What Happened To Reporter At Police HQ?

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SATURDAY, MARCH 09, 2019

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WHAT HAPPENED TO REPORTER AT POLICE HQ?

HTS news reporter Rehani Isidore (third from right) with media colleagues at a recent Labour Party press conference.

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REFLECTIONS

World Blind Union statement on International Women’s Day

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

Denial

By Michael Walker

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oon after my writing partner Lars died at the beginning of the Eighties I accepted a commission to write a six-level series of textbooks for Indonesia that entailed all the usual components: a textbook, a workbook, a teacher’s guide and other ancillary reading materials for each level, in all about thirty titles. The school population was close to 120 million pupils, which made the project attractive even though only a small proportion of the population would be able to afford books at the end of the day.

I spent the next six years on the project, travelling back and forth between Sweden and Jakarta on trips that varied in length between three and six weeks. As usual in such cases, when I was working directly for a new ‘language area’ I spent much of the first year exploring the local languages in order to determine which predictable problems pupils might encounter when they commenced their studies of English. Such problems were likely to include the use of tenses, the negation of verbs, nouns and their plurals, adverbs and adjectives, gender, and so on; not rocket science but part of the essential building blocks of language learning. I think it is probably true to say that this initial stage of a project was usually the most interesting part—the building of a framework, creating something to hang the content on. It was always a delight to find a language in one part of the world solving problems in the same way as another language thousands of miles away with no obvious linguistic or geographic connection. When languages find different or even unique solutions the task before me becomes even more fascinating.

Working in Indonesia posed a different sort of problem too: the question of cultural and religious differences. I wondered why they had chosen a white, English-speaking guy who lived in Sweden, and who might possibly be a Christian, to write a series of textbooks for Islamic schools in a predominantly Muslim country. I guess that in my early thirties I was vain enough to believe it was because they thought I was the best man for the job. However, I was not surprised to find that they had organised an Advisory Board to keep me on the straight and narrow.

There were thirteen members on the board. Four of them in military uniforms; another five were clerics. Three were dressed in ‘western’ civilian clothes. All were men.

Only the thirteenth man ever spoke directly to me—the language specialist, Professor Max Rukmarata—and his English was impeccable.

Max had studied in Toronto. I suspected that none of the others actually spoke English, but their names would be on the books. The scheme was quite simple: I would submit a number of chapters to Max who would review them before sending them on to the others for further comments before they were sent back to me for correction. Perhaps the greatest issue was the difficulty in marrying their desire for texts that reflected western life while still adhering to the norms of Islamic society. Paintings and photos were a problem.

I had some character burst out, “I hate the snow!” which was unacceptable, not because ‘snow’ was a foreign concept in Indonesia, but because God created snow and anything God created could not be hated. One chapter that had a housewife going shopping was also rejected without any explanation, which was part of a recurring problem: they could not or would not explain to me why they rejected something. I had to guess my way forward. In the case of the shopping housewife it was not a matter of her not being able to go shopping, or not being allowed to go shopping, or not being allowed to handle money – she simply would not do it: she would send her maid instead. No chapter was allowed to feature crime because crime did not exist in Islam even though whenever we had dinner together they insisted on eating at my hotel because life in the streets was too dangerous.

Sometimes they seemed far removed from reality. On one occasion we were having dinner. I, as usual, stuck to mineral water out of respect. I noticed that Max was drinking something that smelled suspiciously like gin and tonic. The conversation went like this: - I thought you were a Muslim, Max. - I am.

- But do Muslims drink alcohol?

- Of course not.

- But isn’t that a gin and tonic?

- Yes it is.

- But I thought you said you didn’t drink alcohol.

- That’s right. I don’t.

- Sorry. I thought you said you were drinking a gin and tonic.

- I am.

- But isn’t a gin and tonic alcohol?

- No.

And that was the end of that discussion.

They all had what appeared to me to be an incredible gift of creating an alternate reality.

MARCH 09, 2019 THE STAR

he World Blind Union joined the United Nations to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2019.

The theme this year is Think equal, build smart, innovate for change. It focuses on innovative ways in which we can advance gender equality and the empowerment of women, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure.

Hence it is a day to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, including women with visual disabilities.

Generally, blind and partially sighted women and girls experience multiple forms of discrimination, which infringe on their basic human rights and empowerment. Due to the intersections of discrimination based on gender and disability, blind and partially sighted women are at a higher risk of neglect, gender-based violence and exploitation.

The latest data shows that 55% of the world’s visually impaired are women (139 million). States must address

the unique needs of blind and partially sighted women to ensure equal participation and access to education, innovation and technology opportunities, employment, rehabilitation, among other basic rights.

According to Article 6 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), states recognize that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination, and in this regard shall take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Furthermore, gender inequality continues to hold women back and deprives them of basic rights and opportunities as per Sustainable Development Goal 5. This Goal states that empowering women requires addressing structural issues such as unfair social norms and attitudes as well as developing progressive legal frameworks that promote equality between women and men. The achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals

requires transformative shifts, integrated approaches and new solutions, particularly when it comes to advancing gender equality, innovation and the empowerment of all women and girls.

The World Blind Union, therefore, reminds states to fulfil their obligations by protecting and respecting the rights of women, particularly blind and partially sighted women. As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we appeal to states, UN agencies, development partners and civil society to mainstream the rights of women with disabilities in their development plans, programmes and policies. We urge governments to end all forms of discrimination against women with disabilities and put in place necessary provisions to promote gender equality and other fundamental rights of all women.

It is vital that women’s ideas and experiences equally influence the design and implementation of the innovations that shape our future societies.

18 YEARS OF DIGICEL SUPPORTING SPECIAL OLYMPICS

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s the 2019 Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi approaches, Digicel has solidified its commitment to Special Olympics bodies across the world by assisting in preparations for the games.

Since inception, in 2000, Digicel has offered support to special needs communities in all of its markets with the aim of creating a world where no one gets left behind.

March 14 to 21, 2019 will see over 7,000 athletes from more than 190 countries across the world competing to bring home the glory for their country.

“It is a remarkable thing to watch the competition among the best athletes in the world, who are all at the top of their game. These are exceptional people, doing exceptional things and the Special Olympics provides the perfect platform for this to happen. Digicel and I will always support that. This year, we have 23 Digicel countries represented at these games and it makes us so proud to see them performing at the highest level, I wish them all good luck,” said Denis O’Brien, Chairman, Digicel Group.

Digicel St. Lucia’s ongoing

Members of Saint Lucia’s team for the Special Olympics.

support over the years has seen us recognizing and celebrating persons with special needs at key events and special times of the year, particularly at Christmas. In preparation of the 2019 World Games, Digicel St. Lucia made a cash contribution of US$20,000 to the local Special Olympics Committee to facilitate the 27-member delegation’s travel to Abu Dhabi.

In the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific, sendoff activities are taking place as each Digicel country celebrates its local team and wishes them all the best for the upcoming games.

The other 22 Digicel

countries participating in and collectively sending 380 athletes to the Special Olympics are: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Cayman, Dominica, El Salvador, Fiji, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nauru, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago and Vanuatu.

Digicel’s ongoing support of Special Olympics has seen the company providing donations in cash and kind, infrastructural support, help with fundraising activities and more in all of its markets.

THE STAR

march 09, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

Recognizing Women’s Rights, Essential for Inclusive and Sustainable Development

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ince the start of the 20th century, March has been a key month for fights for the rights of women who, despite persistent hurdles, have made enormous strides in the quest for guaranteeing their physical, economic and decision-making autonomy.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, women have been able to overcome obstacles, organise themselves, and forge a regional perspective, while also participating actively in global debates. Despite all these efforts, gender inequality continues to be a structural trait of the region.

In our countries, discrimination and violence against women continue to be a problem that manifests itself in the home, in public spaces, in places of study and work, and which has a decisive impact on their possibilities for generating their own income, starting businesses, overcoming poverty and developing themselves professionally and personally.

Today, on our continent, poverty still has the face of a woman: for every 100 men in this situation, there are 118 women who have not been able to cross the line out of hardship.

One-third of Latin American women (29%) do not generate

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income and are economically dependent, and close to half have no link to the labour market.

In addition, despite the efforts to reduce the pay gap in recent decades, women’s wages are 16.1% below those of men in the same condition.

This gap widens for women with more years of study.

In terms of physical autonomy, the extreme phenomenon of femicide has been impossible to stop in the region, nor does it show signs of declining despite important regulatory and public policy advances. At least 2,795 women were murdered in 2017 for gender reasons in 23 countries of the region, according to official data compiled by ECLAC’s Gender Equality Observatory for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The adolescent fertility rate is one of the highest in the world, outstripped only by the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

Overall, Latin American and Caribbean countries have an adolescent maternity rate that is above 12%, a figure that tends to be more significant in the group of adolescents with lower income and educational levels.

With regard to autonomy in decision-making, some electoral

processes in the region have enabled a greater presence of women in national legislatures.

Nonetheless, women continue to be underrepresented in decision-making spaces. The most recent statistics show that they only account for one-fourth of government ministers, and that their participation in cabinets tends to be concentrated in social and cultural areas, more than economic ones. In addition, according to the indicators for follow-up and monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals, in the region 29.2% of elected councilors on a local government level are women.

At ECLAC we have the conviction that gender inequality, in addition to being unfair, is profoundly inefficient, and is an obstacle that conspires against achieving sustainable development. For that reason, during this new commemoration of International Women’s Day, we insist on the urgency of recognizing women’s rights and equality as central elements that must cut across all of the State’s actions aimed at strengthening democracy and attaining inclusive and sustainable development.

-- By Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of ECLAC

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

aint Lucia joined the rest of the world in observance of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2019 under the theme: “Think equal, build smart, innovate and change.”

In keeping with the focus on review of gender equality this year, the Independence theme, which reflects inclusiveness and validation of a shared journey, is apt for this year’s celebration of International Women’s Day in Saint Lucia.

We applaud the widespread participation of various sectors in this year’s

observance and count this as a major achievement in at least four of the critical areas contained in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. Specifically, the widespread participation of groups and agencies in the planning and implementation of activities in commemoration of International Women’s Day this year speaks to direct advancement of women in: education and training; power and decision making; human rights of women and the media.

We take this opportunity to wish every woman and girl

in Saint Lucia a Happy belated Women’s Day and congratulate all who have worked hard and contributed towards the advancement of women in any way. The journey to achieving gender equality in Saint Lucia is still in an early stage. We are well positioned at this point, to use innovation to change—to create a future where women and girls are instrumental in development, a future which honours a journey, well-trod, together.

--Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development.

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March 09, 2019 THE STAR

Botham Jean family attorney calls on Chastanet to engage US Government Joshua St. Aimee

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aint Lucian national Botham Jean was fatally shot at his Dallas, Texas apartment last September by an off-duty police officer who claimed she entered his apartment thinking it was hers and took him for an intruder. Officer Amber Guyger was finally charged with murder following protest demonstrations in the US and at home. She was freed on a US$200,000 bond.

Six months after the incident, the victim’s relatives have launched a foundation in Botham Jean’s name, themed “Promoting Christian intervention for social change”.

Allison Jean, Botham’s mother, explained that social change represents social justice, uplifting lives, and making the world a better place. She says the foundation was launched “to inspire breakthroughs of rehabilitation and sustainable growth for the Saint Lucian community, inspire committed relationships with Jesus Christ, and to strengthen the local and universal Church of Christ.”

Additionally, the foundation will seek to provide scholarships to Saint Lucian and Caribbean students

Parents of Botham Jean: Allison and Bertrum Jean.

wishing to study at American universities. Harding University, Botham’s alma mater, and Price Waterhouse Coopers, his former employer, have established the Botham Jean Memorial Scholarship Fund to give Caribbean students preference over other candidates. The Southwestern Christian College from Dallas, Texas will also make scholarships available.

Allison Jean stated that the foundation will also benefit institutions such as the Boys’ Training Centre, the New

Beginnings Transit Home, the Marian Home for the elderly, and the Comfort Bay Senior Citizens Home, with which Botham had been associated.

Donations can be made to the non-profit organisation via its website: bothamjeanfoundation.org.

The foundation was launched on Wednesday at Harbor Club in Rodney Bay, attended by members of the Jean family, their US-based attorneys, and representatives of both the government of Saint

Lucia and the opposition party.

At a press conference that preceded the launch, the Jean family’s attorneys spoke on the criminal and civil cases against the accused US police officer.

Referencing the case brought by the Jean family, attorney Daryl Washington said Guyger is required to file and answer to the family’s lawsuit. Another attorney, Lee Merritt, added that the family had not demanded a specific dollar amount, on the basis that Botham’s life was invaluable. What they

Attorney Lee Merritt at Wednesday’s press briefing.

have done, Merritt explained, is to ask for a jury to “come up with whatever number that would make the city of Dallas take pause, and reconsider its policies and procedures that allowed something like this to happen.”

As for the criminal case, Merritt said no official date had been set for the trial but compared to other cases, he thought the one against Jean’s killer was proceeding fairly quickly. Nevertheless he thought “six months is too long

to wait for justice”. He regretted what he described as “a drop-off in media attention” which he blamed on a gag order placed by a judge in January.

Attorney Benjamin Crump had some direct advice for his Saint Lucian audience: “Your prime minister, your government, should engage the United States government and say, ‘Our citizen was killed in your country in an unbelievable way, and we are looking to you to make sure that justice is done.’”

ECCB to Issue World’s First Blockchain-based Digital Currency

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he Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) and the Barbados-based fintech company, Bitt Inc. (Bitt) have signed a contract to conduct a blockchain-issued Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) pilot within the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).

The watershed contract was signed on February 21 at the ECCB’s headquarters in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis.

This ECCB CBDC pilot is the first of its kind and will involve a securely minted and issued digital version of the EC dollar (DXCD). The digital EC dollar will be distributed and used by licensed financial institutions and non-bank financial institutions in the

ECCU. The DXCD will be used for financial transactions between consumers and merchants, including peer-topeer transactions, all using smart devices. For example, an individual in St Kitts and Nevis will be able to send DXCD securely from his/her smartphone to a friend in Grenada in seconds, and at no cost to either party.

CEO of Bitt Inc., Rawdon Adams, said, “I thank the ECCB for choosing Bitt. Our mission is the practical application of cutting-edge technology to solve persistent financial problems. It is about a successful currency union building on its impressive record of financial stability, development and integration to

ECCB Governor Mr. Timothy Antoine (left) and Bitt Inc. CEO Rawdon Adams.

deliver a quantum improvement to the lives of all its 630,000 citizens. Enhancing economic growth and the quality of life of ordinary people is the aim.”

The Governor of the ECCB, Timothy N. J. Antoine, emphasised that in contrast to previous CBDC research and experiments, the ECCB is going a step further.

“This is not an academic exercise. Not only will the digital EC dollar be the world’s first digital legal tender currency to be issued by a central bank on blockchain but this pilot is also a live CBDC deployment with a view to an eventual phased public rollout. The pilot is part of the ECCB’s Strategic Plan 2017-2021, which aims to help reduce cash usage within the

ECCU by 50 per cent, promote greater financial sector stability, and expedite the growth and development of our member countries. It would be a gamechanger for the way we do business.”

The ECCB is now poised to embark on the DXCD pilot.

The pilot will be executed in two phases: development and testing, for about twelve months, followed by rollout and implementation in pilot countries for about six months. As part of pilot implementation, the ECCB will ramp up its sensitisation and education initiatives to facilitate active public engagement throughout all member countries.

The ECCB is being technically supported on this Project by Pinaka Consulting Ltd.

THE STAR

MARCH 09, 2019

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Y P HAP L A N O I T A N R E T IN Y A D S ' N E M O W

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March 09, 2019 THE STAR

THE OLIVER “SMOKEY” CHARLES GROUNDS Peter Josie

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have suffered many years from hearing the once beloved Vigie playing field mocked as the “Sab”—Kwéyòl for sand. How and when did this happen? In the 1950s the Vigie playing field was the mecca of football in Castries.

Then, cricket enthusiasts cut a cricket pitch in the centre of the football ground, exposing the white sand that lay beneath the green grass. Over time and with more youngsters such as the brothers Egbert and Gregory Mathurin, Michael Hippolyte and Kenneth ‘Pint’ Hippolyte, Julian Hunte, Cassian and Karl Emanus and others using the Vigie playing field for cricket, the sandy cricket wicket continued to spread. The grass never recovered sufficiently between football seasons to cover the increasingly exposed sand. It was not long before the Vigie playing field took on the appearance of a wide sand pasture with the original grass confined to its periphery.

After first division football was transferred from the Vigie playing field to the Marchand Recreation Grounds in the early 1960s, grass on the Vigie playing field continued to recede due to the pressure of second division football and more young cricketers using the widening sandy pitch. So severe was the competition that in early 1960 St. Mary’s College built a concrete practice pitch outside the Castries end of the Vigie playing field. The concrete was covered with a matting material which was used for cricket on the island before turf wickets were introduced. I may have been the first opening batsman to receive first knock on that College wicket, with Desmond Braithwaite the first bowler. The whole affair was closely monitored by Brother Anthony, the games master at the time.

Still, the sand continued to expand and the grass receded to the boundaries. So a newer generation knew nothing of the history of the sand that they saw at the Vigie playing field in the early 1970s. The sub-surface sea sand that told

of its link to the nearby Vigie beach, was lost on the younger generation. With the parallel rediscovery in the early 1970s of a growing appreciation for our French Creole heritage, thanks in part to the work of the St. Lucia Forum, some people started to call the Vigie playing field by the Kwéyòl name for the sand they saw there: “Sab”. The name quickly stuck as many seemed anxious to prove that they were no longer ashamed of the Kwéyòl language of their ancestors. It may have been the same mindset that renamed the disused runway ‘C’ at Hewanorra Airport, in Vieux Fort “Kaka Boeuf Stretch” or “Kaka Boeuf”—Kwéyòl for bullshit.

All over the area cattle roamed unrestrained.

It should be noted that those who knew better than the cows merely stepped aside and grumbled among themselves, rather than propose a more appropriate name for the still potentially useful runway ‘C’ at Vieux Fort or the Vigie playing field. The name “Sab” persisted even after the Vigie field was thoroughly ploughed and new soil and a covering of

Should the Sab be renamed for former local football star Sir Vincent Floissac? Other names have been suggested, including the author’s choice.

grass planted there. With this improvement, and without any trace of the sea sand, some people, including innocent sportscasters and sportsmen, continued to call it “Sab”.

Perhaps because a few uppity Saint Lucians have blamed me and my Forum colleagues for empowering the country bumpkin to use his native tongue in public, I feel a special responsibility to propose renaming the “Sab” as we mark 40 years of Independence. I propose that it be in honour of one of the great icons of Saint Lucian football. That person

spent his entire adult life playing and coaching football.

Former footballers I spoke with all agreed that no other person merits such an honour as the legendary Oliver ‘Smokey’ Charles. Smokey was one of the best and longest serving football icons on the island.

When his playing days were over he dedicated many hours to coaching and encouraging young footballers to play the game with passion, pride and joy.

Following my telephone conversations with certain past footballers on the proper

naming of the Vigie playing field, I decided to lay low and let the matter take its course.

I was assured that the process of renaming had begun. When, at the invitation of the prime minister’s office, I attended the cultural extravaganza on the “Sab” to mark the 40th year of the island’s Independence, I decided it was time to act more boldly. I could not rest after noting an official government invitation had referred to the field as the “Sab”. I simply had to act; hence this article. I had to let STAR readers know that this mockery should not be allowed to continue.

I should add here that the names of several former football greats were suggested, among them Leo ‘Spar’ St. Helen, Carlton Peter Felix, Oliver Scott, Vincent Floissac, Owen Charles, Reneau Joseph, Francis ‘Mindoo’ Philip and Vincent Devaux. The field has fully recovered its former green glory.

The next step after its renaming ought to be the construction of permanent stands and changing rooms for young footballers (men and women) who should be encouraged to make full use of the renamed facility although it may be too close to George F.L. Charles airport for lights to facilitate night football.

I rest my case. It’s your turn, Mayor Francis.

SANDALS RESORTS HONOURED AT 2019 MEETINGS AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL INDUSTRY AWARDS

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andals® Resorts scooped the Gold Award for ‘Best Overseas Hotel’ for Sandals Grande Antigua at the annual Meetings and Incentive Travel Industry Awards. The award was presented by TV and radio broadcaster, Gethin Jones, at the Battersea Evolution in a lavish ceremony held on Friday, March 1.

This is the second time Sandals Resorts has secured this major accolade, with Sandals Royal Bahamian taking home the Gold Award for ‘Best Overseas Hotel’ at the 2018 Meetings and Incentive Travel Industry Awards, which are considered the Oscars of the industry.

Simon Foster, Deputy Managing Director at Unique Vacations UK, UK representative for Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts, commented: “Our Groups and MICE team have

TV and radio broadcaster, Gethin Jones (left) with Sandals Resorts UK team and Peter Groom from Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI).

worked hard to put Sandals Resorts on the map and winning this award for the second time is recognition of that. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to vote and I look forward to developing the incentive side of our business further in the coming years.”

The M&IT Industry Awards recognize and reward

excellence, and are the result of voting by UK-based event organisers and the readers of Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine, with votes audited and verified by the independent Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC). The M&IT Awards are the oldest established awards programme in the meetings industry.

THE STAR

MARCH 09, 2019

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DeCaires blames Loss of Cannabis Investor on Embarrassingly Slow Government!

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ast December St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the first OECS member state to decriminalize marijuana for medical purposes and scientific research. During his budget address last month, St. Vincent’s finance minister Camillo Gonsalves, estimated that this industry will generate EC$5 million in 2019. He said the revenue will primarily be realized from licenses issued to local, regional, and extraregional stakeholders for the cultivation, manufacture and export of medicinal cannabis products.

In an interview with the STAR this week the chairman of Saint Lucia’s Cannabis Movement, Mr. Andre DeCaires, reacted to the moves in neighbouring St. Vincent. He said Saint Lucia was “dragging our feet” when we should already have started our own industry. By Decaire’s telling, the failure and the tardiness had come at a cost. “We have already lost one investor; I have to let you know. They’ll be going

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march 09, 2019 THE STAR

COCO PALM AWARDED 2ND CONSECUVTIVE BA HOLIDAYS CUSTOMER EXCELLENCE AWARD

oco Palm is delighted to announce that it has received a British Airways Customer Excellence Award for 2018. This award comes from unbiased customer reviews and is designed to showcase the hotels that make their The chairman of the Cannabis Movement is guests the happiest. Coco Palm concerned that we are losing business to other received an overall score of islands which are better organised on the 9.4/10. decriminalization of marijuana.

British Airways Holidays is one of the UK’s leading are interested in producing to St. Vincent.”

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil, want low- tour operators. As part of its

He went on: “We actually commitment to providing grain cannabis or hemp. Based advised them to go there high-quality holidays, British on early discussions, he said, because they were behind us, asking for updates and stuff, the price is between US$50 and Airways Holidays uses customer feedback to find its topand we told them they might as US$150 per pound. rated hotels. British Airways well go to St. Vincent because

“Our politicians are so Holidays works with Reevoo, slow,” DeCaires complained. they’re ready to go and Saint an independent and impartial “It’s almost embarrassing.”

Lucia’s not.” third-party company, to collect He warned that if an official

DeCaires declined to decision is not made within the reviews from its customers. identify the lost investor, but Reviews are only collected said they have built a good next two or three weeks, other interested companies could well from genuine British Airways relationship. DeCaires said Holidays customers, who are that all the investors they move on to other shores.

---JSA asked to score hotels based on are in dialogue with, who location, service, cleanliness, and sleep quality. Participants also give the hotel an overall score out of ten. Find out more about Reevoo at ba.com/reevoo.

British Airways Holidays has gathered over 80,000 independent hotel reviews this

The family-owned Coco Palm boutique hotel located in Rodney Bay.

year. In 2018, British Airways awarded close to 450 Customer Excellence Awards across the globe to recognise their toprated hotels.

“Coco Palm has been recognised by British Airways Holidays customers for providing a high-quality customer experience. We are delighted to inform you that you are one of our highest-rated hotels for 2018,” said Claire Bentley, Managing Director of British Airways Holidays.

Mr Jean St Rose, General Manager, who has been

managing Coco Resort from inception 14 years ago, gave credit to all departments saying, “Receiving such an accolade from our biggest UK operator is very encouraging, knowing our guests have enjoyed Coco Palm. This is testament across all departments who have been recognised for their excellent service. Given our upgrades on property with a new lobby, new executive lounge and all our Palm rooms being upgraded by mid-2019, we are confident we will exceed our guests’ expectations.”

Prophets of Doom and Gloom at it again!

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ow desperate are the House opposition to form the government?

And to what avail? On Wednesday the MP for Vieux Fort North was on television campaigning for the completion of works at St. Jude Hospital before the next hurricane season. We are barely into March, the driest month of the year.

One would expect a former Minister of Agriculture would have words of wisdom to

share with farmers in the south who may be exposed to water shortages and bush fires. But no! Hurricanes, far more likely in August and September, are what the calculating MP wants his followers to worry about.

Yet, whenever his party is handed the reins of power, all they do is burden the island’s workers with unconscionable taxes. I feel deeply that the present government would’ve done us all a great service had it moved to fully investigate

who had profited most from public funds allocated to the reconstruction of St. Jude; and had the courts been permitted to determine the outcome, we would not now be hearing false prophets predicting sunshine at midnight. In consequence Saint Lucia would be a more informed country, less subject to insults from the mouths of desperate professional politicians.

---Peter Josie

THE STAR

MARCH 09, 2019

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march 09, 2019 THE STAR

JUST NOT CRICKET

By Tony Deyal

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n oxymoron is a figure of speech in which opposite or contradictory ideas or terms are combined.

While one dictionary lists as examples the phrases “thunderous silence” and “sweet sorrow”, I recently, and quite by accident, discovered what Saddam Hussein, were he a collector of oddities instead of Kuwaitis, would have called the “mother” of oxymorons.

It was an announcement that the President of Cricket West Indies, Dave Cameron, who is definitely not a “cricketer” in any serious sense or meaning of the word, had not only been inducted into a “Cricket Hall of Fame” but had also given the Keynote Address which included a “vision” for West Indies Cricket. Coming from him of all people, this should have been a very short speech, even shorter than the one given by someone who was asked to do a speech on “Sex”: he got up, looked at the audience, smiled and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure.” Then he sat down.

Dave’s speech was much longer, and an abridged or edited version in the Jamaica Observer on November 13,

Dave Cameron, President of Cricket West Indies.

The author and Daren Sammy are not amongst his fan base.

2018, was over two-thousand words, or twice the length of one of my columns. In the speech, Cameron mentioned the legendary greats: George Headley, Sir Garry Sobers and the 3Ws (Everton Weekes, Frank Worrell and Clyde Walcott) and “many others” with the comment that it was “almost surreal that I am being called to occupy space within this fraternity of giants”. Now who in whatever Almighty’s name would have the audacity, temerity, stupidity, bad taste, poor judgment and total lack of appreciation for cricket history to place any official, especially one with Cameron’s track record, among the great

players? When the best of our cricket journalists, Tony Cozier, described West Indies cricket as “teetering on the edge of extinction”, he asked a question which shifted the blame that was being heaped on Dwayne Bravo right back to where it belonged, on Cameron: “Would he (WICB President Dave Cameron) like to comment on the BCCI’s revelation that it had received his e-mail at 3 a.m. (India time) on October 8, eleven hours before the scheduled start of the first ODI in Kochi, stating that he was withdrawing the team from the tour?” Hardly the stuff of legends.

Fortunately for the game

of cricket and its credibility, the only major and recognised Hall of Fame for Cricket is owned and managed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in conjunction with the Federation of International Cricketers (FICA). FICA had the only internationally recognised Hall of Fame, which ran from 1999 to 2003 and the ICC took it over as part of its Centenary celebrations on January 2, 2009. Every year the ICC has an Induction Ceremony and, fortunately for the game and ICC’s reputation, only the best cricketers are on the list which starts with Curtly Ambrose and ends with Waqar Younis, but includes the three Ws, Courtney Walsh, Garfield Sobers, Andy Roberts, Viv Richards, Malcolm Marshall, Brian Lara, Michael Holding, George Headley, Wes Hall, Gordon Greenidge, Lance Gibbs and Joel Garner. Among the “Cs” there is a woman, Belinda Clarke, the Chappell brothers (Greg and Ian), Dennis Compton, Colin Cowdrey and Martin Crowe but, as yet, no Dave Cameron. And as one of my friends said caustically, “That and a yellow donkey you will never see.” Unless, of course, the donkey is suicidal and dyed by its own hands or hooves.

What is interesting about

that event in New York is that former West Indies Captain, Jimmy Adams, a person I respect immensely, was also “inducted” at the same time.

I would have thought that as an intelligent person and UWI graduate, Jimmy would have recognised the name “New York Cricket Hall of Fame” to be an oxymoron since “New York” and “cricket” go together only like other oxymorons— “jumbo shrimps”, “military intelligence”, “police service” and “sports journalist”.

What is even more interesting is this excerpt from the Trinidad Guardian by sports journalist Vinode Mamchan: “Pres­i­dent of Crick­et West In­ dies (CWI) Dave Cameron was a pop­u­lar choice among the can­di­dates in­duct­ed in­to the US Hall of Fame on the week­end in New York, USA. The Ja­maican was cho­sen by the Hall of Fame pan­el head­ed by Michael Cham­bers and recog­nised for his work in the ad­min­is­tra­tion of West In­dies crick­et. Cham­bers in­tro­duc­ing Cameron said he was a pop­u­lar choice be­cause he has stood firm amidst many de­trac­tors in his ef­forts to lead West In­dies crick­et for­ward.

Dave has had a lot to deal with when it comes to West In­dies crick­et. A lot of peo­ple have had prob­lems with his strong-

minded lead­er­ship of crick­et in the West In­dies. We have had Prime Min­is­ters come against him but he has stood tall and stuck to what he be­lieved in and we are see­ing the ben­e­fits he has brought to the board.”

On March 24 this year, just over two weeks from now, Cricket West Indies (formerly the West Indies Cricket Board and before that the West Indies Cricket Board of Control) will have its Annual General Meeting (AGM). In a way, the loss of control and being “over” board typify Cameron’s Cricket West Indies. There are legal questions about the eligibility of the Guyana cricket board to participate in the AGM and other questions about the financial management of CWI. The reason given by one of my friends for the tenacity with which some members of the present board are clinging to power and supporting Cameron deals with what could happen if they lose. “Tony,” he said, “if that happen, you will see how fast the Hall of Fame will become a Hall of Shame.”

Tony Deyal was last seen saying that he no longer makes cricket jokes because they inevitably end up being in charge of West Indies Cricket.

New Cuban Ambassador Accredited to the OECS

T

he accreditation of H.E. Alejandro Simancas Marin, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States took place this past Wednesday at the OECS Commission.

OECS Director General, H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules was presented with the Letters accrediting H.E. Marin, reaffirming the mutual commitment to the enduring and deep relations between the Republic of Cuba and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.

Distinguished guests included the Ambassadors of Venezuela, Morocco, France and Mexico, Commission staff and regional representatives from partner organisations.

Dr. Jules said the OECS looked forward to Ambassador Marin building on the contributions of his predecessor, Ambassador H.E. Jorge Soberon, who

contributed immensely during his tenure to the deepening of relations between Cuba and the OECS. “We extend a warm and fraternal welcome to Ambassador Marin,” said Dr. Jules. “Cuba and the Caribbean and the OECS have a long and deep tradition of friendship characterized by constancy on both sides.”

Dr. Jules continued: “Because of the punitive measures placed on Cuba we place an even higher premium on the bonds with Cuba in the arenas of human resource development, health, sport and culture, noting the tens of thousands of Caribbean people impacted by university scholarships and professional training.”

Dr. Jules added that some of the high points of the enduring relationship are the restoration of sight through Operation Miracle, and the medical attention that many

Caribbean nationals have received, that would otherwise be unaffordable.

Said Dr. Jules: “The measure of anyone’s generosity lies not in the quantum of what is given but in the cost of what is given, and we acknowledge and uphold Cuba’s enduring commitment to the region.”

Dr. Jules concluded by welcoming Ambassador Marin with the embrace of family to the OECS and reaffirmed the OECS’ non-negotiable solidarity with the government and people of Cuba.

Ambassador Marin said he extended on behalf of his government, greetings and a reaffirmation to continue the willingness to work on the strengthening of the relationship with the Organisation and its Member States.

“The OECS is a grouping of countries in which Cuba has a shared geographical, historical,

many countries in the Eastern Caribbean,” said Ambassador Marin.

His Excellency noted a number of important agreements recently signed between the OECS and Cuba in the sectors of higher education, bio-technological and pharmaceutical industries, public healthcare, cultural and bi-lateral trade and new areas to be explored including disaster preparedness, transport and tourism.

Ambassador Alejandro Marin (left)

Ambassador Marin and OECS Director General Didacus Jules. concluded that Cuba is deeply human and cultural setting solidarity and cooperation which grateful to the OECS for its that embraces us all,” said have guided the relationship unwavering position of respect Ambassador Marin. He noted with the Caribbean, were built and solidarity and for its the vision of Cuba’s national on the solid pillars established long-standing support for the hero Jose Marti who, since the by leader of the Revolution Fidel demand to lift the commercial, Castro, and which represented 1900s, identified Latin America economic and financial and the Caribbean as ‘our the ties we share today. blockade against Cuba.

America’ and the inclusion of

“Our contribution has

“The OECS can always represented for us a high sense count on the respect, friendship the Antilles as the balance and stability of the region. of solidarity from our humble solidarity, gratitude and

The Ambassador said capabilities to the economic the support of Cuba,” said the principles of friendship, and social development of Ambassador Marin.

THE STAR

health

www.stluciastar.com

march 09, 2019

11

KIM’S KORNER

Facing up to Bell’s Palsy W

hen people experience weakness on one side of their face, they automatically think of stroke.

But if the symptoms are only affecting your face and no other part of your body, your paralysis may be due to Bell’s Palsy.

Bell’s Palsy is a condition that causes temporary weakness of one side of the face—noticeable by the inability to smile or keep your eye on that side closed. The condition is named after Sir Charles Bell who presented cases in 1829.

The symptoms usually come on suddenly, for no apparent reason. But prior to the full onset of symptoms, you may notice you have trouble closing your eye (causing your eyes to water) and that you are drooling on one side. You may even experience a pain behind your ear. Although there are not always warning signs, you may just wake up with a drooping

mouth and an eye that doesn’t close. In severe cases you may also experience pain in the jaw, headaches, and a change in your taste buds.

The exact cause of Bell’s Palsy is unknown but most doctors believe it is due to damage to the seventh cranial nerve, which controls the muscles of the face. The damage to the nerve results in swelling, causing pressure on the nerve as it leaves the skull to the face through a narrow opening. This pressure affects the nerve signal reaching the muscles, resulting in paralysis.

The cause of the damage is, however, still under discussion but many sources believe a viral infection may be the cause.

There are also risk factors like diabetes, an upper respiratory tract infection, such as a cold or the flu, and pregnancy that can increase the risk of developing the condition.

Diagnosing Bell’s Palsy is usually straightforward but if your doctor suspects a stroke, infections, Lyme disease or tumours, all of which have similar symptoms, then they may request further tests.

The most effective tests to differentiate between the different conditions are CT or MRI scans, or an EMG test which can determine the severity of the nerve damage.

There is no cure for Bell’s Palsy and most people can expect to recover fully, although it can take from a few weeks to several months. The emphasis is on managing the symptoms through medication and, in some cases, physiotherapy.

The purpose of medication is to reduce the inflammation and the most effective drugs are corticosteroids like prednisolone which is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Physiotherapy can be

effective in the management of weakness, pain and inflammation, if present, by the use of electrotherapy, exercise and massage. Therapeutic massage to maintain the flexibility and length of the facial muscles, which may shorten, can prevent permanent contractures developing.

In extreme cases where the pressure is not relieved and symptoms worsen, decompression surgery may be indicated.

Self-care is important to avoid complications. Not being able to close your eye can lead to a condition called dry eye syndrome which can cause burning, itchy, tired eyes that are sensitive to light. The best way to avoid this secondary complication is to use a lubricant to keep the eye moist, wear glasses and frequently close the eye with your hand.

At night, to avoid damage or

accidentally getting something in the eye, you can wear an eye patch or tape the eye closed.

It can be a frightening experience but the most important thing to remember is that, in most cases, the symptoms are only temporary and full recovery will take place with or without treatment.

Timely treatment minimises the risks of long-term complications and may help to speed up recovery.

If you are still worried, knowing that some of the most beautiful and famous people have experienced the condition may help to relieve your fears; among them are Angelina Jolie, once voted the world’s most beautiful woman by Vanity Fair; George Clooney whose smile makes women swoon; Pierce ‘James Bond’ Brosnan, and Empire star Terence Howard.

The take-home message is: keep smiling and stay positive.

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

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march 09, 2019 THE STAR

Life As A Reporter Nearly As Easy As It S O

ver the weekend, with wild rumors crashing into macabre assumptions about what had landed a young and healthy Rehani Isidore in hospital, I took an overseas call from a curious friend who wished to know what I might’ve written had the reporter at the center of the latest Looshan preoccupation been a member of my editorial department.

A great question. I tossed it around in my head for several seconds before responding.

“If all we’re hearing is true,” I said pointedly, “it’s unlikely the gentleman would be on my team of reporters in the first place.” Even as the coated words fell out of my mouth a small voice in my head was hissing: “Cop-out! Cop-out! Give the man a straight answer.”

The truth is that while I’ve always acknowledged his potential, the gentleman has never been a friend of mine. A week or so before he was reportedly delivered unconscious to a Victoria Hospital emergency ward, he’d produced a non-story about me that I considered as badly composed as it was unmerited, and of course I had retaliated in my usual fashion: I let verifiable proof speak for me. We had earlier been involved in a couple of minor collisions (with good reason I hesitate to describe them as journalistic exchanges) that I choose not to resurrect at this particular time, never having been one to kick a man

when he’s down—whether or not by his own hand.

My inquisitive (mischievous?) overseas friend persisted: “But say he was a STAR reporter anyway. Say you didn’t know when you took him on board that there was more to the guy than an ability to write a so-so sentence or two.

What would you do, faced with all this stuff pouring out of the woodwork? Would you report all you knew about the story?

Would you fire him?”

“Well,” I said, “if we’re going strictly by what’s before us, same minutiae, save for the reporter’s name, I’d wait until he was out of his coma and able to explain what had befallen him. In the meantime I would be pressuring the police for their side of the shocking incident. If they stubbornly refused to confirm widespread rumors that the now comatose reporter had earlier been assisting them with certain touchy inquiries; if they insisted on keeping their lips zipped as to why my reporter had to be rushed to Victoria Hospital soon after they arrested him, then I’d write accordingly. I certainly would not leave my readers with the impression that it was no business of theirs what may have happened to a reporter with Rehani Isidore’s professional history. At the very least, I’d have confirmed or denied rumors that a short time after the police had escorted my reporter from his office he

was reported to be at Victoria Hospital’s intensive care unit “fighting for his life.”

As I write it occurs to me that if there is any truth to what has been bruited, that the patient had attempted to take his own life by ingesting a deadly poison while at the police station, it would make no sense to report he was now “fighting for his life.” Better to say Victoria Hospital doctors were doing their utmost to save him!

I assured my overseas friend that depending on his circumstances I would stand by my reporter though the heavens fall. In all events I would afford him the same fair treatment I dished out to individuals not associated with the STAR—as indeed my work record easily proves.

I need add that it’s not easy being a reporter, especially in countries as small as ours, where the expectation is that fellow professionals, whether doctors, lawyers or priests, will protect one another from embarrassing public scrutiny no matter what. In my book It’ll Be Alright In the Morning, I wrote several paragraphs that are anything but selfpromoting. I chose not to spare myself possible negative reader reaction, on the basis that if the proclivities of my subjects (mainly politicians) demanded detailed public analysis, then why not those of the author? Several years

When will police say how HTS reporter Rehani Isidore landed at Victoria Hospital’s intensive care unit? How was he able to ingest poison while assisting police in their inquiries into a recent bomb scare? (Pictured: Police Commissioner Severin Monchery.)

ago when a now deceased prime minister convened a House meeting for the sole purpose of leveling criminal accusations at me (contrary to House rules) I reported on the matter as I might’ve had it been another citizen on the receiving end of the prime minister’s false accusations. In due course I would also prove the prime minister’s declarations amounted to vice paying homage to virtue.

On the other hand, when a close friend of the STAR was accused of criminal behavior and taken into police custody we reported the incident as we knew it, at the same time gently reminding our readers not to rush to judgment. We did not pretend the allegations against him had never been made, or that they were unfounded,

or the police uninvolved.

We could’ve neglected to mention the incident altogether on the premise that the accused was “one of ours,” therefore deserved our special protection from possible public embarrassment. As I say, errant reporters are people too and deserve to be treated as we treat others in similar straits.

Some might say reporters, “the fourth estate,” are expected collectively to be the people’s watchdog, a role generally considered “important to a functioning democracy.” The fourth estate cannot in the best interests of society be permitted to function as some kind of mafia with its own self-serving rules.

Which is not to say tell it like it is reporters are always appreciated or encouraged.

Some of my straight from the shoulder publications have resulted in damaged personal relationships, if only for a short time, I am happy to report.

Unforgettable is the time I wrote in reaction to a public statement by my long-time friend Arnold Schwarzenegger. In consequence, he stopped talking to me for three months, maybe more. When finally we decided it was time to resume regular communication Arnold unforgettably let me know how badly my published piece had disappointed him. When I reminded him that what I’d written was my honest reaction to something US magazine had quoted him as saying, something I considered egregious, he said: “There’s not much I can do about what magazines write about me. They do what they have to do. But you, Rick, you are my friend. I expect friends to watch out for each other’s backs!”

As he spoke he looked at me with the eyes of a whimpering puppy whose

THE STAR

r Not Seems! mother had just been run over by a Mack truck. Yes, try to imagine the Terminator with puppy-dog eyes. The way he spoke the word “friend” hit me so hard my knees almost buckled.

There were other incidents at Weider Publications involving Arnold, for which I was not to blame, not directly.

Still he held me responsible for not looking out for my friend. We finally agreed that before I wrote critically of him again I would permit him the opportunity to tell me his side of the given situation. That we remain friends to this day is proof Arnold finally understood my credibility meant as much to me as did his public image to him.

Then there was the singular Derek Walcott, for me the closest thing to a god. He once read three lines of a feature I’d written, angrily flung the paper aside, then phoned to let me know he had not only cancelled a planned dinner but would also “never, ever, ever again read the STAR.” He hung up on me, but not before he had drop several f-bombs on my vulnerable ego. Suffice it to say, all was well again just two days later. I did not expect an apology and Derek offered none. After all, did Minerva ever apologize? Did Zeus? But he sheepishly admitted he’d lost his cool after reading only the first few lines of my full-page article about a private function held in his honor. Later he called to say he’d read the piece again, this time in its entirety—and loved it. I should remind mortal readers this was the same Walcott who authored “The Mongoose,” wherein he declared V.S. Naipaul a hater of black men who “loves black cunt.” I’ll refrain from recalling my contretemps with my friend and lawyer the former House Speaker, Peter Foster Q.C. (I wouldn’t put it past him to serve me a libel suit if I should do otherwise.) Like the Terminator, when required Peter can summon up pleading pussycat eyes capable of turning the hardest hard into soppy spaghetti. Trust me!

On Monday I was inundated with calls and Whatsapp texts falsely (callously?) informing me that Rehani

Isidore had passed. My attention was also directed to an online item featuring his former HTS colleague and current media association president Miguel Fevrier. Nothing in the haunting piece suggested why the public was being invited to offer prayers for “one of our own,” never mind widespread speculation that the police had discovered good reason to take Isidore in for questioning and that while in their custody the reporter had served himself a killer potion. As for the cops, they waited until Monday to say what already was common knowledge. For once it seemed the police and media were performing in harmony!

Another reminder of the price some reporters pay for writing unflatteringly about their friends. The writer in this case was Truman Capote, legendary author of In Cold Blood and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. For years he had been the darling of New York’s high society—until he published Answered Prayers, a roman à clef about their lives away from the bright lights.

The fall-out was swift.

One by one the fragile Capote’s “swans” took flight, leaving the writer grounded and all alone.

He took refuge at the California home of his close friend Joanne Carson, ex-wife of the late night TV god Johnny Carson, where he died a few days after arrival.

Just before he passed he spoke to the former Mrs Carson about the friends who had deserted him en masse.

“What did they expect?” he asked. “I’m a writer, and I use everything. Did those people think I was there just to entertain them?” Some say the writer finally succumbed to the effects of too much booze and too many drugs. Others closer to him insist that what killed Truman Capote was a broken heart!

COMMENT

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march 09, 2019

13

Journalism’s first obligation!

Dean Nestor

B

ias in news coverage is a violation of the principles of journalistic ethics. The Nine Principles of Journalism, as stated by the American Press Association, provide a stark reminder.

The first four are particularly cutting, as they powerfully demonstrate how far the local media have strayed, especially when its members are involved in a story.

They read as follows: “Journalism’s first obligation Is to the truth. Its first loyalty is to citizens. Its essence Is the discipline of verification and its practitioners must maintain an independence from those they cover.”

The police finally acknowledged in a press release on Monday that on Thursday, February 28, 2019 an individual was taken into police custody in connection with the report of a bomb threat at George F.L. Charles Airport, on February 20, 2019.

The release continued: “That same evening, the suspect was transported to Victoria Hospital, having ingested a substance.

The suspect is in a critical condition at a medical facility and has not been charged.”

There is nothing in the communique that has not been in the public domain since last Thursday’s arrest.

It is also to be noted that it does not contradict anything making the rounds on social media.

Monday’s long-awaited police press release followed another by Miguel Fevrier, president of the Media Association of Saint Lucia (MASL), that featured a day earlier in St. Lucia Times

Miguel Fevrier: the MASL president's statement this week on Rehani Isidore inspired more questions than answers!

under the heading “Journalist Rehani Isidore Continues to Fight For His Life.” The statement read in part: “As our colleague continues to fight for his life, our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate and extended family . . . who are devastated by this situation.” What led to the sad state of affairs goes unmentioned in the MASL president’s statement, even though it was by now common knowledge.

The closest the MASL president, himself a reporter, came to acknowledging a link between the man who was allegedly fighting for his life in an emergency ward and the recent bomb scare was when he said: “We understand that rumour and speculation have [sic] and will exist, but while we await official word from the relevant authorities MASL makes no further statement on the matter.”

While it is to be understood that these cases must be treated with sensitivity, the pretend ignorance on the parts of both the media and police only fuels the public suspicion

that how the media reports a crime depends very much on who the suspect is.

On Monday, this reporter spent several hours at Victoria Hospital, perchance to discover how Rehani Isidore was doing.

By that time the rumours were everywhere: the patient had died; the patient had been removed to another island, and so on. All efforts at reaching the media association had failed. The police insisted there was nothing to add to their statement made several days earlier. My inquiries at Isidore’s workplace were also fruitless.

The HTS receptionist told me, “The company’s statement on the matter was ‘no comment.’”

Not so long ago a concerned Director of Public Prosecutions found herself in media hot water, with good reason, when she advised local journalists to be especially careful when writing about suspects in criminal matters.

The then media association president took the DPP to task on TV and elsewhere for “attempting to gag the press”.

But now it seems the press has chosen to gag itself, issuing

pleas for prayers “for one of our own” whom the police say is their suspect in the most recent bomb scare case.

Enquiring minds don’t have to look far for proof of the media prejudice hinted at here. Only last week Michael Pooran’s mother was everywhere, being interviewed about her son’s murder.

Some of our reporters have made a name for themselves tracking down regular people as well as ranking officials, presumably all in the interest of keeping the nation informed.

Tearful mothers of not only victims but also of suspects handcuffed to hospital beds have been interviewed on TV while attendant police officers turned their heads away. All of that within minutes of an incident, when those interviewed were quite possibly out of their sedated minds.

Not even the circumstances of the reporter’s arrest at his workplace have been reported.

Instead his colleagues “await official word from the relevant authorities” while inviting the nation to pray for him.

If this were not such a serious matter on several counts, a writer could produce a fine comedic piece comparing the statements by Rehani Isidore’s concerned colleagues in the regular press and on Facebook. Nuff said.

While the principles of journalistic ethics do not apply to the press office of the RSLPF—after all the office is less concerned with public information than with the image of the force— they certainly apply to the mainstream media that would sell itself as unbiased and seekers of truth.

14 LOCAL

www.stluciastar.com

march 09, 2019 THE STAR

International Women’s Day: Revisiting the Past

By Keithlin Caroo

A

s Sir Winston Churchill once said, “The farther backward you can look, the further forward you can see.” With Women’s Day festivities in the air, we look at three of the women who have shaped Saint Lucia as a whole. While some may not have roads named after them or monuments erected in their honour, their contributions have paved the way for generations of Saint Lucians.

Flore Bois Gaillard: Few know of the existence of Flore but if you know of Piton Flore, then it’s best to know that it was named after a revolutionary Saint Lucian mulattress who played a decisive role in the Brigands’ war and actually led one of the guerrilla bands against the British at the Battle of Rabot. Flore Bois Gaillard can be compared to ex-slaves like Queen Nanny of Jamaica or Harriet Tubman of the US. All three were former slave women who led military campaigns

against attempts to re-enslave them and, while killed for their efforts, had a lasting impact on the slaves who were able to see freedom.

Marie Grace Augustin: Ms. Augustin was a Saint Lucian businesswoman and politician.

After attaining a nursing and midwifery degree, she studied law, but was refused permission to take a bar examination based on her gender. If she had been granted admission, she would have become the first woman lawyer in the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Instead, Ms. Augustin became the first woman in Saint Lucia to manage a large estate and was also the first woman to be nominated as a parliamentarian in Saint Lucia, becoming the first female member of the legislature.

Aside from her career aspirations, Ms. Augustin was an innovator and, dare I say, a daredevil. Back in those times, the main mode of transport from her estate in Micoud to Castries was by horseback and took two days to complete. Ms. Augustin cut that to four hours

patron of the arts and opened her estate and hotel to many iconic figures such as Sesenne, Dunstan St. Omer and Derek Walcott. In fact, her principal entertainer was Sesenne.

Three iconic Saint Lucian women.

Top: Sesenne Descartes; bottom: Marie Grace Augustin (left), and Flore Bois Gaillard.

by purchasing a motorcycle and riding it from her estate to town.

She was also a generous

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Keithlin Caroo is the founder of Helen’s Daughters , a Saint Lucian non-profit with a special focus on rural women’s economic development through improved market access, adaptive agricultural techniques, and capacitybuilding. It was formed in 2016 in a winning proposal for UN Women’s Empower Women Champions for Change Program.

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Sandals Resorts’ Chef Clayton brings more than Gourmet Cooking to the Table

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Sessenne Descartes: While it’s right to recognise Sesenne’s contributions to folk-singing and the preservation of culture, she was quite the rebel; some would even describe her as Saint Lucia’s first female cultural activist because, in Sesenne’s days, the speaking of Kwéyòl, and even the custom of flower festivals and seances, was frowned upon, and in some cases prohibited, by the British elite who governed the island.

Sesenne took a musical stance against British colonialism and its efforts to fragment Saint Lucian society by continuing to sing in Kwéyòl. She even sang folk songs during the eve of our

nation’s Independence, in the company of members of the British royal family.

Far too often, the memories of our female icons are buried or lost. During this year’s Women’s Day, let’s hope that they can be celebrated for their sacrifices and unfaltering contributions.

layton Julien grew up on his grandparents’ farm in Mahaut and, as a child, his only thought of food was that it was for nutrition, and that girls were supposed to do all the cooking.

Fast forward several years and Clayton Julien is not only a member of the official Saint Lucia National Culinary Team 2019, but he has also won the Chef of the Year award.

The Sandals Regency La Toc Chef is now getting set to represent Saint Lucia in June, at the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean Competition which takes place every year in Miami.

Far from the zenith of his career, Chef Clayton demonstrates a hunger for advancement and personal growth that has taken him across the world to the Maldives where he served, with African and Latin influences, as Chef de Cuisine, and then back home to the Caribbean as a private chef consultant, catering to billionaire clientele, Saudi Arabian princes, British royalty and high government officials on the island of Canouan.

He started his career path with Sandals Resorts in 2009 when he joined Sandals Grande Saint Lucia Spa and Beach Resort as a chef tournant.

While not one for the spotlight, Chef Clayton has set

his mind on inspiring the next generation of chefs. In fact he was just 15 when he got his first spark. “I thought it was for girls, but the fact that I got to express myself through a different avenue really excited me,” he said.

Clayton ended up in the restaurant business working under what he describes as “some hard brass European chefs”. By the age of twentyone he had advanced up the culinary ladder to become a sous chef, and was running an Italian restaurant.

In 2012, and at the age of twenty-three, Clayton’s career went global as he set sail in the cruise industry as the youngest chef de partie on Disney cruise lines, where he worked with over ninety-one nationalities preparing international cuisine.

In early 2015 he moved to Belgium and, after a six-month period in Michelin one- and two-starred restaurants, he returned to the Caribbean.

“In 2015 my daughter was born in Saint Lucia, and this keeps me grounded here.”

Now Clayton is a successful chef at the prestigious French La Toc Restaurant at Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa, and even after all his experiences, he still aspires for more. “I am always hungry to learn.

Chef Clayton Julien (left) alongside Mr. Winston Anderson, Managing Director Sandals Saint Lucia.

I like to push myself beyond my current boundaries, and I am trying not to stagnate. I am happy that I have earned my spot on the Saint Lucia Culinary Team to represent Saint Lucia in June. This is where we will really bring it, as we face off against representatives from other Caribbean islands at the competition in Miami. I am looking forward to this, especially because this is proof that Sandals has the best chefs on the island.”

To the aspiring chefs out there he advises, “Don’t give up on your dreams or goals.

Don’t let people change you.

If you have a vision, go for it, regardless of circumstance.”

THE STAR

Independence Cross-Country Hike

By Jessica Alexander

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n Friday February 22, the Independence CrossCountry Hike, one of the activities commemorating the island’s 40th year of independence, took place in the scenic town of Soufriere. The event was co-ordinated and led by three businesspersons, all of whom are natives of the town.

In the names of our three businesses, namely St Lucia Eco Adventures, Belle Carib and Sa Nou St Lucia, we sought to present a different, less commonly seen, naturally picturesque side of the community.

The event was deemed a resounding success by participants and co-ordinators alike. Key to that success were contributions from major sponsors, such as Bank of Saint Lucia, Cox and Company, and Crossfit 758, along with assistance from several other private entities including Ti Kaye Resort, COTCH Jewelry, Orlando’s, Eden Styles and several others.

Noteworthy was our insistence that no single-

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“Go Far, Go Together!”— “US-Saint Lucia-Taiwan” trilateral cooperation will generate more opportunities for development

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n Thursday, March 7, 2019, Ambassador Douglas Shen met with Julie Chung, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Group photo along the trail in scenic Soufriere during Ambassador Linda Taglialatela the 2019 Independence Cross-Country Hike. of the U.S Embassy in Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean and the use disposables be brought in attendance, ranging from a on the hike. Additionally, ten-year-old girl from Soufriere OECS and other U.S officials.

Also present were General participants were fed locallytown, to a 70-plus-year-old gentleman who was visiting the Manager David Chang and Vice sourced snacks, packaged General Manager Arthur Lin of in environmentally friendly island.

Taiwan’s Overseas Engineering vessels; and a comprehensive

The leading co-ordinators & Construction Co. (OECC). overview of both flora and wish to express heartfelt They exchanged views on joint fauna—seen along the trail thanks to all who lent support efforts to help further develop to making the walk a reality, along with additional general Saint Lucia through transparent including all the ticket outlets points of interest—was shared and vendors as well as the Saint and sustainable development/ during the duration of the hike. capacity building programmes,

The event saw a slew Lucia National Trust which was of persons from varying represented by a small group of as well as joint investment projects. backgrounds and demographics the overall participants.

Saint Lucia Advocates for Fresh and Fair Elections in Venezuela

he Government of Saint Lucia continues to monitor the escalating situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela which has caused immense hardship and suffering for the people of that country.

With the safety and security of Saint Lucia’s borders being a paramount consideration for the Government, Saint Lucia has seen an influx of arms and drugs with Venezuelan origins, as well as the illegal entry of Venezuelans, all exacerbated by the instability in Venezuela.

In a statement on January 10, 2019 at the Special Meeting of the OAS Permanent Council, Saint Lucia also stated a concern with the entry of external actors into our Caribbean and Latin American space. Saint Lucia urged Venezuela to “please come back into the fold; back to the principles that ensure openness and democracy; and back to the table with your friends.”

At last week’s Thirtieth

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Mr. Nicolas Maduro who commenced a second term as president of Venezuela on May 20, 2018.

Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, a joint communique was issued by CARICOM, which responded to the ensuing increase in hardship and suffering of

the Venezuelan people. The statement read in part: “The people of Venezuela must be allowed to decide their own future in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter - non-intervention, noninterference, prohibition of the threat or use of force, respect for the rule of law, human rights and democracy. As CARICOM has ceaselessly advocated, for this objective to be attained, there has to be a meaningful and internal dialogue between the contending parties. This dialogue must determine how best the crisis can be resolved within the confines of the constitution and the rule of law, whether by referendum, elections or any other agreed mechanism. Nothing short of this will lead to the quelling of this crisis or provide the relief that all Venezuelans desire.”

Saint Lucia also joined CARICOM in calling for a commitment to the delivery of humanitarian aid that utilizes

United Nations mechanisms that have been used over the years for the impartial and effective delivery of relief.

Based on Saint Lucia’s known position on the issue of the May 2018 election, and the statements by CARICOM, Saint Lucia had hoped that that the current regime would move towards fresh and fair elections to solve this crisis.

Saint Lucia notes that the regime has ignored this call, which has the support of the majority of countries in the world.

It should be noted that there are more than 50 countries, including two from CARICOM, that have gone a step further to officially recognize Juan Guiado as the Interim President, and support the role that he can play in ensuring fresh elections.

Saint Lucia will continue to work with all concerned countries and organisations, in order to secure democracy in Venezuela and ensure regional stability.

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NATIONAL INSURANCE CORPORATION VACANCY- INSPECTOR The National Insurance Corporation is seeking to fill the position of Inspector to complement its team of Inspectors at its Southern Branch Office.

Summary of Duties: To undertake activities to ensure that Employers comply with the relevant provisions of legislation governing the operations of the National Insurance Corporation and to conduct benefit claims investigations.

The successful candidate will be required inter alia to perform the following duties: • Conduct audits in accordance with the approved audit program.

• Conduct investigations, interview and review benefit claims.

• Confirm application for self employed registration and Life Certificates when necessary • Advise employees and employers of their NIC

responsibilities and provide assistance to them where necessary.

• Verify operating status of employers.

• Represent the NIC in court as required, in cases relating to matters of compliance.

Qualifications and Experience • At least an undergraduate Degree in Accounting or equivalent discipline.

• At least 3 years working experience in accounting, auditing or related field.

Knowledge, Skills and Qualities:• Ability to interpret the NIC Act and Regulations.

• Ability to work with little supervision and to function effectively in a team environment.

• Ability to interpret the financial statements of

contributing companies and to negotiate payment agreements with employers.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills • Coaching, counseling, negotiating and conflict

resolutions skills.

• Must be self driven and results oriented with excellent interpersonal skills.

• Must demonstrate sound work ethics.

• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.

Other Requirements: • A valid driver’s license.

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 Inspector National Insurance Corporation Francis Compton Building Waterfront, Castries Deadline for submission of applications is March 25, 2019.

Please note that only suitable applications will be acknowledged.

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Chamber of Commerce “Will You Be Ready” Gospel Concert seeking to raise Funds to boost Local Sales Competitiveness

By Benedict Alcide

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y name is Benedict Alcide better known as Ben from the community of Bois Den, Fond St. Jacques.

I am from a family of eleven, with a musical background.

My dad played the banjo and the shack-shack; I would watch him, and every time he put down his instrument, I would take it and practise until I learned the art of playing.

At the age of eighteen I accepted the Advent faith and this is when my musical career took off. I was introduced to a number of musicians, the choir, and singers, and I fell in love with the guitar. The church gave me the opportunity to sing and play and now I am a singer, songwriter, musician and recording artist. I have released three CDs and will be releasing my fourth on the night of my upcoming concert.

I thank God today for blessing me with these talents and for allowing me to be a

blessing to others. Because of them being given to me, I have decided, through the leading of the Spirit, to not be selfish but to use them to bless others, hence the reason why we have had numerous activities to help others.

Some of the programmes we have been engaged in are: • 2009 — A concert to raise funds for the ASI Children’s Ministries, held at the Maranatha SDA Church.

• 2010 — A concert in aid of Haiti after the massive earthquake there, also held at the Maranatha SDA Church, which was a great success.

• In 2013 the ministry adopted the Cornerstone Home and we have since performed a concert to help raise muchneeded funds. We also have individuals who go in to give haircuts, hair styling for the ladies, lunch, and just to check if all is well, plus worship sessions and lots more.

• 2017 — We held two events, one in Augier, Vieux Fort and one in Castries, to help

raise funds for our sister isle of Dominica.

For the upcoming concert “Will You Be Ready”, which will be held at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday March 16, 2019 from 7:30 p.m., we’re looking forward to raising much-needed funds to better equip the ministry with musical instruments and recording studio equipment that will help develop talents of interested individuals, and to creating a healthy society.

In light of recent national and world events, it is fitting that we all gather together to join our hearts and souls through a medium that is universal: music. So we appeal to all to come out and support this event.

Tickets can be purchased at The Adventist Book Center (IADPA), Tiny Hands Pre-School, Eucharist Lewis SDA Primary School, Prayz FM and from me, Benedict Alcide. Tickets cost $25.00 for adults while those for children 12 years and under cost $10.00.

Commencement of Phase II of Information Management Training for Government, Non-governmental and Civil Society Organisations

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overnment, nongovernmental and civil society organisations will again receive specific training in meta-data analysis, environmental indicators, research methods, conducting vulnerability and adaptation assessments and Geographic Information Systems scheduled for March 4 to 21, 2019.

The Department of Sustainable Development, through the “Increase Saint Lucia’s Capacity to Monitor Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) Implementation and Sustainable Development Project”, continues to build the competence of the public and private sector to facilitate the co-ordination of environmental information to ensure national, indicator-based reporting in a coherent and more efficient manner.

Additionally, the training seeks to further greater institutional, systemic and individual level understanding of environmental issues among non-governmental stakeholders.

Saint Lucia has established a web-based platform providing the public and private sectors with access to information on MEAs indicators with the use of raw data from a Common Data Storage Facility (CDSF).

The raw data is processed as required and information is presented to the user for viewing and/or downloading in various formats. The CDSF is an electronic vault for documents of varying formats that allows authorised users to search reports through customised meta-data inputted or documents, using a combination of date, users, tags and catalogues.

Minister for Education,

Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development Hon. Gale T. C. Rigobert states: “Over the past years, the support of agencies such as the GEF and the UNEP has facilitated the enhancement of our local capacity to generate, access and use information for policy development, planning, monitoring and evaluating of environmental impacts and trends for which we are very thankful. I know that we will make good use of these opportunities as we continue to develop expertise and understanding of environmental issues among our governmental and nongovernment partners.”

For further information, please contact the Department of Sustainable Development, telephone (1) 758-451-8746 extension 5800 or email slumea.monitoring@gmail.com

through Training

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he Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture will be hosting two Sales Professionals Training Programmes during the week commencing Monday March 25, 2019. Sales professionals are a company’s front-line and face in the market, particularly with key customers. The “partnerships” developed and nurtured with customers, as well as the services and revenue that flow between the customer and the company, are in a sales professional’s hands.

For that reason, companies looking to service their customers and grow their business in a challenging, competitive environment need strong and tactical sales leaders. The role carries great responsibility and the Chamber is aware that training of these key resources—that is, sales managers and salespersons— brings positive and outstanding results if done well. As such, in collaboration with Res

Consulting Limited, the Saint Lucia Chamber presents these two powerful Sales Training Programmes: Sales Management – Tuesday 26 to Wednesday 27 March; Becoming A Sales Champion – Thursday 28 to Friday 29 March.

These training programmes utilize an intensive approach to develop, strengthen and improve the sales teams of any company. They have been specifically designed for persons who want to be sales champions and those who want to be more effective in leading efficient sales teams.

The Sales Management course is for the sales manager who is seeking to drive and lead their team to achieve full potential ,and grow the team’s capabilities and capacities.

The Sales Champion course caters to experienced sales professionals as well as newer sales representatives who are learning and growing in their role.

The facilitator, Francis Lewis, brings to the table experience from manufacturing and distribution, airlines, and banking and finance, which he freely shares. He challenges participants to break the perceived boundaries in how they approach their work in order to achieve their targets and earn fantastic bonuses.

The training workshops will provide the required skills and confidence needed to meet the demands of the customer in a straightforward, understandable and motivational manner to maximise every sales opportunity.

If you have existing customers and want to strategically acquire new customers, this Sales Training is for you. These training programmes are popular so interested persons and firms are asked to book early, regardless of sector. Please call the Chamber to book now as training spots are limited.

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Independence Ball raises Much-Needed Funds for Local Charities T

hey came in droves to this year’s Prime Minister’s Independence Ball, which took place on Saturday February 23, but there was something special in the air this time around, a spirit that suggested coming together for a common cause. Diplomats rubbed shoulders with businesspeople, nationals eagerly introduced themselves to attendant dignitaries national and foreign, regular citizens hugged constituency representatives.

All around the room attendees lauded the obvious effort and determination to make Saint Lucia’s 40th anniversary of Independence a celebration to remember. They were eager to support the night’s charity ball for the benefit of several organisations, the main one this year being Cornerstone House which provides housing to the homeless and dispossessed although many pledges were also made to other charitable organisations on the island.

Co-hosts Masana Morrison (left) and Joseph Marcell.

Founded by Juliet Brathwaite, operations at Cornerstone commenced in 1997 but the official opening was in November 1998. The original idea for the Cornerstone House was to provide night shelter and a meal for the needy: the beds were supposed to be occupied for the night and then readied for anyone else in distress, but Cornerstone soon became a regular refuge for the indigent.

Masana Morrison of The Wave co-hosted the charity event at Sandals Grande with renowned Saint Lucian actor Joseph Marcell (of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) as master of ceremonies. A member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Marcell has appeared in productions of Othello and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He also appears often on British television and in feature films, and serves on the board of the

Globe Theatre in London. His wit and energy added tremendously to the evening’s experience.

Music was supplied by national treasures Boo Hinkson (who wrote this year’s popular and unifying Independence song “All In”), Barbara Cadet and Shannon Pinel. As usual, the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force Band was a big hit.

Two outstanding young Saint Lucians, business innovator Johanan Dujon and famed local sculptor Jallim Eudovic, were specially invited by the Prime Minister to deliver well-received addresses.

A specially sculpted piece by Jallim Eudovic was presented to keynote speaker Mr. Andrew Farkas of Island Global Yachting (IGY), as well as to the visiting Taiwanese special envoy Legislative Speaker Su Jia-chyuan who represented his country’s president Tsai Ing-wen. He was also accompanied by business leaders to explore potential investment and trade opportunities between Taiwan

all Saint Lucians to be involved in the future progress of our country.

The much-anticipated auctions of trips overseas, hotel packages and other hot-ticket items such as front row seats to London and New York Fashion weeks were received with exuberance as bidding wars began. Even more thrilling were the unexpected, large donations made by many of the winners of prizes and gathered businessmen. Gasps of amazement were followed by thunderous applause as donors attempted to outdo each other in the name of the night’s charities.

Guests were later invited to Johanan Dujon, founder dance till the early morning hours of Algas Organics Inc. at the Palladium— renamed Studio 79 on the occasion—to and Saint Lucia. the sounds of Dr. Beat.

In a passionate address,

Requests for tickets to next Prime Minister Allen Chastanet year’s Prime Minister’s ball have emphasized the significance of already started pouring in, which this year’s independence theme, “All in, Our Journey, Our Future”, must come as a big boost for the originator of the event, the as the perfect formula for our hard-working Raquel DuBoulayadvancement as a people and Chastanet, wife of our country’s a country. He stressed the prime minister. importance and vital need for

Website: www.pcdslu.com Email:pcdcustomerservice@thegelgroup.com Telephone: 457-7001 / 7002 / 7004 / 7005

STOCK TAKING NOTICE Please be informed that Peter & Company Distribution Warehouses at Cul- De-Sac will be closed for stock taking on the following days from 8:00am daily

Gilbert Chagoury, businessman and a 2015 recipient of the Saint Lucia Cross, in contemplative mood.

Liquor Warehouse – Friday, March 15th 2019 Dry Warehouse – Thursday, March 21st 2019

Friday, March 22nd 2019 NOTE: The deadline to receive orders for facilitation of deliveries is 2pm on the day before the above dates.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Please feel free to contact us, should you have any enquires.

Keynote speaker Andrew Farkas (left) of IGY receiving a sculpture from artist Jallim Eudovic as Prime Minister Allen Chastanet looks on.

THE STAR

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GROS ISLET SLP MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE GROS ISLET CONSTITUENCY SALUTE WOMEN OF GROS ISLET AS WE CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – THEME: BALANCE FOR BETTER GINERVA LAMBERT AKA TEACHER GENE Ginerva was born and raised in Gros Islet town. She taught at the Gros Islet Primary School from age 16 until she retired in 2016. She worked with special needs students; she was the physical education teacher for two years and had a short stint as counsellor. In 2007 she became the music teacher for both the Gros Islet Infant and Primary Schools.

Ginerva prepared the schools’ choir for the many National Schools Competitions and worked with the students who represented the school at the National Schools’ Calypso Competition. The school won the Junior Calypso Monarch three times under her tutelage.

She was instrumental in organising the Easter Gospel Solo Competition and arranging for the choir to sing at local hotels at Christmas. During the summer she travelled with the choir to Martinique. She also co-ordinated the after-school music programme which was organised by the Saint Lucia School of Music.

Ginerva represented Gros Islet in the Senior Games. In 2013 the National Cultural Foundation honoured her for her sterling contribution to the development of La Marguerite Festival. In 2017,

Teacher Gene.

Jenife Hyacinth.

she represented Gros Islet in the Golden Girls Club 60 Pageant. In 2018, she placed first runner-up in the National La Wenn Kwéyòl Pageant. She enjoys sewing, crafting and travelling. ~ Gender balance is essential for Saint Lucia to thrive.

JENIFE HYACINTH Jenife hails from the community of Marisule. Most of her adult life, Jenife has worked with young children, in the education field. She worked at the Aunty Pinky Montessori for three years and, in 2002, she joined her niece, Lucy Goodman, who had opened a pre-school and day-care centre in Marisule— The ABC Kindergarten and Early Childhood Educational Centre—as the assistant administrator. She held that position for fourteen years. In 2016 she became the proud owner of the pre-school. For

the past nineteen years she has enjoyed being trained and working alongside professionals in helping to positively shape young minds. ~ Gender balance is essential for Saint Lucia to thrive.

LYSA ESNARD Lysa is from the community of Grande Riviere. She has worked as an accounts clerk for the past eighteen years.

Sixteen years ago, Lysa was asked to be the leader of the Youth Group in Grande Riviere. In this capacity she grew personally and also discovered skills and talents that she did not know existed.

She is presently a member of two choir groups: Grande Riviere Youth and the Freedom Voices from Gros Islet town.

Additionally, she is an animator, a representative on the parish council and a member of

Lysa Esnard.

Caritas, Sacred Heart and Home Visitation Ministries. She is the co-ordinator of catechesis at the Missionary Childhood Association in Grande Riviere.

Lysa’s kindred spirit allows her to receive and give out much love, care and respect to others, especially the elderly. She has a deep love for Jesus Christ and her greatest motivation is serving Him in words and deeds. ~ Gender balance is essential for Saint Lucia to thrive.

LORRAINE NEPTUNE Lorraine, who resides in Monchy, has a passion for working with people to make a difference in their lives.

Currently, she is part of the Leap of Faith Chorale and the Decorating Committee of the St Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Monchy.

In 2002 Lorraine was

Women and Trade Unionism – Breaking Cultural Barriers

“Balance for Better: Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change”

By CSA Women’s Committee

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he world of work as we know it is rapidly changing, as technology, globalization, economic liberalization and flexibilization dig their piercing claws and attempt to paralyze and diminish the voice of the marginalized. Trade Unionism was born out of the liberalization of bonded labour, and still, today, continues to advance and protect worker interests.

Women have had, and continue to play, a pivotal role in the trade union movement from

inception. Though the larger percentage in membership within the various trade union bodies, their leadership presence remained in the minority for years; now women are slowly, but surely, breaking the cultural barriers. Women no longer dwell in the shadows of their male counterparts, but have risen and maintained a voice on the strategic bargaining table, balancing bread and butter issues with the broader social and economic campaigns, not to mention their own work, and their full-time family commitment.

We ask our male

counterparts to be more appreciative of our gender and to engage in the practice of uplifting women, in a positive and productive manner.

To all employers, we say, “Give equal opportunities to women in the work place and respect the rights of women which are enshrined in the Laws of Saint Lucia and the Conventions of the International Labour Organization.”

For as long as trade unionism exists, there have been petitions clamouring for gender equality and the elimination of oppression of women. Whilst we register the progress, women cannot

grow faint. We must remain a beacon of hope and a safe haven in the struggle against injustices, wherever they lie. As we recognise women, let us celebrate our achievements, let us press on, let us continue to be the balance for better!

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we encourage all women to embolden, empower and educate yourselves for your brighter future.

Women are indeed a power force!

Happy Belated International Women’s Day to all our women in Saint Lucia!

Lorraine Neptune.

part of a committee that was involved in the planning of the Monchy La Wen Kwéyòl Pageant for persons aged sixty years and older. She was instrumental in organising and staging the first ever Monchy La Jennes Kwéyòl. She has sponsored and co-sponsored: dance classes for young persons from the Monchy community, the preparation of persons from the Monchy community for various shows such as Miss Independence Pageant, Gros Islet Queen Pageant, National La

Wenn Kwéyòl Pageant and Miss 60 Plus Pageant. Lorraine has chaperoned young and senior persons in the community in preparation for various shows. She has also served on several committees and sub-committees including the St Joseph the Worker Parish Council, the Gros Islet Town Council, the Gros Islet Friday Night Reorganization Committee and the Gros Islet Junior Carnival Committee.

On the national level, Lorraine has worked with the National Carnival Queen Pageant Committee for over five years as a chaperone. She has also been a chaperone in the Miss Big and Beautiful, Royal Saint Lucia Police Force and Miss 60 Plus Queen Pageants.

She was the chaperone for Miss La Toya Moffat in the 2016 local Miss World Pageant. Ms Moffat went on to represent Saint Lucia at the Miss World Pageant. ~ Gender balance is essential for Saint Lucia to thrive.

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Winners of Grand Independence Day Parade Announced!

THE FUNNIES! S

CAWASA and the Chlorine Institute to Jointly Host Safety Workshops in Saint Lucia

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he Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association (CAWASA) and the Chlorine Institute will later this month jointly host in Saint Lucia two days of training workshops for water and sewerage operators from the Caribbean.

The training sessions will be held at the Bay Gardens Inn, Rodney Bay and at WASCO’s T.R. Theobalds Water Treatment Plant at Ciceron, Castries on March 13 and 14, 2019.

A three-member team of trainers from the Chlorine Institute will travel to Saint Lucia to conduct the training, of which topics will include: Chlorine Physical and Chemical Properties, Chlorine Emergency Response, Handson training with the Chlorine Institute, Emergency Response Kit “A” and Training Drill.

Participants will include

water and wastewater operators from WASCO and other Caribbean water utilities, first responders (including the Saint Lucia Fire Service), private sector (including manufacturers and suppliers of chlorine products), water and sewerage operators of beverage manufacturers and hotels.

All participants will receive a Chlorine Institute challenge coin, copies of training presentations and certificates of completion, as well as Continuing Education Credits.

In addition, CAWASA and the Chlorine Institute are collaborating with the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA) to deliver a seminar to medical practitioners on March 12, 2019 from 5 p.m. at the Auberge Seraphine Hotel, Vielle Bay, Castries.

Chlorine is a powerful

disinfectant and bleaching agent, a toxic substance that presents a number of hazards.

If proper precautions are not taken while working with or around pure chlorine, serious injury, even death, can result.

In order to prevent injury and to assist water utilities and their staff with improving Occupational Health and Safety at the work place, CAWASA has partnered with the Chlorine Institute to host this training activity, which is also the first Chlorine Institute event in the Caribbean.

The Chlorine Institute, founded in 1924, is a technical trade association that exists to support the chlor-alkali industry in advancing safe, secure, environmentally compatible, and sustainable production, distribution, and use of its mission chemicals.

aint Lucians and visitors alike were in for a special treat on Independence Day, with the staging of the first ever Independence Parade.

“Anou We’y”, a parade with a difference, was held on February 22, Independence Day, and featured various aspects of Saint Lucian life— sporting, cultural, commercial and more—through exciting portrayals. The positive feedback from the event, which was witnessed by thousands, has been overwhelming.

Several groups, organisations and companies depicted their various themes through art, colour, costume and creativity, as they traversed the John Compton Highway and through the city of Castries.

The parade was headed by the phenomenal Royal Saint Lucia Police Band whose antics and performance have since gone viral. As the contingents streamed by, they were accompanied by floats and music trucks, cheered on by gleeful spectators showing their appreciation.

“It is nice to be in Saint Lucia at this time to witness something like this and share in a bit of your history and your culture,” remarked Ron, a visitor who was visiting the island on a cruise ship.

“This is the best Independence celebration I have witnessed, starting last night with the Story of Saint Lucia, the fireworks and the different activities, and now this. It’s amazing and my kids are actually learning something,” Shirley a mother of three said.

The “Anou W’ey” parade, which got underway at around 2 p.m., lasted some four hours with the grand Independence fanfare culminating at the Sab playing field, Vigie.

The contingents were judged in various categories and last week the judges revealed the winners to the Committee.

The prize for “Most Impressive Contingent” went to Silver Shadow Performing Arts Academy; “Most Innovative Design” to Silver Shadow Performing Arts Academy; “Best Interpretation of Independence Theme” to Helen Folk Dancers; “Best Decorated Truck/Float” to Events Company of Saint Lucia;

2019 Independence Queen.

Costumed kids capture the Independence spirit.

Helen Folk Dancers.

and “Truly Lucian Portrayal” to Tribe of Twel.

A special “People’s Choice Award” will be given to the Babonneau Development Committee.

The other participating contingents at the parade were the Department of Fisheries, Caribbean Metals, the Saint Lucia Swimming Association, Hibiscus Trolley Trains, Socafit, Miss Independence contestants, Youth in Arts, BOSL, Avot Sevis, Aux Leon La Magwit Group, 758 Books, Teddyson John and Friends, Xuvo Carnival Band, Insomeil Carnival Band, Looshan Revelers, SALCC Lions Cheerleaders, Volunteer Saint Lucia, Ferrands, Baron Foods, 4x4 Trailfinders Club, 758

Bikers, Karate Association, National netballers, Saint Lucia Distillers, KFC, Digicel, and Bay Gardens and Sandals Resorts.

A prize-giving ceremony for the winners was held on Thursday March 7.Prizes were also presented to the winners of the Independence Song Competition, which was won by Menel, with Nintus and Michael Robinson placing second and third respectively.

The Independence 40 Committee would like to thank all of the participants, as well as the sponsors, for their input into the success of the events.

A reminder: Independence 40 activities continue through to December 12, 2019. For more information visit www.independence.slu

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Wednesday morning. The reporter, who works for several US outlets, was released later in the day and is being deported.

Several local and foreign journalists have been briefly detained while working in Caracas in recent weeks. Some have since been deported. On Wednesday, a statement by the Venezuelan government declared Mr Kriener “persona non grata” and accused him of “recurrent acts of interference in internal affairs”.

Mr Guaidó had defied a travel ban and was widely expected to be arrested.

But when he flew into Simón Bolivar airport in Caracas, he was let through immigration and welcomed by a group of diplomats, including Mr Kriener, who escorted him out of the building.

Diplomats from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain and the US were at the airport to receive Mr Guaidó but so far only Mr Kriener has been

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GRENADA TO MAKE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO LIAT

Venezuela to expel German ambassador for ‘meddling’ enezuela has given the German ambassador to the country 48 hours to leave, accusing him of meddling in internal affairs. Daniel Kriener was among the diplomats who helped opposition leader Juan Guaidó return to Venezuela on Monday.

Germany, which recognises Mr Guaidó as interim president, says the decision will only escalate tensions. Meanwhile, the US says it is revoking the visas of 77 more people linked to President Nicolás Maduro.

They include government officials and their families, VicePresident Mike Pence said. On Friday, 49 other people had their visas revoked as part of the US pressure on Mr Maduro to resign. Mr Maduro has accused Mr Guaidó of trying to mount a coup against him with the help of “US imperialists”. Rallies for and against the government are due to be held on Saturday.

In a separate development, Venezuela arrested American journalist Cody Weddle and his Venezuelan assistant on

regional

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targeted over this incident.

Earlier, officials from the US, the EU and a number of Latin American countries had warned the Venezuelan government not to arrest or harm Mr Guaidó. Before Mr Guaidó’s arrival, Mr Kriener had said he and other diplomats wanted “to help and support a safe return” for the opposition leader.

The German embassy in Caracas later tweeted (in Spanish): “Juan Guaidó’s return to Venezuela is a step towards a political and peaceful process to overcome the Venezuelan crisis.”

Venezuela’s foreign ministry said that it would not accept a foreign diplomat acting “in clear alignment with the conspiracy agenda of extremist sectors of the Venezuelan opposition”.

Venezuela has in the past two years expelled the US top diplomat as well as those from Brazil and Canada.

--BBC

T

he Grenada government on Tuesday said it would be making a “cash contribution” to the cash-strapped Antigua-based regional airline, LIAT, less than a week after the regional shareholder governments urged Caribbean countries to contribute to the future of the island-hopping airline.

“We will make a cash contribution to LIAT this month and going forward we will pay LIAT additional funds based on load factor. Government’s decision is based on what was presented at the recently inter-sessional meeting,” said CARICOM Affairs Minister Oliver Joseph.

“LIAT is in a dire financial situation and that one-off contribution is to ensure that it continues flying so that cash contribution for March has nothing to do with the load factor,” he added.

The major shareholders of the airline are Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne said that there

are plans to encourage the governments of St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, Grenada and Guyana to become shareholders.

“There is a need for us to have a model of shared burden, recognising that from time to time LIAT would need some level of support,” Browne said.

Joseph did not say how much money the Keith Mitchell government would pump into the airline, adding that it will be based on a report from the airline’s board of directors.

He said the government has requested the regional airline submit a formula regarding its restructuring plans because that formula will be used to determine how much the contribution will be under the load factor arrangement.

Last week, LIAT’s chief executive officer, Mrs. Julie Reifer-Jones, acknowledged that while the company is facing severe financial problems, it would continue flying through the region with support from its principal shareholders.

LIAT currently operates 491 flights weekly across its network of 15 destinations.

Browne, said that the issue

facing LIAT had been discussed at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) inter-sessional summit held in St. Kitts last week.

“The Caribbean Development Bank did a study some time last year in which they concluded that the most expensive option to pursue is to allow LIAT to collapse because we would have to form a new entity. That is just more expensive than having a restructuring of LIAT,” Browne said.

The Trinidad and Tobago government last week said while it would seek to help the cash-strapped regional airline by possibly entering into an agreement with the stateowned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) regarding the maintenance of its fleet, Port of Spain would not be injecting cash into the airline.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said the regional leaders were informed that LIAT is in serious financial difficulties, “meaning within a matter of a fortnight an injection of a minimum of five million US dollars is needed in order to keep flying.

--CCN TV6

22

LOCal

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Julie Chung Visits St. Lucia

T

he US Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) Julie Chung, visited Saint Lucia from March 6 to 7, 2019. PDAS Chung’s visit sought to promote the US-Caribbean 2020 Strategy—a multi-year strategy to increase the security, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the United States and the Caribbean. During her visit, PDAS Chung, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Linda Taglialatela, met with the Honourable Allen Chastanet, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, along with the Minister of External Affairs, Honourable Sarah Flood-Beaubrun. During the meeting, they discussed how the United States could encourage increased engagement to enhance regional security cooperation, advance democratic principles, and increase trade and investments in Saint Lucia.

The PDAS later paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to Saint

march 09, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Julie Chung (second from right) and U.S. Ambassador to St. Lucia, Linda Taglialatela (second from left)meet students and staff of the Monchy Primary School.

Lucia, His Excellency Douglas Cheng-Tsung Shen, where they reinforced their commitment to sustainable economic growth, good governance, and support of a vibrant civil society in Saint Lucia. She also had the opportunity to meet with members of the US business community in Saint Lucia and

US Peace Corps volunteer Gabriela Gonzalez, who works at the Monchy Primary School.

PDAS Chung expressed the hope that her visit would reaffirm the United States’ commitment to forging stronger bonds with Saint Lucia and the countries of the Caribbean region.

Manafort sentencing marks rare reprieve for Trump world in Mueller probe

D

onald Trump has rarely caught a break since special counsel Robert Mueller clamped a vise around his White House two years ago.

Yet the President likely got to savor a few, rare crumbs of comfort on Thursday as he faced down an expansive set of criminal, civil and congressional investigations into his presidency, campaign, business empire and personal life.

The Virginia judge who handed Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort a 47-month sentence—far below the federal guidelines for his crimes—also gave Trump a propaganda tool for his fervent effort to discredit Mueller's investigation.

Trump had already seized on new doubts about the credibility of his former lawyer Michael Cohen, who branded the President a con man and a liar in a sensational Capitol Hill hearing last week, but who is facing new accusations of perjury.

Nothing that happened Thursday lessened Trump's potential legal or political exposure, or repudiated Mueller's investigation, which has uncovered a pattern of lying by Trump acolytes about unexplained ties to Russia. It's a measure of how grim the last few years have been for the President that the jailing of his former campaign chairman could be interpreted in any way as good news for his White House.

And no one outside Mueller's circle has any idea what his final report—expected to be delivered to Attorney General William Barr soon— will say about the President's conduct.

But Thursday's events did

raise some political and legal questions about the ambition of Mueller's prosecutors, their tactics when confronted by a skeptical judge and the credibility being placed in Cohen's deeply damaging testimony against Trump last week.

In the win-loss calculation that has characterized Trump's life, the President can extract some advantage from the surprising courtroom drama.

Anything spun as a blow to the special counsel will be seized on in Trump's conservative media echo chamber in the campaign to bolster the President's standing among core GOP voters that is critical to his long-term viability.

Mueller's team had asked for a 19-25 year jail term for a tax and finance fraud conviction arising from Manafort's lavish lifestyle as a sharp suited uberlobbyist who spun his dark arts for pro-Russia politicians in Ukraine.

That would have sent the 69-year-old Manafort to jail likely for the rest of his life. But the less than four year term shocked many legal observers and sparked looks of astonishment among prosecutors in Judge T.S. Ellis's courtroom.

The judge's leniency does not change the fact of Manafort's conviction by a jury of his peers.

A judge in Washington, who has been less well exposed toward Manafort, will sentence him next week in a separate case, in which he has been accused of lying to Mueller and breaching a plea deal.

Most observers think he could be facing a decade behind bars in a sentence that could run concurrently or begin after the one handed down Thursday.

Whatever happens next week, Ellis effectively handed Trump's team a welcome talking point,

when he accurately pointed out that the tax and fraud crimes had nothing to do with colluding with Russia in electoral fraud.

"I think what most importantly what you saw today is the same thing that we said from Day 1," said Manafort's lawyer, Kevin Downing outside court. "There is absolutely no evidence that Paul Manafort was involved in any collusion with any government official from Russia."

Manafort's lawyers had sought to show during the trial that their client was prosecuted more rigorously than another defendant might have been owing to his close links to the President—an argument Ellis seemed to accept.

Trump's critics expressed disbelief at Manafort's sentence.

"The American people would be justified in feeling that there has been some miscarriage of justice here in the leniency of this sentence," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, told CNN's Erin Burnett on "OutFront."

Freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez blasted Manafort's sentencing as a prime example of sentencing disparities between high- and low-income defendants.

"Paul Manafort getting such little jail time for such serious crimes lays out for the world how it's almost impossible for rich people to go to jail for the same amount of time as someone who is lower income," the New York Democrat tweeted. "In our current broken system, 'justice' isn't blind. It's bought."

Elie Honig, a former federal prosecutor and CNN legal commentator said that a belowguidelines sentence would have been perfectly fair, but that 47 months "is a joke."

---CNN

C

Castles in Paradise receives Recognition of Excellence

astles in Paradise Villa Resort in Savannes Bay, Vieux Fort, has received a 2018 Recognition of Excellence from HotelsCombined. Guests who stayed in the 14 villas and a six-apartment condo building in 2018 rated their experience highly, at an overall 9.5.

The award recognizes the hard work of the resort’s owner, Mrs. Bonnie Zephirin, and the management and staff, and no doubt the spectacular view over Honeymoon Bay and Savannes Bay.

THE STAR

MARCH 09, 2019

classified 23

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Request for Proposals The Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. (ECSL) invites reputable organizations to submit proposals for the provision of the services listed below. These services are for Saint Lucia Jazz in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, which forms part of Saint Lucia Summer Festival.

• Catering • Crash Barriers • Customs Brokerage • Décor • Ground Transportation • Electrical Installation (Temporary) • Mobile Containerized Washrooms • Photography • Plumbing • Road Side Cleaning • Security • Shuttle Services: Patron & VIP • Temporary Structures • Venue Cleaning Please contact ECSL for detailed guidelines and submission details for any of the above-mentioned services.

Tel. # (758) 458-6076 The deadline for receipt of proposals is 4pm local time, Friday, March 22, 2019

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given by the Eastern Caribbean Collective Organisation for Music Rights (ECCO) Inc. of its Annual General Meeting scheduled for Saturday 16th March, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Auditorium of the CSA building, Sans Souci, Castries, St. Lucia.

Items on the agenda include: • • • •

Approving the Minutes of the 2017 AGM 2017 Audited Financial Statements Requested and Suggested By-Law Changes Election of Directors

Members wishing to serve or nominate a member to serve on the board must deposit Nomination forms at the ECCO Office at Julian Charles Road, Sans Soucis, Castries, not later than 10.00 a.m. on Wednesday 13th March, 2019.

Any member who is unable to be present at the meeting and wishes an authorised person to act as the member’s proxy must deposit a proxy form at the ECCO Office at Julian Charles Road, Sans Soucis, Castries, not later than 10.00 a.m. on Thursday 14th March, 2019.

We would like to encourage all members to attend, be part of the discussion and get updated on ECCO’S ongoing transformation.

For further information please contact:Tel:- 451 6436, Fax:- 451 6437.

Email:- ecco@eccorights.org

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