KFCs worldwide. KFC came to Saint Lucia in 2011 with a wealth of history and a vision of

excellence, with Real Foods Inc. as the holder of the franchise in Saint Lucia.

Real Foods Inc's General Manager, Ottis Effs, in making the contribution, said, “We are committed in supporting organisations like Junior Achievement, simply because they contribute to the development of the youth of this country, and we want to associate with an NGO who positively impacts the communities and clients we serve.”

Chairman of Junior Achievement, Mr. Kirt Hosam stated, "I take this opportunity to express my profound appreciation to the management team of Real Foods Inc. for believing in the Junior Achievement mission and their generosity.”

JA is one of the world’s largest non-profit organisations, dedicated to improving the lives of the youth by providing economic literacy programmes to students, and teaching them the importance of an education.

understand that neither sin, nor Satan, nor sickness, nor sabotage is stronger than our God.

The Psalmist says in Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

According to our health officials, as a nation we have not yet recorded any case of Coronavirus. We must give thanks to God for keeping us safe so far.

Giving thanks to God also is a reminder to us that “heaven helps those who help themselves”.

It is wise to protect ourselves against this outbreak. We need to take the advice that has been carefully outlined by our national leaders about reducing the risk of catching the virus. There are basic things that we need to do to minimize the chances of getting it, which the Government of Saint Lucia Health Directorate has outlined on its website. For the sake of those who are not aware of it, these include: — wash hands regularly with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer where soap and water are not available; — cover mouth and nose with disposable tissues or clothing

when coughing and sneezing; — avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing; — seek medical attention and share your travel history with your healthcare provider if you have symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel. (Source: http:// www.govt.lc/news/update-oncoronavirus-and-test-results)

As a people, we need to be rest-assured that God will protect us. However, in the event that there were to be any recorded case of Coronavirus in our country—for which we are praying hard that it will not happen—we need not to be afraid. Let us continue to demonstrate our faith in God. For those who may be unfortunate to catch it, as a nation we would need to rally behind such persons. This is a time to avoid prejudices that can surface during moments of fear. We need to avoid the attitude of judgement and show more compassion and solidarity towards the affected people across the globe. We know that communities would

be in need of our solidarity and support at such times as this. Let our faithful response be centred in compassion and care rather than fear, judgement, isolation or division.

For Church leaders, I humbly appeal to all of us that we will use our pulpit and various platforms to help educate our congregations and calm fears; providing vital information about risks and best prevention practices. This can happen in worship services, our newsletters, our various church bulletin boards, etc.

As faith leaders, we need to promote prayer meetings and create opportunities for prayer at this critical time for those who are suffering, those responding to treatment, and those scientists seeking to mitigate the harm caused by this Coronavirus. Let us also pray for our families and the nation, by calling upon the name of Jesus, the name that has power to heal and to save.

With faith in God and love for each other, we can make the best of the situation by strengthening bonds between ourselves as a people and bringing our communities together.

Employment Opportunity A Civil Construction firm in St. Vincent invites interested persons to submit applications to fill the following positions.

Positions Minimum Qualification Project Manager/Engineer Site Engineer

Degree in Civil Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering

Construction Materials Technician Experienced in construction materials

testing such as soils, concrete, hot mix (BS Standards and ASTM).

Experienced in Asphalt Concrete and Ready-mix Concrete Mix designs.

Familiar with ELE lab equipment and Nuclear Density gauge.

Construction Supervisors Experienced in earthmoving, road works, bridges, walls and drains Asphalt Paving Supervisor Experienced in asphalt road pavement Surveyor Heavy Equipment Mechanic Experienced in Caterpillar heavy equipment

Applications should be addressed to: Human Resource Manager Dipcon Engineering Services Ltd. Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Email: dipstvincent@vincysurf.com

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YVES LEWIS - Never Too Late To Realise Your Dreams

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inger/songwriter/recording artiste and a son of the soil, Yves Lewis hails from the community of Paix Bouche, Babonneau. Before migrating to the USA, he formed a band called ‘Nature’ with his friends Semi Francis, Bernard Francis and Henry Dumard. Yves assumed the role of manager of the band as he always felt that he was not good enough to be a muscian or a singer, even though that was his passion.

Yves resided in Boston, Massachusets for many years, where he operated and owned WildCubby Music LLC Record Label. By then he had successfully signed up artistes, recording and producing eleven albums totalling 49 songs.

Yves was pretty successful until the advent of computers which facillitated the burning and ‘pirating’ of CDs. He therefore made a decision to end the recording business and in 2006

he returned to Saint Lucia. He started up a real estate and construction business but always wrote songs in his spare time.

On returning to Boston ten years later, he experienced what he says “was something of a music epiphany”. After all those years of managing and recording other people’s music, he decided to record his own compositions.

He felt that he had to prove that "age is not a deterrent and that dreams can come true”. So all

this pent-up musical energy culimnated in a Reggae album titled ‘Dreams are for Living’, comprising 14 tracks of Lovers Rock, Reggae and Light Dancehall songs from the heart.

Yves spent the whole of 2018 exploring multiple genres of music that he grew up listening to. In 2019 he wrote, recorded and released seven singles in four genres: Soca, Zouk, Reggae and Country and Western and is ready in 2020 to bring his music to the world.

Yves is on vacation, visiting his hometown, and has decided to release one of his singles titled ‘Baby Just Hold On Tight’, with the video of the same title, in the Country and Western

Yves Lewis is making up for wasted time and proving that “its never too late to realise your dreams”.

genre—which is very popular in Saint Lucia—with the hope that the public will listen and appreciate it for the good song that it is. This song was produced by another son of the soil, Christopher Neil of Big as Life Studio.

Yves' first release on YouTube, which has received 7.5k likes so far, is ‘I am in Love with the Music”, a Reggae Dancehall mix; and the second is ‘Baby Just Hold on Tight’, the Country and Western track receiving the same amount of love.

Yves' music can be accessed online on the following platforms: iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Soundcloud, Amazon and Apple Music. For more information and to follow the artiste, please check out: Facebook: Yves Lewis Music.

Instagram: @WildCubby. Online music store: yveslewis. com

Taiwan Technical Mission provides more training for Extension Officers

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n Monday February 25, 2020 Extension Officers were invited to a field day on the Taiwan Technical Mission demonstration farm. This activity was put together by the project’s production team: Mr. Eric Chen (Production Specialist) and Mr. Edward Wilson (Technical Production Officer) following the initial set-up of the first hoop greenhouse on February 6, 2020.

At the field day, Extension Officers were able to observe the growth difference between plants inside the hoop greenhouse and those in the open field, noting that the growth rate in the hoop far exceeded that in the open.

Now that the extension team has been trained in pruning techniques of honeydew and cantaloupe plants, they can go out and assist farmers through the island.

This technique will enable farmers to obtain uniformity in fruit sizes and improved fruit quality.

Following this training, The Taiwan Technical Mission was pleased to announce the establishment of the second demonstration hoop greenhouse in the small community of Grace, located in the south of the island, specificallly on the farm-holding of Earl St. Marie who is a well-known farmer in the community.

With intervention from the Taiwan Technical Mission, the production team of Mr. Eric Chen and Mr. Edward Wilson, plus the extension team from region 5, demonstrated the installation of the technology (hoop greenhouse).

Farmers will also be invited to field days on the holding to go through agronomical practices such as pruning and fruit thinning.

The Ministry of Agriculture is working closely with the Taiwan Technical Mission to assist farmers with their production and consistency issues under the seven-crop import substitution project.

THE STAR march 07, 2020

Taiwan Technical Mission and Ministry of Agriculture hold successful Farmers’ Market in Castries

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he Taiwan Technical Mission, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Co-operatives, hosted a farmers’ market on Friday February 28, 2020 in Castries at Constitution Park. The event began at 8:30 am and ended at 5:00 pm. Many distinguished guests participated, including H.E. Douglas Shen, the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan); Honourable Sarah Flood-Beaubrun, Minister with responsibility for External Affairs, and Honourable Andy Daniel, Speaker of the House of Assembly.

There were farmers from all over the country who came to sell their produce.

Many farmers sold fruits and vegetables like lettuce, watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, plantains, citrus and root crops. Some persons sold seedlings, potted plants, flowering shrubs, tree crops and cut flowers.

The research department of the Ministry of Agriculture showcased the workings of its hydroponics unit and staff spoke in-depth about its benefits and highlights.

There were value-added products, such as personal care items, natural tea cleansers, and soaps. Delicious items were also for sale, like vegan cakes and baked goods, local essences, apricot, pineapple and pepper sauce, ice cream, sorbets, local wines, and local smoothies.

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cases of diabetes were recorded in Saint Lucia in 2017.

Hence, the OECS Health Unit has committed to the reduction of the number of citizens affected by diabetes in the Eastern Caribbean, especially through securing funding valued at US$400,000 from the World Diabetes Foundation to support the prevention and management of diabetes in five countries of the Eastern Caribbean, including Saint Lucia.

The ‘Love Your Feet Campaign’ formed part of the regional campaign and pursued three main objectives including: preventing and controlling diabetes; raising awareness on the importance of foot care; and decreasing the high number of amputations due to complications of diabetes in

Saint Lucia.

Throughout the campaign, a team of health professionals conducted multiple activities including blood tests, blood pressure tests and feet massages.

SLDHA President, Andrew Felix, stated: “We promoted foot care and encouraged individuals to love their feet, and love their partner’s feet, as we aim to reduce the complications of diabetes and the escalating levels of amputations in Saint Lucia.”

The campaign occurred every Friday in February at Blue Coral Mall, Castries and recorded the participation of approximately 50 people per day.

The OECS Health Unit is planning to launch similar initiatives during 2020.

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TYPES OF YOGA

ll styles of yoga are not mainly a physical practice; some are just pranayama (yogic breathing) or pranayama and meditation.

Some practices are to serve others and to do your duty at your best without any involvement of ego, or attachment to the fruits of your actions.

BHAKTI YOGA The yoga of devotion to god practises devotion through different forms of prayer, mantra or song. The Hare Krishna movement is an Students learn about various crops at the example of Bhakti yoga. farmers’ market.

RAJA means king, and it is

The Taiwanese Embassy also came to the farmers’ the path of self-discipline, participated in this event, market to show their support self-confidence. Also known not only bringing information and school spirit. as Astanga yoga, the Eight about Taiwan Scholarships but

In addition to the sale of Limbs of the path of Yoga. also providing free tasting of goods, the Ministry of Health It is generally used to refer traditional Taiwanese street provided patrons of the Castries to seated-based meditation food and wheel pies, which farmers’ market with free blood practices. attracted crowds. pressure testing, blood sugar KRIYA YOGA is the yoga of

The highlight of the event testing, and weight monitoring. action. Paramhansa Yogananda showcased the Upton Girls’ Many persons were able to have brought this sacred technique Garden Centre and the Bocage their health checked by these to the west in 1920. He was Secondary School, whose means and were then given the first Yoga master or Indian students distributed foods they advice on how to improve or mystic of India to popularize had produced themselves. maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Indian philosophy and The Food and Nutrition

Additionally, the farmer’s spirituality, and the first to take students, together with their market had two watermelonup permanent residence in the Food and Nutrition teachers, eating competitions for west. In his book, Autobiography had made various creative primary school students. of a Yoga, he talks about dishes, including watermelon The winners were awarded marmalade, pepper biscuits, selected fruits. All participants salsa, vegetable chutney, in the competition were also tomato cake, pineapple and presented with a T-shirt. zucchini muffin, and pineapple

Each of the farmers bread. expressed their appreciation for

The students enjoyed the event and their willingness themselves throughout the day to attend future markets. and were able to attract a large The next farmers’ market crowd of persons who were will be held in Micoud on March, able to patronize their booth.

27. Everybody is invited to come Students from other schools and enjoy the event!

Tackling Diabetes in the Eastern Caribbean he Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), through the Health Unit, and the Saint Lucia Diabetes and Hypertension Association (SLDHA) partnered on the ‘Love Your Feet Campaign’ developed every Friday of February at Blue Coral Mall, Castries, as part of the broader awareness campaign to support the prevention and care of diabetes in the Eastern Caribbean, funded by the World Diabetes Foundation.

The burden of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, is increasing among the OECS Member States, with an estimated one in every four persons over the age of 40 being affected. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), over 14,000

health

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experiencing the divinity within, and how to have calming divine joy as our own joy. This is more of a meditative yoga.

JNANA YOGA is the path of knowledge or the science of the self, seeking truth from the intuitive gut feeling.

The practice of one pointed concentration on one question through pranayama (yogic breathing) and meditation.

KARMA YOGA is the path of unselfish action. Some ways to practise Karma yoga are to self-serve and see that you take care of yourself. To be genuine, respect nature, doing your duty without attachment and not looking for the fruits of your actions.

RESTORATIVE YOGA is a style

of yoga originally developed

by BKS Iyengar. It uses many different props such as blankets, bolsters, blocks and straps to support the practitioner so that they can release completely into poses that are held for long periods of time. In many different studios with various styles of yoga, it has become a popular practice.

As I mentioned last week, there are many styles and types of yoga, and they are not all the same. Each of us must find the yoga that best fits us. After many years of practising and experiencing different styles of yoga, I found Iyengar Yoga and immediately knew that this was the yoga that I had been looking for my whole life.

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

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march 07, 2020 THE STAR

‘Kick It Destiny’ Developing World Class Pool of Girls’ Football Talent

he Sandals Foundation has partnered with the Trevor Daniel Football Development Programme to launch a coaching initiative specifically geared to aspiring girl footballers. The programme, Kick It Destiny, is the brain child of FIFA-certified coach Trevor Daniel and aims at increasing the reach and development of young female football players throughout the island.

For over 20 years the Trevor Daniel Football Development Programme has been instrumental in developing young players in Saint Lucia, many of whom have gone on to earn national selection. Now, in 2020, the Sandals Foundation has come on board to join in developing a rich pool of talent positioned for international competitions such as World Cup and Olympic qualifications. Daniel says the Kick It Destiny project plans on leaving no girl behind. “We know that there are many talented, athletic potential stars that are not part of an academy, either through finances, time or other circumstances. This exciting new initiative will help ensure each girl gets the opportunity she deserves.”

Kick It Destiny was launched in May 2019 and targets girls of grades two-five from 14 primary schools.

The programme, Daniels notes, now has a consistent presence of 110 enthusiastic players, all set to learn from a training curriculum specially designed with the needs of girls in mind. “Our curriculum is tailored to teach football to girls in a manner that will get them interested, keep them excited about training and, most importantly, develop skills required to excel at the sport”.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s programme, Sunil Ramdeen, Sandals Regional Public Relations Manager for the Eastern Caribbean, said the organisation was pleased to be part of this, “invaluable programme, which is investing not only in the lives of its participants but the sustainable development of the sport on a national level”.

This programme has the potential to impact far beyond its reach. Ramdeen noted: “Sports programmes are a primary tool to develop life-long skills in team work, discipline and confidence in the lives of youth. When you add that to the pool of talent which will be created in the female football arena, the future looks bright for Saint Lucia and its position on the world stage.”

Ramdeen reaffirmed the commitment of the Sandals Foundation to invest in grassroots initiatives geared at

L-R: Girl’s Outreach Coach, Mariana Cummings; Sportsman and Sandals Halcyon Tennis Pro, Chester Dupres; Programme Director, Trevor Daniel.

enhancing sporting skills of the young: “For many years, we have provided support for our young male footballers, and it was always a burning desire to ensure that our young female athletes had equal opportunities to access the training and guidance needed if they too want to make football a career.

Now, our young female footballers will have the opportunities that only their male counterparts have previously enjoyed.”

Over a nine-month period, FIFAcertified coaches will conduct 30-60-minute lunchtime and extra-curricular sessions with the young talents, exposing them to football games and activities, and will closely monitor potential stars. 120 participants who show promise and have the desire or passion to play football at the club, district, college, national or professional level will be selected for a scholarship to train with the Academy to hone those skills in a weekend and after school programme.

The Sandals Foundation has donated close to US$11,000 to cover the cost of the coaches, transportation, supplies, equipment, shirts and certificates for the programme.

THE FUNNIES!

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march 07, 2020

Guyana’s Granger claims victory as U.S. and EU question vote results

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iplomats and foreign observers on Thursday questioned preliminary results of Guyana’s presidential election as incumbent David Granger claimed victory and the opposition denounced fraud, setting up a showdown in the oil-rich South American nation.

The former British colony on Monday voted to choose who will oversee an oil boom that promises to be transformative for the poor country thanks to recent crude discoveries off its coast.

Opposition leaders denounced “thievery,” and diplomats from the United States, the European Union, Britain and Canada said results released by the elections council for one of the country’s regions were not credible.

“This is an embarrassment, that this emerging oil giant has to be sitting here at this table now and speaking on the brink of a dictatorship,” said Kian Jabour of opposition party A New and United Guyana.

A disputed election could derail the country’s plans to use its newfound oil wealth to spur economic development. It would fuel long-simmering ethnic

tensions between the country’s Afro-Guyanese and those of Indian descent, who have grown suspicious that the other is seeking to control oil revenue.

Opposition leaders said the elections commission altered results from an area called Region Four, the most populous electoral district, to give Granger, the sitting president, of the APNU-AFC coalition, a wide margin over Irfaan Ali of the opposition PPP party.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo said the commission’s results for Region Four did not match the sum of votes tallied in the statements of poll—the official documents that reflect voting results at each individual polling station.

“Based on our observation of today’s [election’s commission] proceedings at their Region 4 office, and the fact that the full count was not completed, we question the credibility of the Region 4 results,” the heads of the four diplomatic missions said in a joint statement.

The electoral commission has not yet proclaimed a winner. Representatives of the commission did not respond to

requests for comment. In the face of the criticism, Granger gave celebratory statements to a rally of supporters on Thursday.

“We are here to serve you for the next five years,” he said.

“I thank you from the bottom of my heart. When the sun rises . . . the president is sworn in again.” The Region Four results were also questioned by the Commonwealth Observer Group, made up mostly of former British colonies, as well as the Carter Center, founded by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife and which in 1992 helped Guyana hold a free election after decades of rigged votes.

Critics had for days complained of unnecessary delays and what they called stalling tactics, including the unexpected hospitalization of a key election official.

Guyana, which has a population of less than 800,000, is expected to become a major oil producer in the coming years as a consortium of companies including Exxon Mobil Corp taps into 8 billion barrels of oil and gas off the country’s coast.

--Reuters

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From Wayne Kublalsingh to Guyana With Love! everywhere, yet our Water and Sewerage Authority is busting.

And sometimes our pipes run dry. And we desalinate like crazy, paying a large bill for this enterprise. But water runs off our large patchwork community roof up and down our EastWest Corridor, in settlement, schemes, housing plants, runs off our concreted compounds, onto our roads and concreted drains, into the ever-rising sea.

We have an inexhaustible supply of sun. Islands, we say of sand, sea and sun. No charge from the sun. Once again defying the laws of Economics.

Yet our Prime Minister takes bouff from President Trump.

Scuttling Dragon and the Loran Manatee collaborative projects with President Maduro and Venezuela. And is running off everywhere to find energy. Sun, sun everywhere. Protonic and photonic culture and technology everywhere. Yet, not a solar or wind farm in sight! The gas price at Point Lisas Industrial Estate is coming under increasing pressure, and the LNG trains too. We are no longer globally competitive in the fossil fuels game. And T&TEC, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission, is busting big!

And we have a refinery.

Petrotrin. And we mine between thirty and fifty thousand barrels of oil per day. And whilst this refinery lies mothballed, tankers line up on the Beetham Highway each morning, waiting for imported gas. Imported kerosene. For our planes, trucks, cars, vans, heavy

construction equipment, our gas-guzzling SUV’s. Using up our valuable foreign exchange.

What will the price of gas be in the face of external shocks, wars, virus, economic wars and sanctions?

We possess water on all sides, fertile lands on our plains, valleys, coasts and hillsides and yet our fish and agricultural stocks and production are declining. In the face of a historically thriving agrarian and horticultural economy, the Botanical Gardens, our St Augustine Nurseries, our Imperial College of Tropical Agriculture, our Research Facilities at the former Caroni (1975) Ltd, our cocoa, coconut, sugar cane, rice, coffee, tonka bean, cashew, citrus, cattle, small ruminants and poultry, we waddle; so many waddling ducks on their way to the malls, fast food shops, to schools and work. Obesity will crash our health bill.

We live in a gas-weak, drug-rich economy. Violent gun crimes are endemic. Traffic has become pathological.

Technocrats and bureaucrats gape and gasp at the corruption and malfeasance practised by their political bosses, and at times acquiesce in these practices. The people seem abandoned in their constituencies to fight the wuthless ringleaders, crooks, gangsters and bandits, alone.

Dear Guyana, be prudent!

is a fitting mark of the respect in which Sir Roy is held by his compatriots. And even though that will not bring back our hero, it will be a measure of comfort to his family who sacrificed to allow him the time worldwide, gaining friends and and support as he served his admirers from the UK, Europe, country.

Canada, the United States

“The Sandals organisation, and South America, in a most for our part, owes him a treasured way. huge debt of gratitude for his

“We wish Lady Betty vision in leading the charge and the children strength to have our resort welcomed and fortitude at this time of and recognised in Grenada. bereavement, knowing that it Even though we were his will not be possible to replace competitors, he had the ability this giant of the Caribbean hotel to see the bigger picture and community. His beautiful family so allowed Sandals to establish was an uncanny reflection of itself as a very valuable partner himself. I know they are in a in the growth and development state of shock at his passing but of the Grenada’s tourism sector they will cherish the wonderful and economy.” memories he has left for them

One year after the start-up and, indeed, all of us who are of Sandals LaSource Grenada, still reeling from this loss.

Sir Royston was one of the

“The decision by Grenada company’s leading advocates, to accord him an official funeral and on several occasions

praised the resort for the impact it had in Grenada, announcing that his own six-star boutique hotel had increased revenues by 20 per cent as a result and he was “able to give his employees a four-week Christmas bonus for the first time”.

Stewart said he had the pleasure of celebrating Sir Roy’s 75th birthday anniversary with him, recalling it as “a night filled with laughter and merriment, sweeping anecdotes and tall tales as he basked in the love of close family and good friends.

Sir Roy seemed hale and hearty. His sudden passing was therefore the more shocking.”

Sir Royston Oliver Hopkin, born on January 10, 1945, began his spectacular tourism career at 17 years old as part of the family business, the Ross Point Inn, in 1965. By age 20, he was appointed to the Grenada Board of Tourism, serving for 18 consecutive years.

In 1987, he acquired majority interest in the Spice Island Inn and renamed it the Spice Island Beach Resort.

Among his numerous awards was the British Knight Commander of The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 2004, for his contribution to the tourism industry in Grenada and the Caribbean. He later received Grenada’s Most Outstanding Hotelier Award after 49 years of service to his country.

Sir Royston held numerous positions within the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association.

He received the organisation’s 1991 “Hotelier of the Year” award, as well as Lifetime Achievement awards from CHTA, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) in Miami.

--Jamaica Observer

At age 24, Sir Royston Hopkin (pictured) became the first Grenadian native to be elected president of the Grenada Hotel Association, a position he held on 14 occasions.

during his highly successful tenure as president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association (CHTA). The powerful memories he left behind will live in our hearts forever,” Stewart said.

Sir Roy, as he was affectionately called, was the face of Grenadian tourism for more than five decades and was a key advisor to the prime minister of his country. He spread his wings far and wide and built one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful, upscale, sixstar resorts, said Stewart, the Chairman and Founder of Sandals Resorts International.

“From humble beginnings, he became known and loved

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19

ver heard the expression Go Jump In a Lake? Go Jump in a Pool? What if I threw my A-Level Economic textbooks into our big fat pitch lake at La Brea? Because this Pitch Lake seems to defy some fundamental laws of our Economics textbook. The more pitch you mine, the more it produces. It seems to defy the laws of scarcity, demand and supply. An insurmountable, inexhaustible fount of pitch, asphalt. What a thing!

Yet, most of our secondary roads are as pitted and plastered and pot-holed as a Guanapo quarry or sandpit.

Guanapo is an ancient town of the Arawaks which has been mined in the modern age for every manner of rock, stone, sand aggregate. And don’t talk about the Arima to Blanchicheusse Main Road. We live in an island of potholes galore, once you are not on the major highways, in an island of a wellspring of asphalt. The cost to shocks, steering, tyres, velocity joints, and gas must be astronomical. Driving on these roads is an exercise of preservation, consternation and long-suffering!

We have an inexhaustible supply of fresh water. It is called floods. This has been hearkened the more by the melting of glaciers and icecaps. There is more precipitation in the global system. More extreme water events. Landslides, sea rise, flooding. Fresh water

“Passing of Sir Royston Hopkin, a most unbelievable loss to hotel and tourism sector” – Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart

ordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, the Caribbean’s leading hotelier has described the passing of Grenadian tourism icon, Sir Royston Hopkin as a “deep, unbelievable and shocking loss” to the regional tourism sector.

Stewart. who attended Thursday’s official funeral for the hotelier in Grenada, described Sir Royston as the most extraordinary friend that someone could have. “Indeed, he was my friend and brother and I will never forget the many exciting overseas missions on which we embarked together for the glory of our beloved Caribbean home,” said an obviously shaken Stewart.

Sir Royston, owner and operator of the Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada’s top resort, died Saturday, February 22, 2020 from complications after heart surgery in Trinidad and Tobago, leaving widow, Lady Betty Hopkin and four children.

“Sir Roy was one of a kind. He served the region with enormous energy, knowledge and foresight, particularly

REGIONAL

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Wayne Kublalsingh

20 SPORTS

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march 07, 2020 THE STAR

St Lucia Life Saving Association recognizes its best - past and present David R Pascal

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eeping in mind what the organisation represents, the St. Lucia Life Saving Association (SLLSA) is not always appreciated and, many feel, is undervalued in Saint Lucia. However, last Saturday evening members of the SLLSA took it upon themselves to recognize and praise past and present members, at a reception at the home of Fred and Carol Devaux in Coubaril, Castries.

Specially invited guests included Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy who is also Patron of the SLLSA; Senator and President of the St Lucia Olympic Committee (SLOC) Inc, Fortuna Belrose; Secretary General of the SLOC Inc; Alfred Emmanuel; IOC Member Richard Peterkin; Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Liota Charlemagne Mason; President of the SLLSA, John Bruce; delegates from overseas; and members of the SLLSA. After welcoming everyone, Master of Ceremonies Terrol Compton said: “The St. Lucia Life Saving Association is honoured to be hosting the Caribbean Life Saving Conference together with the Canadian Life Saving Society. We are delighted to have delegates from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Cayman Islands and, of course, host country Saint Lucia.

Tonight we will be honouring and awarding recipients who have been recognized by the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) of the United Kingdom.”

Bruce thanked everyone in attendance, especially the Canadians, and said, “They did a wonderful job supporting us for some years now.”

International Development Coordinator of the Life Saving Society, Patrick D’Almada, remarked: “With lifesaving and the lifesaving work we have been doing in Saint Lucia, it is not just one person who gets the credit.”

Having said that, he introduced Perry Smith, who is Program Director, Life Saving

Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy (fourth from the right) with officials from the St. Lucia Life Saving Association and award recipients. Standing in the back is Master of Ceremonies Terrol Compton.

Past President of the St. Lucia Life Saving Association Carol Devaux (left) and Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy with award recipient Urban Augustin.

Ontario, Canada; Jamaican representative Stuart Frazier; President of Trinidad and Tobago Life Saving Association, Anne Singh; and Craig Adderson representing the Cayman Islands.

He also recognized Saint Lucians Vanessa Eugene and Ezra Small; then last, but certainly not least, Carol Devaux and John Bruce, “for hosting us and for always being there to help us in our support for life saving in Saint Lucia”.

In closing, D’Almada said: “In the last few years we have developed great capacity on

the island and I believe we are at the point now where we have to start looking at how we move to the next step. We have some limitations in our trainers and so the opportunity to fund a full-time trainer in life guarding and lifesaving would be an essential step for us to take. It is important that every child learns to swim. We believe it is a life skill and every child should know how to swim. So I give that to you tonight as your challenge as you move forward; that we will be able to give that next generation the opportunity to be safe in an around water.”

Carol Devaux gave a brief description of the awards being presented. “The Royal Life Saving Society is the main lifesaving organisation in the world and has been in existence for the last 125 years.

Prince Michael of Kent, who is the Patron or President of the Commonwealth section, wanted to give out 125 certificates throughout the Commonwealth to recognize this event. Saint Lucia submitted several names and we were fortunate; we got four names out of 125. Three of those individuals are being presented tonight. The fourth was myself and I received it in London together with Patrick who got it from Canada and Doug Trentowsky who also got his from Canada.”

Carol explained that Trentowsky came here and assisted Saint Lucia in setting up its organisation. He took members to lifesaving awards, up to life guard level, and trained trainers and examiners for life saving. She advised that D’Almada then took over, and went into the life guarding aspect.

Carol pointed out that Trentowsky and D’Almada have been here assisting the SLLSA on numerous occasions free of charge.

The HRH Prince Michael

John Bruce, President of the St. Lucia Life Saving Association.

of Kent 125th Anniversary Certificates of Merit were presented by Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, after the MC had acknowledged the accomplishments of the individuals within the SLLSA. The three recipients were:

Urban Augustin: From the moment Augustin started participating in the bronze courses, he became dedicated to life saving and became a staunch member of the association in its development.

He was one of the first qualified national life guards in Saint Lucia. He proceeded to encourage and work with the training of hotel water sports departments personnel, knowing that most of these hotels were on public beaches and those qualified would then be present for both the tourists and locals using the beaches. This was because the government does not employ lifeguards.

He trained the Saint Lucian team that in 2003 that won the

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won the Regional Championship on home soil. He also trained and was a member of Saint Lucia’s first team to participate in the World Life Saving Championships held in 2004 in Italy. Augustin attended the 2006 World Championships in Australia and won medals in the senior division.

Augustin lives in Gros Islet where he continues to host a summer camp for underprivileged children, teaching swimming and lifesaving. He has been a recipient of the Certificate of Thanks from the RLSS Commonwealth.

Jaqueline Atkinson: Atkinson was the founding member of the SLLSA in 1994 and held the position of Secretary from the start until 2011. She formed the Sea Jays Swim club with Carol Devaux and taught swimming and lifesaving on a voluntary basis for 20 years. Atkinson was one of the Association’s first lifesaving instructors. In 2003 she was in charge of organising the International Lifesaving Federation Conference held in Saint Lucia. She was heavily involved in the Association’s

development and would assist in any position that was requested, dedicating many years to further lifesaving in Saint Lucia. Atkinson received the Certificate of Thanks on two occasions from the RLSS Commonwealth and the Citation of Merit from the International Lifesaving Federation.

Jeremiah Louis Ferdinand: Ferdinand was one of the founding members of the Saint Lucia Life Saving Association and was a very active executive member. He was among the first lifesaving instructors and started his own club, The Legends, teaching both swimming and lifesaving. He assisted without hesitating.

When the Association received an instructor from Canada for a year in 2002, Ferdinand immediately gave her a desk at his office and all her expenses were met by his company.

He became a well-known name for his involvement in lifesaving and travelled to remote villages to give talks and demonstrations on water safety. This businessman also taught lifesaving to members of the St Lucia Fire Service and

was always ready to teach whenever and wherever he was needed.

Leslie Clarke and Dagmar Peterkin each received a Certificate of Thanks.

Leslie Clarke was among the founding members of the St Lucia Amateur Swimming Association. He trained as a swim instructor. His classes were always full with women, to the envy of all the other instructors. Clarke was among the founding members of the SLLSA and was Vice President for several years. Whatever was required he did it, whether it was fundraising or assisting at events. Clarke was one of the backbones of the SLLSA and, with his tireless support and work, he ensured the Association moved forward.

Dagmar Peterkin was on board with the SLLSA from day one and immediately volunteered as Treasurer for several years (too many to count). The Association never had many dollars but she made sure it was never in debt, which left members feeling confident as she always knew what was available. Peterkin

also assisted in whatever capacity was needed, including organising and conducting National SLLSA Championships plus fundraising events.

Whatever was not expected of a Treasurer, she was willing to partake in. She was among the first group of lifesaving instructors to be trained and qualified by the Canadian Lifesaving Society.

The final award was presented to St Rose Jacobie, nominated for the Mountbatten Award for bravery. Jacobie saved two people who fell off the Pearl during a boat ride party on the afternoon of July 13, 2018. Jacobie, who was also on board, dove into the water and reached the gentleman first and was able to pull him to the surface of the water by his dread locks. He then swam to the lady while holding on to the guy with his right hand and attempted to pull the lady above the water with his left hand.

Using his lifesaving skills, this veteran scuba dive instructor, who works at Sandals, stabilized the two individuals until the vessel turned around and returned.

Texas women make history at Big 12 Indoor Track & Field Championships

By Johanna Gretschel

leader in the event, though it took a meet record effort of 7.15 seconds to claim the title MES, Iowa — The Texas over Oklahoma State’s Aaliyah women won their third Birmingham. The time broke a consecutive indoor track and field team title at the Big 12 23-year-old facility record and the 16-year-old meet record Championships last weekend, setting a conference record with held by Longhorns legend Sanya Richards-Ross. an astounding 180.33 points Her personal best this across all event disciplines. season of 7.10 is not far from The men’s team, the collegiate record of 7.07, considered the pre-meet which Aleia Hobbs of LSU and favorite to topple two-time defending champion Texas Tech, Hannah Cunliffe of Oregon coown. suffered disqualifications and “I’ve been trying to go injuries in several key events after it,” Alfred said of the NCAA and had to settle for third with record, “but I don’t like to think 118 points as Iowa State won its first-ever indoor conference title about times because, when I think about times, I get nervous at home. and I don’t execute my race as Four women tied for high well.” point scorer of the weekend, Alfred’s victory in the 200 including two Longhorns: was a surprise, though, as she sophomore Julien Alfred, was seeded in the slow heat who won the 60-meter and of the two-section final. Her 200-meter dashes; and winning time of 23.02 held up graduate student Kathryn as the fastest of the day, and Gillespie, who won mile and 800-meter titles Saturday. Both she became the first Texas women also contributed strong woman to win the Big 12 60 and 200 titles since Marshevet legs to winning relay teams: Alfred on the 4×400-meter relay Hooker in 2006.

UT coach Edrick Floréal and Gillespie on the distance medley, though relay points are attributes Alfred’s huge improvement this season to fall not factored into consideration conditioning. The Saint Lucia for high point scorer honors. native didn’t arrive on campus Alfred was highly favored until January 2019, which put to win the 60 as the collegiate

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St Lucia’s Julien Alfred of the Texas Longhorns track and field team won the 60m and 200m dashes at the Big 12 Championships.

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Football News and Highlights

he Saint Lucia Football Association Second Division Championship continued on Sunday March 1 with another double header at Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort.

In the first encounter, Lancers FC quickly got on the score sheet against Diamond Ballers, with a goal by Allen Octave in the fourth minute.

Dennan George doubled the score in the 36th minute.

Diamond Ballers fought back and were able to reduce the deficit with a goal by Brendon Jameson in the 42nd minute. The second half produced no further goals so the game ended 2–1 in favour of Lancers FC. In the second game both RV Juniors and T Valley played to an exciting two-all draw, with all the goals scored in the first half. RV Juniors’ goals came from Shervon Eleuthere in the eighth minute and Jamal Antoine in the 37th minute, while Daniel Lionel scored for T valley in the 16th and 43rd minutes.

Saint Lucia went down 6–0 to the USA in round of 16 of the 2020 Concacaf Under-20 Women’s Qualifier on Saturday February 29 in the Dominican

Republic.

The USA jumped to an early 4–0 lead to close the first half, with goals from Mia Fishel in the eighth minute, an own goal by Renata Francis in the 24th minute, Sierra Enge in the 24th minute and Brianna Pinto in the 35th minute.

In the second half, Saint Lucia employed a defensive tactic with as many as 10 players stacked in their defensive third. This ploy kept the USA at bay but not for too long; Fishel scored again in the 76th minute, increasing the lead to 5–0. Pinto made it 6–0 in the 90th minute; also her second goal of the game.

The result marked the USA’s 32nd shutout all time at this tournament and 21st time scoring five or more goals.

With 30 goals to their credit, the USA have scored more goals than any other team in the tournament thus far.

Following is Saint Lucia’s starting line-up in the game against the United States: Renala Francis, Kenna Lionel, Cassandra Shepherd, Racquel John, Krysan St Louis (Captain), Illana Lashley, Tanika Bernard, Britanya St Prix, Arnicka Louis, Steffany Allain and Tiffany Allain.

DJ Dongar Mackeson Invitational Cup results

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he DJ Dongar Mackeson Invitational Cup continued this past weekend at La Ressource Playing Field in Mabouya Valley with a doubleheader.

In the first match at 6:00 pm, Rovers United defeated El Ninos FC 1-0, courtesy of an own goal in the ninth minute in the first leg of their home-and-away fixture.

In the second match at 8:00 pm, defending champions, Piton Travel Young Stars, lost 2-1 in their encounter against Chesters.

Chesters took the lead in the 12th minute with a goal from Luche Andre. The lead was doubled four minutes later with a goal from Owen Sommaire. Piton Travel Young Stars reduced the lead with a goal from Kermichael Sexius in the 88th minute.

The return leg of both matches will be crucial and promises to be very exciting. The competition continues today (Saturday) with another two matches.

Rain washes out West Indies final at ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

T her behind the other athletes. She was fifth in the Big 12 60 final last year, then placed second in the 100 and third in 200 outdoors, but she missed the rest of the postseason when she tripped and fell at the NCAA West Preliminary Round.

“I am very hungry for this season,” Alfred said. “When I went out last season, it made me feel bad I missed out so much. I need to get my team points at the national level.”

he West Indies Women’s final Group B match, against South Africa, was abandoned without a ball being bowled, due to continuous rainfall at the Sydney Showground in Sydney, Australia.

Both teams shared the two points up for grabs, leaving the West Indies Women tied on three points with Pakistan.

However, West Indies finished the group in third place due to a better net run rate than

Pakistan.

The West Indies Women were looking forward to leaving the tournament with a win to give them some momentum, as the next international series for them will be a five-match One Day International series against South Africa to be played in Jamaica and Trinidad. The West Indies Women will now regroup and refocus ahead of the International home series against South Africa and then, later on in July, the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Sri Lanka.

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Mathurin is new Coach of Senior National Team

CWI Emerging Player Pool announced for 2020 Hero CPL

St Lucia’s Kimani Melius.

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march 07, 2020 THE STAR

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he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will once again work with Cricket West Indies (CWI) to ensure that the best young players from across the region will be in CPL squads during the tournament, as well as ensuring that these talented youngsters will be given game time.

The list of 20 players has been provided

by CWI and includes five of the players who did so well for West Indies during the recent ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa. Kimani Melius, Jayden Seales, Ashmead Nedd, Nyeem Young and Kirk McKenzie are in with a chance to once again show what they are capable of, this time at the CPL. There are also seven players on the list who appeared at last year’s CPL in these developmental spots: Amir Jangoo (Trinbago Knight Riders), Leniko Boucher (Barbados

Tridents), Jeavor Royal and Roland Cato (St Lucia Zouks), Dominic Drakes (St Kitts & Nevis Patriots), Shamar Springer (Jamaica Tallawahs) and Keagan Simmons (Guyana Amazon Warriors).

The teams can choose to retain these players, or they can draft or sign another player from the list.

There will be two spots in each squad set aside for these players, meaning there will be a minimum of 12 West Indies qualified players aged under 23 taking part in the CPL. Each team will have to field an emerging player a minimum of five times across the tournament, either one player making five appearances or five combined appearances between the two players. This means not only will they get the experience of training with the best players and coaches from across the Caribbean and from around the world, they will also be given the chance of playing in the CPL. Michael Hall, CPL’s Tournament Operations Director, said: “The CPL takes its mandate of providing meaningful opportunities for the next generation of West Indies cricketers very seriously, and we are happy to have again collaborated with Cricket West Indies on the Emerging Players initiative. It is now up to the players to make the most of it.”

Jimmy Adams, CWI’s Director of Cricket said: “I am delighted that the Emerging Player programme will continue into its second season, as it allows us to once again identify our best young talent and provide them with a programme that will hasten their step up to the professional game.

“We have selected another talented group of young regional cricketers, out of which 12 players will be drafted into the CPL—two per franchise. This group will also have the benefit of participating in a specialized high-performance camp in Antigua prior to going off to the tournament. Later in the year, the programme will again be using the Super 50 Cup to provide a competitive One-Day environment for the best young regional talent that would not otherwise get an opportunity within the franchise system.

“I am grateful to the CPL and the franchise owners for their continued support to develop our young talent.”

The new Coach of the Senior National Team Garey Mathurin (left) with Vice President of Cricket West Indies Dr Kishore Shallow.

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he St Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) is proud to announce the appointment of Garey Mathurin as Head Coach of the Senior National Team for the period 2020-2021.

Mathurin is a former national cricketer and has been a mainstay of Windward Islands cricket for a number of years.

He even went on to represent the West Indies at the T20 level.

He has been an ECB-certified Level 2 coach since 2012 and is currently working on attaining his Level 3 certification.

Over the years Mathurin has coached a number of different teams including his home team of Grass Street in

the Mon Repos League, where he has been player/coach for a number of years. He has also been a player/coach for Victoria United in the Trinidad semi-professional league. He did a stint in England at Marlow Cricket Club and spent a few years with Islandwide Cricket Club in New York, also as a player/coach.

Currently, Mathurin is the coach at the Centre for Excellence in Gros Islet. He also serves as an Assistant Coach with the St Lucia Zouks during the CPL tournament.

Mathurin hopes to work hard at improving the professionalism of the national team. The West Indies has

St Lucia Aquatics Federation Celebrates 41 years of Independence

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aint Lucia Aquatics Federation (SLAF) celebrated 41 years of independence this past Sunday, March 1, at Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre.

Approximately 140 swimmers from six clubs, namely Seajays Swim Club, Sharks Swim Club, Lightning Aquatics, RHAC Swim Club, Southern Flying Fish and RR Aquatics, competed at the swim challenge in an effort to improve their times.

The swim challenge also served as a last chance for swimmers to attempt to achieve the qualifying times set by SLAF in order to represent Saint Lucia at the upcoming Carifta Swim

The victorious Seajays Swim Club.

Naima Hazell on her way to a first-place finish.

Swimmers competing in the backstroke event.

recently published fitness requirements for all cricketers and it is the intention of the coach and his coaching staff to improve the general fitness levels of the entire team, so they can meet and exceed regional and international fitness levels.

This coach is focused on improving the general performance of the national team at the regional tournament, thereby gaining for more Saint Lucians the opportunity to play on the Windwards team.

Mathurin will be assisted in his duties by another individual with extensive regional and international experience: Donald “Dave” Albert. Dave has an extensive background working with Pakistan and, more recently, the St Lucia Zouks.

It is the intent of the SLNCA to make the best use of the gentlemen’s international experience, and allow the players to harness that experience in their development.

Saint Lucia will be participating in the Windward Islands Goodwill tournament from April 17 to 25 in Grenada.

Saint Lucia was in the cellar position in the last tournament in 2019, and hopes that, with the addition of these two individuals, there will be a gradual reversal of fortunes.

Championship scheduled for April 11-15, 2020.

SLAF congratulates Seajays Swim Club on its win with 694.5 points, followed by Sharks Swim Club with 542.50 points, and Lightning Aquatics in third place with 493 points.

Three records were set by 11-12 year old swimmer Tristan Dorville. He held the most recent records in the 50m freestyle and 100m butterfly, and broke them again with times of 25.76 and 1:03.38 respectively. The third record broken was the 200IM, set by Terrel Monplaisir in 2015.

Dorville set the new record at 2:21.53 for the 11-12 age group.

With all efforts made to swim the qualifying times for Carifta, there were no additional names added to the list of swimmers qualifying for the 2020 Carifta team.

SLAF scheduled a meeting this week to ratify the swimmers making the qualifying times. The team chosen to represent Saint Lucia will be announced in the upcoming days.

THE STAR

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march 07, 2020

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ANNOUNCEMENT ANNUAL AUDIT & FINANCIAL REPORT The Citizenship by Investment Unit invites proposals from Auditing/Accounting firms for: Annual Audit & Financial Report Please visit http:/www.cipsaintlucia.com for a copy of the RFP Document Please contact the Accountant for further details at email: lfrancis@cipsaintlucia.com Proposals are to be submitted in a sealed envelope on or before 16th March, 2020 and addressed to: ATT: Nestor Alfred Chief Executive Officer Citizenship by Investment Unit 5th Floor Francis Compton Building Waterfront Castries Saint Lucia, West Indies Mark all packages as stated below: RFP Title: Annual Audit & Financial Report

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